Shows
Diggin' In The DigitsEp.334 - Contemporary Cool, Vol. 17On this edition of Contemporary Cool: Charlie gets to the bottom of why he's not that into Freddie Gibbs by spinning his debut album and Ben invites torture by having us talk about supergroup Slaughterhouse's poorly aged sophomore effort.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:54)Ben:Ice Cube - Man UpJermaine Dupri - Magic CityCharlie:Yoni Mayraz - Dogs Bark Babies CrySteven Bamidele - THE CRASH!Venna - MALIKSteam Down, Ahnansé & Afronaut Zu - I Realised It Was MeChance The Rapper - STAR LINEMarquise Fair - Better WorldKinzoogianna - The Clique of...
2025-09-161h 12
Right State of Mind59: Beyond the Punchline: The Mental Health Behind ComedyJoin host Charlie Taylor Jr. as he sits down with comedian Tommy Hornbuckle to delve into the fascinating intersection of comedy and mental health. Discover how Tommy navigates the highs and lows of stand-up comedy, the pressures of performing, and the importance of self-care in the entertainment industry.0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - The Comedy Journey 10:00 - Facing Stage Fright 20:00 - Social Media's Role 30:00 - Mental Health in Comedy 40:00 - Community Support 50:00 - Conclusion Stay Connected:...
2025-09-0342 minRight State of Mind58. Married Series: Life After I Do w/ Tyler RatterreeThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personaldevelopment. Join Charlie Taylor Jr. as he sits down with Tyler Ratterree to explore the journey of marriage. From the excitement of wedding planning to the realities of life after the honeymoon,Tyler shares candid insights and personal stories about his first year of marriage. Discover the importance of communication, partnership, and keepingthe romance alive.Chapters:(0:00 - 2:30...
2025-08-2752 minRight State of Mind57. Toxic/Unhealthy Dating HabitsCharlie Taylor Jr. welcomes listeners to the new season, focusing on relationship issues. Guest Appearance: Keyasia Downs, a fellow therapist, joins to share insights on toxic dating habits and personal growth. Key Topics Discussed:The impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships. Common toxic dating habits and how to overcome them. The importance of self-awareness and healing from past traumas. How to handle conflict in relationships effectively. The role of compatibility and intentionality in successful partnerships.Closing Thoughts: Charlie and Keyasia emphasize the importance of doing the...
2025-08-2051 minRight State of Mind56. WE ARE BACK!! | Updates and The Path ForwardIn this episode, Charlie Taylor Jr. returns to the Right State of Mind podcast after a break, expressing gratitude to loyal listeners and sharing updates about his life and career. He discusses his journey as a therapist, the challenges of burnout, and his goals for the podcast moving forward, including a focus on relationship issues and personal growth. Charlie emphasizes the importance of motivation and taking action towards achieving one's goals, inviting listeners to join him on this journey of self-improvement and support.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back...
2025-08-1324 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.323 - Half-Decade Top 5 SpecialOn July 2nd we will be exactly halfway through the 2020s! And whilst it's been an objectively terrible decade in many ways, there are some Hip-Hop gems that have come out. So, we decided to make our individual Top 5 Hip-Hop Albums of the Half-Decade and for once, we have NO overlapping works! So buckle in as we gush over 10 albums in a nearly 2 hour special!TIMESTAMPS:Honourable Mentions - (3:54)Charlie's No. 5 - (15:53)Ben's No. 5 - (23:54)Charlie's No. 4 - (34:33)Ben's No. 4 - (42:31)Charlie's No. 3 - (51:42)Ben's No. 3 - (59:08)Charlie's No. 2...
2025-07-011h 55Diggin' In The DigitsEp.318 - dead prezThe legacy of dead prez - for better or worse - has been condensed down to their classic track in "Hip Hop". Zoom out a little and you'll find a classic song on a classic album that is definitely not talked about enough. Zoom out even more and you find... Actually, let's just stay at that first zoom out...TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:00)Charlie:Syf of Talking Knots & Moe Town - 2 Sides to Every StoryJay Prince - SHINENādt Orchestra - DualismDon Glori - Paper Can't Wrap FireAaron Taylor - Yours AlwaysLizzie Berchie...
2025-05-271h 12Diggin' In The DigitsEp.304 - Boogie Down ProductionsBoogie Down Productions - led by KRS-One - was an inventive group of the time, taking KRS' superior lyrical ability and combining it with production that was initially highly dynamic at first. With five albums, the death of Scott La Rock marring the history and plenty of lore, it makes for an iconic story in Hip-Hop history.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:57)Ben:Drake x PARTYNEXTDOOR - $ome $exy $ongs 4 UWestside Gunn - 12Charlie: BNMO - The Eleventh HourAnthony Joseph - Rowing up River to Get Our Names BackBexBlu, Renelle 893 - THE B...
2025-02-181h 08Diggin' In The DigitsEp.302 - Hip-Hop Neighbours, Vol. 13For this Hip-Hop Neighbours we get into two 00s debut albums. One from Linkin Park, the band that successfully balanced the Hip-Hop infused Rock of the time and Amp Fiddler who quietly took all his experience (experience that made J Dilla into J Dilla) to make a solo debut decades after he started his music career.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:48)Ben:Madlib x MF DOOM - Madvillainy DemosThe Weeknd - Hurry Up TomorrowSpectacular Diagnostics - RAW GAMECharlie:Logic - Aquarius IIIJeshi - Airbag Woke Me Up Mac Miller - BalloonerismGhais G...
2025-02-0457 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.299 - DITD Bites, Vol. 21Allegedly - for our 21st edition of DITD Bites - we get into a reckoning that is long overdue for the music industry, off the back of Charlie's State of The Hip-Hop Union article: (Allegedly) Acknowledging that Sean Combs (allegedly) did some bad shit and we should endeavour to not prop up people like him. We also go on tangents (Allegedly) related to other people, Streaming, Social Media and Major Labels. (Allegedly)Our Bad Boy Episode (Pt. 1)Our Bad Boy Episode (Pt. 2)TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:59)Ben:Bad...
