Confucius and Fresh talk about the evolution of R&B’s character over the decades, hip hop and drug usage, and an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s potential to “fall off”. The post What happened to R&B? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh weigh who gains the most from their industry relationships: Jay-Z or Beyoncé and Young Thug or Gunna, plus an Unpopular Opinion on the future of white rappers. The post Who benefits more from the marriage: Jay-Z or Beyoncé? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Inspired by a recent visit from T.I., Confucius and Fresh talk about how celebrities treat Austin before moving onto the role of Black celebrities in politics and an Unpopular Opinion on 50 Cent. The post Do celebrities respect Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh confer on GloRilla’s growing popularity, check the pulse on Austin’s hip-hop scene, and predict the state of Drill music’s foreseeable future. The post Has GloRilla overtaken Cardi B as hip-hop’s “it girl”? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh are joined by DAWA/Riders Against the Storm’s Chaka and Been There cofounder Aaron Brown to discuss Been There 3: A Party to Support Our Unhoused Neighbors happening November 2nd at Radio East to benefit The Other Ones Foundation. Hear that, a chat on the relationship between hip-hop and Halloween, and an Unpopular Opinion on Ke…

Confucius and Fresh cover both sides of the upcoming Gumbo SmackDown on October 26th through interviews with WWE Hall-of-Famer Mark Henry and Whip My Soul co-founders Antonio & Tia Echols. Hear that and an Unpopular Opinion on BET Hip-Hop Awards choice of venue in this episode. The post The Gumbo SmackDown! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- P…

Confucius and Fresh follow up their Rap Beef series with discussions on hip-hop and violence, Jaguar Wright’s allegations against Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and Logic’s intrinsic objective merits as a lyricist. The post Does Hip-Hop beget violence? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

On the finale of the fellas’ series on rap beefs, Confucius and Fresh head to the south for rows in Texas, Florida, and Louisiana from the late ’80s through the ’00s. The post Rap Beef Episode III: Revenge of the South appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh explore some of the biggest rivalries in the history of West Coast Rap. The post Rap Beef Episode II: Attack of the West appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh dive into the first episode of their series on rap beefs by tackling some of the most pivotal rivalries the East Coast ever had to offer. The post Rap Beef Episode I: The East Coast Menace appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh talk with Jeffrey McNeill of Thee Phanton and Illharmonic Orchestra ahead of an Austin appearance, do a little more prep leading up to the series on beefs, and unwrap an Unpopular Opinion on Vivica A. Fox’s stardom. The post Thee Phantom Interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Austin R&B singer LARA’ joins Confucius and Fresh in conversation on her new album Luvology and her upcoming tour with Rapsody. Then the fellas weigh why R&B isn’t as profitable as hip-hop and Meek Mill’s status as a top tier rapper. The post LARA’ Interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Confucius and Fresh sit down with August 2021 KUTX Artist of the Month BLK ODYSSY to talk about their newly released album 1-800 Fantasy before setting the stage for an upcoming series on beefs. The post BLK ODYSSY Interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh break away from the routine chatter for a two-part guest appearance: Shxwnfresh & THEBROSFRESH in Studio 1A ahead of a Stubb’s show on Friday, August 30th and an interview with Staten Island’s Chey. Hear all that plus an Unpopular Opinion on Heavy D this week. The post Shxwnfresh in Studio 1A / Interview with Chey appeared first…

Confucius and Fresh kick things off by catching up with Austin-based Grammy nominee SaulPaul ahead of his next album Speak Hope, Sing Joy: Change Maker Music for Kids, out August 30th. Afterwards the fellas chat about the authenticity of Atlanta’s ian and navigate an Unpopular Opinion surrounding Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle. The post Sitting D…

The discussion kicks off with Drake’s massive data dump before moving onto a debate about the dysfunctional state of Fugees and an Unpopular Opinion on rappers billing themselves as “artists”. The post What’s Up with Drake’s Big Dump? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Confucius and Fresh contemplate what Hip-Hop’s worst era was before moving onto a modern existential debate over the importance of record certifications, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Lil Keke’s impact on Houston rap and beyond. The post What was the worst period in hip-hop? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Confucius and Fresh reminisce on their journey so far over the past eight years and what to expect next before dissecting what makes LL Cool J such a significant figure in hip-hop history, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s status as a so called “culture vulture”. The post What’s next for The Breaks? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcas…

