I have to admit I fangirl moderately over questlove and the roots so I don’t even remember how I found out about this podcast besides maybe I heard about it on Ahmir’s podcast Questlove Supreme. Regardless, even if I came from a somewhat or very different background, I still came up during the era of the beginning of MTV and YO! MTV Raps, so I’m drawn to those nostalgic things that talk about my era too, as is mentioned during season 4, which is all a continuing conversation with Questlove about the beginnings of the Roots. Unpretentious and real talk, which is all I have time for anymore, or really ever did, even when it’s not what I wanted to hear, so I highly recommend it. -Steph in Idaho via all over

OME is not only exceedingly talented as a musician and writer, he is also an excellent interview show host. The Prince Paul shows are an excellent dive into an era of hip hop history. Can’t wait to hear the other seasons!

Open Mike Eagle is an amazing host and artist in general! Loved all three seasons so far. Can’t wait to get into Questlove’s stories. I learned so much and for that I thank you immensely!

If you think a season long interview covering, in some cases, the entire career of artists that changed your life sounds amazing… it is. This is the holy grail of media, period, if you’re a life long head and student of the trajectory of left-of-center/alternative hiphop through the years. The El-p season is literal morphine for my weathered soul. Protect Open Mike Eagle at all costs!

This podcast is a breath of fresh air. Open Mike Eagle is a very informed host and asks interesting, thought provoking questions. The deep dives conducted with his interview subjects are fascinating. The man knows how to conduct a proper interview!!!

Big OME fan for years, just diving into all his different podcasts this year. Each season of WHHW is an incredibly engaging story, a beautiful love note to the genre. OME is truly compiling an honest and encompassing verbal history of hip hop.

Unlike most people in my generation who can’t seem to shut up about what podcast they’re listening to, I don’t listen to podcasts at all, mainly because there’s so much new music coming out all the time, that staying on top of it, and putting aside some time to dive back into old favorites, basically consumes all the listening time I have in any given week. “What Had Happened Was…“ is the one exception. Not only do I listen to it in it’s entirety, I listen to some episodes more than once. Deep dives into some of the most interesting artists and personalities in hip-hop. Exactly the kind of lore and insight I crave. Mike is a gifted interviewer who selects great subjects.

I 💚💚💚💚💚 the show/pod. It’s so visual. So In depth that I don’t want the season to end. You choice of guest have been laser beam focused. Thank You for taking us/me behind the curtain.

Open Mike Eagle is a great rapper in his own right. My friend told me last week about this series he did with Quest Love (season 4), and I plowed through that whole season, savoring every moment. I’m now on season 1, thoroughly enjoying these interviews with The Great Prince Paul. There are some great hip hop podcasts out there, but what separates this one from the pack, to me, is (1) Open Mike Eagle is not corny, and he’s not Stanning out, (2) Open Mike Eagle has a very humble, unpretentious, inquisitive vibe, where he’s not trying to take over the whole interview and blatantly trying to showcase every random piece of trivia that HE knows, which is a recurring theme in many hip hop podcasts, where the host is overly eager to highlight his knowledge rather than focus on getting the guest to talk, and (4) Open Mike Eagle is funny and strikes me as someone who would be fun to have a conversation with. I can’t wait to hear all the current seasons and future seasons. Thank you!!!!

Just finishing up season 1. I love the artists to come but idk if they can top prince paul. Love it

This first-hand account of the early years of The Legendary Roots Crew, the creative details, and engaging tangents had me captivated for two straight days!

If you love music then you will love this podcast. 10,000 stars

!!!!!

I’m in this “random” music group chat and one of the members said Quest was hating on Dilla without context (for which he later apologized lol), as he proceeded to send the link to this pod. As a Philly native, there’s so much I didn’t know about not only the Roots but many of the people that Quest mentioned in season 4, that I have had the pleasure to meet and have known for some years. Man. Thank you for this.

I’m a fan of Secret Skin and this a great evolution. By far my favorite podcast!

This is a phenomenal podcast! Mike Eagle is an excellent interviewer, and every season has been top notch. Thank you for making it!!!