2025-01-141h 12Diggin' In The DigitsEp.298 - Contemporary Cool, Vol. 15Happy New Year! We kick-off 2025 as we like to do, by talking about our favourite albums from the year that passed. Our Top 2 Albums of 2024.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:17)Ben:Lil Baby - WHAMConsequence - Movies on DemandCharlie:Hermanos Gutiérrez - Sonido CósmicoKonkolo Orchestra - Future PastsCharlie's No. 2 - (5:26)Ben's No. 2 - (28:03)Charlie's No. 1 - (51:58)Ben's No. 1 - (1:04:27) Lighter Note - (1:20:32)Spin Charlie's Top 10 of his Top 30 Albums of 2024. Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for al...
2025-01-071h 31Right State of Mind55. 10 Tips to Manage Stress During the HolidaysThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation
with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode of the Right State of Mind podcast, Charlie
shares 10 essential tips for managing stress during the holiday season. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing mental health while navigating family dynamics, travel, and gift-giving. Each tip is designed to help listeners enjoy the holidays more fully and reduce anxiety.
Takeaways
* Don't ove...
2024-11-2716 minRight State of Mind54. The Importance of Self-TalkThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation
with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina,
about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode of the Right State of Mind podcast, Charlie
Taylor Jr. discusses the critical role of self-talk in mental health and personal development. He emphasizes that your inner voice is the most important voice in your life, influencing your confidence, anxiety levels, and overall
well-being. Charlie encourages listeners to evaluate their self-talk, advocating for a positive inner dialogue to navigate life's challenges more...
2024-11-1319 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.291 - Contemporary Cool Vol. 14It's time for another Contemporary Cool in which Ben makes a YouTube video with his pick of Ab-Soul's "HERBERT" and Charlie gives love to Garage with DJ Spoony-led "Garage Classical".TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:57)Ben:Ab-Soul - Soul BurgerASAP Ferg - DAROLDReal Boston Richey - Richey RichNatty - The Divine TrinityCharlie:Common Saints - Cinema 3000Joshua Idehen - Mum Does The WashingNectar Woode - Head Above WaterVibbar - Gyal ThoughtsMark Kavuma & The Banger Factory - Magnum OpusAb-Soul - Soul BurgerHERBERT - (11:39)Garage Classical - (44:26)Lighter Note...
2024-11-121h 17Right State of Mind53. Setting Boundaries with Family MembersThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Andrew and Charlie discuss the complexities of setting boundaries with family members. They explore the importance of communication, the challenges posed by family dynamics, and provide practical tips for effectively establishing boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the need for mutual respect and understanding in family relationships, highlighting that setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of personal growth and mental health.
2024-10-3035 minRight State of Mind52. Love Your PeopleThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie shares a deeply personal experience regarding a family emergency that led to a life-altering realization about gratitude, relationships, and the importance of cherishing loved ones. He recounts the emotional journey of dealing with his mother's serious car accident, the challenges faced during her recovery, and the profound lessons learned about life and priorities. The conversation emphasizes the unpredictability of life and...
2024-10-1627 minRight State of Mind51. Supporting Friends/Loved Ones Struggling with Mental Health IssuesThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie and Andrew discuss how to support someone dealing with mental health challenges. They provide several tips, including actively listening without judgment, checking in regularly, encouraging healthy habits, and respecting boundaries. They emphasize the importance of educating oneself about mental health issues and being mindful of language and triggers. They also discuss the need to take care of oneself while supporting others...
2024-09-1126 minRight State of Mind50. Pursuit of HappinessThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Andrew and Charlie discuss the importance of finding happiness and doing things that make you happy. They explore how people often prioritize their responsibilities and neglect their own happiness. They emphasize the need to be intentional about identifying what makes you happy and making time for those activities. They also discuss how the changing seasons and external factors can impact our happiness...
2024-09-0425 minRight State of Mind49. How Does Social Media Impact Your Mental Health?The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie Taylor Jr. discusses the impact of social media on mental health. He shares a conversation he had with a content creator who was struggling with negative self-talk and insecurity when comparing himself to others on social media. Charlie emphasizes the importance of managing social media use and not letting it negatively affect self-worth. He encourages listeners to ask themselves how social...
2024-08-2820 minRight State of Mind48. The Importance of RoutinesThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Andrew and Charlie discuss the importance of establishing routines for mental health and overall well-being. They emphasize that routines are more than just habits and should be purposeful in helping individuals achieve their goals. They highlight the benefits of routines, such as increased productivity and consistency, and provide advice on how to create effective routines. They suggest identifying the end goals and...
2024-08-2123 minRight State of Mind47. People Pleasing 101The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Andrew and Charlie discuss the challenges of being a people pleaser and provide strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, identifying the root causes of people-pleasing behavior, and recognizing patterns. They also discuss the need to practice assertiveness, communicate clearly, and manage anxiety and negative thoughts. Seeking support from trusted individuals or therapy is encouraged, as...
2024-07-3133 minRight State of Mind46. Improving Communication In Your RelationshipsThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
The underlying theme of this episode is increased involvement, both from the listeners and the hosts. The main topic discussed is communication in relationships. Charlie and Andrew emphasize the importance of active listening and using 'I' statements when communicating. They also highlight the need to know your audience and understand their perspective. Charlie and Andrew provide tips for improving communication, such as practicing active listening...
2024-07-2429 minRight State of Mind45. Debunking Mental Health MythsThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie and Andrew discuss common myths about therapy. They address the misconception that therapy is only for 'crazy' people and emphasize that therapy is for anyone who wants to manage their mental health. They also debunk the myth that you can simply 'snap out' of anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of managing and coping with these conditions. The conversation emphasizes the...
2024-07-1738 minRight State of Mind44. Men and PrideThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie and Andrew discuss the concept of pride and its impact on men's mental health. They explore the negative aspects of pride, such as stubbornness, ego, and the fear of asking for help. They also highlight the importance of balancing pride with humility and the positive side of pride, such as taking pride in one's work and personal growth. The conversation emphasizes...
2024-07-1029 minRight State of Mind43. New Beginnings and Bouncing Back from BurnoutThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie and Ansley discuss their experiences with burnout and how they have been recovering from it. They talk about the signs of burnout and the importance of planning and self-care to prevent it. They also share their goals for the podcast and announce their partnership with Quiet Loud Studios for audio production. They encourage listeners to support the podcast through ratings, reviews...
