Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 287 | Rap Loses When The Family Feuds

Introduction and Opening Skit (00:00 – 02:52)

The episode kicks off with Rory and Mal humorously discussing their upcoming live podcast at City Winery in Philadelphia. Rory teases that Mal might break his veganism by ordering a cheesesteak on stage, leading to playful banter about potential onstage mishaps. This light-hearted start transitions into a satirical skit where a fictional character, Joe, announces he's going to shoot his unfaithful partner, setting the tone for the episode's blend of humor and social commentary.

R. Kelly and Music in Prison (02:52 – 05:58)

Rory and Mal delve into the controversial topic of R. Kelly performing music while incarcerated. They critique the ethical dilemma of boycotting R. Kelly if he continues to entertain inmates. Mal humorously suggests extreme reactions, stating, "You have to stab him like he was fucking with kids" (02:40), highlighting the conflicting feelings surrounding R. Kelly's musical talents versus his criminal actions. They discuss the authenticity and acoustics of prison recordings, pondering whether R. Kelly's performances are genuinely influenced by his environment or artificially enhanced by prison facilities.

Greatest Rappers and Family Feud Results (05:58 – 13:23)

The conversation shifts to the recent Family Feud episode where the question, "Who is the greatest rapper of all time?" sparked surprising results. Snoop Dogg topped the list, which Rory finds logical, stating, "I've argued for years that Snoop Dogg is the most famous rapper of all time" (12:01). However, the inclusion of figures like Dr. Dre puzzled the hosts, leading to a critical analysis of Family Feud's polling methods. They argue that the survey likely reflected a California-centric view, questioning the validity of proclaiming certain artists as the greatest without considering broader demographics and delving into statistical biases.

LL Cool J and His Reconciliation with Jay Z (13:23 – 24:32)

Rory and Mal revisit the historical feud between LL Cool J and Jay Z, noting LL's recent interviews where he downplays past tensions. Mal appreciates LL's maturity, saying, "It was good to see LL cool it and laugh at it" (19:31). They discuss LL's enduring impact on hip hop and his ability to maintain relevance through collaborations with artists like Nas and Eminem. The hosts commend LL for his contributions over four decades, emphasizing the importance of respecting legacy artists in the evolving landscape of hip hop.

Personal Life Updates and Social Media Interactions (24:32 – 37:55)

The hosts share personal anecdotes about social interactions, including a missed barbecue invitation and reflections on maintaining friendships. Mal recounts seeing a friend’s house burglarized and the anxiety it induced: "I was like, damn. I was gonna hit him up and be like, yo, listen" (26:14). Rory discusses the impact of social media on personal relationships and public personas, touching on Lupe Fiasco's involvement in Twitter Spaces and its effects on his career. They explore the double-edged nature of platforms like Twitter Spaces, which can amplify voices but also expose individuals to backlash and misinterpretation.

Show Recommendations and Media Critique (37:55 – 56:10)

Rory and Mal recommend various TV shows, highlighting "The Bear" and contrasting it with other popular series like "House of the Dragon" and "Presume Innocent." They discuss the portrayal of violence and character development in media, critiquing unnecessary sexual content in shows like "Euphoria." The conversation extends to favorite characters and actors, with playful debates about the depiction of physical attributes and authenticity in performances.

Reflections on High School and Life Decisions (56:10 – 88:43)

The podcast takes a reflective turn as the hosts ponder the hypothetical scenario of waking up as a high school freshman with adult knowledge. Mal shares, "If I woke up with the same knowledge I have now, I definitely would have been single the entire time through high school" (57:39), emphasizing the value of memories and friendships over romantic relationships. Rory and Damaris discuss regrets and opportunities missed, such as focusing more on academics or extracurricular activities, highlighting the balance between personal growth and real-life experiences. They explore the influence of early decisions on current life paths, stressing the importance of seizing opportunities without dwelling on past choices.

