85 South
85 South
April 30, 2026

BROKEN PLAY | NAVV GREENE FT. BHEN, JOJO ALONSO, & REGGIE BALL | S04 | EP 34

YouTube · 0QZZn1MHDZM

Quick Read

This episode dives into unfiltered takes on NBA playoff drama, Atlanta's unique culture, and contentious debates on hip-hop legends and social norms, all delivered with raw, comedic energy.
The Hawks' playoff run and player dynamics spark intense debate, from Soulja Boy's Atlanta status to Jaylen Johnson's superstar potential.
The WNBA's financial growth and player influence, driven by figures like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, mark a significant shift in women's sports.
Discussions on hip-hop's GOATs, overrated movies, and explicit relationship advice reveal deep-seated cultural opinions and personal experiences.

Summary

The hosts and guests engage in a wide-ranging, unscripted discussion covering the NBA playoffs, particularly the Hawks' performance and player analysis (Jaylen Johnson, CJ McCollum, Karl-Anthony Towns). They debate the ranking of Atlanta artists, the business growth of the WNBA, and controversial topics like Gucci Mane's 'telling' and societal expectations for women's age and appearance. The conversation is peppered with personal anecdotes, explicit humor, and strong opinions on music, movies, and relationship advice, highlighting the authentic, barbershop-style banter that defines the podcast.
This episode provides a raw, unfiltered look into contemporary sports and cultural discussions, offering candid opinions often missing from mainstream media. It showcases the unique blend of humor, personal stories, and strong takes that resonate with a specific audience, reflecting current social and entertainment trends in an authentic, conversational format.

Takeaways

  • The Hawks vs. Knicks playoff game was lauded for its electric atmosphere and celebrity attendance, despite debate over halftime performers.
  • Soulja Boy's ranking as an 'Atlanta artist' is contentious, with some arguing his global influence transcends local categorization.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns is criticized for relying too heavily on three-pointers instead of dominating inside, despite strong rebound numbers.
  • The WNBA is experiencing significant financial growth and increased visibility, largely due to player influence and marketing efforts.
  • Gucci Mane's controversial actions of 'telling' on Poo Shiesty ignite a debate on street code versus personal evolution in hip-hop culture.

Insights

1Atlanta Hawks Playoff Performance and Roster Dynamics

The hosts express immense pride in the Atlanta Hawks' playoff performance against the Knicks, highlighting the electric atmosphere and celebrity presence at the game. They critically analyze player contributions, praising CJ McCollum's veteran presence and Kaminga's defensive hustle, while also debating Jaylen Johnson's potential as a superstar and the team's need for a 'tough' enforcer. The discussion also touches on the perceived 'light-skinned' nature of the team, humorously suggesting a lack of aggressive leadership.

Discussion around the Hawks vs. Knicks game, CJ McCollum's game-winner, Kaminga's defense, and the team's overall dynamic.

2Soulja Boy's Place in Atlanta Hip-Hop Hierarchy

A heated debate arises regarding Soulja Boy's status as an 'Atlanta artist.' While acknowledging his global influence and pioneering role on platforms like YouTube, many hosts argue he doesn't rank among Atlanta's top artists in the same vein as Jeezy, Tip, or Gucci Mane, who are seen as more representative of the city's street culture and musical identity. They suggest he's more of a global trendsetter than a local icon.

The hosts question where Soulja Boy ranks as an Atlanta artist, stating 'his name don't come up' in top lists and that he's 'global before I say he Atlanta.'

3The WNBA's Economic Transformation and Player Influence

The WNBA is lauded for its significant financial growth, with player salaries increasing dramatically. The hosts attribute this surge to increased marketing, player visibility, and the rising influence of stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, who have brought unprecedented attention to women's basketball, even from their college careers. They acknowledge the league's historical financial struggles and celebrate its current profitability.

Discussion about WNBA players making 'a million' from '30,000' and the impact of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark on ticket sales and viewership.

4The 'Telling' Controversy: Gucci Mane vs. Street Code

Gucci Mane's perceived 'telling' on Poo Shiesty sparks a debate about the unwritten rules of the street versus personal growth and legal responsibility. While some argue that Gucci, having come from that lifestyle, should adhere to the street code, others contend that he has evolved and has the right to protect himself, especially as a civilian. The discussion highlights the tension between past identity and present circumstances in the hip-hop community.

