blankSLATE with SaVon

Epizodes

• "Charlamagne Was The Target" + Akademiks Smear Campaign | blankSLATE Radio (Ad-Free Version on Patreon) 01.06.2026 44min

  DJ Akademiks and Charlamagne Tha God have spent years orbiting each other as two of the most influential voices in hip-hop media. Now that relationship appears to be broken. After a private conversation between the two became public, Akademiks launched a sustained public campaign against Charlamagne across multiple streams, posts, and platforms. What started as criticism quickly turned into something much bigger — raising questions about loyalty, influence, media power, and whether Charlamagne was always the real target. SaVon breaks down the mentor/student dynamic between Ak and Charla, the leaked phone call, the role Drake's ICEMAN rollout may have played in escalating tensions, Joe Budden's involvement, the Complex Hip-Hop Media Power Rankings, and why this story feels less like a beef and more like a fracture inside hip-hop media itself. Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-free listening, early access, and a direct hand in shaping the show. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq
• "JAY-Z Said Rap Beef Was Dead… Then Fired Back at Drake" + Roots Picnic Freestyle | blankSLATE Radio (Ad-Free Version on Patreon) 31.05.2026 30min

  Two months ago JAY-Z told GQ that rap beef was taking the culture backwards. On May 30 at Roots Picnic, he stood on stage and answered everybody in four minutes. Drake. Dame Dash. Jaguar Wright. Kanye. Nicki. He even pulled up the Un Rivera stabbing on himself. This one breaks down who got addressed, what he actually said, and why Hov decided this was the moment to stop being above it. Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-free listening, early access, and a direct hand in shaping the show. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq
• "West Coast Media Wants Control Of The Narrative" + DJ Hed & Jeremy Hecht | blankSLATE Radio (Ad-Free Version on Patreon) 28.05.2026 32min

  DJ Hed is in the headlines after editing the West Coast disses out of Drake's "2 Hard 4 The Radio" — and aired the cleaned-up version on his own broadcast. Jeremy Hecht is going at DJ Akademiks, claiming Ak takes money from Truth Social. The receipts pointed to Rumble instead. Both former co-hosts of The Bigger Picture. Both made waves this week. I break down what actually happened on both fronts, the song, the edit, the accusation, the receipts and the angle nobody else is running: the audience already had what these guys were trying to manage. Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-free listening, early access, and a direct hand in shaping the show. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq
• "The Hip Hop Media Cold War" + Akademiks vs Charlamagne | blankSLATE Radio (Ad-Free Version on Patreon) 28.05.2026 38min

  There's a Cold War brewing in hip hop media, and nobody's calling it what it is. DJ Akademiks says nobody's off limits. But watch how he moves — the gloves are only really off for two people. Joe Budden, DJ Akademiks and Charlamagne Tha God are on a crash course, and they're not even fighting the same way. Joe Budden fights with his independence and fame. Charlamagne Tha God fights with the media, the network, the press. DJ Akademiks fights with Henny and violence. Here's what nobody's saying: when these guys talk, they're not talking to us. They're talking to each other. Joe Budden and Charlamagne have even been flirting in public — that's not friendship, that's positioning. Nobody's swung clean yet. Everybody's loaded.   Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-free listening, early access, and a direct hand in shaping the show. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq
• "First Look" +Drake & Hip Hop Media NEED Each Other | blankSLATE Radio (Ad-Free Version on Patreon) 22.05.2026 21min

  SaVon returns with another installment of blankSLATE Radio — breaking down Drake's codependent relationship with hip hop media, the ecosystem connecting Joe Budden, Akademiks, Mal, and why everybody involved benefits from the cycle. He also dives into the growing war between YouTube and Netflix, paywalls changing podcast visibility, and what independent creator-led media looks like moving forward. Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-free listening, early access, and a direct hand in shaping the show. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq
• "Setting the Table" +Community Response | blankSLATE Radio (Ad-Free Version on Patreon) 21.05.2026 12min

  SaVon opens blankSLATE Radio — the reactive lane of blankSLATE, built for the conversation between the deep dives. In this episode: why Radio exists, how the two-lane system works, the three E's the whole thing runs on — entertain, educate, edify (and the fourth nobody says out loud: evergreen) and the proper close on the Need To Know chapter. Multiple drops a week! You're not the audience, you're the co-host. Any Need to Know Podcast questions will be answered on he first two drops only so head over to Patreon and submit any questions you may have. Become a member of blankSLATE on Patreon — ad-free listening, early access, and a direct hand in shaping the show. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/blankslatehq
• The Need to Know Closed. blankSLATE Begins. 16.05.2026 2min

