During a recent conversation, the Drink Champs co-host said he made it “cool” for rappers to transition into podcasting, long before it became a popular lane for artists looking to expand their brand beyond music.
“They Took The Formula”
N.O.R.E. specifically mentioned his friends Jadakiss and Fat Joe, saying they followed a format similar to what he built.
According to N.O.R.E., even Fat Joe’s now-signature habit of cutting guests off mid-conversation is something he believes originated with him.
“That cutting people off? That came from me,” he suggested, implying that his high-energy, interruptive, unfiltered style helped shape the tone of modern hip-hop podcasts.
Through Drink Champs, N.O.R.E. helped create a space where artists could speak candidly, share untold stories, drink, laugh, and sometimes go viral. The show became known for its raw, barbershop-style conversations — something many fans say changed the culture of hip-hop interviews.
What once felt unconventional — rappers turning into full-time media personalities — is now common. Several artists have launched shows in recent years, tapping into the same mix of authenticity, debate, and viral moments.
While N.O.R.E.’s comments appear rooted in confidence rather than conflict, the statement adds fuel to ongoing conversations about originality in media spaces.
In today’s content-driven era, podcasting has become a powerful extension of hip-hop culture — and according to N.O.R.E., he deserves credit for opening that door.
Whether fans agree or not, one thing is certain: the rapper-turned-media-mogul isn’t shy about claiming his influence.
