The Need to Know Podcast

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

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

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.

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.

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.