The Breaks

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.

Rap Loves Comedy

Confucius and Fresh talk about the connection between hip-hop and comedy. Then, inspired by the success of Saucy Santana, they discuss whether hip-hop is ready for an openly gay rapper.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the collaborative record that DJ Premier and 50 Cent never made, the connection between In Living Color and the Superbowl halftime show, how the introduction of Soundscan helped hip-hop, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that radio is still a musical gatekeeper.

Confucius talks about NBA Youngboy’s acquittal on gun charges, Desus and Mero’s split, the passage of a bill codifying same-sex marriage in the House of Representatives and more in his Confucius Reads the News segment.

For the Love of Money

Inspired by Akademiks comments about certain rappers’ behavior at Michael Rubin’s white party, Confucius and Fresh discuss hip-hop’s fascination with billionaires and crime lords. Then they talk about whether today’s rap lyrics are more dangerous than they were in the past.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the beef between Cypress Hill and Ice Cube, whose flow Method Man copied on Biggie’s “The What,” how Disney tried to sign Dr. Dre, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Tupac was a great writer, but not the best rapper.

Confucius talks about the death of James Caan, inflation and its impact on Kool-Aid, Twitter suing Elon Musk, and more.

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.

Mo’Nique vs DL

Confucius and Fresh discuss the recent conflict between Mo’Nique and DL Hughley and talk about the golden age of streetball and the AND1 mixtapes.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Black Music Month, the time Will Smith hit Anthony Mackie, Big K.R.I.T.’s baseball connection, Fat Joe’s start in hip-hop, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that not everyone is cut out to be a creative entrepreneur.

And Confucius talks about Canada’s freeze on handgun sales, Elon Musk’s email telling people to be in the office 40 hours a week or else, the baby formula shortage, and the final decisions in the Amber Heard / Johnny Depp case.

Are Rap Lyrics Evidence?

Fresh and Confucius talk about the recent arrests of Young Thug and Gunna, and discuss whether rap lyrics should be used as evidence. They also debate whether N.O.R.E was right when he called out artists who give more respect to big-name interviewers than they do to interviewers from the culture.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first time Biggie and Diddy did a certain drug, why Bun B went solo, how underrated Mase was back in the day, and more!

Fresh states the UnpopularOpinion that Section.80 is Kendrick Lamar’s best album outside of Damn.

And Confucius gets serious when talking about the massacre of school children in Uvalde, Texas in Confucius Reads the News.

Who Shot Megan?

Confucius and Fresh talk about the online controversy surrounding a Lil Durk impersonator and Tekashi 6ix9ine and discuss their thoughts about Megan Thee Stallion’s interview with Gayle King.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Mary J Blige’s appearance in the “Not Tonight Video,” how Napster contributed to the success of Shaggy’s song “It Wasn’t Me,” why the “Men In Black” soundtrack is important, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is the single greatest album by a female artist of all time.

Confucius talks about the FDA’s plan to ban menthol cigarettes, Joe Biden’s plea for $33 million in aid to Ukraine, Elon Musk’s recent purchase of Twitter, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

Rest in Power DJ Kay Slay

Fresh and Confucius celebrate the life of DJ Kay Slay, and debate whether Future really is the best rapper alive.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about DJ Kay Slay, DJ Drama’s Gansta Grillz, and more!

After T-Pain called out the city of Dallas over low ticket sales, Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that artists can’t be mad about low ticket sales.

Confucius talks about the fall of Netflix, Future’s comments about whether he wants more kids, Florida’s decision to revoke Disney’s special status, Jerry Seinfeld’s friendship with Wale, and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Tales of Jay-Z

Confucius and Fresh talk about how important Hot 97’s Summer Jam was to the culture in the pre-internet era, and discuss whether the West Coast has fully gotten its due as a rap coast.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first hip-hop record to go diamond, how Big KRIT’s “Glass House” came to be recorded in Austin, who Atlanta rapper Baby Tate’s mother is, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Chicago is not getting its due for the amount of influence that the city has had on the culture.

In Confucius Reads the News Confucius talks about Elon Musk’s bid to buy Twitter, Greg Abbott’s decision to bus migrants to Washington D.C., Patrick Beverly’s celebration at winning the 7th spot in the playoffs, and more.

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 .

The Slap!

Confucius and Fresh give their takes on Will Smith slapping Chris Rock during the Oscars and talk about Doja Cat’s announcement that she’s retiring.

This week on Hip-Hop Facts you’ll hear interesting things about the real singer on Will Smith’s “Men in Black,” how Fat Joe is connected to Grandmaster Flash, why Prodigy’s verse never ended up on M.O.P.’s “Ante Up” Remix, Why Pusha T may resent McDonald’s and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that hip-hop journalism is in as good a space as it’s been in a while.

Confucius talks about the return of NASA’s Mark Vande Hei after 355 days in space, the latest COVID booster news, the slap, and Joe Biden’s comments about Putin.

Ladies Night

In honor of women’s history month, Confucius and Fresh are focusing on women in hip-hop and R&B this week! They talk about Latto’s recent statement that a male rapper wanted to exchange sex for a feature on her upcoming record. Plus, they talk about how Da Brat’s influence in hip-hop is underrated.

