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.
New Old Heads Podcast Episodes
NOH 493 | "If the music is sick…"
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.
NOH 492 | "If lyrics sold."
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.
NOH 491 | "Feed the system."
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.
NOH 490 | "Ruthless to systems."
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.
The two+ hour recording of the New Old Heads every week before we cut it down into our hour-long official episode. Uncut, raw and no ads! 👉 PLAYLIST 👈

