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.
Episode 501 | "What's the price?"
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.
NOH 501 | "What's the price?"
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.
NOH 500 | Live At The 808
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.
NOH 499 | "Time's up."
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.
NOH 498 | "No soul in it."
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.
NOH 497 | "Men lie, numbers don't."
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.
NOH 496 | "Big bank."
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.
NOH 495 | "Guess who's back."
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.
NOH 494 | "Buddy took a check."
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.