"Gatekeeping"

"It's a war"

This episode comes abut 3 weeks after it's recording. The hosts were living in the midst of chaos and it's reflected in the content of the episode and the audio quality.

"It was the Flood"

Join us for the final episode of 2025 as we wrap up the year with music talk, industry insights, and cultural commentary. Episode Highlights: [0:00] - Intro & Episode 9 celebration [1:52] - Leon Thomas Concert Review & R&B's MVP discussion [8:22] - Tiny Desk performances: Givon, Ode, and the importance of live vocals [37:35] - Ebro in the Morning canceled & the changing media landscape [45:00] - Netflix's podcast expansion: Joe Budden, Breakfast Club & the future of hip hop media [1:01:41] - Albums turning 10 in 2026: Blonde, Anti, Views, Lemonade & more [1:18:00] - Roddy Ricch discussion: Why the hate doesn't add up [1:35:00] - YouTube pulling from Billboard charts & streaming manipulation [1:49:00] - 21 Savage album drop & Atlanta rap politics [2:00:00] - Young Thug's "hip hop not leveling up" comments [2:18:00] - Pooh Shiesty's "First Day Out" & prison perspective [2:28:00] - Closing thoughts on 2026 expectations

"Am I the Casual?"

The hosts show love to their 2025 MVPs for rap and R&B, discussing their top five albums and songs. They also highlight rookie standouts, favorite verses, and the importance of regional music scenes. The episode wraps up with excitement for 2026’s releases and a heartfelt appreciation for the year in music (1:30:00–end). Timestamps: * 0:00 – Social media, mic talk, and episode intro * 2:00 – Wale’s album review and year-end lists * 12:00 – Wale vs. Cole, rap beefs, and industry narratives * 21:00 – Summer Walker’s album and R&B chart talk * 31:00 – Billboard’s hottest female rappers and R&B artists * 44:00 – Chris Brown, SZA, and the state of R&B * 50:00 – MVPs, top albums, and top songs of the year * 1:10:00 – Rookie of the year, favorite verses, and regional scenes * 1:30:00 – Looking ahead to 2026 and closing thoughts

"Two Dreadheads & a Pod"

In this episode, The siblings kick things off with a passionate discussion about the role of seriousness in music during turbulent times. They debate whether music should always be fun or if it must reflect the gravity of the world. They also discuss and explore the impact of media narratives and streaming culture. The conversation expands to the influence of social media, the blurred lines between journalism and PR, and the responsibilities of critics and artists alike. Miracle and Josh also touch on the rise of AI in music. They review new releases from Doja Cat and others.

"Gatekeeping"

In this episode Miracle and Josh dive deep into the world of hip-hop media, dissecting Complex’s controversial rankings and what they reveal about the current state of the culture. The conversation explores the blurred lines between music critique, entertainment, and cultural commentary, questioning who truly gets to define hip-hop media. From debates about streamers versus traditional critics, to the importance of cultural ownership and the pitfalls of seeking outside validation, the hosts challenge the influence of corporate entities and non-Black voices in shaping hip-hop narratives. They reflect on the necessity of gatekeeping, the legacy of Black media platforms, and the generational shifts in how hip-hop is celebrated and critiqued.