This week, we catch up on Memorial Day weekend travels before diving deep into how record labels are hijacking political playbooks to manufacture virality through a paid "clipping economy." We also discuss DJ Akademiks officially entering Drake's inner circle with an OVO chain, what that means for the integrity of hip-hop journalism, and Drake's reported Grammy boycott for his latest project, Iceman. Plus more on our Uncut episode exclusively for our Patreon and YouTube Members, we share some Indy 500 experiences and pay tribute to Hip Hop legend Rob Base.
NOH 486 | "Such a nefarious action."
Episode 486 is the Iceman episode. Discussion on if he lived up to the hype, if he grew at all, what we thought about the three project drop, if this means Kendrick will reply, and more. We also talked about Black Milk and the hard path indie artists have to compete in the algorithmic world of the attention economy.
NOH 485 | "Don't believe the hype."
Episode 484 of the New Old Head had discussions on Jermaine Dupri defending himself for keeping publishing on Kriss Kross records, Akademiks being #1 on Hip Hop media list, the Best Hip Hop producer every year since 1979, and more.
NOH 484 | "Politics as usual."
Episode 484 features guest Brotha2daKnight. Discussions dive into Kid Cudi's decision to fire M.I.A. from his upcoming tour lineup. The episode also unpacks whether the Nike brand is truly still for the culture, Dame Dash continuing to disparage Jay-Z's name and music, and Killer Mike getting dragged online for not being supportive enough of Kamala Harris.
NOH 483 | "Cash rules everything around me."
Episode 483 dives into whether New York hip hop bias is actually real or just a myth, exploring how regional sounds like the Midwest and South were heavily judged by East Coast purists. The crew also reviews the new Michael Jackson biopic, debating if it's a cinematic masterpiece that captures his legendary career or just a sanitized cash grab avoiding the heavier controversies. Finally, they unpack the messy situation with super producer Hit-Boy being tricked and sued over a royalty-free sample pack, leading to a deep dive into beat theft and intellectual property in the music industry.
NOH 482 | "You was using it wrong."
Episode 482 features guest Brotha2daKnight. Discussions dive into Boosie Badazz disrespecting Indianapolis, refusing to apologize, and getting his shows canceled by local promoters. The episode also unpacks Drake gearing up to release his new "Iceman" project and whether fans will judge him critically after the Kendrick Lamar battle. Finally, we debate the ethics of Jay-Z allegedly stealing songs and concepts from Roc-A-Fella artists without giving them credit, and takes a deep dive into remembering the best underground artists from the mixtape blog era.
An extra, uncut hour is available in video format for all $5 monthly members on YouTube and Patreon.
NOH 481 | "Wu-tang is for the children."
Episode 481 dives into the death of Afrika Bambaataa and the highly polarizing, divided responses from the hip hop community regarding his dark legacy and the lack of accountability. The episode also unpacks the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducting the Wu-Tang Clan while completely snubbing New Edition despite their massive fan vote. Finally, the panel reviews the mixed reactions coming out of Coachella, including Justin Bieber's controversial laptop set and the crowd's lame energy during The Clipse's performance.
NOH 480 | "That tiger went tiger."
This week we had discussions on Jay Electronica preaching to concert goers and only rapping acapellas at a Currensy show, Kanye being banned from the UK and his two day London festival being cancelled, the AKAs not knowing nann about Trick Daddy, Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane, and more.
NOH 479 | "Lonely at the top."
This week we had discussions on JAY-Z and bloated concert ticket prices, J. Cole's statements about not being the best rapper, Benny The Butchers comments about social media being toxic, if there's any redemption for Kanye, positive things in Hip Hop and more.
NOH 478 | "The break's over."
Episode 478 features guest Brotha2daKnight. Discussions dive deep into J. Cole's recent interview with Cam'ron, exploring his reflections on the Drake and Kendrick Lamar fallout and his refusal to engage in rap's traditional blood-sport. The episode also unpacks The Kid Mero's fiery response to DJ Akademiks calling him a DEI hire, analyzing the deep rift between cultural preservation and exploitative media. Finally, the panel breaks down Jay-Z's GQ interview where he stated "battling isn't hip hop" and shared his thoughts on morality and billionaire status ahead of his 30th-anniversary Yankee Stadium concert.
The uncut episode has an additional 20 minutes about Jay-Z's billionaire commentary.