Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL Episode: 274 | Don’t Come Back
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Hosts: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approximately 95 minutes

1. Celebrating Pride Month

The episode opens with the hosts enthusiastically acknowledging Pride Month, discussing its significance and how corporations are participating. They delve into the nuances of Pride, clarifying misconceptions about who it represents.

• Mal: “I hope I'm not disrespecting anything. I thought that's really what Pride Month was like. You're proud to be who you are.” [00:31]

• Rory: “Pride Month is not just, like, shit you're proud of.” [01:15]

The conversation touches on the commercialization of Pride, with corporations incorporating rainbow themes into their branding, prompting a discussion about authenticity and genuine support.

2. Eminem’s "Houdini" – A Critical Review

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to dissecting Eminem's latest single, "Houdini." The hosts express strong opinions, largely critical, regarding the song's quality and artistic direction.

• A: “I gave Julian some last week. He had been very vocal about his dislike of Eminem's music... Eminem is a legend.” [05:52]

• Mal: “This is just not good music. It’s not good music. I would never listen to this again.” [08:30]

They debate whether Eminem is recycling his old style for shock value, questioning his current creativity and lifestyle’s influence on his music production.

• Mal: “Eminem lifted the same old Hollywood trope. This is what they love me for. I’m going to do it again.” [07:50]

The hosts also touch upon Eminem's controversial lyrics, discussing their impact and appropriateness in modern music.

3. Shoutouts to Artists: Belly and Kehlani

Transitioning to more positive content, the hosts commend fellow artists Belly and Kehlani for their recent works and contributions to meaningful causes.

• Julian: “Shout out to Belly and his team for getting this project done. It stands for a special cause.” [22:35]

• Rory: “Shout out to Kehlani. Great video, great song.” [24:25]

They emphasize the importance of supporting artists who use their platforms for effective change, highlighting Kehlani’s dedication to charitable causes through her merchandise and music videos.

4. Rap Beef: Bia vs. Cardi

A heated discussion ensues about the ongoing rap feud between Bia and Cardi B. The hosts analyze diss tracks, legal threats, and the dynamics of modern rap battles.

• Mal: “She’s punching up and even Cardi in her diss was like, go stream a record.” [34:28]

• A: “I'm a fan calling from New Jersey... is that hip hop or not?” [60:01]

They debate the appropriateness of legal threats in rap battles, with some expressing disdain for taking disputes beyond lyrical jabs into legal realms.

• Rory: “Can we sue somebody for lying on your [Caitlyn]?” [32:56]

5. Music Performances and Events: Roots Picnic & Summer Jam

The hosts review recent music festivals, including Roots Picnic and Summer Jam, sharing their experiences and observations about performances and lineup changes.

• Julian: “I saw Nas, I saw some of Lloyd...” [45:35]

• Mal: “Method Man said, 'never again.'” [48:40]

They discuss lineup controversies, such as Sleepy Hollow’s removal from Summer Jam, attributing it to political influences and disagreements with organizers.

6. Basketball Discussions: WNBA and NBA Finals Predictions

Shifting to sports, the conversation covers standout performances in the WNBA, particularly Caitlyn Clark's gameplay, and includes predictions for the NBA Finals.

• Rory: “I want to see Kyrie get another ring.” [90:23]

• Mal: “Kyrie is a Shakespeare play.” [92:31]

They analyze player performances, team dynamics, and the broader implications of sports figures' personal lives on their careers and public perception.

7. Personal Stories: Family and Uncle’s Brownstone

Greg shares a personal story about his uncle’s brownstone in Harlem, touching on family dynamics and the challenges of keeping real estate within the family.

• Greg: “We had a memorial in Harlem... my uncle owns a brownstone.” [54:07]

The discussion highlights the intersection of family priorities and financial decisions, with a humorous take on pyramid scheme-like investment pitches.

8. Boy Bands Debate: NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys vs. B2K

A lively debate unfolds over the merits of different boy bands, with the hosts comparing NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and B2K in terms of musical impact and fan loyalty.

• Julian: “NSYNC has more to pick from.” [73:35]

• Mal: “Backstreet Boys are legends in their own right.” [69:16]

The conversation reflects on nostalgic experiences and the evolution of boy bands, balancing humor with genuine appreciation for their contributions to pop music.

9. Controversial News: Twitter Allows Porn

The hosts announce and discuss Instagram’s (referred to as Twitter) new policy permitting pornographic content, debating the implications for users and societal norms.

• Rory: “Shout out to porn. This is bad for the youth.” [80:48]

• Mal: “Porn is ruining everything.” [81:30]

They express concerns over accessibility and the impact on younger audiences, aligning with conservative viewpoints on digital content moderation.

10. Additional Topics and Light-hearted Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in various tangential discussions, including:

• Celebrity Birthdays: Sharing anecdotes about shared birthdays with celebrities like Lance Bass and Justin Timberlake.
• Seinfeld References: Making humorous references to classic TV moments and characters.
• Fashion and Events: Discussing personal attire, boutique visits, and curated events hosted by the hosts.
• Mental Health and Public Perception: Brief mentions of how public figures are perceived and the pressures they face.

11. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, maintaining an upbeat and inclusive tone.

• Julian: “Shout out to all my gay.” [05:39]

• Rory: “Happy Pride Month to all our LGBTQ+ listeners.” [02:25]

They encourage listeners to continue supporting positive and impactful art while navigating the complexities of modern music and culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Mal on Pride Month Authenticity: “Listen, I hope I'm not, like, disrespecting anything. I thought that's really what Pride Month was like. You're proud to be who you are.” [00:31]

• Julian on Eminem's Legacy: “Eminem is a legend. He's a goat. He's done things in music that a lot of artists have not been able to do.” [05:52]

• Rory’s Critique of "Houdini": “This is just not good music. It’s not good music. I would never listen to this again.” [08:30]

• Mal on Corporate Pride: “We are just celebrating.” [02:59]

• Greg’s Family Real Estate Story: “He owns a brownstone in Harlem... If we all put a thousand dollars together.” [55:03]

• Julian on Boy Bands: “Backstreet Boys are legends in their own right. And pretty much scored my childhood love.” [69:16]

• Rory on Twitter’s New Policy: “Porn is ruining everything.” [81:30]

Conclusion: Episode 274 of New Rory & MAL offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary music, cultural events, personal anecdotes, and societal issues. The hosts navigate through critical analyses, supportive shoutouts, and spirited debates, providing listeners with a comprehensive and engaging discourse on the topics that resonate with their diverse audience.