Episode 331 | Our Best Of 2024 – New Rory & MAL
Release Date: December 24, 2024
1. Holiday Reflections and Family Time (00:02:10 – 00:05:00)
Rory and Mal kick off the episode by sharing their holiday experiences, emphasizing the importance of family time amidst the festive chaos. Rory discusses hosting his father and the extended family, highlighting the blend of warmth and the challenges of managing multiple guests.
Notable Quote:
- Rory [05:01]: "I'm hosting this year, which is always fun, I guess, but, you know, my dad's already been here for a week, is staying for another week."
2. High School Memories and Friendships (00:05:00 – 00:09:00)
The hosts delve into nostalgia, reminiscing about high school friendships and the divergent paths classmates have taken. Mal shares a poignant moment about encountering a former high school friend struggling with life, underscoring the often unexpected trajectories people take.
Notable Quote:
- Mal [09:24]: "He was the first dude I ever saw wearing Louis Vuitton. Like, wearing it. Like, I always saw, like, Louis luggage and things."
3. Best Rap Albums of 2024 (00:20:55 – 00:30:00)
Rory presents his top ten rap albums of the year, featuring artists like Freddie Gibbs, Dochi, and Vince Staples. The discussion highlights the diversity and quality of the rap scene in 2024, with each host contributing their favorites and providing personal insights into why these albums stood out.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [22:02]: "Number one, Freddie Gibbs, you only die once."
- Peach [25:37]: "If you haven't heard 96 miles from Bethlehem, please do yourself a favor and listen to that."
4. Top R&B Albums of 2024 (00:34:07 – 00:44:00)
Transitioning to R&B, Rory and his co-hosts discuss their favorite albums of the year. The list includes standout projects from Leon Thomas III, Lucky Day, and Sinead Bryson, among others. The conversation touches on the evolution of the genre and the impact of these albums on the current musical landscape.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [34:44]: "Leon Thomas Mutt. I also think that is the best R B album."
- Peach [36:16]: "Leon Thomas, obviously, album of the year, in my opinion."
5. Pop Culture Highlights of 2024 (00:43:00 – 00:58:00)
The hosts explore significant pop culture moments from the year, including high-profile data breaches, celebrity news, and notable events like the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feuds. They critique media coverage, especially focusing on the Today Show’s handling of various incidents.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [43:58]: "I do want to see it, but I'm not going in with high hopes. Even with people telling me it sucks. I still want to see it."
- Peach [54:02]: "I just want some clarification."
6. Listener Voicemails and Advice (00:98:30 – 01:19:00)
In this segment, the hosts address listener voicemails, offering advice on personal and sensitive issues. One caller seeks guidance on confronting a brother involved in inappropriate online behavior, leading to a discussion on handling such delicate family matters with empathy and assertiveness.
Notable Quotes:
- Mal [103:15]: "You could also get a therapist. You could guilt him with the religious angle, too."
- Rory [114:25]: "But once you're there, I'm like, I'm here. I'm just gonna bring a book."
7. SZA's Latest Album Discussion (00:64:27 – 01:19:00)
Rory and the team delve into SZA's recent album release, "Scorpio Baby Daddy," analyzing its connection to her previous work, "SOS." They debate whether the new release signifies a new artistic era or serves as an extension of her existing legacy. The conversation praises SZA's lyrical prowess and the cohesive sound of her projects.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [75:31]: "I think, honestly, in the height of the moment before I nutted, I would probably agree to that."
- Peach [78:28]: "That's the type of music she makes. That's her. The zone that she's in."
8. Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes (01:19:00 – End)
As the episode draws to a close, Rory, Mal, and Peach extend their holiday greetings to listeners, encouraging them to enjoy family time and catch up on past episodes. They briefly mention upcoming episodes and express gratitude towards their audience.
Notable Quote:
- Rory [122:56]: "We're gonna skipping one episode for you guys. You will not have one on Friday and Saturday. But we will be right back Monday."
Conclusion
Episode 331 of New Rory & MAL serves as a comprehensive year-end review, blending personal anecdotes with in-depth discussions on music and pop culture. The hosts provide thoughtful insights into their favorite albums of 2024, reflect on personal experiences, and engage with listeners' concerns, all while maintaining their characteristic humor and candidness.