Hip Hop Roundtable

Allow Us to Reintroduce Ourselves

We're finally back! And like, fa real this time. In this "episode," you'll learn just a little about what we do here at Hip Hop Roundtable (although the best way to learn is to just listen to all the episodes). If you've been with us for a while, this is just to guarantee more consistency for the rest of the year. We already have 10 episodes that are lined up and ready to go. These episodes were recorded anywhere from September 2021 to September 2022, but it's all still great dialogue and debate about the current state of hip hop. But in short, there's an episode a week for the next 10 weeks starting tomorrow! To hear Landon break it down further, #PullUpAChair and press play. Otherwise, be on the lookout for a new episode tomorrow morning!

Album Review: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

After being able to sit with the album for a week, we come back to give MMTBS a more formal review. As usual, major debate ensues. Listen to what each of us had to say about the album after giving it a few listens and if anything changed from our initial reactions. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. #PullUpAChair

First Reaction: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

It's been toooo long sine we posted an episode. But if anybody was to bring us out of hiding, it's the man who does it best. Recorded the day Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers released, we talk about how we feel after the very first listen. Although we have a more formal review that we'll also drop, this is--as Dev reminded us plenty of times--only our initial reaction to Kendrick's latest offering. Even though we're a few weeks removed #PullUpAChair and let us know how you felt about this the first time you listened.

An Ode to Biz Markie (and Beat Boxing)

Recorded soon after the news of Biz Markie passing, we share our thoughts on his last legacy in hip hop. And, as one of our greatest beat boxers in hip hop history, we also show love to the art of beat boxing and how important it is to the culture. As always, #PullUpAChair, press play, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Too Much Music--Revisited

Right after our last episode where we discussed whether or not rappers could release too much music, Benny was interviewed and seemed to side with Milan's point of view. We revisit our convo with these new comments in mind. #PullUpAChair, press play, and see if Benny changed any of our minds!

Can Great Artists Release Too Much Music?

Consider artists such as Benny the Butcher or Ransom who release music at a crazy rate. Are they over-saturating themselves? Is it even possible for over-saturate if the music you're putting out is quality? Is there something to be said about fans being able to keep up with all the new releases? Does it benefit artists to not release music and just live for a while? We discuss all this and more in this episode. #PullUpAChair

DMX Tribute

Note: You may hear a little more colorful language in this episode than you usually do (in case you squirm at that type of thing).

Despite the heavy loss of DMX, we were truly able to celebrate his life and legacy on this episode. Joined by the homie Will Jackson, we discuss what X meant to hip hop and how his vulnerability was one of his greatest assets as an artist, give him his just due as one of the greatest featured artists of all time, and discuss our favorite songs/versus from the dog. We keep it light, but still very much paying respects to the legend that is DMX. So, #PullUpAChair and join us for this tribute.

Hip Hop Verzuz Sell Outs?

At this point, everybody has had a take on Swizz and Timb selling Verzuz to Triller. Some have been disappointed that it is no longer a solely Black owned company, even to the point that some have claimed they "sold out." We sit down to discuss this take, Jay Z selling Tidal, and, as always, what these moves suggests about hip hop culture as a whole. So #PullUpAChair, press play, and make sure you let us know your thoughts!

Can Drake Age Gracefully in Hip Hop?

Legends like Jay-Z and Nas have managed to get older in hip hop in a mature, but cool and relevant way. Is Drake on the trajectory to do the same thing or has he pigeonholed himself into a sound and style that can only last so long? We respond to that question, discuss why some artists are able to maintain longevity with age while others aren't, and talk about the effective of the celebrity "hives" that ensure certain artists never flop. Another great convo, so #pullupachair and join us at the Hip Hop Roundtable!

Eminem's Legacy Debate

No, this is not us just rehashing all of the same stuff people have been talking about regarding the Snoop/Em "beef" (although it looks like it's all squashed now). We actually discuss much more by exploring what Eminem's legacy, how his perception among fans has changed over time, and what this all says about hip hop culture. A LOT of debates and arguments in this one. So go ahead and #PullUpAChair.