UNHEARD

Vance starts this week's episode with a question most people have probably never considered: Is globalization in music a good thing(4:04)? Inspired by a viral tweet, the trio lists classics that aren't universally regarded as classics but should be(13:33). What should fans look forward to ahead of Teezo Touchdown's debut album and Lancey Foux's first project post "MMM HMM" (22:19)? Plus much much...

With the year 2/3 completed, who are some of the frontrunners for Rap MVP, R&B MVP, Rap Rookie of the Year, and R&B Rookie of the Year (0:50)? The trio reviews the latest new music from Brent Faiyaz & Coco Jones (19:25), Hardrock (26:43), and Fridayy (30:41). Taj attempts to debunk Spotify's Monthly Listener stat (40:04). And in true UNHEARD fashion, a topic that got swept under — YouTube teaming...

Travis Scott 'UTOPIA' review (1:20) and what is his place in Hip-Hop if he's not "the rage guy?" From Chance's label to Vance's label, the return of J Hus with 'Beautiful And Brutal Yard' stirs up classic talk (21:08). Taj explains why he thinks the touring dominance of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Drake may spell doom for middle-class artists (31:22). One year of Ice Spice and the story of how Drak...

Chance has spoken — the 2023 rap drought has ended. He and Vance rave over the latest from Veeze and Rylo Rodriguez before disagreeing on Uzi's 'Pink Tape' (0:57). Taj points out the current impact of the 2016 XXL class and asks if they somehow surpassed the viral hype (24:54). Vance and Taj relish over Lucki leaving the underground nest. Did Eem Triplin beat the flow allegations? (44:00). Plus pr...

The back-to-back releases of Gunna's 'a Gift & a Curse' and Young Thug's 'BUSINESS IS BUSINESS' leaves the trio split (0:20). The state of Rap in 2023 takes over the rest of the pod, with topics like XXL's 2023 Freshman class (25:40), viral tweets about Sexyy Redd, Biggie and Ye (30:05), and Coi Leray's sample-filled new album, 'Coi'(38:52). This week's music in order played is Oodaredevil "Kimjun...

Vance capes for Drake (0:57). Reviews on the new Rob49(5:50), Janelle Monáe (16:50), Maeta & more (17:56). Some questions that the trio answer: Who are the JR Smith's of rap? Will human DJ's make a come back against playlists? Why are women rappers dominating the summer over men? Plus much more. This week's music in order played is J Hus "Who Told You", Karrahboo "Money Counter," Doe Boy "Kardashi...

Is mainstream Gunna done (0:45)? Vance and Taj speculate on a Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem collab project and whether or not their latest track adds to the years-long Drake beef (10:18). Vance thinks Latto has found her lane with "Put It On Da Floor Again" (17:25), and Chance fears Da Baby nostalgia (22:36). Which version of Summer Walker is the best version of Summer Walker: Neo Soul Summer, R&B...

Fresh off the release of his latest EP, 'Cascade', singer/songwriter Kyle Lux joins this week's episode to talk what it takes to bring a project to life. Things start with a deep dive into Kyle's years-long journey to make 'Cascade' (2:30). Vance pivots the convo to the creative process at large, which leads to the question of how does one start their magnum opus (21:09)? The episode wraps up with...

The word of the day to start this episode is "grace" — who deserves it more: Frank Ocean or his Coachella fans (0:40)? Chance's years-long prediction of NBA Youngboy becoming the best/biggest rapper alive may have finally come true after 'Don't Try This At Home.' (20:17). The label trade deadline is here (40:13). Plus the yearly "women are out rapping men this year" viral tweet has arrived, courte...

Chance calls Daniel Caesar "S-tier," "generational" and a "superstar" — not everyone agrees (1:00). Is 2023 the year albums die? Not everyone agrees (27:02). After the release of "Search & Rescue," Taj compares Drake to a great TV show and asks "when should the show end?" Not everyone agrees (43:50). Plus much more. This week's music in order played is 454 "Tales From The Hood," Coco & Clair Clair...

Did Chlöe's viral 'Swarm' moment make for the perfect 'In Pieces' album rollout (1:40)? Taj defends PinkPantheress after her lackluster SXSW performance (15:06). Chance chooses Drake's 'More Life' as the debut for his new segment on past projects (28:20). Should DSPs pay artists based on who attracts listener firsts (39:47)? A major announcement (51:22) + much more! Music in order played is Altro...

Chance wastes no time calling Don Toliver's 'Love Sick' mid(0:00). The trio go from "mid" to "excellent" projects, reviewing the latest from Kali Uchis(10:45), Yeat(28:29), and Jordan Ward(40:14). Vance and Taj question the lack of healthy competition in music at the moment (19:04). And the day is here -- each co-host has to one artist from their label(46:06). Plus more! This week's music in order...

Chance takes a Daniel Caesar-inspired victory lap, following the release of "Let Me Go" and "Do You Like Me?" (1:10). The trio attempt to make sense of Travis Scott's 'Utopia' x Cactus Jack rollout plan, while reviewing the latest from Don Toliver(11:49). Taj and Chance have high praise for Kelela's 'Raven' and talk extended gaps between albums(21:15). Plus much more! This week's music in order pl...

