New Rory & Mal – "Best of Rory & Mal: Week 9/8" (Sept 14, 2025) — Detailed Episode Summary

Episode Overview

In this episode of the “New Rory & Mal” podcast, the hosts deliver a weekly roundup featuring wild stories, candid conversations, music hot takes, and boisterous debates. Key highlights include a personal story about Aaliyah, nuanced commentary on R&B’s evolution, an impassioned debate about co-parenting and last names (with a focus on Ciara, Future, and Russell Wilson), and a deep dive into the phenomenon of NBA YoungBoy’s fanbase. The crew also takes an entertaining look at dangerous concerts, plus a spirited discussion comparing the legacies, dance chops, and influence of Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, and Usher.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Aaliyah Stories & Reflections

02:40 – 10:45

• Peach reminisces about being snuck into the 2001 NBA All-Star Game by Aaliyah in D.C., using a “pass the ticket” trick.
  • “Aaliyah like, yo, you got a ticket? I was like, nah... she kind of, like, did this move right here and, like, handed me her ticket. My OG move.” (Peach, 02:47-03:17)
  • The crew laughs about how packed the suite was with far more guests than there were tickets.
• The conversation turns somber as Peach describes being with Aaliyah in the Hamptons shortly before she died, recalling chilling details about her belongings still being at the summer house.
  • “...her lotion, her toiletries, makeup, sneakers, was, like, still in the room...that almost felt like an unreal moment.” (Peach, 05:00)
• The hosts reflect on the profound impact of Aaliyah’s sudden, tragic loss, drawing parallels to the youthful deaths of icons like Biggie and Tupac.
  • “That was one of the more dark, sad moments I think I could remember...Aaliyah's death, because it was so tragic and sudden...” (Peach, 07:02)

2. Aaliyah’s Enduring R&B Influence

08:04 – 11:53

• The crew, led by Rory’s co-host and Peach, posit that Aaliyah’s creative DNA is woven into the current/new wave of R&B.
  • “I've always felt like Aaliyah is the Biggie of R&B. The time that she had here, the blueprint that was left for everyone, the current R&B...her DNA is all over...” (Rory's Co-host, 08:04)
• They note her specific influence on contemporary artists, including Mariah the Scientist and SZA.
  • “Mariah the Scientist, reminds me of Aaliyah a lot...her tone and everything. Like, it gave me Aaliyah.” (Peach, 09:22)
• The segment reflects on the remarkable achievements of Aaliyah, Biggie, and Tupac — all in their early 20s.

3. The Great Co-Parenting & Last Name Debate (Ciara, Future, Russell Wilson)

12:20 – 25:52

• The crew dives into Ciara adding Russell Wilson’s last name to her son’s (with Future) — sparking a lively debate on parenting, naming rights, and ego.
  • “That baby lives 24/7 with his stepdad and has since he was 1 years old. So why is it not okay...to add the name on?” (Rory, 13:35)
  • Rory’s co-host argues: “Adding the last name typically only happens when the father has either passed away or is completely like, you don’t even know where that motherfucker is.” (Rory’s Co-host, 14:08)
  • Peach sums up: “He still has Future’s last name. He just added the Wilson. Okay. Respect.” (Peach, 15:20)
• The group examines societal attitudes, the symbolism of last names, and the impact on children in blended families.
  • “My last name means a lot to me, so I’m hyphenating regardless. But I’ve dealt with men that were like, 'I’m not with that.'...It’s all just ego based to me.” (Rory, 24:50)
  • “I think I just want kids to be happy and healthy, man.” (Peach, 25:49)

4. NBA YoungBoy: Exploding Fanbase & Concert Energy

30:25 – 44:44

• The hosts marvel at NBA YoungBoy's rise and the passionate energy of his live shows.
  • “He entering into my old ass stratosphere of old people, right? … NBA Young Boy shows look lit.” (Rory, 30:28)
  • “Seeing NBA Youngboy shows is definitely like, confirmation that I’m just old. I don’t know one NBA Youngboy like, song. And like, I’m watching the clips and I love seeing the entire, like, stadium...but it’s kind of like I’m looking at this shit like, oh, this is a whole part of the culture that I have no idea about.” (Peach, 31:07)
• There’s a collective amazement at how YoungBoy commands arenas with quality sometimes secondary to raw fan connection.
  • “Some of his most classic records are like two track that I don’t even know how it could sound in an arena, yet when I see the footage, it looks like J. Cole's performing.” (Rory's Co-host, 33:26)
• The group jokes about feeling out-of-place at his shows, safety at different venues (Newark vs. Barclays), and generational divides in music fandom.
  • “I feel like I gotta wear shiesty. If I go, though…They will beat the shit out of me. First of all, they gonna think I’m a narc. They’re like, who this? Police says a suit at an NBA youngboy show. No, no, you can’t dress like we going to the GZ orchestra show.” (Peach, 40:54)
  • Memorable mention of viral TikToks, mosh pits, fans losing themselves, and nostalgia for “I’m a Boss”/“Dreams and Nightmares” levels of concert energy.

