Podcast Summary: Dissect - "The TDE Song Draft"

Episode Information:

• Title: The TDE Song Draft
• Release Date: May 13, 2025
• Host: Cole Kushna
• Guest(s): Curtis King (King Green) and Kendrick Lamar

Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 04:11)

Cole Kushna opens the episode by welcoming listeners to "Dissect," introducing the focus on Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), one of the most influential hip-hop labels of the 21st century. He highlights the episode's structure—a song draft where he and his guests select their favorite tracks from TDE's extensive catalog. Joining him is Curtis King, known as King Green, a rapper and producer who co-hosts the Rap Latte podcast.

Kendrick Lamar shares an emotional anecdote at the very start, reflecting on creating a beat the same day as his grandfather's funeral, emphasizing the deep emotional connection behind his music (00:00).

TDE's Dominance in the Music Industry (04:11 - 07:14)

Cole Kushna presents impressive statistics about TDE's impact over the past 15 years, citing:

• 41 total projects on Spotify with 58 billion streams.
• Seven number one albums and 11 top five albums.
• 30 projects charted on Billboard 200, representing 73% of their output.

He underscores TDE's evolution beyond hip-hop, noting artists like SZA and Ray Vaughan who are branching into new genres, solidifying TDE's reputation as a versatile and enduring label.

Curtis King attributes TDE's success to their structured approach and genuine care for music quality:

"They have a structure in place and a care. ... This lasts long because they have been consistently promoting high quality." (04:11)

Understanding TDE's Consistency and Authenticity (07:14 - 15:03)

Curtis King discusses TDE's strategic planning and authentic brand, comparing it to trusted indie labels like Epitaph Records. He emphasizes the trust listeners place in TDE, knowing any new artist they sign will deliver quality music.

Kendrick Lamar elaborates on TDE's disciplined environment, likening the label's operation to a well-coordinated football team even in their early independent days:

"From the very first invitation into the studio... they moved like a football team." (07:14)

This disciplined approach, combined with authenticity, ensures that TDE remains a respected name in the music industry, consistently producing influential and high-quality projects.

Setting Up the Song Draft (15:03 - 22:43)

Cole Kushna introduces the draft format, explaining that each participant will select a "starting five" of their favorite TDE songs across four categories:

1. Hit Song (Platinum or higher)
2. Collaborative Track (featuring two or more TDE artists)
3. Deep Cut (released between 2004-2012, excluding "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City")
4. Free Space (personal favorites outside the above categories)

Rules:

• Only one song per artist, excluding featured appearances.
• No duplicate selections.
• Snake order draft with Cole drafting third.

The draft kicks off with TDE trivia to determine the initial pick order, showcasing the hosts' deep knowledge of TDE's history.

TDE Trivia and Draft Order (10:36 - 15:03)

Cole Kushna challenges Curtis King and Kendrick Lamar with TDE-related trivia:

1. First TDE Mixtape (May 2006):

   • Question: What was the name of J. Cole's first mixtape?
   • Options: A) No Sleep Till NYC, B) Watts Finest Volume One, C) The Nickerson Files
   • Answer: B) Watts Finest Volume One (11:24)

2. How Kendrick Lamar was Discovered by TDE:

   • Options: A) Rapped for Punch on the street, B) Dave Free played his mixtape to Top Dawg, C) Top Dawg heard him at a local cipher
   • Answer: B) Dave Free played his mixtape for Top Dawg (12:22)

3. TDE's First Number One Album on Billboard 200:

   • Options: A) Oxymoron, B) Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, C) To Pimp a Butterfly
   • Answer: A) Oxymoron (13:36)

Curtis King correctly answers the first two questions, earning the first pick in the draft.

Draft Selections and Discussions (22:43 - 89:18)

1. Curtis King's First Pick: "Collard Greens" by Schoolboy Q ft. Kendrick Lamar (14:32 - 16:46)

Curtis selects "Collard Greens," a collaborative track between Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar, highlighting its unique beat and originality. He praises Schoolboy Q's authentic artistry and his ability to create something fresh without following mainstream trends.

"This day, that's one of the most unique, popular songs I've ever heard... Schoolboy Q is the most authentically original rapper." (15:03)

Kendrick Lamar concurs, mentioning that "Collard Greens" was his choice and plans to delve deeper into the song's nuances.

2. Curtis King's Second Pick: "Get Out the Way" by J. Cole (16:22 - 19:00)

Curtis chooses "Get Out the Way" as a hit song, appreciating its high quality and production. He emphasizes how the song celebrates J. Cole's journey without forcing mainstream appeal, maintaining TDE's authentic sound.

"They didn't try to make J. Cole go mainstream. Mainstream went J. Cole." (17:53)

3. Curtis King's Third Pick: "Black Lip Bastard" Remix by Absol ft. Black Hippy (18:52 - 24:06)

Curtis selects a deep cut remix of "Black Lip Bastard," appreciating its Wu-Tang-inspired flavor and lyrical complexity. He highlights the chemistry between Absol and other artists, such as Schoolboy Q, and discusses the song's intricate wordplay and storytelling.

