On this episode we discuss who had the bigger impact on hip-hop, James Brown or Michael Jackson. We also talk about the difference, musically, in both Dallas and Houston and the emerging artists from both cities. Hip-Hop facts this week are about Bubba Sparxxx, Zach Brauf, Nelly and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that media will eventually give hip-hop a seat at the table.
hip-hop
The Breaks LIVE!
On this episode we are LIVE at Central Machine Works with a special episode featuring fellow KUT/KUTX personalities. Our first two segments we have Miles Bloxson (KUT) and Ryan Wen (KUTX) to discuss topics about the culture of hip-hop. For Hip-Hop Facts and Unpopular Opinion we have on Soundfounder (KUTX) and DJ Shani (KUTX) of The Groove Temple.
Magna Carda: “Digging You More”
Austin’s Magna Carda’s new single “Digging you more” has a smooth, intentional ease — blending soulful R&B textures with hip-hop in a way that feels intimate without being overstated. There’s a warm, atmospheric quality to the production that creates space rather than filling it. Ahead of their upcoming album ininnoutcheamind, out March 10th, Magna Carda re-visits their roots – crafting compositions with live instrumentation influenced by their jazz inspirations, giving life to a sonic style that truly captures the influences and sounds in their minds to amalgamate into a unique soundscape with no compromises.
RIP Michael “5000” Watts
On this episode we celebrate the life of DJ Michael “5000” Watts who was huge pioneer in Houston music. We also recap the Grammy’s and see if our predictions are correct. Hip-Hop facts this week include facts about Tag Team, Prince, 50 Cent, and many more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that Donell Jones song “U Know What’s Up” with Left Eye of TLC, is an overrated song.
Trap Or Die
On this episode we discuss the recent conversation from some rappers about the “F The Streets” movement and if we think it’s legit or a marketing ploy. We also discuss our favorite albums from the sub-genre of hip-hop titled “trap rap” and agree that one album reins supreme. Hip-hop facts include facts about Will Smith, Christopher Nolan, The Gorillaz and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that your favorite rapper (Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc.) might be an elitist.
Podcasts Killed The Hip-Hop Star
On this episode we discuss if podcasts helped destroy the mystique of some hip-hop artists who have them. We also discuss if this is a show and prove year for the new class of women hip-hop stars. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Jay-Z, Jack Nicholson, 2pac and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that Milli Vanilli deserve to be forgiven for their past in the music industry.
A Year In Review 2025
On this episode we review our favorite moments from the show as well as our favorite moments from the culture at large. Hip-hop facts include facts about Jim Carrey, Denzel Washington, Will Smith and more. Fresh’s last Unpopular Opinion of the year is that dancing is more apart of hip-hop than people want to admit.
New Media In Hip-Hop
On this episode we discuss the new Diddy documentary “The Reckoning” that is executive produced by 50 Cent. We also discuss Megan Thee Stallion’s newest legal battle except this time it’s against a media personality and it’s role in new hip-hop media. Hip-Hop facts about 2pac, Young Dolph Will Smith and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that hip-hop needs new gatekeepers to filter those who might not have the best interest of the culture in mind.
Do You Have To Support Rap To Be Good At Politics?
On this episode we discuss the proposed Verzuz between 50 cent and T.I. (FYI it’s not happening). We also discuss hip-hop’s role in electing progressive candidates and if it’s necessary. Hip-hop facts include SISQO BEING EXTREMELY YOUNG, Eddie Murphy, 2pac, and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about LL Cool J being the one rapper to have a chance against Jay-Z.
Rap Missing On The Billboard Top 40?
On this episode we discuss the aftermath of the No Limit and Cash Money Records Verzuz in Las Vegas. We also discuss the Billboard Top 40 not having in hip-hop songs on it since 1990 and the possible fall out from that. Hip-Hop facts include Outkast, Michael Jordan, Warren G and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that causal hip-hop fans don’t care if an artist performs over their backing vocals or not.
Michael Arizmendi: “Dependence”
Born and raised in Brownsville, TX, new Austinite Michael Arizmendi recently graduated from the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston. Principally a trumpeter, Arizmendi studied music production and songwriting, and he blends those skills with a passion for exploring and synthesizing different genres. His debut single “Dependence” blends sultry jazz and hip-hop showcasing both Arizmendi’s years as a jazz musician with his budding career as a lyricist and songwriter, journeying down the road paved by Digable Planets, The Roots, and a bit o’ Paul’s Boutique.
Our Favorite Moments In Hip-Hop
On this episode we discuss some of favorite, or most important, moments in hip-hop. We also discuss a proposed Houston hip-hop Verzuz between the Screwed Up Click and Swisha House. Hip-hop facts include facts about Warren G, The Alchemist, and Eddie Murphy. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that no artist truly wants to be “anti-industry” that they claim.
Did Cardi B Raise the Bar? Or Lower It?
On this episode we discuss if Cardi B helped raise the bar for female rappers to succeed or did she lower it? We also talk about Jay-Z’s capitalist approaches to business and if it helps his brand and legacy. Hip-hop facts this week include Mobb Deep, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about how he is tired of emo rap being so popular.
Reinvention w/ Malik Baptiste
On this episode we interview with rapper/producer Malik Baptiste who talks about restarting his career and his past accomplishments. We also talk about if not writing your own songs in hip-hop can hinder your career and respect. Hip-hop facts include Jay-Z, Tia Mowry and her Texas roots, and Nas plus many more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is about his thoughts that most people want to be famous.
To Create Content Or Not?
On this episode we talk about how important being a content creator and musician in this new industry. We also discuss who is to blame for the perceived “negative” music being released and promoted. Hip-hop facts includes facts about Ghostface Killah of Wu-Tang, Mariah Carey, 2pac and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that being able to sing and rap well doesn’t matter anymore.
LYNN: “Slow Dreamz”
Kileen-based rapper LYNN has bars for days and enough butter in her emotive, croony tunes to get Kerbey Lane through an Easter weekend brunch shift. By the time her debut EP Middle of Madness came out last year, she’d already added opening slots for CupcakKe and Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul, and the album landed her an official artist spot during SXSW in 2024.
Her latest single “Slow Dreamz” is another rap banger. The snap-clap beat lays a great bed, but LYNN’s cadence sounds like elevated slam poetry, providing her own momentum to her cooly-delivered fast bars without a toe out of time.
Lynn brings this energy to Stubb’s Indoors tonight for KUTX’s Summer Jam, a free show part of Hot Summer Nights.
And you can see LYNN tonight at Stubb’s Indoors for KUTX’s Summer Jam, a free show part of Hot Summer Nights. The show starts at 8:30 with a DJ set by Confucius Jones, and performances by Tommy Francisco, Chaketa B, and Maya Sampleton.
Your List Is Stupid
On this episode we discuss how a recent local list, in regards to hip-hop, was a horrible idea to release. We also discuss Nicki Minaj’s latest tirade against Sza and others. Hip-hop facts we discuss the anniversary of Slim Thug’s debut album and who was originally supposed to produce the Thriller album. Unpopular opinion is about it being nothing wrong with being a hometown hero.
Summer Jam 2025!
On this episode we discuss the line up for this years Summer Jam showcase happening at Stubbs BBQ. We also discuss if Houston has moved past its former DJ Screw influenced sound. Hip-hop facts includes The Fugees, Ghostface Killah and Redman. Unpopular Opinion this week is about how genres are always changing and growing.
Damn Knicks
On this episode we discuss the New York Knicks losing in the Eastern Conference finals much to Fresh’s pain. We also discuss if rap beef is still relevant in these days and times. Hip-hop facts include Dr. Dre, Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that the west coast is emerging as the new south.
ACL 2025?!
On this week’s episode we discuss the 2025 ACL line up and why Austin needs a great R&B nightclub/venue. Hip-hop facts about Jay-Z and Jermaine Dupri, Sisqo and more. Unpopular opinion from Fresh takes aim at DJs in Austin possibly doing more.