What is the DJ's Current Role in Hip-Hop? - KUT & KUTX Studios

Summary

Inspired by an onstage outburst at a recent Wiz Khalifa concert, Confucius & Fresh kick off this edition of The Breaks by reexamining the once-central role of the DJ in the context of contemporary hip-hop.

This week’s Hip-Hop Facts packs tidbits on 50 Cent’s “How to Rob”, Tupac’s relationship with Suge Knight, Akon’s use of onstage decoys, the 1995 Source Awards, and Rakim’s unlikely journey into becoming a rap superstar.

Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion suggests that despite surface-level appearances, Mase of Naughty By Nature is NOT a victim of Puff Daddy.

Lastly, Confucius Reads the News about the latest Monkeypox developments, Biden’s ongoing COVID tests, Alex Jones’ Sandy Hook trial phone fiasco, and the passing of KUT/KUTX legend John Aielli.

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February 17, 2025

Will Outkast make it into the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame?

Fresh and Confucius discuss whether Outkast has a legitimate chance at making the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame. The pair also breakdown Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show and their thoughts on it.

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February 10, 2025

Did Beyonce Get What She Deserved?

Was Beyonce winning the AOTY a little too late? We also pay homage to hip-hop producer/executive Irv Gotti who passed away last week.

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February 3, 2025

Is a Jay-Z feature still worth it?

On this episode Fresh and Confucius discuss the difference between podcasting and radio and if a Jay-Z feature is still worth it to artists.

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January 27, 2025

Frenemies?

What is the issue between old friends, and artists, Jim Jones and Cam’ron? Also we discuss rappers cozying up to Trump’s new presidency.

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January 20, 2025

A Conversation with the Austin Chronicle

Carys Anderson talks to Confucius and Fresh about the Austin Chronicle’s Music Poll. Plus Fresh and Confucius debate the merits of Drake’s case again UMG.

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January 13, 2025

Should Elliott Wilson calm down?

Confucius and Fresh talk about not getting nominated for an Austin music award this year, and discuss Elliott Wilson’s views hip-hop journalism.

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December 23, 2024

2024 Year-in-Review

Don’t worry, it’s not a clip show! Confucius and Fresh recap moments from The Breaks that made this year one for the books.

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December 16, 2024

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.