N.O.R.E. praised T.I. and Boosie Badazz for squashing their recent beef in a peaceful manner during a recent episode of his Drink Champs podcast, which featured Wiz Khalifa. The two rappers had originally planned to work on a collaborative project together, but Boosie called it off when reports surfaced that T.I. worked with the police to avoid jail time. T.I. later clarified that the report stemmed from comments which were taken out of context and the two made amends.
“T.I. and Lil Boosie, I know that you could have went to war, y’all could have just done a whole bunch of tremendous crazy shit, but the fact that y’all show that two Black men can get together and talk it out, I really commend that, I really respect that,” N.O.R.E. said. “I really salute that because we need to keep pushing that. That it’s not always drama.” He continued: “A disagreement doesn’t always lead to y’all fighting and shooting. I love the fact that you got together. So T.I. and Boosie, wherever you are at. I wanna salute. I’m so tired of violence.”
N.O.R.E. With T.I. At The BET Hip Hop Awards
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: (L-R) T.I., Steve Rifkind and N.O.R.E pose backstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 at The Cobb Theater on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
T.I. and Boosie’s beef began back in February with Boosie labeling Tip a “rat. Speaking with VladTV, he said: “With the T.I. situation, if he did that – you a fucking rat too. I don’t spare no motherfuckin’ body. Because if you doing anything wrong, you doing anything criminal and you cooperate with law enforcement to get you out of trouble – that means you’re cooperating. That means you’re a rat.”
In proving his innocence to Boosie, T.I. shared a photo of court documents that showed he didn’t snitch on his relative. He also explained that he was using “humor” and “sarcasm” to “embellish” the story that was taken out of context for comedic effect. Speaking with TMZ in March, T.I. downplayed any beef between them and said that Boosie has “come to terms” with the fact that he “misspoke.”
N.O.R.E.’s “Drink Champs” Interview With Wiz Khalifa
On the special 4/20 episode of the Drink Champs podcast, N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN had none other than Wiz Khalifa join the table. Throughout the interview, they discussed the Pittsburgh icon’s vast connections, career moves, classic hits, and perspective in life. However, one very important and heartening topic of conversation was his co-parenting with ex Amber Rose. While that situation can be tough for many to navigate, Wiz expressed how important and fulfilling it is to make sure their son Sebastian, born in 2013, has a healthy and happy relationship with his parents.
“We’re like the ideal couple, even though we’re not together,” “We share the most beautiful thing in life, we have a kid. We got great memories, we were married. So everything we did was out of pure love, you know what I’m saying? We planned on being with each other forever. But, you know, that s**t gets difficult. And I think with marriage, with legal marriage, it kind of sucks because that has to be the end of something when that’s over. But I think we’re proving that it’s not the end of everything, even when that legal s**t is over.
Wiz Khalifa Shouts Out Amber Rose On Drink Champs
“I got her back, she knows it, she got my back, I know it,” Wiz continued. “We do a great job, you know, being there for our kid. We do so many things for Sebastian- not even just for him, but we’re such a good unit for him that I didn’t see growing up. My parents, they weren’t able to function, her parents as well. I think just that generation of dysfunction, there was no come-together. There was no holidays, there was no birthdays together. It was just real dysfunctional. That’s what we grew up seeing, and we do things together.
“He gets to enjoy both of us together,” the rapper concluded. “He doesn’t see us separately. That’s really important. My parents were divorced since I was 2, and I had both of them in my life. Love my mother, love my dad, but they can’t be in the same room together, and that’s not good for a kid. And it’s not their fault because they probably didn’t grow up seeing the best functioning anything. But we gotta break that and we gotta be better for our f***ing kids.” Check out the full interview above, particularly around the 2 hour and 10 minute mark for the co-parenting conversation. Also, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose.
The Drink Champs podcast is known for two things: big guests and long interviews. Hosted by DJ EFN and N.O.R.E., the series began in 2016. Nowadays, most people watch the interviews on YouTube, but the audio version is on streaming services, too. When guests come to Drink Champs, clips of the interviews often go viral. This can be because they lead to other discussions surrounding the person or because of information revealed during the interview. In some adverse cases, an episode goes viral because of how the interview was conducted. These situations typically involve N.O.R.E. Given the podcast’s name, guests are encouraged to sip or take shots during the discussion. This gets them to “loosen up” and often leads to controversial moments. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best interviews from the show.
