Raw. Dynamic. Deep. True. A new podcast network launched by iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s platform promises to deliver all of that while revealing untold stories about hip-hop and the music industry.
Queens rapper N.O.R.E. and Miami’s DJ EFN will be executive producers for the new venture, The Drink Champs Podcast Network. That duo began their Drink Champs podcast in 2016, and since then they’ve built a reputation for telling riveting stories that led to almost 100 million downloads of their episodes.
They will partner with Charlamagne’s The Black Effect Podcast Network to lead conversations that shift culture and produce original content that expands and elevates the legacy of hip-hop, the press release states.
According to Podtrac, iHeartMedia is the No. 1 podcast publisher in the world. All Drink Champs Network content in partnership with Black Effect will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and on the iHeartRadio app.
“This collaboration between The Black Effect Podcast Network and ‘Drink Champs’ represents something special within the podcasting world,” said Dollie S. Bishop, president of The Black Effect Podcast Network. “We’re merging the energy and authenticity of hip hop culture with the vast reach of iHeartMedia, creating a unique platform for storytelling and culture-rich conversations. Our shared vision allows us to create a platform that not only amplifies the voices in music and hip hop but also connects with our audience on a deeper level.”
Memphis Bleek breaks in the new podcast network with his original series “ROC Solid.” As its host, Bleek will showcase talent from him past – Young Guru, Lenny S, Freeway and Drinks Champ’s N.O.R.E. Bleek’s episodes intend to reveal the perspectives of business, sports and music insiders who led shifts in the culture of their fields.
“After everything I’ve seen, done, and built in this game, it’s time to tell the real stories and hear from others who’ve stayed true to theirs,” said Bleek, via the statement announcing the Drinks Champs Network. “‘ROC Solid’ is about more than music. It’s about the mindset, the moves, and the moments that define greatness.”
Bishop, Black Effect’s president said Bleek and “ROC Solid” were the natural start to launch the platform.
“Launching the network with ‘ROC Solid’ feels like the perfect fit. It’s the kind of show that gets to the heart of the music industry with raw stories, real voices and a lot of truth,” she said.
Drink Champs hosts said their vision for the podcast network is wider and deeper than unearthing and revealing untold stories. We’re eager to share all we’ve learned over the years in helping trail blaze in this space,” N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN said in a joint statement. “Our goal is to set people up not only for success, but with the tools to forge their own lanes.”
