Inspired by a recent article in Defector , Confucius and Fresh discuss the impact of capitalism on hip-hop. Then they talk about Puff Daddy’s decision to give Bad Boy artists their publishing back. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher,” what Chamillionaire and Paul Wall did before they were famous, the connection between Shaq and UGK, and more. Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that Mac Miller’s 2016 Divine Feminine album was the album that Drake should have made th...
Sep 11, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin R&B artist Mélat about her new music, her experience in the Austin music scene, he collaboration with Austin FC, and how she ended up singing with Matthew McConaughey. Then they discuss how united the hip-hop community is in Austin. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between New Edition and Eddie Murphy, why Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” track listing kept changing, why there’s no video for Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” and more. Fresh states the ...
Sep 04, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Fresh and Confucius talk about the impact that this year’s record heat is having on live music in Austin. Then, inspired by Asian Doll’s comments about not wanting to rap at 30, they debate the merits of older rappers. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Andre 3000 lived in Austin, why Dr. Dre turned down opportunities to work with Michael Jackson and Prince, what Missy Elliot song contains Beyoncé’s first solo outing and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t actually separ...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 29
Confucius and Fresh try to understand why people think local hip-hop shows can’t be successful in Austin. Then they discuss whether J Cole could surpass Kendrick Lamar one day You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who gave Missy Elliot her “Misdemeanor” nickname, who signed Queen Latifah to her first record deal, how Method Man’s “All I Need” Remix featuring Mary J. Blige came to be, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Big K.R.I.T. has a better overall discography than J. Cole. (spoiler...
Aug 21, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Confucius and Fresh discuss the comments that Kydd Jones made on Fresh’s show New Fresh City about his reservations about people who write about hip-hop in Austin. Then, inspired by a recent article in Billboard , they talk about the future of pop stardom. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Angie Lopez and Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments,” who signed 98 Degrees to Motown, why Prodigy and C-Murder got taken off the final version of the remix of M.O.P’s “Ante Up” and more. Fr...
Aug 14, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin Hip-Hop artist and activist NOOK Turner about Jump On It Week, July 30-August 6th. Then they discuss what support looks like for black endeavors in Austin. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Bun-B feels about Jay-Z using his bars in 99 Problems, How DJ Screw’s mom inspired him to sell mix tapes, what happened when Sinéad O’Connor featured MC Lyte on a song, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Lil Baby is overhyped. Confucius talks about the rece...
Jul 30, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Confucius and Fresh talk to Mark and John from RDC World about Dream Con, the anime and gaming convention they’re throwing July 28-30 at the Austin Convention Center. They also talk about why hip-hop artists like Lil Baby and Lil Durk are canceling their tours lately. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Webby, not Plies, was the original artist on “Shawty,” the real reason Ice Cube left NWA, why George Clinton was inspired to write Atomic Dog, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that W...
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Fresh and Confucius talk to Austin R&B singer-songwriter Grace Sorenson about why she got into music, what it’s been like to work with BLK ODDYSY, and what she has on the horizon. Grace will be playing KUTX Summer Jam on Friday, July 21st at Stubbs Indoors as part of Hot Summer Nights. They also discuss a comment Kee from Austin’s Wave Tribe made on Fresh’s show New Fresh City show — the idea that Austin doesn’t have the culture to back up a street rap scene. You’ll also hear Hip-Hop What If...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 25
The Breaks thanks everyone who showed some love during KUT & KUTX’s summer membership drive open house! It got Confucius and Fresh reflecting on reception and listener demographics and overall reception before begging why leave the city where your brand was born? On Hip-Hop Facts the fellas dig up some great trivia on Milli Vanilli, Wiz Khalifa’s brief marriage to Amber Rose, some family resentment within Run-D.M.C. and more. Watch out Ye-fans, in this week’s Unpopular Opinion Fresh calls it...
Jul 10, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Confucius and Fresh debate whether or not women are saving New York rap, and try and figure out if hip-hop fashion is better now than it was in the past. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Fact s about what R&B girl group passed on the Britney Spears hit “Baby One More Time,” the time Lloyd Banks almost signed with Kanye’s “Good Music” label, what Case is really saying at the end of “Missing You” and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that artists actually do need exposure. Confucius talks about the...
