Podcast Summary: My Momma Told Me – "Legends of the Hidden Messages: Motherf*ckin Mini Episode (RE-RELEASE)"

Episode Date: October 16, 2025
Hosts: Langston Kerman & David Gborie (as David Boyd)
Network: Big Money Players Network & iHeartPodcasts

Main Theme

In this “motherf*ckin mini episode,” comedians Langston Kerman and David Gborie field a listener-submitted Black conspiracy theory about the prevalence of hidden messages in popular music. The duo dig into the legitimacy, history, and sometimes absurdity of claims that artists slip coded meanings or products into songs—ranging from narcotic references to slick brand ads. True to form, Langston and David keep it lively, irreverent, and thoughtful.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Conspiracy Theory: Hidden Messages in Songs

[11:41] – [12:20]

• Listener Jerry emails, suggesting songs like “Candy” by Cameo are secretly about cocaine and that artists smuggle subtle messages into their music—not to brainwash listeners, but as hidden notes.
• "My mama told me that music and artists put hidden messages in their music. Not to brainwash folks, but just subtle messages that would not be easily picked up if we weren't paying attention." – Langston Kerman reading Jerry’s email ([11:41])

2. Evaluating the Evidence: Are These Messages Really Hidden?

[12:20] – [13:18]

• Langston and David agree that “Candy” being about cocaine seems obvious—not much of a hidden message.
• They joke about how some metaphors are extremely thin and easy to spot, poking fun at Jerry’s examples.
  • "You can hear that dude grind his teeth between takes on that song." – Langston Kerman ([12:36])
  • “It takes over me. That was. That was very apparent.” – David Boyd ([12:49])

3. Metaphor and Interpretation in Music

[25:22] – [27:13]

• The hosts discuss the tradition of metaphor in songwriting, referencing artists like Frank Ocean, whose lyrics are often indirectly structured, and how layered writing deepens the art form.
• David brings in literature: “That’s a regular trick… that people use like disguised messages and stuff.” ([26:56])
• They compare story-driven albums (like Kendrick Lamar’s "good kid, m.A.A.d city") vs. more abstract narrative albums.

4. History & Consequences of Hidden Messaging

[27:13] – [31:00]

• They discuss possible intentions behind hidden messages, ranging from personal storytelling to more sinister forces, like product placement and brand sponsorships embedded in lyrics for profit.
• “Music videos are 100% paid for by the artists… part of the way that artists recoup… is by adding branding into the music videos and… that makes me feel like it’s very likely that is also true for music that you’re writing.” – Langston Kerman ([31:00])
• David laments the growing presence of materialism and vanity over intentional messaging: “I think that’s most of it. I don’t think Blood Seago [Balenciaga] is giving out that many checks.” ([30:53])

5. Blatant vs. Subtle Product Placement

[32:01] – [33:12]

• Product placement in videos and music is getting less subtle and more commercialized, with movies like “Coming 2 America” called out as straight-up commercials for products.

6. Enjoyment Factor: When Hidden Messages Are Fun

[33:12] – [34:01]

• Sometimes, discovering “hidden” references can be exciting, like when movies allegorically adapt literature (e.g., “The Legend of Bagger Vance” is actually a retelling of the “Bhagavad Gita”).

7. Sidetrack: Teacher-Student Relationships

[34:08] – [37:54]

• The conversation waxes personal as they reminisce about high school antics, segueing into how boundaries with students can go wrong—bringing humor, empathy, and a “real talk” moment about predatory situations in schools.

8. Do These Messages Matter?

[38:23] – [41:03]

• Ultimately, both hosts agree hidden messages do exist in music, with varying degrees of consequence—from innocuous in-jokes to manipulative branding.
• “I think there are secret messages, some more harmful than others. And the best thing we can do is just listen to the messages from people we like, you know?” – Langston Kerman ([38:29])
• David: “Hug your loved ones while Future sings to you about why Gucci is the best of all the brands.” ([38:46])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Instagram Explore Page:
  “There was a really sweet spot... strictly, like, bad bitches and whale videos. That was all I had.” – Langston Kerman ([05:09])
• On Comedy and “Nice Guy” Acts:
  “Any comedian who seems to have no conflict… don’t trust him. I don’t give a fuck who say what.” – David Boyd ([11:03])
• On Dave Matthews Band:
  “Come to find out, you know there’s more black people than white people in the Dave Matthews Band.” – David Boyd ([19:22])
• On music’s evolution with branding:
  “Balenciaga specifically is sponsoring some of that fly shit. So, yeah, I’m gonna say Balenciaga instead of just like leaving it at… Gucci or Fenty.” – Langston Kerman ([33:12])
• On generational differences in music relatability:
  “I’ve never related to Jay Z more than 4:44, where I was like, oh, this is just a man who goes to work and is trying to do better.” – Langston Kerman ([40:00])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [11:41] – Listener email: Hidden messages in music
• [12:20] – Joking about “Candy” by Cameo and obvious musical references
• [25:22] – Metaphor, narrative, and interpretation in songwriting
• [31:00] – Product placement and artists’ commercial motives
• [38:29] – Summing up: Yes, there are hidden messages—sometimes dangerous, sometimes harmless

Tone & Final Thoughts

Langston and David keep their trademark blend of sharp-witted banter, playful roasting (especially of listeners like Jerry), and unexpected depth. They deliver honest insights into Black culture’s conspiracy lore, the music industry’s underbelly, and society’s love of searching for meaning—real or imagined—in pop culture, always with a rowdy, off-the-cuff energy.

Final Message:
Hidden messages are everywhere—sometimes secret, sometimes obvious, sometimes just a marketing ploy. Stay curious, but don’t overthink the candy metaphors.

End of Summary