The Need to Know Podcast

• Episode 332 | "My Qualified Opinion" (with Mecc Rashawn)

  SaVon and Alex sit down with Mecc Rashawn — journalist, A&R, and one of Hip-Hop’s quiet stewards — for an unfiltered deep dive into artistry, legacy, and integrity. Mecca opens up about A&R’ing for Busta Rhymes (8:30), the need for stronger mentorship in a youth-driven industry, and a Patreon member question that sparks dream Super Bowl haltime show lineups (15:10). The crew unpacks all the latest in the Cardi B vs. Nicki Minaj rivalry (42:40) and how social media beefs overshadow the music, before Mecc explains the difference between gatekeepers and haters, dissects the state of modern Hip-Hop journalism (1:12:40), and weighs in on Diddy's sentencing and what his life will look like after prison (1:41:23). Later, Mecc reflects on his behind-the-scenes role in building Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion (1:54:00) and helping unite Joe Budden, Royce da 5’9”, Joell Ortiz & Crooked I into Slaughterhouse (2:08:41). The episode closes with Mecc reflecting on legacy, longevity, and teasing his next chapter in both podcasting and music, promising “a few surprises for the culture still left in the tank.” Subscribe to our Patreon for EARLY & EXCLUSIVE access to ad-free episode visuals with music included, exclusive episodes each and every Tuesday, and much more! - www.patreon.com/NeedToKnowPodcast Book your next podcast recording at Need to Know Studios TODAY - https://needtoknowstudios.com/ Join our Twitter/X Community to chop it up with us about all things Need to Know - https://twitter.com/i/communities/1777442897001910433 The Need To Know Podcast Social Handles https://www.instagram.com/needtoknowpod/ https://twitter.com/NeedToKnowPod https://www.tiktok.com/needtoknowpod SaVon https://www.instagram.com/savonslvter/ https://twitter.com/SavonSlvter Alex https://www.instagram.com/balltillwefall/ https://twitter.com/balltillwefall

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• Episode 331 | "Ten Second Rule" (with Yassy & Eddin)

  SaVon and Alex are joined by Yassy and Eddin, and begin by explaining why full visuals are now on Patreon (0:00). After quick Patreon shout-outs, a listener question sparks a hilarious round of “most embarrassing moments,” from Savon’s Santa stage slide to Alex’s PAL game accident, with more clumsy stories from the group (8:59). They pivot to Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show, weighing his global pull, the “culture war” backlash, and why the NFL/Apple pairing makes sense (27:54). Later, the pod shifts into film talk—first with 'Him,' as well as other films, including the new Leonardo DiCaprio release, classics like 'Coco,' and the joys of going to the movies solo versus with company (44:21). From there, the discussion deep-dives into Young Thug’s 'UY SCUTI'—Cardi B’s standout verse, the controversial cover and hard-ER intro, and whether the project is rage-bait, a solid showing, or a genuine misstep (50:48). They critique the lack of theme, debate art vs. artist, and question if Thug is losing his standing in hip-hop. The conversation closes on Cardi B’s place in rap—her verse of the year candidacy, feuding with Nicki Minaj, the Ice Spice/Latto comparisons, and whether Cardi is the true “Queen of New York” (1:13:10). Subscribe to our Patreon for EARLY & EXCLUSIVE access to ad-free episode visuals with music included, exclusive episodes each and every Tuesday, and much more! - www.patreon.com/NeedToKnowPodcast Book your next podcast recording at Need to Know Studios TODAY - https://needtoknowstudios.com/ Join our Twitter/X Community to chop it up with us about all things Need to Know - https://twitter.com/i/communities/1777442897001910433 The Need To Know Podcast Social Handles https://www.instagram.com/needtoknowpod/ https://twitter.com/NeedToKnowPod https://www.tiktok.com/needtoknowpod SaVon https://www.instagram.com/savonslvter/ https://twitter.com/SavonSlvter Alex https://www.instagram.com/balltillwefall/ https://twitter.com/balltillwefall

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• Episode 330 | "Montana's Prayer" (with Nyla Symone)

