Confucius and Fresh break away from the routine chatter for a two-part guest appearance: Shxwnfresh & THEBROSFRESH in Studio 1A ahead of a Stubb’s show on Friday, August 30th and an interview with Staten Island’s Chey. Hear all that plus an Unpopular Opinion on Heavy D this week.
Jay Z
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.
Jump On It!
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin Hip-Hop artist and activist NOOK Turner about Jump On It Week, July 30-August 6th.
Then they discuss what support looks like for black endeavors in Austin.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Bun-B feels about Jay-Z using his bars in 99 Problems, How DJ Screw’s mom inspired him to sell mix tapes, what happened when Sinéad O’Connor featured MC Lyte on a song, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Lil Baby is overhyped.
Confucius talks about the recent confirmation that the US Government has alien biologics, Mitch McConnel freezing during a press conference, chaos in the DeSantis campaign, and more in Confucius Reads the News.
Grammys So Black
Confucius and Fresh Interview Austin hip-hop artist Vintage Jay about his upcoming album and his other projects. Then they discuss the recent Grammy Awards, which featured a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Kanye’s song “Big Brother” and Prince, how Jay-Z ended up on Joe Budden’s “Pump it Up” Remix, why 50 Cent once played the Delco Center in Austin, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that concerts, as we know them, may be winding down.
Confucius talks about the upcoming Super Bowl, Biden’s State of the Union address and the recent ice storm in Austin in Confucius Reads the News.
Commercialization vs. Culture
Inspired by yet another Rolling Stone article, Confucius and Fresh kick off this week’s episode with a discussion on how Hip-Hop’s increasing commercialization affects its cultural relevance.
As the Nicki v. Cardi spat continues, the fellas talk up the importance of women in Hip-Hop, especially when it comes to lyrical effect on men.
Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion suggests cities ought to stop “adopting” artists as their own asset, before Confucius Reads the News about Kanye West and Parler, Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program, and Jay-Z’s Bacardi lawsuit.
R&B’s Diminishing Dominance
In this episode, Confucius and Fresh break down what happened to R&B as a dominating force before debating whether or not Austin City Limits Music Festival has “gotten better” at showcasing rap in recent years.
On Hip-Hop Facts you’ll hear about Lil Jon’s double distribution of the “Yeah” instrumental, birthday boy Ginuwine’s real name, and the first of many Belly film trivia tidbits.
Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion goes meta when he defends the significance of The Breaks itself for playing local artists.
And no news from Confucius this week; Instead he talks up his headliner comedy gig this Wednesday at The Pershing, hosted by Fresh!
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.
Who Killed R&B?
Confucius and Fresh talk about the importance of hip-hop podcasts. Then they discuss Diddy and Mary J Blige’s recent conversation about who killed R&B.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who invented turntable scratching, who wrote P. Diddy’s “Let’s Get It,” how Jay-Z and Kanye prevented “Watch the Throne” from leaking before it was released, and more.
After seeing Kid Cudi’s Esquire cover where he’s wearing only a sock, Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that just because your favorite artist does something outrageous, doesn’t mean it’s cool or artistic.
Confucius talks about Kid Cudi’s remarks about Kanye in his Esquire article, Donald Trump’s difficulties finding lawyers, Timbaland & Swizz Beats’ lawsuit against Triller, their partner in Verzuz, and more.
The Curious Case of Rap Mags
This week Confucius and Fresh talk about the decline of hip-hop magazines and discuss whether video vixens are still a thing.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about H.E.R.’s history as a child prodigy, how DJ Clark Kent finagled Notorious B.I.G. onto Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” the lost “Gettin Jiggy Wit It” remix and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Austin artists should stop asking the city government for help and stop threatening to leave the scene.
Confucius talks about the FBI raid on Mar-A-Lago, A$AP Rocky’s legal trouble with A$AP Relli, Serena Williams’ retirement from tennis, and more in this week’s installment in Confucius Reads the News.
All About Beef
Confucius and Fresh discuss why people love rap beefs so much. Then they break down what factors might play into artists not living up to the hype surrounding them.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Mystikal’s history with No Limit, Scarface’s early days as a DJ, how Lil Wayne was inspired by Jay-Z, who Quincy Jones originally wanted to pitch “She’s Out of My Life” to, and more!
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that New York will never regain its dominance over hip-hop.
Confucius talks about Boris Johnson’s resignation, Brittney Griner’s imprisonment in Russia, Glo rilla getting signed to CMG by Yo Gotti, the mass shooting in Highland Park on July 4th and more during Confucius Reads the News.
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.
The Return of Kendrick
Fresh and Confucius talk about the release of Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, and Young Thug’s recent arrest and racketeering charges.
This week on Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about Lil Boosie’s time on death row, Travis Scott’s time in a rap duo with OG Chess, why Jay-Z had a problem with A$AP Rocky, and more!
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that despite his many missteps, Daniel Cesar is not, in fact, canceled.
Confucius discusses the failure of a bill in the Senate to protect abortion, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Harriet Tubman, the recent fights between DaniLeigh and DaBaby and more in Confucius Reads the News.
Grammy Time
Fresh and Confucius talk about the 2022 Grammy Awards and discuss T.I.’s recent run in with another comedian at a comedy club.
This week on Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about the high school rap battles between Busta Rhymes and Jay-Z, what happened when Warren and G Nate Dogg performed “Regulate” at the Billboard Awards, why Biggie wrote who “Who Shot Ya?” and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Top Dawg Entertainment is overrated.
Confucius blends his old segment Confucius Says with Confucius Reads the News when he talks about Kentaji Brown Jackson’s appointment to the Supreme Court and discusses the value of fearlessness in life, and the lack of value of haters .
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.
Freddie Gibbs vs Dr. Umar?
This week on The Breaks:
- Confucius is out so Fresh talks about the proposed boxing match between Freddie Gibbs and Dr. Umar Johnson.
- Fresh explores his thoughts about Rory and Mal, formerly of the Joe Budden podcast, getting a deal for $10 million dollars to start their own podcast.
- In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about the recording of UGK’s “Ridin’ Dirty,” Curren$y and Lil Wayne’s relationship and UGK’s history with Jay-Z.
- In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh explains why he thinks that the Lakers won’t win the championship this year.
You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.
Diddy vs Dupree?!?
This week on the Breaks Confucius is out so:
- After recent events, Fresh explains why he thinks Jermaine Dupree could hold his own in a Verzuz against Diddy.
- He talks about the recent comments by Lil Duval calling out Black Celebrities for not supporting the release of Boosie Badazz’s biopic “My Struggle.”
- In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about who gave Ray Parker Jr. — who wrote the theme for “Ghostbusters — his start. You’ll also learn a fact that includes both Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life” and Nipsey Hussle’s “Hussle and Motivate.”
- After T.I.’s recent comments blaming 50 cent’s refusal to do a Verzuz with him on New York hip-hop looking down on the South, Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that New Yorker hubris has nothing to do with it.
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.
Rest in Power MKW
This week on The Breaks:
- Confucius and Fresh pay tribute to actor Michael K. Williams.
- The hosts discuss the upcoming Verzuz between Jah Rule and Fat Joe.
- In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about Jay Z’s “The Blueprint,” Nas, the time the Lox almost stabbed Mike Tyson, Beanie Sigel’s album “The Truth” and more.
- After Tidal’s recent tweet, Fresh and Confucius answer the question “Would you rather have $500,000 or a dinner with Jay Z.”
- After finding out that an Austin artist obviously bought streams, Confucius uses his Confucius Says segment to encourage aspiring artists to fake it ’til they make it…within reason.
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.