Inspired by the recent “Cash Money Reunion” at Essence Music Fest, Confucius and Fresh break down what’s going on behind the scenes with the legendary record label, not to mention an Unpopular Opinion about rappers signing to other rappers. The post What’s going on with Cash Money? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Inspired by discourse around the recent BET Awards, Confucius and Fresh discuss why some folks are reacting oddly to what’s perceived as uncouth behavior alongside an Unpopular Opinion Puerto Ricans’ place in the rise of Hip-Hop. The post Is Raunchiness in Rap really that new? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Confucius and Fresh sit down with Founder Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Author Terry P. Mitchell to discuss the Austin African American Book Festival and The City We Built: Black Leaders of Austin, happening June 29th, plus Hip-Hop Facts, reactions to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on Tyler the Creator’s role as a West Coast representat…

Most artists can’t just drop a surprise record, so Confucius and Fresh review press strategies for making a bigger album impact before discussing why the majority of blog site era rappers never made it. Hear that, an Unpopular Opinion on New Edition’s Ralph Tresvant, plus Hip-Hop Facts and the most recent headlines. The post What does a good album …

In this edition, Confucius and Fresh debate what genres will continue to put Austin on the musical map before discussing why the South in general is so dominant. Get that, Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius’ reaction to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on lyrical positivity in the latest episode. The post Will Austin blow up because of Rap & R&…

With the big beef behind us, how do ghostwriting allegations hurt Drake’s status among the GOATs? Hear what Confucius and Fresh have to say on that, plus Jay Electronica’s prospects on being the greatest rapper that never was and an Unpopular Opinion The Alchemist’s ranking in the world of production. The post Do Ghostwriting Allegations Hurt Drake…

After reacting to Apple Music’s recent “100 Best Albums” list, Pause/Play producer and co-host Miles Bloxson joins Confucius and Fresh to talk women’s safety in a genre once run by abusers. Catch that alongside Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius Reads the News, plus an Unpopular Opinion on the modern equivalent to What’s Going On? in this episode. The pos…

After a quick postmortem on the Drake-Kendrick beef, Confucius and Fresh dissect how R&B crept into Hip-Hop’s sonic sector. Get that, an Unpopular Opinion around Kendrick’s de facto influence on the West Coast’s relevance, plus Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius’ reactions to the latest headlines right here. The post When Did R&B and Hip-Hop Become One? a…

As the Kendrick-Drake beef escalates, Confucius and Fresh are joined by cultural strategist Keys and producer-DJ Mason Flynt for a rare, three-part roundtable discussion on the ongoing exchange. Hear everyone’s takes plus an Unpopular Opinion and Confucius’ reaction to university protests in the latest episode. The post Who’s Winning This Beef? app…

Fresh does the show solo as he talks about Adam22’s place in media, Kendrick Lamar’s long-awaited response to Drake, Hip-Hop Facts, and an Unpopular Opinion on “selling out”. The post Is Adam22 Really That Big of an Authority? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

Fresh defends Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which uses dupes of Snoop and Tupac’s voices. Plus hear Confucius’ take on the University of Texas’ response to a recent pro-Palestinian protest along with other headlines, and Hip-Hop Facts. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript…

Over the 4/20 weekend Confucius and Fresh hash out marijuana’s impact on hip-hop, the latest shots against Drake, and why the OGs aren’t always right. Hear that along with Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius’ take on the latest headlines. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also…

It’s a two-parter of Kendrick Lamar clashes: J. Cole’s public apology and Drake’s ongoing affronts. Hear how Confucius and Fresh feel about the beef, Hip-Hop Facts, the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on hip-hop’s “health”. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is …

Tough calls all around when it comes to ranking these heavyweights! And is radio dead? Maybe just the commercial kind…Hear that plus Hip-Hop Facts and the latest news in this episode. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some pod…

Confucius and Fresh cover the latest rap beef before weighing the importance of sex appeal in the modern era. Hear that, Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius Reads the News, and an Unpopular Opinion on industry politics. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitle…

With another SXSBreaks in the bag, Confucius and Fresh recommend submitting your stuff for next year’s consideration sooner rather than later. Does hip-hop need another Damon Dash and how much does talent account for success in the current generation? See what the fellas have to say in the latest. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks i…

Find out what Confucius, Fresh, and KUTX have coming up for SXSW and decide whether or not Nelly’s first three albums came up in the “hardest’ era. And in between Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius Reads the News, feathers get ruffled with Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion around the recent wave of women in rap. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks i…

