Elizabeth McQueen

Boosie Be Quiet!

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh talk about Boosie Badazz’s reaction to Lil’ Nas X’s pregnant promo pictures, and encourage the “Set it Off” artist to stop commenting on things he shouldn’t be commenting on.
The hosts talk about the feud between Kanye and Drake, and bemoan the fact that André 3000 got caught up in the middle of their latest beef.
You’ll learn interesting things about how Fat Joe saved Common’s life, why the Jack the Rapper conference was moved from Miami to Atlanta, Rapping Duke from the Biggie Smalls song “Juicy,” the origin of the beef between Nas and Death Row East, the time that Silkk the Shocker almost fought Tupac, the first verse Ceelo every recorded and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Breaks should focus more on what’s happening in the Austin Hip-Hop and R&B Scene.
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius talks about why wrong he thinks Texas’ 6 week abortion ban is and how embarrassed it makes him to be a Texan.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Kendrick Speaks!

In this episode of The Breaks

Confucius and Fresh talk about Kendrick Lamar’s recent announcement that his upcoming record will be his last with Top Dawg Entertainment.
Both hosts talk about the recent addition of Aliyah’s music to streaming services.
In this week’s installment of “Hip-Hop Facts” you’ll learn interesting things about T.I., Diddy, Ghostface Killah, Wish Bone, 50 Cent, Clipse and more.
Fresh voices the Unpopular Opinion that Austin artists need to improve the way they promote their songs.
In his Confucius Segment Confucius stresses the need for people to have the same expectations for themselves as they have for other people.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

What Do We Do Now?

We look at this latest COVID surge in Austin and ask the question — What Do We Do Now?

In this episode you’ll hear from

Desmar Walkes, M.D — Medical Director/Health Authority for the City of Austin.
Pat Buchta — Executive Director or Austin Texas Musicians
Aubrey Hays — Musician
Mike Hidalgo — Musician
Autumn Cymone — Musician
Matt the Electrician — Musician
Erin Walter from Parker Woodland
Kate Howard — Musician
Jason McNeely — Managing Partner of Hotel Vegas
Jung Kwak PhD, MSW — Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing specializing in end of life issues and Medical Ethics.

Erin Walter poses for a portrait at Far Out Lounge and Stage on August 5, 2021. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Portrait of Jung Kwak, Associate Professor in the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. Photo by Matt Wright-Steel, courtesy of the Texas Exes

Dipset Debacle

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh discuss the latest Tekashi 6ix9ine related drama between 21 Savage and Wack 100.
Both hosts talk about Tyler the Creator’s most recent interview with Laura Styles on Hot 97.
In this week’s installment of “Hip-Hop facts” you’ll learn interesting things about Jim Jones’ “Summer in Miami,” Tupac’s “Hit Em Up,” Jaydakiss, The Joe Budden podcast, Nas and more.
Confucius and Fresh share their thoughts on the latest Verzuz battle between Dipset and the Lox.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Is Ye Back?

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius is out, so Fresh talks about Kanye West’s latest unfulfilled promise to release his latest album, Donda, on July 24th and wonders if this new record signals a return of the old Kanye.
Fresh lays out who he thinks might win the upcoming versus between Dipset and the Lox.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about UGK’s “One Day,” Outkast’s “Slump” and the Atlanta rap group D4L.
Fresh talks explains why he think that Isaiah Rashad’s new release The House is Burning is a contender for album of the year.
In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh discusses Coi Leray’s XXL Freestyle and states that people have to let go of “trolling” as a scapegoat for people who don’t take rapping seriously

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

What’s Changed for Musicians?

We talk to musicians about what’s changed for them at this stage of the pandemic. You’ll learn what they’re doing differently creatively and with their businesses and how they’re feeling overall about the constantly changing Austin music landscape.

In this episode you’ll hear from

Jay Wile
Sara Houser
Jon Fichter from Sweet Spirit and Hong King Wigs
Caleb de Casper
Rene Chavez
Stephanie Bergara from Bidi Bidi Banda
Tee Double

Hip-hop artist Tee-Double is pictured in his home studio on July 15, 2021, in Austin. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Caleb De Casper is pictured at the Steinway Piano Gallery on July 19, 2021, in Austin. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Fresh Returns!

This week on The Breaks:

Cohost Fresh Knight is back!
Confucius and Fresh discuss the recent death of Biz Markie, and talk about the relatively young life span of many rappers.
Both hosts explain how they feel about posthumous albums after the recent posthumous release of “Faith” from Pop Smoke.
You’ll hear the hosts reactions to Coi Leroy’s Freestyle on XXL Freshman Cypher.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that “Space Jam: A New Legacy” is good and the millennials who have criticisms of the movie need to get over it.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius explains why he doesn’t agree with the DaBaby’s decision to try and teach a lesson to kids who were trying to sell him candy at an inflated price.

What’s Changed for Music Venues?

We talked to three club owners about what’s changed for music venues since things have opened back up, plus we explore the saga behind the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.