  A reintroduction. Past the Headline. Past the Algorithm. Past the Noise. blankSLATE is what comes next for SaVon, a culture and music commentary podcast going past the headline, past the algorithm, past the noise. A different lens on media, music, and everything happening within the culture. Made to outlast whatever's trending this week. Two shows. One name. The main pod drops weekly, long conversations, one topic at a time, broken down with the context everyone else leaves out. blankSLATE Radio is the real-time companion — solo, audio-only, responding to the moment, with the conversation driven by you through mailbag submissions. Launch date coming soon. Turn on notifications and catch blankSLATE wherever you get your podcasts. Join the Patreon community for ad-free episodes, early access, and the conversation I been wanting to have all along. Everything blankSLATE lives here: linktr.ee/blankSLATE.HQ For people who want more than a hot take.
• Joe Budden | "THE GOLD STANDARD" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 232) 31.12.2025 3h

  From the Need to Know Podcast era — the show has officially come to an end. This is part of the archive. Enjoy the guest conversations. A deep conversation with Joe Budden on media, relationships, and the realities behind running one of the most influential podcasts in culture. Joe reflects on the evolution of his platform, navigating public fallout, and the balance between business, friendship, and integrity. The discussion also touches on industry rankings, creator economics, and the shifting landscape of modern media. Topics include: The evolution of The Joe Budden Podcast Business vs. friendship in media Creator leverage and monetization Industry relationships and public narratives
• Joe Budden | "ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 238) 30.12.2025 2h 45min

  From the Need to Know Podcast era — the show has officially come to an end. This is part of the archive. Enjoy the guest conversations. A wide-ranging conversation with Joe Budden on music, media, and the evolving creator landscape. The group reflects on industry narratives, platform dynamics, and what it takes to sustain relevance over time. Topics include: Media perception vs. reality Streaming, AI, and creator leverage The state of R&B and rap Building longevity in entertainment
• THE NEED TO KNOW POD | EP. 344 (FINAL EPISODE) 29.12.2025 58min

  This marks the end of The Need to Know Podcast. The show is complete, and everything below this episode is part of the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. SaVon and Alex reflect on the journey, 2025, and what comes next.
• The Kid Mero | "HOOD HISTORIAN" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 313) 28.12.2025 1h 52min

  Originally released: July 7, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. SaVon and Alex sit down with Mero for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on media, ownership, and building in today's creator landscape. From BX stories to real industry insight, this one blends humor with perspective throughout.
• Elliott Wilson | "MOMENT OF CLARITY" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 292) 26.12.2025 1h 52min

  Originally released: January 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A candid conversation with Elliott Wilson on hip-hop media, independence, and navigating relationships in the industry. From critiques of new media to the evolving landscape of the culture, Elliott shares perspective on legacy, partnerships, and what the future holds for the next era of hip-hop.
• Ish from the JBP| "WORDS MEAN THINGS" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 334) 23.12.2025 1h 58min

  Originally released: October 13, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A wide-ranging conversation with Ish and Yassy on relationships, media narratives, and the realities behind public perception. From transactional culture to industry power dynamics, the discussion also touches on business, recovery, and navigating life both on and off the mic.
• Ian Dunlap | "HOUSE OF CARDS" (ARCHIVE) 22.12.2025 2h 17min

  Originally released: March 6, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A wide-ranging conversation with Ian Dunlap on wealth, investing, and navigating the realities of building and maintaining financial leverage. From market outlooks to public perception, the discussion also touches on legacy, risk, and what it takes to sustain success over time.
• Mandii B | "PAID IN PASTA" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 259) 30.11.2025 2h 12min

  Originally released: May 16, 2024 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A candid conversation with Mandii B on podcasting, public perception, and navigating transitions in media. From creative pressure to industry relationships, Mandii shares insight on building across platforms, handling controversy, and evolving as both a creator and entrepreneur.
• Lowkey | "THE CAMPFIRE" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 276) 06.11.2025 2h 17min
• Mecca | "MY QUALIFIED OPINION" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 332) 06.10.2025 2h 26min

  Originally released: October 6, 2025 This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A deep conversation with Mecc Rashawn on artistry, legacy, and the role of mentorship in hip-hop. From his work behind the scenes to shaping influential platforms and moments in the culture, Mecc shares insight on integrity, media, and what it takes to sustain impact over time.
• Rainey | "GAME OF PODS" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 312) 30.06.2025 2h 42min

  This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era. A wide-ranging conversation with Rainey on creativity, identity, and building across multiple lanes in media. From music and sketch comedy to storytelling and collaboration, Rainey shares perspective on his process, influences, and navigating growth as a creator.
• Nyla Symone | "STANDING ON BUSINESS" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 311) 26.06.2025 1h 58min

  This is the closing chapter of The Need to Know Podcast. Everything below this is the NTK archive — a curated back catalogue from that era.
• Nyla Symone | "AND THE 'F' IS FOR...WHAT?" (ARCHIVE) (Ep. 310) 19.06.2025 1h 43min