Austin R&B singer LARA’ joins Confucius and Fresh in conversation on her new album Luvology and her upcoming tour with Rapsody. Then the fellas weigh why R&B isn’t as profitable as hip-hop and Meek Mill’s status as a top tier rapper.
Andre 3000
What’s next for The Breaks?
Confucius and Fresh reminisce on their journey so far over the past eight years and what to expect next before dissecting what makes LL Cool J such a significant figure in hip-hop history, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s status as a so called “culture vulture”.
Start Submitting Music / Another Dame Dash?
With another SXSBreaks in the bag, Confucius and Fresh recommend submitting your stuff for next year’s consideration sooner rather than later. Does hip-hop need another Damon Dash and how much does talent account for success in the current generation? See what the fellas have to say in the latest.
Is J. Cole this generation’s Nas?
In commemoration of J. Cole’s 39th birthday, Confucius and Fresh make a compelling argument for why Cole is the Nas of this generation. And if you’re a music manager or thinking of hiring one, the fellas also lay out the cornerstones of competence in Austin. Get that, an Unpopular Opinion about the impact of streaming on viewer experience, and of course Hip-Hop Facts plus Confucius Reads the news in this last episode for January 2024.
Diddy, the Grammys, and Andre’s New Groove
Between P. Diddy’s salacious allegations, rumors about next year’s Grammy Awards, and of course, Andre 3000’s boldly bizarre return, there’s a lot to cover this week on The Breaks! Hear all that on top of Confucius Reads the News and Hip-Hop Facts on the latest episode.
Art or Clout?
Confucius and Fresh debate what it takes to become a part of Austin Hip-Hop history, and talk about whether artists now are in it for the art, or the clout.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who produced Deion Sanders’ “Must Be the Money,” how LL Cool J wanted to be Blade, how Ice-T got the role in New Jack City, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Big Boi is better or even equal to André 3000.
Confucius talks about Ken Paxton’s acquittal, the cancelation of Winning Time, and the impending government shutdown on Confucius Reads the News.
Hot Boys and Girls
Fresh and Confucius talk about the impact that this year’s record heat is having on live music in Austin. Then, inspired by Asian Doll’s comments about not wanting to rap at 30, they debate the merits of older rappers.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Andre 3000 lived in Austin, why Dr. Dre turned down opportunities to work with Michael Jackson and Prince, what Missy Elliot song contains Beyoncé’s first solo outing and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t actually separate the art from the artists, but instead just decide what bad behavior they will or won’t tolerate.
Confucius talks about Trump’s mug shot, the recent Republican Party presidential debate, the Biden Administration’s new student loan repayment plan, and more.
6 Years of The Breaks!
Confucius and Fresh celebrate The Breaks’ 6th anniversary by telling the story of the show’s origin and talking about their proudest moments from the last 6 years. Then they talk about why women are pulling ahead in Austin’s hip-hop scene.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Nipsey Hussle turned down the opportunity to play Snoop Dogg in Straight Outta Compton, who André 3000 originally wrote “Prototype” for, what NWA song Ice Cube wishes he was on, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that DJ Khaled’s over-the-top aesthetic has run its course, and Confucius respectfully disagrees.
Confucius talks about Tory Lanez recent conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, Keven McCarthy’s trouble getting elected as Speaker of the house, and his own deep need for the Eagles to win the Superbowl in Confucius Reads the News.
The Return of SXSW
Confucius and Fresh talk about the return of in-person SXSW and debate whether bloggers like DJ Akademiks are actually journalists.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn why Andre 3000 said “The South got something to say,” how Queen Latifah was once Monica’s manager, how Bow-Wow got discovered & more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that top rapper lists are needed. And in Confucious Reads the News, Confucius talks about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kodak Black’s comments on fatherhood, Governor Abbott’s push to criminalize the families of transgender children, and more.
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.
Did Verzuz Sell Out?
This week on The Breaks:
- Host’s Confucius and Fresh talk about the sale of Verzuz to Triller Network, and discuss whether or not this means that Timbaland and Swizz Beatz sold out.
- Both hosts discuss whether CMG is the hottest record label in the game right now.
- In this week’s installment of Random Hip Hop Facts, you’ll learn facts about Kris Kross, Fat Joe, Biggie and the movie “Any Given Sunday.” Plus Fresh dispells the idea that J-bo and Andre 3000 are related.
- Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Soulja Boy is more hip-hop than people give him credit for.
- In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages people not to put too much importance on award shows.
You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.
Shmurda Home!
In this episode of The Breaks:
- Confucius and Fresh talk about Bobby Shmurda’s recent release from prison.
- Both Hosts discuss Jay-Z’s latest deal with Moet Hennessy, and talk about how not everyone has to achieve the same success as Jay-Z in order to be considered successful.
- Fresh explains his confusion and disappointment around the announcement of the upcoming Verzuz battle between Raekwon and Ghostface Killah
- In this week’s installment of “Random Hip-Hop” facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about Dr. Dre, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Rihanna, J-Bo, Andre 3000 and more.
- In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh states that Nicki Minaj will be remembered as the greatest female rapper of all time.
- In his Confucius says Confucius says that when it comes to famous ex-friends like Dame Dash and Jay-Z, fans need to let go off the idea of reconciliation.
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.
Respect Andre 3000
This week on The Breaks, Fresh is flying solo while Confucius is out:
- He talks about Young Thug’s reasons for not wanting to work with Andre 3000.
- He unpacks Kevin Hart’s conversation with his fans on the Clubhouse app about comments he made about his daughter in his latest standup special.
- In the wake of many people’s dismay following the latest release of the Grammy nominations, Fresh states his Unpopular Opinion that Black music deserves to be represented accurately in the Grammy Awards