The Breaks

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.

Wendy Day Has Good Advice You Can Use

Confucius and Fresh talk to Wendy Day — who helped discover Eminem and helped Cash Money land an unprecedented $30 million dollar deal with Universal Music Group — about the realities of the music industry, and how independent artists should approach their careers.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first hip-hop website to have push notifications, what blogsite first debuted the Weeknd’s music, the origin of Okay Player, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Pusha T does not deserve to be on Billboard’s Top 50 Rappers of all time.

Confucius talks about Elon Musk’s views on aliens, the rumors about a serial killer in Austin, Ron DeSantis’s trip to Washington, and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Rap Republicans

Fresh and Confucius interview Austin comedian Victor Martinez Jr. who’s performing at the comedy show “Tabernacle: starring Confucius Jones and Friends” Sunday, April 16th at Antone’s.

Then the hosts discuss DJ Akedemiks recent deal with Rumble, and how it’s a sign of hip-hop’s tendency towards conservatism.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about RZA’s original lyrics on Kanye’s “Dark Fantasy,” Biz Markie’s original lyrics for “Just a Friend,” that time when Curren$ey, Jay Electronica and Mos Def formed a group, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Jah Rule has a better catalog than 50 Cent.

Confucius talk about the arrest of the man who murdered Cash App founder Bob Lee, the fight over the legality of the mifeprestone, the reinstatement of expelled Tennesee legislators Justin Pearson and Justin Jones and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Speech Talks

Confucius and Fresh talk to Speech from Arrested Development about the Grammys, the song Tennessee, and why Speech always felt hip-hop should be the number-one genre in the world. The band just played the Urban Cultural Fest in Austin. Then the hosts discuss the importance of live performance in hip-hop.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the origin of the movie “Drumline,” how many sounds Mannie Fresh used to make the early Cash Money beats, how De La Soul might be on a version of “Scenario,” and more.

Fresh and Confucius debate Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion from last week that people have been too hard on the tv show Friends.

Confucius talks about the recent school shooting in Nashville, Disney’s strategy to go around Ron Desantis and more in Confucius Reads the News,

Fresh’s SXSW Recap

Fresh walks you through what went down at this year’s SXSW and SXSBreaks.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Rockwilder thinks Bink of Justice League stole his idea from “I Ain’t Mad At Cha,” how Musiq Soulchild feels about his first record, whose life the Fresh Prince of Belaire was based on, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people have been too hard on the TV show “Friends” for its lack of diversity.

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.

SXSW Stories

Confucius and Fresh talk to Jordan Cummings, one of the founders of HennyThing ATX, a festival which will be in Austin on March 18th, 2023. Then Confucius and Fresh tell their favorite SXSWstories from years past.

You learn Hip-Hop Facts about whether Biggie’s “Long Kiss Goodnight” is really a Tupac diss, how old Nicole Wray was when “Make it Hot” became a hit, and why Nas’s had an issue with The Roots and Black Thought, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that SXSW is kind of played out.

Confucius talks about how SXSW pays musicians, Amazon’s efforts to change the rules around when you can buy liquor, and Marjorie Greene Taylor on Confucius Reads the News.

All Are Welcome

Fresh and Confucius try to dispel the myth that native Austinites don’t celebrate artists who aren’t from here. They also talk about how few dedicated spaces there are for hip-hop in Austin.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first recording Alicia Keys debuted on, the truth about whether Big L was going to sign to Rocafella, where Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia Ultra debuted, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that when it comes to hip-hop, the argument that quality is better than quantity doesn’t hold up.

Confucius talks about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s call for a “national divorce,” the Fox News texts that came to light as a result of the Dominion lawsuit, Quavo’s new song “Greatness” and more on Confucius Reads the News.

SXSBreaks is Back!

The Breaks talk about why Cardi B has stayed relevant, and reveal the lineup for SXSBreaks, the SXSW showcase featuring Austin’s best hip-hop and R&B Acts.

You’ll learn hip-hop facts about how Wu-Tang was the first rap group to do a worldwide tour with a rock band, who was D’Angelo’s “Devil’s Pie” originally belonged to, how good the original version of Dr. Dre’s The Chronic really was, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Odd Future is the most underrated rap collective in history.

Confucius talked about the Eagles losing the Super Bowl, the recent UFO sightings in the states, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

Wait Your Turn

Fresh and Confucius discuss the idea that people in the Austin music scene are owed opportunities. then, inspired by Justin Bieber’s recent 200 million dollar sale of his catalog, they talk about why artists might sell their stake in their work.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the samples on “U Can’t Touch This,” “Ice Ice Baby,” “Tennessee” and more. It’s all part of Under the Covers weekend at KUTX!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that today’s rap is boring.

