In this edition, Confucius and Fresh debate what genres will continue to put Austin on the musical map before discussing why the South in general is so dominant. Get that, Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius’ reaction to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on lyrical positivity in the latest episode.
Drake
Do Ghostwriting Allegations Hurt Drake’s Reputation?
With the big beef behind us, how do ghostwriting allegations hurt Drake’s status among the GOATs? Hear what Confucius and Fresh have to say on that, plus Jay Electronica’s prospects on being the greatest rapper that never was and an Unpopular Opinion The Alchemist’s ranking in the world of production.
When Did R&B and Hip-Hop Become One?
After a quick postmortem on the Drake-Kendrick beef, Confucius and Fresh dissect how R&B crept into Hip-Hop’s sonic sector. Get that, an Unpopular Opinion around Kendrick’s de facto influence on the West Coast’s relevance, plus Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius’ reactions to the latest headlines right here.
Who’s Winning This Beef?
As the Kendrick-Drake beef escalates, Confucius and Fresh are joined by cultural strategist Keys and producer-DJ Mason Flynt for a rare, three-part roundtable discussion on the ongoing exchange. Hear everyone’s takes plus an Unpopular Opinion and Confucius’ reaction to university protests in the latest episode.
Is Adam22 Really That Big of an Authority?
Fresh does the show solo as he talks about Adam22’s place in media, Kendrick Lamar’s long-awaited response to Drake, Hip-Hop Facts, and an Unpopular Opinion on “selling out”.
What does Drake’s A.I. Diss Song Mean for Rap?
Fresh defends Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which uses dupes of Snoop and Tupac’s voices. Plus hear Confucius’ take on the University of Texas’ response to a recent pro-Palestinian protest along with other headlines, and Hip-Hop Facts.
How Important is Weed to Rap?
Over the 4/20 weekend Confucius and Fresh hash out marijuana’s impact on hip-hop, the latest shots against Drake, and why the OGs aren’t always right. Hear that along with Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius’ take on the latest headlines.
J. Cole’s Apology / Kendrick vs. Drake
It’s a two-parter of Kendrick Lamar clashes: J. Cole’s public apology and Drake’s ongoing affronts. Hear how Confucius and Fresh feel about the beef, Hip-Hop Facts, the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on hip-hop’s “health”.
The Drake-Future Feud / Sex Appeal
Confucius and Fresh cover the latest rap beef before weighing the importance of sex appeal in the modern era. Hear that, Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius Reads the News, and an Unpopular Opinion on industry politics.
MJ as the Bar
Coming off of ACL, the fellas discuss MJ (take your pick – Jackson OR Jordan) as the golden standard for success and why it may hold less water these days. Plus, Confucius and Fresh gush about the Hype Williams classic Belly.
Hip-Hop Facts enlightens us on how Fabolous got his name and reflects on the recent passing of DJ Mark the 45 King. Afterwards Fresh shares his Unpopular Opinion on the modern state of sloppy sampling before Confucius Reads the News.
Beyoncé’s the GOAT
Confucius talks about seeing Beyoncé in Houston for night two of her Renaissance World Tour. Then Confucius and Fresh debate whether Drake’s fame is getting in the way of his art.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco, how Fabolous indirectly connected Rich Paul and LeBron James, what the family connection between Boldy James and Snoop Dogg is, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Beyoncé’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) video has had the same cultural impact as Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Confucius talks about the end of the writer’s strike, the second GOP debate, unprecedented theft in retail stores and more on Confucius Reads the News.
Hip-Hop’s Golden Age?
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin hip-hop pioneer Tee-Double about his career and how it feels to be one of the honorees at The Austin Hip-Hop Awards Sunday, September 17th from 2pm-5pm at the Austin Central Library.
Then they debate whether or not this is the golden age of hip-hop.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Cardi B’s verse didn’t end up on the final version of Ice Spice’s “Munch,” how LL Cool J and 50 Cent almost made an album together, what the connection between Warren G And Pimp C is and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Drake is a bit of a clout chaser.
Confucius talks about Mitt Romney’s announcement that he will not run for reelection, the release of El Chapo’s wife from prison and more on Confucius Reads the News
Did Capitalism Kill Hip-Hop?
Inspired by a recent article in Defector, Confucius and Fresh discuss the impact of capitalism on hip-hop. Then they talk about Puff Daddy’s decision to give Bad Boy artists their publishing back.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher,” what Chamillionaire and Paul Wall did before they were famous, the connection between Shaq and UGK, and more.
Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that Mac Miller’s 2016 Divine Feminine album was the album that Drake should have made that year.
Confucius talks about Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s divorce, the push in Texas to criminalize traveling to get an abortion, the Ken Paxton Trial and more on Confucius Reads the News.
Nas, Clickbait, and Relevance
The fellas start with a two-parter inspired by 21 Savage’s recent comments on Nas; how much of it is embedded in clickbait culture and past that, what really is relevance in hip-hop?
Hip-Hop Facts covers a ton of chance connections: From Babyface, Whitney Houston, and Dr. Dre to Nas and DJ Envy, DJ Toomp and T.I. and yes, even Jay-Z and Gorillaz.
Kendrick fans may disagree with the Unpopular Opinion, but according to Fresh himself, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers basically came and went. Listen to all that plus reactions to the latest headlines from Donald Trump, Atlanta, Nancy Pelosi, Elon Musk, and more.
Grow Up Drake!
After the release of the Drake and 21 Savage collaboration, “Her Loss,” Fresh and Confucius try and figure out if Drake is outgrowing his subject matter.
They also talk about anti-semitic comments by Kyrie Irving and Kanye and explore the issue of black ownership.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Wiz Khalifa’s 2nd album, the connection between John Legend and Lauryn Hill, how Omar Epps got the part in Juice, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Foxy Brown is overrated.
Confucius talks about the recent midterm election in Confucius Reads the News.
Rest in Power, Takeoff
In this relatively somber episode of The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius reflect on the untimely passing of Migos co-founder Takeoff. But a bigger, two-part discussion lies behind all the fond memories. What does this mean for the longevity of hip-hop artists and why are white people so quick to scapegoat the genre when tragedy strikes?
Hip Hop Facts fills you in on plenty of Migos trivia plus Paul Mooney’s role on In Living Color.
Just in time for Election Day, Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion pleads rappers to stay directly out of partisan politics…lookin’ at you, Killer Mike.
Lastly, Confucius Reads the News about Elon Musk’s Twitter changes, Drake & 21 Savage’s new collaboration, and the latest punches from Clarence Thomas and Chief Justice Roberts.
Hip Hop’s Holdouts on House Music
Does the act of Beyonce and Drake putting their feet into the house music pool hurt the momentum of hip hop? Confucius & Fresh discuss the implications and ramifications of that argument, then react to Chris Brown’s comment that hip-hop’s dominance has made R&B obsolete.
Confucius’ Hip Hop Facts include an interaction between Omar Epps and Tupac Shakur on the set of Juice, Jay-Z’s still-unreleased Tupac diss track, and Grant Hill’s direct connection to ‘Pac’s footwear on All Eyes on Me liner photos. Fresh talks about how Wu-Tang Clan inspired Wyclef Jean’s “Maria, Maria”, how Moby got his start as a hip-hop DJ at legendary NYC venue Club Mars, and how the game-changing M1 Mixtape was actually preceded by the lesser-known Zoo York Mixtape.
Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion has a message to hardcore fans of all kinds: stop ruining the experience of your beloved series or franchise for yourself by setting personal expectations!
At the tail end, Confucius and Fresh share their thoughts about the FDA’s Marketing Denial for JUUL Vape Pods.
Jeen-Yuhs
Confucius and Fresh discuss the Kanye West documentary “Jeen-Yuhs” and talk about The Game’s comments about Kanye and Dr. Dre.
In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn interesting tidbits about the Young Gunz song “Never Take Me Alive, the Connection between 50 Cent’s album The Massacre, and The Game’s record The Documentary, who was actually in Kanye West’s hip-hop bear mascot and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that there are no hip-hop superstars outside of Kendrick, J Cole, and Drake.
And Confucius talks about the president’s State of the Union, the beef between NBA Youngboy and Lil Durk, the war in Ukraine, and more.
You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.
RiRi is Prego!
This week on The Breaks Confucius and Fresh discuss the importance of owning the things you create and talk through Nicki Minaj’s run-in with City Girls. They tell you Hip-Hop Facts about the beat to Camp Lo’s “Luchini AKA This Is It,” the truth behind the title of Drake’s hit “Marvin’s Room,” how a person gets a Roc-A-Fella chain, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that if Nicki Minaj releases a record it will be the record of the year. And Confucius talks about Rihanna’s pregnancy announcement, Biden’s announcement that a U.S. operation killed the leader of ISIS, the recent freeze in Texas, and more in his Confucius Reads the News segment.
Listen to 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.