Circle The Block

25 years after her passing, Rello, Kunda & Miss Angie give Aaliyah her flowers — Star Search debut, One In A Million, and the Beyoncé debate.This week on Circle The Block, hosts Rello, Cunda, and Miss Angie mark the 25th anniversary of Aaliyah's passing with a full tribute episode. The crew opens up about exactly where they were the day they heard the news of the fatal 2001 plane crash, and reflects on how differently that kind of breaking news traveled before smartphones and social media.From there, the episode traces Aaliyah's career from the beginning — her 1989 Star Search debut at just ten years old, going up against future stars on a show that famously "never found a star" — all the way through the One In A Million era with Timbaland, Missy Elliott, and Static Major, which the hosts call one of the most influential R&B albums of the 90s. They dig into her cover of the Isley Brothers' "At Your Best (You Are Love)," the making of "Turn My Music Up," and the videos and routines ("Back & Forth," "One In A Million") that shaped a generation of Black girls growing up in that era.The episode also tackles the debate fans still have today: would Beyoncé still be Beyoncé if Aaliyah had lived? The hosts break down the different lanes each artist carved out vocally, stylistically, and in film — and give an honest, no-disrespect comparison of two icons who came up in the same era.As always, the crew closes out segments with odds on the 2026 Leagues Cup, the WNBA Championship, and an upcoming boxing card — before Bishop Cunda delivers a closing sermon giving Aaliyah her flowers, 25 years later.New episodes of Circle The Block drop every week — hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation about the music, movies, and moments that shaped us.00:00 – Intro & warm-up with the crew 03:32 – The anniversary of Aaliyah's passing: where were you? 05:38 – Life before smartphones: how the news actually traveled in 2001 07:59 – Miss Angie's memory of hearing the news on TV 10:13 – Breaking down the flight & the pilot's impossible position 12:36 – Aaliyah in her own words on how she wanted to be remembered 15:43 – Her lasting influence on artists 25 years later 18:04 – Her last interview: 106 & Park, four days before she passed 20:25 – The Matrix sequels she never got to film 22:49 – "She wasn't trying to impress nobody, she was just impressive" 22:49 – 2026 Leagues Cup winner 25:44 – Back from break: her 1989 Star Search debut 26:53 – Aaliyah performing on Star Search at age 10 29:44 – The wild list of Star Search "losers" (Beyoncé, Britney, Justin Timberlake & more) 32:09 – The One In A Million era & growing up with her posters 34:26 – Breaking down the "One In A Million" video and routine 36:49 – 2026 WNBA Championship 37:47 – Back from break: diving into the One In A Million album 39:39 – Ginuwine's "Final Warning" and the Aaliyah feature 40:37 – Aaliyah on going double platinum, in her own words 41:46 – One In A Million album stats: 8M+ copies sold worldwide 44:08 – "If Your Girl Only Knew" and 90s letter-writing nostalgia 44:37 – Missy Elliott's story behind "Turn My Music Up" 46:57 – "Up Jumps Da Boogie" and the crew's favorite lyrics 49:23 – The big debate: would Beyoncé still be Beyoncé without Aaliyah? 54:02 – Comparing Aaliyah's and Beyoncé's vocal styles 57:33 – Upcoming boxing card (Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn) 59:47 – Bishop Cunda's closing sermon 1:01:51 – Final thoughts & tribute 1:03:54 – OutroABOUT CIRCLE THE BLOCKCircle The Block is a culture and nostalgia podcast hosted by Rello The Saya, Kunda, and Miss Angie, where hip hop history, throwback pop culture, and current entertainment news collide. New episodes weekly.

