On this episode of Mixed and Mastered, we kick it with Rob Markman—Brooklyn-bred storyteller, journalist, and artist—as he rewinds to his roots in hip hop’s golden age. From bumping Ladi Dadi on cassette to catching inspiration from CL Smooth’s T.R.O.Y., Rob shares how the culture raised him and why storytelling remains the heartbeat of his music.

He opens up about navigating the grind—from freelancing for Vibe, Complex, and The Source to launching XXL’s digital presence and leveling up at MTV. With Bronx family roots that run deep—shoutout to his great uncle Willie Bobo and cousin Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill—Markman breaks down how legacy shaped his vision and fueled his path to becoming an artist in his own right.

We talk Genius, podcasting, media politics, and the pressure of public opinion—but more than that, we dive into what it means to keep hip hop honest. Whether he’s writing bars or crafting platforms, Rob stays focused on impact, mentorship, and building a future where artists can speak freely and fans can truly connect.

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Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://mixedandmasteredpod.buzzsprout.com/