blankSLATE with SaVon – Details, episodes & analysis

DJ Akademiks and Charlamagne Tha God have spent years orbiting each other as two of the most influential voices in hip-hop media. Now that relationship appears to be broken. After a private conversation between the two became public, Akademiks launched a sustained public campaign against Charlamagne across multiple streams, posts, and platforms.

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He spent two months telling everyone beef was killing the culture. Then he took four minutes to answer all of it.

Two months ago JAY-Z told GQ that rap beef was taking the culture backwards. On May 30 at Roots Picnic, he stood on stage and answered everybody in four minutes. Drake. Dame Dash. Jaguar Wright. Kanye. Nicki. He even pulled up the Un Rivera stabbing on himself. This one breaks down who got addressed, what he actually said, and why Hov decided this was the moment.

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Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-free listening, early access, and a direct hand in shaping the show: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq

Like, comment, subscribe — and support a Black-owned business.

Originally released: July 7, 2025

This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast.
Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.

SaVon and Alex sit down with Mero for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on media, ownership, and building in today's creator landscape. From BX stories to real industry insight, this one blends humor with perspective throughout.

Originally released: January 2025

This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast.
Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.

A candid conversation with Elliott Wilson on hip-hop media, independence, and navigating relationships in the industry. From critiques of new media to the evolving landscape of the culture, Elliott shares perspective on legacy, partnerships, and what the future holds for the next era of hip-hop.

Originally released: October 13, 2025

This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast.
Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.

A wide-ranging conversation with Ish and Yassy on relationships, media narratives, and the realities behind public perception. From transactional culture to industry power dynamics, the discussion also touches on business, recovery, and navigating life both on and off the mic.

Originally released: March 6, 2025

This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast.
Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.

A wide-ranging conversation with Ian Dunlap on wealth, investing, and navigating the realities of building and maintaining financial leverage. From market outlooks to public perception, the discussion also touches on legacy, risk, and what it takes to sustain success over time.

Originally released: May 16, 2024

This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast.
Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.

A candid conversation with Mandii B on podcasting, public perception, and navigating transitions in media. From creative pressure to industry relationships, Mandii shares insight on building across platforms, handling controversy, and evolving as both a creator and entrepreneur.

Originally released: October 6, 2025

This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast.
Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.

A deep conversation with Mecc Rashawn on artistry, legacy, and the role of mentorship in hip-hop. From his work behind the scenes to shaping influential platforms and moments in the culture, Mecc shares insight on integrity, media, and what it takes to sustain impact over time.

This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast.
Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.

A wide-ranging conversation with Rainey on creativity, identity, and building across multiple lanes in media. From music and sketch comedy to storytelling and collaboration, Rainey shares perspective on his process, influences, and navigating growth as a creator.