Chance joins the Spice Cabinet(0:38). Was Lil Yachty's 'Let's Start Here' worthy of AOTY talks(8:37)? Industry Shit with Vance returns, as he breaks down the Ticketmaster situation and how things got this bad(21:11). Taj questions if eight weeks at number one makes SZA one of the world's biggest music stars, leading to the trio picking a galaxy tour lineup(37:19). Plus much more! This week's music...

Disclaimer: This is probably the nerdiest episode in UNHEARD history. Music multi-hyphenate Jack Sperling joins the trio to break down the key elements of music discovery(2:14), the state of artist development(22:55), and what to expect from music in 2023(30:05). Jack crowns a winner of the trio's 2022 labels and sets the stage for the 2023 label draft(40:54). This week's music in order played is...

The inaugural Heardys (?) year-end episode is here and the trio kicks it episode by ranking the year's top projects in rap(17:46) and other genres(3:09). Vance hosts the award section of the year-end recap, announcing winners for Rap Rookie of the Year, R&B Rookie of the Year, Rap MVP, R&B MVP, Song of the Year, and NBA Youngboy Project of the Year(31:36). Plus, what's the biggest takeaway from 20...

The best SZA 'SOS' review of all SZA 'SOS' reviews(0:21). Taj questions what 2023 will look like for Gunna after recent developments in YSL's RICO case(16:50). Chance attacks the ethics of GloRilla's assistant inquiry — Vance broadens the conversation to the music industry as a whole(30:04). More reviews: Little Simz 'NO THANK YOU' and Ab-Soul 'Herbert'(47:06). Plus much more! This week's music in...

Vance stamps Metro Boomin as one of the greatest producers ever but has an unflattering comparison for 'Heroes & Villians'(1:53). Chance and Taj disagree on whether or not Babyface Ray's 'MOB' is a late contender for Rap Album of the Year or a little stale(17:12). The trio breakdown SZA's 'SOS' tracklist (25:18). With the recent influx of AI-generated art, is music at risk of losing its human touc...

Taj capes for SoFaygo after he sells under 7k on his first Cactus Jack LP(0:52). Which artist deserves more pioneer status for their genre-bending: Kaash Paige or 070 Shake(14:16)? Vance asks if "Just Wanna Rock" is Uzi's most significant moment since 2017's "XO Tour Life"(19:39). This week's viral tweet theorizes why men like GloRilla so much(24:39). Chance shares an interesting Wizkid theory(33:...

Chance fulfills his duty as one of Aubrey's Angels, kicking the episode off with a list of superlatives for 'Her Loss': Best Song, Best Production, Best Verse, Best 21 Savage Moment, Best Drake Moment, and Most Surprising Moment(1:15). Hip Hop journalist Jayson Rodriguez joins the trio to talk how Bad Bunny dominated 2022(19:08), how rap is fusing with other genres(33:06), and why gatekeeping is n...

R.I.P. Takeoff. The trio kicks things off by paying their respects(0:55). The conversation expands to the culture around rap as a whole(8:11). After weeks of back and forth, Chance delivers a MasterClass on gaslighting while reviewing the new album from Kodak Black(24:25). Reviews on the latest from SZA, Ice Spice, Rihanna, Smino, Lancey Foux and Baby Keem(36:43). Vance apologizes to Steve Lacy(50...

Stop! Go leave a review and follow. Okay, back to the normal rundown: the trio question what a full Drake and 21 Savage album will sound like — Taj hates (0:49). Chance and Vance break down what Lil Baby and SoFaygo's recent commercial spots mean for their respective careers(10:47). Reviews: NBA Youngboy's 'Ma I Got A Family,' Fredo Bang's 'UNLV' and Babyface's 'Girls Night Out'(22:24). Is Rap don...

Is a 'B' album good for Lil Baby(1:55)? Vance sparks a game of Would You Rather: chart-topping single or good album(31:31)? Chance creatively directs Ice Spice's "Munch Meal"(35:15). Did Steve Lacy sell out his core fans(37:55)? Taj recaps Ye's since-deleted Drink Champs interview and questions journalistic integrity in music(47:57). Plus much more! This week's music in order played is MadMarcc "Y...

No one wants to talk about Lil Baby(1:21). Chance breaks down how Kid Cudi's 'Entergalactic' could be the blueprint for aging acts(15:19). Taj proposes a way for fans to enjoy listening to problematic artists(21:41). Industry Shit with Vance returns to answer the question: how are kids consuming music(33:42)? Plus reviews on G Herbo's 'Survivor's Remorse,' NBA Youngboy's '3800 Degrees,' and WILLOW...

Is Lucki on the best project streak since Future(0:50)? Vance swears his loyalty to The Queen of Pop(25:22). Chance comes to Lil Baby's defense on his World Cup track(38:08). Taj says 'Whole Lotta Red' has more skips than any classic rap album ever, leaving Chance to question if it's really a classic then(47:03)? Plus much more! This week's music in order played is Lucki "Coincidence," 4ME & Destr...