2024-07-0327 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.271 - 2 Live CrewThe story of 2 Live Crew is one of response. Response to reactionary pearl-clutching over their work which dared to talk out *checks notes* eating ass, among other things. This lead 2 Live Crew to lean all the way into being the flagbearers of the Miami Bass subgenre whilst getting everybody to free up their sexual inhibitions.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:54)Ben:da beatminerz - Stifled CreativityCharlie:John Glacier - Duppy GunCJ Fly - baitedCJ Fly & NasteeLuvzYou - thePhaRaOh'S return 2: NUBIA SuperJazz Club - MONOCHROME RADIOMaeta - Endless NightKaelin Ellis - You A...
2024-06-251h 30Diggin' In The DigitsEp.262 - Hip-Hop Neighbours, Vol. 11For this Hip-Hop Neighbours - linked to our Ice-T exploration - we cover the self-titled album Body Count and we also get into the first album from the UK based collective SAULT: "5".TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:57)Ben:Backwood Sweetie - Burn OneBerner - The Farmer's MarketGangrene - Heads I Win, Tails You LoseHus KingPin - In a State of NirvanaBaby Rose x BADBADNOTGOOD - Slow BurnTaylor Swift - Tortured Poets DeptartmentCharlie:Oscar #Worldpeace - Mum, Pray for Your SonSwank & King Draft - Vice CityBlue Lab Beats - Blue Eclipse...
2024-04-231h 00Right State of Mind42. Assessing BurnoutThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In the season finale, Charlie and Andrew discuss the topic of burnout. They share their personal experiences and explore the difference between burnout and being worn out. They highlight the signs of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal effectiveness. The importance of self-care and finding activities that recharge one's energy is emphasized. They encourage listeners to be self-aware and prioritize their well-being...
2024-03-2727 minRight State of Mind41. Living with CancerThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Jennifer London shares her journey of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and metastatic melanoma cancer. She discusses the challenges she faced in getting diagnosed and the dismissive attitude of some doctors. Jennifer also talks about the emotional and mental toll of living with cancer and how she manages it. Despite the difficulties, she maintains a positive attitude and focuses on living her...
2024-03-1335 minRight State of Mind40. Generational TraumaThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie discusses generational trauma with guest Dentavius Barber, a fellow therapist in the Charlotte, NC area. They define generational trauma as the passing down of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next. They highlight the importance of self-awareness and seeking the right help to break the cycle of generational trauma. Charlie also discusses the common examples and impacts of generational trauma...
2024-03-0626 minRight State of Mind39. Relationship Series - Part 4: Navigating Marriage (Husband's Perspective)The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, host Charlie interviews Tamba Marenah, who shares his perspective on maintaining a healthy marriage. Tamba emphasizes the importance of understanding in a relationship, stating that understanding leads to good communication. He also highlights the need for trust and building a strong friendship with your partner. Tamba discusses how to handle conflict in a relationship, emphasizing the importance of being open to feedback...
2024-02-2827 minRight State of Mind38. Relationship Series - Part 3: Navigating Marriage (Wife's Perspective)The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie welcomes back Ansley and introduces Paige Marenah, a fellow therapist and friend. They discuss the importance of building a strong foundation in a relationship, with communication being a key ingredient. Paige emphasizes the need for open and honest communication, even about the little things, to avoid building up resentment. They also highlight the significance of maintaining friendship in a marriage and...
2024-02-2129 minRight State of Mind37. Relationship Series - Part 2: Do's and Don'ts of a Healthy RelationshipThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode of the Right State of Mind podcast, Charlie discusses the do's and don'ts of navigating a healthy relationship. He emphasizes the importance of communication and being on the same page in a relationship. Charlie also talks about the challenges of sharing life with someone and the need to put someone before yourself. He highlights the importance of vulnerability and listening in a...
2024-02-1428 minRight State of Mind36. Relationship Series - Part 1: Dating while Thriving with Elena KacanThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie, Andrew, and Elena discuss the single life and the misconceptions and pressures that come with it. Elena shares her personal journey of being single and how she has navigated societal expectations. They emphasize the importance of self-care and being intentional in dating. They also discuss the pressure from family and friends and how to set boundaries. Elena shares her experience and...
2024-02-0738 minRight State of Mind35. End of the Month Check-InThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie and Ansley discuss their progress with their goals at the end of the first month of the year. They explore the challenges of goal setting, including the difficulty of starting new routines and the desire for instant gratification. They emphasize the importance of time management and creating a routine that works for individual goals. They also discuss the need to practice...
2024-01-3121 minRight State of Mind34. Weathering the StormThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie and Ansley discuss the topic of weathering the storm and going through difficult times. They explore the difficulty of staying positive when things aren't going your way and the personal traits that contribute to pessimism. They share personal experiences and discuss the importance of finding hope and maintaining a positive mindset. They emphasize that storms don't last forever and that it's...
2024-01-3120 minRight State of Mind33. The Importance of DisciplineThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie introduces a new addition to the podcast and discusses the importance of discipline. Charlie emphasizes the challenge of staying disciplined when faced with instant gratification and the need for long-term thinking. Charlie and Andrew Ansley share personal examples of how they practice discipline, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and finding what works for each individual. The episode concludes with a reminder...
2024-01-1717 minRight State of Mind32. Men & VulnerabilityThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie and Brendan Bellavia discuss the importance of vulnerability for men. They explore the challenges and barriers that men face when it comes to showing vulnerability and the benefits that come from being open and authentic. They emphasize the need for safe spaces and supportive relationships where men can feel comfortable being vulnerable. The episode concludes with advice for men and those...
2024-01-1723 minRight State of Mind31. Living With Intention in 2024 (RSOM Message)The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie emphasizes the importance of intention in achieving goals. He discusses how lack of intention can lead to goals fading away and provides examples of health and fitness goals that often lose momentum. Charlie highlights the need for detailed planning and being realistic about goals. He compares personal improvement plans to job performance improvement plans and emphasizes the importance of following a...
