Podcast Summary: New Rory & Mal – Best of Rory & Mal: Week of 4/21

Release Date: April 28, 2025

Hosts: Rory & Mal

1. Nas’s Beat Selection and Legacy

Rory and Stephen A. Smith delve into the enduring legacy of Nas, particularly focusing on criticisms surrounding his beat selections over his 30-year career. The discussion highlights the dichotomy between Nas's exceptional lyrical prowess and the perceived inconsistency in the quality of his instrumental accompaniments.

• Rory emphasizes Nas's influence:
  "[04:56] Rory: 30-year career speaks for itself. Who are all these magical rappers that pick great beats over a 30-year career?"

• Stephen A. Smith acknowledges the validity of the critique:
  "[05:49] Stephen A. Smith: I don't think that every beat Nas has is weak or trash. No. But there are some songs where the performance and rhymes carry the track more than the music itself."

The hosts agree that while Nas has delivered numerous classics, not every beat aligns with his lyrical genius, leading to some mixed receptions among fans and critics alike.

2. Double Standards in Age-Gap Relationships

A significant portion of the episode addresses the societal double standards surrounding age-gap relationships, especially when older men date significantly younger women. The conversation is sparked by Tracee Ellis Ross’s remarks about preferring younger men due to perceived toxic masculinity among her peers.

• Rory introduces the topic:
  "[11:16] Damaris: No, because..."
  "[11:29] Rory: Gates versus LeBron."

• Stephen A. Smith critiques the notion:
  "[13:35] Rory: Yeah, I'm probably a little bit more progressive than my father is just my generation, period. But it is odd to what Dimitris just said to the generation under me is like more toxic than my dad's generation."

The discussion navigates through the complexities of consent, manipulation, and societal perceptions, emphasizing that toxic masculinity isn't confined to a particular age group but is influenced by various factors including upbringing and cultural exposure.

3. Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Allegations

The hosts engage in an in-depth analysis of the allegations against former NFL star Shannon Sharpe. They dissect the implications of the accusations, the role of legal representation, and the potential impact on Sharpe’s career and public image.

• Stephen A. Smith outlines the controversy:
  "[46:43] Rory: Which we didn't bring up in tight ends on the other conversation."
  "[47:11] Stephen A. Smith: ...Shannon Sharpe offered $10 million to keep things quiet."

• Rory expresses skepticism:
  "[53:14] Rory: We've had this conversation on the pod plenty of times outside of the Shannon Sharpe situation..."

• Damaris underscores the severity:
  "[69:45] Damaris: Yeah, but to be politically correct and then went put it in her ass."
  "[69:55] Rory: Yes. You should not try to put it in a girl's ass if that was not told to be done already."

The conversation underscores the importance of due process, the challenges faced by accusers in high-profile cases, and the nuanced views on consent and legal ramifications.

4. Bottled Water Critique

Shifting gears, Rory and Stephen A. Smith critique the bottled water industry, expressing disdain for several popular brands and discussing their environmental and quality issues.

• Rory laments the quality standards:
  "[41:28] Rory: Everybody has been, like, flexing for 20 years that New York City has the best tap water. I found out recently that we have been lying about that for two decades."

• Stephen A. Smith shares his preferences and criticisms:
  "[41:41] Stephen A. Smith: Sipping on a propel is. Wow."
  "[42:07] Rory: Liquid death. It's okay if it's cold. I guess I'll take that over most of the, like, the Poland Springs of the world."

The hosts advocate for better water quality standards and highlight the misleading marketing practices of major bottled water companies.

5. K-Pop Podcast Promotions

Interspersed throughout the episode are promotional segments for various podcasts, including Reggaeton Cola Gata and Dub Dynasty. These segments are succinctly integrated into the conversation, providing listeners with information on where to access these shows.

Notable Quotes

• Rory on Nas’s Beat Selection:
  "I think I solved this rumor." [03:17]

• Stephen A. Smith on Toxic Masculinity:
  "Toxic masculinity doesn't have an age." [13:55]

• Damaris on Legal Protections in BDSM:
  "Please, please, please protect yourself." [65:18]

• Rory on Bottled Water:
  "I found out recently that we have been lying about that for two decades." [43:02]

Conclusion

In this episode of New Rory & Mal, the hosts navigate through a spectrum of topics ranging from the intricacies of Nas’s music career to the contentious debates surrounding age-gap relationships and high-profile sexual assault allegations. Their candid discussions offer listeners a blend of entertainment, critical analysis, and thought-provoking insights into contemporary issues.

For more engaging discussions and diverse topics, tune into New Rory & Mal on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.