This episode was recorded on Thursday, November 5th, 2020, before the results of the Presidential election had been announced. Confucius and Fresh talk about all the drama of election week. Both hosts discussed Lil Wayne’s decision to endorse Donald Trump. Confucius and Fresh introduce a new segment — “Random Hip-Hop Facts.” In his Unpopular Opinion , Fresh asks apolitical people to take a step back. Confucius gives a shout to all the People of Color who engaged in the political process during t...
Nov 09, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 49
On this episode of The Breaks Hosts Confucius and Fresh talk about how they have already voted They both talk about D.J. Funkmaster Flex’s recent comments about T.I., and discuss how they feel like his opinion is just another expression of New Yorkers’ disdain for Southern hip-hop. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Bryson Tiller is overrated. In his Confucius Says segment Confucius encourages all people, especially Black people, to exercise their right to vote in this election. The post VO...
Nov 02, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 48
On this episode of The Breaks” Hosts Confucius and Fresh discuss Busta Rhymes desire have a Verzuz battle with T.I. and T.I’s consistent refusal to do so. Plus they discuss the upcoming Verzuz battle between T.I. and Jeezy. Both hosts point out that no one from the Austin City Limits Festival has reached out to them about to talk about the lack of hip-hop on this year’s virtual ACLfest. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that homecoming means much more in college than it does in high school,...
Oct 26, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 47
This week on The Breaks Hosts Confucius and Fresh discuss Ice Cube’s decision to work with the Trump campaign on the “Platinum Plan” for Black America Both hosts continue their discussion from the last episode about the lack of rap at this year’s virtual ACLfest. They state that even if no national hip-hop acts agreed to allow their performances to be aired, the organizers could have looked to Austin’s local rap scene to have some hip-hop on the bill. In his Unpopular Opinion , Fresh implores li...
Oct 19, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Confucius and Fresh share their thoughts on the glaring lack of hip-hop acts on the virtual Austin City Limit Festival Lineup. Both hosts debate whether or not Gucci Mane is the greatest A&R rep in recent hip-hop history. Fresh and Confucius express their surprise at learning that Big Sean’s first advance from Kanye after signing to G.O.O.D. Music was $15,000 . In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh argues that Sauce Walka does not get enough credit. In his Confucius Says segment, both Confucius an...
Oct 12, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 45
This week on The Breaks Hosts Confucius and Fresh talk about the absurdity of Tory Lanez new record “Daystar” where he denies shooting Megan the Thee Stallion in the foot. Both hosts talk about their love for Outkast’s record “Aquemini” after the 22nd anniversary of its release on September 29th. In his Unpopular Opinion , Fresh states that the best rap album if 2020 is “The Price of Tea in China” by Boldy James. With the election less than 30 days away Confucius stresses the importance of votin...
Oct 05, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 44
This week on The Breaks Confucius and Fresh talk about Kanye’s quest to regain control of his masters , and explain why they’re skeptical about his appeals to other artists for support. Both hosts talk about how surprised they were to hear that Outkast had considered making a mixtape for DJ Drama’s mixtape series Gangsta Grillz and discuss why they think it might not have happened. Confucius and Fresh discuss how and why music tastes change. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that Austin rad...
Sep 21, 2020•48 min
This week on The Breaks: Confucius and Fresh discuss what the poor sales of Tekashi 6ix 9ine’s latest record, Tattletales, means for his career. The hosts debate whether Jay-Z’s billionaire status is okay because of his place in the culture. Confucius and Fresh talk about the intersection of hip-hop and branding, especially as it relates to Travis Scott’s partnership with McDonalds. Fresh argues that the Drake Stimulus Package is not as important as everyone thinks it is in his Unpopular Opinion...
Sep 14, 2020•48 min
This week on The Breaks: Confucius and Fresh honor the memory of Chadwick Boseman and explain why his life and work made such an impact on them — especially his portrayal of Black Panther. Both hosts discuss the NBA’s strike over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Fresh shares the Unpopular Opinion that Jermaine DuPri is the best star-maker working in the music industry today . Confucius points out that sometimes even the most selfless act can still be a tad bit selfish in...
Sep 08, 2020•45 min
This week, The Breaks decided not to create a new show in light of the recent police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI. Instead, they are re-running their episode from June, 1 2020, where Fresh and Confucius talk about the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Mike Ramos in Austin and the resulting protests . They touch on their experiences as black men in America, their frustration with systemic racism and the need for sustained solidarity from society at large, not just durin...
