In this It’s Up There Podcast episode, Symba and Loon get into a power-packed conversation covering some of the biggest names and most influential dynamics in hip-hop. From Dr. Dre’s undeniable legacy on the West Coast to the complex relationships between Kendrick, Drake, and Future, we break down how these artists’ moves impact the culture. Dive into the stories behind the music, the rivalries that keep hip-hop alive, and the mentorships that shape today’s biggest names. Expect candid insights on Joe Budden’s impact on Drake, Jay-Z vs. Tupac, the South’s rising influence, and why authenticity is harder to maintain than ever. Symba and Loon don’t hold back, covering everything from networking in the industry to the heavy responsibilities artists carry when they reach the top. What We Cover: Dr. Dre’s Lasting Impact: How his legacy still influences new artists. Kendrick vs. Drake: A deep dive into their styles, respect, and competition. The Power of Mentorship: Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and why having the right guide matters. Navigating Fame’s Pressures: Staying real when every move is under scrutiny. Authenticity in Hip-Hop: Why staying true is more challenging than ever. Join Our Its Up There Podcast Clip Channel now https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEh6Wk40kcNcMJ4t_jtmluw Discord https://discord.gg/GJKXMWQS For all exclusive interviews & more content not here click here https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast 🚨Unreleased Interviews https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast 🦺All Merch Options teespring.com/its-up-there-podcast-merch 🎧LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jheeb8FxYVDRo8khyrz36?si=e339dD2JRte2MYX2Uon3BQ 👀 SUBSCRIBE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_GorAVekpEVDlk1Yc8giw 👂 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-up-there-podcast/id1317524092?uo=4 👣FOLLOW ITS UP THERE PODCAST HOST : INSTAGRAM | fogfo_looney TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@fogfo_looney PATREON| https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast #Symba #DrDre #KendrickLamar #drake #joebudden #jayz ##ItsUpTherePodcast 🎙️ For more insider insights into hip-hop’s biggest names, subscribe and get exclusive access on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ItsUpTherePodcast Links: Join Our Discord: https://discord.gg/Q85VZ6V9 Watch More Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnwwxLxHiDWYLCXvb81w69QAfr6cc1Y3N 00:00 | Intro Bombshell: Self-Love & Industry Betrayal 00:01 | Drake vs. Budden Showdown: Who Really Runs Hip-Hop? 00:10 | Joe on Drake: Why He Thinks Drake Is Untouchable 00:25 | Did Budden Shape Drake’s Style? 00:38 | Joe & Drake’s First Meeting – Instant Respect 01:11 | Dr. Dre’s Rise: His Impact Beyond the West Coast 01:36 | Beef with Game: Dre’s Conflicts Resurface 02:20 | Rap Rumble: South vs. Compton Giants 03:01 | Compton's Legends: What Sets Them Apart 04:06 | Sponsor Shoutout: Prize Picks 06:02 | Media Manipulation: How It Shapes Artists’ Images 08:04 | Diddy Arrested: Shocking Allegations Drop! 09:29 | Industry Fakes Exposed: Who’s Loyal, Who’s Not? 10:52 | Business Backstabs: Loyalty in Deals Tested 12:52 | Social Media Scandals: Shaping Hip-Hop’s Future 13:30 | Bloggers Fueling Drama? Crime and Clout in Rap 14:20 | Powerful Black Media: Who Controls the Narrative 16:08 | Fame’s Price: The Cost for Black Stars 17:41 | Legacy or Lies? Breaking Cycles & Family Scandals 20:58 | True Love or Industry Ties? The Bond Breakdown 24:57 | Feuds & Rivalries: How Miscommunication Sparks Wars 25:54 | Fake Friends: The Role of Media in Hip-Hop’s Wars 27:02 | Staying Real: Keeping it Authentic Amid Drama 29:19 | Dre’s Secret Influence: Stories Untold 32:31 | Hip-Hop Moguls Compared: Who’s King? 34:39 | Southern Rap’s Takeover: A Game Changer 37:54 | Dre’s Surprising Influence: The South Connection 40:34 | Drake vs. Future: Who Reigns Supreme? 42:15 | Kendrick Lamar’s Power Play: Respect in Rap 44:36 | Kendrick’s Bars in “First Person Shooter” 47:30 | Hip-Hop Beefs Exposed: Power Shifts in Rap 49:15 | Rap Legends Debate: Kendrick, Future, & Cole 53:12 | Record Label Control: Who Owns Who? 55:40 | Top 10 Shocker: Eminem Snub Explained 57:01 | Fan Connection: What Makes Rap Relatable 01:01:19 | Budden’s Emotional Impact: Did He Shape Drake’s Style? 01:04:20 | Raw Hip-Hop Confessions: Real Talk’s Power 01:06:02 | Brotherhood or Beef? Empathy vs. Clout 01:07:13 | Rising from the Bottom: Every Rapper’s Grit 01:10:54 | Formula for Success: Patience & Hustle 01:15:18 | Jay-Z vs. Tupac: Who Owns Hip-Hop’s Legacy? 01:20:18 | Today’s Icons: Hip-Hop’s New Leaders 01:22:31 | Fearless Voices: Speaking Out in Silence 01:24:39 | Google Collab: Hip-Hop’s Latest Power Move 01:30:41 | Media Control Exposed: Shaping Careers in Rap 01:31:46 | Final Words: Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