The hosts discuss Gucci Mane's actions and the backlash, with one host stating, 'Gucci not a civilian. Any civilian definitely tell, do what you got to do cuz you a civilian.'

5Future vs. Drake: A Verzuz Battle of Eras and Styles

The debate over who would win a Verzuz battle between Future and Drake reveals a generational and stylistic divide in hip-hop appreciation. Future is championed for his consistent relevance across different eras and his ability to produce numerous 'bangers' that transcend lyrical depth. Drake is acknowledged for his widespread popularity and hits, but some argue Future's raw, street-oriented catalog would ultimately prevail, especially in an Atlanta setting.

Discussion on Future's 'landslide' victory in a Verzuz, his ability to 'adjust with every era of music,' and comparing his 'March Madness' to Drake's catalog.

Bottom Line

The rise of player-influencers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark is a critical factor in the WNBA's recent financial success, demonstrating how individual branding can drive league-wide engagement and profitability.

So What?

This shift indicates a new model for sports leagues, where investing in and promoting individual star power, especially those with strong social media presence, can yield significant returns beyond traditional marketing.

Impact

Sports organizations should prioritize developing and leveraging player brands through social media and direct fan engagement, potentially creating new revenue streams and expanding their audience base.

The phenomenon of fan-run social media accounts gaining significant celebrity engagement, sometimes even eclipsing official accounts, highlights the power of organic, community-driven content.

So What?

This suggests that authenticity and perceived fan ownership can be more compelling than official, curated content, even leading to direct interactions with high-profile individuals.

Impact

Brands and public figures can strategically embrace and even collaborate with influential fan accounts, recognizing their role in community building and viral marketing, rather than solely focusing on direct control.

Opportunities

NFL G-League/Minor League System

Establish a formal G-League or minor league system for the NFL to allow weaker teams to develop talent and improve without impacting the main league's competitive balance. This would also provide a platform for players not quite ready for the NFL to hone their skills.

Source: Discussion about NFL needing a G-League for teams like the Jets and Raiders.

Lessons

  • Leverage PrizePicks by using the code 'BROKENPLAY' to get $50 in lineups for a $5 play, especially focusing on underdog picks or players you 'hate' to maximize returns.
  • For event bookings with the hosts, utilize the official email 'bookings@85show.com' to ensure professional handling and avoid informal DMs.
  • When attending sports events, consider the 'experience over money' principle; sometimes the atmosphere and memories of a live game outweigh potential winnings from betting on the opposing team.

Notable Moments

Nav Greene unknowingly takes a picture with Kaminga's father at a Hawks game, leading to a humorous realization and discussion about celebrity encounters.

This moment highlights the unexpected and often humorous interactions that can occur in celebrity-filled environments, emphasizing the hosts' down-to-earth nature.

A detailed comparison of food quality in different sections of State Farm Arena, from 'ribeye and lamb chops' in the Delta Club to 'hot dogs, Lays chips, and jelly beans' in standard suites.

This provides a relatable, behind-the-scenes look at the perks and disparities of luxury seating at major sports venues, offering a unique consumer perspective.

A humorous and explicit discussion about Britney Griner's viral 'split' video and the hosts' reactions, blending sports commentary with unfiltered social commentary.

This showcases the podcast's willingness to engage with controversial and viral cultural moments, reflecting a no-holds-barred approach to discussion.

Quotes

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"I don't care how bad you is, I want it."

Unknown Host
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"He's just so effective on the offensive end that it make up for the lack of defense."

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"You never want to motivate an already talented athlete, let alone a professional."

Unknown Host
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"Future is landslide better than everybody that ever rap. That's a bias. I just think he's adjusted with every era of music."

Unknown Host
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"You can't control when karma hits you things. If you don't ever did some bad in your life, you can't be like, 'All right, I'm through.' So, nobody can't [expletive] with me."

Unknown Host
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"You better put yourself first. Put yourself first then you could be better for that woman."

Unknown Host

Q&A

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