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 is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post What does Drake’s A.I. Diss Song Mean for Rap? appeared first on KUT &a...
Apr 29, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 16
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 available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post How Important is Weed to Rap? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podca...
Apr 22, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 15
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 also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post J. Cole’s Apology / Kendrick vs. Drake appeared first on KUT & KUTX Stu...
Apr 15, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 14
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 podcast apps. The post Jermaine Dupri vs. Dr. Dre / The Neptunes vs. Three 6 Mafia appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Apr 08, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 13
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 subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post The Drake-Future Feud / Sex Appeal appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 12
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 is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Start Submi...
Mar 25, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 11
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 is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post SXSW Plans ...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 10
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 is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Act II: Alb...
Mar 04, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 9
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 need to change. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as ...
Feb 26, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 8
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 Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post The GOAT Rap Album / SXSBreaks 2024 appea...
Feb 19, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 7
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 available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post The 2024 Gramm...
Feb 12, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 6
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 episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast ap...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 5
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 course Hip-Hop Facts plus Confucius Reads the news in this last episode for January 2024. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is availabl...
Jan 29, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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 post 2024: Year of the Austin Breakthrough? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Jan 22, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 3
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 Reads the News for 2024. The post Ranking Wu-Tang’s Solo Albums appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Jan 15, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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 AREN’T evil. The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as sub...
Jan 08, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 1
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 episode of The Breaks . The post Looking Back at 2023 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Dec 18, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 44
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 on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Dec 11, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 43
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 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 42
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 & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps. The post Diddy, the Grammys, and Andre’s New Gr...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 41
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 Blakchyl’s ACL pop-up session . Regularly scheduled programming AKA Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion, and Confucius Reads the News will be back next we...
Nov 20, 2023•18 min
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 fans on the latest episode of The Breaks . The post Talking Hip-Hop: Journalism vs. Gossip appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts ....
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 40
Confucius and Fresh interview J.M., the founder of Austin’s Hubbledvision , and Chicago-based artist Blvck Svm about their musical collaboration and the Afrovision event at this year’s Afrotech. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote the treatment for Dr. Dre and Tupac’s “California Love” video, the debut of Will Smith’s “Summertime,” what Questlove called himself before he landed on Questlove, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Texas rappers can get lazy. Confucius talks abou...
Nov 05, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Confucius and Fresh interview hip-hop art legend Cey Adams, former creative director for Def Jam who designed album covers for everyone from Run-DMC to Jay-Z. They talk about his early days in hip-hop, what it’s been like to watch the genre evolve and grow, and his new show “Combinations” at the West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Jay-Z’s first appearance on television, Jermaine Jackson’s diss song to his younger brother Michael, and more. Fresh states the Unpop...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Coming off of ACL, the fellas discuss MJ (take your pick – Jackson OR Jordan) as the golden standard for success and why it may hold less water these days. Plus, Confucius and Fresh gush about the Hype Williams classic Belly . Hip-Hop Facts enlightens us on how Fabolous got his name and reflects on the recent passing of DJ Mark the 45 King. Afterwards Fresh shares his Unpopular Opinion on the modern state of sloppy sampling before Confucius Reads the News . The post MJ as the Bar appeared first ...
Oct 23, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 37
After Juicy J’s comments that there’s a 40% decrease in hip-hop, Fresh and Confucius talk about the truth behind hip-hop’s perceived drop in influence. Then they talk about whether it’s fair to judge Drake. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Janet Jackson’s inspiration for Rhythm Nation, why Ghostface Killa wouldn’t show his face on the first Wu-Tang album, what happened when Chris Brown auditioned for Diddy, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that rappers who move to Austin to get their...
Oct 16, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 36
Confucius and Fresh debate whether this is the best time for Austin hip-hop or not. Then they talk about this year’s Austin City Limits Festival, and relive their best and worst ACLfest memories. The Breaks will be interviewing Austin Artist Blckchy l ACLfest Bonus Tracks Stage Sunday, 10/15 from 2:45-3:15pm. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Oukast’s Auqemini, why Russell Simmons passed on Nas’ Illmatic, and more, and how Baja Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out” originated at Austin’s Reagan High Schoo...
Oct 09, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Confucius talks about seeing Beyoncé in Houston for night two of her Renaissance World Tour. Then Confucius and Fresh debate whether Drake’s fame is getting in the way of his art. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco, how Fabolous indirectly connected Rich Paul and LeBron James, what the family connection between Boldy James and Snoop Dogg is, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Beyoncé’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) video has had the sa...
Oct 02, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Confucius and Fresh debate what it takes to become a part of Austin Hip-Hop history, and talk about whether artists now are in it for the art, or the clout. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who produced Deion Sanders’ “ Must Be the Money, ” how LL Cool J wanted to be Blade, how Ice-T got the role in New Jack City, and more. Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Big Boi is better or even equal to André 3000. Confucius talks about Ken Paxton’s acquittal , the cancelation of Winning Time , and th...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 33
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin hip-hop pioneer Tee-Double about his career and how it feels to be one of the honorees at The Austin Hip-Hop Awards Sunday, September 17th from 2pm-5pm at the Austin Central Library. Then they debate whether or not this is the golden age of hip-hop. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Cardi B’s verse didn’t end up on the final version of Ice Spice’s “Munch,” how LL Cool J and 50 Cent almost made an album together, what the connection between Warren G And Pimp ...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 32
