African American culture is the heartbeat of creativity, resilience, and excellence. From music and fashion to business and sports, Black culture has been at the forefront of global influence. Yet, there are times when our culture is not only misunderstood but painted in a negative light.
This is why platforms that tell our stories authentically are so crucial. Enter the world of Black-led podcasts. These shows aren’t just for entertainment; they’re spaces for conversation, education, and empowerment. Here are some of the top podcasts we love for the culture, bringing truth and nuance to the narrative.
1. The Baller Alert Show
Of course, we’ve got to kick this list off with The Baller Alert Show—I mean, this is Baller Alert, right? Hosted by Ferrari Simmons, and BT, the show dives into everything from the hottest celebrity gossip to real talk about social issues and trending topics within the Black community. It’s a one-stop shop for keeping up with the culture, with a unique spin that only Baller Alert can bring. Whether it’s breaking down the latest entertainment headlines or diving deep into conversations about Black empowerment, this show stays at the center of the culture.
2. 85 South Show
85 South Show is the perfect blend of comedy, culture, and chaos in the best way. Hosted by DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean, the podcast offers hilarious commentary on everything from music to current events. It’s important because laughter is a part of the healing process, and 85 South gives us that joy while still dropping knowledge on real-life issues. Plus, their live shows? Always a vibe.
3. The Joe Budden Podcast
There’s no denying that Joe Budden has become one of the most polarizing voices in podcasting, but that’s exactly why his show matters. With unfiltered opinions on music, pop culture, and the industry, Joe and his co-hosts bring a raw perspective that many mainstream outlets shy away from. It’s important because the show provides a platform for conversations about hip-hop and the culture from the people who live and breathe it. Plus, Joe’s unapologetic stance on calling out the industry’s BS is always a must-listen.
4. The Ray Daniels Show
Ray Daniels is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the music industry, and his podcast is all about shedding light on the business side of the game. On The Ray Daniels Show, he pulls no punches when discussing the challenges, the wins, and the truths behind the entertainment world. It’s an important listen for anyone trying to understand the mechanics of the music industry, especially Black creatives navigating the space.
5. Pour Minds
Pour Minds is like having a late-night girl’s chat with your best friends—only it’s hosted by the hilarious duo Drea and Lex P. These ladies discuss relationships, dating, and the struggles of being young Black women in today’s world. It’s unfiltered, it’s relatable, and most of all, it’s important for the culture because it gives a voice to Black women who are often left out of the conversation.
6. Earn Your Leisure
In a time where financial literacy is more important than ever, Earn Your Leisure is leading the charge in educating the Black community about money, investing, and wealth-building. Hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, this podcast is all about empowering the culture with the tools needed for financial success. The show features entrepreneurs, moguls, and financial experts who drop gems every episode. In a world where we are often left out of financial discussions, Earn Your Leisure is ensuring we get the knowledge we need.
7. Million Dollaz Worth of Game
Hosted by rapper Gillie Da King and social media personality Wallo267, Million Dollaz Worth of Game blends street wisdom with life lessons, making it a must-listen for young Black men. The show covers everything from business to personal growth, but always with a dose of humor and truth. Gillie and Wallo keep it real in every conversation, and their show is a testament to how Black men can uplift one another through knowledge and mentorship.
8. The Kenny Burns Show (TKBS)Â
The Kenny Burns Show (TKBS) brings an authentic and entertaining take on current events, hot topics, and culture. Hosted by multimedia icon Kenny Burns, alongside co-hosts Kendra Taylor and Dr. Sheryl Rae Reid, the show offers thought-provoking discussions on business, music, family, and Black culture. Known for his inspiring career journey, Kenny shares life lessons and personal experiences to uplift and educate his audience. Together, they create a space that informs, impacts, and inspires, blending humor, wisdom, and real-world insight.
9. Drink Champs
If you’re a fan of hip-hop culture, you’ve probably heard of Drink Champs. Hosted by rapper N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, this podcast celebrates legends of the game, giving them their flowers while they’re still here. It’s raw, it’s uncut, and it’s a necessary platform for giving respect to the people who built the culture from the ground up. The conversations are always deep, fun, and filled with gems about the industry.
10. All The Smoke
Former NBA stars Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson bring sports and culture together on All The Smoke. The podcast goes beyond just basketball; it dives deep into social justice, race, and the real issues that affect the Black community. Matt and Stephen aren’t afraid to speak up about the things that matter, making their show a crucial listen for anyone who cares about the culture.
11. R&B Money Podcast
Hosted by R&B singer Tank and J. Valentine, R&B Money dives into the behind-the-scenes stories of the R&B world. This podcast is essential because it highlights an often underrepresented genre, showcasing the Black artists who have paved the way in R&B music. For the culture, it’s a reminder of the soulful roots that continue to shape our musical legacy.
12. Carefully Reckless
Hosted by media personality and comedian Jess Hilarious, Carefully Reckless is unapologetic, raw, and hilarious. Jess opens up about her life, relationships, and the struggles of balancing fame with being a Black woman. Her voice is important for the culture because she’s authentic, and her honesty resonates with her listeners on a personal level.
13. The Bigger Picture
The Bigger Picture is a weekly Hip-Hop debate show hosted by Elliott Wilson, Jeremy Hecht, and DJ Hed. With years of industry experience, the trio dives deep into the world of Hip-Hop, delivering nuanced conversations about music, culture, and its broader impact. The hosts bring diverse perspectives and knowledge to each episode, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to explore Hip-Hop beyond the surface. Whether it’s discussing new releases or dissecting the latest industry trends, The Bigger Picture keeps listeners informed and engaged with thoughtful debates that highlight the essence of the culture.
14. It Is What It Is
It Is What It Is is a daily podcast hosted by platinum-selling artists Ma$e and Cam’ron, alongside Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson, blending barbershop banter with sports commentary. Known for their hilarious and unfiltered takes, the trio dives into the biggest stories in sports, interviewing NBA, NFL, and other athletic icons, as well as celebrities. With recurring guests and dynamic discussions, Ma$e and Cam’ron bring fresh perspectives to the hottest topics in sports and culture, making each episode a must-listen for fans of both.
15. Big Facts
Hosted by Big Bank, and DJ Scream, Big Facts is all about real conversations with hip-hop heavyweights and influential figures in Black culture. This podcast is a hub for candid talk on everything from street politics to success stories, keeping it 100% authentic.
16. Cuhmunity
Cuhmunity is a weekly podcast hosted by rapper/actor @iitsAD and influential manager @AceBoyPun, delivering the perfect mix of today’s hottest topics, music, and personal stories. With their raw and unfiltered conversations, the duo brings honest life advice, hilarious moments, and insider perspectives on the culture. Whether discussing the latest in Hip-Hop, sharing personal experiences, or cracking jokes, Cuhmunity offers listeners a blend of real talk and pure comedy, making it a go-to for fans of authentic, entertaining conversations.
Why These Podcasts Matter for the Culture
In a time when mainstream media often twists the narrative, these podcasts serve as safe spaces for Black voices to share our stories, our truths, and our experiences. They are more than just entertainment; they are platforms for education, empowerment, and cultural preservation. Whether it’s through laughter, deep conversation, or financial advice, each of these podcasts plays a crucial role in uplifting and defending the culture.
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