Podcast Summary: Episode 268 | Ebony & Scat of New Rory & MAL

Introduction

In Episode 268 of New Rory & MAL, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, the hosts—Rory, Mal (Jamal), Damaris, and Julian—delve into the intricate world of rap beefs, focusing primarily on the high-profile feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Alongside music critiques, the episode weaves in personal anecdotes, particularly Damaris's harrowing experience with her daughter's accidental injury while under a babysitter's care. The conversation is candid, humorous, and reflective, offering listeners both entertainment and insightful commentary on current events in the music industry.

1. Meek Mill and the Diddy Connection (00:00 - 00:20)

The episode kicks off with a discussion about whether Meek Mill has a close connection to the Diddy family, potentially influencing his stance against 50 Cent.

• Rory (00:00): "Does Meek Mill have a close connection to the Diddy family? And that's why he's, like, sticking up for them while 50 Cent is."
• Julian (00:19): "He got a really close connection with Diddy."

2. Ice Spice and Music Criticism (00:33 - 08:39)

The hosts shift focus to Ice Spice, critiquing her recent tracks and musical style. Damaris expresses disappointment with Spice's song "Give Me the Light," labeling it as "one of the worst songs I've heard."

• Damaris (01:09): "I don't think you could, like, brag about... 'Give Me the Light' is one of the worst songs I've heard."
• Rory (02:00): "That record is good. Whatever."
  (Contrasting opinions highlight the subjective nature of music appreciation.)

Mal defends Ice Spice by mentioning her initial positive reception at a festival, despite the later negative reviews.

• Mal (02:18): "Remember at the festival, she premiered this and it was like, oh, shit, this is fire. Like, it's really tough to usually premiere a song at a festival."

3. The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Beef (08:39 - 29:38)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The discussion centers around Kendrick's diss tracks—particularly "Not Like Us"—and their impact on both artists' careers.

• Damaris (12:49): "Why is everybody... being honest with Kendrick?"
• Julian (26:01): "If it wasn't dissing, if it wasn't in the moment, if we didn't get that record out of the moment that it came out of, I don't think people would."

The hosts debate whether the success of Kendrick's tracks is solely due to the beef with Drake or if the music itself holds intrinsic value.

• Rory (26:56): "He doesn't have a number one without Drake, so let's say we know that."
• Damaris (27:05): "That's not true, by the way..."
  (They challenge each other's assertions, providing a multifaceted view of the situation.)

4. Impact of Social Media on Rap Feuds (29:38 - 39:20)

The conversation transitions to how platforms like Twitter and Instagram amplify rap beefs, making them more pervasive and complex. Damaris voices fatigue over conspiracy theories and the blurring lines between fact and fiction in online discourse.

• Damaris (12:21): "It's the whirlwind of everyone having a voice and everyone binge-watching Netflix crime series..."
• Julian (39:20): "It's just content creators and they happen to be talking about the biggest thing at the moment."

The hosts express concerns that social media not only fuels these feuds but also distorts their reality, making it challenging to discern truth from speculation.

5. Personal Story: Damaris's Daughter's Injury (15:02 - 19:56)

Damaris shares a poignant personal story about her daughter, Amara, breaking her leg under the care of a new babysitter. The incident underscores the unpredictability and trust issues surrounding babysitting services.

• Damaris (15:32): "I get back there and it's weird because Amara rarely sleeps on my shoulder... I was losing my fucking mind."
• Julian (19:27): "A broken leg."

The narrative highlights the emotional turmoil parents can face in similar situations, adding depth and relatability to the episode.

6. Rick Ross and Game: Potential Beef (29:38 - 55:25)

The hosts speculate about a possible rap battle between Rick Ross and Game, analyzing their respective strengths and fan bases. They discuss the implications of such a feud and its potential outcomes.

• Damaris (63:06): "The Game is going to shoot videos. Game is going to go to. He's probably on a flight to Miami right now."
• Julian (55:25): "He got the record done and Ready to upload. Like, we gotta hear it."

The conversation delves into the mechanics of rap beefs, emphasizing the importance of timely responses and the role of authenticity in diss tracks.

7. A-List vs. B-List Celebrities (55:25 - 75:00)

Shifting away from music, the hosts engage in a lighthearted debate about the distinctions between A-list and B-list celebrities. They reference actors like Jon Hamm and Alec Baldwin, discussing their statuses and public perceptions.

• Damaris (75:22): "Because he's the only true Kardashian child."
• Rory (75:27): "Alec Baldwin is an A-list actor."

This segment offers a humorous respite from the intense discussions on rap beefs, showcasing the hosts' diverse interests and chemistry.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (75:00 - End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the state of the music industry, the nature of fame, and the personal dynamics that influence their perspectives. They touch upon upcoming album releases and express excitement for future episodes.

• Julian (84:42): "I'm just saying, that's you speaking for you speaking for your feelings and how you would handle yourself."
• Rory (87:35): "Stop, that's not what he's saying."

The episode concludes on a contemplative note, encouraging listeners to consider the complexities of fame, personal responsibility, and the ever-evolving landscape of music and social media.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity Matters: The hosts emphasize that genuine diss tracks resonate more with audiences and have a lasting impact compared to those perceived as forced or inauthentic.

• Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: While platforms like Twitter amplify rap feuds, they also contribute to misinformation and unnecessary speculation, complicating the dynamics between artists.

• Personal Stories Enhance Relatability: Damaris's personal anecdote about her daughter's injury adds emotional depth to the episode, reminding listeners of the human aspects behind public personas.

• The Evolving Nature of Celebrity: Discussions around A-list and B-list celebrities highlight how public perception and media influence can shape an individual's status in the entertainment industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Damaris (19:27): "A broken leg."

• Julian (26:01): "If it wasn't dissing, if it wasn't in the moment, if we didn't get that record out of the moment that it came out of, I don't think people would."

• Damaris (35:23): "How the bully affected us, mafiosi Yemi met Sleepy."

• Julian (55:25): "We gotta hear it."

This episode of New Rory & MAL offers a rich tapestry of discussions, blending music industry insights with personal narratives, all delivered with the hosts' signature humor and candidness. Whether you're a fan of rap beefs or keen on hearing heartfelt stories, Episode 268 provides a comprehensive and engaging listening experience.