Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Best of Rory & Mal: Week of 7/14

Release Date: July 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of New Rory & MAL, hosts Rory and Mall engage in an energetic and insightful discussion covering the latest in hip-hop, music festivals, the dynamics of the UK vs. US rap scene, personal experiences with fame, and a light-hearted debate over Uno game rules. The conversation is punctuated by humorous interactions and candid reflections, providing listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.

1. The Clips' New Album Release

Timestamp: 02:18 – 17:44

Rory and Mall delve into the recent release of The Clips' new album, praising its strategic rollout and enduring quality. They highlight the thoughtful sequencing of the album, which begins with an emotional track before transitioning into high-energy songs like "Chains and Whips."

• Rory: "The rollout was such a dope product... I think this will be a staple of the remainder of the year. [02:49]"

• Mall: "It's good to see people react to the album the way they did... That promotion has to do with actually touching the people. [03:31]"

The hosts commend Pharrell's role in maintaining the album's high production quality and express appreciation for the authentic promotional efforts, such as a traditional promo run across different cities.

• Rory: "Remember that word, promo run? Like, you actually have to go to different cities and do different publications and actually be there. [03:35]"

However, they note areas for improvement, particularly the absence of Stove God's verse, which they believe would have enhanced the record.

• Mall: "I gotta express my disdain. Stove God deserves a fucking verse, man... [07:23]"

Overall, Rory rates the album an “eight out of five,” emphasizing its exceptional quality despite minor critiques.

2. Review of Wireless Festival in London

Timestamp: 17:44 – 25:22

The conversation shifts to the recent Wireless Festival in London, where Drake headlined an unprecedented three-night performance, mirroring Prince's historic stint. Rory and Mall express awe at the festival's execution and the diverse lineup, which included Lauryn Hill, Giveon, Bryson Tiller, and Vanessa Carlton.

• Mall: "Shout out to Drake for doing something not many other artists can do... [18:05]"

They discuss Drake's snippet "Put Your Hands on the DJ Booth," praising its hard-hitting beat and anticipating its official release.

• Rory: "That record was hard as fuck. [21:13]"

The hosts also touch on the cultural impact of having such a varied lineup, celebrating the ability of artists to adapt and deliver unique performances across different nights.

3. UK vs. US Rap Scene Dynamics

Timestamp: 25:22 – 35:15

Rory and Mall engage in a passionate debate about Drake's endorsement of UK rappers, particularly Skepta, and its implications for the global rap scene. They discuss the challenges UK rappers face when crossing over to the US market, such as accent barriers and cultural differences, while highlighting the lyrical prowess of artists like Skepta and Joyner Lucas.

• Rory: "I think there's a lot of guys over here that can really, really rap and push their pins. [24:24]"

• Mall: "Guys over here that can really rap and push they pins... [24:16]"

They express excitement about potential collaborations and cultural exchanges, hoping for a richer, more interconnected global hip-hop community.

• Mall: "We are very excited just for this moment and this energy to kind of, you know, serve as a bridge... [24:59]"

The discussion underscores the importance of lyrical skill and authenticity, advocating for a focus on substance over regional accents or stereotypes.

4. Navigating Fame and Maintaining Integrity

Timestamp: 35:15 – 51:42

Transitioning to personal experiences, Mall and Josh share their journeys from humble beginnings to navigating the complexities of fame. Mall recounts growing up in Harlem and how his brothers' influence kept him away from street life, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and hard work.

• Mall: "I wanted to carve my own lane... [43:08]"

Josh echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the role of integrity and the challenges of dealing with public scrutiny and industry pressures.

• Josh: "We have somebody prior to becoming somebody in the public eye... [48:04]"

The hosts discuss the resilience required to handle fame, the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people, and the need to block out negativity from detractors.

• Josh: "We were dealing with a lot of the things that come with celebrity... [48:04]"

They emphasize maintaining self-respect and authenticity, rejecting superficial accolades in favor of genuine personal and artistic growth.

5. Uno Game Debate: A Light-Hearted Interlude

Timestamp: 33:16 – 60:14

In a humorous segment, Rory, Mall, E, and Josh engage in a lively debate over the rules of Uno, highlighting their camaraderie and playful competitiveness. They tackle contentious rules like stacking draw cards, the use of wild cards, and the interpretation of reverse cards.

• Rory: "A draw four is the trump card of everything. [33:05]"

• E: "It's a wild card, and it's a higher number. [34:08]"

The exchange showcases their personalities and the dynamic interplay between the hosts, providing listeners with entertainment and relatable content about common game disputes.

6. Conflict with Ross and Podcast Dynamics

Timestamp: 53:46 – 62:04

The hosts address a recent conflict with an artist named Ross, expressing feelings of disrespect and disappointment over a podcast interaction. Mall emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and clear communication within the industry, critiquing what he perceives as Ross's unprofessional behavior.

• Mall: "Man, I feel away. I'm like, I get... [54:33]"

• Josh: "We just got a product that we love, and we love each other first... [57:05]"

Rory and Mall discuss the challenges of maintaining professional relationships and the need for transparency and respect when collaborating or engaging in public discourse.

7. Nicki Minaj vs. SZA Feud

Timestamp: 72:09 – 79:46

A heated discussion unfolds as Rory, Mall, and E dissect the ongoing feud between Nicki Minaj and SZA on social media. They analyze the origins of the conflict, including misinterpreted tweets and alleged feature requests that may have soured the relationship between the two artists.

• Rory: "Nicki did a whole fucking duet with Cardi B, who was my enemy... [77:06]"

• Mall: "People will look at y'all and y'all talking about something for sure... [73:49]"

The hosts express skepticism about the longevity and impact of the feud, debating whether it will result in musical diss tracks or die down naturally over time. They also reflect on how such public spats influence perceptions of the artists involved.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, New Rory & MAL offers a blend of in-depth music analysis, personal storytelling, and entertaining banter. From dissecting album releases and music festivals to navigating the intricacies of fame and engaging in playful debates, Rory and Mall, along with their guests, provide listeners with a comprehensive and engaging listening experience. Notable quotes and candid discussions ensure that both aficionados and casual fans will find valuable insights and relatable content within this vibrant episode.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rory on The Clips' Album Rollout:

  "I think this will be a staple of the remainder of the year. As far as constantly talked about." [02:56]

• Mall on Stove God's Contribution:

  "Stove God deserves a fucking verse, man." [07:23]

• Rory on Wireless Festival Planning:

  "That's gotta be insane." [19:46]

• Josh on Dealing with Fame:

  "Once you actually get into the fame of it and you realize it doesn't do anything but elevate if you already got those, you know, that skill set built up and make it a little bit easier." [48:04]

• Mall on Maintaining Authenticity:

  "I wanted to go somewhere as Mall, like, I'm going in as me." [43:17]

• Rory on Uno Rules:

  "A draw four is the trump card of everything. What do you do?" [33:31]

• Mall on Respecting the Podcast Relationships:

  "Cause we some real niggas." [46:43]

• Discussion on Nicki Minaj vs. SZA:

  "They are people out here that put dicks in their mouth." [51:24]

Final Thoughts

New Rory & MAL successfully blends serious discussion with lighthearted moments, creating a well-rounded and engaging podcast episode. Whether analyzing the latest in music or joking over game rules, the hosts deliver content that resonates with a wide audience, making this episode a must-listen for fans seeking both depth and entertainment.