N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode, we chop it up with the legends 9th Wonder and Smif-N-Wessun!

Legendary producer 9th Wonder and Brooklyn’s own Smif-N-Wessun sit down with the champs! In this deep-dive conversation, the trio reflects on their lasting impact on the culture, sharing stories from their early days to their most recent musical projects.

9th Wonder breaks down his journey from Little Brother to crafting beats for Jay-Z while offering insight into his role as a mentor and professor. Smif-N-Wessun, the rugged duo from Boot Camp Clik, recount their rise in the 90s New York scene and how their sound helped shape an era. Expect real talk, rare gems, and plenty of laughs as they toast to legacy, loyalty, and lyricism.

This episode is packed with hip-hop history, brotherhood, and inspiration. Tap in—you don’t want to miss this!

Make some noise for 9th Wonder and Smif-N-Wessun!! 💐💐💐🏆🏆🏆

*Listen and subscribe at www.drinkchamps.com/

Timecodes:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:07 - How the Collaboration Began
00:04:40 - Smif-N-Wessun’s Legacy of Authenticity
00:08:42 - Balancing Classic Sound with Futurism
00:12:33 - Recording Together vs Sending Files
00:16:19 - Peer Recognition vs Awards
00:20:40 - Redman, Busta Rhymes & Elder Statesmen Stories
00:24:20 - Smif-N-Wessun & 9th Wonder receive their flowers! 💐
00:25:05 - Brotherhood, Loyalty & No Public Drama
00:28:41 - 9th Wonder’s Grammy Committee Role
00:32:16 - Q-Tip’s Influence on Grammy Perspective
00:36:09 - Giving Flowers to Hip-Hop Legends
00:39:58 - Brooklyn Legacy & Boot Camp Clik's Place in History
00:43:50 - Respect from OGs Like Melle Mel
00:47:49 - Teaching the Next Generation
00:51:44 - Wu-Tang vs Boot Camp Clik Comparison
00:54:55 - Quick Time with Slime 🏆
01:05:26 - Salute to Pete Rock, Primo & EPMD
01:15:38 - The Art of Classic Albums & Remixes
01:20:22 - Buckshot’s Pen Game & NYC Pride
01:25:08 - Regional Love & Magazine Era Memories
01:29:15 - Touring Stories & Raw Energy
01:33:23 - Evolution from Culture to Business
01:38:36 - Meeting Prince in Minneapolis
01:53:01 - Pre-Internet Record Sales & Hype
01:57:20 - Funny Moments & Inside Jokes
02:01:31 - Understanding Music Business & Contracts
02:05:14 - Early Days & Signing Young
02:09:34 - 90s Vibes & Tunnel Era Flashbacks
02:14:31 - R&B Influence on “Infinity”
02:18:41 - Negotiating Industry Deals
02:22:10 - Power of Reposts & Community Support
02:26:21 - Creative Trust Between Artists
02:30:39 - Staying Relevant in Modern Hip-Hop
02:34:42 - Living for the Culture, Not Dying for Clout
02:39:40 - Music as Reflection of Life


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DJ EFN
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N.O.R.E.
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