In this episode you’ll hear from:

Angela Tharp from the Flamingo Cantina
Will Bridges from Antone’s
Independent music business manager Peter Schwarz
James Moody from Mohawk

AUSTIN, TX. May 27, 2021. Mohawk reopens with a sold out performance of Heartless Bastards with The Tender Things. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Dame vs Jay

This week on The Breaks:

Fresh is still out, so Confucius discusses Nicki Minaj’s recent collaboration with BIA, and how happy he is to see her back making music
Confucius talks about Drake’s latest dating shenanigans.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about “Elevators” by Outkast, “Passing Me By” by The Pharcyde, “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and “Unforgettable” by Drake.
Confucius discusses Lil Baby’s recent arrest in Paris.
Confucius explores the rivalry between Dame Dash and Jay-Z, and explains why he thinks the two of them may never mend that rift because of Dame’s propensity to talk too much to the media.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius talks about how much he misses his co-host Fresh Knight, who’s been under the weather, and talks about how ready he is for him to come back.

Listen to the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Kim Verzuz Nicki?

This week on The Breaks:

Fresh is still out, so Confucius talks about the recent news that Lil’ Kim would like to do a Verzuz with Nicki Minaj.
Confucius breaks down the Verzuz battle between Bobby Brown and Keith Sweat
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about Nas’ classic records “Illmatic” and “It Was Written,” Aaliyah’s “At Your Best,” Jah Rule, Keith Sweat and more.
Confucius talks about the recent altercation between Lil Uzi Vert, his ex girlfriend Brittany Byrd, and artist SAINt JHN.
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius defends Austin artist and activist Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone against the unfounded allegations that local artist manager Wane levied against him on twitter.

The Breaks are on every Saturday 10pm-1am on KUTX 98.9.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Confucius vs Verzuz

This week on The Breaks:

Fresh is still out so Confucius talks about the recent Verzuz between Souja Boy and Bow Wow, both of whom have been accused of physically assaulting women and asks whether the organizers of Verzuz should be more accountable when it comes to the artists they showcase.
Confucius talks about the recent article in the Austin Chronicle that he was interviewed for called “21 Austin Rappers to Know in 21.” He applauds the spotlight on Austin’s hip-hop scene and encourages artists who may not have made it on the list not to worry and to keep on doing the work they love.
you’ll learn interesting things about Cardi B, Young Thug, The Weeknd, T-Pain, Kanye & more in this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts.
Confucius talks about Tyler the Creator after the release of his new mixtape “Call Me if You Get Lost.”
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages listeners to lean into loyalty.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

For the Fans

In this episode its all about the fans! You’ll hear about how they coped when there were no live shows and how they feel now that things are opening back up.

In this episode, you’ll hear from:

Hady Mawajdeh. : Hady produced a great podcast called “Gun Play.” You can listen here.
Joanna Castillo
Jonathan Weldon
Jen Leduc
Lulu Bryant

AUSTIN, TX. May 27, 2021. Joanna Castillo poses for a portrait with three 15-inch high piles of music shirts that celebrate a variety of artists, venues, concerts and festivals. Castillo bought between 40-50 shirts in just the past year to support artists that were unable to perform due to the coronavirus pandemic. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Check out Andrew Weber’s piece on venues not yet receiving federal relief

Let us know your thoughts! Take the Pause/Play Survey!

Listen to songs from this episode of Pause/Play

AUSTIN, TX. May 28, 2021. Jonathan Weldon, his wife Laura, and sons Pierce, 8, and Oliver, 4, have been organizing small concerts in their front-yard over the course of the coronavirus pandemic. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Is Lil Baby the new Lil Wayne?

This week on The Breaks:

Fresh is still out, so Confucius explores the idea that Lil Baby reminds people of Lil Wayne.
Confucius discusses the foolishness of “T.I” trying to deny the multiple sexual assault allegations that have been brought against him in his new song “What It’s Come To.”
Confucius talks about the recent news that Aaliyah secretly dated Static Major, and that their relationship inspired “Are You That Somebody.”
In this week’s installment of “Hip-Hop Facts” you’ll learn interesting things about the making of Tha Carter III, Lupe Fiasco, The Cool Kids & Kanye West.
In his Confucius Says Segment, Confucius encourages listeners not to put unrealistic expectations on the people around them, especially when they are dealing with their own children.

Go Off Mariah!

This week on The Breaks:

Fresh is still out, so Confucius talks about the recent rumors that Mariah Carey exploded at a meeting at Roc Nation that included Jay-Z.
Confucius talks about Kat Williams’ take on cancel culture.
In this week’s installment of Random Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tibits about Usher, Ludacris, Drake, Jay-Z, and Mariah Carey.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages listeners to put themselves in other people’s shoes and lean into empathy.

Listen to the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Is the Pandemic Over for Austin Music?

We ask the question, “Is the Pandemic Over For Austin Music?” You’ll hear from public health experts, a musician, a fan, a venue owner and a venue manager about what whether or not the CDC’s change in mask guidance for vaccinated individuals coupled with the big reopening in Austin music venues that took place on Memorial Day weekend signals the end of the pandemic for Austin’s music scene.

