Off The Record With Elsie

2026 Grammy Snubs & Predictions: Did The Weeknd Get Robbed? + Artists to Watch | The Year In Music

In the final part of our 2025 wrap-up, Elsie, Parks, Ivie Ani, DJ Hed, and Rob Markman dive into the 2026 Grammy nominations and debate who really deserves Album of the Year. We break down the chances for Kendrick, The Clipse, and Bad Bunny, while also calling out some major snubs like The Weeknd and The Alchemist. The crew shares their top artists to watch in 2026, including Moliy and Cash Cobain. We even touch on whether Drake can make a huge comeback after a quiet year. Finally, things get deep as we discuss the future of hip-hop journalism and why supporting real storytellers matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Best Albums of 2025: The Clipse, Bad Bunny & The J. Cole Disappointment | The Year In Music (Pt. 2)

Elsie, Parks, Ivie Ani, DJ Hed, and Rob Markman kept the conversation going with our picks for the absolute best albums of 2025. It was a huge year for full bodies of work, from The Clipse's incredible return to Bad Bunny dominating globally. We also had to keep it real about the letdowns, including Ghostface’s sequel and the J. Cole album that never came. DJ Hed went off about why artists need to be honest about their creative teams instead of pretending they do it all alone. We also debated if "microwave music" is finally dying out in favor of real storytelling. It got a little heated when we talked about Young Thug, but that’s what happens when you care about the state of music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Did Kendrick Win 2025? Plus Breakout Stars & The Clipse Comeback | The Year In Music (Pt. 1)

Part 1 of The Year In Music is here, and we’re kicking off 2025 with a roundtable. Elsie, Parks, Ivie Ani, DJ Hed, and Rob Markman talk defining moments like Kendrick + SZA at the Super Bowl and the GNX tour run. We get into why veteran rollouts hit different, from Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It” to the Clipse wave, and why print + real interviews still matter. We also talk about the “and” approach: streamers and journalists, internet moments and real world work. Then we jump into breakout names like Doechii, Miles Minnick, and Ray Vaughn, plus what made their years click. Drop your pick for the biggest 2025 music moment in the comments, and get ready for Parts 2 and 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Hit-Boy Talks Jay-Z Helping His Career, Making 'Backseat Freestyle' & His Legacy | Off The Record

Hit-Boy stops by the new studio to talk about his next chapter. He gets real about his career and why his work ethic is the main reason for his success. He also discusses getting out of his 18-year deal and the freedom he has now. Hit-Boy breaks down his plan to release four new projects, including a tape with Spank Nitti, an album with The Alchemist, and two solo albums. He shares serious advice for new #producers about reading their contracts. He also talks about the current state of hip hop and why he thinks it's wide open for new artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ray Vaughn on Kendrick's Advice For His Joey Bada$$ Beef & Why He Was "Pissed Off" | Off The Record

Ray Vaughn joins the show for a really open conversation. He talks about his life before TDE and what it was like getting that first call from Top Dawg. Ray also gets into the details of his beef with Joey Badass, including the advice he received from Kendrick Lamar. He breaks down why his latest project is a mixtape and what TDE's artist development is really like. Plus, he shares his thoughts on competition, being vulnerable in his music, and AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]