DMX's 1999 Woodstock set is called one of the greatest hip hop performances ever. Rello, Kunda & Miss Angie break down why — plus the Aaliyah connection.On this episode of Circle The Block, hosts Rello, Cunda, and Angie circle back to one of hip hop's most legendary live moments: DMX's 1999 Woodstock performance, widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop sets of all time. From there, the crew dives deep into DMX's dominance on the 1999 Hard Knock Life Tour alongside Jay-Z, Method Man & Redman, DMK, and more — including the wild story of the "Million Dollar Bet" that led DMX to record his double-platinum sophomore album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, in just 30 days.The conversation turns personal and nostalgic as the hosts share their own DMX memories — from getting an A in English class off a DMX prayer, to debating DMX's underrated acting career in cult classics Belly and Romeo Must Die. That leads into a heartfelt tribute to Aaliyah, her film debut, her chemistry with DMX on screen, and her lasting influence on 90s and 2000s pop culture.As always, the episode is loaded with the crew's signature odds segments — placing bets on which artists drop albums in 2026 (Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift), the 2026 Mercury Prize, and the 2026 box office race between Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday. It's culture, nostalgia, comedy, and hip hop history — all in one sitting.New episodes of Circle The Block drop every week — hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation about the music, movies, and moments that shaped us.00:00 – Intro & warm-up with the crew 04:12 – DMX's legendary Woodstock '99 set 09:18 – The 1999 Hard Knock Life Tour breakdown 18:37 – Tour trivia: the Cincinnati snub & Pittsburgh snowstorm story 20:54 – Who's dropping an album in 2026? (Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift) 24:47 – Rough Ryders anthems & DMX's raw storytelling 25:33 – DMX on Drink Champs: recording two platinum albums in one year 26:03 – The numbers: It's Dark and Hell Is Hot vs. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood 29:31 – The DMX prayer that got a host an A in English class 31:58 – The Million Dollar Bet with Def Jam 33:00 – 2026 Mercury Prize 34:21 – DMX the actor: Belly & Romeo Must Die 37:07 – Aaliyah's film debut and her on-screen bond with DMX 41:52 – The Aaliyah legacy debate 46:56 – 2026 box office predictions 47:07 – Bishop Kunda's closing sermon 49:42 – Final thoughts & outroSubscribe to Circle The Block: https://www.youtube.com/@CircleTheBlockPodcast Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GcCyRJN4vtNPei0UtRg7D?si=f21fff83d20f4280 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/circle-the-block/id1790258938 Instagram: instagram.com/thecircletheblockshow ABOUT CIRCLE THE BLOCKCircle The Block is a culture and nostalgia podcast hosted by Rello The Saya, Kunda, and Miss Angie, where hip hop history, throwback pop culture, and current entertainment news collide. New episodes weekly.

In this episode, we explore the NFL season, draft strategies, Saquon Barkley's career highlights, and the dynamics of football fandom. Angie, Rello, and Cunda share insights, memories, and predictions that will resonate with football fans and sports enthusiasts alike. In this episode, we explore the intricacies of NFL player negotiations, team strategies, and the importance of understanding talent potential from high school to the pros. We also dive into football culture, high school highlights, and personal stories that highlight the journey of athletes.00:00 NFL Players Reacts To The Saquon Barkley Backwards Hurdle00:11 Circle The Block Intro Theme00:36 Introduction to Football Season and NFL Hype02:40 The Significance of Football in Texas and Ohio04:13 Expectations for the Upcoming NFL Season07:29 The Myth of the NFL Wife and Player Lies09:53 Saquon Barkley's Historic Play and Highlights12:37 Saquon Barkley's 2018 Draft and College Highlights18:11 Drafting Saquon Barkley and NFL Draft Insights24:17 Saquon Barkley's First NFL Touchdown28:39 Saquon Barkley's Contract Negotiations and Team Dynamics32:36 NFL Season Predictions and Team Rivalries38:48 Analyzing NFL Team Potential and Player Talents43:58 Personal Stories of Football and High School Highlights48:30 The Importance of Knowing Your Worth in Sports54:54 Bishop Kunda's Sermon on Self-Worth and Perseverance55:45 Final Words on Football, Self-Worth, and Season Outlook

This episode explores the remarkable journey of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, from his early days in football and wrestling to becoming a Hollywood superstar. The discussion highlights his iconic moves, charisma, and the evolution of his character in WWE, as well as his significant achievements in film and entertainment. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the multifaceted career of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, discussing his transition from football to wrestling and then to Hollywood. They delve into the financial success of his films, particularly the Jumanji series, and reflect on personal dreams and aspirations, drawing parallels to The Rock's journey. The discussion highlights the importance of pursuing one's passions and the impact of The Rock's influence in both sports and entertainment.00:00 Introduction to The Rock's Multifaceted Career01:52 Early Life and Football Days at Miami03:59 Transition from NFL to Wrestling Stardom08:08 Charisma, Mic Skills, and WWE Rise11:48 Hollywood Breakthrough: The Scorpion King19:52 Business Ventures and Ownership in Sports27:53 The Rock's Impact on Culture and Future Projects44:03 Personal Growth, Dreams, and Legacy49:47 Closing Remarks and Inspirational Takeaways

