Grits and Eggs Podcast – Episode 98: "Boot Strap Mentality"
Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Deante’ Kyle
Guests/Co-hosts: Big Ice Cup, Big Cat
Overview
In this episode, Deante’ Kyle and his co-hosts Big Ice Cup and Big Cat deliver a raw, unfiltered breakdown of pop culture, current events, “boot strap” ideology, government cuts, hip hop’s Billboard drop-off, community activism, and practical advice for listeners. True to the Grits and Eggs spirit, this episode balances serious political critique with humor, music commentary, and heartfelt listener exchanges. The tone is unapologetically Black, deeply communal, and always focused on authenticity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Hip Hop’s Place on the Billboard, Corporate vs. Culture
- [19:32-28:07]
- Lament over the first time since 1990 that no hip hop tracks appeared on the Billboard Top 40.
- The crew frames this as both a loss and a win: "Hip hop is going back underground. If you can't tell, now." (Deante’ Kyle, [21:17])
- Corporate vs. Culture:
- The commodification and commercialization of hip hop is contrasted with authentic, community-rooted expression.
- The drop may be a blessing, encouraging a return to lyricism.
- “Now culture gotta push that pen.” (Deante’ Kyle, [21:27])
- Criticism of casual hip hop consumers and “spoon feeding” through commercial channels, especially Drake.
- Shoutouts to artists and outlets still moving the culture forward (e.g., LaRussell, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Simz, Rapsody).
2. Boot Strap Mentality & SNAP/Welfare Cuts
- [34:25-64:05]
- A systematic breakdown of how U.S. government SNAP benefit cuts will affect millions, especially in Black communities but with direct hits to poor whites as well.
- Comparisons to historic and global famines caused by policy and empire.
- Kyle explains that “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” rhetoric is a control tactic for all marginalized Americans, not just Black people.
- Notable Rant:
- “If we can fund welfare in foreign countries, then Americans should feel entitled to the government covering basic needs. Free healthcare, free education in Israel...cut all of our soybean and beef exports and gave it to Argentina.” (Deante’ Kyle, [40:04])
- Intense critique of whiteness as a “cult” (Big Ice Cup, [53:38]) and the scapegoating of Black Americans for welfare dependency, despite statistical data disproving this narrative.
- “The real welfare queen has always been white women.” (Deante’ Kyle, [39:08])
- Calls for mutual aid, Black and brown community support, and striking against exploitative corporations.
- “Parenting is about presence, not presents. F*** Christmas. F*** Santa Claus, nigga.” (Deante’ Kyle, [57:41])
- Reiterated advice: don’t waste resources on consumer traditions; prioritize solidarity and survival.
3. Party Recap & Hosting Business
- [12:53-18:31]
- Recap of Jasmine's Halloween/fundraising party, highlighting both fun and the importance of community support (food drives, coat drives).
- Jokes about aging and not being able to party two nights in a row.
- Cautionary humor about tall light-skinned dudes in tactical gear.
4. Community Led Solutions: Striking & Mutual Aid
- [55:00-64:05]
- Big endorsement of local mayors (e.g., Brandon Johnson, Atlanta mayor) pausing evictions and urging general strikes.
- Discussion of the economic power of Black and brown labor, and the transformative potential of solidarity.
5. Listener Voicemails & Advice Corner
- a. Education/Mutual Aid Plug ([64:25-65:42])
Ms. Zoe calls in to promote Desire Destiny Learning Center and their education mission in Fayetteville, NC. - b. Pursuing Passion vs. Providing ([65:57-70:56])
Chris, a truck driver and rapper, asks if he should give up music for practicality.- Deante’: “You never give up the things that bring you joy… Sometimes you just need to have things that bring you peace. You don’t have to monetize all your talents.” ([67:46])
- c. Debt, Family Boundaries, and Co-Parenting ([71:03–75:29])
- Call from North Philly woman: How to handle being used, child support & co-parenting boundaries.
- Big Cat: “You can’t pour from an empty cup, so you can’t let people run you dry.”
