The Breaks

The Breaks > All Episodes

August 8, 2022

What is the DJ’s Current Role in Hip-Hop?

By: Jack Anderson

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.


Episodes

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?

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.

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December 9, 2024

Is Drake going to be okay?

Confucius and Fresh talk about the implications of Drake’s latest lawsuit, what to expect from Austin hip-hop and R&B going into 2025, and an Unpopular Opinion on the status of regional hip-hop.

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November 25, 2024

What happened to R&B?

Confucius and Fresh talk about the evolution of R&B’s character over the decades, hip hop and drug usage, and an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s potential to “fall off”.

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