Podcast Summary: Best of Rory & MAL: Week of 6/16

Episode Release Date: June 22, 2025

Hosts: Rory, Mal, and Damaris

1. Introduction to the Discussion

The episode kicks off with Rory and Mal delving into the concept of "dud" albums released by legendary artists in the hip-hop industry. They explore whether even the most iconic rappers occasionally release albums that fail to meet expectations.

2. Defining a "Dud" Album

Rory initiates the conversation by asserting, “I think every legend we've had has dropped a dud” ([03:00]). However, Mal challenges this notion, questioning what exactly constitutes a "dud." He remarks, “do you know what a dud is? Where we can unanimously say that shit is trash” ([03:00]).

The hosts grapple with defining objective criteria versus subjective opinions. Mal emphasizes the importance of consensus: “If I don't go back to it and actively play, like, at least half of the album, I feel like that's a dud to me” ([06:46]).

3. Jay Z's Discography: A Case Study

The discussion zeroes in on Jay Z’s albums, particularly "Blueprint 2," "Magna Carta," and "Kingdom Come."

• Blueprint 2:

  • Rory labels it a dud, citing, “Blueprint two was a dud” ([03:15]).
  • Mal counters, stating, “Blueprint 2 is not a dud” ([03:32]).

• Magna Carta:

  • Rory shares personal admiration but acknowledges public disappointment: “I enjoy the album, but all that anticipation... It got killed that first week” ([05:04]).
  • Damaris agrees with Rory, saying, “Most people would say if Jay Z had a dud, it would be Magna Carta” ([05:23]).

• Kingdom Come:

  • Rory reflects on its reception, mentioning, “Remember we can know what everybody is feeling about it or what everybody seems to be feeling about it” ([10:07]).
  • Mal remains non-committal, admitting, “I don't remember if everyone... a lot of people didn't” ([09:32]).

Notable Quote:

Rory ([04:06]): “Wayne is doing what, 150k first week. That's not a dud.”

4. The Role of Public and Critical Reception

The hosts debate who truly determines an album's success or failure—teenagers and young adults or the older generation.

• Damaris argues that teenagers and young adults drive the music industry's trends: “Teenagers and young adults... they do” ([12:15]).

• Mal contends that artists like Jay Z don’t specifically target younger audiences: “Jay Z has never tried to appeal to kids” ([12:40]).

• Rory provides historical context, noting the strategic release of albums during the holiday season to maximize sales: “Why was the fourth quarter at that time always the time when rappers put out their albums?” ([15:23]).

Notable Quote:

Damaris ([14:43]): “He's not of course, but back when Jay Z was also young, he was making music for people in his age range.”

5. Eminem and the Notion of "Legends" Dropping Duds

Rory brings up Eminem as another example, prompting agreement that even legends have moments where they release less acclaimed work. They explore whether legends are given leniency in their discographies.

Notable Quote:

Mal ([08:37]): “Everyone knows how Kingdom Come came across in the beginning.”

6. Pusha T vs. Kendrick Lamar: A Tangential Dive

Transitioning from album discussions, the hosts briefly touch upon the beef between Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar. While not the main focus, they acknowledge the complexities and public reactions surrounding the feud.

Notable Quote:

Rory ([33:15]): “Pusha T has been continuing walls to get his juice fix in.”

7. Personal Anecdotes and Broader Reflections

Towards the latter part of the episode, Rory, Mal, and Damaris share personal experiences related to the topics discussed, such as managing public perception and relationships influenced by their podcasting presence.

Notable Quote:

Joy ([48:20]): “I don't know that it's ever happened to me in my career. But, yeah, I don't.”

8. Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode concludes with the hosts emphasizing that even legends can have missteps in their careers, but these moments don't necessarily define their entire legacy. They advocate for a nuanced understanding of an artist's body of work, recognizing both the highs and the lows.

Final Thoughts:

• Mal underscores the subjective nature of music appreciation: “music's subjective” ([04:24]).
• Rory reinforces the idea that legends are continually evolving and that occasional duds are part of that journey.

Key Takeaways:

• The definition of a "dud" album varies between objective metrics and personal taste.
• Legendary artists like Jay Z and Eminem may release albums that receive mixed or negative receptions, but their overall legacies remain intact.
• Public and critical reception plays a significant role in determining an album's success, influenced by various demographics.
• Personal experiences and perceptions can shape how hosts view an artist's work and its impact.

This episode offers a deep dive into the dynamics of musical legacy, the pressures on legendary artists, and the subjective nature of music criticism. Listeners gain insights into how even the most revered figures in hip-hop navigate their careers amidst both acclaim and controversy.