In this episode you’ll hear from:

Jason R. Pickett, MD, FACEP, FAEMS: Deputy Medical Director for Austin
Matt Lara: Public Information Officer – City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
The Teeta: Austin based hip-hop artist
Sabrina Mikan RN, PhD: Music fan
Steve Sternshein: Managing Partner of Heard Presents and Owner of Empire Control Room and Garage
Jeanette Gregor — Venue Manager for Mohawk and Co-founder of The Amplified Sound Coalition.

Let us know your thoughts! Take the Pause/Play Survey!

Austin hip-hop Artist the Teeta — AUSTIN, TX. May 28, 2021. The Teeta in East Austin. Michael Minasi/KUTX

You can listen to Jason Pickett’s podcast here: https://atcomd.wordpress.com/category/podcasts/

You can follow Sabrina Mikan on @lovefromatx on Instagram.

AUSTIN, TX. May 27, 2021. Sabrina Mikan. Michael Minasi/KUTX

The Breaks’ Mt. Rushmore of Rap

The week on The Breaks:

Fresh is out, so Confucius answers the question put forth by Rap Caviar — Who are the 4 best rappers of the 2010’s? For Confucius it’s Drake, Kendrick, Future and Nicki Minaj.
Confucius puts forth that of his top 4 hip-hop artists, Drake is hands down the biggest artist of them all.
Confucius discusses the release of DMX’s posthumously released record “Exodus.”
In this week’s installment of Random Hip-Hop Facts you’ll find out info about Lil Jon, the writing of “Still D.R.E.,” why Jay-Z skipped the Grammys and what the most bootlegged album of all time is.
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about who they are so that they can be true to themselves.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Respect Nicki Minaj!

This week on The Breaks:

Fresh is out, so host Confucius Jones explores the legacy of Nicki Minaj after the re-release of her 2009 mixtape “Beam Me Up Scotty.”
This week’s installment of Random Hip-Hop facts centers around LL Cool J and Jay-Z after the announcement that both of them will be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Confucius talks about Future’s recent jab at his ex Lori Harvey on 42 Dugg’s song “Maybach, and proclaims that Future complains about women more than Drake does.
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius acknowledges that the odds are stacked against Black and Brown Austinites, but still encourages them to do the work to fix the problems they see around them, even when it’s hard.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

To Play, or Not to Play?

In the latest episode of Pause/Play we tackle the question “To Play, or Play or not Play?” We asked 15 Austin Musicians the same questions — Have you performed during the pandemic? Are you ready to perform now? What would it take to make you feel comfortable performing the way we used to pre-pandemic? Their answers provide insight into what it’s been like to be a musician during COVID and what kind of decisions artists are faced with now that more people are getting vaccinated and COVID restrictions are loosening.

AUSTIN, TX. May 7, 2021. Pause/Play. Tameca Jones is pictured in Central Austin. Michael Minasi/KUTX

In this episode you’ll hear from:
Tameca Jones
Chinasa Broxton from Tribe Mafia
Daisy O’connor
Nayome
Topaz McGarrigle from Golden Dawn Arkestra
Yin & Yang
Gina Chavez
Corey Baum from Croy and the Boys
Jaehross
Megz Kelli and Dougie Do from Magna Carda
Sara Houser
Chris Conde
Daniel Fears

Let us know your thoughts! Take the Pause/Play Survey!

AUSTIN, TX. May 4, 2021. Pause/Play. Jaeh Ross is pictured in South Austin. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Listen to the Songs featured in “To Play, or Not To Play?”

AUSTIN, TX. May 4, 2021. Pause/Play. Topaz McGarrigle, of Golden Dawn Arkestra, is pictured at his home in East Austin. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Respect Big Boi!

This week on The Breaks:

Hosts Confucius and Fresh try to combat all the online negativity surrounding Big Boi.
The hosts talk about the recent fight between NLE Choppa, his entourage and one of his fans.
You’ll learn interesting things about Run DMC, Toni Braxton, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Nas, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe and more in this week’s installment of Random Hip-Hop Facts.
In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh cautions local artists from trying to get their music listened to by publicly airing their grievances with other rappers.
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius encourages people to keep pursuing their dreams.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Catching up with the Breaks

The Breaks are back after a two week hiatus. In this episode:

Confucius and Fresh honor Shock G who passed away on April 22.
both hosts discuss Irv Gotti’s comments about the passing of DMX
the hosts debate whether Busta Rhymes was right to crown Bobby Shmurda “The King of New York.”
you’ll learn little known facts about Irv Gotti, Fat Joe, Mase, Diddy, Lord Infamous, Cappadonna & Drake’s classic record “Views.”
In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh states that, “Sorry Not Sorry” the DJ Khaled song featuring Jay-Z and Nas is lackluster.
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius encourages people to enjoy where they are not a not try to bring other people down.

The Breaks are on every Saturday 10pm-1am on KUTX 98.9.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.