Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL
Episode: 294 | "You Know I Had To Do It To Em"
Release Date: August 16, 2024
1. Tour Announcements and Excitement for the Midwest
00:00 - 02:15
Rory and Mal kick off the episode by sharing their enthusiasm for their upcoming Midwest tour dates. Rory announces performances in Detroit on August 22nd and Chicago on August 25th, expressing his excitement about visiting these vibrant cities.
- Rory: "Detroit, we will see you August 22nd. Chicago, we will see you August 25th. I cannot wait to get to the Midwest. It's always a fun trip too, between Detroit and Chicago." ([00:00])
Mal echoes Rory's excitement, reinforcing the appeal of these cities.
- Mal: "Two of my favorite cities for sure." ([00:13])
They encourage listeners to purchase tickets via their website, newroarimal.com, highlighting their anticipation for delivering a memorable show.
2. Anecdote: Helping an Elderly Woman and Symbolic Adoptions
02:13 - 13:43
Rory narrates a personal story from Monday night where he assists an elderly woman struggling to enter her building in Manhattan. Despite language barriers and security indifference, Rory helps her reach her apartment, only to discover she has symbolically adopted five individuals online to prevent her son from committing suicide.
- Rory: "I I was like, I'm gonna go in." ([09:35])
As Rory delves deeper, he reflects on the complexities of symbolic adoptions and the emotional weight they carry, leading to discussions about responsibility and community support.
- Rory: "So, she was a really sweet woman... making sure blood can even Flow? Yeah, from her arteries and her legs to her heart." ([06:11])
The story evolves into a broader conversation about community care, systemic failures, and personal responsibility, with Mal and Julian contributing their perspectives on the situation.
3. Discussion on Michael Rubin's Comments on Black on Black Hate
13:43 - 27:40
The conversation shifts to Michael Rubin's appearance on Breakfast Club Fanatics, where he addressed black on black hate within the Black community. Rory and Mal express their mixed reactions to Rubin, a white man, speaking on issues predominantly affecting the Black community.
- Mal: "Michael Rubin is doing his press run... he doesn't like black people tearing each other down." ([14:29])
Rory critiques the appropriateness of Rubin's commentary, questioning whether someone outside the Black community should voice opinions on internal cultural issues. The discussion delves into the nuances of representation, cultural critique, and the responsibilities of influential figures.
- Rory: "It's a little hypocritical when you're from that community." ([18:14])
Julian adds that negative dynamics like hate within any community are universal issues, not exclusive to the Black community, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic problems over interpersonal conflicts.
- Julian: "That's just people. It's just people." ([20:36])
The trio debates the implications of Rubin's statements, the backlash he faced, and the broader societal conversations about internal community struggles versus external perceptions.
4. Social Media's Impact on Hip Hop and Lack of Originality
27:40 - 43:50
Rory and Mal transition to analyzing how social media has homogenized hip hop, leading to a decline in originality. They reference Tyler's interview, where he criticizes the current generation of artists for lacking the distinct sounds of predecessors like Jay-Z and Pharrell.
- Rory: "Social media made it easier for people to be seen, people to be heard... Everybody's influenced by what they're seeing." ([34:43])
The conversation highlights how algorithms and viral trends push artists to emulate what's currently popular, stifling creative innovation. They lament the replication of successful formulas instead of fostering unique artistic expressions.
- Mal: "Social media is great, but at the same time, it's kind of like follow the leader." ([34:39])
They compare the past diversity in hip hop sounds to today's uniformity, attributing the shift to the rapid dissemination of trends via digital platforms.
5. Tyler's Interview and Critique of Modern Hip Hop Culture
43:50 - 77:23
The discussion centers around Tyler's perspective on the lack of originality in today's hip hop, emphasizing the importance of genuine influence over mere imitation. They critique artists like Ian, whom they perceive as pastiches of established stars such as Future and Gucci Mane.
- Rory: "Tyler is dressed like that right now on the couch... it's a product of people being able to see what everybody's doing immediately." ([40:22])
They contrast Tyler's authentic innovation with newer artists who, in their view, prioritize superficial fame over artistic growth. The conversation touches on the cultural responsibilities of artists to push genres forward rather than replicate existing sounds.
- Rory: "He didn't just sound like anything else when he was a kid... he was clearly influenced by them." ([42:49])
This segment underscores their desire for a resurgence of originality in hip hop, advocating for artists who draw inspiration responsibly and contribute meaningfully to the genre's evolution.
6. Casual Banter, Relationship Advice, and Social Media Observations
77:23 - 95:54
Transitioning from serious discussions, the hosts engage in lighthearted conversations about relationship dynamics, social media behaviors, and personal anecdotes. They offer unsolicited relationship advice to a voicemail caller seeking guidance on balancing interest levels in dating.
- Mal: "First of all, calm your loins... don't be so horny." ([85:00])
The dialogue includes humorous takes on Instagram filters, the authenticity of online personas, and the perils of over-sharing personal moments. They debate the impacts of augmented reality on self-image and interpersonal relationships.
- Rory: "I think we've given no context... she asked you about your glasses prescription and then ended it with seeing someone across the room." ([96:40])
Additionally, they discuss the challenges of maintaining genuine connections in an era dominated by digital interactions, highlighting the disparity between online facades and real-life personalities.
7. Closing Remarks and Show Promotions
95:54 - 110:41
In the final segment, Rory and Mal reiterate their tour dates, expanding to locations like London, Toronto, Atlanta, and New York. They encourage listeners to attend their shows and promote their website for ticket purchases.
- Rory: "Tickets available now@newroadmall.com... Hope to see you guys there. Have a safe weekend. Be blessed. Be careful." ([107:32])
The episode concludes with playful exchanges, signatures, and reminders of their tour schedule, maintaining the show's energetic and engaging tone.
- Julian: "Yo, that's a belt." ([110:38])
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Rory: "I'm really excited. I think it's gonna be a great show." ([00:15])
- Mal: "It's gonna be a beautiful show." ([00:28])
- Rory: "It's a little hypocritical when you're from that community." ([18:14])
- Julian: "That's just people. It's just people." ([20:36])
- Rory: "Social media made it easier for people to be seen, people to be heard." ([34:43])
- Mal: "Social media is great, but at the same time, it's kind of like follow the leader." ([34:39])
- Rory: "Tyler is dressed like that right now on the couch... it's a product of people being able to see what everybody's doing immediately." ([40:22])
- Mal: "First of all, calm your loins... don't be so horny." ([85:00])
- Rory: "Tickets available now@newroadmall.com... Hope to see you guys there. Have a safe weekend. Be blessed. Be careful." ([107:32])
Conclusion
Episode 294 of New Rory & MAL navigates through a blend of personal storytelling, cultural critiques, and casual banter. The hosts engage in thought-provoking discussions about community responsibility, the authenticity of artistic influence in hip hop, and the pervasive impact of social media on creative expression. Interspersed with humor and relatable anecdotes, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into the hosts' perspectives while promoting their upcoming tours.