New Old Heads Podcast

Episode 509 discusses the viral debate over Boosie and Webbie claiming their catalog can compete with Outkast and UGK. The panel completely dismantles Joe Budden's recent rant criticizing Anderson .Paak for relying too heavily on collaborative albums rather than solo work. We break down Nicki Minaj's new political alignment with Donald Trump, exploring why her transactional grift has completely alienated her core fanbase. The crew reacts to Jay-Z pausing his SoFi stadium concert to defend his ticket sales against internet rumors and AI, asking if the billionaire mogul is showing signs of insecurity. Finally, we discuss Method Man's reaction to finally hearing the secret $4 million Wu-Tang Clan album, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin."

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Episode 508 features the New Old Heads diving deep into the massive Killer Mike and FD Signifier discourse. The panel unpacks Mike's recent Red Bull freestyle and Vic Mensa interview, debating whether moving like a capitalist is a valid survival strategy for black neighborhoods or a detriment to systemic change. We break down the clash between digital ideology and boots-on-the-ground activism, asking if video essays carry the same weight as community organizing. Finally, the crew completely roasts the racist Steam game "Hood Warfare 2," exposing the morbid reality of late-stage rapsploitation and digital blackface.

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On this episode we talked about if 50 Cent rapping about gangster toughness or deep-seated fear, if gangster rap just conservatism disguised as street music, if the death of monoculture completely destroyed hip-hop's shared conversation, and more. Get the full two-hour show by becoming a $5 member on either Patreon or YouTube.

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On this episode we talked about Reason saying Sampling Hip Hop should have an automatic clearance, Too Short apologizing for saying he'd go to a Diddy party when he gets out, Bomani Jones having questionable take about Babyface, and more.

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Episode 505 features the New Old Heads discussing Charlamagne Tha God's recent criticism of Rick Rubin interviewing Jay-Z for his new HBO docuseries. The panel debates if Rick Rubin was the right person to unpack Jay-Z's legacy, or if the music mogul purposefully selected an interviewer who wouldn't ask challenging questions. The crew explores how their core Hip Hop principles have evolved over the decades, shifting from protecting the underground subculture to accepting Hip Hop as a massive global entity. Finally, we break down Kendrick Lamar shattering the record for the highest-grossing rap tour in history, debating if true Hip Hop authenticity can still exist at a pop-star stadium level.

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Episode 504 features the New Old Heads reacting to Colin Kaepernick officially responding to Jay-Z's recent concert freestyle. The panel exposes the reality behind Roc Nation's performative NFL deal and breaks down how Jay-Z hijacked the protest movement for corporate gain. We discuss OutKast's holding company suing underground producer Ovrkast for trademark infringement, debating the necessity of legacy acts protecting their merchandise revenue. Finally, the crew breaks down the explosive podcast feud between Aries Spears and DJ Vlad, exposing the morbid reality of Hip Hop media platforms monetizing beef and dead artists for clicks.

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Episode 503 features the New Old Heads unpacking Macklemore getting booted from Ed Sheeran's stadium tour after Robert Kraft issued a strict ultimatum over the rapper's pro-Palestinian stance. The panel reacts to Rockwilder stating there is absolutely no difference between a producer and a beatmaker, debating if liner notes even matter in the WeTransfer era. Jay Moore compares Drake's massive streaming success to McDonald's, explaining why billions served still equates to mystery meat. We also draft our ultimate dream producer and artist collaborations for the modern era.

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Episode 502 features the New Old Heads discussing J Cole thanking God that Jay-Z and Roc Nation didn't rush his stardom when he was 24. The panel debates if modern labels even develop artists anymore and whether career longevity requires living a grounded life. We react to KRS-One proposing "Little Hip Hop" districts in major cities, debating if the idea will just lead to gentrification and displacement. The crew breaks down DJ Akademiks blasting Peter Rosenberg over Kanye West forgiveness, exploring where the line should be drawn between personal relationships and public accountability. Finally, we roast Fat Joe for claiming he is the "blackest" person in the room.

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Episode 501 features the New Old Heads reviewing the highly anticipated collaborative album from Erykah Badu and The Alchemist. We discuss Alchemist's organic studio process and debate if the stripped-down beats swallowed Badu's signature soul. The panel reacts to Keefe D officially being found guilty in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, discussing why chasing internet clout led to his ultimate downfall. We debate if Kendrick Lamar winning the BMI Songwriter of the Year award for his "GNX" records proves his music is meaningful or just incredibly popular. Finally, the crew breaks down Mary J. Blige completely selling out for Suno AI and her infamous fast-food chicken commercial.

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We celebrated episode 500 by recording a live show in front of an audience at Indy CD & Vinyl's The 808 venue. We talked about 500 episodes and then had guests come up and ask us questions.

