KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts

KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

The Breaks

Should Elliott Wilson calm down?

Confucius and Fresh discuss not being nominated for an Austin music award this year and debate Elliott Wilson’s views on hip-hop journalism.

How do we feel about Jay-Z

Confucius and Fresh talk about the recent rape allegations against Jay-Z. Plus they try and figure out why rap songs are getting shorter.

An Austin Artist’s Guide to Success: Part 2

The latest episode of Pause/Play is part two of an Austin Artist’s Guide to Success. You’ll hear from many people in the everchanging Austin music scene about their tips and tricks for making it here.

You’ll hear about the role of streaming in an artist’s career, what makes a great artist and advice from people within the industry.

Featuring advice from:

An Austin Artist’s Guide to Success: Part 1

The latest episode of Pause/Play is an Austin Artist’s Guide to Success. You’ll hear from many people in the everchanging Austin music scene about their tips and tricks for making here. 

You’ll hear about what people within the industry are looking for in an artist, what role authenticity plays, and how social media can impact a musician’s career.

Featuring advice from:

BONUS! ACL Fest with Blakchyl 2023

Fresh is out of town this week, but The Breaks still has new(ish) content! In this episode, Confucius and Fresh take the Bonus Tracks Stage during ACL Fest last month. The two interview Austin-born-and-raised artist Blakchyl and discuss what’s up and coming for the hip-hop artist. Enjoy the conversation and for anyone wanting more, visit KUTX for Blakchyl’s ACL pop-up session. Regularly scheduled programming AKA Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion, and Confucius Reads the News will be back next week!

Afrotech and Hubbledvision

Confucius and Fresh interview  J.M., the founder of  Austin’s Hubbledvision, and Chicago-based artist Blvck Svm about their musical collaboration and the Afrovision event at this year’s Afrotech.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote the treatment for Dr. Dre and Tupac’s “California Love” video, the debut of Will Smith’s “Summertime,” what Questlove called himself before he landed on Questlove, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Texas rappers can get lazy.

Confucius talks about Mike Pence dropping out of the presidential race, Trump’s lawyer’s claim that he can’t go to jail because he has a secret service detail, the data breach at the Austin Meals on Wheels and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Did Capitalism Kill Hip-Hop?

Inspired by a recent article in Defector, Confucius and Fresh discuss the impact of capitalism on hip-hop. Then they talk about Puff Daddy’s decision to give Bad Boy artists their publishing back.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher,” what Chamillionaire and Paul Wall did before they were famous, the connection between Shaq and UGK, and more.

Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that Mac Miller’s 2016 Divine Feminine album was the album that Drake should have made that year.

Confucius talks about Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s divorce, the push in Texas to criminalize traveling to get an abortion, the Ken Paxton Trial and more on Confucius Reads the News.

United We Stand?

Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin R&B artist Mélat about her new music, her experience in the Austin music scene, he collaboration with Austin FC, and how she ended up singing with Matthew McConaughey. Then they discuss how united the hip-hop community is in Austin.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between New Edition and Eddie Murphy, why Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” track listing kept changing, why there’s no video for Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Chad Hugo is the unsung hero — as opposed to the real genius — of the Neptunes.

Confucius talks about last week’s racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville, Mitch McConnel freezing at a press conference,   and more in Confucius Reads the News.

 

 

Hot Boys and Girls

Fresh and Confucius talk about the impact that this year’s record heat is having on live music in Austin. Then, inspired by Asian Doll’s comments about not wanting to rap at 30, they debate the merits of older rappers.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Andre 3000 lived in Austin, why Dr. Dre turned down opportunities to work with Michael Jackson and Prince, what Missy Elliot song contains Beyoncé’s first solo outing and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t actually separate the art from the artists, but instead just decide what bad behavior they will or won’t tolerate.

Confucius talks about Trump’s mug shot,  the recent Republican Party presidential debate, the Biden Administration’s new student loan repayment plan, and more.

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.

RDC World talks Dream Con

Confucius and Fresh talk to Mark and John from RDC World about Dream Con, the anime and gaming convention they’re throwing  July 28-30 at the Austin Convention Center.

They also talk about why hip-hop artists like Lil Baby and Lil Durk are canceling their tours lately.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Webby, not Plies, was the original artist on “Shawty,” the real reason Ice Cube left NWA, why George Clinton was inspired to write Atomic Dog, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Wale is the most underrated rapper of a generation.

 

 

 

Grace Sorenson Speaks!

Fresh and Confucius talk to Austin R&B singer-songwriter  Grace Sorenson about why she got into music, what it’s been like to work with BLK ODDYSY, and what she has on the horizon. Grace will be playing KUTX Summer Jam on Friday, July 21st at Stubbs Indoors as part of Hot Summer Nights.

They also discuss a comment Kee from Austin’s Wave Tribe made on Fresh’s show New Fresh City show — the idea that Austin doesn’t have the culture to back up a street rap scene.

