My Momma Told Me – "Simon Says Shut the Fck Up: Motherfkin Mini Episode (RE-RELEASE)"

Hosts: Langston Kerman & David Gborie
Date: September 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively mini episode, hosts Langston Kerman and David Gborie take a break from their usual deep dives into Black conspiracy theories for a sprawling, playful discussion blending personal revelations, Black game night traditions, and an audience-submitted cultural conspiracy about Beyoncé’s “mute challenge” and white people's relationship to following directions. The episode also digresses into an impassioned and comedic debate about Eminem's legacy, white participation in hip-hop, and generational changes in rap. Throughout, the duo riff with candid humor and infectious camaraderie, uncovering layered observations around race, culture, and group dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Erotic Underbelly of Social Gatherings and Church (02:34 – 04:33)

• Church and Sex:
  The hosts joke about the “nasty” subtext at church, with Langston claiming, “There is a nasty quality about church that sort of goes unrecognized.” (03:32)
• Social Dynamics:
  They share surprise at discovering how sexually active some seemingly staid social circles can be, comparing “game night” and adult parties, and reflecting on the innocent awkwardness of not being in the loop.

2. Sexy Scrabble & Black Game Night Traditions (04:34 – 11:00)

• Fantasy Scrabble:
  Langston confesses a fantasy about erotic Scrabble nights, which spirals into jokes about turning Scrabble into a sensual game (“I scored nut on a triple word score. Oops.” – David, 05:16).
• Monopoly, Black Rules:
  They reminisce about "Blackifying" Monopoly in college – e.g., the person losing wears the “bum hat,” and the richest wears “stunna shades.” Langston: “You had to change outfits...and you could get smacked in the face.” (09:11)
• Game Night Playlists:
  Settlers of Catan, Power Grid, and especially Disney’s Villainous are cited as favorites. Langston reveals his deep investment: “I have literally every expansion pack of the game.” (14:37)

3. Black Game Night: Who’s Down for What? (11:00 – 16:25)

• Game Night Circles:
  The hosts note how challenging it is to get friends to play cerebral or unfamiliar games, with Scrabble a particularly hard sell (“Scrabble’s a tough one to get started. Monopoly’s the tough one to get started.” – Langston, 08:19).
• Nerdy Confessions:
  Langston’s passion for Villainous (and his embarrassment about it) highlights the value of niche hobbies in adulthood and marriage.

4. Audience Conspiracy: Is Beyoncé’s "Mute Challenge" a Litmus for Racial Obedience? (19:31 – 21:50, 34:46 – 37:15)

• Listener Email (Clayvon):
  The hosts read an email positing that “predominantly white cities fail the [Beyoncé mute] challenge because white people aren’t used to following directions.”
• Interpretation and Complication:
  Langston and David untangle the premise:
  • Is this claim just a surface-level observation and does it dangerously imply Black subservience?
  • Langston: “You introduced some pretty complicated interpretations inside of this thing.” (21:50)
• The Sociocultural Layer:
  Langston concludes:
  “This country was built by a bunch of dudes agreeing not to follow directions...Black people, unfortunately, have been forced into a life where we are at least constantly aware of the rules we are choosing to break.” (35:02)
  • White people may not see Beyoncé as an authority figure worth obeying.
  • Both hosts note the challenges of group obedience in public spaces and concerts.

5. White Participation in Hip-Hop: Eminem, Lil Dicky, and Cultural Anchors (23:34 – 33:15)

• Eminem’s Legacy:
  • David: “I think the technical skill of rapping…he is good...but the content is not great.” (24:01)
  • Both agree his “edgelord” provocateur role was novel in the 1990s but feels less so now.
  • Langston clarifies: “It’s corny to me that a bunch of people are pretending like Eminem just couldn’t rap at all.” (31:04)
• Top Three Eminem Songs:
  • Langston touts “The Way I Am” and “Stan” for their impact. (27:43–28:24)
• Lil Dicky vs. Eminem:
  • David argues Lil Dicky lacks the cultural rootedness Eminem had.
  • Langston notes generational changes: “Hip hop has become pop culture in a way that it was not when Eminem first started…a lil dicky can step away and still...identify with popular music.” (32:29)

6. Light-hearted Resolutions & Self-Awareness (37:15 – 37:56)

• Personal Experiences:
  Langston fesses up to not participating in Beyoncé’s “mute challenge,” missing the moment amidst concert distractions.
• Cultural Reflection:
  The hosts acknowledge the abiding tension between group rules, authority, and self-expression, especially across racial lines.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Erotic Board Games:
  “I get to invite the most beautiful women I know and we all play Scrabble together and it’s wet and the words are erotic and shit.” — Langston (04:34)

• On Blackifying Monopoly:
  “The person who was losing had to wear a quote unquote bum hat...anytime you spoke out of turn, somebody richer could smack you in the face.” — Langston (09:11)

• On White Disregard for Directions:
  “This country was built by a bunch of dudes agreeing not to follow directions...It's hard for them to not see themselves as people sort of championing that at all times.” — Langston (35:02)

• On Eminem’s Provocateur Phase:
  “In 1998, bro, I was gripping my seat, like, this is insane.” — Langston (29:15)

• On Selling Out:
  “To all you guys listening, that's all we’re trying to do. Wait till we figure out how to make a million dollars off of this. I'm selling the fuck out.” — David (34:01)

Key Timestamps

• 02:34–04:33 – Opening riffs about church, sex, and social awkwardness
• 04:34–09:40 – Fantasies and realities of sexy Scrabble; Black Monopoly traditions
• 09:40–16:25 – Deep dive into board games, niche hobbies, and friendships
• 19:31–21:50 – Reading and unpacking the email about racial obedience and the Beyonce mute challenge
• 23:34–33:36 – Spiraling Eminem/lil dicky/hip-hop culture tangent
• 34:46–37:15 – Final synthesis on the sociocultural implications of the Beyoncé theory and group behavior
• 37:15–37:56 – Admitting to missing the mute challenge themselves at the Renaissance tour
• Throughout – Spontaneous bits and asides reinforcing the show’s easy, playful rapport

Tone & Style

• Playful, self-deprecating, and quick-witted; candid about personal quirks and culture
• Equal parts social critique and good-natured clowning

Summary for New Listeners

Even if you haven’t heard this episode, expect a freewheeling, honest, and thoughtful conversation that weaves together Black cultural commentary, the sociology of group obedience, intergenerational hip-hop debate, and hilarious stories about board game struggles. Langston and David’s warmth, vulnerability, and on-the-fly humor make for an episode that both entertains and provokes reflection on how we—Black, white, or otherwise—play by the rules (or don’t), on stage, at home, and in society at large.