5. Most Dangerous Shows & Backstage Stories

45:13 – 50:19

• The guys swap war stories about performing and attending shows that turned tense or violent, including New York venues, DJ booth threats, and chaotic Jersey events.
  • “There was so much tension in that small, small venue...The one time been a show where I’m like, I don’t know if it’s worth staying in here.” (Rory’s Co-host, 46:37)

6. Chris Brown vs. Michael Jackson, Beyoncé & Usher: Dancer Debate & Choreography Appreciation

51:04 – 61:49

• They discuss Chris Brown’s humble social posts about being compared to icons, and whether he’s a better dancer than MJ, Beyoncé, or Usher.
  • “I do believe Chris Brown is a better dancer than Michael Jackson.” (Peach, 51:46)
  • “Did Michael Jackson invent the moonwalk or…just made it iconic?” (Rory's Co-host, 52:50)
• The panel breaks down what makes choreography “iconic,” comparing the accessibility of moves like Single Ladies and Thriller to Chris and Usher’s more technically challenging routines.
  • “The reason why Single Ladies is so popular is...the choreography, like White Housewives at home were at home doing this. Like, it’s super easy. It’s simple and easy to remember.” (Rory, 55:47)
• Rory lobbies for more public appreciation of choreographers in pop music.
  • “I want justice for choreographers. Like, is there a list? Why did they not get as much shine as even engineers get?” (Rory's Co-host, 58:28)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Aaliyah’s Impact:
  • “The current R&B...her DNA is all over...Her span was what, five years? And look at what she did in that five years...It’s stamped forever.” (Rory's Co-host, 10:25)
• On Naming & Ego:
  • “My last name means a lot to me, so I'm hyphenating regardless...But I’ve dealt with men that were like, 'I'm not with that.'...So it's all just ego based to me.” (Rory, 24:50)
  • “I just want kids to be happy and healthy, man.” (Peach, 25:49)
• On NBA YoungBoy’s Tour:
  • “...the energy is what is a trap. I’m like, oh, shit. Like, this is a show.” (Peach, 31:31)
  • “I feel like you’ll get chased out because I feel like his fans know...like you ain’t supposed to be here. This ain’t for you. Don’t try to jump on now...” (Peach, 32:51)
• Chris Brown v. Michael Jackson:
  • “Chris Brown is a better dancer than Michael Jackson...Michael Jackson is obviously the one that all artists and entertainers aspire to kind of be like. But it's okay to have artists that come after that are better vocalists...better dancers...” (Peach, 51:46)
• Concert Energy vs. Generational Disconnect:
  • “I want to feel that ‘I’m a Boss’ feeling again. The ‘in Paris’ feeling. Like, I haven’t had that feeling in a while.” (Rory, 35:12)
  • “I don’t know if I’m gonna have more kids. Most of my cousins are, so...Amara, you hyphenate that.” (Rory's Co-host, 25:30)

Important Timestamps for Key Segments

• Aaliyah remembrance & All-Star Game story: 02:40 – 10:45
• Aaliyah’s R&B legacy: 08:04 – 11:53
• Naming, parenting, and ego (Ciara-Future-Wilson debate): 12:20 – 25:52
• NBA YoungBoy fanbase, concert culture: 30:25 – 44:44
• “Dangerous show” stories: 45:13 – 50:19
• Chris Brown vs. MJ, choreographer appreciation: 51:04 – 61:49

Tone and Style

The episode is lively, irreverent, and honest, mixing humor and nostalgia with real talk. The hosts banter candidly but don’t shy away from heavier moments, particularly reflecting on loss and legacy. Their playful disagreements are underlined by mutual respect. Pop culture references and personal experiences keep the show grounded as a touchpoint for both casual and serious listeners.

If you missed this episode, expect laughter, powerful music insights, nostalgia-driven storytelling, and some genuinely thought-provoking discussion about co-parenting, cultural influence, and the shifting sands of music fandom.