Parenting and Social Circles (88:43 – 114:30)

The hosts discuss their approaches to parenting, particularly in guiding their children’s interests and activities. Mal advocates for exposing children to diverse experiences, saying, "I like, just take him, put him in and see if he gravitates towards it" (125:27), referring to sports like golf. Rory shares his experiences with parenting, including balancing work and family life, and emphasizes the importance of allowing children to explore their interests organically. The conversation also touches on managing social circles and handling invitations to events, showcasing the challenges of maintaining friendships and social obligations.

Political Discussions: President Joe Biden, Trump, Kamala Harris (114:30 – 133:55)

Rory and Mal engage in a heated discussion about U.S. politics, focusing on President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the upcoming presidential race. Mal expresses skepticism about Biden's capabilities, stating, "He should not be the President of the United States" (108:28), while Rory grapples with his views on Biden’s age and effectiveness compared to former President Trump. They debate the implications of leadership styles, ageism, and the impact of political decisions on public perception. The conversation highlights the hosts' frustration with political figures and the complexities of voter expectations.

Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun and Masters Controversy (133:55 – 145:00)

The podcast delves into the contentious issue of Taylor Swift’s battle to reclaim ownership of her master recordings from Scooter Braun. Rory critiques the label’s handling of the situation, expressing doubt about Taylor's opportunity to buy back her masters: “She was like, I can't” (84:15). Mal questions the transparency of the negotiations, suggesting, "I don't know if she knew, but they probably knew" (84:38). They discuss the broader implications for artists' rights and the music industry's practices regarding master ownership, emphasizing the importance of artist autonomy and fair treatment in contractual agreements.

WNBA and Team USA Performance (145:00 – 158:56)

Rory and Mal review the recent WNBA game featuring Team USA, comparing it to the legendary NBA Dream Team. They express concerns over Team USA’s performance, noting gaps in teamwork and skill compared to historical teams. Mal praises standout players like Arike Ogunbowale, stating, “She's one of the best guards in the league” (148:43), while Rory debates the team’s chances for Olympic gold, forecasting a possible silver finish. The hosts analyze the evolution of international basketball talent and the strategic differences in modern playstyles, offering insights into the dynamic competitiveness of global basketball.

Closing Remarks and Shout-Outs (158:56 – End)

In the final segment, the hosts encourage listeners to attend their live shows in Philadelphia on July 25th at City Winery, urging fans to secure tickets quickly. They share shout-outs to friends and discuss upcoming plans, wrapping up the episode with a mix of humor and camaraderie. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal growth, artistic integrity, and the ongoing challenges within the music and sports industries.

Notable Quotes:

• Mal on Veganism and Cheesesteak: “Nah, that just sounds bad. Definitely not eating a cheesesteak on stage.” (00:16)

• Mal on R. Kelly: “We ain't with him, but if we locked up with R. Kelly... it's like, yo, we ain't fucking with that. And he a piece of shit.” (02:11)

• Rory on Family Feud's Rappers List: “Snoop Dogg is the most famous rapper of all time.” (12:10)

• Mal on LL Cool J: “LL is the first superstar in rap.” (15:28)

• Rory on Twitter Spaces and Lupe Fiasco: “Twitter Spaces during the weekend is lit. ... Lupe Fiasco is one of the sharper minds in our culture.” (57:39)

• Mal on Parenting: “I like, just take him, put him in and see if he gravitates towards it.” (125:27)

• Rory on Biden's Presidency: “He should not be the President of the United States.” (108:28)

• Rory on Taylor Swift's Masters: “It's insane to me... I think she's a victim.” (84:15)

• Mal on WNBA: “She’s one of the best guards in the league.” (148:43)

This episode of New Rory & MAL offers a wide-ranging discussion encompassing music industry controversies, personal life reflections, political opinions, and sports analysis. Through engaging dialogue and candid insights, Rory and Mal provide listeners with a comprehensive look into their perspectives on current events and cultural phenomena.