We've come out of hiding for a brand new /Understated episode. Last week, there was an article released stating that Old music is killing new music in terms of streaming. That's unexpected and we need to address this. Also, there's some new controversy surrounding a deleted letter penned by musician, Neil Young, to Spotify asking to be removed from…

In this week's episode, we review (Starts at 1:08) Confessions of a Dangerous Mind which is Logic's (the rapper) fifth studio album and discuss the reason why he receives so much apparent "hate" or is often dismissed in the mainstream narrative. (Starts at 14:44) Next, we get into the financial battle occuring between the app Tik Tok vs the Music L…

In this segment, we discuss Lil Nas X’s big single ‘Old Town Road’ which was recently removed off of the Country Music Billboard until Billy Ray Cyrus (the Achy Breaky Heart Crooner) hopped on the remix. Odd combo right? In a typical fashion, we un-package the controversy surrounding this subject and we also talk about the possibility of Lil Nas X …

First and foremost, we want to share our respect to Nipsey Hussle. RIP young soldier. In this segment, we begin to explore the similar histories of the Rock & Roll genre as well as the Hip Hop genre. Here we are going to analyze the trajectory of these two types of music, how history tends to repeat itself, and forewarning that the younger of the t…

In this week's episode, we discuss 2 Chainz's new album, Rap or Go To The League. You're probably thinking who listens to 2 Chainz. Stop It. The man has a very consistent fanbase and has been quite successful both in and out of the rap game for the last few years. In that regard, he deserves to have his album judged fairly. Should it be contender f…

In this episode, we talk about the recent news regarding rapper, 21 Savage, being detained by ICE officials on February 3, 2019. To find the details about this situation and our take on what's going on stay tuned. We also discuss the recent controversy regarding the Gucci sweaters released last week and their resemblance to racially insensitive bla…

In this segment, we discuss the controversy surrounding Travis Scott performing during the Super Bowl. As we all know, the NFL has been steeped in criticism in response to its treatment of Colin Kaepernick and other players who chose to kneel during the national anthem in protests of police brutality of unarmed citizens in the United States. As a r…

Let's recap what you've may have missed out on lately. First, we discuss Chris Brown recently being cleared of rape allegations and the conspiracy theory mindset around them, as he just signed a deal to own his masters. You may have also heard about the rumored parting of ways between popular R&B singer Tinashe and her record label RCA. Tinashe's p…

In this week's episode, we discuss the supposed "split" of Rae Sremmurd (Swae Lee & Slim Jxmmi). In the early weeks of January 2019, Slim Jxmmi released a series of tweets indicating that the hip hop duo of Rae Sremmurd was essentially over. As this is hot topic news, we have to discuss this issue further, the concept of the viral virus, and some o…

Welcome Back, here is all of episode 21. In this episode we discuss some of our top predictions on who will have a big 2019. The first artist discussed is Big Sean. We also discuss the potential Childish Gambino/Chance the Rapper collaboration project that might drop this year. Rumors of this project have been circulating for years so hopefully it …

Happy New Years everyone. Before we stroll into 2019, we wanted to leave you with 5 pieces of advice that we dropped this year to carry forward. Here are our top 5 tips, which we explain in further detail in the video. Best wishes to you all and thanks for watching. 1. Use Free Cross Promotion with friends already have an audience 2. Listen to your…

In this week's episode, we discuss whether or not artists are dropping too many projects throughout the year. Kwame argues that artists are putting out so much music that it's causing people to miss or tune out what's available. On the other hand, Kenfe says the output is good for competition and everyone has the same 24 hours in a day to listen to…

In this week's episode, we discuss the rap battle between Tory Lanez and Joyner Lucas during Thanksgiving week. In short, it was an interesting battle and definitely a moment to remember for Hip Hop for the year of 2018. Watch here to see our discussion on the overall rap scrimmage and check the links below to listen to each artists' diss tracks. A…

In this week's episode, we finish our discussion on the Spotify business model and also delve into the Travis Scott/Nicki Minaj beef as it relates to Merch Bundling. If you aren't familiar with the term merch bundling and are unaware of how it is being used for album sales, this is a good video for you. This is part 2 of 2 regarding our discussion …

