Confucius and Fresh reminisce on their journey so far over the past eight years and what to expect next before dissecting what makes LL Cool J such a significant figure in hip-hop history, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s status as a so called “culture vulture”. The post What’s next for The Breaks? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcas…

Inspired by the recent “Cash Money Reunion” at Essence Music Fest, Confucius and Fresh break down what’s going on behind the scenes with the legendary record label, not to mention an Unpopular Opinion about rappers signing to other rappers. The post What’s going on with Cash Money? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Inspired by discourse around the recent BET Awards, Confucius and Fresh discuss why some folks are reacting oddly to what’s perceived as uncouth behavior alongside an Unpopular Opinion Puerto Ricans’ place in the rise of Hip-Hop. The post Is Raunchiness in Rap really that new? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.…

Confucius and Fresh sit down with Founder Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Author Terry P. Mitchell to discuss the Austin African American Book Festival and The City We Built: Black Leaders of Austin, happening June 29th, plus Hip-Hop Facts, reactions to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on Tyler the Creator’s role as a West Coast representat…

Most artists can’t just drop a surprise record, so Confucius and Fresh review press strategies for making a bigger album impact before discussing why the majority of blog site era rappers never made it. Hear that, an Unpopular Opinion on New Edition’s Ralph Tresvant, plus Hip-Hop Facts and the most recent headlines. The post What does a good album …

In this edition, Confucius and Fresh debate what genres will continue to put Austin on the musical map before discussing why the South in general is so dominant. Get that, Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius’ reaction to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on lyrical positivity in the latest episode. The post Will Austin blow up because of Rap & R&…

With the big beef behind us, how do ghostwriting allegations hurt Drake’s status among the GOATs? Hear what Confucius and Fresh have to say on that, plus Jay Electronica’s prospects on being the greatest rapper that never was and an Unpopular Opinion The Alchemist’s ranking in the world of production. The post Do Ghostwriting Allegations Hurt Drake…

After reacting to Apple Music’s recent “100 Best Albums” list, Pause/Play producer and co-host Miles Bloxson joins Confucius and Fresh to talk women’s safety in a genre once run by abusers. Catch that alongside Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius Reads the News, plus an Unpopular Opinion on the modern equivalent to What’s Going On? in this episode. The pos…

After a quick postmortem on the Drake-Kendrick beef, Confucius and Fresh dissect how R&B crept into Hip-Hop’s sonic sector. Get that, an Unpopular Opinion around Kendrick’s de facto influence on the West Coast’s relevance, plus Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius’ reactions to the latest headlines right here. The post When Did R&B and Hip-Hop Become One? a…

As the Kendrick-Drake beef escalates, Confucius and Fresh are joined by cultural strategist Keys and producer-DJ Mason Flynt for a rare, three-part roundtable discussion on the ongoing exchange. Hear everyone’s takes plus an Unpopular Opinion and Confucius’ reaction to university protests in the latest episode. The post Who’s Winning This Beef? app…

Fresh does the show solo as he talks about Adam22’s place in media, Kendrick Lamar’s long-awaited response to Drake, Hip-Hop Facts, and an Unpopular Opinion on “selling out”. The post Is Adam22 Really That Big of an Authority? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.By KUT & KUTX Studios, Confucius and Fresh

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…

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…

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 …

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 pod…

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 subtitle…

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 i…

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 i…

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 i…

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 nee…

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 …

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 av…

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…

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 c…

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 …

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 Rea…

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 ARE…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 & KUT…

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 B…

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 …

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 Quest…

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…

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. Afterwar…

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…

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 Blckchyl ACLfest Bonus Tracks Stage Sunday, 10/15 from 2:45-3:15pm. You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Oukast’…

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 be…

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…

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 u…

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…

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 Murp…

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…

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 feat…

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 Co…

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 wh…

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…

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 o…

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 b…