Podcast Summary: Best of Rory & MAL: Week of 4/14

Release Date: April 20, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of Rory & MAL: Week of 4/14" episode of New Rory & MAL, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Rory and Maul delve into a variety of engaging topics ranging from music industry controversies to the dynamics of white rappers in hip-hop. The episode also features an insightful interview with acclaimed director Ryan Coogler, who discusses his upcoming film "Sinners" and shares his perspectives on maintaining a successful podcast amidst industry challenges.

1. Kerry Hilson vs. Beyoncé: Career Impact and Controversies (03:19 - 12:00)

Rory and Maul open with a deep dive into the long-standing debate surrounding Kerry Hilson's alleged diss track directed at Beyoncé. They dissect the myth that Beyoncé's career was adversely affected by Kerry Hilson's actions, exploring the role of publicists and industry power plays.

• Rory criticizes the lingering myth: “Beyoncé had some New Orleans Creole voodoo that just stopped her career at that time” (04:25).
• Maul counters by emphasizing Beyoncé's unwavering status: “I can promise you Beyoncé didn't have anything shut down for K.” (04:48).
• Discussion extends to Esther Dean’s role in songwriting and how creative pressures might have influenced Hilson’s career decisions.

The hosts examine the complexities of artist-publicist relationships and the impact of behind-the-scenes decisions on public perception, ultimately questioning the validity of blame placed on Hilson for Beyoncé's sustained success.

2. The Mount Rushmore of White Rappers: Analogies and Debates (12:00 - 25:00)

Transitioning to a lighter yet thought-provoking topic, Rory and Maul engage in a lively debate about the "Mount Rushmore of White Rappers," evaluating figures like Eminem, Mac Miller, Paul Wall, and newer artists such as Jack Harlow and Machine Gun Kelly.

• Rory suggests iconic figures: “Only the best. For the best.” (03:12).
• They humorously discuss the inclusion of artists like Kid Rock and House of Pain, debating their influence and legacy.
• The conversation underscores the scarcity of white rappers who have achieved both credibility and longevity in the genre, highlighting the challenges they face in a predominantly Black industry.

This segment blends humor with critical analysis, reflecting on the cultural and artistic contributions of white rappers while questioning the criteria for their inclusion among hip-hop’s elite.

3. Guest Interview: Ryan Coogler on "Sinners" and Podcast Challenges (27:11 - 58:00)

The highlight of the episode is an exclusive interview with Ryan Coogler, renowned director of "Black Panther" and "Creed," who joins to discuss his new movie "Sinners" and the behind-the-scenes struggles of maintaining the podcast.

• Gary introduces Coogler: “Trust no one. Because this movie has a lot to do with paranoia.” (27:43).
• Coogler elaborates on the film’s themes, focusing on brotherhood, loyalty, and fate, stating, “The voices of the show, the energy is the show.” (28:11).
• The conversation shifts to operational challenges, particularly issues with the podcast’s landlord and the impact on the show’s continuity:
  • Coogler expresses frustration: “I found out a lot of things in real time with everybody else. I knew the lights were off, okay?” (52:50).
  • Rory urges better communication: “Maybe the leader should keep the team involved in some of what's going on.” (65:58).
  • Coogler maintains a detached stance, emphasizing professionalism and focusing on the show's core energy despite the turmoil.

Coogler provides a candid look into the difficulties of podcast management, underscoring the importance of clear communication and resilience in the face of unexpected disruptions.

4. Parenting and Fertility Humor Segment (15:06 - 36:19)

In a lighthearted and humorous exchange, Rory, Maul, and Josh explore the absurdities of parenting and fertility, touching on topics like freezing eggs and unconventional parenting roles.

• Josh jokes about freezing his eggs: “I have to start thinking about that. Freezing my eggs.” (30:42).
• Maul humorously rejects the idea of raising a child together: “It just sounds like a terrible idea.” (35:15).
• The trio delves into playful banter about potential parenthood scenarios, balancing humor with relatable discussions about the responsibilities and unpredictability of raising children.

This segment adds a comedic relief to the episode, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and ability to engage listeners with relatable and entertaining conversations.

5. Nas's Beats and Rap Production Analysis (57:00 - 80:44)

Returning to music, Rory and Maul, alongside Ryan Coogler, analyze Nas's production choices, particularly his selection of beats in classic tracks like "Ether" and "Got Yourself a Gun."

• Coogler recounts interviewing Nas and Nas’s intention behind choosing specific beats: “I wanted people to pay more attention to what I'm saying than what the beat sounds like.” (75:31).
• The discussion critiques the quality of some beats, debating whether Nas’s choices were artistically driven or influenced by industry pressures.
• Rory defends Nas’s creative vision: “Nas took that beat, put his foot in it and created an amazing song.” (80:44).
• The hosts explore the balance between lyrical content and musical accompaniment, emphasizing the importance of cohesive artistry in hip-hop.

This analytical segment provides listeners with a deeper understanding of rap production and the intricate decisions artists like Nas make to prioritize their message over musical trends.

6. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with continued light-hearted banter and brief mentions of upcoming content.

• Rory and Maul reflect on the episode’s discussions, highlighting the blend of serious analysis and comedic elements that define their show.
• They reiterate the importance of maintaining authenticity and energy, regardless of external challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory (04:25): “Beyoncé had some New Orleans Creole voodoo that just stopped her career at that time.”
• Maul (03:12): “Only the best. For the best.”
• Ryan Coogler (28:11): “The voices of the show, the energy is the show.”
• Josh (30:42): “I have to start thinking about that. Freezing my eggs.”
• Rory (80:44): “Nas took that beat, put his foot in it and created an amazing song.”

Conclusion

This episode of "Best of Rory & MAL" offers a rich tapestry of discussions, blending critical analysis of the music industry with personal anecdotes and humorous exchanges. The inclusion of Ryan Coogler provides added depth, offering listeners an inside look at both the creative process behind a major film and the operational intricacies of running a podcast. Rory and Maul successfully create an engaging narrative that resonates with both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.