Snoop Dogg (Episode 310, April 16, 2022)
The Drink Champs podcast has had artists from all generations on it. Snoop Dogg is an artist that has been relevant his entire career. He entered the rap scene as a pioneer in the West Coast rap scene but nowadays can be found doing a show and commercials with Martha Stewart. Because of his length in the game, Snoop has met various artists. These include ones from his generation and ones from the current batch of artists. In his interview, he tells a story about a situation from someone from his generation – Nas. In the story, he speaks about a rather traumatic event that happened to him and his involvement with it. It’s always interesting to hear celebrity figures share tales about interactions with other figures, but it can be chilling to hear about situations like this one.
The Drink Champs podcast regularly has guests from the past generation on it. However, these artists are hailed as legends in their field. Due to their age, they may have retracted from regularly putting out music but have entered other entrepreneurial ventures. At the time of this interview, E-40 was still active in both lanes. During his appearance, he shares stories about Tupac and Biggie. He also weaves in advice for reaching financial prosperity. Naturally, this is advice that comes from his own experiences. This interview is easily a very informal one as the drinks are flowing the entire time. Supporters from E-40’s generation have praised the interview for that aspect of it. Fans admired the conversational feeling of it and how it highlights the authenticity of the relationship between him and N.O.R.E.
Patti Labelle (Episode 324, July 29,2022)
The Drink Champs podcast is not just for rap artists. When they expand beyond that world, they still bring in legendary guests. Patti LaBelle is an icon many people respect as an artist and a person. She’s maintained her class her entire career and knows she has nothing left to prove. And the class continued during her interview. When she arrived, they had a red carpet laid out for her. She brought her own wine class that had custom lavender jewels on it. The first thing she talked about was her new phone and the issues she was having with it. Having all of this in the opening moments was a testament to her class and her age in the best and purest way. As the interview continued, she shared stories of her interactions with figures ranging from Richard Pryor to Pharrell.
A Tribe Called Quest (Episode 55, January 12, 2017)
The Drink Champs podcast has had legends from several eras of rap. On this episode, they took it back to ’90s east coast hip-hop with their guests, A Tribe Called Quest. At the time of the interview, member Phife Dawg had already passed away. Naturally, both Q-Tip and Jarobi White paid their respects and shared stories of their time with him. They shared a behind-the-scenes tale from when Lupe Fiasco forgot their lyrics during a tribute to them at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors in 2007. Many people remember this as “Fiascogate.” They also told an interesting story about Pharrell and how he connected with them – and was almost on Midnight Marauders. Busta Rhymes also appeared and let listeners know how far back his connection with The Tribe goes. Consequence and DJ Scratch were also on this episode.
Benny is one of two Griselda members that have been on the Drink Champs podcast. He, along with Conway The Machine and Westside Gunn, started The Griselda Movement. This is their revival of gritty lyric-based hip hop. The three original members being a part of an independent label was a big deal, too. Therefore, it was surprising to fans when Benny signed with Def Jam. He spoke on this in the interview and doubled down on it by saying Westside Gunn (the founder of Griselda Records) was proud of him for making that move. He also speaks on working with Drake, linking with Kanye West, and a myriad of other topics related to his continually ascending career. Many of these moments also harkened back to who he is and how he has been carrying himself for years.
Pusha T (Episode 313, May 6, 2022)
This was Pusha T’s second appearance on the Drink Champs podcast. Some people were introduced to him during his Clipse era with his brother Malice. Others were introduced to him as a solo artist once he signed with G.O.O.D Music. Naturally, this interview focused on his more recent years, but he also touched on things from his past. He spoke about his album,It’s Almost Dry,which was half-produced by Pharrell.
Furthermore, Pharrell and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes are a big part of his development, and he also spoke about them. Perhaps the most interesting story was his involvement with the McDonald’s “I’m Lovin It” jingle and his “diss track” with Arby’s. Listeners have praised this interview for the behind-the-scenes info on the album that was a follow-up to what many have called his best solo work.
