Confucius and Fresh talk about the implications of Drake’s latest lawsuit, what to expect from Austin hip-hop and R&B going into 2025, and an Unpopular Opinion on the status of regional hip-hop.
Kendrick Lamar
What happened to R&B?
Confucius and Fresh talk about the evolution of R&B’s character over the decades, hip hop and drug usage, and an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s potential to “fall off”.
Been There 3 Interview
Confucius and Fresh are joined by DAWA/Riders Against the Storm’s Chaka and Been There cofounder Aaron Brown to discuss Been There 3: A Party to Support Our Unhoused Neighbors happening November 2nd at Radio East to benefit The Other Ones Foundation. Hear that, a chat on the relationship between hip-hop and Halloween, and an Unpopular Opinion on Kendrick Lamar’s recent choice of media outlets.
Rap Beef Episode I: The East Coast Menace
Confucius and Fresh dive into the first episode of their series on rap beefs by tackling some of the most pivotal rivalries the East Coast ever had to offer.
Thee Phantom Interview
Confucius and Fresh talk with Jeffrey McNeill of Thee Phanton and Illharmonic Orchestra ahead of an Austin appearance, do a little more prep leading up to the series on beefs, and unwrap an Unpopular Opinion on Vivica A. Fox’s stardom.
BLK ODYSSY Interview
Confucius and Fresh sit down with August 2021 KUTX Artist of the Month BLK ODYSSY to talk about their newly released album 1-800 Fantasy before setting the stage for an upcoming series on beefs.
Sitting Down with SaulPaul
Confucius and Fresh kick things off by catching up with Austin-based Grammy nominee SaulPaul ahead of his next album Speak Hope, Sing Joy: Change Maker Music for Kids, out August 30th. Afterwards the fellas chat about the authenticity of Atlanta’s ian and navigate an Unpopular Opinion surrounding Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle.
What was the worst period in hip-hop?
Confucius and Fresh contemplate what Hip-Hop’s worst era was before moving onto a modern existential debate over the importance of record certifications, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Lil Keke’s impact on Houston rap and beyond.
What’s next for The Breaks?
Confucius and Fresh reminisce on their journey so far over the past eight years and what to expect next before dissecting what makes LL Cool J such a significant figure in hip-hop history, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s status as a so called “culture vulture”.
Is Raunchiness in Rap really that new?
Inspired by discourse around the recent BET Awards, Confucius and Fresh discuss why some folks are reacting oddly to what’s perceived as uncouth behavior alongside an Unpopular Opinion Puerto Ricans’ place in the rise of Hip-Hop.
Interview with Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Terry P. Mitchell
Confucius and Fresh sit down with Founder Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Author Terry P. Mitchell to discuss the Austin African American Book Festival and The City We Built: Black Leaders of Austin, happening June 29th, plus Hip-Hop Facts, reactions to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on Tyler the Creator’s role as a West Coast representative.
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”.
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.
Stop It Melle Mel!
Confucius and Fresh discuss Melle Mel’s comments about Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. Then they debate whether or not best-of lists are an attempt to keep New York hip-hop relevant.
You’ll hear a special “What If?” version of Hip-Hop Facts where they ask what would have happened to Method Man’s debut album if RZA’s basement hadn’t flooded, what if Pimp C hadn’t gone to jail, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Melle Mel was right that Kendrick Lamar being named as one of the greatest rappers of all time is a bit premature.
Confucius talks about how US music retail revenue is up, the House’s investigation of Twitter, Tucker Carlson’s real feelings about Donald Trump, and more in 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.