Rodes Live

Episode 307: The Rap Factory takes us back to a legendary chapter in Chicago hip-hop history — 2135 W. Fullerton Avenue, the location remembered as The Rap Factory.

The Rap Factory was more than a spot on the map. It became a Chicago hip-hop destination, a place where a who's who of Chicago's music scene crossed paths and where artists traveling through the city could make a stop, connect, network and experience the culture.

In...

Episode 306 explores the barbershop as a staple of the community—a place where men gather, fellowship, share knowledge, build relationships, and discuss life. We compare the tradition of the barbershop to the role of the church as a gathering place for community, mentorship, and connection.

We also highlight the entrepreneurial legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, her hair-care empire, and the importance of ownership, entrepreneurship...

In this episode of Rodes Live, Lady T sits down with us for an exclusive conversation about her highly anticipated new album and what listeners can expect from her upcoming project.

Lady T also opens up about her journey from working in management to stepping into the spotlight and getting it out the mud as an artist. She shares insight into her creative process, her growth, and what motivated her to pursue music from the artist&rsq...

🎂 Happy Birthday, Rocki Fresh! Some dates become more than just a date on the calendar—they become part of your family story. In Episode 304 of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes takes listeners back to a major turning point in his life: the day he left for college—and the day his little sister, Rocki Fresh, entered the world. While Rodes was heading off to school, stepping into a new chapter and trying to figure out life aw...

This episode of Rodes Live Podcast is all about the pressure, the passion, and the music behind the movement. 🎙️ PRESS SOUL Rodes sits down with Crux to discuss the 4th installment of the Pressure Campaign. They tap into the inspiration behind the project, the creative process, the message, and what listeners can expect from this latest chapter. 🔥 WHAT'S POPPIN' ARTIST OF THE DAY — Ms. Ife Ms. Ife steps into the spotlight a...

In this episode of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes sits down with the inspiring LIZ Loving, also known as Ms. IFE, for an engaging conversation that covers education, community, culture, and music.

🎙️ Inside This Episode:

• Ms. IFE shares her journey as a Special Education Teacher and the importance of advocating for students with diverse learning needs.
• We discuss her impactful non-profit organization, its mission, and how it's creating...

Is Chicago Really One of the Greatest Cities in America?

In this episode of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes steps into the conversation and passionately pleads the case for why Chicago deserves to be recognized as one of the greatest cities in the world.

Too often, the city is defined by headlines and stereotypes, but there's so much more to the Windy City than what makes the evening news. Rodes breaks down five reasons why Chicago continu...

Celebrating 300 Episodes & 30 Years of Hip-Hop Classics!

300 episodes! What started as a vision has grown into hundreds of conversations covering hip-hop, music business, culture, entrepreneurship, motivation, and the stories that deserve to be told. Thank you to every listener, guest, supporter, and subscriber who has been part of this incredible journey!

In this milestone episode, we're celebrating 300 episodes of the Rodes Liv...

In Episode 299 of the Rodes Live Podcast, I sit down with DJ, Producer, and Content Creator Kirk State for an engaging conversation that celebrates the culture of hip-hop from every angle.

From the roots of hip-hop to where the culture is headed, Kirk State shares his experiences, insights, and perspective on the music industry, content creation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of staying authentic in an ever-changing landscape...

This Independence Day, Rodes takes listeners on a personal journey unlike any other.

"Born on the 4th of July: A Marine's Diary" is a firsthand account of what it takes to earn the title of United States Marine. From the moment the footprints hit the yellow footprints, this episode walks listeners through every phase of Marine Corps Boot Camp—from the physical challenges and mental pressure to the discipline, camaraderie, and ...

Queens build empires, and this episode proves it!

On this special prerecorded edition of the Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes sits down with the dynamic Ms. Londa from Queen Talk TV for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, media, and creating opportunities for others.

Ms. Londa shares her journey as a successful entrepreneur while discussing the growth of her radio station, podcast, magazine, and her ongoing search for talented...

On this episode of Rodes Live, we dive into the legendary men’s and women’s hairstyles that shaped hip-hop culture across generations. Hair has always been more than style in the hip-hop world — it’s identity, rebellion, creativity, and cultural storytelling.

Rodes breaks down the most iconic hairstyles, the eras they defined, and why they mattered, from the golden age of high-top fades and box braids to the ...

In this thought-provoking episode of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes dives into three principles that can change the trajectory of your life: self-control, being selective, and never settling.

In a world that encourages instant gratification, quick decisions, and accepting less than what you deserve, Rodes breaks down why discipline is the foundation of success. Whether it's relationships, friendships, business opportunities, finances, or...

What would happen if Chane and Rodes suddenly became rich? Would they stay the same, upgrade their lifestyle, or become completely different people?

In this fun, hilarious, and thought-provoking episode of Rodes Live Podcast, Chane and Rodes dive into dream lifestyles, bucket-list adventures, celebrity encounters, business ventures, and the realities of wealth. Through laughter, debate, and imagination, they explore what life might ...

In this bonus episode of the Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes dives deep into the mindset, behaviors, and consequences of being a simp. He breaks down the core problems, the psychology behind the behavior, and—most importantly—the cure.

Drawing from personal experiences as a young man and stories from adult friends who have struggled with simp tendencies, Rodes offers real, raw, and relatable insight.

Today’s What’s ...

In this week’s episode of Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes sits down with community activist Antione Dobine, also known as D-Ice, for a powerful and inspiring conversation.

We dive deep into:

• Community leadership and the realities of grassroots work
• A rare chance meeting with Larry Hoover and the impact it had
• Real problems facing neighborhoods today
• Real solutions that can create lasting change
• Finding resolve in challenging times an...

In this week’s episode of Rodes Live, we’re bringing you another Chicago staple that has stood the test of time — Garrett’s Popcorn, the legendary flavor icon known for its rich history, buttery aromas, and signature mix that locals and tourists swear by.

Rodes dives into the cultural impact of Garrett’s, its legacy in the city, and why it remains a go-to snack for celebrations, holidays, and everyday C...

In this episode of the Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes dives deep into the Legend Has It series—an ongoing exploration of iconic artists, timeless albums, and their impact across the culture. Today’s spotlight is on none other than AZ, one of hip-hop’s most consistent lyricists and a true master craftsman on the mic.

Rodes breaks down why AZ’s Doe or Die 3 earns its place in the Legend Has It series, discussing its...

In this powerful episode of the Rodes Live Podcast, Rodes digs deep into the concepts of approval and validation—two forces that shape the journey of every music artist, creator, and podcaster. From navigating expectations to breaking free from external judgment, Rodes shares real, lived experiences from both sides of the industry: as a Hip-Hop artist and as an Executive.

Rodes reflects on how the voices that matter the most&m...