G Herbo recently sparked conversation online after suggesting that media figures like DJ Vlad and DJ Akademiks should contribute financially to the communities they’ve covered over the years—particularly in Chicago.

During his appearance on The Adam Friedland Show, the Chicago rapper voiced frustration with platforms that have spotlighted violence in the city’s drill scene. While acknowledging his own past in that world, G Herbo said others should do more to give back. “Y’all go donate $100,000 and write that s**t off on y’all taxes,” he said.

The comment made its way to Akademiks, who invited DJ Vlad to discuss it further on his podcast around the 17:30 mark. Akademiks admitted G Herbo’s words may have been directed more at him, considering his early coverage of Chicago’s drill movement via the War in Chiraq series—but said he wanted to hear Vlad’s thoughts since they were both mentioned.

Vlad addressed the comments directly, and pointed out, "I didn’t build my career off Chicago. It was one of the things I covered, among many.” He pushed back on the idea that VladTV profited solely or primarily from Chicago’s street culture, noting that the platform has always featured a wide range of voices and stories across hip-hop, comedy, sports, politics, and beyond.

Akademiks also acknowledged the impact of his past coverage, saying he would approach things differently today. “I’d have a lot more empathy. You can never do enough,” he said. At the same time, he criticized what he sees as selective accountability, arguing that artists who glorify violence in their music should also take responsibility.

The discussion also included commentary on the tone of G Herbo’s original interview. Akademiks called out Adam Friedland for baiting questions and past offensive behavior. “He’s trying to be a shock jock with rappers,” Akademiks said, noting he has screenshots and receipts from Friedland’s social media history.

Still, the conversation ended with a potentially productive idea. “Instead of saying you donate… let’s say we donate,” Vlad said, suggesting he and Akademiks could collaborate with G Herbo on a fundraiser or initiative in Chicago. “Let’s do something together that really makes a difference.”

Elsewhere in the interview, DJ Vlad and Akademiks touched on Diddy being sentenced and Tory Lanez. Listen in full above.

Source: YouTube