Podcast Summary: Episode 239 | Doubling Down With Chris Brown & Quavo

Podcast Information:

• Title: New Rory & MAL
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: New stories, new laughs, new random hot takes that no one asked for... New Rory & Mal
• Episode: Episode 239 | Doubling Down With Chris Brown & Quavo
• Release Date: February 2, 2024

1. Introduction and Contextual Misrepresentation

The episode opens with casual banter among the hosts—Rory, Mal, Damaris, and Julian—setting a light-hearted tone. However, the primary focus swiftly transitions to a heated discussion about Chris Brown and Quavo's interactions within the fashion industry, specifically referencing a recent event at the Paris Rude Fashion Show.

• Mal introduces the topic:
  [02:46] "We were having a conversation about Chris Brown and Quavo being at the rude fashion show and there being a possible tiff between the two of them."

The hosts clarify that their discussion was originally clipped by media outlets, leading to misunderstandings about their stance on the relationship between Chris Brown and Quavo.

2. Chris Brown vs. Quavo: Impact on Fashion Campaigns

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around whether Chris Brown should be considered a pop star and how his presence compares to Quavo in terms of brand influence and relevance.

• Damaris asserts Chris Brown's prominence:
  [09:44] "Chris Brown is a bigger star. He's a superstar because they have more eyes on the superstar than a guy that's just famous and popular in certain circles of the industry."

• Julian counters by highlighting the niche influence of Quavo:
  [08:15] "If they were doing a Target ad campaign, Chris Brown. Yes. Would be your go-to. Because he is a star amongst the world. He's a recognizable face."

The debate touches on the strategic decisions behind fashion brands selecting ambassadors—whether to opt for universally recognized superstars or niche influencers who resonate deeply within specific cultural segments.

3. Racial Implications in Music Genre Classification

The discussion deepens into the racial nuances of categorizing artists like Chris Brown as pop stars versus how their peers are labeled.

• Julian shares insights on genre classification biases:
  [25:18] "As black artists, we do not get classified as pop stars, even when we make pop music."

• Mal connects this to historical shifts in music branding:
  [26:35] "If Adele was black and made the last four albums, they would call it R&B. That's literally. They're not saying that for."

This segment underscores the systemic challenges black artists face in being recognized appropriately within broader music genres, highlighting a disparity in how similar musical outputs are perceived based on race.

4. Mega-Influencers and Industry Dynamics

The hosts delve into the complexities of industry influence, comparing legends like Michael Jackson to contemporary artists.

• Mal emphasizes the uniqueness of Michael Jackson:
  [31:32] "There's nobody that you can compare to Michael Jackson. Nobody. Michael Jackson is the bar."

• Damaris reflects on modern artist comparisons:
  [33:43] "If they're giving a tribute to Mariah, they're not going to go get Adele, who can sing her. They're going to Ariana Grande."

The conversation highlights how contemporary artists strive to match or emulate the legendary status of icons like Jackson, often leading to contentious comparisons within the industry.

5. Universal Music Group (UMG) vs. TikTok: Industry-Wide Implications

A pivotal part of the episode centers on Universal Music Group's (UMG) recent decision to pull their catalog from TikTok due to disputes over licensing fees.

• Mal explains the crux of the issue:
  [60:00] "Universal Music Group, all of their artists, catalog songs, and for the foreseeable future cannot participate in the biggest tech company known to man right now."

• Julian analyzes the financial aspects:
  [65:19] "UMG had a multi-year deal with Meta, who they're paying around three times as much as they're paying TikTok. But TikTok's promotional power is unparalleled."

• Damaris discusses the impact on independent artists:
  [65:19] "If I'm a young artist that has a following on TikTok, but then I sign with Universal and they own my back catalog, I'm starting square zero."

The hosts debate whether UMG should have conceded to TikTok's demands, considering TikTok's significant role in music promotion, especially among younger audiences. They express concerns that UMG's rigid stance may inadvertently stifle emerging artists who rely heavily on TikTok for visibility.

