The Breaks

December 4, 2023

Remembering Mixtapes & Steering Clear of Commercialism

Remember when mixtapes were almighty? Confucius and Fresh definitely do! Hear their take on the route mixtape culture has taken, plus some strategies to avoid over commercializing the genre in 2024, how The Breaks succeeds in a primarily non-black space and more on the latest episode.

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November 27, 2023

Diddy, the Grammys, and Andre’s New Groove

Between P. Diddy’s salacious allegations, rumors about next year’s Grammy Awards, and of course, Andre 3000’s boldly bizarre return, there’s a lot to cover this week on The Breaks! Hear all that on top of Confucius Reads the News and Hip-Hop Facts on the latest episode.

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November 20, 2023

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 […]

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November 13, 2023

Talking Hip-Hop: Journalism vs. Gossip

Sure, rumors are intriguing. But why has hip-hop talk moved from music journalism to celebrity clickbait? And when it comes to club culture, forget your section! Bottle wars simply don’t rack up to club-wide celebrations. Hear all about it plus Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius Reads the News, and a particularly Unpopular Opinion that may upset Keke […]

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November 5, 2023

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News.

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October 30, 2023

What Does Artist Cey Adams Have to Say?

Confucius and Fresh interview hip-hop art legend Cey Adams, former creative director for Def Jam who designed album covers for everyone from Run-DMC to Jay-Z. They talk about his early days in hip-hop, what it’s been like to watch the genre evolve and grow, and his new show “Combinations” at the West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News

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October 23, 2023

MJ as the Bar

Coming off of ACL, the fellas discuss MJ (take your pick – Jackson OR Jordan) as the golden standard for success and why it may hold less water these days. Plus, Confucius and Fresh gush about the Hype Williams classic Belly. Hip-Hop Facts enlightens us on how Fabolous got his name and reflects on the […]

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October 16, 2023

40% of What?!

After Juicy J’s comments that there’s a 40% decrease in hip-hop, Fresh and Confucius talk about the truth behind hip-hop’s perceived drop in influence. Then they talk about whether it’s fair to judge Drake. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News.

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