Confucius and Fresh discuss Dez Bryant’s statement that Drake made Houston rap famous, and talk about how excited they are about the new batch of hip-hop platforms in Austin, TX. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Gerald Levert got Cam’ron to leave the streets alone, how DJ Quik helped on 50 Cents’ song “In Da Club,” how Aaliyah made it on a Kriss Kross song, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that record labels don’t owe anything to artists who’ve broken the law. Confucius talks abo...
Jan 16, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Confucius and Fresh celebrate The Breaks’ 6th anniversary by telling the story of the show’s origin and talking about their proudest moments from the last 6 years. Then they talk about why women are pulling ahead in Austin’s hip-hop scene. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Nipsey Hussle turned down the opportunity to play Snoop Dogg in Straight Outta Compton , who André 3000 originally wrote “Prototype” for, what NWA song Ice Cube wishes he was on, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion...
Jan 09, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 1
It’s the last Breaks podcast of 2022! To celebrate, Confucius and Fresh debate the importance of end-of-the-year lists and discuss their hopes and predictions for 2023. You’ll learn Christmas Hip-Hop Facts about the songs “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto,” “All I Want For Christmas is You,” “This Christmas” and more. Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t have to be formally trained in hip-hop to be considered professional rappers. Confucius talks about the trial of Megan T...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Confucius and Fresh talk about why women are ruling Austin’s R&B scene, and discuss why Spotify is winning the streaming wars. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about TLC’s original name, the album Outkast and A Tribe Called Quest never made, Dr. Dre’s favorite album, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Deion Sanders’ leaving Jackson State University is a bad move, mostly because his time at the HBCU did nothing to improve the standing of HBCU football long-term. Confucius talks about...
Dec 12, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 43
After watching Xscape perform at the Soul Train Awards, Fresh and Confucius try to figure out why there aren’t R&B Groups anymore. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about what Ice Cube charges for features, who Tupac was flipping off after he was shot, and who owns the last know J Dilla beats. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Grammys do, in fact, matter. Confucius talks about the new House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, Trump’s Tax returns, Congress’s same-sex and interracial marriage ...
Dec 05, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 42
The fellas start with a two-parter inspired by 21 Savage’s recent comments on Nas ; how much of it is embedded in clickbait culture and past that, what really is relevance in hip-hop? Hip-Hop Facts covers a ton of chance connections: From Babyface, Whitney Houston, and Dr. Dre to Nas and DJ Envy, DJ Toomp and T.I. and yes, even Jay-Z and Gorillaz. Kendrick fans may disagree with the Unpopular Opinion, but according to Fresh himself, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers basically came and went. List...
Nov 21, 2022•58 min•Season 2Ep. 41
After the release of the Drake and 21 Savage collaboration, “Her Loss,” Fresh and Confucius try and figure out if Drake is outgrowing his subject matter. They also talk about anti-semitic comments by Kyrie Irving and Kanye and explore the issue of black ownership. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Wiz Khalifa’s 2nd album, the connection between John Legend and Lauryn Hill, how Omar Epps got the part in Juice , and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Foxy Brown is overrated. Confucius ta...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 40
In this relatively somber episode of The Breaks , Fresh and Confucius reflect on the untimely passing of Migos co-founder Takeoff . But a bigger, two-part discussion lies behind all the fond memories. What does this mean for the longevity of hip-hop artists and why are white people so quick to scapegoat the genre when tragedy strikes? Hip Hop Facts fills you in on plenty of Migos trivia plus Paul Mooney’s role on In Living Color . Just in time for Election Day, Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion pleads r...
Nov 07, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Kanye West has made more than his fair share of outrageous headlines this past week, leading Confucius and Fresh to wonder…why continue to cap for unhinged creatives past their point of no return? And when it comes to the current generation of younger rappers who seemingly can’t dress themselves, is it generational taste, or just objectively gaudy? Hip-Hop Facts features tidbits on DJ Premier, Lil Jon, and Frank Ocean plus anecdotes on 8 Mile , Men in Black, and more. Fresh’s latest Unpopular Op...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Inspired by yet another Rolling Stone article, Confucius and Fresh kick off this week’s episode with a discussion on how Hip-Hop’s increasing commercialization affects its cultural relevance. As the Nicki v. Cardi spat continues, the fellas talk up the importance of women in Hip-Hop , especially when it comes to lyrical effect on men. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion suggests cities ought to stop “adopting” artists as their own asset, before Confucius Reads the News about Kanye West and Parler, Biden’s...
