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.
NOH 504 | "Strictly business."
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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NOH 503 | "It's bigger than Hip Hop."
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.
NOH 502 | "Sky's the limit."
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.