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In this episode, Loon explores the chilling details behind Lil Durk’s arrest on a murder-for-hire charge, diving into what’s rarely discussed: the hidden costs of street credibility in hip-hop and the dangerous allure of gang culture. This conversation goes beyond headlines, dissecting how fame, media influence, and community pressures shape artists’ lives and lead to drastic choices. Lil Durk’s situation isn’t just a story—it’s a cautionary tale on why financial success must outweigh street respect and how the industry can push young artists into a destructive cycle. #LilDurk #StreetCred #HipHopCulture #MurderForHire #ItsUpTherePodcast #GangInfluence #DJAkademiks #kingvon What You’ll Learn: Why Revenge is Dangerous: How the pursuit of payback has shaped hip-hop and its rising stars. Media’s Influence on Violence: The double-edged sword of fame and how media can fuel conflicts. The Role of Record Labels: Should labels be held accountable for encouraging lifestyles that endanger artists? Street Cred vs. Real Power: Why young artists must prioritize long-term success over fleeting notoriety. Repping the Wrong Alliances: How gang affiliations can escalate personal conflicts into public tragedies. Timestamps: 00:00 | Welcome & Introduction: Why Lil Durk’s Case Matters 00:43 | Arrest Details: Breaking Down the Charges Against Lil Durk 01:31 | Understanding the Motives: The Cycle of Retaliation in Rap 03:09 | Street Life Reflections: Fame, Fortune & Dangerous Choices 05:36 | Record Labels’ Role: Are They Enabling a Violent Culture? 06:10 | Media’s Power Over Violence & Reputation in Hip-Hop 08:15 | The Allegations Against Lil Durk – More Than Just Music? 10:27 | Gang Reputation: The Consequences of a Street Image 12:49 | Community Pressure: When Fans and Media Fuel Conflicts 13:06 | The Dangers of Clout Chasing: From Likes to Life Sentences 15:16 | Internet Influence: How Social Media Shapes Reputation 16:45 | The Influence of Gang Culture on Hip-Hop’s New Generation 18:33 | Revenge and Redemption: Cleaning Up a Public Image 21:39 | The Rise of Gang Politics in Music – What’s at Stake? 22:42 | Lil Durk, DJ Academics & Social Media’s Role in Branding 24:32 | Public Conversations Gone Wrong: Street Life in the Spotlight 28:34 | The Trap of Street Credibility: Escaping a Dangerous Image 32:37 | Organized Crime & Hip-Hop: The Complexities in Music Culture 34:50 | Differentiating Street Legends & Entertainers: Where’s the Line? 36:29 | The Violent Price of Drill Music – Who Pays? 38:25 | The Root of Revenge: How Far Will Artists Go for Respect? 41:21 | Closing Remarks: Lessons for the Next Generation of Hip-Hop Call to Action: 👑 Watch the full breakdown of Lil Durk’s case and the unseen pressures on artists. For more exclusive insights, hit subscribe and join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/ItsUpTherePodcast Join Our Its Up There Podcast Clip Channel now https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEh6Wk40kcNcMJ4t_jtmluw Discord https://discord.gg/GJKXMWQS For all exclusive interviews & more content not here click here https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast 🚨Unreleased Interviews https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast 🦺All Merch Options teespring.com/its-up-there-podcast-merch 🎧LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jheeb8FxYVDRo8khyrz36?si=e339dD2JRte2MYX2Uon3BQ 👀 SUBSCRIBE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_GorAVekpEVDlk1Yc8giw 👂 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-up-there-podcast/id1317524092?uo=4 👣FOLLOW ITS UP THERE PODCAST HOST : INSTAGRAM | fogfo_looney TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@fogfo_looney PATREON| https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast SUBSCRIBE TO Youtube Channel ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_GorAVekpEVDlk1Yc8giw WATCH MORE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwNIuOcAtoo&list=PLnwwxLxHiDWayq4HPgNYUtsAGvqe3liOO