  SaVon and Alex return with Nyla Symone, and begin with some important show updates before jumping into a Patreon member question on what single movie or TV show best explains Black culture to aliens—sparking a hilarious debate that ranges from The Cosby Show and Martin to Get Out, SpongeBob and even Hancock (11:22). From there they revisit Cardi B’s long-awaited album, debating standout tracks like “Bodega Baddie,” the Cash Cobain feature and whether a rumored Nicki Minaj shot really landed (19:53). The crew highlights Cardi’s rollout, from her NYC train promo to sitting down with Angie Martinez and Joe & Jada while addressing his comments about her pen (30:30), and note her projected 200K first-week sales (39:42). They then unpack Jay Electronica’s new project, focusing on the controversial decision to open with a Diddy voice note and how it plays amid Diddy’s legal troubles (48:06). Finally, they close by debating Diddy's sentencing and whether the Black community will embrace him if he returns home (56:23) and discussing the FTC’s antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation/Ticketmaster (1:19:54). Subscribe to our Patreon for ad-free, early access to main episodes, exclusive episodes each and every Tuesday, and much more! - www.patreon.com/NeedToKnowPodcast Book your next podcast recording at Need to Know Studios TODAY - https://needtoknowstudios.com/ Join our Twitter/X Community to chop it up with us about all things Need to Know - https://twitter.com/i/communities/1777442897001910433 The Need To Know Podcast Social Handles https://www.instagram.com/needtoknowpod/ https://twitter.com/NeedToKnowPod https://www.tiktok.com/needtoknowpod SaVon https://www.instagram.com/savonslvter/ https://twitter.com/SavonSlvter Alex https://www.instagram.com/balltillwefall/ https://twitter.com/balltillwefall

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• "Aura Farming" | Patreon Exclusive Preview

  Subscribe to our Patreon for ad-free, early access to main episodes, exclusive episodes each and every Tuesday, and much more! - www.patreon.com/NeedToKnowPodcast From unexpected fan encounters to a surprise studio visit, SaVon and Alex dive into stories you won’t see coming. They swap laughs about “aura farming” and embarrassing moments at Joe Budden’s party, reflect on stepping into “uncle status," and drop some classic hip-hop homework you’ll want to revisit. Alex even shares a sneak peek of his new track “Sky High” before the team talks creating content that stands the test of time—plus a Cardi B reaction you’ll hear first here. Book your next podcast recording at Need to Know Studios TODAY - https://needtoknowstudios.com/ Join our Twitter/X Community to chop it up with us about all things Need to Know - https://twitter.com/i/communities/1777442897001910433 The Need To Know Podcast Social Handles https://www.instagram.com/needtoknowpod/ https://twitter.com/NeedToKnowPod https://www.tiktok.com/needtoknowpod SaVon https://www.instagram.com/savonslvter/ https://twitter.com/SavonSlvter Alex https://www.instagram.com/balltillwefall/ https://twitter.com/balltillwefall

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• Episode 329 | "Who Bought the Franks?" (with Mandii B)

  SaVon and Alex welcome back Mandii B, who begins by sharing why she left New York for Atlanta and how the lower costs and bigger creative opportunities convinced her to make the move (0:00). She explains how that leap quickly led to her landing her own radio show and how Atlanta’s content scene compares to New York’s (8:15). Mandii then reflects on building her podcast career and co-authoring the New York Times-bestselling book 'No Holes Barred'—a therapy-driven mix of self-help and erotica (19:30). The conversation shifts to Cardi B’s long-awaited 'AM I THE DRAMA?'—breaking down standout tracks while unpacking the pointed disses at Bia, JT, and others—and how Cardi avoided the dreaded sophomore slump (21:38). Next, a Patreon listener question sparks a candid roundtable about Gen Z (1:12:33). The crew then shifts to Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension after a Charlie Kirk-related joke and what it means for late-night television and creator ownership (1:25:29), with a sidebar on reported Disney disagreements about bringing the show back. Finally, they discuss the latest with Dame Dash—his decision to sue Cam'ron, old Roc-A-Fella drama, and what Jay-Z must be thinking about what has unfolded (1:42:59). Subscribe to our Patreon for ad-free, early access to main episodes, exclusive episodes each and every Tuesday, and much more! - www.patreon.com/NeedToKnowPodcast Book your next podcast recording at Need to Know Studios TODAY - https://needtoknowstudios.com/ Join our Twitter/X Community to chop it up with us about all things Need to Know - https://twitter.com/i/communities/1777442897001910433 The Need To Know Podcast Social Handles https://www.instagram.com/needtoknowpod/ https://twitter.com/NeedToKnowPod https://www.tiktok.com/needtoknowpod SaVon https://www.instagram.com/savonslvter/ https://twitter.com/SavonSlvter Alex https://www.instagram.com/balltillwefall/ https://twitter.com/balltillwefall

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