New Rory & Mal – "Best of Rory & Mal: Week of 10/13"

Release Date: October 19, 2025
Hosts: Rory, Mal (Dixon), Burke
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Overview

This week’s “Best of” episode captures classic Rory & Mal: sharp takes on hip hop headline news, nostalgia trips, music industry inside stories, hilarious tangents, and heartfelt cultural tributes. From dissecting the drama around Drake’s recent defamation lawsuit to celebrating legendary music—old and new—plus personal reflections on the loss of D’Angelo, the conversation spans the serious, the silly, and everything in between.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Drake Lawsuit & Industry Reactions

[02:12–14:24]

• Drake’s Dismissed Defamation Case:
  The hosts react to recent developments in Drake’s lawsuit (involving UMG, promotion, and defamation claims) and address public confusion and trolling.

  • Rory reflects on unintentionally becoming part of the viral discourse:
    “That video they have positioned—like I said it yesterday… Like, I enjoyed it. It actually makes me laugh.” (03:25–03:40)
  • Both hosts acknowledge the confusing nature of the lawsuit. Initially, they thought it targeted UMG for promoting a defaming song, but the outcome revealed the core issue was defamation, which couldn’t be proven.
  • Discussion of fans’ extreme reactions and internet toxicity:
    “‘Yeah, and his cohost should commit suicide. And it’s like, yeah, because he likes a rapper you don’t.’” – Rory (04:02)
  • Rory’s transparency:
    “I was wrong. I have no idea what the f*ck is going on. Clearly, the paperwork I initially read is not even where the case ended up.” (06:02)

• Legal Process & Next Steps:
  – Dixon believes the case isn’t over—appeals and more legal moves are expected.
  “The people have to know that his lawyer, his team, they’re going to appeal this and take this to another level.” (08:48)
  – Discussion of what inside information Drake’s legal team might hold.
  – Speculation over why Drake’s team opted for certain legal strategies.

• The Culture War & Legacy Record Impact:
  – How legal battles add unintended hype to diss records (“Not Like Us”) and affect their legacy:
  “You’re adding more allure to what this battle was with these moves and the appeal is just going to continue that.” – Rory (09:55)

Producer Burke: Hit Records & Studio Stories

[14:25–24:35]

• Record “Versus” Game:
  Burke picks favorites among his own hits, brings back industry lore (e.g., how “John” ended up with Lil Wayne), and shares inside baseball on the creation of major records with Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, Ray J, and more.

• Nicki Minaj Studio Sessions:
  “I remember walking in a booth—it was like a beach. Like, had sand in the booth, beach balls, toys—on some crazy sh*t… She would just let me… gave me free reign. At one point, she was just like, ‘Yo, Burke, this is my studio, just go crazy, do whatever you want to do.’” – Burke (17:34)
  On “Favorite” (Nicki Minaj/Jeremih):
  – Jeremih recorded the hook in seven minutes before rushing to the airport.

• Ray J & “Sexy Can I” Mayhem:
  – Hilarious, wild tale of recording “Sexy Can I” with Ray J—pornography in the studio, guns on the table, surprise appearance by Shaquille O’Neal.
  – “Shaquille O'Neal bailed me out of jail. I can't make this up, bro. Like, yo, bro, I knew I should have known the record was going diamond when Shaq came and picked me up.” – Burke (23:27)

Mobb Deep’s New Album & Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop Leadership

[27:25–36:47]

• Mobb Deep “Infinite”:
  – Hosts praise the new album and its authentic feel (“not a possum album”) and the powerful, respectful approach to posthumous material.
  – “It really feels like Havoc, Prodigy and Alchemist put out an album in 2025.” – Rory (27:46)

• Highlighting Mass Appeal:
  – Mass Appeal’s critical role in hip hop’s maturation and preservation of legacy acts.
  – “Hip hop is aging perfectly because of what Nas and Mass Appeal are doing.” – Rory (28:45)
  – Hosts urge more recognition for the label and Nas as a curator and elder statesman.

• Shout-out to Hip Hop Producers:
  – Deep dive on Alchemist’s contribution to hip hop, comparing his current stature to legends like Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.
  – “You can make an argument that Al [Alchemist] is above some of them at this point.” – Rory (31:15)
  – “Alchemist, again, we talk about it. He’s the soundtrack to New York hip hop.” – Dixon (32:14)

• Anticipated Projects:
  – Announcements of Nas x DJ Premier album coming December 2025, a new Big L album, and more Mass Appeal “elder statesman” projects on the way.

• Call for Positive Attention:
  – “Like, let’s stop complaining and highlight the people that are doing it correctly.” – Rory (35:58)

Reflecting on D’Angelo’s Passing

[36:50–48:31]

• Emotional Tribute:
  – Both hosts express deep sorrow and admiration.
  “This one, like, hurts. I felt like I know him. And I’ve never met him.” – Rory (37:12)
  – D’Angelo’s influence on R&B and neo-soul, his style, musical genius, and the unique mark he left across generations recognized.

• Personal Memories:
  – Dixon recalls seeing D’Angelo in the studio but never connecting one-on-one.
  – Rory shares memories of working in proximity (through Kevin Lyles) when “Black Messiah” was coming together—awe at being near D’Angelo’s creative process.

• Legacy & Impact:
  – “You can’t compare his voice or style to any other artist, period.” – Rory (37:30)
  – Both hosts reminisce about how D’Angelo’s music soundtracked youth, shaped shows, and even set standards at talent shows.

• Handling Tributes & Grief:
  – Some playful side talk about Benzino’s awkward tribute (recreating D’Angelo’s iconic “Untitled” video):
  “Some things, some tributes should just be kept in the tuck.” – Rory (45:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On lawsuit confusion and the power of internet narratives:
  “Like, you’re commenting under a video with a quote. The video’s… I didn't say that.” – Rory (04:23)

• On lawsuits amping up rap beef legacies:
  “You’re putting more allure to it… I’m sure ‘Not Like Us’ because of this announcement made charts this week just because of the announcement.” – Rory (09:55)

• Nicki Minaj Sessions:
  “She would just be there sober, doing whatever she doing. I would be getting overly drunk and smoking weed. And then she just let me… gave me free reign.” – Burke (17:34)

• Ray J Studio Session Chaos:
  “Allegedly, he had a gun… It’s nothing but white women porno playing on this big screen inside the studio. And we’re finishing the song ‘Sexy Can I.’” – Burke (21:10–21:30)
  “Shaquille O’Neal bailed me out of jail. I can’t make this up, bro.” – Burke (23:27)

• On hip hop’s aging and legacy labels:
  “This is the best example ever… Hip hop is aging perfectly because of what Nas and Mass Appeal are doing.” – Rory (28:45)

• On D’Angelo’s legacy:
  “His music and his art lives on, for sure.” – Dixon (41:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:12] – Drake Lawsuit, Media Misconceptions & Social Media Fallout
• [14:25] – Studio Stories with Burke; Producer “Versus” Game
• [27:25] – Reviewing New Mobb Deep Album and Praise for Mass Appeal
• [36:50] – Remembering D’Angelo; Cultural Reflections
• [44:16] – Benzino’s “How Does It Feel” Tribute Debate
• [46:47] – On the last D’Angelo record (“I Want You Forever” with Jay-Z); conversations about hip hop’s maturity
• (Advertisements and intros/outros skipped)

Overall Tone

Candid, irreverent, and insightful—balancing humor and honesty, with heartfelt moments and industry expertise.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking major takeaways, insider anecdotes, and the full flavor of the episode’s culture-rich conversation.