Oct 24, 2022•57 min•Season 2Ep. 37
In this episode, Confucius and Fresh break down what happened to R&B as a dominating force before debating whether or not Austin City Limits Music Festival has “gotten better” at showcasing rap in recent years. On Hip-Hop Facts you’ll hear about Lil Jon’s double distribution of the “Yeah” instrumental, birthday boy Ginuwine’s real name, and the first of many Belly film trivia tidbits. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion goes meta when he defends the significance of The Breaks itself for playing local ...
Oct 17, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this week’s edition of The Breaks , Fresh and Confucius kick off the conversation with a reflection on what it means to be “blackballed” and if it truly continues to exist in the current industry climate. The fellas move on to a debate about whether or not Cardi B is overrated compared to Nicki Minaj, especially in terms of collaborating with fellow female artists. On Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about some unexpected writing credits, the anniversaries of Loud Records, Def Jam South, and beef a...
Oct 10, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Megan Thee Stallion and NBA YoungBoy both have plenty of pull in their own right, but what about head-to-head? Confucius and Fresh kick off the show with a debate on crowd density, taste demographics, and more. As part of their ongoing discussion on once-important vehicles in the digital age, Fresh and Confucius compare viewpoints on the seemingly diminished power of music videos nowadays. On Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about producer Teddy Riley, some behind-the-scenes anniversary facts for Aque...
Oct 03, 2022•56 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Confucius and Fresh discuss why some artists are so selfish and delusional. Then they try and nail down what makes an album a “classic.” You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Prodigy and Busta Rhymes almost ended up with the beat for Jay-Z’s “U Don’t Know,” what happened when Michael Jackson met Princess Diana, how the Lox almost got signed by Suge Knight, and more! Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that hip-hop is dead. Confucius talks about the death of PnB Rock , Lindsay Graham’s proposed 15-...
Sep 19, 2022•51 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Confucius and Fresh debate whether Outkast and Wu-Tang are still relevant to hip-hop culture. Then they discuss the phenomenon of people in Austin music faking it until they make it. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how J. Cole almost got signed to G-Unit, why Lil Wayne didn’t curse on his first record, how MF Doom came up, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people have been too hard on Elvis. Confucius talks about the death of Queen Elizabeth II , the ruling by a Texas judge that...
Sep 12, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Fresh and Confucius debate which one of them is the better music fan. Then Confucius tries to convince listeners that deep down, Fresh thinks he’s from Harlem, New York. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first song Missy Elliot wrote for another artist, how Fat Joe almost signed Eminen, how artist and podcaster Tank got his start with, and more! Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that gatekeepers in music are still necessary. Confucius talks about Sarah Palin’s recent loss in Alaska, Texas’s ...
Sep 05, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Confucius and Fresh talk about the current state of the Austin R&B and rap scene. They also discuss whether radio is still important and what needs to change for it to stay relevant. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Joey Bada$$ really feels about his song “Devastated,” how Dipset ended up with an office in the Def Jam building, who gave Irv Gotti his name, and more! Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Megan Thee Stallion might be a little overrated. Confucius talks about the Uvalde S...
Aug 29, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Confucius and Fresh talk about the importance of hip-hop podcasts. Then they discuss Diddy and Mary J Blige’s recent conversation about who killed R&B. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who invented turntable scratching, who wrote P. Diddy’s “Let’s Get It,” how Jay-Z and Kanye prevented “Watch the Throne” from leaking before it was released, and more. After seeing Kid Cudi’s Esquire cover where he’s wearing only a sock, Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that just because your favorite artist...
Aug 22, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 29
This week Confucius and Fresh talk about the decline of hip-hop magazines and discuss whether video vixens are still a thing. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about H.E.R.’s history as a child prodigy, how DJ Clark Kent finagled Notorious B.I.G. onto Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” the lost “Gettin Jiggy Wit It” remix and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Austin artists should stop asking the city government for help and stop threatening to leave the scene. Confucius talks about the FBI raid o...
Aug 15, 2022•56 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Inspired by an onstage outburst at a recent Wiz Khalifa concert , Confucius & Fresh kick off this edition of The Breaks by reexamining the once-central role of the DJ in the context of contemporary hip-hop. This week’s Hip-Hop Facts packs tidbits on 50 Cent’s “How to Rob”, Tupac’s relationship with Suge Knight, Akon’s use of onstage decoys, the 1995 Source Awards, and Rakim’s unlikely journey into becoming a rap superstar. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion suggests that despite surface-level appeara...