Jul 03, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Confucius and Fresh talk to Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone about DAWA , the Black Live Music Fund , and the Sonik Frootz showcase at Antone’s . You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how ODB made it on Pras’ song “Ghetto Superstar,” the weird way Montel Jordan got signed to Def Jam, how Erykah Badu’s song “Honey” became a single, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” is a very overrated song. Confucius talks about the disappearance of the Titan submarine , the House of Repre...
Jun 25, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Confucius and Fresh interview Austin comedian Jordan McDonald about his comedy, the scene in Austin, and his upcoming show “The Wonderful Unixorn Experience” at Rozco’s Comedy Club on June 23rd. Then, inspired by BET’s competition, they debate which hip-hop crew is the greatest of all time. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Steve-o’s run-in with Raekwon, which apparel brand was the first to be blurred out on Yo MTV Raps, the run-in between Samuel L. Jackson’s wife and Tupac on the set of Juice, a...
Jun 18, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Confucius and Fresh discuss why hip-hop and R&B don’t get the respect they deserve in Austin. Then they talk about the most important albums of the last 10 years. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Rihanna’s ANTI was almost produced by Travis Scott, what superhero Janet Jackson almost played, who Janet’s “Let’s Wait a While” was really about, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Black Eyed Peas are the biggest sellouts in hip-hop. Confucius talks about the Supreme Court’s ...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 20
This week’s edition of The Breaks responds to allegations about 2Pac’s role in the aftermath of the infamous Quad Studios shooting , before breaking down why smarter, even in the hustle culture of hip-hop, is always a better approach than harder. Hip Hop Facts feature little known tidbits like the reason Cypress Hill is banned from SNL, Jadakiss’ connection to the Notorious B.I.G., Nipsey’s plan for a STEM center, plus some history behind Slim Thug’s Interscope deal and Matthew Knowles. Fresh’s ...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Fresh and Confucius talk about whether more touring shows should feel obligated to put Austin artists on their bills. And they debate the importance of deep cuts on albums. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the story behind Ginuwine’s “Same Ol’ G,” why Aaliya’s “Come Over” almost didn’t happen, what record Tina Turner holds, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Snoop Dogg’s “Doggiestyle” is better than Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic.” Confucius talks about Ron DeSantis botched presidential c...
May 28, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 18
Confucius and Fresh talk about the disappearance of dance from hip-hop. Then they try to answer the question,” Is rap bad for race relations?” You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the song Tupac played for his friend after he shot two off-duty police officers, how Biggie got the “Big Poppa” beat, and the truth about LL Cool J’s “I Shot Ya” and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that you don’t have to be from the culture to be for the culture. Confucius talks about the recently released Durham ...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Confucius and Fresh shout out to all the Mamas for Mother’s Day. They discuss Rory and Mal’s conversation about colorism’s role in Ice Spice’s career. Then they talk about Fresh’s new show on Austin Music TV called New Fresh City. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first time Janet Jackson and Busta Rhymes performed “What’s It Gonna Be” live together, how Big Pun got Cipha Sounds to take a shot of Hennessy, who originally inspired Three 6 Mafia’s “Poppin’ My Collar,” and more! Fresh states the...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Confucius and Fresh discuss Swizz Beatz recent comment that for him, time is more important than money. Then they discuss whether being a public figure makes dating more complicated. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Dr. Dre’s and Ice Cube’s un-released record “Helter Skelter,” who the role of Rob was originally written for in the movie “3 Strikes,” what the highest-grossing hip-hop tour of all time is, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that it is beneath Lil’ Kim to do a Verzuz with N...
May 08, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Confucius and Fresh discuss whether or not AI is poised to change the music industry. Then they talk about the racism of cancel culture. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Jay-Z really felt about Kanye getting his Roc-a-fella chain, the Dogg Pound’s connection to Houston, how Jay-Z was supposed to be in Belly, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Midwest is the best region for R&B and Hip-Hop. Confucius talks about Harry Belafonte and Jerry Springer’s passing, the ongoing ...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Confucius and Fresh talk to Wendy Day — who helped discover Eminem and helped Cash Money land an unprecedented $30 million dollar deal with Universal Music Group — about the realities of the music industry, and how independent artists should approach their careers. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first hip-hop website to have push notifications, what blogsite first debuted the Weeknd’s music, the origin of Okay Player, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Pusha T does not deser...
