Elizabeth McQueen

5 Years of The Breaks

This week on The Breaks:

- The Breaks celebrate the 5th Anniversary of their radio show on KUTX 98.9
- Confucius and Fresh discuss the greatest beef of all time — the one between Elmo and Zoe’s pet rock, Rocco
- Both hosts look back on the last five years of The Breaks radio show.
- In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn about the deal that almost happened between Def Jam and BMF, how Cam’ron almost signed Rick Ross, how J Cole hipped Dr. Dre to Kendrick Lamar, how T.I.’s wife Tiny helped him early in his career and more.
- Fresh states his Unpopular Opinion that JID will make the best album of 2022.
- In his Confucius Reads the News segment, Confucius talks about the anniversary of the insurrection of January 6th, the rise of the Omicron variant, and why Antonio Brown walked off the field.

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

How some Austin musicians are finding housing help with HOME

In the latest episode, you’ll learn about Austin Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers or HOME. This Austin organization helps older musicians with housing and living expenses.

You’ll hear from Marcia Ball and Rosie Flores.

DJ Hella Yella Speaks!

This week on The Breaks:

- Confucius and Fresh interview Austin’s DJ Hella Yella about his career and his new radio show on KAZI 88.7.
- In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting things about video director Ralph McDaniels, who Ludacris’ co-host was in his early radio days, why Ice Cube wasn’t allowed to do a song with Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, the story behind CL Smooth and Pete Rock’s song “They Reminisce Over You (Troy)” and more.
- Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that contrary to what some people are saying, there are a lot of exciting things happening in hip-hop right now.
- In Confucius Reads the News, Confucius talks about the recent run-in between Freddie Gibbs and Jim Jones, President’s Biden’s reversal on canceling student loan debt, Cardi B’s latest accomplishment and more.

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

TROY NōKA Speaks

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh talk to artist and producer TROY NōKA about his new record, “Grab the Will,” what it’s like to work with artists like Frank Ocean and Chris Brown and how he helped Doja Cat on her rise to fame.
On this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn interesting tidbits about how we almost got an entirely different version of Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter II,” how the term “The ATX “came about, what Deezie Brown’s stage name used to be, why Outkast didn’t perform at the Superbowl and more.
Fresh states his Unpopular Opinion that Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” isn’t actually a classic.
In this week’s installment of Confucius Read the News, Confucious talks about the fight that happened during Verzuz between Three 6 Mafia & Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, President Biden’s recent phone call with Russian President Putin, Mark Meadows’ refusal to cooperate with the Jan 6th commission, and Rick Ross’s decision to change his album cover art.

J Soulja Speaks!

On this episode of The Breaks

You’ll hear Confucius and Fresh’s interview with Austin artist and entrepreneur J Soulja.
In this week’s installment of Hip Hop Facts, you’ll learn interesting tidbits about Wu-Tang Clan’s beef with Hot 97, how T.I. got Young Dro on the Grand Hustle label, how Kanye West hooked up with Jamie Foxx to make Slow Jamz, the connection between CeeLo Green and the song “Happy” and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the tragic events at the Astroworld Festival won’t lead to any big changes in how music festivals operate.
In his new segment, Confucius Reads the News, Confucius talks about the omicron variant’s appearance in California, the future of Roe v. Wade, LeBron James recent COVID diagnosis and Stacey Abrams’ announcement that she will run for governor of Georgia.

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

Bonus! Music Scenes as Economic Clusters

Here’s another way to think about music scenes — they’re legitimate economic clusters! Don’t know what we mean by that? Well, you can listen to this bonus episode and learn a little economic theory courtesy of Michael Seman, assistant professor in the LEAP Institute for the Arts’ arts management program at Colorado State University.

Why Taméca Jones, Austin’s Queen of Soul, is leaving for LA

Austin singer and songwriter Taméca Jones is leaving Austin for LA at the end of the year. In the latest episode, you’ll hear the reasons why the Austin Music scene isn’t working for her. Plus you’ll learn more about our music ecosystem.

You’ll also hear from and Peter Schwarz about the reality of music businesses in Austin’s music ecosystem. And Nikki Rowling explains how so many businesses operating independently can lead to burnout.

Take our Season 3 Survey

DJ Burn One Speaks

This week on the Breaks:

You’ll hear Confucius and Fresh’s interview with legendary producer DJ Burn One who’s worked with artists like Gucci Mane, Freddie Gibbs and T.I.
In this week’s installment of Hip Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting things about how old Teddy Riley was when he produced Dougie E. Fresh’s “The Show,” Juvenile’s 400 Degrees, Lil Kim, why T.I. didn’t end up in the movie Las Vegas and more.
In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh states that Atlanta’s Dungeon Family deserves way more credit that they get.

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

We’re Not New York, LA or Nashville. So What Kind of Music City is Austin? Part 1: Dayglow

We’ve said the words Austin music ecosystem so many times on this podcast. But what do we actually mean when we say that? And how is our ecosystem different from other music cities like LA, Nashville or New York?

In this episode we’ll try to start to answer those questions. First you’ll hear from Austin artist Sloan Struble aka Dayglow, who moved to Austin in part because of the music scene and who has no plans to leave. You’ll also hear from three experts Michael Seman, Nikki Rowling and Peter Schwarz, who will shed some light on what Austin’s music ecosystem is actually like and how it compares to other music cities like New York, LA or Nashville.

