The Need to Know Podcast

SaVon and Alex kick things off by answering Patreon listener JJH's question on their top three "struggle meals" (6:25) and unpacking the NBA's latest gambling scandal, breaking down Chauncey Billups' alleged mob-linked poker games, Terry Rozier's betting scheme, and what it means for athlete integrity and fan trust (18:00). Later, they debate generational superstardom through the lens of Playboi Carti, NBA YoungBoy, and the disappearance of universally famous names (1:01:08), before covering Diddy's latest headlines (1:12:57), the Golden Globes' new podcast category (1:22:28), and the Riyadh Comedy Festival and the moral cost of Saudi money in entertainment (1:31:01). The episode closes with new music reviews from Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Miguel, Hit-Boy and The Alchemist, plus anticipation for Drake's 'ICEMAN' (1:40:56). 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

SaVon and Alex open on fall weather in New York and how September always feels like a reset, before joking through an AWS outage that exposed how dependent creatives are on big tech (0:00) and calculating the real cost of streaming the NBA season (9:00). Next, they deep dive Kevin McCall's viral breakdown and his long history with Chris Brown (15:20), which leads into a broader talk on Gucci Mane's admission of schizophrenia on The Breakfast Club and mental-health transparency in Hip-Hop (35:55). From there they dive into DJ Vlad vs G Herbo (57:00), debating entitlement in media, the line between "platform vs personality," and why artists no longer need the press. The discussion expands to NBA YoungBoy's polarizing appeal (1:19:33), Stephen A. Smith's appearance on Carmelo Anthony's 7 PM in Brooklyn and the ethics of letting him diss LeBron James (1:21:51), before closing with the latest in new music (1:49:00). 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

SaVon and Alex return with transparency and laughs as they open with Patreon updates, community member shoutouts, and the winner of the AirPods Max giveaway. Next, the crew fields Patreon questions—starting with their first heartbreaks and how love, therapy, and R&B shaped them (10:41)—then debate whether it hurts more when an ex gets married or has a baby (14:56). Holiday talk follows as Alex plans to channel 50 Cent for Halloween while SaVon reminisces on rapper costumes gone wrong (19:26). The conversation shifts to Tony Yayo and Memphis Bleek and how loyalty looks different under 50 Cent and Jay-Z (26:26) before a spirited Fabolous vs Lloyd Banks debate over bars, mixtapes, and longevity (34:30). The crew then honors the late D'Angelo with reflections on artistry and Black men's health (43:41) and closes by dissecting the viral Marc Lamont Hill vs QueenzFlip moment on The Joe Budden Podcast—arguing that authentic tension and intellect can coexist in modern Black media (51:21). 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

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 The crew is back on Patreon and nothing is off limits this time. Yassy opens up about why she's completely done being a "ride or die" and how that mindset nearly broke her. From there, things spiral into wild territory — BBLs, body image, "market research" trips to the D.R., and what those enhancements really do to people's minds. The gang then breaks down the new rules of tricking, the chaos behind birthday dinners, and the blurred lines between love, ego, and money. But the real chaos starts when talk turns to DMs, rejection, and the kind of bedroom prep routines you've never heard discussed this openly. By the end, it's clear — you're either Team Alex or Team SaVon, and you'll want to pick a side before this one ends. 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

SaVon and Alex welcome Ish and Yassy to the show, and kick things off with Patreon member submissions asking why Ish never answers questions directly (4:56) and whether men fear emotional vulnerability or financial instability more (6:56). From there, they unpack Saweetie's escort rumors and transactional culture (15:22), break down the result of the Drake-UMG lawsuit and what might be coming next (27:21), and react to New Orleans fugitive Derrick Groves finally getting caught by authorities (50:32). Later, Ish opens up about the current state of the Joe Budden Podcast (1:05:36) and his construction business and recovery from his achilles tear (1:21:35). The crew closes with Ish's thoughts on Puff's sentencing, the Mann Act, and power dynamics in entertainment (1:40:22). 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