Aug 08, 2022•56 min
Aside from folks like firefighters, etc., is being a rapper one of the most disproportionately dangerous lines of work? Confucius & Fresh compare the plights of Waka Flocka Flame and Nipsey Hussle to illustrate how the perils of disrespect. The fellas respond to a Rolling Stone article on the rise of emo rap as the “fastest growing sub-genre” by discussing relatability, youth demographics, and long-term sustainability. On Hip Hop Facts Fresh details how Fab Five Freddy and Grandmaster Flash ...
Aug 01, 2022•53 min
Confucius and Fresh talk about the connection between hip-hop and comedy. Then, inspired by the success of Saucy Santana, they discuss whether hip-hop is ready for an openly gay rapper. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the collaborative record that DJ Premier and 50 Cent never made, the connection between In Living Color and the Superbowl halftime show, how the introduction of Soundscan helped hip-hop, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that radio is still a musical gatekeeper. Confuci...
Jul 25, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Inspired by Akademiks comments about certain rappers’ behavior at Michael Rubin’s white party , Confucius and Fresh discuss hip-hop’s fascination with billionaires and crime lords. Then they talk about whether today’s rap lyrics are more dangerous than they were in the past. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the beef between Cypress Hill and Ice Cube, whose flow Method Man copied on Biggie’s “The What,” how Disney tried to sign Dr. Dre, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Tupac was ...
Jul 18, 2022•52 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Confucius and Fresh discuss why people love rap beefs so much. Then they break down what factors might play into artists not living up to the hype surrounding them. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Mystikal’s history with No Limit, Scarface’s early days as a DJ, how Lil Wayne was inspired by Jay-Z, who Quincy Jones originally wanted to pitch “She’s Out of My Life” to, and more! Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that New York will never regain its dominance over hip-hop. Confucius talks about Bo...
Jul 11, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 23
After hearing Candace Owen’s comments about Jay-Z on DJ Akademiks’ podcast, Fresh and Confucius debate whether or not we should expect rappers to live life the way they encourage their fans to live. Then both hosts celebrate becoming members of the organization that puts on the Grammys – the Recording Academy! This week on Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about why Michael Jackson turned down a collaboration with Tupac, what the connection is between hip-hop pioneers Disco King Mario and Busy Bee, how...
Jul 04, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Does the act of Beyonce and Drake putting their feet into the house music pool hurt the momentum of hip hop? Confucius & Fresh discuss the implications and ramifications of that argument, then react to Chris Brown’s comment that hip-hop’s dominance has made R&B obsolete. Confucius’ Hip Hop Facts include an interaction between Omar Epps and Tupac Shakur on the set of Juice, Jay-Z’s still-unreleased Tupac diss track, and Grant Hill’s direct connection to ‘Pac’s footwear on All Eyes on Me l...
Jun 27, 2022•59 min
In the first segment of this episode, Confucius and Fresh interview comedians Rochelle Genivive Clinton, Dasharae, Daniel West, and Jordan McDonald. For Hip Hop Facts Fresh talks about Nick Cannon’s pre- Wildin’ Out backing by Will Smith, the myth that Naughty By Nature’s Treach left a reptilian surprise for Tommy Boy Records CEO Tom Silverman, and DJ Premier’s unexpected discovery of Travis Scott through his church community. Confucius discusses why Ice Cube passed on what later became Tupac’s ...
Jun 20, 2022•59 min
Confucius and Fresh react to Rolling Stone ‘s “200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time” and inspired by 21 Savage, discuss the prospect of getting money and fame in a lower class community without inviting a RICO case or having your neighborhood turn your back on you. You’ll hear Hip-Hop Facts about Yo! MTV Raps , the soundtrack to the 1997 film Booty Call , Fresh Fest, a celebrity ventriloquist, and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion covers the elitism of R&B fans and how our culture categoriz...
Jun 13, 2022•1 hr 15 min
Confucius and Fresh discuss the recent conflict between Mo’Nique and DL Hughley and talk about the golden age of streetball and the AND1 mixtapes. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Black Music Month, the time Will Smith hit Anthony Mackie, Big K.R.I.T.’s baseball connection, Fat Joe’s start in hip-hop, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that not everyone is cut out to be a creative entrepreneur. And Confucius talks about Canada’s freeze on handgun sales, Elon Musk’s email telling people...
Jun 06, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Fresh and Confucius talk about the recent arrests of Young Thug and Gunna , and discuss whether rap lyrics should be used as evidence. They also debate whether N.O.R.E was right when he called out artists who give more respect to big-name interviewers than they do to interviewers from the culture. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first time Biggie and Diddy did a certain drug, why Bun B went solo, how underrated Mase was back in the day, and more! Fresh states the UnpopularOpinion that Secti...
May 30, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 17