Aug 31, 2020•45 min
This week on The Breaks Fresh and Confucius: Discuss the success of Cardi B’s new song “WAP” featuring Megan the Stallion. Talk about the recent arrests of two men for the 2002 murder of Run DMC’s Jam Master Jay. Theorize as to why Akon might be hanging out with Tekashi 6ix9ine. Debate whether Kim Kardashian’s involvement in the effort to free C Murder will be make an impact. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh hopes that Jay-Z can let go of any lingering pettiness he might feel towards Nas. In his ...
Aug 24, 2020•40 min
This week on The Breaks Fresh and Confucius: Talk about why they love “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion and explain why they’re frustrated by the backlash surrounding the song. Celebrate the birth of hip-hop on on August 11, 1973. That’s when DJ Kool Herc threw the “Back to School Jam” at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, NYC. Debate what it means for a song to be “a hit.” In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that the XXL Magazine Freshman Class is still relevant. Confucius encourages ...
Aug 17, 2020•36 min
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Touch on the influence and enduring legacy of Master P as laid out in the No Limit Chronicles . Discuss Jaguar Wright’s sexual assault allegations against Common. Talk about Zonnique’s pregnancy announcement to her stepdad T.I. on her new show The Mix. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh argues that Austin artists are not entitled to support just because they are from Austin. In his Confucius Says, Confucius warns intelligent people to not weaponize thei...
Aug 10, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 37
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Discuss Megan Thee Stallion’s latest IG live post about rapper Tory Lanez shooting her in both feet. Talk about Snoop Dogg’s appearance on The Breakfast Club. Touch on the emerging conflict between Lil Baby and Migos. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh argues that Jack Harlow is overrated. In his Confucius Says, Confucius reminds us that other people’s behavior is often about survival, so we shouldn’t take their actions too personally. Listen to this we...
Aug 03, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 36
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Discuss Kanye West’s rally in South Carolina and his recent erratic behavior. Talk about Tory Lanez’s arrest on gun charges after police find Megan Thee Stallion in his car suffering from gunshot wounds. React to Nick Cannon’s anti-Semitic comments on his podcast. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh argues that Black music executives are also complicit in the exploitation of Black musicians. In his Confucius Says, Confucius argues that you can still resp...
Jul 27, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 35
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Discuss Kanye’s West’s announcement that he is running for president. Touch on the impact of COVID-19 on Austin’s live music venues . Talk about ACL Radio’s Blues on the Screen curated by Jackie Venson . In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh urges the biggest Black artists in Austin to speak out about their experiences of racism in the Austin music scene. In his Confucius Says, Confucius explains that loyalty is a two-way street. Listen to this week’s epis...
Jul 13, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 34
This week on The Breaks, Confucius and Fresh: Discuss the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Texas, Texas’ second wave of shutdowns and the impact on the service industry in Austin. Talk about how Tekashi 6ix9ine finally scored a No.1 on the Billboard charts with his collaboration with Nicki Minaj, “TROLLZ” and debate how important reaching No. 1 really is. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh calls on more R&B artists to put out music that reflects the current moment. In his Confucius Says, Confucius l...
Jun 29, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 33
This week on The Breaks, Confucius and Fresh Touch on their memories of past Juneteenth celebrations and talk about what this year’s event might look like. Discuss the criticism surrounding J.Cole’s new song ” Snow on Da Bluff” and the way he appears police the tone used by a Black woman activist (presumably Noname). Talk about the Black Austin Matters mural and explain why grand public gestures can not replace policy addressing systemic racism. Explore why Black Austin Artists are no longer wil...
Jun 22, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 32
This week on The Breaks Confucius and Fresh: discuss how different the American public’s reaction to the murder of George Floyd feels compared to previous protest movements, and share their hope that this will lead to sustained long term public pressure to tackle systemic racism in America. discuss Lil’ Wayne’s comments on George Floyd’s murder and explain why they often don’t want to hear their favorite artists opinions on current events. explore what the recent closings of the music venues Scr...
Jun 15, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 31
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Share how they feel about artists putting out music unrelated to the times. Discuss Miami based rapper Trina’s response to protests against police brutality and Quarterback Drew Brees’s thoughts on kneeling in protest to police violence . Talk about the controversy surrounding Blackout Tuesday. Discuss Rush Limbaugh’s appearance on The Breakfast Club. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh argues that top prospects attending HBCUs will not cause significant...