In this week's episode, we discuss Spotify Streaming Money for Artists. Hopefully, we explain in a simplistic way how streaming platforms work and what artists now and in the future should be expecting. This is part 1 of 2 regarding our discussion of streaming and merch bundling. Check out part 2 next week. Below are links to what we've been readin…

In this week's episode, we discuss and rate Lupe Fiasco's latest album Drogas Wave. You can listen to the album either before or after listening to the podcast; we don't try to sway any opinions here. Note, it's definitely worth a listen. Also, watch till the end to see the Soundcloud Artist we highlight this week.Don't forget to follow our Spotify…

This week’s episode is a throwback. This is actually one of the first episodes we filmed for /Understated way back in January 2018. We had a lot of mess ups. Nonetheless we persevered. In this episode, we discussed the problem of finding new artists on the web vs on the radio. Soundcloud appears to be the place to blow up for newer artists and the …

In this week's episode, we talk about why people don't mess with Russ the rapper. This seems to be an internet phenomenon. Who is the Russ the rapper and why is he seemingly so hated? Listen to this episode for more as we explore those reasons and provide it as a cautionary tale for newer rappers.Thanks to sounds by:Chris morrow4 -hip hop rap instr…

Does Sex Sell in the music industry? This conversation was inspired by the Iggy Azalea Kream video. We further elaborate in the video, which is far better than what we would do in this description. In the end, we come to some form of conclusion on this matter, so let us know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree. Again thanks for watching.Th…

In the week's episode, we talk about Alternative Rap. In this episode, we explore the need for labeling in the hip hop genre and how this can help with current artists and even up and comers establish themselves better within the industry. What's in a name. The answer is a lot. Thanks to sounds by:Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https:…

Drake's newest album was released last Friday (June 29, 2018). We've all had a week to listen to it, now let's talk about it. Remember /Understated can also be found on Itunes for your listening pleasure as well. See this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/understated/id1402355050?mt=2Thanks to sounds by:Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138…

In this week's episode we talk Kids See Ghost and the now lackluster Drake vs Pusha T beef.Thanks to sounds by:Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Pusha T vs Drake. Almost everybody is talking about it and we weren't going to miss out to give our two cents. Pusha T put out the bait with infrared, Drake thought he could duppy freestyle off the line, but the story was just beginning. In this video, we try to dissect this beef in a distinct way and offer some advice because this fight is very on…

In this week’s episode we address Spotify’s Hate Content and Hateful Conduct Policy. We talk in depth about this policy and review pretty much its major flaws. To date, this policy has only affected R. Kelly and XXXtentacion (Tay-Kas of now), so if you want to know why Spotify has been in the news lately, tune into this episode. Thanks to sounds by…

In this week’s episode, we discuss Childish Gambino's This is America. No this is not a deep analysis of the music video; it's more like appreciation of the video itself, the discussion around it, and DG/CG's place in the "culture"Thanks to clips by:Childish talking about kanye-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVjf9kwMc58This is America music video-…

In this week’s episode, we start to delve into other parts of our music palette. So if you’re a fan of Breaking Benjamin, AMVs, and yeah even Wale. This is an episode made for you. Don’t forget to like/follow our page to watch new episode of /Understated as well as the Covenant.Thanks to sounds by:Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’-https:…

In this week’s episode, we discuss J Cole’s new album “KOD”. As big J Cole fans, it would be dumb for us to not review this album and provide our insights on this new installment to Cole’s discography. Watch the video, don’t hesitate to post, and follow our page to see new content every week. The last part is key because if you don’t how will you s…

In this episode, we talk about Old School Rappers vs New School Rappers. Particularly, the lack of respect for legends and the lack of respect for the new guys. Basically, they are both to blame. Check it out, let us know if you agree or disagree. We encourage the discourse.Thanks to sound and videos by:Diddy IG Video-https://www.youtube.com/watch?…

This is a message to all female artists! In this week's episode, we talk about the boxing in of female artists (particularly black female artists) and ways to break out of this encasement. Let us know if you think we are right, wrong, do you agree or disagree.

In this week's episode, we discuss the passing of rap artists XXXtentacion & Jimmy Wapo. As well as, the failure to addressthe robbing aspect of hip hop culture that is ever persistent. Take a listen, if you have any thoughts don't be afraid to provide us your feedback on our facebook page, where you can find video versions of these discussions and…