Episode 273 | The Contrarian

Release Date: May 31, 2024
Hosts: Rory & MAL
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Personal Updates and Family Matters

Timestamp: 01:04 - 05:35

Rory begins the episode by sharing a heartfelt update about his daughter, Amara. He discusses the removal of her cast, clarifying that the process was smoother than anticipated. Despite initial fears, Amara handled the situation gracefully, even comforting Rory during the procedure. A notable moment occurs when Rory reveals a humorous attempt by his mother to baptize Amara secretly, leading to an amusing exchange about religious practices and intentions.

Rory (02:17): "The cast actually wasn't as bad an experience as I thought it would be. She handled it like a champ."

2. The Puff Controversy and Its Implications

Timestamp: 07:08 - 23:34

The hosts delve into a critical discussion about the recent Rolling Stone article exposing misconduct by Puff Daddy (Diddy). Rory expresses frustration with the relentless media focus on Puff's alleged behavior, including a disturbing video involving a male prostitute. The conversation explores the broader impact of these revelations on Puff's legacy and the music industry.

Damaris highlights the possibility that past rumors about Puff are now being substantiated, emphasizing the media's role in bringing these issues to light. The hosts debate whether Puff might attempt to rehabilitate his image through religious avenues, questioning the feasibility given the severity of the allegations.

Damaris (08:07): "I think, unfortunately, we are going to find out that some, if not most, of those things are indeed true."

Rory speculates on the potential legal consequences Puff might face, debating whether he could escape significant charges or face a lengthy prison sentence. The conversation also touches upon the societal implications of such high-profile cases of misconduct within the music industry.

3. Ghostwriting in Hip Hop: The Drake Debate

Timestamp: 23:34 - 43:05

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to the contentious topic of ghostwriting in hip hop, with a particular focus on Drake. The hosts examine accusations that Drake doesn't write his own rap verses, contrasting this with other artists like Jay-Z and Nas who have faced similar scrutiny.

Damaris defends Drake, citing testimonials from collaborators and asserting that Drake does indeed pen his own bars. However, the conversation acknowledges the growing skepticism fueled by leaked reference tracks and industry rumors. The hosts debate the thin line between collaboration and ghostwriting, exploring how contracts and production credits can blur the responsibilities of artists and writers.

Damaris (24:00): "These writers, these artists are saying out of their mouths, not me, not you, these guys are saying he absolutely writes his own raps."

Rory introduces a comparison between Drake and other iconic rappers, discussing how Drake's pop-infused style differs from traditional hip hop and how this evolution might contribute to the ghostwriting allegations. The dialogue also touches on Eminem's own writing practices, setting the stage for later discussions about Eminem's upcoming project.

4. Eminem's Musical Evolution and Upcoming Projects

Timestamp: 43:05 - 55:16

The conversation shifts to Eminem, focusing on his latest single titled "Houdini" and the rumored album "The Death of Slim Shady." The hosts express mixed feelings about Eminem's current musical direction, debating whether he has lost his edge or if he's adapting to changing musical landscapes.

Damaris and Rory reminisce about Eminem's earlier albums, praising classics like "The Marshall Mathers LP" and "The Eminem Show," while critiquing his more recent releases for lacking the same impact. They discuss fan expectations versus Eminem's artistic choices, pondering whether his upcoming work will resonate with longtime fans or attract criticism for perceived shortcomings.

Mal (44:38): "Eminem is a goat. We don't even have to debate that."

The hosts speculate on the potential success of the "Houdini" single, debating whether it will set the tone for Eminem's next phase. They also touch upon Eminem's legacy, questioning how his new projects will influence his standing in the rap community and among the general public.

5. Listener Voicemails: Navigating Relationship Conflicts

Timestamp: 57:00 - 100:05

In a segment dedicated to listener voicemails, Rory and MAL address a caller named John Tay from St. Louis, seeking advice on handling arguments with his partner. The caller expresses a desire to avoid conflicts by recognizing when he's wrong and admitting his mistakes.

The hosts provide actionable advice, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, humility, and effective communication in relationships. They discuss strategies for de-escalating conflicts, the significance of admitting fault, and the psychological benefits of fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Rory (95:25): "I mean, he has the awareness. You just have to remind yourself of the awareness when the ego and rage starts to ensue."

Damaris and Rory also explore deeper emotional dynamics, suggesting that unresolved personal issues can exacerbate conflicts and hinder constructive dialogue. They advocate for continuous personal growth and the cultivation of healthy relationship habits to sustain long-term partnerships.

6. Light-Hearted Banter and Pop Culture References

Timestamp: 100:05 - 124:54

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage in playful discussions about various light-hearted topics, including favorite ice cream trucks, childhood memories of specific treats, and humorous anecdotes about dating and food consumption habits. This segment serves to balance the heavier discussions with moments of levity, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and shared sense of humor.

They also touch upon pop culture elements like wrestling events and the portrayal of stereotypes in media, weaving these topics into their ongoing banter about personal experiences and societal observations.

Damaris (121:04): "I remember one time I was about Tweety Bird."

7. Closing Remarks and Shoutouts

Timestamp: 124:54 - End

In their closing remarks, Rory and MAL offer shoutouts to fellow artists and projects, encouraging listeners to support music that aligns with meaningful causes. They highlight Belly's "96 Miles from Bethlehem," praising its relevance to the Gaza conflict and Belly's Palestinian heritage.

The hosts conclude by directing listeners to their website and Patreon for additional content, fostering a sense of community and ongoing engagement with their audience.

Damaris (127:48): "Shout out to Vince Staples for another dope project."

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Growth: Rory shares insightful experiences balancing fatherhood and personal challenges, illustrating the importance of family support.
• Industry Accountability: The discussion on Puff Daddy underscores the necessity for accountability within the music industry and the role of media in uncovering the truth.
• Artistic Integrity: The debate surrounding Drake's ghostwriting raises questions about authenticity and the collaborative nature of modern hip hop.
• Legacy and Evolution: Eminem's ongoing musical evolution prompts reflections on how artists adapt while maintaining their legacy.
• Relationship Wisdom: Listener voicemails offer practical advice on navigating conflicts, emphasizing communication and self-awareness.
• Community Engagement: The hosts foster a supportive community by recognizing fellow artists and encouraging listeners to support meaningful projects.

This episode of New Rory & MAL weaves together personal anecdotes, critical industry discussions, and community interactions, offering listeners a multifaceted exploration of topics relevant both inside and outside the music world.