"It's just back to back verses and everyone's rapping their ass off and just kind of elevating each other." (19:00)

Kendrick Lamar adds context about the song's creation, noting the disciplined approach TDE fosters among its artists.

4. Curtis King's Fourth Pick: "Flat Shasta" by Ray Vaughan (24:46 - 30:15)

Curtis opts for "Flat Shasta," praising Ray Vaughan's vulnerability and storytelling. He discusses the song's metaphorical depth, addressing themes like mental health and familial relationships with emotional resonance.

"Mama, you need meds for schizo, but you won't take it... A black woman who's crying for help." (26:15)

Kendrick Lamar agrees, highlighting the album's thematic consistency and production quality, reinforcing TDE's commitment to authentic and impactful music.

5. Curtis King's Fifth Pick: "Do Better" by Absol (45:25 - 48:25)

Curtis selects "Do Better," a personal favorite that combines lyrical depth with a hit-worthy chorus. He admires Absol's ability to convey vulnerability and growth without alienating his core audience.

"It's about doing better in all ways... it's a perfect mid-range song for Absol." (45:25)

Cole Kushna adds insights into the song's wordplay and how it balances personal narrative with broad appeal, emphasizing the emotional honesty embedded in the lyrics.

6. Curtis King's Sixth Pick: "No More Hiding" by Scissor (78:02 - 84:33)

Curtis chooses "No More Hiding" by Scissor, celebrating her artistic maturity and emotional depth. He contrasts this track with her previous work, highlighting her growth and ability to authentically express her desires and vulnerabilities.

"No more hiding... I'm not gonna hide myself from wanting somebody." (79:42)

Cole Kushna praises the song's storytelling and musical authenticity, noting its seamless blend of old-school vibes with modern production.

7. Curtis King's Final Pick: "Rigam Mortis" by Schoolboy Q (79:52 - 82:24)

Curtis selects "Rigam Mortis," appreciating Schoolboy Q's exceptional rapping skills and the song's complex production. He commends the track for showcasing Schoolboy Q's dedication to elevating his craft beyond mere technical prowess.

"Very few rappers actually make it... Takes actual patience more than anything." (80:20)

Kendrick Lamar echoes the sentiment, lauding the song's instrumental complexity and Schoolboy Q's lyrical mastery.

8. Curtis King's Last Pick: "Broken Clocks" by SZA (85:46 - 89:18)

Curtis picks "Broken Clocks" as his final selection, admiring SZA's ability to blend personal storytelling with mainstream appeal. He emphasizes the song's emotional depth and SZA's unique vocal improvisation, which sets her apart in the music industry.

"It's about being busy, working two jobs, and not having time for love... Nothing but love for you." (84:25)

Kendrick Lamar and Cole Kushna both praise the track's authentic emotion and seamless production, highlighting its representation of TDE's versatile and impactful artistry.

Final Thoughts and Reflections on TDE (89:18 - End)

As the draft concludes, Cole Kushna and Curtis King reflect on TDE's enduring legacy and the strong familial bonds within the label. They commend TDE's ability to maintain authenticity while adapting to industry changes, ensuring sustained relevance and influence.

Curtis King draws parallels between TDE and legendary labels like Motown, foreseeing TDE's place in music history due to their consistent quality and strategic growth.

Kendrick Lamar expresses gratitude for being part of the podcast, emphasizing TDE's disciplined work ethic and the protective, brotherly relationships that have kept the label unified despite external pressures and challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Kendrick Lamar (00:00):

  "I made that particular beat the same day as my grandfather's funeral... no idea it would land as a song that is like a fan favorite of souls."

• Curtis King (04:11):

  "Even if I'm completely outside of TDE and all I know is that I'm going to get quality music from this label... [it] comes from 15 years of you consistently promoting high quality."

• Kendrick Lamar (07:14):

  "From the very first invitation into the studio... they moved like a football team."

• Curtis King (15:03):

  "This day, that's one of the most unique, popular songs I've ever heard... Schoolboy Q is the most authentically original rapper."

• Curtis King (45:25):

  "It's about doing better in all ways... it's a perfect mid-range song for Absol."

• Curtis King (78:47):

  "Trying to hide myself from wanting somebody... It's leaps and bounds beyond control."

Conclusion

In "The TDE Song Draft," Cole Kushna, along with Curtis King and Kendrick Lamar, delves deep into Top Dawg Entertainment's rich catalog, celebrating its diverse and impactful music. Through thoughtful selections and insightful discussions, the episode highlights TDE's unwavering commitment to authenticity, quality, and strategic growth, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the modern music landscape. The collaborative spirit and familial bonds within the label not only fostered legendary projects but also continue to inspire and influence the broader hip-hop community.