Before platinum records and corporate deals, hip-hop’s real power came from the underground — and few crews held more weight than the Juice Crew.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Hip-Hop Snapshots, we shine the light on one of the most powerful voices in rap history — Melle Mel. Before hip-hop had mainstream hits, endorsements, or headlines, Melle Mel was already telling the truth on the mic. From “The Message” to “White Lines”, he didn’t just rhyme — he warned, inspired, and transformed hip-hop into a voice of the people.
No flashy fame. No viral hits. Just impact.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before hip-hop had a name, Silvia Robinson had a vision. In this episode of Hip-Hop Snapshots, Ross Martinez spotlights the woman who helped bring rap from block parties to Billboard. From chart-topping hits in the '50s to founding Sugarhill Records in her living room, Silvia turned instinct into impact—producing the genre’s first commercial hit and pushing artists to tell the truth with tracks like “The Message.” But behind the success came controversy: contracts, power struggles, and the cost of being first. This is the story of hip-hop’s most overlooked architect—the Mother of the Business.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.