iHM, Black Effect Team with Drink Champs for Podcast Net

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 2:12pm CT

The Drink Champs Podcast Network

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God's The Black Effect Podcast Network have partnered with hip-hop podcast pioneers N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN to launch The Drink Champs Podcast Network, a new podcast destination focused on storytelling, music culture, and voices rooted in hip-hop.

All programming on the new network will be executive produced by Drink Champs hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, whose show has racked up nearly 100 million downloads since launching nine years ago. The duo is now setting the stage to expand their influence beyond their own show by cultivating original content and new voices in the space.

"We're eager to share all we've learned over the years in helping trailblaze in this space," said N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN in a joint statement. "Our goal is to set people up not only for success, but with the tools to forge their own lanes."

The network's first original series, "ROC Solid," will be hosted by Roc-A-Fella Records veteran Memphis Bleek. The podcast promises unfiltered, wide-ranging conversations featuring guests from Bleek's music past - including N.O.R.E., Young Guru, Freeway, and Lenny S -- and expanding to other voices who have shaped culture across music, business, and sports.

"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," Bleek said. "'ROC Solid' is about more than music. It's about the mindset, the moves, and the moments that define greatness."

The premiere episode of "ROC Solid," launching during Black Music Month, features Ja Rule in a candid conversation reflecting on his career, Roc-A-Fella memories, and the state of hip-hop today.

Dollie S. Bishop, President of The Black Effect Podcast Network, called the collaboration "something special," noting: "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."

Additional shows for The Drink Champs Podcast Network will be announced in the coming months, with plans to highlight a broad array of content tailored to hip-hop fans.

All podcasts from the new network will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and made available on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms.