Hip Hop

The Breaks: Rest in Power DMX

In this episode of The Breaks hosts Confucius and Fresh:

mourn the passing of DMX.
tell you some little know facts about DMX as part of Random Hip-Hop facts
discuss Diddy’s open letter calling out GM for not investing in Black-owned Media

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

When you think of Irish music your brain might not go straight to hip-hop. But in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day we’re taking a gander at a rapper straight out of Dublin. Going by the name Kojaque, this young up-and-comer’s been building up his reputation as a lyricist thanks to his effortless, in-the-pocket flow, colloquial rhyme style, and choice of cadence over jazz-inspired beats.

Keep an eye on the horizon for Kojaque’s debut album in the near future, teased most recently with his latest single (and music video) that reckons with the loss of Kojaque’s father and puts you into a melancholy state with its moody instrumental, on “No Hands”.

IKOQWE: “Bulubulu”

In the realms of both hip-hop and electronic, there’s always strength in numbers, even when that number is a mere two. Enter Angola new wave producer Batida and Angola rapper/activist Ikonoklasta, whose shared offbeat, on-tempo energy has made their duo IKOQWE a powerhouse.

Inspired equally by Angolan traditional music as by golden age hip-hop, IKOQWE dropped their debut LP, The Beginning, The Medium, The End and The Infinite, last Friday, combining retro drum programming with striking new sounds, all meshed together across a handful of languages and daring messages. This record is weird as heck but a lot of fun and frankly, just really good; hear for yourself on The Beginning‘s sophomore song, “Bulubulu”!

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.

Nelly vs St. Lunatics

In this episode of The Breaks

Hosts Confucius and Fresh talk about the recent dispute between Nelly and Ali from St. Lunatics.
Both hosts talk about why they think Pooh Shiesty and Flo Milly will be two of the breakout stars of 2021.
In this week’s installment of Random Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn things you might not have known about Lil’ Wayne, Warren G, Outkast and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Prince was intimidated by Michael Jackson.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages listeners not to lose touch with who they are, even in the midst the pandemic.

Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify or Stitcher

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.

Larry “Lak” Henderson and Capone (Ep. 10, 2021)

This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. speaks with Larry “Lak” Henderson, known as The Hip Hop Educator and founder and CEO of Smart Music Entertainment, along with legendary rapper Capone, who have recently collaborated on a new brand called SmartThug, which uses hip hop as an educational tool.

The Brain: “So They Say” (prod. Ruler Why) [PREMIERE]

Any hardcore hip-hop expert in Austin ought to remember the name SubKulture Patriots, the fearless five-piece whose ’90s-style beats and rapid-fire lyrical exchanges gave Wu-Tang Clan and Boot Camp Clik a run for their money during their 2010s heyday. SKP’s been laying low recently, but founding mastermind Brian Tanton AKA The Brain isn’t letting a little kenopsia get in the way of his craft.

The native Texan began experimenting with guitar and piano at a young age before graduating to hip-hop production and writing rhymes, but those early essentials have stayed close to The Brain as he’s continued to develop his unconventional, spasmodic flow. Now at the turn of a decade, The Brain is cued up to release his debut solo album, The Epidemic, on April 20th, produced entirely by longtime SubKult collaborator Ruler Why. The rhymes are remarkable, the references are extraterrestrial, and the beats are so fresh you’ll get stuff like the Gregorian chants on “So They Say” stuck in your head again and again.

Funkmaster Flex Does it Again

In this episode of The Breaks

Hosts Confucius and Fresh talk about the reconciliation between Snoop Dogg and Eminem, and about Dr. Dre’s recent recovery from a brain aneurysm.
Both hosts discuss Funkmaster Flex’s rise to prominence, his influence in the industry and his penchant for saying things that put him on the wrong side of history.
In this week’s installment of “Random Hip Hop Facts” The hosts tell you interesting tidbits about Swisher House, Jermaine Dupri, Angie Martinez, Usher and more.
In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh states that he hopes musicians will think twice before leaving Austin for another city to further their career.
In his “Confucius Says” segment Confucius encourages people to listen with compassion to those in need.

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.

Bonus Episode: Interview with Chaka from Riders Against the Storm

In this bonus episode of The Breaks, Confucius and Fresh talk to Chaka from the Austin Hip-Hop Duo Riders Against the Storm about his experience as the first Black chair of the City of Austin’s Music Commission, his work to create the Black Live Music Fund, why he created the DAWA fund, and what’s next for Riders Against the Storm.

Sliding Into 2021 Like…

On this episode of The Breaks:

Confucius and Fresh remember MF Doom after the announcement of his death.
Both hosts talk about the feud between Snoop Dogg and Eminem.
The hosts discuss Young Thug’s comment that Jay-Z doesn’t have 30 songs that everybody knows word for word.
In this installment of Hip-Hop facts Confucius and Fresh tell you things you didn’t know about Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, 3LW, Beyonce and more.
In light of Will.i.am’s comments about not feeling accepted by Black audiences, Confucius and Fresh explore the history of Black Eyed Peas and debate whether they are a Black group or not.
Fresh puts forward the Unpopular Opinion that Black audiences don’t always respond to acts that are doing things they consider “weird.”

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.

Was it Worth it Wayne?

In this episode of The Breaks:

Hosts Confucius and Fresh talk about Lil Wayne’s recent legal troubles and wonder if the rapper regrets endorsing Donald Trump.
Both hosts talk about the upcoming Verzuz battle between E-40 and Too $hort.
In this weeks edition of “Random Hip-Hop facts,” Confucius and Fresh focus on Biz Markie and Lupe Fiasco, Twista and Spice 1.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the recent focus on white representation in hip-hop journalism actually discounts the many contributions of Black journalists.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages people to give The Breaks the credit they deserve for elevating Austin’s hip-hop scene.

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.

Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole

On this episode of The Breaks:

Hosts Confucius and Fresh talk about the upcoming Verzuz battle between Ashanti and Keyshia Cole on Saturday, December 12th.
In this week’s installment of Random Hip-Hop Facts both hosts celebrate Jay-Z’s December 4th birthday with some fun facts about their favorite rapper
Fresh suggests that if people want clout, they need to earn it in this week’s Unpopular Opinion.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius tells listeners that if you give someone advice, and they don’t follow it, you should just let it go.

Listen to this episode of The Breaks

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

Jeezy vs Gucci Mane

This week on the Breaks

Hosts Confucius and Fresh Talk about the upcoming Verzuz battle between Jeezy and Gucci Mane.
The duo brings the Random Hip-Hop Facts segment back and drops some random facts about UGK & Bun B, Uncle Luke and Snoop Dogg, Yo MTV Raps, MC Hammer and more.
Both hosts talk about TI.’s comments after the death of rapper King Von.
In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that the blog era of the of hip-hop (2005-2015) rivals the golden era of hip-hop (1988-1995).
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius talks about the speculation surrounding the death of Dallas rapper Mo3 and the shooting of rapper Boosie Badazz and encourages people to mind their own business.

Listen to this episode of The Breaks

Busta Rhymes vs. T.I.

On this episode of The Breaks”

Hosts Confucius and Fresh discuss Busta Rhymes desire have a Verzuz battle with T.I. and T.I’s consistent refusal to do so. Plus they discuss the upcoming Verzuz battle between T.I. and Jeezy.
Both hosts point out that no one from the Austin City Limits Festival has reached out to them about to talk about the lack of hip-hop on this year’s virtual ACLfest.
In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that homecoming means much more in college than it does in high school, especially if you attend an HBCU.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius makes it clear that any artist accused of physical or sexual assault against a woman will no longer be supported by The Breaks

Listen to this episode of The Breaks

The Breaks Cancel Tory

This week on The Breaks

Hosts Confucius and Fresh talk about the absurdity of Tory Lanez new record “Daystar” where he denies shooting Megan the Thee Stallion in the foot.
Both hosts talk about their love for Outkast’s record “Aquemini” after the 22nd anniversary of its release on September 29th.
In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that the best rap album if 2020 is “The Price of Tea in China” by Boldy James.
With the election less than 30 days away Confucius stresses the importance of voting in his Confucius Says segment.

Listen to this episode of The Breaks

Wakanda Forever

This week on The Breaks:

- Confucius and Fresh honor the memory of Chadwick Boseman and explain why his life and work made such an impact on them — especially his portrayal of Black Panther.
- Both hosts discuss the NBA’s strike over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Fresh shares the Unpopular Opinion that Jermaine DuPri is the best star-maker working in the music industry today.
- Confucius points out that sometimes even the most selfless act can still be a tad bit selfish in his Confucius Says segment.

Don’t Argue with Stupid

This week on The Breaks Fresh and Confucius:

Discuss the success of Cardi B’s new song “WAP” featuring Megan the Stallion.
Talk about the recent arrests of two men for the 2002 murder of Run DMC’s Jam Master Jay.
Theorize as to why Akon might be hanging out with Tekashi 6ix9ine.
Debate whether Kim Kardashian’s involvement in the effort to free C Murder will be make an impact.
In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh hopes that Jay-Z can let go of any lingering pettiness he might feel towards Nas.
In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius says that it’s not worth it to try to understand other people’s baffling decisions.

WAP!

This week on The Breaks Fresh and Confucius:

Talk about why they love “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion and explain why they’re frustrated by the backlash surrounding the song.
Celebrate the birth of hip-hop on on August 11, 1973. That’s when DJ Kool Herc threw the “Back to School Jam” at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, NYC.
Debate what it means for a song to be “a hit.”
In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that the XXL Magazine Freshman Class is still relevant.
Confucius encourages people to rethink what closure means in his Confucius Says segment.