Apr 24, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Fresh and Confucius interview Austin comedian Victor Martinez Jr. who’s performing at the comedy show “Tabernacle: starring Confucius Jones and Friends” Sunday, April 16th at Antone’s. Then the hosts discuss DJ Akedemiks recent deal with Rumble, and how it’s a sign of hip-hop’s tendency towards conservatism. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about RZA’s original lyrics on Kanye’s “Dark Fantasy,” Biz Markie’s original lyrics for “Just a Friend,” that time when Curren$ey, Jay Electronica and Mos Def form...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Confucius and Fresh talk to Speech from Arrested Development about the Grammys, the song Tennessee, and why Speech always felt hip-hop should be the number-one genre in the world. The band just played the Urban Cultural Fest in Austin. Then the hosts discuss the importance of live performance in hip-hop. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the origin of the movie “Drumline,” how many sounds Mannie Fresh used to make the early Cash Money beats, how De La Soul might be on a version of “Scenario,” and...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Fresh walks you through what went down at this year’s SXSW and SXSBreaks. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Rockwilder thinks Bink of Justice League stole his idea from “I Ain’t Mad At Cha,” how Musiq Soulchild feels about his first record, whose life the Fresh Prince of Belaire was based on, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people have been too hard on the TV show “Friends” for its lack of diversity. The post Fresh’s SXSW Recap appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Pod...
Mar 27, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Confucius and Fresh discuss Melle Mel’s comments about Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. Then they debate whether or not best-of lists are an attempt to keep New York hip-hop relevant. You’ll hear a special “What If?” version of Hip-Hop Facts where they ask what would have happened to Method Man’s debut album if RZA’s basement hadn’t flooded, what if Pimp C hadn’t gone to jail, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Melle Mel was right that Kendrick Lamar being named as one of th...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Confucius and Fresh talk to Jordan Cummings, one of the founders of HennyThing ATX, a festival which will be in Austin on March 18th, 2023. Then Confucius and Fresh tell their favorite SXSWstories from years past. You learn Hip-Hop Facts about whether Biggie’s “Long Kiss Goodnight” is really a Tupac diss, how old Nicole Wray was when “Make it Hot” became a hit, and why Nas’s had an issue with The Roots and Black Thought, and more! Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that SXSW is kind of played ou...
Mar 06, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Fresh and Confucius try to dispel the myth that native Austinites don’t celebrate artists who aren’t from here. They also talk about how few dedicated spaces there are for hip-hop in Austin. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first recording Alicia Keys debuted on, the truth about whether Big L was going to sign to Rocafella, where Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia Ultra debuted, and more! Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that when it comes to hip-hop, the argument that quality is better than quantity...
Feb 26, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 7
The Breaks talk about why Cardi B has stayed relevant, and reveal the lineup for SXSBreaks, the SXSW showcase featuring Austin’s best hip-hop and R&B Acts. You’ll learn hip-hop facts about how Wu-Tang was the first rap group to do a worldwide tour with a rock band, who was D’Angelo’s “Devil’s Pie” originally belonged to, how good the original version of Dr. Dre’s The Chronic really was, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Odd Future is the most underrated rap collective in hist...
Feb 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Confucius and Fresh Interview Austin hip-hop artist Vintage Jay about his upcoming album and his other projects. Then they discuss the recent Grammy Awards, which featured a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Kanye’s song “Big Brother” and Prince, how Jay-Z ended up on Joe Budden’s “Pump it Up” Remix, why 50 Cent once played the Delco Center in Austin, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that concerts, as we know them, may be wind...
Feb 13, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Fresh and Confucius discuss the idea that people in the Austin music scene are owed opportunities. then, inspired by Justin Bieber’s recent 200 million dollar sale of his catalog, they talk about why artists might sell their stake in their work. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the samples on “U Can’t Touch This,” “Ice Ice Baby,” “Tennessee” and more. It’s all part of Under the Covers weekend at KUTX ! Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that today’s rap is boring. Confucius talks about how the E...
Jan 30, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 4
This week Fresh and Confucius get real about what they think artists in the city should do career-wise. They talk about the importance of music videos, and when artists should try to start performing outside of Austin. Plus, they celebrate Love Austin Music Month by playing an interview with J Soulja from ACLfest. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that paying for features by bigger artists isn’t always the best way to get your music out there. Confucius talks about the recent i nvoluntary mansl...
Jan 23, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 3