This week you’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Mona Scott Young, Lil’ Kim’s connection to Slick Rick’s song “Teenage Love,” who was in the Notorious B.I.G.’s “One More Chance” video, the story behind the coats in Salt-N-Pepa’s music video and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Slaughterhouse was never that big of a deal.

In Confucius Reads the News Confucius talks about the war in Ukraine, Critical Race Theory, the recent tornados in the Austin area.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Chaining Day

This week on The Breaks Fresh and Confucius discuss Dame Dash’s claim that the only valid Roc-a-fella chains are the ones that he’s given out.

In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn about Ron Browz’s involvement in Big L’s song “Ebonics,” how the Notorious B.I.G. wrote the entire album for Junior M.A.F.I.A , how Keir Worthy was the first person to bring hip-hop to SXSW, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Warner Bros and DC Comics need to stop making Batman movies.

Confucius talks about Lil Durk’s comments about his fiancé and her body count, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Chris Brown’s recent sexual assault scandal.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Jeen-Yuhs

Confucius and Fresh discuss the Kanye West documentary “Jeen-Yuhs” and talk about The Game’s comments about Kanye and Dr. Dre.

In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn interesting tidbits about the Young Gunz song “Never Take Me Alive, the Connection between 50 Cent’s album The Massacre, and The Game’s record The Documentary, who was actually in Kanye West’s hip-hop bear mascot and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that there are no hip-hop superstars outside of Kendrick, J Cole, and Drake.

And Confucius talks about the president’s State of the Union, the beef between NBA Youngboy and Lil Durk, the war in Ukraine, and more.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

The Return of SXSW

Confucius and Fresh talk about the return of in-person SXSW and debate whether bloggers like DJ Akademiks are actually journalists.

In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn why Andre 3000 said “The South got something to say,” how Queen Latifah was once Monica’s manager, how Bow-Wow got discovered & more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that top rapper lists are needed. And in Confucious Reads the News, Confucius talks about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kodak Black’s comments on fatherhood, Governor Abbott’s push to criminalize the families of transgender children, and more.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Fight in the Bowling Alley!

Confucius and Fresh discuss DaBaby’s recent fight with DaniLeigh’s brother in a bowling alley, and debate when being braggadocious in hip-hop goes from okay to corny.

In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn interesting tidbits about Kanye’s “All Falls Down,” 50 Cent’s album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, The Lady of Rage, Missy Elliot, Lil’ Kim, and more!

After the news about Isiah Rashad, Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that hip-hop is ready for an openly gay male rapper.

In his Confucius Reads the News segment, Confucius talks about the reaction to the Biden administration’s community-based harm-reduction programs for drug users, Snoop Dogg’s recent acquisition of Death Row records, Marjorie Taylor Green’s incorrect usage of gazpacho, and more!

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

RiRi is Prego!

This week on The Breaks Confucius and Fresh discuss the importance of owning the things you create and talk through Nicki Minaj’s run-in with City Girls. They tell you Hip-Hop Facts about the beat to Camp Lo’s “Luchini AKA This Is It,” the truth behind the title of Drake’s hit “Marvin’s Room,” how a person gets a Roc-A-Fella chain, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that if Nicki Minaj releases a record it will be the record of the year. And Confucius talks about Rihanna’s pregnancy announcement, Biden’s announcement that a U.S. operation killed the leader of ISIS, the recent freeze in Texas, and more in his Confucius Reads the News segment.

Listen to the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

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.

Confucius Talks Depression

In this episode of The Breaks

Confucius opens up about his experiences with depression and talks about the importance of mental health with Fresh.
Confucius and Fresh celebrate Freddie Gibbs’ recent success and explain why they wish he would chill out a little bit.
In this week’s Installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn the truth about the beef between Kris Kross and Another Bad Creation, how Lil Cease squashed his beef with the Outlawz, how Left Eye helped Kris Kross figure out their style, how Young Thug is directly responsible for the rise of Lil Baby and more!
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that yes, there are at least 20 rappers who can rap as well as Biggie Smalls!
In his Confucius Reads the News segment, Confucius talks about Wack 100’s comments about Bobby Shmurda, the failure of the Voting Right’s Act in the Senate, Jaheim’s Verzuz Challenge to Usher, Donald Trump Jr. retweeting Nicki Minaj, and more!

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show

5 Years of The Breaks

This week on The Breaks:

- The Breaks celebrate the 5th Anniversary of their radio show on KUTX 98.9
- Confucius and Fresh discuss the greatest beef of all time — the one between Elmo and Zoe’s pet rock, Rocco
- Both hosts look back on the last five years of The Breaks radio show.
- In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn about the deal that almost happened between Def Jam and BMF, how Cam’ron almost signed Rick Ross, how J Cole hipped Dr. Dre to Kendrick Lamar, how T.I.’s wife Tiny helped him early in his career and more.
- Fresh states his Unpopular Opinion that JID will make the best album of 2022.
- In his Confucius Reads the News segment, Confucius talks about the anniversary of the insurrection of January 6th, the rise of the Omicron variant, and why Antonio Brown walked off the field.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.