Will Beyoncé’s upcoming Act II score the Queen her first “Album of the Year” Grammy? What role should rappers play in political discussions? And does Houston need to share more of its legacy with the rest of Texas’ hip-hop hubs? Find out what Confucius and Fresh have to say in this latest episode. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks i…

After so many consecutive nominations, Confucius and Fresh reflect on their first ever ‘Best Radio Show’ Austin Music Award before discussing why longtime Austinites are jaded to good opportunities. And in between Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius Reads the News, Fresh dishes a particularly Unpopular Opinion on why the music industry actually doesn’t nee…

What’s the greatest rap album of all time? Confucius and Fresh weigh options before revealing this year’s SXSBreaks lineup. Also, Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion makes a compelling point about how extensive familiarity with a city’s culture diminishes interest in its scene. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX …

Confucius and Fresh recap their likes and dislikes of The Grammys and break down how to best approach them for music consideration. You’ll hear some great Hip-Hop Facts, fun takes when Confucius Reads the News, and an Unpopular Opinion about the impact of media inspired by the 2005 film Havoc. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is av…

Think 6th Street could use a couple tweaks? Confucius and Fresh do too! They also couldn’t resist a chance to chime in on the Nicki Minaj/Megan Thee Stallion situation. Hip Hop Facts and Confucius Reads the News are both in fine form this week, as is Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion for Austin’s prospects as a “Texas rap city”. The full transcript of this…

In commemoration of J. Cole’s 39th birthday, Confucius and Fresh make a compelling argument for why Cole is the Nas of this generation. And if you’re a music manager or thinking of hiring one, the fellas also lay out the cornerstones of competence in Austin. Get that, an Unpopular Opinion about the impact of streaming on viewer experience, and of c…

Confucius and Fresh kick this week off by weighing the odds of an Austin hip-hop/R&B artist breaking out into the national mainstream before tackling the latest from everyone’s favorite controversy-maker – Lil Nas X. Get all that, Hip-Hop Facts, an Unpopular Opinion about hip-hop’s hatred of Drake, and Confucius Reads the News in this edition. The …

After a quick back-and-forth about musician work ethic versus entitlement here in Austin, Confucius and Fresh honor Raekwon’s 54th birthday by ranking the first run of solo albums from Wu-Tang clan members. Hear that, Hip-Hop Facts, Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion on the state of integrity in hip-hop journalism, and the first installment of Confucius Rea…

Fresh takes it solo in this first episode of 2024 by giving a forecast of what this new year might have to offer in the world of hip-hop. In terms of resolutions, let’s try and have less “streets” and more music in terms of violence! And while Spotify may be skimping on some payouts, Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion makes it clear – streaming services ARE…

As we start to wind down for the winter, Confucius and Fresh look back at some of the show’s 2023 highlights before continuing the debate of whether or not the dominance of female rappers will continue into 2024. Get that plus an Unpopular Opinion about establishments exercising discretion, Hip-Hop Facts, and Confucius Reads the News on the latest …

The fun kicks off this week on an interview with Austin’s Cha’Keeta B to talk women in hip-hop and her upcoming EP Where the Wild Flowers Grow. After that Confucius and Fresh talk about accountability when it comes to violence against women in music, the baffling ambassadorship of Lil Yachty, and more. The post Cha’Keeta B Interview appeared first …

Remember when mixtapes were almighty? Confucius and Fresh definitely do! Hear their take on the route mixtape culture has taken, plus some strategies to avoid over commercializing the genre in 2024, how The Breaks succeeds in a primarily non-black space and more on the latest episode. The post Remembering Mixtapes & Steering Clear of Commercialism …

Between P. Diddy’s salacious allegations, rumors about next year’s Grammy Awards, and of course, Andre 3000’s boldly bizarre return, there’s a lot to cover this week on The Breaks! Hear all that on top of Confucius Reads the News and Hip-Hop Facts on the latest episode. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUT…

Fresh is out of town this week, but The Breaks still has new(ish) content! In this episode, Confucius and Fresh take the Bonus Tracks Stage during ACL Fest last month. The two interview Austin-born-and-raised artist Blakchyl and discuss what’s up and coming for the hip-hop artist. Enjoy the conversation and for anyone wanting more, visit KUTX for B…

Sure, rumors are intriguing. But why has hip-hop talk moved from music journalism to celebrity clickbait? And when it comes to club culture, forget your section! Bottle wars simply don’t rack up to club-wide celebrations. Hear all about it plus Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius Reads the News, and a particularly Unpopular Opinion that may upset Keke Palmer …