- “You gotta chip in... Baby needs food.” ([74:39])
- d. Husband Not “Doing the Knowledge” ([75:39–91:28])
- Woman feels her husband lacks intellectual curiosity and parenting depth (too much weed, sports betting, son = iPad kid).
- Advice: Have open communication, don’t expect partner to fulfill all needs, “Don’t compare him to us,” and seek therapy if needed.
- “You already knew who this n***a was before you married him.” (Deante’, [88:41])
- e. Black/Brown Fatherhood ([91:39–96:49])
- Latino listener about to have an Afro-Latino daughter asks about fatherhood.
- “The fact that you’re already thinking about how to be the best dad makes you gonna be an incredible father.” (Deante’, [95:52])
- f. Carpenter Weighs Trucking Switch ([97:34–103:29])
- Listener wants to leave carpentry for trucking due to low pay vs. time with family.
- Strong advice to “stay down” with the craft, avoid chasing money at the expense of long-term security and family presence.
6. Calls to Action / Community Empowerment
- Encourage listeners to minimize holiday spending, support local/Black business, maintain mutual aid, consider general strikes, and focus on long-term resilience.
- Recurrent reminders of Grits and Eggs community: "We're going to be all right, y'all. We already looking out for each other." ([55:05])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Hip Hop & Culture
- "Now is the time to push a pen.” – Deante’ Kyle, [21:27]
- “If you say the girls is just making pussy rap, you don’t really listen to hip hop” – Big Ice Cup, [24:46]
- “If hip hop's doing good, we doing good. If the people doing good, then hip hop doing good.” – Big Ice Cup & Deante’ Kyle, [27:33]
On SNAP & Boot Strap Mentality
- “Free healthcare, free education in Israel...cut all of our soybean and beef exports and gave it to Argentina.” – Deante’ Kyle, [40:04]
- “The real welfare queen has always been white women.” – Deante’ Kyle, [39:08]
- “If you ain’t feeding your wolves, you gonna end up on the plate.” – Big Ice Cup, [29:00]
- "Parenting is about presence, not presents. F*** Christmas. F*** Santa Claus, nigga." – Deante’ Kyle, [57:41]
- “It’s the cult of whiteness… it’s not a real thing.” – Caller/Hosts, [53:38]
On Advice and Life
- “You never give up the things that bring you joy…” – Deante’ Kyle, [67:46]
- “You can’t pour from an empty cup, so you can’t let people run you dry.” – Big Cat, [72:51]
- “You already knew who this n***a was before you married him.” – Deante’ Kyle, [88:41]
- “The fact that you’re already thinking about how to be the best dad makes you gonna be an incredible father.” – Deante’, [95:52]
- “Don’t chase money… Chase experience.” – Deante’ Kyle, [100:04]
On Black Solidarity & Community
- “We gonna be all right, y’all. We already looking out for each other.” – Deante’ Kyle, [55:05]
- “If every Black person and every person of color stop going to work, this whole shit goes down.” – Deante’ Kyle, [56:25]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamps | |--------------------------------------------|--------------------| | Party recap & new business idea | 12:53 – 18:31 | | Hip hop’s Billboard drop & critique | 19:32 – 28:07 | | Boot strap mentality & SNAP cuts | 34:25 – 64:05 | | Listener voicemails: education, advice | 64:25 – 103:29 | | General strike & empowerment | 55:00 – 64:05 | | Reflections on marriage, parenting | 75:39 – 91:28 | | Black/Brown fatherhood | 91:39 – 96:49 | | Career crossroads: carpentry & trucking | 97:34 – 103:29 |
Tone & Style
The episode is energetic, irreverent, and passionate, moving seamlessly between hilarious tangents and profound cultural commentary. The hosts make space for vulnerability and tough conversations, while always centering community and Black resilience.
Final Thoughts
Episode 98 is emblematic of Grits and Eggs at its best—socially conscious, fiercely communal, and hilariously unfiltered. The hosts challenge dominant narratives around Black life, labor, and hip hop, all while empowering listeners to seek joy, practice mutual aid, and never stop "doing the knowledge."
Next Up: Episode 99 featuring Ariel J, and a surprise guest for Episode 100!