Drake

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What’s Going on with Lil Baby?

In this episode of The Breaks

Hosts Confucius and Fresh do a quick recap of Too Short and E40’s Verzuz battle.
Both hosts discuss the drama in Lil Baby’s love life.
The hosts talk about the recent news that Lil Wayne not only sold his masters, but Nicki Minaj and Drake’s masters as well.
Fresh and Confucius talk about Rowdy Rebel’s recent release from jail.
In this installment of “Random Hip Hop Facts” Confucius and Fresh tell you facts about November 18th, Too Short, DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Source Magazine and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that MC Hammer IS Hip-Hop.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages people to put jealousy aside when it comes to close friendships.

The Fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine

This week on The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh discuss what the poor sales of Tekashi 6ix 9ine’s latest record, Tattletales, means for his career.
The hosts debate whether Jay-Z’s billionaire status is okay because of his place in the culture.
Confucius and Fresh talk about the intersection of hip-hop and branding, especially as it relates to Travis Scott’s partnership with McDonalds.
Fresh argues that the Drake Stimulus Package is not as important as everyone thinks it is in his Unpopular Opinion.
Confucius states that in order to grow together, people need to focus first on their own individual growth.

Be sure to Watch Summer Jam 2020 featuring performances by Mike Melinoe, J Soulja, Vintage Jay, TEDDYTHELEGACY & Chief Cleopatra.

You can watch Summer Jam 2020 Thursday, September 17th at 7pm on KUTX.org

Listen to this episode of The Breaks