2024-01-0312 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.247 - Contemporary Cool, Vol. 12Happy New Year one and all! We hope that your year is full of progression, growth and 52 episodes of DITD! But before we go forward, we look back one more time to 2023, talking about our Top 2 albums of 2023.Ben's No.2 - (3:25)Charlie's No. 2 - (26:20)Ben's No. 1 - (39:08)Charlie's No. 1 - (1:00:11) Lighter Note - (1:11:27)Charlie's Top 10 Albums of 2023 Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved.Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Music for the right to use)
2024-01-021h 22Right State of Mind30. The Importance of Effort (RSOM Message)The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this episode, Charlie discusses the importance of effort in achieving personal and professional goals. He emphasizes the need to overcome challenges and not let setbacks deter one's effort. Charlie also highlights the common tendency to expect maximum benefit with minimal effort and encourages listeners to assess their own level of effort. He provides strategies for setting realistic goals, managing time effectively, and building resilience...
2023-12-2715 minRight State of Mind29. Positive Vibes OnlyThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In this week's episode, I interviewed my long-time friend Christian Trimmier. Christian discusses the importance of choosing positivity and how it can impact our lives. He shares his approach to staying positive and not letting negative situations affect him. Christian also talks about the influence of his upbringing and the responsibility he feels to spread positivity to others. He emphasizes the need to give ourselves...
2023-12-2025 minRight State of Mind27. Holiday Reminders (RSOM Message)The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
The holidays can be a challenging time for some people. In this episode, I share some quick reminders to be mindful of this holiday season.
Stay Connected:
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYYYHAomaJk-E2lB-tvQzU8epiejDmQ4ziFKHktjh8PRwYiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
2023-12-1614 minRight State of Mind25. Being Raised by a Single ParentThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In the United States, nearly 24 million children live in a single-parent family. This dynamic has its unique obstacles and challenges. In this episode, I'm joined by Desmond Harp who was raised with this dynamic and he shares his experience.
Stay Connected:
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at https://docs.google.com...
2023-10-1828 minRight State of Mind22. What are the keys to a successful relationship?The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Having a successful relationship takes work. It's not an easy task, but having a partner that is willing to do the work with you makes all difference. In this episode, I'm joined by Devin Wansley and Eneida Rivera of the Late Night Snackin' podcast to discuss the keys to a successful relationship.
Stay Connected:
Is there a topic...
2023-08-0253 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.221 - Tambo & Bones InterviewIn a change of pace from usual DITD proceedings, Charlie was invited to see a play in Theatre Royal Stratford East called "Tambo & Bones", written by West Philly's own Dave Harris.And as you can imagine from the episode title, Charlie was also given the opportunity to interview the director and lead actors of the show. In an episode that's split into two: the 1st half is a one-on-one with director Matthew Xia and the 2nd half involving Xia; actors Rhashan Stone and Daniel Ward.On top of this, if you'd like to see "Tambo...
2023-07-051h 03Diggin' In The DigitsEp.219 - DITD Bites, Vol. 18On the 18th edition of DITD Bites: Tyler, The Creator hopped on Rap Radar recently and made some interesting quotes that we wanted to unpack. So we do that, getting into his beef with playlists, "Rap Twitter" and his past work.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (0:57) (Ben = Bold / Charlie = Italics)Marquis Hill - Rituals + RoutinesCharlie Smarts & DJ Ill Digitz - CharlietapeHit-Boy & Big Hit - SURF OR DROWN 2Statik Selektah - Round TripJamal Gasol & Vic Spencer - The Right Way For DummiesKiller Mike - MICHAELHannah Jadagu - ApertureHempress Sativa - CHARKA PHABO - Don't Get Too C...
2023-06-201h 16Right State of Mind19. Supporting Loved Ones with AnxietyThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Supporting a loved one who has anxiety can be a difficult task. Particularly when you don't relate to their feelings. Knowing how anxiety works and how they are best supported is crucial in your relationship with that loved one. In this episode, I talk with Justin Wilson to get perspective on his journey in this area.
Stay Connected:
...
2023-05-1728 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.212 - DITD Bites, Vol. 17For the 17th edition of DITD Bites we get into the AI Music debate and the concept of Video Essays/Documentaries, asking WHY do people like Trap Lore Ross make the videos they make.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:35) (Ben = Bold / Charlie = Italics)Aaron Taylor - HAVE A NICE DAY!Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Lonnie Liston Smith - Lonnie Liston Smith JID017Nines - Crop Circle 2G Herbo - Strictly 4 My fans 2Tee Grizzley x Skilla Baby - ControversyDave East - Book of David DeluxeFlee Lord x Crisis - 2-3 ZoneR-Mean x Scott Storch...
2023-05-021h 16Right State of Mind16. Managing AnxietyThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Anxiety is a mental and physical reaction to perceived threats. This is something that we all deal with on some level. In this episode, I talk with Megan Kekich to discuss all things anxiety and ways to manage this challenging emotion.
Stay Connected:
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at https://docs.go...
2023-03-0339 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.200 - "Rapper" or "Artist"Off the back of Lil Yachty's new album, he made a comment about "wanting to be seen as an artist". This led to responses like this. We broke down the multi-layered conversation that is decades old and spans genres: Labels, eras, the leaders of said eras and what happens when they do something different. 200 episodes without missing a drop, thanks for being on this journey with us.Charlie's 2018 piece on the subject.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:16) (Ben = Bold / Charlie = Italics)K.Keed - Tx3 II (EP)Evil Needle & Misha...
2023-02-071h 20Right State of Mind15. Men and Mental HealthThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
As a male, properly managing your mental health can be a difficult task. Self-sabotaging behaviors such as toxic masculinity and feeding into the stigma are some of the main reasons why most men don't seek the mental health care they need. In this episode, I discuss all things men and mental health.
Stay Connected:
Is there a topic yo...
2023-01-2026 minRight State of Mind14. Staying Sober During the HolidaysThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. It's important to protect yourself from any potential situation that could put your sobriety at risk. In this episode, I'm joined by Jason Alderman, who has 13 years of sobriety, to discuss ways to stay sober during this challenging time.
Stay Connected:
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at https://do...
2022-12-1427 minRight State of Mind13. The Power of PerseveranceThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Life comes with many challenges. Our ability to keep moving forward despite the challenges we face goes a long way in our mental health journey. In this episode, I'm joined by Chris Nwanegwo to discuss how he managed to navigate through difficult life circumstances to ultimately follow his passion and start his own business.
Stay Connected:
...
2022-12-0731 minRight State of Mind12. Work-Life BalanceThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In today's world, we can easily get bogged down with the everyday hustle and bustle. Learning to navigate through the intersection of your work and personal life plays a huge role in your mental health. In this episode, I'm joined by fellow therapist Paige Marenah to discuss how to manage your work-life balance.