SaVon and Alex return with updates for the NTK community, including updates on their upcoming AirPods giveaway and Patreon shout-outs. Alex shares his wild on-field experience at the New York Jets game, sparking a hilarious debate about loyalty—to your team, your barber, or your girl (4:15). The conversation pivots to Bryson Tiller's long-awaited 'Solace & The Vices' double-disc release, why his new music feels happier, and how content saturation has changed how we all listen (16:25). The guys then rank R&B's most overrated acts and question who could vanish from music without being missed (30:31). From there, they break down the surprise return of VERZUZ with Cash Money vs No Limit at Complex Con in Las Vegas, debating whether this battle still matters in 2025 (39:09). The episode closes with a sharp but funny look at AI deepfakes and digital ethics after OpenAI's new Sora rollout (50:17), plus a viral Cam Newton "body-count" discussion on male ego and competition (1:08:57). 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

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

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

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

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

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

Yassy returns to the show, and the crew kicks off with lip-balm jokes, "shy eating," and a Chipotle free-drink hack (0:00) before recapping Joe Budden's birthday party (06:35). They answer a Patreon member's question about keeping your ex's photos while uncovering hidden iPhone folders and swapping probiotic tips, capped by Yas' backyard fedora glow-up (10:52). The conversation shifts to Dame Dash's fiery Breakfast Club appearance and his fall from Roc-a-Fella glory (22:14), then to Adrian Broner's live on-air missteps on It Is What It Is with Cam'ron and Mase and a hilarious debate on post-nut clarity (55:31). Cardi B's surprise sit-down with Kelly Rowland sparks reactions (1:04:38), followed by takes on Ice Spice's latest buzz (1:25:33), the viral "pretty punishment" trend (1:30:11), revisiting Metro Boomin's latest project (1:36:35), and much more! 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

SaVon and Alex kick things off with jokes and a reminder about the headphone giveaway before tackling a Patreon listener question on the greatest true freestyle artists (2:09). They finally give Joey Bada$$ his flowers, unpacking his 20-v-1 diss-track run, the label delays at Columbia, and the underwhelming 9K first-week numbers for 'Lonely at the Top' while debating whether his single "Dark Aura" had enough punch (13:00). A rapid-fire new-music segment covers Justin Bieber's surprise 'SAWG II,' Ed Sheeran's soulful 'Play,' and Atlanta's rock newcomers The Paradox, sparking laughs as they imitate the raspy rock vocals and talk about Black artists reclaiming rock's roots (28:30). They then call out DJ Khaled for his polished but empty PR answers in his sit down with Fat Joe and Jadakiss (43:00). Wrapping up, they dive into Young Thug's heartfelt Instagram apologies and his seven-minute tribute track "Man I Miss My Dogs," dissecting his Big Bank interview about loyalty, the rift with Gunna, and the difference between being a provider and a true leader—before closing with reactions to Cardi B's rollout strategy and the big expectations for her next body of work (1:05:20). 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

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 NOTE - This episode was recorded before Young Thug's interview with Big Bank was released. SaVon, Alex, and Art continue their discussion on the wave of leaked Young Thug jail calls, breaking down everything from his fallout with Future and tension with J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, to his comments on Drake, Metro Boomin, and Travis Scott. They examine conspiracies around who might be orchestrating the leaks, Thug's struggles balancing loyalty and freedom, and how his choices compare to peers like Gunna, Gucci Mane, and Lil Durk. Along the way, they reflect on the shifting integrity of the music industry, Atlanta's fractured unity, and the role of street ties in shaping careers. The conversation closes with reactions to Thug's new music, debates on his future, and whether redemption is still possible. 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

The crew kicks things off with Alex recounting his car break-in and reflecting on wanting to move out of the hood before introducing special guest Art, producer at The Breakfast Club and host of The New Era (2:18). Art shares how SaVon and Alex inspired him during college (4:31) before the team answers a Patreon listener question on the afterlife and aliens, debating faith, fear of death, UFOs, and who in pop culture might secretly be an alien (08:47). From there, they unpack Charlamagne's viral claim that GloRilla's catalog could match Nicki Minaj's, leading into a defense of Nicki's hits, her Roc Nation disputes, and the balance between antics and artistry (26:50). The conversation expands to Drake, Meek Mill, and the role of labels vs. legacy in shaping careers (43:50), shifts to the new Ice Spice & Latto single and video and what it signals for women in hip hop (59:51), then dives into Drake's livestream antics and trolling style (1:24:00) before closing with Young Thug's leaked jail calls, including controversial remarks about Future, Kendrick Lamar, and Andre 3000, and how they impact his legacy post-YSL (1:44:02). For an extended Young Thug conversation, head over to Patreon on Tuesday. 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