Children of the Ghetto by ZANGWILL, Israel

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan look at the abrupt rise and fall of one of the more polarizing musical genres in recent memory, SoundCloud Rap. The two examine the origins of SoundCloud rap, question why so many of the genre’s stars have met tragic ends, and finally spend some time discussing one of SoundCloud rap’s most controversial stars, Lil Pump, whose sophomore album ‘Harverd Dropout’ is out now. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at catchuppodTO@gmail.com.

This week on Catch Up, inspired by Drake’s recent decision to re-release his breakout mixtape ‘So Far Gone’ onto streaming services, James and Jordan point to other classic mixtapes that deserve similar treatment, rather than risk being forgotten in the age of Spotify and Apple Music. The pair advocate for landmark mixtapes like Lil Wayne’s ‘Da Drought 3’, Rick Ross’ ‘Rich Forever’, and Chance the Rapper’s ‘Acid Rap’, among others. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at catchuppodTO@gmail.com.

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the history and music of one of this decade’s most innovative and consistently excellent hip-hop labels, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The pair talk about the label’s early days, how they’re founder Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith discovered and nurtured the label’s young artists during the Black Hippy era, and what makes TDE so special compared to other hip-hop labels. They also breakdown landmark albums from the label’s already legendary catalogue including ScHoolBoy Q’s ‘Habits & Contradictions’, Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’, SZA’s ‘Ctrl’, and many more. Catch Up is hosted by Jordan Sowunmi and James Rathbone, and is produced by Kyle Fulton. Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at catchuppodTO@gmail.com.

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss two artists with similar names but very contrasting styles.  First, the pair talk about the Bronx’s A Boogie wit da Hoodie, touching on his origins in the New York rap scene, his debt to the late southern rapper Speaker Knockerz, his feud with Lil B, his excellent 2016 EP ‘TBA’, and his extremely disappointing sophomore LP ‘Hoode SZN’.  The pair then turn their attention to Compton, California rapper Boogie, tracing his career from his breakout single ‘Oh My’ up to the release of his excellent debut album ‘Everythings For Sale’.  Make sure to follow Catch Up on Instagram, and feel free to get in touch with us at catchuppodTO@gmail.com.

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan talk about two wildly popular contemporary rappers with very divergent paths; Kodak Black and 21 Savage.   The two chat about Kodak Black’s influential early work, his latest record ‘Dying to Live’, and how they approach listening to Kodak’s music considering his history of abusive behavior.   The two then discuss 21 Savage's evolution from a talented – but seemingly one-dimensional – rapper, to one of the more compelling artists working in hip hop today; touching on his collaborations with Metro Boomin, his reputation as an A+ feature, and his excellent new record ‘I Am Greater Than I Was’.

This week on Catch Up its the first annual 'Catch Up Rookie Draft', where James and Jordan highlight the hip hop artists they feel are most likely to breakout big in 2019. The two discuss their hopes and dreams for artists like City Girls, Blue Face, YBN Cordae, YNW Melly, and many more!    

On the final Catch Up of the year, James and Jordan run through their top 10 albums of the year followed by their top 10 songs.    To listen to our top 10 songs please subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify playlist.

This week on Catch Up James and Jordan celebrate the people and things that made the year in hip hop so great with the inaugural 'Catch Up Awards.  Superlatives are handed out for: 'Best Controversy', 'Best Comeback', 'Best New Artist', 'Best Beef', and many more.

This week on Catch Up, we look back on the seminal Young Thug, Rich Home Quan and Birdman' collaborative album 'Rich Gang Tha Tour Pt. 1'. The episode is the second part of a retrospective series where James and Jordan assign "Classic Status" to 10 albums from the 2010's.  The two discuss the early career of Rich Homie Quan, Birdman's artistic contributions to the album, and if we'll ever see a 'Tha Tour Pt. 2'. Also referenced: Rich Homie Quan's 'Type of Way', Cash Out's 'Cashing Out', Rich Gang's 'Lifestyle', Birdman bragging on 'Givenchy', Rich Gang's 'War Ready', Rich Gang's 'Imma Ride', Rich Gang's 'Tell Em', Rich Gang's 'Freestyle', Mac Miller Tribute Concert, DijahSB's 'Looking at Space From a Submarine'. 

This week on Catch Up, Jordan and guest host Kyle Fulton discuss the enduring influence of the emo-rap legend Lil Peep, one year after his untimely death. The two discuss Peep's early mixtape days, his rich palette of musical influences, and his excellent posthumous album 'Come Over When You're Sober Part II"   Also referenced on this episode:    Lil Peep's 'Star Shopping', Lil Peep's 'White Wine', Trippie Redd's 'Love Scars', Lil Peep's 'Benz Truck', Lil Peep's 'Awful Things', Lil Peep's 'Sex With My Ex', Lil Peep and Clams Casino's '4 Gold Chains', Lil Peep's 'Life is Beautiful', Tierra Whack's Fader Cover Story, Jay-Z making 99 Problems, Jay-Z listening to Kanye's beats. 