Stay Co...
2022-11-2327 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.185 - #UKBHM 2022: EstelleTo finish our #UKBHM miniseries for another year, we look at an artist in Estelle with realised talent early on, a truly timeless song in her discography - but looking past that - has a truly fascinating discography and career arc that, at this moment in time, feels like a satisfying full circle.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:02) (Ben = Bold / Charlie = Italics)Snoop Dogg & DJ Drama - Gangsta Grillz: I Still Got ItYoungBoy & DJ Drama - Ma I Got a FamilyJeezy & DJ Drama - SnofallTaylor Swift - MidnightsAwon & Soul.Dope.95 - Infinite WisdomPhotay & Carlos Nino...
2022-10-251h 33
In Search Of SauceEp.57 - "Passion Economy", Kelela & Gangster's ParadiseOn this episode of ISOS: Host Brandon brings a piece on the "Creator Economy" and how it's turning into a new rat race. Tyler brings a piece on the return of Kelela; and Charlie brings an oral history of Coolio's "Gangster's Paradise".ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS:Brandon's Pick - (7:28) "The Rosy ‘Creator Economy’ Is Music’s Biggest Lie" By Tim InghamTyler's Pick - (31:59) "Grounded: the revival of Kelela" By Amber J PhillipsCharlie's Pick - (47:40) "How Gangsta's Paradise changed the course of hip-hop" By Mark SavageThanks for listening! Be sure to help supp...
2022-10-121h 02In Search Of SauceEp.53 - NOT THE TWOS, Kid Cudi & "No Fear of Time"On this episode of ISOS: Miki brings an interview for recent Kendrick co-signee, NOT THE TWOS, Jashima brings a news piece on Kid Cudi changing artwork for his re-release of "A Kid Named Cudi", and Charlie brings a semi-review of Black Star's "No Fear of Time" that morphs into a love letter to RSS.ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS:Miki's Pick - (7:35) "Meet NOT THE TWOS, The Artist Whose Debut Single Landed on Kendrick Lamar’s New Album" By Brenton BlanchetJashima's Pick - (26:47) "Kid Cudi Calls Fan ‘Bogus’ for Saying Original A Kid Named Cudi Artwork Is Bet...
2022-07-201h 14In Search Of SauceEp.50 - Newsletters, UK Rap & The Eminem ShowOn this episode of ISOS: Host Brandon brings a shining example of how to do a newsletter. Charlie brings an essay on the current UK Rap landscape. And Miki brings a retrospective on Eminem's "The Eminem Show" as it turns 20.ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS:Brandon's Pick - (5:38) "#136: Decadence And Disenchantment" By Todd L. BurnsCharlie's Pick - (22:06) "Amid a rash of cheesy samples, is UK rap running out of ideas?" By Will PritchardMiki's Pick - (39:43) "On The Eminem Show, The Rapper Sharply Skewered Society — But Lost Sight Of Himself" By Paul Thompson...
2022-06-081h 01In Search Of SauceEp.47 - Festival Posters, Eco-Vinyl & Clickbait?On this episode of ISOS: Ryan brings a piece on Festival posters and the politics of space on them amongst artists. Host Charlie brings a piece on the concept of "Eco-Vinyl". And Elliot goes meta and brings a piece on the recent Rocky-Rihanna break up rumours.ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS:Ryan's Pick - (2:01) "Size Matters: Inside the Politics of Festival Posters" By Ben LindberghCharlie's Pick - (23:07) "Addicted To Plastic? Eco-Vinyl And The Impact Of Our Listening Habits" by Jono PodmoreElliot's Pick - (45:34) "Why Did Everyone Think Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Broke...
2022-04-201h 05Diggin' In The DigitsEp.157 - DITD 3rd Anniversary SpecialOn the 11th of April 2019, we began this little Hip-Hop centred Podcast. And whilst we have evolved from what we initially sought it to be, we have not missed a week since. For this anniversary special, we reflect on the three years, the past year, participate in a questionnaire so you guys can get to know us on a more personal level and we finish with a game we tried out last year with a great result: Deadpan Recital.Whether this is your first spin or 157th, we thank you. - Charlie.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly...
2022-04-122h 15Diggin' In The DigitsEp.156 - DITD Bites, Vol. 13On this episode of DITD: Our 13th edition of DITD Bites. Talking about the future of Hip-Hop, why DJ Drama is a legend & DJ Khaled is, DJ Khaled. And our three favourite music scenes going on right now.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:16) (Ben = Bold / Charlie = Italics)Red Hot Chilli Peppers - who caresDreavmille - D-DayBlaq Chidori & Ayo Shamir - Journey into MysteryC-Scripture - 'kɒŋkwɛst IISunni Colón - JúJú & The FlowerbugPete Rock - Petestrumentals 4 Murs - Murs In Miami (EP)Ol' Burger Beats - LoftAge and the future of Hip-Hop...
2022-04-051h 29Diggin' In The DigitsEp.151 - Women's History Month '22 - Roxanne ShantéThe career and life of Roxanne Shanté is a microcosm of being a female. You're talented, you're confident and you get punished for it every step of the way. For the first of five retrospectives on females in Hip-Hop during Women's History Month, we look at Shanté, the first woman in Hip-Hop to pop off.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:56) (Italics = Ben / Bold = Charlie / Bold & Italics = Both)EARTHGANG - GHETTO GODSKRS-ONE - I M A M C R U 1 2Jynx716 & Che Noir - Careful What You Wish ForYard Act - The OverloadCJ Fly - the Ph...
2022-03-011h 29In Search Of SauceEp.38 - Maxo Kream, Olivia Rodrigo & "Morning View"On this episode of ISOS: Brandon brings a piece on Maxo Kream behind his new album drop "Weight of the World". Host Charlie brings a piece on Olivia Rodigo and her historical connection to Classical music. And Miki brings a retrospective on Incubus' "Morning View" turning 20.ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS:Brandon's Pick: (4:54) "On 'Weight of the World,' Maxo Kream's world expands amid personal tragedy" By Christina LeeCharlie's Pick: (20:03) "‘Nothing in music is ever new’ says Olivia Rodrigo. And all these classical composers would agree." By Sophia Alexandra HallMiki's Pick: (37:46) "'Morning View' Turns 20" by Rach...
