Summary of "New Rory & MAL" Podcast Episode 234: "Mos Def Made Drake Pop"
Released January 16, 2024
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
In Episode 234 of New Rory & MAL, the hosts delve into a wide range of topics, blending insightful discussions on the music industry with personal anecdotes and lively banter. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key points covered in the episode:
1. Upcoming Event Announcement: Howard Theater in D.C. (00:00)
The episode kicks off with Rory announcing an exciting upcoming show at the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. on March 23rd.
Rory [00:00]: "Howard Theater, March 23 Washington D.C. we cannot wait... It's going to be an amazing show."
2. Movie Review: The Book of Clarence by James Samuel (09:16)
Damaris shares her experience watching The Book of Clarence, praising James Samuel's unique take on the story of Jesus of Nazareth.
Damaris [09:17]: "If you do have a chance, go see the Book of Clarence. It's a great movie."
Rory and the team discuss the film’s underpromotion, highlighting the reliance on big names like Jay Z to gain traction.
Rory [12:32]: "Studios and production companies need to stop relying on Jay Z for promo... this is a major picture. You can't rely on just Jay Z to get the word out three days before the release."
3. Critique of Music Promotion Strategies (11:19)
The hosts critique the current state of music promotion, particularly the over-reliance on influential figures like Jay Z.
Rory [11:19]: "When Jay launches a lot of stuff, his team relies on just Jay to do one thing, and like, it's over... Some people just lean on Jay."
Damaris [14:12]: "If you deliver great quality, great quality promotes itself."
They advocate for a shift towards focusing on the product’s quality rather than star power to engage modern audiences effectively.
4. Discussion on Drake's Musical Evolution and Pop vs. Hip Hop (29:56)
A substantial portion of the episode centers around Drake’s transition from hip hop to pop music, prompted by Mos Def’s (Yasin Bey) comments labeling Drake as "pop."
Damaris [30:16]: "He's not just hip hop. He's more than just hip hop."
Rory emphasizes Drake’s roots and love for hip hop, drawing parallels to Kanye West’s influence on making hip hop more mainstream.
Rory [34:30]: "This was the first time we've seen rappers make pop music like Kanye did... Kanye is the reason Drake is a pop star."
The conversation critiques Jay Z's involvement in Drake's projects, particularly a lengthy and seemingly unnecessary verse.
Rory [16:00] - [17:18]: Discussion about Jay Z's 12-minute verse feeling out of place in Drake's song.
5. Personal Anecdotes: Interactions with D'Angelo (19:01)
Rory recounts an awkward encounter in the studio with D'Angelo, reflecting on missed collaboration opportunities and the challenges of pitching music to established artists.
Rory [19:01]: "I saw him at a baby shower... It was really uncomfortable being surrounded by four people."
The team discusses the difficulties of presenting their work to high-profile artists, emphasizing respect and timing.
Damaris [22:27]: "I'm never mad at anybody... I'm never pitching anything to him on the first meeting."
6. Parenting and Childhood Trauma (75:30)
The conversation shifts to personal experiences with parenting, focusing on how childhood trauma can influence one’s approach to raising children. Damaris discusses challenges in having sensitive conversations with her 11-year-old son due to her own past.
Damaris [86:16]: "I have a son who's 11, and I still have a hard time having certain conversations about women..."
Rory expresses concerns about potentially being less affectionate with a future son, rooted in his own upbringing.
Rory [97:24]: "It's the parent's responsibility to raise a child that is going to contribute to society as well."
They emphasize the importance of unconditional love and supportive environments in parenting.
7. Concerns About 20 Women vs. One Rapper Platform (89:35)
The hosts address a controversial platform where 20 women interact with a single rapper, expressing worries about the psychological impact on young participants and drawing parallels to past child stars like Bow Wow.
Rory [56:43]: "This is going to ruin his life and his perception on women, nightlife, just everything in general..."
They highlight the potential long-term negative effects of such exposure on children’s self-esteem and perception.
8. Host Interactions and Banter (Various Timestamps)
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lively and sometimes contentious banter, discussing topics like driving experiences, physical appearances, and humorous disagreements.
Damaris [130:46]: "They in the way. I would just go ahead and say it. In 2020, if you ain't on Only Fans busting it open, you're doing the bare minimum."
9. Closing Remarks and Shoutouts (126:13)
In the closing segment, the hosts reiterate their upcoming event in D.C., encourage support for Black directors and artists, and engage in light-hearted farewells and humorous exchanges.
Damaris [129:47]: "Shout out to James Samuel. Shout out to Booker Clarence. Go see the movie. Support Black directors. Support Black artists."
Conclusion
Episode 234 of New Rory & MAL offers a blend of critical insights into the music industry's promotional strategies, particularly spotlighting the roles of Jay Z and Drake's musical evolution. It also delves into personal topics like parenting influenced by childhood trauma and the potential impacts of media exposure on young artists. The episode is punctuated with the hosts' signature humor and candid discussions, making it both engaging and thought-provoking for listeners.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Rory [00:00]: "Howard Theater, March 23 Washington D.C. we cannot wait... It's going to be an amazing show."
- Damaris [09:17]: "If you do have a chance, go see the Book of Clarence. It's a great movie."
- Rory [12:32]: "...you're going to have people lean on Jay. Even Beyonce..."
- Damaris [30:16]: "He's not just hip hop. He's more than hip hop."
- Rory [34:30]: "Kanye is the reason Drake is a pop star."
- Damaris [86:16]: "I have a son who's 11, and I still have a hard time having certain conversations about women..."
- Rory [56:43]: "...this is going to ruin his life and his perception on women, nightlife, just everything in general..."
- Damaris [129:47]: "Shout out to James Samuel. Shout out to Booker Clarence..."
- Rory [97:24]: "It's the parent's responsibility to raise a child that is going to contribute to society as well."
Timestamps Reference:
- 00:00: Event Announcement
- 09:16: Movie Review
- 11:19: Music Promotion Critique
- 29:56: Drake's Musical Evolution
- 19:01: Studio Interaction with D'Angelo
- 75:30: Parenting and Trauma
- 89:35: 20 Women vs. One Rapper Concerns
- Various Timestamps: Host Banter
- 126:13: Closing Remarks
Note: This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the primary discussions and highlighting pivotal moments through notable quotes. The playful and sometimes edgy nature of the conversation is preserved, reflecting the hosts' dynamic and candid style.