Jun 08, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 30
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Respond to Lana del Rey’s comments to the culture following four black female artists topping the Billboard Chart. Celebrate The Notorious B.I.G.’s birthday and explore his impact on hip-hop. Discuss Tekashi 6ix9ine’s comments surrounding the rise of “Stuck on U” by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber’s to Billboard’s No.1 spot. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh defends Lil Wayne as the third in the rap equivalent of the trifecta of Michael Jordan, Lebron ...
May 26, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 29
This week on The Breaks Confucius and Fresh discuss: The most recent Verzuz battle between Nelly and Ludacris Their own verzuz style battle on Saturday, May 23rd at 8pm when they face off about which was a better year in hip-hop — 1998 or 1999. Watch on the Instagram on the @KUTX account or the @TheBreaksKUTX account. How history was made when Doja Cat’s “Say So” remix featuring Nicki Minaj reached number one on the Billboard charts, and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” remix featuring Beyonce rea...
May 18, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 30
This week on The Breaks Confucius and Fresh discuss: Tekashi 6ix9ine’s return to music and social media after his time in jail. The recent deaths of legendary producer Andre Harrell , rock n’ roll icon Little Richard and R&B singer Betty Wright The Verzuz battle between Eryka Badu and Jill Scott Their next Verzuz style battle for the better year in hip-hop — 1998 or 1999 In an Unpopular Opinion inspired by The Last Dance , Fresh argues that Michael Jordan’s first three championships were aga...
May 11, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 29
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Talk about Megan Thee Stallion’s new Savage remix featuring Beyoncé. Touch on Drake’s new record Dark Lane Demo Tapes . Discuss their Instagram versuz battle between hip-hop of 1996 vs 1997. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh defends 1997 as a better year for hip-hop than people give it credit for. And in his Confucius Says segment, Confucius urges everyone to accept other people’s experiences even if you weren’t a part of them. Listen to this episode o...
May 04, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 28
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius: Talk about the successful battle between Teddy Riley vs Babyface and a potential battle between Dr. Dre and Diddy. Discuss the recent conflict between French Montana and Young Thug over Montana’s comments about Kendrick Lamar. Touch on the lasting impact of Friday on its 25 anniversary. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh defends Drake’s first album Thank Me Later . In his Confucius Says segment Confucius explains how love is not always enough to get us ...
Apr 27, 2020•44 min
This week on The Breaks, Fresh and Confucius Talk about the decrease in streaming during the pandemic and what it means for the music industry. Touch on the continuing beat battles, including the technical difficulties in the battle between Babyface and Teddy Riley. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh says that Diddy would smoke Jermaine Dupri in a beat battle and that Dr. Dre would beat, but not annihilate, Diddy in a beat battle. Confucius reminds people to stick by their values especially in this...
Apr 20, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 26
This week on The Breaks, Confucius and Fresh: talk about the Weeknd’s comments about his influence on Usher’s track “Climax.” discuss the difference between artists who came into their own during the era of physical album sales versus artists who came of age in the streaming era. explore why Tory Lanez had so much popularity with “Quarantine Radio” but yet hasn’t comparable numbers with his new record “The New Toronto 3.” break down the recent Beat Battle between RZA and Premiere, and explain wh...
Apr 14, 2020•40 min
This week on The Breaks , Fresh and Confucius Talk about the recent live-streamed beat battles, including Mannie Fresh vs Scott Storch and Lil Jon vs T-Pain. Touch on the cultural significance of Mannie Fresh. Discuss the deep production credits of Lil Jon and T-Pain. Address Tekashi 6ix9ine’s release from prison and speculate about how people will react. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh defends Nas as a good beat selector. Confucius reminds us that just because you’re sheltering in place, doesn’...
Apr 06, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This week on The Breaks, Confucius and Fresh Touch what it’s been life to sheltering in place due to COVID-19 . Discuss how these new circumstances are pushing artist to find creative ways to connect with fans . Talk about the new Jay Electronica release “A Written Testimony.” Chat about Slim Thug potentially brokering a truce between Trae tha Truth and Z-Ro. In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh reminds people to say inside because COVID-19 does not discriminate. Confucius voices his frustration abou...
Mar 30, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 23
This week on The Breaks: Fresh talks about the City of Austin’s decision to cancel SXSW due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns and the longterm negative impacts it will have on the Austin economy, especially for the individuals and businesses that rely on the festival for a significant portion of their income. Plus, he tells us why he’s got no time for people who dismiss the impact it will have on the city Fresh dives into the drama surrounding the release of Megan Thee Stallion’s new EP, “Suga.” Aust...
Mar 09, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 22