2021-11-101h 02In Search Of SauceEp.37 - The Streaming Boom, Ka & AdeleOn this episode of ISOS. Charlie brings stats on the current Streaming landscape. Ryan brings a piece on the introverted Ka. And Tyler brings the deep dive profile on Adele.ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS:Charlie's Pick - (2:02) "‘Odds are against you’: the problem with the music streaming boom" By Mark SweneyRyan's Pick - (25:41) "The Last Underground Rapper" By Sheldon PearceTyler's Pick - (44:37) "Adele, Reborn: The British Icon Gets Candid About Divorce, Body Image, Romance & Her “Self-Redemption” Record" By Giles HattersleyThanks for listening! Be sure to help support the show by sharing, rating...
2021-10-201h 04In Search Of SauceEp.32 - Whitney Houston, SAULT & Album LengthsOn this episode of ISOS: Host Charlie brings in a piece on Whitney Houston's relationship with America. Miki brings a review on SAULT's new album "NINE". (Fun Fact: As of the day of this episode dropping, you have 66 days to spin until it leaves DSP's) And Brandon brings in a conversation starter about why albums are so damn bloated.ARTICLES & TIMESTAMPS:Charlie's Pick - (7:55) "Whitney Houston, American girl" By Constance GradyMiki's Pick - (26:36) "SAULT: NINE Album Review" By Tarisai Ngangura Brandon's Pick - (41:24) "Albums Are Getting Too Long" By Jessica McKinney
2021-07-281h 08Right State of Mind11. The Stories We Tell OurselvesThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
We create narratives to move us into and through the moments of life. Based on our previous experiences, this can have a negative or positive impact on our lives. In this episode, I'm joined by Audrey Broyles to discuss how to master the stories we tell ourselves.
Stay Connected:
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it...
2021-07-1439 minRight State of Mind10. The Power of PerspectiveThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
We all face challenges and obstacles on a daily basis. Some greater than others. Our attitude and perspective towards those challenges and obstacles play a significant role in our outcomes. This week, I'm joined by Tyler Ratterree, who shares his biggest challenge and how his attitude and perspective have helped him through it.
Stay Connected:
Is there a t...
2021-06-3047 minRight State of Mind9. Dating Series FinaleThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In today's world, the experience of dating looks a lot different, and there are many more things to consider. This week, we wrap up our dating series with Gabriella Avellone, Allison Kiser, Camille Henderson, Phanes Barno, and Andrew Kohler. We discuss our takeaways from the previous two episodes, things we learned, and ways we can apply those things moving forward.
St...
2021-06-2331 minRight State of Mind8. Dating Series - The Male PerspectiveThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In today's world, the experience of dating looks a lot different and there are many more things to consider. Last week we heard the female perspective on dating. This week, I'm joined by Phanes Barno and Andrew Kohler to hear the male perspective. We also discuss how dating has changed during the pandemic, the different ways people date in today's world, and much more.
...
2021-06-161h 01Right State of Mind7. Dating Series - The Female PerspectiveThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
In today's world, the experience of dating looks a lot different and there are many more things to consider. To help discuss what that looks like, I'm joined by Allison Kiser, Gabriella Avellone, and Camille Henderson. We discuss how dating has changed during the pandemic, the different ways people date in today's world, and much more.
Stay Connected:
Is...
2021-06-0951 minRight State of Mind6. Boundaries 101The Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Boundaries are the cornerstone of mental health. Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. These boundaries should be based on values or the things that are important to you. This week, I'm joined by Sarah Cooper, to discuss the importance of setting boundaries in our lives. We also take a look at what it looks like to begin the p...
2021-06-0230 minRight State of Mind5. Overcoming AdversityThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Life is full of tough challenges. Facing adversity can either make or break you. This week, I'm joined by Mackenzie Johnson, who embodies the meaning of overcoming adversity. On November 5, 2016, Mackenzie had a life-changing event that left him paralyzed. His life was turned upside down in an instant. Take a listen to how he changed his outlook on his circumstances in life.
2021-05-1937 minRight State of Mind4. Children of DivorceThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Unfortunately, divorce is common in today's society. It can change life as you know it for all parties involved. Divorce creates emotional turmoil for the entire family, but for kids, the situation can be quite scary, confusing, and frustrating. This week my younger brother, Letrey Taylor, joins the show to discuss the difficulties of experiencing divorce as a child and ways to navigate through life a...
2021-05-1246 minRight State of Mind3. The Cycle of AddictionThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. Addiction takes its toll on not only the individual but also the people around them. This week, I'm joined by Jason Alderman to discuss the vicious cycle of addiction and ways to break that cycle.
Stay Connected:
Is...
2021-05-0532 minRight State of Mind2. Flipping Negative Thinking Into Positive ThinkingThe Right State of Mind podcast is a weekly conversation with Charlie Taylor Jr., a licensed therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, about all things mental health and personal development.
Thoughts and emotions have a profound effect on one another. The way we think has a huge impact on the way we see the world and the way we interact with the people around us. Sometimes in life, negative thinking can become a habit that we may not recognize. This week, I'm joined by Ericka Franklin to discuss the importance of flipping negative thinking into p...
2021-04-2843 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.65 - The Black Eyed PeasPlease, just listen to this one and make our pain worthwhile...TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:23)Topic Intro - (14:32)BEP's beginnings, "Behind The Front" & "Bridging The Gap" - (18:54)"Elephunk" & "Monkey Business" - (32:22)"THE E.N.D", Charlie's meltdown & no acknowledgement of the other one - (48:06)The slap in the face that is "MASTERS OF THE SUN VOL. 1" - 1:01:04Lighter Note - (1:11:35)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza...
2020-06-301h 21Diggin' In The DigitsEp.53 - DITD 1st Anniversary SpecialAround this time last year, I DM'd Ben on a whim to pitch the idea of a Hip-Hop Podcast. He was up for it and gave it a year to see if it goes well. We planned to record a few Beta episodes to get our feet on solid ground, but the 2nd one we recorded was solid, so we thought "F*** it! Let's pull the trigger."And now we're here, 53 episodes later, no off week, always coming through on Tuesday with your weekly dose of me & Ben breaking down Hip-Hop in the way we do, with...