Pharrell Williams (Episode 241, December 18, 2020)
Pharrell was a guest on the Drink Champs podcast with a wealth of information to share. Since we already mentioned him twice in this list, it’s only fitting we highlight his appearance on the show. Throughout all of his stories, Pharrell’s humble personality shines through. Many know how many people he has worked with, but hearing him talk about it was quite exciting for viewers. His understated energy is a significant contrast to N.O.R.E’s, but this doesn’t stop the interview from being informative. Another Virginia native and collaborator, Fam-Lay, also joined him. Viewers celebrated this conversation because it captured many events in the megaproducer’s legacy in one sitting. Who were some of your favorite guests on Drink Champs? Let us know in the comments section.
Taxstone slammed N.O.R.E. as having the “brain of an infant” for his recent comments on Combat Jack. Taxstone addressed the remarks during a recent interview with Complex. The Drink Champs host had criticized Combat Jack and Taxstone for signing to Loud Speakers Network and “giving away YouTubes for free” during an appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast.
“It’s probably the best audio deal in rap podcast history,” N.O.R.E. said. “I’m keeping it 100. And we still own our IPO. I said, ‘Before me, they gave the YouTubes for free. Them IPOs, they didn’t own, only me and [DJ EFN]. A lot of y’all dudes was out here giving y’all YouTubes away for free. Y’all was signed to… what’s that shit, Sound? What was the shit that Tax and all them n****s was signed to? What’s that label? A dude named Matt ran it. Combat, Tax, all of them was on this label giving they YouTubes away for free. I’m the first dude that had a three-deal for the same crack.”
N.O.R.E. At The BET Hip Hop Awards
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: N.O.R.E. of The Breakfast Club accepts the award for Best Hip Hop Platform onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 at The Cobb Theater on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BET)
During his interview with Complex, Taxstone admitted that he’s a fan of the Drink Champs podcast, but was unhappy with N.O.R.E. “Nore’s Drink Champs is a legendary podcast. I still like it. I have my little issues with Nore, but I don’t hold on to shit too long like other people do. But I still enjoy his podcast because I like Hip Hop and I like rap legends,” Tax began. “But I don’t like when a person tries to act like they’re intelligent and they know what they’re doing all the time and somebody that tries to act like they’re supportive of the culture.”
From there, he criticized N.O.R.E. for bringing Kanye West on his show, who then shared conspiracy theories about the death of George Floyd. He says that platforming those types of opinions hurts the culture. Taxstone is currently in prison awaiting sentencing for shooting and killing Troy Ave‘s bodyguard at Irving Plaza.
Chuck D says that both Eminem and Black Thought are “cyborgs.” The legendary Public Enemy rapper spoke about the talents of both artists during an appearance on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s podcast, Drink Champs, on Saturday.
“Eminem and Black Thought… big ups to Black Thought, The Roots, and also Eminem. Cyborgs, man,” Chuck said. “They’re cyborgs, but let me tell you this: we can also get caught up cause’ you know, you got future generations, and then you got people who ain’t gonna even get on the register who are so dope.”
Eminem’s Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Eminem performs onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/WireImage)
From there, Chuck D also praised Skyzoo, who later responded to the comments on Instagram. “The good word on a Sunday from the pastor of hip-hop, the legendary rhyme animal Chuck D,” Skyzoo wrote in response. “An absolute icon. Honored x humbled x grateful to say the least. Thank you OG. The book I studied from as a young aspiring writer had chapters dedicated to your penmanship in it. I learned from you 1,000%. Salute OG.”
Despite Eminem’s immense legacy, Macklemore recently argued that both he and the Detroit rapper are still only “guests” in hip-hop. He made the comments while speaking with Nate Burleson on CBS Mornings. Eminem previously echoed the same sentiment when asked about his place in hip-hop in 2022. “That’s the funny thing. I don’t know if I got a chance to say this yet. The funny s**t is, with the whole beef of a certain person, I never said I wasn’t a guest. I’m absolutely a guest. I never said I wasn’t. I never said I was king of anything, right?” he said at the time, during an interview on KXNG Crooked’s show Crook’s Corner.
