DOPE AS USUAL Podcast: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Dave Blunts on Writing Kanye's New Album, The Rizzler, & Much More!
Hosts: Marty O'Neill & Thomas Dope
Release Date: June 17, 2025
1. Introduction and Welcome
The episode kicks off with hosts Thomas Dope and Marty O'Neal warmly welcoming Dave Blunts back for a follow-up discussion. The excitement is palpable as Thomas remarks, "less than 24 hours ago we planned this and now we're here. This is sick." (00:30)
2. Recent Activities and Health Updates
Dave shares updates about his recent activities, notably the release of his album "Change or Get Changed" on SoundCloud. He reveals that he completed much of the album while hospitalized, opting to bypass the traditional label process by directly uploading to SoundCloud. Reflecting on his decision, Dave states, "I just give it right to Jesse." (01:28)
3. Quitting Drinking and Personal Growth
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Dave's journey to sobriety. He proudly announces, "No more cup... I've put it down completely." (02:21) Thomas notes the positive changes, asking if he feels a difference, to which Dave confirms, "I definitely do. I feel more alert, more aware." (02:30) The hosts discuss how quitting drinking has improved his overall well-being and stage presence.
4. Writing Kanye West's Album
One of the episode's highlights is Dave's collaboration with Kanye West. He narrates the surreal experience of meeting Kanye, describing the setting with a "giant, like 300 Foot TV" playing "The Last of Us" on an IMAX-like screen. (26:07) Dave details how Kanye was impressed with his work, stating, "this is amazing. Like, this is exactly what I was thinking." (29:07) The process involved Dave creating songs in real-time based on Kanye's tweets and conversations, effectively acting as Kanye's "ChatGPT."
5. Challenges and Perfectionism
Dave discusses the challenges of meeting Kanye's high standards, mentioning instances where Kanye requested multiple revisions of songs. "He had me, like, go back and do this song, like, 20 times." (29:26) Despite the pressure, Dave remains committed, saying, "I'm rocking with him no matter what." (66:38)
6. Drug Use and Personal Experiences
The conversation delves into Dave's experimentation with psychedelics, particularly mushrooms. He shares his first experience: "I started listening probably, like, around, like, Jesus... I took a 0.5. And I wasn't tripping. All it did was put me in, like, deep thought." (08:19) Dave humorously recounts moments during his trips, such as watching "Family Guy" and analyzing Brian's behavior, leading to unexpected insights and laughter.
7. Interactions with Fans and Controversies
Dave addresses the feedback from his fanbase, especially regarding his provocative lyrics. He explains his rationale behind using certain language in his music: "My ideology of giving them the N word pass is my music is like pure escapism." (51:29) However, this has led to some controversies, with venues raising concerns about his lyrics encouraging inappropriate language among younger fans.
8. Future Projects and Personal Life
Looking ahead, Dave discusses his plans to work on his album "Yay," focusing on production and collaboration with his producers, Chef and Quad. He also touches upon his fitness journey, mentioning, "I've been working out... getting stronger." (59:20) Additionally, Dave shares updates about his personal life, including a new relationship and ongoing efforts to manage his career independently, stating, "I fired them all... Jesse's my new manager now." (80:09)
9. Humorous Anecdotes and Podcast Banter
Throughout the episode, the hosts and Dave engage in light-hearted and humorous exchanges. Topics range from exaggerated stories about security guards at events, playful suggestions about creating new slurs, to reminiscing about past experiences like playing Fortnite or dealing with sleepwalking issues. For instance, Dave jokes about writing a new water brand: "I'm about to come out with my own water. Healthy stuff water." (88:12)
10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Dave reflects on his journey and the support from his fanbase. He expresses confidence in his ability to navigate controversies and continue his creative endeavors: "I'm taking everything with it. I feel like I built my career to withstand like this." (60:40) The hosts thank Dave for his time, and the episode concludes with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for Dave's future projects.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Thomas Dope: "This is part two of the Dave Blunts episodes. What's going on, dude?" (00:40)
- Dave Blunts: "I just been making music while I was in there. And, yeah, this shit's crazy." (06:36)
- Dave Blunts: "He was just like, bro, you're like the next, like, Shakespeare." (29:07)
- Dave Blunts: "They suck. They're just, like, not smart." (64:12)
- Thomas Dope: "If you survive this, then I'm pretty much like, yeah, Arnold Schwarzenegger." (34:39)
- Dave Blunts: "I'm fighting for my health, so I'm taking this time to focus on my health." (05:37)
- Dave Blunts: "I feel like built my career to withstand like this." (60:40)
Key Takeaways
- Creative Collaboration: Dave Blunts’ unique collaboration with Kanye West showcases a dynamic and real-time creative process, blending social media interactions with music production.
- Personal Growth: Quitting drinking and focusing on fitness have significantly improved Dave’s mental and physical health, enhancing his performance and personal life.
- Controversial Content: Dave’s provocative lyrics serve as a form of escapism for his fans but have sparked concerns regarding their impact, especially among younger audiences.
- Future Endeavors: Dave is poised to continue his music career independently, emphasizing production and strategic collaborations while navigating the challenges of the music industry.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the "DOPE AS USUAL" podcast episode featuring Dave Blunts, highlighting his artistic journey, personal transformations, and the intricate dynamics of his collaboration with Kanye West. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this summary offers valuable insights into Dave's multifaceted life and career.
