The Breaks – KUTX

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 Reads the […] The post Ranking Wu-T...

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 […] The post What We’re Looking Forward to in 2024 appeared first on KU...

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 post Looking Back at 2023 appeared f...

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 on KUT & KUTX Studios...

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 appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- P...

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 […] The post Diddy, the Grammys, and Andre’...

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 […] The post BONUS! ACL Fest with Blakchyl 2023...

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 […] The post Talking Hip-Hop: Journalism vs....

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News. The post Afrotech and Hubbledvision appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News...

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 […] The post MJ as the Bar appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News. The post 40% of What?! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Confucius and Fresh talk about the idea that 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. The post We ARE Playing Y’all & We’re at ACL Fest appeared firs...

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News. The post Beyoncé’s the GOAT appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. Plus you'll hear Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News. The post Art or Clout? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News. The post Hip-Hop’s Golden Age? appeared...

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. The post Did Capitalism Kill Hip-Hop? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. The post United We Stand? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News. The post Hot Boys and Girls appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion, and Confucius Reads the News. The post Do ATX Rap Shows Make Money? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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. The post ATX Hip-Hop vs. the Media appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin Hip-Hop artist and activist NOOK Turner about Jump On It Week,  July 30-August 6th. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion, and Confucius Reads the News. The post Jump On It! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts .

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, […] The post RDC World talks Dream Con appeared first 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. Plus Hip-Hop What Ifs, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News. The post Grace Sorenson Speaks! appe...

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 […] The post Why Leave Austin...