Join us as we revisit the iconic 1996 Olympics, explore legendary athletes like Michael Johnson and Muhammad Ali, and relive unforgettable moments from the Games that shaped sports history. This episode is a deep dive into the stories, records, and cultural impact of one of the most memorable Olympics ever.00:00 Introduction to the 1996 Olympics02:08 Celebrating 30 years since Atlanta 199604:01 Michael Johnson's iconic gold shoes and record-breaking race08:07 The significance of Johnson's double gold in 200m and 400m11:46 The impact of the 1996 US women's gymnastics team15:00 Carrie Strug's final vault and team victory16:52 Dominique Dawes' heroic floor routine19:47 Relay race strategies and baton passing challenges24:05 The cultural and political significance of Ali lighting the torch29:47 Olympic betting odds and sports predictions33:01 Memorable moments and reflections from the 1996 Games36:52 Muhammad Ali's legacy and the torch lighting controversy42:06 Closing thoughts and the legacy of the 1996 Olympics

In this episode of Circle the Block, Rello, Angie, and Cunda delve into the cultural significance and evolution of FUBU, the iconic streetwear brand founded by Daymond John and his partners. They discuss LL Cool J's pivotal role in FUBU's rise to fame, the impact of hip hop culture on fashion, and how FUBU adapted its business model to survive in a changing market. The conversation also touches on the nostalgia associated with 90s fashion and the brand's current global presence through licensing.00:00 FUBU Commercial Featuring LL Cool J00:12 Circle The Block Intro Theme02:09 The Legacy of FUBU and Its Founders07:59 LL Cool J's Impact on FUBU's Success12:44 Cultural Reflections and Nostalgia in Fashion16:55 The Evolution of FUBU and Fashion Trends22:52 FUBU's Business Model Shift and Global Presence26:29 Damon John's Journey from FUBU to Shark Tank34:54 FUBU's Resilience and Adaptation in the Market39:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Circle the Block, Rello, Angie, and Cunda discuss personal experiences with summer heat and festivals, leading into a deep dive into the historical significance of Woodstock 1969. They explore the cultural impact of the festival, its connection to the counterculture movement of the 1960s, and how it shaped modern festival culture. The conversation highlights personal concert experiences and the lasting legacy of Woodstock's message of peace and love. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the themes of challenging societal norms, the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, and the cultural impact of the Woodstock festival. They reflect on the significance of music as a form of protest and the emotional connection it creates with audiences. The discussion also touches on the possibility of another Woodstock in today's capitalistic society and the musical legends they wish they could have seen live, such as DMX and Prince. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of standing for one's beliefs and the power of music to inspire change. 00:00 Woodstock Was My First Concert 00:43 Check In & Personal Updates 02:58 The Heat and Summer Festivals 06:00 Woodstock 1969: A Cultural Milestone 11:59 Counterculture Movement and Its Impact 19:42 Challenging the Establishment 21:15 The Legacy of Jimi Hendrix 27:55 The Impact of Woodstock 30:28 Musical Legends We Wish We Saw 33:43 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Circle the Block, Rello, Cunda, and Angie discuss the significance of summer blockbusters in Hollywood, exploring their cultural impact, financial implications, and technological advancements, particularly focusing on the groundbreaking film Jurassic Park. They also delve into predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards, highlighting the importance of first-time nominees and the evolving landscape of the film industry. They also explore the significance of summer blockbusters as a form of escapism, nostalgia, and community bonding. They discuss the emotional investment in movies, the evolution of the summer blockbuster, and the shared experiences that come with watching films in theaters. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes related to favorite summer films and predictions for upcoming awards.00:00 Avengers: Endgame Audience Reaction00:31 Circle the Block Intro03:01 Summer Blockbusters: A Cultural Phenomenon05:54 The Financial Impact of Summer Blockbusters09:12 The Evolution of CGI in Film12:00 Jurassic Park: A Game Changer in Cinema14:58 The Future of Summer Blockbusters18:01 Academy Awards Predictions21:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts24:10 The Art of Betting and Emotional Investment25:22 Summer Blockbusters: An Escape from Reality31:25 Nostalgia and the Experience of Going to the Movies34:39 The Allure of Summer Blockbusters39:13 Community and Shared Experiences in Cinema42:58 Final Thoughts and Predictions for the Oscars

This episode, Rello and Cunda explore the cultural significance of Father's Day, its history, and its portrayal in sports and media, emphasizing the importance of active fatherhood and societal recognition.00:00 Welcome to Season Three01:36 Father's Day and the NBA Finals07:12 Fathers Receiving Love09:30 The History of Father's Day14:57 Celebrating Father's Day: A Cultural Perspective17:37 The Metrics of Father's Day vs. Mother's Day20:57 Comedic Commentary on Fatherhood24:02 Personal Reflections on Father's Day Celebrations27:11 The Importance of Fathers in Today's Society