You’ll also hear Hip-Hop What Ifs about what if Lil’ Wayne had left Cash Money early on, what if 50 Cent had never been shot, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that 6lack has not made a good album since Free 6lack.

Confucius talks about the SAG-AFTRA strike, Ron DeSantis poll numbers, Tom Brady and Kim Kardashian’s romance, and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Shout Out to the Women

Confucius and Fresh debate whether or not women are saving New York rap, and try and figure out if hip-hop fashion is better now than it was in the past.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about what R&B girl group passed on the Britney Spears hit “Baby One More Time,” the time Lloyd Banks almost signed with Kanye’s “Good Music” label, what Case is really saying at the end of “Missing You” and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that artists actually do need exposure.

Confucius talks about the Sriracha shortage, the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action, and the implosion of the Ttan submersible on Confucius Reads the News.

 

No Austin Without Us

Confucius and Fresh talk to Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone about DAWA, the Black Live Music Fund, and the Sonik Frootz showcase at Antone’s.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how ODB made it on Pras’ song “Ghetto Superstar,” the weird way Montel Jordan got signed to Def Jam, how Erykah Badu’s song “Honey” became a single, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” is a very overrated song.

Confucius talks about the disappearance of the Titan submarine, the House of Representative’s vote to censure Adam Schiff and more on Confucius Reads the News

Culture Wars of Austin

Confucius and Fresh discuss why hip-hop and R&B don’t get the respect they deserve in Austin. Then they talk about the most important albums of the last 10 years.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Rihanna’s ANTI was almost produced by Travis Scott, what superhero Janet Jackson almost played, who Janet’s “Let’s Wait a While” was really about, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Black Eyed Peas are the biggest sellouts in hip-hop.

Confucius talks about the Supreme Court’s decision that Alabama’s voting maps need to be redrawn, the staff strike at the Austin American Statesman,  how CNN fired their CEO and more on Confucius Reads the News.

 

Do Austin Artists Deserve Opening Slots

Fresh and Confucius talk about whether more touring shows should feel obligated to put Austin artists on their bills. And they debate the importance of deep cuts on albums.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the story behind Ginuwine’s “Same Ol’ G,” why Aaliya’s “Come Over” almost didn’t happen, what record Tina Turner holds, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Snoop Dogg’s “Doggiestyle” is better than Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic.”

Confucius talks about Ron DeSantis botched presidential campaign announcement on Twitter Spaces, the movement on the deal to raise the debt ceiling, what’s been happening during the Texas legislative session and more on Confucius Reads the News.

 

Make Rap Fun Again

Confucius and Fresh talk about the disappearance of dance from hip-hop. Then they try to answer the question,” Is rap bad for race relations?”

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the song Tupac played for his friend after he shot two off-duty police officers,  how Biggie got the “Big Poppa” beat, and the truth about LL Cool J’s “I Shot Ya” and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that you don’t have to be from the culture to be for the culture.

Confucius talks about the recently released Durham Report, the end of Title 42, Johnny Depp’s standing ovation at Cannes and more in Confucius Reads the News.

Hey Mama

Confucius and Fresh shout out to all the Mamas for Mother’s Day. They discuss Rory and Mal’s conversation about colorism’s role in Ice Spice’s career. Then they talk about Fresh’s new show on Austin Music TV called New Fresh City.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first time Janet Jackson and Busta Rhymes performed “What’s It Gonna Be” live together, how Big Pun got Cipha Sounds to take a shot of Hennessy, who originally inspired Three 6 Mafia’s “Poppin’ My Collar,” and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that artists today have to be more talented than artists of the past.

Confucius discusses Prince Charle’s coronation, Jean Carroll’s successful sexual assault lawsuit against Donald Trump, CNN’s Trump Townhall and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Time > Money

Confucius and Fresh discuss Swizz Beatz recent comment that for him, time is more important than money. Then they discuss whether being a public figure makes dating more complicated.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Dr. Dre’s and Ice Cube’s un-released record “Helter Skelter,” who the role of Rob was originally written for in the movie “3 Strikes,” what the highest-grossing hip-hop tour of all time is, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that it is beneath Lil’ Kim to do a Verzuz with Nicki Minaj.

Confucius talks about the alleged assassination attempt on Vladimir Putin by Ukraine, Ron Desantis’s recent trip to Israel and his ongoing troubles with Disney, the recent bill that passed through the Texas Senate that would allow the Secretary of State to overturn elections in Harris Country, and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Will AI Change Hip-Hop?

Confucius and Fresh discuss whether or not AI is poised to change the music industry. Then they talk about the racism of cancel culture.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Jay-Z really felt about Kanye getting his Roc-a-fella chain, the Dogg Pound’s connection to Houston, how Jay-Z was supposed to be in Belly, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Midwest is the best region for R&B and Hip-Hop.

Confucius talks about Harry Belafonte and Jerry Springer’s passing, the ongoing battle between Ron Desantis and Disney and more on Confucius Reads the News.

 

 

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