Confucius talks about how the Eagles are going to win the Superbowl, Ted Cruz’s comments about the debt ceiling, how much money Kari Lake has raised since denying she lost November’s election and Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing in Confucius Reads the News.

Advice for Austin Artists

This week Fresh and Confucius get real about what they think artists in the city should do career-wise. They talk about the importance of music videos, and when artists should try to start performing outside of Austin.

Plus, they celebrate Love Austin Music Month by playing an interview with J Soulja from ACLfest.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that paying for features by bigger artists isn’t always the best way to get your music out there.

Confucius talks about the recent involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin, the debate over the debt ceiling, and Dr. Dre’s $200 million catalog sale in Confucius Reads the News

A Love Letter to Austin Blogs

Confucius and Fresh discuss Dez Bryant’s statement that Drake made Houston rap famous, and talk about how excited they are about the new batch of hip-hop platforms in Austin, TX.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Gerald Levert got Cam’ron to leave the streets alone, how DJ Quik helped on 50 Cents’ song “In Da Club,” how Aaliyah made it on a Kriss Kross song, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that record labels don’t owe anything to artists who’ve broken the law.

Confucius talks about the recently recovered documents at President Biden’s house, TCU’s recent loss, Dre Dre’s showdown with Marjorie Taylor Greene, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

6 Years of The Breaks!

Confucius and Fresh celebrate The Breaks’ 6th anniversary by telling the story of the show’s origin and talking about their proudest moments from the last 6 years. Then they talk about why women are pulling ahead in Austin’s hip-hop scene.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Nipsey Hussle turned down the opportunity to play Snoop Dogg in Straight Outta Compton, who André 3000 originally wrote “Prototype” for, what NWA song Ice Cube wishes he was on, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that DJ Khaled’s over-the-top aesthetic has run its course, and Confucius respectfully disagrees.

Confucius talks about Tory Lanez recent conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, Keven McCarthy’s trouble getting elected as Speaker of the house, and his own deep need for the Eagles to win the Superbowl in Confucius Reads the News.

Merry Listmas!

It’s the last Breaks podcast of 2022! To celebrate, Confucius and Fresh debate the importance of end-of-the-year lists and discuss their hopes and predictions for 2023.

You’ll learn Christmas Hip-Hop Facts about the songs “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto,” “All I Want For Christmas is You,” “This Christmas” and more.

Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t have to be formally trained in hip-hop to be considered professional rappers.

Confucius talks about the trial of Megan Thee Stallion and Torey Lanez, the outcry over Brittney Griner‘s release, Gunna’s release from prison, and more.

Let’s Hear it for the Ladies of ATX

Confucius and Fresh talk about why women are ruling Austin’s R&B scene, and discuss why Spotify is winning the streaming wars.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about TLC’s original name, the album Outkast and A Tribe Called Quest never made, Dr. Dre’s favorite album, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Deion Sanders’ leaving Jackson State University is a bad move, mostly because his time at the HBCU did nothing to improve the standing of HBCU football long-term.

Confucius talks about Brittney Griner’s release, the NC blackout caused by a woman who wanted to stop a drag show, Raphael Warnock’s win in Georgia, and more.

Where’d the Groups Go???

After watching Xscape perform at the Soul Train Awards, Fresh and Confucius try to figure out why there aren’t R&B Groups anymore.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about what Ice Cube charges for features, who Tupac was flipping off after he was shot, and who owns the last know J Dilla beats.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Grammys do, in fact, matter.

Confucius talks about the new House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, Trump’s Tax returns, Congress’s same-sex and interracial marriage bill, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

Grow Up Drake!

After the release of the Drake and 21 Savage collaboration, “Her Loss,” Fresh and Confucius try and figure out if Drake is outgrowing his subject matter.

They also talk about anti-semitic comments by Kyrie Irving and Kanye and explore the issue of black ownership.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Wiz Khalifa’s 2nd album, the connection between John Legend and Lauryn Hill, how Omar Epps got the part in Juice, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Foxy Brown is overrated.

Confucius talks about the recent midterm election in Confucius Reads the News.

State of the Austin Union

Confucius and Fresh talk about the current state of the Austin R&B and rap scene. They also discuss whether radio is still important and what needs to change for it to stay relevant.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Joey Bada$$ really feels about his song “Devastated,” how Dipset ended up with an office in the Def Jam building, who gave Irv Gotti his name, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Megan Thee Stallion might be a little overrated.

Confucius talks about the Uvalde School Board’s decision to fire police chief Pete Arrendondo, Offset’s lawsuit against his record label, the Biden administration’s decision to forgive some student loans and more in 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.