Take our Season 3 Survey

Top 5 Hip-Hop Songs

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh list their Top 5 Hip-Hop songs of all time.
the hosts discuss the TV show BMF and talk about the positive influence 50 Cent is having as a television producer at Starz.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting things about Method Man and ODB, 50 Cent and Young Buck, Kendrick Lamar, Biggie’s song “Sky’s the Limit,” and Pimp C.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that there is no best Hip-Hop record of 2021.
Confucius encourages listeners to let go of the idea that they can save the world in his Confucius Says segment.

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

OG Ron C Speaks

This week on the Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh talk to legendary Houston DJ OG Ron C. He reached out to them after they spoke on his comments about DJ Screw on on The Donnie Houston podcast. He also talks about his early days as co-founder of Swishahouse and tells a hilarious story about Pimp C.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about the origins of Paul Wall and Chamillionaire, UGK’s song International Players Anthem, how Bun B met Drake, the rise of Swishahouse and more.
In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh boldly states that Wale is one of the greatest rappers of our generation.
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius encourages people to keep their ego in check.

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

Freddie Gibbs vs Dr. Umar?

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius is out so Fresh talks about the proposed boxing match between Freddie Gibbs and Dr. Umar Johnson.
Fresh explores his thoughts about Rory and Mal, formerly of the Joe Budden podcast, getting a deal for $10 million dollars to start their own podcast.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about the recording of UGK’s “Ridin’ Dirty,” Curren$y and Lil Wayne’s relationship and UGK’s history with Jay-Z.
In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh explains why he thinks that the Lakers won’t win the championship this year.

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

The Breaks Live at ACL Fest 2021

This week on the Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh were out at the Austin City Limits Festival for weekend 2. You’ll hear their interviews with Austin artists Mike Melinoe and Sheila, recorded live at the ACLfest Bonus Tracks stage.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll hear about the surprising connection between Megan Thee Stallion and Q-tip, how 50 Cent passed on Freddy Gibbs, Aaliyah’s intro to 4 page letter, how Rick James felt about MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” the story of Prince and Michael Jackson’s Bad and more.
Confucius and Fresh discuss OG Ron C’s assertion that DJ Screw didn’t actually chop and screw beats.
Fresh puts forth the Unpopular Opinion that Texas Hip-Hop deserves more appreciation than it is currently getting and should get its flowers now!
In his Confucius Says segment Confucius says that even though he’s been a fan of comedian Dave Chappelle he thinks the comedian needs to shut the hell up.

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

What’s Next for NBA Youngboy?

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh talk about their plans for the Austin City Limits Music Festival. You can catch them on October 8th on the Bonus Tracks Stage at 12:30pm.
The hosts talk about what the future may hold for NBA Youngboy after his album Sincerely, Kentrell, knocked Drakes Certified Lover Boy out of the top spot on the Billboard 200.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop facts you learn about how Timbaland and Missy Elliot got connected with Aaliyah, Goldlink’s relationship to drug Kingpin Rayful Edmund III, the origin of the issue between Shawty Lo and T.I., the controversy around the movie State Property, how Schoolly D helped Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff on their path to fame, Killa Mike’s verse on Outkast’s “The Whole World” and more!
Fresh and Confucius talk about the news that the 2022 Superbowl will have a hip-hop heavy half-time show.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that if you’re ranking Kendrick, Drake and J Cole, Cole comes in second and not third.
Confucius encourages people to let of envy in his Confucius Says segment.

Diddy vs Dupree?!?

This week on the Breaks Confucius is out so:

After recent events, Fresh explains why he thinks Jermaine Dupree could hold his own in a Verzuz against Diddy.
He talks about the recent comments by Lil Duval calling out Black Celebrities for not supporting the release of Boosie Badazz’s biopic “My Struggle.”
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about who gave Ray Parker Jr. — who wrote the theme for “Ghostbusters — his start. You’ll also learn a fact that includes both Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life” and Nipsey Hussle’s “Hussle and Motivate.”
After T.I.’s recent comments blaming 50 cent’s refusal to do a Verzuz with him on New York hip-hop looking down on the South, Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that New Yorker hubris has nothing to do with it.

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

Dr. Nicki vs The Vaccine

This week on the Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh discuss Nicki Minaj’s recent comments about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Both hosts discuss whether Drake’s music has become redundant after the release of his latest record “Certified Lover Boy.”
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about the origin of the term hip-hop, how KUTX DJ Jody Denberg grew up in the Bronx around the time that hip-hop was being created, how RBX never wanted to be a rapper and what happened when the Lords of the Underground threw UGK’s demo tape out a window.
In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh answers the question “Is Drake the GOAT?”
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages listeners to surround themselves with people who respect them and don’t cause trouble.

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

Rest in Power MKW

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh pay tribute to actor Michael K. Williams.
The hosts discuss the upcoming Verzuz between Jah Rule and Fat Joe.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about Jay Z’s “The Blueprint,” Nas, the time the Lox almost stabbed Mike Tyson, Beanie Sigel’s album “The Truth” and more.
After Tidal’s recent tweet, Fresh and Confucius answer the question “Would you rather have $500,000 or a dinner with Jay Z.”
After finding out that an Austin artist obviously bought streams, Confucius uses his Confucius Says segment to encourage aspiring artists to fake it ’til they make it…within reason.

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

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.