KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

Austin hip-hop

A Love Letter to Austin Blogs

Confucius and Fresh discuss Dez Bryant’s statement that Drake made Houston rap famous, and talk about how excited they are about the new batch of hip-hop platforms in Austin, TX.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Gerald Levert got Cam’ron to leave the streets alone, how DJ Quik helped on 50 Cents’ song “In Da Club,” how Aaliyah made it on a Kriss Kross song, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that record labels don’t owe anything to artists who’ve broken the law.

Confucius talks about the recently recovered documents at President Biden’s house, TCU’s recent loss, Dre Dre’s showdown with Marjorie Taylor Greene, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Listmas!

It’s the last Breaks podcast of 2022! To celebrate, Confucius and Fresh debate the importance of end-of-the-year lists and discuss their hopes and predictions for 2023.

You’ll learn Christmas Hip-Hop Facts about the songs “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto,” “All I Want For Christmas is You,” “This Christmas” and more.

Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t have to be formally trained in hip-hop to be considered professional rappers.

Confucius talks about the trial of Megan Thee Stallion and Torey Lanez, the outcry over Brittney Griner‘s release, Gunna’s release from prison, and more.

 

Is Rap Dead?

Confucius and Fresh discuss why some artists are so selfish and delusional. Then they try and nail down what makes an album a “classic.”

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Prodigy and Busta Rhymes almost ended up with the beat for Jay-Z’s “U Don’t Know,” what happened when Michael Jackson met Princess Diana, how the Lox almost got signed by Suge Knight, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that hip-hop is dead.

Confucius talks about the death of PnB Rock, Lindsay Graham’s proposed 15-week abortion ban, Cardi B’s plea deal, and more on Confucius Reads the News.

State of the Austin Union

Confucius and Fresh talk about the current state of the Austin R&B and rap scene. They also discuss whether radio is still important and what needs to change for it to stay relevant.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Joey Bada$$ really feels about his song “Devastated,” how Dipset ended up with an office in the Def Jam building, who gave Irv Gotti his name, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Megan Thee Stallion might be a little overrated.

Confucius talks about the Uvalde School Board’s decision to fire police chief Pete Arrendondo, Offset’s lawsuit against his record label, the Biden administration’s decision to forgive some student loans and more in Confucius Reads the News.

Tribe Mafia: “We Matter”

With only one month of reflection and healing between the racially-targeted attack in Buffalo and the second official observance of June 19th as a Federal Holiday, Juneteenth came amidst an especially complicated sociopolitical context in 2022. On a day meant to celebrate the power and resilience of Black Americans, the troubling juxtaposition forced us to once again reexamine the seemingly-institutionalized norm of anti-Black violence in our country. That scrutiny also gave Black Texans (the same demographic who first commemorated Juneteenth) a national spotlight to chime in from our deeply divided state, our microcosm of the nation.

Among those who contributed to the discourse? Austin duo Tribe Mafia. Chinasa Broxton and Carlos Moore formed Tribe Mafia as high school friends back in 2010 and they’ve built up a chiefdom of acclaim and support over the dozen years since. Tribe Mafia refined their subdued R&B/Latin-trap formulas on the 2017 EP For You before going even harder for 2018’s The Come Up. And although TM went straight up southern trap on their 2020 eight-track Tee Pee Gang, since opening for Akon to a São Paõlo crowd of 60,000 the previous year, they’ve also incorporated dancehall elements so well that the Island Boys sound like kindergarten castaways in comparison. But going back to Juneteenth…Tribe Mafia seized the moment of Kairos masterfully and left little room for misinterpretation in the process. With a haunting refrain that repeats the bare bones title, crushing Caribbean riddims, and completely candid lyrics, “We Matter” is Tribe Mafia’s boldest statement to date. If you’ve got the stomach for it, we cautiously recommend checking out the corresponding music video. “We Matter” weaves archival footage of unrest with poignant visual recreations for a chilling document that’s less a piece of commentary and more of a tortured last ditch cry for compassion.

Rest in Power DJ Kay Slay

Fresh and Confucius celebrate the life of DJ Kay Slay, and debate whether Future really is the best rapper alive.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about DJ Kay Slay, DJ Drama’s Gansta Grillz, and more!

After T-Pain called out the city of Dallas over low ticket sales, Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that artists can’t be mad about low ticket sales.

Confucius talks about the fall of Netflix, Future’s comments about whether he wants more kids, Florida’s decision to revoke Disney’s special status,  Jerry Seinfeld’s friendship with Wale, and more on Confucius Reads the News.

All About Samples

This week on The Breaks:

  • Confucius and Fresh take a deep dive into samples and hip-hop. You’ll hear about the samples in  MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” Big Krit’s first two albums, Joe Budden’s “Pump it Up,” Sisqo’s “Thong Song,” Puff Daddy’s “Been Around the Word,” Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life,” Biggie Small’s “Juicy,” and more!
  • Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Frank Ocean’s cover of the Isely Brothers of “At Your Best (You Are Love)” is better than Aaliyah’s cover of the same song.
  • In his Confucius Reads the News segment, Confucius talks about Cardi B’s recent legal win, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement, the recent SWAT raid on NBA Youngboy’s house, and more!