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss arguably the most influential producer of this decade, Metro Boomin. The two go back to the producer's early days in St. Louis, his legendary collaborations with Future, his ascendance from critical darling to #1 hitmaker, and his latest record 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes'.   They also touch on Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih's new album 'MihTy', and the excellent soundtrack to Jonah Hill's directorial debut 'Mid90s'.    Also mentioned in this episode:    Future's 'Hard', Future's 'Karate Chop', ILoveMakonnen's 'Tuesday', 808 Mafia, Metro Thuggin's 'Speed Racer', Travis Scott and Metro Boomin making 'Skyfall', Future's 'I Serve the Base', Future's 'Slave Master', Future's 'Wicked', Kanye West's 'Father Stretch My Hands', Lil Uzi Vert 'You Was Right', Post Malone's 'Congratulations', Migos' 'Bad and Boujee', Big Sean's 'Bounce Back'. 

This week on 'Catch Up', James is joined by a special guest host, renowned Toronto DJ Josephine Cruz (aka jayemkayem). The two discuss how they both got into DJing, how DJing hip hop has evolved since they started, what they look for in a great DJ, early 2000's Hip Hop vs early 2000's R&B, and the current trend of more danceable hip hop.   They also chat about two classic sophomore albums they've recently rediscovered: Handsome Boy Modelling School's 'White People', and Wu-Tang Clan's 'Wu-Tang Forever'.   Also referenced in this episode:   The DMC DJ Championships, Soulja Boy's 'Tell'em' , Playboi Carti's 'Broke Boi',  The Death of Megaupload,  Monica's First Night , T.I and Young Thug's 'About the Money',  Rihanna's 'Bitch Better Have My Money', ODB's 'Got Your Money', Sheck Wes' 'Mo Bamba', YG's 'Big Bank', Stretch Armstrong, Ginuwine's 'Pony', Ludacris' 'What's Your Fantasy', Crime Mob's 'Knuck if you Buck'.

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the history of the much celebrated Atlanta record label, 'Quality Control Music, and then give their thoughts two of the label's most recent releases: Quavo's lacklustre 'Quavo Huncho' and Lil Yachty's surprisingly solid 'Nuthin' 2 Prove'.   Jordan also recounts his recent to trip to a Scott Storch lecture, and James reflect's on De La Soul's timeless debut '3 Feet High and Rising'.   Also discussed on this episode:   OG Maco's 'U Guessed It', Fader Cover Story on Migos, Craig Jenkins on 'Culture II', Big Daddy Kane and Madonna, Quavo and 21 Savage's 'Pass Out', Bubblegum Trap, Lil Yachty's '1 Night',  Chance the Rapper's 'Mixtape,'Lil Yachty Says Biggie is Overrated, Lil Yachty's 'Get Dripped', Dr Dre's 'Still Dre'

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan discuss the increasingly common trend of collaborative mixtapes; looking back on touchstones of the form like Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana's 'I Can't Feel My Face', Kanye West and Jay-Z's 'Watch The Throne', and Drake and Future's 'What A Time To Be Alive'. They also give their thoughts on 'Drip Harder'; a new collaboration from up-and-coming Atlanta stars Lil Baby and Gunna.   Also referenced:   Juelz Santana and Lil Wayne's 'I Can't Feel My Face', Lil Wayne's You Aint Got Nothing On Me,  Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana's 'Birds Flying High', MF Doom and Ghostface Killa Rumoured Collab, Nas and Damien Marley, Max B and French Montana, Jay-Z and Kanye's 'Who Gon Stop Me', Jay-Z's 'D.O.A (Death of Autotune)', Jay-Z and Kanye's 'The Joy', Drake and Futures 'Diamonds Dancing', Drake and Future's 'Big Rings', Drake and Future's 'Jumpman' Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame's 'Ferrari Boys', Gucci Mane and Future's 'Free Bricks', 21 Savage and Offset's 'Ghostface Killas,  Future and Young Thug's 'Killed Before', Young Thug's 'Floyd Mayweather', Lil Baby and Gunna's 'Close Friends'   To listen to the music mentioned in this episode subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify Playlist, and please feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments at catchuppodTO@gmail.com

