Episode 106 starts off with Trivelle sharing news about some of his legal troubles (“the drama people suing me”) before the music talk kicks off with the The New York Times interview with Jay-Z, which is also tied to their list recognizing the top 30 unranked living American songwriters. The crew dissects parts of Jay’s interview before getting into the subs that people feel are aimed at Drake, especially Jay’s remarks about older artists coming across as inauthentic when trying too hard to relate to the youth. After that conversation runs its course, they mention artists who were included (like Young Thug, Kendrick Lamar, etc.) versus names who were not present (Drake, J. Cole, etc.), and the discussions around those omissions. Another list gets discussed this one ranked: the Top 100 Vocalists of All Time, with Kendrick Lamar being placed at number 20 over artists like Brandy, Little Richard, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Teddy Pendergrass, Bill Withers, Luther Vandross, Sade, and Kurt Cobain. After that very controversial list and segment, things move on to Drake’s upcoming album Iceman, slated for the middle of this month, the ice sculpture in Toronto, and expectations creatively for the project, including features. OshauN then brings up wrestling, discussing Shawn Michaels and his recent documentary, including some of the regrets he had in the business, such as his portrayal alongside The Rock. XP then tells the crew about the Verzuz announced between French Montana and Rick Ross, which is being dubbed a “celebration.” They joke about possible stipulations, while Trivelle gives a hot take that Ross would wipe the floor with French, even playing songs from both artists to illustrate the point. OshauN suggests a Wale vs Meek Mill matchup for MMG supremacy, leading to a debate between Trivelle and OshauN about who would come out on top. As XP and OshauN get more familiar with the reality show Summer House — which Trivelle introduced in the last episode and was well received, XP reads comments from viewers (including corrections) before asking whether Amanda was right to pursue someone who was in a relationship with her friend, especially someone her friend Ciara confided in her about. As Trivelle answers, bringing in some of his own anecdotal experiences, the group concludes that Amanda and Wes showed little regard for who they hurt, as their idea of love outweighed the collateral damage. The conversation expands into whether anyone on the podcast has ever felt strongly enough about someone to risk destroying other friendships, and what that would look like. After a rollercoaster discussion, XP brings the group to talk about Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson, their public drama and breakup, the perception, and the outside commentary surrounding it. They then discuss Taylor Swift’s 2018 contract that could result in many Universal Music Group artists getting paid as equity in Spotify is sold. The crew briefly touches on the upcoming Michael film, holding off on full commentary until Trivelle catches up in theatres. OshauN also reflects on his time at the theatre watching itand suggests they should let Jaafar Jackson perform as Michael Jackson on tour, similar to how other iconic artists have been honored posthumously. Here is Episode 106.
