New Old Heads Podcast

On this episode we talked about if 50 Cent rapping about gangster toughness or deep-seated fear, if gangster rap just conservatism disguised as street music, if the death of monoculture completely destroyed hip-hop's shared conversation, and more. Get the full two-hour show by becoming a $5 member on either Patreon or YouTube. Support the show

On this episode we talked about Reason saying Sampling Hip Hop should have an automatic clearance, Too Short apologizing for saying he'd go to a Diddy party when he gets out, Bomani Jones having questionable take about Babyface, and more. Support the show

Episode 505 features the New Old Heads discussing Charlamagne Tha God's recent criticism of Rick Rubin interviewing Jay-Z for his new HBO docuseries. The panel debates if Rick Rubin was the right person to unpack Jay-Z's legacy, or if the music mogul purposefully selected an interviewer who wouldn't ask challenging questions. The crew explores how their core Hip Hop principles have...

 Episode 504 features the New Old Heads reacting to Colin Kaepernick officially responding to Jay-Z's recent concert freestyle. The panel exposes the reality behind Roc Nation's performative NFL deal and breaks down how Jay-Z hijacked the protest movement for corporate gain. We discuss OutKast's holding company suing underground producer Ovrkast for trademark infringement, debating...

Episode 503 features the New Old Heads unpacking Macklemore getting booted from Ed Sheeran's stadium tour after Robert Kraft issued a strict ultimatum over the rapper's pro-Palestinian stance. The panel reacts to Rockwilder stating there is absolutely no difference between a producer and a beatmaker, debating if liner notes even matter in the WeTransfer era. Jay Moore compares Drake&apos...

Episode 502 features the New Old Heads discussing J Cole thanking God that Jay-Z and Roc Nation didn't rush his stardom when he was 24. The panel debates if modern labels even develop artists anymore and whether career longevity requires living a grounded life. We react to KRS-One proposing "Little Hip Hop" districts in major cities, debating if the idea will just lead to gentrifica...

Episode 501 features the New Old Heads reviewing the highly anticipated collaborative album from Erykah Badu and The Alchemist. We discuss Alchemist's organic studio process and debate if the stripped-down beats swallowed Badu's signature soul. The panel reacts to Keefe D officially being found guilty in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, discussing why chasing internet clout led to his ul...

We celebrated episode 500 by recording a live show in front of an audience at Indy CD & Vinyl's The 808 venue. We talked about 500 episodes and then had guests come up and ask us questions. Support the show

Episode 499 features the New Old Heads (with guest Brotha2daKnight) breaking down Lecrae's recent comments demanding that artists focus on quality rather than operating as full-time content creators chasing viral moments. We react to Rapsody calling out the Hip Hop industry for giving platforms like Vlad and No Jumper access to the culture's stories. The panel exposes the reality behind...

Episode 498 features the New Old Heads breaking down the truth behind Kendrick Lamar cutting off The Game, exposing how the 100 video shoot in Compton and the genius timing of "6:16 In LA" proved Kendrick was always 10 steps ahead. We also react to Drake warning his rivals that his "pen isn't dry," debating if his constant need for validation prevents him from establishing...

On episode 497 we talked about 9th wonder's statement on Sway saying we should give the youth some grace about learning about older music, a discussion on T-Pain talking about selling his catalogue that turned into a talk on legacy, and Sylvan Lacue talking about him rejecting a Roc Nation deal and if Jay is more business minded than culture minded. That and more. Support the show

Episode 496 features the New Old Heads (along with guest Brotha2daKnight) breaking down the internet beef between Memphis Bleek and Uncle Murda. We debate why older artists are trading their Hip Hop legacy for digital clout. We also discuss Big Daddy Kane demanding relentless originality from modern artists, unpacking why Tyler, The Creator and Kendrick Lamar represent the ultimate blueprint for l...

On episode 495 we talked iShowSpeed performing at the World Cup closing ceremonies, Hip Hop sampling and if its appeal has changed, Post Malone potentially making a fusion rap/Hip Hop comeback, and more. Support the show

Episode 494 features the New Old Heads breaking down Jay-Z's historic three-night anniversary residency at Yankee Stadium. We discuss his flawless execution of Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, and debate if the success of the concert proves that older Hip Hop legends can still draw massive stadium crowds. We also address DJ Funk Flex comparing Jay-Z's weekend to Kanye West's mass...

Episode 493 features guest Brotha2daKnight joining the New Old Heads to debate American sociologist Tricia Rose's recent claim that hip hop now does more harm than good. We unpack whether the culture is truly toxic or if corporate capitalism is to blame for the aesthetics pushed to the forefront. We also discuss independent rapper Prof getting disqualified by Billboard after selling 30,000 ph...

Episode 492 features guest Brotha2daKnight joining the crew to tackle Lupe Fiasco's ongoing criticism of Kendrick Lamar, debating whether hip hop history ultimately values the master artist over the master lyricist. We unpack the growing divide between internet commentators and actual creators, questioning if metrics are now being mistaken for real cultural expertise. We also break down Twist...

On this episode we talked about Open Mike Eagle's take on the Atlantic article and AI Watchdog whistleblower-esque reveal on AI theft in music, Boots Riley talking radicalism in music, art and life with Hasan Piker, and more. Extended discussions are available via our Patreon or YouTube members. Support the show

Episode 490 features guest Brotha2daKnight. The crew debates Soulja Boy’s controversial new move to open up a "Rapper University," questioning if it's a blatant cash grab or a legitimate educational platform for aspiring artists in the streaming era. We also unpack the intense backlash Jay-Z is facing for releasing the 30th-anniversary white vinyl of Reasonable Doubt exclusively at...

On episode 489 we talked about The Knicks and Donald Trump, Fat Joe comparing the Knicks' NBA Finals Run To 9/11, ReedMySole saying our culture's timeline is a mess, Jay Electronica not showing up to his tour dates, Future saying Jay-Z was a non factor in 1996, and more. Support the show

This week we had a few different discussions on Jay-Z's Roots Picnic freestyle, Dame Dash's response, Talib Kweli calling out Tiny Desk, Conway The Machine airing out Griselda, andd more. Support the show

This week, we catch up on Memorial Day weekend travels before diving deep into how record labels are hijacking political playbooks to manufacture virality through a paid "clipping economy." We also discuss DJ Akademiks officially entering Drake's inner circle with an OVO chain, what that means for the integrity of hip-hop journalism, and Drake's reported Grammy boycott for his...

Episode 486 is the Iceman episode. Discussion on if he lived up to the hype, if he grew at all, what we thought about the three project drop, if this means Kendrick will reply, and more. We also talked about Black Milk and the hard path indie artists have to compete in the algorithmic world of the attention economy.  Support the show

Episode 484 of the New Old Head had discussions on Jermaine Dupri defending himself for keeping publishing on Kriss Kross records, Akademiks being #1 on Hip Hop media list, the Best Hip Hop producer every year since 1979, and more. Support the show

Episode 484 features guest Brotha2daKnight. Discussions dive into Kid Cudi's decision to fire M.I.A. from his upcoming tour lineup. The episode also unpacks whether the Nike brand is truly still for the culture, Dame Dash continuing to disparage Jay-Z's name and music, and Killer Mike getting dragged online for not being supportive enough of Kamala Harris. Support the show

Episode 483 dives into whether New York hip hop bias is actually real or just a myth, exploring how regional sounds like the Midwest and South were heavily judged by East Coast purists. The crew also reviews the new Michael Jackson biopic, debating if it's a cinematic masterpiece that captures his legendary career or just a sanitized cash grab avoiding the heavier controversies. Finally, they...