Elliott Wilson and Crew Tackle Hip-Hop’s Hot Topics on “The Bigger Picture”

The January 18 episode of The Bigger Picture podcast came through with real talk, laughs, and some serious moments, making it clear why fans love this show. Hosts Elliott Wilson, DJ Hed, and Jeremy Heck jumped right in, talking about their break, their vibes as a team, and even stirring up some drama in the hip-hop world.

Starting Off: New Year, Same Vibes

The squad kicked off with jokes and good energy, clowning on each other like they never left. DJ Hed called out Elliott Wilson for being the king of messing up and cleaning it up after, while Jeremy Heck dropped a funny story about how deep his love for Subway sandwiches goes.

“I got to the point where they’d ask, ‘Do you want Plan A or Plan B today?’” Heck said, cracking everyone up.

It was a light moment before diving into the big topics. The hosts also shared their reflections on how taking a break allowed them to recharge and come back with fresh perspectives. Wilson noted, “Sometimes stepping back helps you see the bigger picture. We’ve got so much more to talk about now.”

The crew also reminisced about moments that helped shape their bond, from late-night debates about hip-hop’s evolution to reflecting on how their platform has grown over time. They joked about how fans demand “no skips” on their podcast episodes, highlighting the pressure to deliver every time.

Elliott vs. Cam’ron: Owning Up

One of the hottest moments in the episode was when they talked about Elliott’s recent back-and-forth with Cam’ron. It all started when Elliott said something about Cam on the Rory & Mal podcast that went viral. Elliott broke it down and admitted he got caught slipping.

“I was just talking mess,” Elliott said. “But once it blew up, I had to take a step back and own it.”

The crew broke it down further, with DJ Hed emphasizing the need for real change, not just apologies. “It’s about growth,” Hed said. “You’ve got to be able to show that you’ve learned from your mistakes.”

Elliott also gave props to Cam’ron for how he’s been building up his show It Is What It Is and creating opportunities for others. “He’s doing it the right way,” Elliott said. “Putting people on and giving them a platform is what this game is all about.”

The discussion didn’t shy away from exploring how social media amplifies drama, with Jeremy Heck adding, “People love to see the mess, but they don’t always see the resolution. That’s the part we’ve got to highlight more.”

They dove into how the media plays a role in shaping narratives, with Elliott reflecting on the responsibility that comes with being a voice in hip-hop. “What you say matters,” he admitted. “We have a platform, and we have to use it wisely.”

West Coast Fires: Hip-Hop Steps Up

Things got serious as they talked about the wildfires that hit California hard. DJ Hed shared his experience helping people on the ground and explained how the fires affected more than just the rich neighborhoods.

“People make it about the rich folks in the Palisades,” Hed said. “But it’s the landscapers, janitors, and teachers who are hit the hardest.”

The group showed love to hip-hop artists who stepped up, like Tyler, the Creator, and Snoop Dogg, who organized drives to help those in need. Hed kept it real: “No one asked who you voted for—it was all about helping people.”

Elliott also shouted out incarcerated firefighters who put their lives on the line for little to no pay. “They’re saving lives,” he said. “It’s both heroic and heartbreaking.” The team agreed that more attention needs to be brought to these unsung heroes, with Jeremy adding, “These guys deserve real recognition. They’re risking it all.”

The hosts also discussed how hip-hop’s community-oriented spirit often goes unnoticed in mainstream media. “This culture isn’t just about music,” Elliott said. “It’s about showing up when it counts.”

Joey Bada$$ Stirs Things Up

The crew also dove into Joey Bada$$ and his recent song that had people buzzing. Joey dropped some bold bars calling out the competition, with a nod to Jay-Z’s classic track “22 Two’s.” The team dissected whether Joey was aiming at Kendrick Lamar or just putting New York back on the map.

“Joey’s smart,” DJ Hed said. “He knows how to shake things up without being reckless.”

Jeremy Heck pointed out that Joey’s making a statement. “He’s saying, ‘I belong in this conversation,’” Heck said. They also wondered if Joey’s main goal was to challenge the West Coast’s dominance in hip-hop.

The discussion then shifted to the importance of competition in hip-hop, with Elliott noting, “Iron sharpens iron. When artists push each other, the culture wins.” They speculated on how Joey’s move might inspire other artists to raise their game.

The hosts reflected on the history of rivalry in hip-hop and how it has often pushed the genre forward. “It’s about respect,” Hed said. “You can compete without it turning into beef.”

Wrapping It Up: Hip-Hop Needs Bridges, Not Beef

As they closed out, the hosts reflected on the state of hip-hop. Elliott talked about learning to focus on his own path instead of comparing himself to others.“We’re all running our own races,” he said. “The bigger picture is about lifting each other up, not tearing each other down.”

The team emphasized the need for unity, with Hed adding, “We’ve got to build bridges, not burn them. There’s room for everybody to eat.”They also touched on the importance of mentorship in the industry. “If you’ve made it, reach back,” Jeremy said. “Help someone else get through the door.”

The episode ended with a powerful reminder of hip-hop’s role as a cultural force. “Hip-hop has always been about community,” Elliott said. “We just need to make sure we keep that spirit alive.”