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan return from vacation to discuss the career of one of their all time favourite artists, Lil Wayne. The two discuss Weezy’s early days on Cash Money, his unrivaled hot streak in the mid 2000’s, and his long awaited studio album, Tha Carter V. Also discussed on this episode: Juvenille’s ‘Back That Ass Up’ , Lil Wayne’s ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’, Lil Wayne’s ‘Bling Bling’, Sqad Up, Lil Wayne’s ‘Renegade’ Freestyle, Lil Wayne’s ‘Sportscenter’, Dj Khaled’s ‘We Takin Over’, Lil Wayne’s ‘Upgrade U’,Don Cannon and DJ Drama-FBI raid, Wayne and Birdman kiss, The Carter Documentary, The NYPD's hip hop police , Wayne's prison memoir, ‘Show Me What You Got Freestyle’, Lil Wayne’s ‘I Feel Like Dying’, Lil Wayne’s ‘Amili’, Lil Wayne’s ‘Lollipop’, Wayne’s Criminal History, Cash Money’s Business Track Record, Wayne’s Lawsuit against Cash Money, Wayne’s Tour Bus Shooting, Lil Wayne’s ‘The Big Bad Wolf’,Drake sleeps with Wayne’s GF, Mona Lisa-2011 Madden soundtrack, Hip Hop Voicemails-Boosie Fade: The Group, Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘New Patek’, Pressa’s TBH To listen to the music mentioned in this episode subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify Playlist, and please feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments at catchuppodTO@gmail.com

This week on Catch Up, Jordan breaks down his experience at the 'Aubrey & the Three Migos' concert (2:20), and then he and James discuss new releases from two of their favourite contemporary artists: Young Thug's 'Slime Language' (16:10) and Travis Scott's 'Astroworld' (29:45). Also referenced: Drake visits a sick fan, Offset arrested in Georgia, Jordan's Travis Scott Interview, Russ at Scotiabank Theatre Drake's 'I'm On One', Young Thug's Media Snakes, T.I's 'About the Money', Rich Gang's Tha Tour Pt 1, Young Thug ft. his sisters, Dory and Dolly'sFamily Travis Scott's 'Owl Pharaoh', Z-ro's 'Mo City Don', Young Thug and Travis Scott's 'Pick Up The Phone', Ralo's Can't Lie, Travis Scott's Don't Play

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan look back on two of this decade's most influential records: Kendrick Lamar's 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' and Chief Keef's 'Finally Rich'. The episode is the first part of a retrospective series where the two will assign "Classic Status" to 10 albums from the 2010's.  Referenced in this episode: Drake's 'Buried Alive', Kendrick Lamar's 'Poetic Justice', Kendrick Lamar's 'M.A.A.D City', David Drake on Chief Keef, Chief Keef' s '3HUNNA', Chief Keef Gets Out of Jail, Chief Keef 'I Don't Like', Going off on the Chief Keef Haters. To listen to the music mentioned in this episode subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify Playlist, and please feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments at catchuppodTO@gmail.com    

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan are back to answer more of your mailbag questions. The two weigh in on Spotify and YouTube's recent attempt remove certain controversial artists (0:45), the best albums for very specific situations (7:25), the myth of the 'OVO Sweatshop' (10:05), who represents hip hop's next evolution (14:30), the top five female rappers to watch (18:05). Also referenced in this episode: Meek Mill's 'I'm a Boss', Beat King's Club God 5, Golden Turtle vs Pho Tien Thanh, Mo-G's $500 OVO payday, PartyNextDoor's 'Legend' Reference Track, Juice Wrld's Tim Westwood Freestyle, Dej Loaf and Leon Bridges' Liberated To listen to the music mentioned in this episode subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify Playlist, and please feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments at catchuppodTO@gmail.com  

It's a Toronto centric episode of Catch Up, with James and Jordan discussing the Prime Boy's debut album 'Koba World', as well as Jazz Cartier's new LP 'Fleurever'. Also referenced on this episode:  Jimmy Johnson's 'Northside', Undisposable Photo Book, The Remix Project, Jazz Cartier's 'Switch', Jazz Cartier's 'See You in Hell', Tory Lanez' 'Diego'.   To listen to the music mentioned in this episode subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify Playlist, and please feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments at catchuppodTO@gmail.com  

This week on Catch Up, James and Jordan answer your questions in our first ever mailbag episode! The two discuss which city has the best chance of becoming "the next Atlanta" (1:30), the first rapper they would feel comfortable introducing their future children to (4:50), their first musical obsessions (8:00), and the best forgotten rappers of all time (21:30). Also referenced on this episode: The Swishahouse Freestyles, D12's 'Revelation', Charles Hamilton's 'Brooklyn Girls', Fam-Lay's 'Rock n' Roll', Clipse's 'Fam-Lay (freestyle)', Gunplay's 'Bible on the Dash', Kendrick Lamar's 'Cartoons and Cereal'. To listen to the music mentioned in this episode subscribe to Catch Up's Spotify Playlist, and please feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments at catchuppodTO@gmail.com