Episodes
We went longer between recording than we usually do, so a lot had transpired between episodes. Because of that, it took us way too long to determine what we would even talk about, but we were already saying a lot, so we just hit record and went from there. Most of the episode is focused on me somehow missing Jack Harlow's song of the century (2:00) and what hip hop's response to the Meg the Stallion situation says about the culture (22:25), but this ended up just being one of those episodes...
Published 08/04/20
You can tell from the intro, Milan came up with the topic. This episode, we kick things off by discussing whether or not sheltering-in-place is negatively impacting hip hop’s relevance (08:40). We also discuss whether or no there is a legitimate difference between the critiques of hip hop today and it’s critiques during its rise (23:56), Milan has the nerve to try to argue semantics with me (41:40), a conversation about whether or not people would be comfortable in a world without hip hop...
Published 07/28/20
If you keep up with hip hop at all, you know that J. Cole and Noname were the center of attention last week. So, of course HHRT had to give you our own thoughts about the whole situation. This episode includes, our initial thoughts when we first heard the song (6:40), how hip hop being mainstream effects the important conversation we need to have as a culture (42:40), how we each feel about the critiques of J. Cole releasing his song (1:07:55), and a rant about allowing people to address...
Published 06/23/20
I'll be honest, I didn't even want to have this talk. I was talked out and I was tired of having to fixate on the violent deaths of our people. That said, it actually ended up being really good for all of us. We had the homie Anthony Walker join us to process everything we've been feeling and dealing over the last few weeks since the murder of George Floyd was posted for the world to see. If you're like us and just needed a space to listen and/or share, this episode is for you. We also talk...
Published 06/12/20
If you’ve been rocking with us for a while, you’ve probably heard us talk about how much we all respect Lauryn Hill’s “Unplugged” album. Well, we finally give it space on a full episode. We discuss the reasons we appreciate it (5:18), the difficulties of labeling it solely as a hip hop album (48:40), the reasons we believe it’s not usually mentioned with the rest of her catalogue (1:04:30) and much more! We also pay respects to all those we lost since the last time we recorded: Little...
Published 05/22/20
Before you completely flip out over the title, just listen to the episode. At this point, you should already know that the conversation is way more deep than the title. A discussion about the recently released Beastie Boys documentary is what leads to the initial question (11:13), followed by a question about why the label "culture vulture" never seems to be applied to white producers (58:07), attempting to separate the systemic issues from the individuals (1:12:38), thoughts on how the...
Published 05/05/20
Swizz Beatz & Timbaland have given us by far the best thing to look forward to during quarantine. Recorded before all the craziness and epic ness of the Babyface/Teddy Riley battle, we discuss our general thoughts about what VERZUZ says about, and means for, the culture (10:53), hoping that VERZUZ won't fall victim to the same commercialization that other aspects of hip hop have (28:28), if it's possible for hip hop to grow and maintain authenticity without chasing the bag (1:03:45),...
Published 04/21/20
I don't know why Milan won't just admit he doesn't like certain music! During our review of Royce's "The Allegory," Milan claimed that Royce shouldn't have experimented with producing the whole album himself and just stuck to his "normal" format. In this episode, he tries to explain how to determine what certain artists are known for (13:40), give an example of an artist properly experimenting (21:45), explain why experimenting for some is different from experimenting for others (37:20),...
Published 04/02/20
Well, Jay Electronica finally released his debut album--if that's what you want to call it. Hear our thoughts on more than decade long album in the making and the great boxing analogy to describe this album. Press play and then let us know your thoughts in the comment section. #PullUpAChair
Published 03/17/20
We got to sit down with one of Jamla Records' own, Reuben Vincent! He shares about his music journey, a little of what to expect from his upcoming music, and Milan's role in getting him signed to 9th Wonder. This right here is how you celebrate 100 episodes! #PullUpAChair   How to connect with Reuben: Instagram: @reubenvincent Twitter: @ReubenVincent_ Website: jamlarecords.com  
Published 03/10/20
Somehow, a review of Royce's new offering turned into several debates about artists being allowed to experiment with their sound. Regardless, we do share our thoughts about the album as a whole and how Royce's continued maturation as an artist. Join us at the roundtable and we discuss "The Allegory." #PullUpAChair
Published 03/03/20
We'll be back to given y'all some fresh content soon, but we had to give y'all one more from the vault as we count down to 100 episodes. This one is from September 2017. Between the horror stories of artists signing with major labels, the introduction of 360 deals, and the internet/social media creating more opportunities than ever before, it may seem like it's best for artists to just stop signing with the major labels altogether. We discuss the various things to consider for artists and if...
