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.
rap
Texas, western states brace for uranium boom
Signs of a possible temporary end to the federal shutdown, but closer to home concerns are growing that Texas is running out of water.
The Texas Tribune employed artificial intelligence to answer some Texans’ water concerns, but there are limits. We’ll hear from two Tribune reporters who are trying to fill in the gaps.
The U.S. race for uranium: Why Texas is finding itself at the center of it.
We’ll also talk with a member of SNL’s Five-Timer’s Club now on tour across Texas: Comedian John Mulaney.
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.
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.
Can Drake Get Back On Top?
On this episode we discuss what artists get a pass to “genre bend” and what artists don’t. We also discuss what can Drake do to regain his number one spot in hip-hop. Hip-hop facts include Will Ferrell, Jay-Z, Allen Iverson and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion is that rappers don’t have to do traditional hip-hop media platforms.
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.
Roc Nation Did It
On this episode we discuss overstaying your welcome as an artist in different spaces. We also discuss people blaming Jay-Z’s Roc Nation record label for all of their musical woes. Hip-Hop facts includes facts about Clipse, 2pac’s early college days, and why Joaquin Phoenix is a huge Michael Jackson fan. Unpopular opinion with Fresh is about not wanting Erykah Badu to choose rapping over singing on her records.
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.
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.
Did We Give Hip-Hip Away?
On this episode we discuss if the culture of Hip-Hop was too easily given away to streaming services without a fight. We also discuss the pros and cons of using A.I. in hip-hop. Hip-Hop facts this week include Aaliyah, Whitney Houston and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Unpopular Opinion is about about having too much access to celebrities.
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.
Do We Glorify Drug Culture Too Much?
This episode we discuss hip-hop’s effect on drug culture and if we play into too much ourselves. We also discuss hip-hop artists going back to one producer per album, like in the golden eras.
Stop Talking to Kanye (feat. Wes Denzel)
This episode we interview San Antonio/Austin hip-hop artist Wes Denzel about his newest release and working with the Austin FC’s soccer team. We also make a call to action for the media to stop interviewing Kanye West.
Is SXSW Over? (feat. B. Hobbs of SXSW)
On this week’s episode we interview B. Hobbs who is the Director of Programming for SXSW to discuss the changes for next year. We also have some brand new hip-hop facts and of course Unpopular Opinion with Fresh himself.
Wes Denzel: “Juice”
The last time we checked-in with Wes Denzel, he was re-releasing his 2023 H-Town love letter Last Night In Houston. And during that time, he was already working on his next record. The San Antonio-based rapper, songwriter, and self-taught producer has spent the last couple of years working on Sorry About Last Night, a five-song EP set for release next month.
The EP finds Denzel furthering his mastery of beatmaking and production and polishing his storytelling skills. Each song has a distinct mood, but true to Denzel’s established style, his vocals are laid back and cool while the mellow beats keep the momentum. “Juice” is a chill mediation on loving and admiring exceptional ladies with fine taste. Suggested pairings include a glass of Veuve and a drippy Van Cleef Alhambra piece.
Sorry About Last Night is out April 4th.
Wes Denzel takes the SXSBreaks stage tomorrow night at 7:30 at Lefty’s Brick Bar on East 6th.
Is Jermaine Dupri out of touch?
On this episode we discuss legendary producer/artist Jermaine Dupri’s comments on artists not wanting to be independent. We also discuss the recent Austin Music Awards and some criticisms levied at them from local artists.
SXSBREAKS!
It’s that time of year where we discuss our annual official SXSW Showcase SXSBreaks and our amazing line up. We also discuss Rza from Wu Tang’s comments about the rise of southern hip-hop.