Not since Combat Jack has there been a podcast I’ve enjoyed this much. Open Mike Eagle combines my two podcast types: interviewing and chronological/historical storytelling. Unlike a lot of hip-hop podcasts, he’s VERY good at keeping his guests on target, while allowing the deviations and just the right amount of interruptions which add to the story. Importantly, he always brings the guest back on track if they get too lost in memory lane. If you look at the seasons from El-P, Prince Paul, Dante Ross, and now Questlove, the my favorite era and groups from 1988 – 2002 are covered! Each season has been enjoyable. Open Mike Eagle is great and only gets better every season. A++

If you’re curious about 90s rap, or need to reminisce about “back in the day,” then WHHW podcast is for you! This Open Mike Eagle hosted podcast gives you behind-the-scenes stories from Prince Paul, El-P, and Dante Ross about some of your favorite old school hip hop artists and albums.

Mike, this new season on The Roots is incredible. Thank y’all for making this! This is the best season yet

Man I can’t stop starting over from the beginning of season 4 just to kill time until the end.

I love how he guides the episodes.

Another great season. Thanks Open Mike 🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This show is just too good! I love hearing how some of my most favorite creators create! It’s also a huge inspiration for my own podcast, The Corner! Thank you for this! (You should guest on my show!)

Somehow this podcast, incredible as it is, manages to get even better each season. Open Mike Eagle and questlove outdid themselves with this one. Riveting, hilarious, and a must listen for hip-hop fans

Eagle legend. Favorite thing going

This is the greatest podcast of all time. Not just another podcast! It’s a bespoke long format interview production that dives deep into the rabbit holes of production history. Hip hop heads this is your show!

It’s pretty easy to do….

Highly recommend!

This might be my “desert island” podcast. And we are spoiled to have yet another season to dig into!

Music Nerd Present 🙋🏾‍♂️🎧🤓

Can't stop listening. Amazing

Whens season 4? Great stuff!!

The podcast is really great, 5/5. But the bonus is Open Mike Eagle’s voice. Such a great podcasting voice. Very chill and relaxing to listen to him ask questions

flex if you wish to disagree, but buddy you thought because what had happened was is 10 stars out of 5

a very personal and well documented look into hip-hop

This podcast is super dope. I like the format. Hope a new season comes out before I finish the current episodes. Great job. Keep up the work.

I used to interview people for a living and Mike is one of the best I have ever heard. Fascinating talks with important people. Highly recommend.

Being a lifetime Hiphop head, this is the best. I can’t wait until the next season! Wonder who it could be?

I am loving hearing the behind the scenes stories from Dante Ross. Hearing stories from artists is great and all, but hearing the business side of things is uncommon and much appreciated.

Really enjoyed the El-P and Dante Ross seasons! Can’t wait to see who gets the honor next season! I would really like to see someone like House Shoes, Premier, or Pete Rock. I know they all have some incredible stories to tell. Keep up the great work!

No joke

Thank you for this podcast! Came for El-P, so stoked to discover the Prince Paul 1st season -newest season with Dante Ross was unbelievable too. Sooo much great history - truly appreciate all of the work that goes into these. Pleeeease keep them coming 🙏🏻!

Mike asks great questions, clearly does research on and has real knowledge of his subjects, he lets them do most of the talking and doesn’t constantly interject and go on long personal rambling rants *ahem..Questlove*, he keeps things focused and doesn’t let the interview get derailed, and his voice is smooth and boomy and made for radio. Every season is top notch.

Thank you Open Mike for creating such a wonderful, informative, in-depth podcast. It feels more like a conversation between friends than interview. Truly organic and fresh!

One of the best Hip Hop history podcast out there!! What you doing? Listen to it NOW!!!!

Hip Hop History. Someone you should try to be like! Dante Ross. Straight up Class Act

OME gets to the heart of so many classic producers’ works. Every season has been a banger.

If you’re interested in hip hop history this goes DEEP! OME is great at interviewing and the guests’ story telling is always crazy good. One of my all-time favorite podcasts

Dope! I’ve been recommending to all my hiphop heads.sidenote- love how each guest gets their own theme song.nice touch!

OUTSTANDING new season of “What Had Happened Was” with @Mike_Eagle & @DanteRoss! Dante is a massively important figure in hip-hop history & his stories about @IAMQUEENLATIFAH, Brand Nubian & others are tremendous! 100% a must listen!