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In this explosive episode of It's Up There Podcast, Dr. Umar Johnson joins Loon to tackle hard-hitting topics that reveal surprising truths about Black identity, celebrity influence, and community responsibility. Dr. Umar doesn’t hold back as he critiques the impact of public figures like LeBron James, Kamala Harris, and Steve Harvey on the Black community. From debates about whether LeBron is “controlled” to his opinions on removing athletics from the focus of young Black men, Dr. Umar’s insights promise to challenge conventional views. Key Topics Covered: Black Youth & Identity: Dr. Umar explains why he avoids labeling young people as LGBT, stressing the importance of deeper personal identity. Judgment & Suki’s Kiss: He discusses audience reactions to his interaction with Suki, noting how they can be “more judgmental than the church.” Kamala Harris & $15K Endorsement Offers: Dr. Umar calls out Vice President Harris’s record and reveals shocking endorsement deals. Steve Harvey vs. DL Hughley: Unpacking the rumored feud, Dr. Umar shares his take on the conflict between these comedy icons. Athletes, Activism & Control: A heated exchange on whether LeBron James truly has freedom in his public stances, particularly around Gaza support. Oprah & Scholarships: Dr. Umar critiques the effectiveness of scholarships versus entrepreneurship, leading to an intense back-and-forth with Loon. 00:00 | Introduction – Dr. Umar Johnson & Loon Debate Heats Up 00:30 | Children & Identity – Dr. Umar Speaks Out on LGBT Labels and Youth 03:15 | Suki's Kiss Controversy – Are We More Judgmental Than the Church? 06:45 | Kamala Harris Exposed – $15K Endorsement Offers & Public Trust 10:20 | Robert Kennedy’s Alleged Agenda – Dr. Umar’s Unfiltered Take 12:30 | Steve Harvey vs. DL Hughley – The Truth Behind the Feud 16:10 | Athletes as Activists – Jalen Brown, Kyrie, and LeBron in Focus 19:30 | LeBron's Stance on Gaza – Controlled or Independent? 22:55 | Rethinking Athletics – Dr. Umar's Bold Call for a New Focus 26:00 | Wealthy Black Men Debate – Is Dr. Umar “Hating” on Success? 30:10 | Oprah's Scholarships Debate – Education and Cultural Responsibility 33:20 | Kamala Harris Accountability – Can She Deliver for Black America? 35:05 | Ricky Smiley & Public Criticism – Dr. Umar’s Message to Comedians 00:36:01 | NBA, NFL & Hip-Hop: Real Assets or Just Cash Machines? 00:37:31 | Raising the Bar: Setting High Standards for Black Progress 00:38:50 | Building Black Institutions: Is Self-Reliance the Only Way? 00:40:32 | Oprah’s Role: Genuine Progress or PR Stunt? 00:42:14 | College vs. Entrepreneurship: What Truly Empowers Black Youth? 00:43:36 | Loans for Black Grads: Support or Empty Promises? 00:44:14 | Broken Promises to Black Communities: Who’s Responsible? 00:44:32 | Education & Loans: Can They Drive Real Change? 00:44:41 | Who Really Owes Black Communities—Educators or Politicians? 00:45:14 | Why Representation Matters: What’s at Stake for Black America 00:46:36 | The Educators vs. Politicians Debate: Who Actually Delivers? 00:47:07 | Kamala’s Promises: Is She the Real Deal or Just Talk? 00:48:30 | Identity Politics: Ally or Obstacle to Black Empowerment? 00:49:43 | Community Duty vs. Personal Loyalty: Where Should We Stand? 00:50:13 | Personal Influence: Does it Really Impact Black Communities? 00:51:50 | Investing in Black Communities: All Talk or Real Action? 00:52:14 | Fraternities: Brotherhood or Just Status Games? 00:53:56 | Fraternities & Service: Do They Truly Impact the Community? 00:54:16 | Hip-Hop Brotherhood: Is It Genuine or Just for Show? Join Our Its Up There Podcast Clip Channel now https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEh6Wk40kcNcMJ4t_jtmluw Discord https://discord.gg/GJKXMWQS For all exclusive interviews & more content not here click here https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast 🚨Unreleased Interviews https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast 🦺All Merch Options teespring.com/its-up-there-podcast-merch 🎧LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jheeb8FxYVDRo8khyrz36?si=e339dD2JRte2MYX2Uon3BQ 👀 SUBSCRIBE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_GorAVekpEVDlk1Yc8giw 👂 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-up-there-podcast/id1317524092?uo=4 👣FOLLOW ITS UP THERE PODCAST HOST : INSTAGRAM | fogfo_looney TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@fogfo_looney PATREON| https://www.patreon.com/itsuptherepodcast SUBSCRIBE TO Youtube Channel ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_GorAVekpEVDlk1Yc8giw WATCH MORE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwNIuOcAtoo&list=PLnwwxLxHiDWayq4HPgNYUtsAGvqe3liOO

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