2020-04-071h 34Diggin' In The DigitsEp.44 - You Think I Give A Damn About A Grammy?The Grammys have been & gone and it's yet another year of disappointment. But this year feels different. Not only can the Recording Academy not recognise Hip-Hop like it's successfully done for decades, but now it's not even recognising Hip-Hop artists that explicitly say their work isn't Hip-Hop. But hey, black= Hip-Hop/R&B/Jazz, right? And let's not even start with "URBAN"...So what is the problem? And more importantly, what are the solutions? Should Hip-Hop plead for better representation & categorisation? Or should they all band together, say "Fuck The Grammys" and not submit their...
2020-02-041h 24Diggin' In The DigitsEp.43 - Mac MillerA retrospective we didn't want to do at a crucial point in the subject's life & career. But due to his death and the recent posthumous release "Circles", this was the best time to dive into the music career of Mac Miller.For context: Ben has been a fan of Mac for years and parallels his life to Mac's. Charlie, however, only spun "The Divine Feminine" when it initially dropped and spent the week before recording taking a trip through Mac's career from "K.I.D.S" to "Circles".So it made for good discussion as...
2020-01-281h 25Diggin' In The DigitsEp.37 - Posthumous AlbumsThe posthumous album is something that we want and don't want in equal measure. When somebody says "Do you want never-heard-before music from an artist you like?", of course, you're going to say yes! But when that artist isn't alive to have a say, some take pause and ask themselves do they want it?There are many places to look at posthumous albums, there are many examples, good and bad. The DITD duo discusses as many angles as possible.TIMESTAMPS: Weekly Music Roundup - (1:52)Topic Intro - (18:47)Ben's general thoughts - (20:11)...
2019-12-171h 03Diggin' In The DigitsEp.36 - Question. How Many Faking They Streams?Certifications are confusing. Simple as that. A lot of us claim to know a lot about it but in reality, past platinum plaques, we know nothing.Charlie has been long done with the certifications ever since Nicki Minaj broke a record held by Aretha Franklin. Ben, as the numbers guy, stands on the other side of the fence but the two come together in acknowledging that these numbers, especially in the mainstream, are fugazi. We simply accept it as a mode of conversation and that's it.As you can imagine, this is one of those "...
2019-12-101h 18Diggin' In The DigitsEp.35 - Albums of the 2010s, Part 4Well. Here we are. The number 1 Album of the Decade. Throughout the past few weeks, Ben & Charlie have been going through their individual Top 10 AOTD's. From albums about blackness, concepts, mental health, self-reflection and looks into worlds we haven't experienced before. Both lists are interesting in different ways.But at the end of the day, it all came down to, not just the Hip-Hop Album of the Decade, but one of the greatest albums ever made, regardless of genre.No.1 on both lists, "Diggin' In The Digits" official Album of the 2010s, Kendrick...
2019-12-031h 23Diggin' In The DigitsEp.34 - Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the 2010s Pt. 3It's time for Part 3 of our four-part series covering our personal Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the Decade. On this episode, we cover our list from 4 to 2.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (2:27)Topic Intro/Charlie's No.4 - (23:53)Ben's No.4 - (36:05)Charlie's No.3 - (48:23)Ben's No.3 - (1:00:59)Charlie's No.2 - (1:10:49)Ben's No.2 - (1:22:49)Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records...
2019-11-261h 37Diggin' In The DigitsEp.33 - Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the 2010s Pt. 2Our Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the Decade continues! On this episode, we cover albums that are ranked 7 to 5 on our lists. This episode went so long that we had to, for the first time ever, cut our runtime. So our Lighter Note had to be snipped a little. But don't fear, if you want to catch the omitted section, tune into Episode 52 of "What's Good?" W/Charlie Taylor. You can find the show in the same places you listen to DITD or just hit up The 5th Element Podcast Network.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup...
2019-11-191h 39Diggin' In The DigitsEp.32 - Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the 2010s Pt. 1As 2019 and the 2010s winds down, the DITD duo begins a four-part series, counting down their Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of the decade.This episode covers numbers 10 to 8. These lists are 100% Subjective, this isn't about what album hits the hardest or the albums that sold the most or what was the most critically acclaimed. These are the albums that the duo loves the most, the albums that stuck to them in a way no other albums did. It's all subjective.This is the longest episode of DITD yet but it's all worth it in our humble...
2019-11-121h 37Diggin' In The DigitsEp.30 - Ayo Peep This New DITD MixtapeMixtapes, in the classic definition, is a thing of the past. But since the turn of the Millenium, Mixtapes have evolved to become more and more about the artist and nothing to do with the DJ/Producer anymore. So how did this happen? Did the DJ's fumble the bag? Has a fun essence of Hip-Hop gone away with the commercialisation of Mixtapes? Why does Charlie get so irked about Mixtapes sounding just like albums!? All will be answered in Episode 30 of DITD.TIMESTAMPS:Weekly Music Roundup - (1:58)Topic Intro - (13:36)History of...
2019-10-291h 17Diggin' In The DigitsEp.29 - What is Hip Hop?Hip-Hop as a genre of music is always evolving, constantly changing, year by year. But what about those artists or those albums that kind of straddle the Hip-Hop sound but takes significant inspirations from other genres?The DITD duo talk about labels, (The things you stick on your chest, not the music ones...) genres and the foundations that Hip-Hop are built on. Is labelling something "Hip-Hop" too broad a term? Should services cater to sub-genres more? If so, how deep is too deep? And does this all matter when Hip-Hop is simply the perfect amalgamation of the...
2019-10-221h 13Diggin' In The DigitsEp.18 - Chance's "The Big Day"It's been a week since the release of Chance The Rapper's much-anticipated debut Studio Album "The Big Day". But the responses towards the album have been... Mixed, to say the least. There are people saying it's trash, (Ben) there are people that don't like it but can find positives in it (Charlie) and there are people that are ready to put on the capes to fight for their boy Chance. It's been a while since an album this highly touted has seen all sides of the opinion spectrum. So Ben & Charlie decided to investigate. WHY...
2019-08-061h 09Diggin' In The DigitsEp.17 - I Was At XXL Just Trying To ExcelIf you're into Hip-Hop in any format, whether you follow certain artists, writers, YouTubers or even just your mate that's really into Hip-Hop, you know about the yearly content dump that is the XXL Freshman List.10 artists who are on the come up get the opportunity to say "Hey World, I'm here!" They drop a quick freestyle, attend the Freshman Cyphers and of course, join together for a cover shoot.But why is this still a thing? Is the List simply moonlighting as something for Hip-Hop fans to talk about in the Summer months? Goaded...