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

Confucius Talks Depression

In this episode of  The Breaks

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

Kydd Jones: “TV On”

As our hip-hop specialty program The Breaks celebrates five years on the air, we can’t help but give extra kudos to one of the shows’ main staples, Austin renaissance man Kydd Jones. On top of his never-ending drive in the hip-hop R&B realm, be it producing, writing, singing, or rapping, Jones has been dipping his feet into fashion and comedy (with a show at Antone’s next Thursday). Mayor Steve Adler even named Jones a Creative Ambassador in 2019 but it’s safe to say the distinction hasn’t gone to his head or slowed down his production flow. Kydd Jones just celebrated the release of his latest LP, Onyx D’or (No More Waiting), a towering sixteen-song collection that shifts from unapologetic club bangers to headier serenades like “TV On” with the drop of a hat. And when you’ve heard the record in full, catch Kydd Jones at the tail end ofLove Austin Music Month on Saturday January 29th with UGK legend Bun B at Antone’s.

5 Years of The Breaks

This week on The Breaks:

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

J Soulja Speaks!

On this episode of The Breaks

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.

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.

 

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.

The Pivot

In the latest episode of Pause/Play we talk to the lunch ladies of Free Lunch, musician J Soulja, the founders of Mosaic Live Wire and entrepreneur and artist Cam the TSTMKR about how they’ve pivoted during the pandemic.

You’ll hear from
Jazz Mills — event producer and co-founder of Free Lunch
Carrie Fussell Bickley — singer and songwriter with Calliope Musicals and co-founder of Free Lunch
Caroline Rose –singer, songwriter and producer and lunch lady at Free Lunch
J Soulja — hip-hop artist and promoter
Dan Redman — founder of Mosaic Sound Collective and co-founder of Mosaic Live Wire
Mike Henry — co-founder of Mosaic Live Wire
Stuart Sullivan — owner of Wire Recording and co-founder of Mosaic Live Wire
Cam the TSTMKR — hip-hop artist and entrepreneur

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

AUSTIN, TX. April 20, 2021. Jazz Mills, of Free Lunch, serves fresh fruit at an event. Michael Minasi/KUTX

 

AUSTIN, TX. April 24, 2021. From the left: Dan Redman, Mike Henry, and Stuart Sullivan, of the Mosaic Sound Collective and Mosaic Live. Michael Minasi/KUTX

Find out how to contribute to Free Lunch
Find out more about Caroline Rose
Find out more about Calliope Musicals
Find out more about Jazz Mills project Popecoke
Check out Behind the Song on The Smokeout’s InstagramTV
Find out more about Behind the Song Live, Which airs May 4th at 8pm
Find out more about Mosaic Sound Collective
Find out more about Mosaic Live Wire
Find out more about Wire Recording
Find out more about Rent a Record Label

Wes Denzel: “Don’t Change” [Social Distancing Pop-Up]

For the past few weeks we’ve familiarized you with our February 2021 Artist of the Month, Wes Denzel. This retro-minded hip-hop/R&B blender’s blown us away with his creativity on each new release and just because Denzel’s featured on the shortest month, he’s built up high expectations for the future.

Made clear by his My KUTX playlist and the ’80s flashback that is his “Don’t Change” music video, Denzel’s got a soft spot for the early-mid-’00s style of production. But as heard in our exclusive live performance, Wes Denzel sure as heck doesn’t need all the in-studio accoutrements to give a killer performance!

Deezie Brown: “Billy White Shoes”

It’s officially February, putting us at a lovely junction of both Black History Month and Love Austin Music Month. In celebration of the latter, KUTX has partnered up with the Austin Music Foundation to help shine the spotlight on five rising Austin artists, starting today with Bastrop-born hip-hop heavyweight Deezie Brown.

Filling out the pocket between Southern Hip-Hop and Funk, Brown’s been propelling his standing in the local scene and beyond with each new single and began making some of his biggest impacts after the 2018 album, Judith. Deezie Brown’s got his sophomore record coming set for release this summer, and finds himself in good company on Austin Music Foundation’s new two-part compilation, ATX Gen Next: Adventures in Lockdown, making an unforgettable first impression for listeners (be they new or returning) on Side A with “Billy White Shoes”!

Was Lil Wayne Right?

This week on The Breaks:

  • Hosts Confucius and Fresh discuss former President Trump’s pardon of Lil Wanye, and ask whether the rapper was right to support Trump during the election.
  • Both hosts talk how Lil’ Flip might fare if he did a Verzuz with T.I.
  • Confucius and Fresh interview Austin based producer and DJ Mason Flynt about the closing of Music Lab and his thoughts on how to improve Austin’s hip-hop scene.
  • In this week’s installment of Random Hip-Hop facts the hosts talk about the beef between Cash Money and No Limit, the issue that Nas had with Biggie and more.

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

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