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Episode 499 features the New Old Heads (with guest Brotha2daKnight) breaking down Lecrae's recent comments demanding that artists focus on quality rather than operating as full-time content creators chasing viral moments. We react to Rapsody calling out the Hip Hop industry for giving platforms like Vlad and No Jumper access to the culture's stories. The panel exposes the reality behind Timbaland's $100K Orbiiit contest, debating if it is just a disguised data harvest for AI. Finally, we analyze Pitchfork giving Tyga's AI-generated "Starface" album a brutal 0.0 rating as a definitive stand against soulless generative music.

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Episode 498 features the New Old Heads breaking down the truth behind Kendrick Lamar cutting off The Game, exposing how the 100 video shoot in Compton and the genius timing of "6:16 In LA" proved Kendrick was always 10 steps ahead. We also react to Drake warning his rivals that his "pen isn't dry," debating if his constant need for validation prevents him from establishing a fresh chapter. Finally, we analyze the absolute best argument against AI in Hip Hop, discussing why prompting a computer makes you a project manager, not a creative.

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On episode 497 we talked about 9th wonder's statement on Sway saying we should give the youth some grace about learning about older music, a discussion on T-Pain talking about selling his catalogue that turned into a talk on legacy, and Sylvan Lacue talking about him rejecting a Roc Nation deal and if Jay is more business minded than culture minded. That and more.

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Episode 496 features the New Old Heads (along with guest Brotha2daKnight) breaking down the internet beef between Memphis Bleek and Uncle Murda. We debate why older artists are trading their Hip Hop legacy for digital clout. We also discuss Big Daddy Kane demanding relentless originality from modern artists, unpacking why Tyler, The Creator and Kendrick Lamar represent the ultimate blueprint for longevity. Finally, we tackle the corporate push for AI in Hip Hop production and how generative tech threatens the future of real musicians.

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On episode 495 we talked iShowSpeed performing at the World Cup closing ceremonies, Hip Hop sampling and if its appeal has changed, Post Malone potentially making a fusion rap/Hip Hop comeback, and more.

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Episode 494 features the New Old Heads breaking down Jay-Z's historic three-night anniversary residency at Yankee Stadium. We discuss his flawless execution of Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, and debate if the success of the concert proves that older Hip Hop legends can still draw massive stadium crowds. We also address DJ Funk Flex comparing Jay-Z's weekend to Kanye West's massive sold-out show in Albania, asking if cancel culture even exists anymore. Finally, we tackle Jay-Z's controversial freestyle subbing Colin Kaepernick, questioning if the billionaire is simply out of touch with the very criticism he is trying to defend against.

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Episode 493 features guest Brotha2daKnight joining the New Old Heads to debate American sociologist Tricia Rose's recent claim that hip hop now does more harm than good. We unpack whether the culture is truly toxic or if corporate capitalism is to blame for the aesthetics pushed to the forefront. We also discuss independent rapper Prof getting disqualified by Billboard after selling 30,000 physical albums and debate if the charts are rigged for major labels. Later, we react to a viral clip suggesting the NBA is actively trying to phase out hip hop-centric players to enforce corporate discipline, and we break down Cam'ron's statement about elite talent getting to do whatever they want.

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Episode 492 features guest Brotha2daKnight joining the crew to tackle Lupe Fiasco's ongoing criticism of Kendrick Lamar, debating whether hip hop history ultimately values the master artist over the master lyricist. We unpack the growing divide between internet commentators and actual creators, questioning if metrics are now being mistaken for real cultural expertise. We also break down Twista's recent tax issues, exploring whether the industry's aesthetic pressure to maintain an illusion of immense luxury leads to bad business and financial negligence. Finally, we debate Lauryn Hill's BET Living Legend Icon Award, her limited solo catalog, and the controversy surrounding the creative credits on Miseducation. For our members, we dive into a full reaction and review of the 55 CHREECE Last Shot submissions.

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On this episode we talked about Open Mike Eagle's take on the Atlantic article and AI Watchdog whistleblower-esque reveal on AI theft in music, Boots Riley talking radicalism in music, art and life with Hasan Piker, and more. Extended discussions are available via our Patreon or YouTube members.

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Episode 490 features guest Brotha2daKnight. The crew debates Soulja Boy’s controversial new move to open up a "Rapper University," questioning if it's a blatant cash grab or a legitimate educational platform for aspiring artists in the streaming era. We also unpack the intense backlash Jay-Z is facing for releasing the 30th-anniversary white vinyl of Reasonable Doubt exclusively at Target, exploring the realities of capitalism, boycotts, and selective outrage. Finally, we break down Lord Jamar's appearance on a Hip Hop-style Jubilee, analyzing his four major claims about Hip Hop: the shift from community to corporations, the death of MC talent shows for viral popularity, the debate over who actually created Hip Hop, and the true history of positive messaging in the golden era.

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