Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 258 | "Might Apologize Later"

Release Date: April 9, 2024
Hosts: Maul, Rory, and Damaris
Description: New stories, new laughs, new random hot takes that no one asked for... New Rory & MAL

1. Introduction to the Episode's Central Conflict

In Episode 258 titled "Might Apologize Later," the hosts dive deep into the recent turbulence in the hip-hop community, focusing primarily on J. Cole's controversial diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar. The discussion is sparked by J. Cole's unexpected move to address Kendrick publicly, culminating in an on-stage apology that the hosts perceive as missteps in hip-hop etiquette.

2. Breakdown of J. Cole's Diss Track and Apology

Maul initiates the conversation by recounting the events leading up to J. Cole's diss track:

• Maul [02:24]: "So I see Cole drop the mic. Delete. Later."

He elaborates on J. Cole's motivations, questioning the necessity of initiating a beef when the artists involved maintain mutual respect.

Damaris adds her perspective on J. Cole's actions:

• Damaris [02:34]: "I was an awful parent. I said, my kid, it's rap beef time. You don't understand what's going on right now."

The hosts express confusion and disappointment over J. Cole's approach, especially given their reverence for his lyrical prowess.

Maul criticizes the lack of "venom" in J. Cole's diss, suggesting that it wasn't forceful enough to warrant a serious response:

• Maul [04:07]: "I didn't like trying to take Jay's blueprint... It wasn't enough venom coming from Cole."

3. The "Big Three" Debate: J. Cole, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around J. Cole's reference to the "Big Three" in hip-hop, a term he popularized to include himself, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. This categorization becomes a focal point of contention among the hosts.

Maul emphasizes that by naming Kendrick as part of the Big Three, J. Cole inadvertently set a precedent that undermines his later diss:

• Maul [07:01]: "He dubbed him part of the Big Three... Now you can't just erase these shots that have been going back and forth from Kendrick and Drake to each other."

Rory disagrees, suggesting that listeners themselves have embraced the term:

• Rory [07:07]: "He did not dub that. The listeners have been dubbing them now."

The hosts debate whether J. Cole's actions have destabilized the perceived hierarchy within the hip-hop elite.

4. Impact on J. Cole's Career and Hip-Hop Culture

The hosts express concern that J. Cole's handling of the diss track could have long-term negative effects on his career and the broader hip-hop landscape.

Maul goes as far as to label J. Cole's actions as "career suicide," arguing that it damages his credibility and standing within the community:

• Maul [24:39]: "J. Cole committed career suicide."

Damaris concurs, stating that the album "Might Apologize Later" has lost its impact post-apology:

• Damaris [25:08]: "I listened to it this morning with new fucking ears after he apologized and I... It's hard to listen to now."

The conversation underscores a tension between maintaining lyrical integrity and navigating personal relationships within the hip-hop sphere.

5. The Role of Drake and Potential Responses

A recurring theme is the anticipated reaction of Drake to J. Cole's diss track. The hosts ponder whether Drake will respond and how it might influence the dynamics of the "Big Three."

Maul suggests that a response from Drake is imminent and necessary to validate the beef:

• Maul [54:00]: "Let Kendrick drop that record, and we gonna see exactly who's fit for this."

Damaris believes that Drake's fanbase expects him to engage:

• Damaris [51:59]: "You don't want to see Meek and Wale just at all?"

However, Rory maintains that Drake's hesitation stems from not wanting to perpetuate unnecessary conflict:

• Rory [44:43]: "I don't think fear at all."

This segment highlights the delicate balance artists must maintain between competition and camaraderie.

6. Broader Implications for Hip-Hop and Future Prospects

The hosts reflect on what J. Cole's actions mean for the future of hip-hop, especially regarding artistic rivalries and collaborations.

Maul laments the loss of potential "classic battles" that could have enriched hip-hop's legacy:

• Maul [93:06]: "We were just going to see skills displayed... like preparing for the Christmas Day game."

Damaris expresses a desire for genuine, skill-based exchanges rather than personal conflicts:

• Damaris [93:02]: "They're just going to see who raps better."

The conversation hints at a yearning for a return to a purer form of hip-hop, where lyrical skill trumps personal vendettas.

7. Tangential Discussions: Other Artists and Events

While the main focus remains on J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake, the conversation occasionally veers into discussions about other artists and recent events in the music industry.

• Maul and Damaris briefly discuss the release of Bryson Tiller's album and Glorilla's performances, indicating their broader engagement with contemporary hip-hop and R&B.

• The hosts also recount experiencing a solar eclipse, metaphorically tying it to the overshadowing drama within hip-hop:

  • Maul [111:44]: "We just watched the moon and the sun cross paths. We can only hope that Jermaine Cole and Kendrick don't cross paths and give us a rap eclipse."

8. Conclusion: A Sense of Loss and Uncertainty

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts express a collective sense of loss over what they perceive as missed opportunities for meaningful artistic exchanges within hip-hop. They hope for future resolutions but remain uncertain about the direction the culture will take.

Maul encapsulates the sentiment:

• Maul [141:20]: "We can only hope that Jermaine Cole and Kendrick don't cross paths and give us a rap eclipse."

Damaris echoes this feeling, underscoring the emotional toll of the recent events on the hip-hop community.

Notable Quotes

• Maul [24:39]: "J. Cole committed career suicide."

• Damaris [25:08]: "I listened to it this morning with new fucking ears after he apologized and I... It's hard to listen to now."

• Maul [07:01]: "He dubbed him part of the Big Three... Now you can't just erase these shots that have been going back and forth from Kendrick and Drake to each other."

• Damaris [51:59]: "You don't want to see Meek and Wale just at all?"

• Maul [141:20]: "We can only hope that Jermaine Cole and Kendrick don't cross paths and give us a rap eclipse."

Final Thoughts

Episode 258 of New Rory & MAL, "Might Apologize Later," offers a candid and passionate exploration of recent tensions in the hip-hop world. Through animated discussion and critical analysis, the hosts dissect the implications of J. Cole's actions on his career and the broader cultural fabric of hip-hop. While the episode delves into specific incidents, it also raises questions about the future trajectory of artistic rivalries and collaborations within the genre.

For listeners unfamiliar with the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and viewpoints expressed by Maul, Rory, and Damaris, capturing the essence of their engaging and often contentious dialogue.