Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL Episode 330 | Is J. Cole The King Of NY? Release Date: December 20, 2024
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

I. Introduction

In Episode 330 of "New Rory & MAL," hosts Rory and Mal delve into a heated debate about whether renowned rapper J. Cole deserves the title "King of New York." The episode intertwines personal anecdotes, concert experiences, and in-depth discussions about artist affiliations and regional dominance in the hip-hop scene.

II. Experiences at J. Cole's Concert

The conversation kicks off with Rory and Mal sharing their recent experience attending J. Cole's concert at Madison Square Garden (MSG). They discuss the bustling atmosphere, interactions with fellow fans, and the overall impact of the live performance.

• Rory recounts his emotional reaction to Cole’s performance of "Get Off My Dick," stating, "I don't want... just screaming every single lyric. We rap the entire show of my lungs... [02:15]."

• Mal highlights the enthusiasm of the crowd and the seamless execution of the show: "He hit every single syllable. Word. Perfect. It was such an amazing performance." [14:11]

III. The Debate: Is J. Cole the King of NY?

A. Supporting Arguments

Rory and Mal present several points advocating for J. Cole's reign as the King of New York:

1. Authentic Representation: Cole's deep roots in Queens, New York, and his consistent representation of his hometown in his music are cited as strong indicators of his authenticity and connection to the city.

   • Mal: "He lived in Jamaica, Queens for most of his life. I think that gives. We can claim him." [29:03]

2. Musical Influence: Cole's influence on the New York hip-hop sound and his ability to stay true to the city's musical heritage bolster his claim.

   • Julian: "He records a lot here, mostly here. [29:16]"

B. Counterarguments

However, the hosts also acknowledge challenges to Cole's claim:

1. Public Perception: Some argue that Cole's origins outside the typical New York rap archetype may dilute his standing among purists.

   • Damaris: "He doesn’t claim New York. [29:19]"

2. Comparison with Other Icons: Comparing Cole to established New York legends like Jay-Z and Nas raises questions about his relative place in the hierarchy.

   • Damaris: "The king of New York is crazy. I have said for years, though, that we claim Colt Cole." [29:12]

C. Listener and Social Media Reactions

The hosts reference social media debates and listener opinions that both support and contest Cole’s status, demonstrating the divisive nature of the topic.

• Julian: "He is a New York rapper, definitely." [28:49]

IV. Discussions on Other Artists

A. SZA and Her Upcoming Project

Transitioning from the main debate, the hosts discuss SZA's anticipated album, expressing excitement and analyzing her artistic direction.

• Mal: "I just can't wait for SZA to talk about... I'm gonna go for a walk tomorrow... [47:58]"

B. Reflections on Artist Relationships and Fandom

Rory and Mal explore how personal relationships and public personas of artists influence their fanbases and the artists’ musical output.

• Rory: "I was happy." [27:04]
• Damaris: "She just knew you were. I literally didn't see Damaris until... [10:33]"

V. Listener Voicemails

A. Maddie's Experience at a Wine Liquor Store

A listener named Maddie shares her frustrating encounter with a wine store's strict cell phone policy, leading to poor customer service and an unpleasant shopping experience.

• Maddie’s Situation:
  • Timestamp: [105:44]-[127:44]
  • Details: Maddie describes being on a phone call while shopping, being reprimanded by the store staff, and receiving a hostile response after leaving a negative review.

B. Hosts’ Advice and Discussion

Rory, Mal, and Damaris offer their perspectives on how Maddie should navigate the situation, emphasizing setting boundaries and handling awkward encounters gracefully.

• Rory: "You shouldn’t have to hang up... [120:33]"

• Damaris: "She finally figured out you're not a friend... [107:42]"

VI. Final Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of artist endorsements, business practices within the music industry, and the importance of authenticity in claiming regional dominance. They also touch on upcoming projects and tease future discussions, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and insightful commentary.

• Rory: "We won't have a Drake and Rick Ross song again like that. It sucks for me." [76:37]

• Mall: "If Sizzle wants to add 35 onto Lana, I'm not gonna complain." [47:58]

Notable Quotes

• Mal: "Every now and then. Just not, you know, around you." [04:49]

• Rory: "A show like that... I have myself on video crying." [27:05]

• Damaris: "How can we claim him if we can't even put a list together right now." [36:23]

• Julian: "It was a real couple... [07:41]"

• Mall: "They were selling over a hundred songs... You do a deluxe so you can get more streams on the album." [45:31]

Conclusion

Episode 330 of "New Rory & MAL" offers a comprehensive and lively exploration of J. Cole's potential title as the King of New York, enriched by personal narratives and thoughtful debate. The hosts adeptly balance humor with critical analysis, providing listeners with both entertainment and substantial discussion on contemporary music dynamics.