Earlier this year, Chuck D released a new docuseries, Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World. With it, he cataloged hip-hop’s inception as well as how the genre shaped America’s history over the last four decades.
Since its 2016 inception, Drink Champs hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN have interviewed a slew of incredible guests, including Pusha T, Amber Rose, and Irv Gotti. While the show is primarily about conversing with figures who have had a significant impact on the culture and giving them their flowers, sometimes they choose to deviate from the norm. Unfortunately, it seems Noreaga’s most recent attempt to do just that earned him some serious hate online.
In wake of Andrew Tate’s release from Romanian jail last week, the 45-year-old hopped on Twitter to suggest that he make an appearance on Drink Champs. “Do we want [him] on [the show]?” N.O.R.E. asked his followers on Friday (March 31) evening. Before long, countless replies clowning the very notion of the controversial figure sitting down with DJ EFN and his co-host. “The weakness that has,” one meme-reply reads. “The stupidity that that has, the denial that that has. The exclusion that has, the impotence that that has, the absence that has. The restricted implications that has.”
N.O.R.E. Invites Embattled Entertainer on “Drink Champs”
While he’s no longer spending most of his time in a small cell, Tate is still on house arrest, leading B-boy Crazy Legs to question if an appearance on Drink Champs would qualify as “work release.” Many others made it known that they’re strongly opposed to the idea, writing, “Say April Fools, it’s ok to be an hour early,” and “Yeeeah the culture is done.” As the backlash has continued to pour in, N.O.R.E. made it known on Sunday (April 2), that he was only kidding when posting the initial inquiry.
In response to a post asking, “What does he even contribute to hip-hop, or people? #toxic #misogyny,” the “Oh No” rapper clarified, “I was joking!!” Even with this explanation, some are continuing to lash out at the media personality for even thinking of giving a platform to someone facing accusations of human trafficking, among other things. Keep scrolling for more Twitter reactions to N.O.R.E.’s upsetting Drink Champs proposal. After reading, let us know if you would watch Andrew Tate on the popular podcast in the comments.
Sure, it’s a pretty cold take at this point, but it’s still one of the most interesting and tough conversations to have. Joe Budden recently called Outkast “the greatest group of all time” during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. Moreover, it seems like they were answering prompts and taking shots, and one of the questions that came up was a choice between the Atlanta duo and Mobb Deep. “Well, Outkast is the greatest group of all time,” Budden began. “But I’m from New York… I mean, but Outkast is better than Mobb Deep.”
“I’m not gonna be on camera saying otherwise,” the Slaughterhouse alum added. However, he still gave due respect to Mobb Deep, which is a strong contender in that conversation in their own right. “But Queens, Mobb Deep, Rest In Peace Prodigy,” he remarked to the camera with a salute. As the cohosts agreed, they took a shot, most likely in honor of the fallen hip-hop legend. A lot more groups are usually part of that conversation, but there’s no denying that Outkast is often seen as the favorite.
Still, it does open up a question about what’s considered a rap group in the first place. Sure, Big Boi and André 3000 have an impeccable discography (the best in the genre, some say), but they are two guys stacked up against groups like the Wu-Tang Clan. However, many include Organized Noize in that conversation for their indelible contributions to Big and Dré’s production, so that debate could last thirty more years and beyond. Unfortunately, an Outkast reunion or another album seems like the stuff of legend at this point, but one can dream.
As someone known for their often scathing takes, Joe gets a bit too much flack for just speaking honestly. In this case, it’s doubtful that many will be at his throat for making such an assumption when a GOAT contender (or two, if we’re being fair and honest) is in what he considers the greatest group of all time. The one thing we know for sure, though, is that this is an evergreen point of conversation for the hip-hop world. With that in mind, let us know what you think the greatest group of all time is in the comments and come back to HNHH for the latest on Joe Budden and Outkast.
Joe Budden was the latest guest on Drink Champs and spoke about a lot during his career. The conversation included thinking back to wanting a JAY-Z verse as an artist and the alleged $250,000 price tag.
Budden would tell N.O.R.E. he has heard those rumors but couldn’t confirm it because he didn’t talk to Hov.“That’s a rumor,” Budden said. “I didn’t personally ask him. I couldn’t personally speak to him.”
Out now on REVOLT. 
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