2019-07-301h 10Diggin' In The DigitsEp.16 - Nas' Raps Should Be Locked In A CellNas has recently dropped "The Lost Tapes 2", which is considered a breath of fresh air, especially after the terrible project that was "NASIR".So, in celebration of this, the DITD duo explores Nas' music that's not named "Illmatic". What are the best ones? Why doesn't Nas get respect from the "Genius Generation"? Is the tired "Nas picks terrible beats" comment the real reason why people don't put Nas in their Top 5? Ben & Charlie give a retrospective of Nasty Nas, Esco, Nastradamus, one of the best pens in music history. TIMESTAMPS:Music listened to in...
2019-07-231h 13Diggin' In The DigitsEp.15 - Some Make Millions, Others Make MemesIt's been a few months since Lil Nas X's explosion onto the mainstream. Since then, "Old Town Road" is now the longest-running No.1 Hip-Hop track on the Billboard Hot 100 and is quickly closing in on the All Genre record. Memes are the most fluid element of Social Media, which in itself is the most fluid form of communication. So what happens when that meme is based around an artist we've never heard of? Like a Lil Nas X or Blueface?Ben & Charlie explore Meme culture in Hip-Hop. How the viral nature of Memes may seem...
2019-07-171h 10Diggin' In The DigitsEp.14 - Label AlbumsOne of the most anticipated releases of 2019 has come & gone. "Revenge of The Dreamers 3", led by J.Cole, has been received very well. So well in fact, that it got Ben & Charlie thinking about the concept of "Label Albums" or "Collaborative Albums" to word it differently. If we look back at albums such as ROTD3, they're rarely remembered as being high-quality projects. They're more remembered as moments in time, moments in an artist's career, not as a great album that people will listen to as they do with regular albums.So what are "Label/Collab...
2019-07-091h 07Diggin' In The DigitsEp.13 - Nelly vs. Drake? Ride Wit Me, Through The 2010s & The NoughtiesWith the 2010s edging closer and closer to its end, it is a consensus thought to say that Drake has owned this decade from a commercial standpoint. He came around just before the start of the decade and the (commercial) rise has been at a steady upward trend.But you know the deal, commercial success isn't everything. But unfortunately, the commercial success, for some reason, has gotten people comparing Drake to Jay-Z. This prompted a collective shaking of heads from many people (Ben) but Co-Host Charlie wanted to think about it differently.The theory is...
2019-07-021h 05Diggin' In The DigitsEp.11 - The Wyoming SessionsLast year, Kanye West unloaded the clip. We knew that he was working on something, the hype train was picking up speed. He then announced three "albums" that we now know as "DAYTONA", "ye" & "KIDS SEE GHOSTS". A couple of weeks later, he announced two more! Nas' "Project That Shall Not Be Named" & Teyana Taylor's "KTSE".So since we're in the space of a year anniversary of the whole thing, Ben & Charlie decide to go through every project, give thoughts (& statistics) on them and with a reminiscent mindset, ask ourselves... Was it all worth it?
2019-06-181h 13Diggin' In The DigitsEp.10 - Major LabelsIn a 2-part series, DITD tackles the one topic that has been clouding over every other topic Ben & Charlie has talked about so far on DITD.Major Labels.In the 90s, the US "Big Three", Universal Music Group, Warner & Sony consumed Hip-Hop as soon as it became a cultural force. From '86 to '96, there were 17 No.1 Hip-Hop albums, 11 of them were under Major Labels. It's even more clear looking at singles. Moving onto now, the numbers of Major Labels owning charting artists are in the high 90%. Artists may be able to start their own...
2019-06-111h 14Diggin' In The DigitsEp.9 - Revolution Means Change, Don't Look At Me StrangeIn the times we live in right now, it could be said that we're in a golden age of protest. All around the world, there are protests of large numbers being held. They're so prevalent now, you could probably name a few of them. When it comes to Hip-Hop, it too is on the frontline. From Kendrick's Grammy performances to Stormzy's BRIT Awards performance. Music has always been a place to protest and Hip-Hop is definitely no different.Ben & Charlie (The main subject starts @ 5:23) take a look into protest in Hip-Hop. How the 80s birthed...
2019-06-041h 06Diggin' In The DigitsEp.7 - Mental Health - One Time 4 Your MindThe subject of Mental Health is a conversation that has been increasing in volume in the past decade. Not just in society, but in Politics as well. (Although most National Jurisdictions are way behind...)But it's not just in day-to-day life, it's also becoming more and more prevalent in the music we love dearly. Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop is historically been iffy when it comes to Mental Health, coinciding with African American culture & society not really knowing how to deal with such complexities. But the more black men & women in America learn more about Mental Health, so a...
2019-05-211h 12Diggin' In The DigitsEp.6 - Andre 3000 & Lauryn Hill - And Here You Are, A Rap Unicorn"Rap Unicorn" - Phrase - A Hip-Hop artist that rarely drops music, but when they do, everybody listens.E.g. Andre 3000 & Ms Lauryn Hill.Ben & Charlie explore another angle in the relationship between the artist and the fanbase. More specifically, is it right for the fan to demand an artist to drop music simply because they haven't dropped in a while?Ben gives statistics on the "Rap Unicorns" Andre 3000 & Ms Lauryn Hill and for context, gives numbers on artists on the other side of the spectrum, the artists that drop music frequently.
2019-05-1458 minDiggin' In The DigitsEp.3 - Youth Is A Gift, Age Is A Work Of ArtIn recent Hip-Hop news, Dave East hopped on Instagram to call the viral Country/Hip-Hop track "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X "wack". Hip-Hop social media proceeded to swell up with defensive shots at Dave East.Shots like "NAME ONE DAVE EAST TRACK", "DAVE JUST SALTY HE DOESN'T CHART", you get the idea. People missed the chance to look at the context and the deeper conversation about inorganic fanbases.This is the catalyst for Ben & Charlie to dive into multiple topics, the main of which, Ageism in Hip-Hop. Why do we as Hip-Hop fans...
2019-04-231h 05