Published 02/26/20
This is a two for one! As we gear up to celebrate our 100th episode soon, we're getting around to releasing some of the episodes that we never put out for one reason or another. This is one of those. Recorded back in February 2018, and based on an article from Very Smart Brothas, we decided to share how each of us listen to hip hop and what draws us in. Some people listen for the beat first. Some people, the lyrics. Some of us just need a vibe. How do you listen? Then we transition to what...
Published 02/19/20
Not the episode we wanted or planned to do, but we had to honor the legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and all those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Southern California. We discuss how we've been dealing with the news of the loss, Kobe's legacy, and why he was so embraced by hip hop culture in ways other hoop legends are not. It's tough to have to do this time, but please #PullUpAChair and join us as we pay our respects. On a positive note, we have finally...
Published 02/04/20
Shout out to Brian Bailey, who actually posed this question on our Facebook page a couple years ago. We recorded the episode soon after the question was posted (back in 2018!), but it ended up getting stuck in the vault with a number of other episodes. But, as we continue to work to get take the podcast to the next level this year, we decided to release one of the episodes from the past that were never released. Based on a video posted by Vox that analyzed the "deconstructed the best rhymes...
Published 01/21/20
Here we are again. The beginning of 2020. So, we share our thoughts on all hip hop had to offer and experienced the past 12 months. Our thoughts on the albums, freestyles, artists, and major moments of 2019. And of course, are typical arguments and basketball analogies to close our the year. So, #PullUpAChair and join us for what was our final convo of 2019!
Published 01/07/20
So, we lied in the beginning. This isn't the last episode we recorded of the year. But it was a really good one. A lot of questions came out of this. Can you actually call yourself a fan of hip hop without certain qualifications? If there are qualifications, what are they? And if you don't meet them, what are you actually considered? Press play and find out if you're really a hip hop fan. #PullUpAChair
Published 01/07/20
Milan and Dev bring the worst out of me. I'm starting to think Milan brought this topic up just to make me mad. I promise I didn't mean to get as hype as I did, but somebody gotta balance the ridiculous claims of these two. But for all I know, y'all listening will agree. So, press play and then be sure to comment and let us know your thoughts. #PullUpAChair   *Disclaimer: Any defending of Jay has nothing to do with the craziness of the Kapernick/NFL situation and Jay's involvement. I'm not...
Published 11/21/19
We blow the dust off the mics to record the first episode in a while! As the Jay Z/Roc Nation/NFL drama continues to unfold, we discuss rappers are typically viewed as leaders in the Black community and if that is part of the reason people have been so disappointed with Jay. Press play, listen, and then give us your thoughts in the comments. #PullUpAChair
Published 09/29/19
We double up on the topics this podcast. First, we address the Kodak Black and ScHoolboy Q social media controversies (I use that term lightly in Q's situation) and what it represents for hip hop as a whole. Then we discuss breakdancing potentially becoming part of the Olympics and whether or not that's a good look for hip hop. Press play, leave a comment, rate, and subscribe. #PullUpAChair 
Published 04/29/19
We hadn't come to the roundtable in a while, but we had to for Nipsey. We discuss our reactions to the news, Nipsey's legacy, and what we plan to do to honor his marathon and ensure it continues. This episode is just about getting the feelings and emotions out after such a big hit to our community. Nipsey's song both intro and take us out of the podcast. Intro: "Road to Riches" - The Marathon Continues Outro: "Blessings" - Crenshaw Nothing but prayers, love, and peace to Nipsey and his entire...
Published 04/04/19
I'm well aware that we're now more than a week into 2019, but we still had to make sure we gave y'all are 2018 rap up...so here it is! Our takes on album of the year, artist of the year, what was most memorable about 2018 and what we're looking forward to most in 2019. Happy new(ish) year!
Published 01/09/19
We back! It's been waaaay to long since we recorded, but it felt good to finally sit down at the mic again. Life kinda hit all of us, but we were are itching to record again. We give updates on what we've been up to the last few months, do brief recaps of the things we missed since we've been on hiatus, and then discuss this Tory Lanez/Joyner Lucas situation. It's good to finally be back at the roundtable. #PullUpAChair
Published 12/04/18
We give "Daytona" a proper review and then discuss this Kanye fad of 7 track albums. AFter you listen, be sure to let us know your thoughts. #PullUpAChair
Published 06/12/18
Y’all know we couldn’t let this go. Special guests Langston Hill (my brother) and Jay (Milan’s son and Dev/my brother-in-law) join us to discuss. No further explanation needed. #PullUpAChair and press play.
Published 06/05/18