• Mal argues for UMG's long-term strategic position:
  [75:36] "UMG is in a lose-lose situation. Either they lose leverage or they concede to a platform that significantly shapes music discovery today."

• Damaris emphasizes the need for adaptability:
  [71:43] "It's time for the big brothers to adjust to the new times and the ways people discover and share music."

The discussion encapsulates the tension between legacy music conglomerates and new-age tech platforms, raising questions about the future landscape of music distribution and promotion.

6. Call to Action and Personal Stories

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts shift towards personal anecdotes and listener interactions, discussing topics like hypersexuality, relationships, and mental health. While these segments offer a more intimate glimpse into the hosts' lives, they diverge from the episode's main analytical themes.

• Damaris shares a personal struggle:
  [89:58] "I just want to know, how did you get past that?"

• Mal provides advice on overcoming personal trauma:
  [95:03] "What worked was talking about it in therapy and understanding the root of it."

These personal exchanges, while insightful, are peripheral to the primary discourse on industry dynamics and celebrity influence.

7. Conclusion and Promotions

The episode concludes with a mix of humor, further banter, and promotion of their platforms.

• Damaris promotes Rabbit Movers:
  [104:42] "Shout out to Rabbit Movers. You can follow them on IG @rabbitmovers or visit rabbitmovers.com."

• Hosts encourage listeners to subscribe to their Patreon and engage with their merchandise:
  [111:57] "Subscribe to the Patreon. Subscribe to the YouTube. Hit the like button."

They wrap up with humorous reflections on moving houses and playful interactions, maintaining the podcast's signature blend of serious discussion and light-hearted camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• Mal on UMG and TikTok Negotiations:
  "UMG is in a lose-lose situation. Either they lose leverage or they concede to a platform that significantly shapes music discovery today."
  [75:36]

• Damaris on the Need for Industry Adaptation:
  "It's time for the big brothers to adjust to the new times and the ways people discover and share music."
  [71:43]

• Julian on Genre Classification Biases:
  "As black artists, we do not get classified as pop stars, even when we make pop music."
  [25:18]

• Damaris on Artist Promotion and Platforms:
  "Young girls would rather see a guy that can sing and dance before the rapper that's going to come to the party."
  [20:35]

Key Takeaways:

1. Chris Brown and Quavo's Industry Influence:
   The hosts dissect the dynamics between Chris Brown and Quavo, emphasizing the complexities of their influence within the music and fashion industries. The conversation reveals how media misrepresentations can skew public perception of industry relationships.

2. Racial Nuances in Music Genre Classification:
   A critical examination of how black artists like Chris Brown are often pigeonholed into specific genres, highlighting systemic biases that affect their recognition and categorization within the broader music landscape.

3. UMG's Stand Against TikTok:
   UMG's decision to sever ties with TikTok sparks a debate on the future of music promotion. The hosts argue that TikTok's unparalleled role in music discovery means that UMG's rigidity could hinder emerging artists who rely on such platforms for visibility.

4. Industry Adaptation vs. Legacy Practices:
   The episode underscores the necessity for traditional music conglomerates to adapt to evolving tech-driven landscapes. Failure to do so may result in diminished influence and lost opportunities for both the labels and the artists they represent.

5. Celebrity Influence and Prominence:
   The discussion extends to how superstars are strategically leveraged in brand campaigns versus niche influencers, contemplating the balance between widespread recognition and cultural relevance.

Conclusion:

Episode 239 of New Rory & MAL provides a robust analysis of contemporary issues in the music and fashion industries, particularly focusing on the roles of Chris Brown and Quavo, and the significant implications of UMG's dispute with TikTok. Through insightful debates and expert opinions, the hosts illuminate the evolving dynamics between legacy music labels and new-age tech platforms, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of music promotion and artist recognition.

For more in-depth discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive content, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast's Patreon and explore available merchandise at newroariamal.com.