Podcast Summary: Episode 332 | Sittin’ & Spittin’
New Rory & MAL Episode 332, titled "Sittin’ & Spittin’," released on December 31, 2024, features hosts Rory Farrell and Jamil "Mal" Clay engaging in a candid and humorous discussion reflecting on the past year, personal experiences, the state of the music industry, and popular culture. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
1. Year in Review and Generational Perspectives
The episode opens with the hosts reflecting on the tumultuous year of 2024. They humorously debate the perception of the year feeling longer due to various events.
- Jamil "Mal" Clay [00:03]: "Happy last day of 2024. All I can say is it was a year. A year happened."
- Rory Farrell [00:10]: "How many years was this year? This year was like four years. Had to be."
They transition into discussing generational labels, particularly the introduction of "Generation Beta" anticipated for 2025.
- Mal [00:33]: "According to Twitter, 10 years ago, 2025, women will be having sex with robots. So we have one more day where you can get some pussy, because we will be replaced in the morning."
The conversation highlights their skepticism and amusement towards new generational labels and the fluidity of generational boundaries.
2. Personal Grooming and PRF Treatment
The hosts delve into personal care, particularly discussing Mal's decision to undergo a PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) treatment to address dark circles under his eyes, contrasting it with Botox.
- Mal [03:27]: "I went under the needle, if you will. I gifted myself PRF for my under eyes."
- Rory [04:31]: "It's like an ibbo. It's like an eye fat transfer."
Mal emphasizes the importance of self-care, especially for those constantly in the public eye, and advocates for men embracing such treatments without shame.
- Mal [04:41]: "And men, it's okay for us to do this. I don't think we should feel ashamed."
3. New Year's Eve Plans and Relationship Reflections
Rory discusses his plans for celebrating New Year's Eve alone, preparing traditional dishes, and his reflections on past relationships.
- Rory [11:41]: "I'm making smoke. I mean, I'm going to make some collard greens, some honey butter cornbread. Rice and peas."
- Rory [12:24]: "No, I'm so good. Guys, one of my New Year's resolutions is all new. Dick. I don't want anything old. I don't want no old holes."
The conversation underscores a desire for personal growth and stepping out of comfort zones, highlighting the challenges and fears associated with change.
4. Beyoncé's Netflix Performance
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Beyoncé's performance on Netflix, which Mal praises for surpassing Super Bowl viewership numbers.
- Mal [19:03]: "This shit should be in the Smithsonian of live performances. It was so fucking good."
- Rory [21:34]: "I thought it was amazing. I just think everything just looked perfect. The costumes, the choreography."
They defend Beyoncé against criticisms suggesting her vocals were not genuine, affirming the authenticity and artistry of her performance.
- Mal [23:04]: "She was definitely singing. I knew the songs because I really do like Cowboy Carter."
5. Jack Harlow's Music and Artistic Direction
The hosts analyze Jack Harlow's recent musical endeavors, expressing mixed feelings about his shift towards a more mainstream direction and his offerings like "Tranquility."
- Mal [36:43]: "I think Jack probably would have just made that record and it happened to catch. That's why I do respect it."
- Rory [38:16]: "Artists tend to do this a lot where they have success, and then they put out another project that was okay, didn't have the success as the previous project."
They discuss the challenges artists face in maintaining authenticity while evolving their music to cater to broader audiences.
6. Discussion on Rap Biopics and Movies
A lively debate ensues about the portrayal of rappers in movies, comparing films like Notorious and Straight Outta Compton.
- Rory [58:22]: "But how could you not call it the 50 Cent story? When he got shot..."
- Mal [59:54]: "I think he was having an identity crisis and was talking about it in this freestyle."
They critique the accuracy and narrative choices in rap biopics, emphasizing the difference between reality and cinematic portrayal.
- Mal [62:11]: "Crush Groove is an 80s film written by Ralph. You got it."
7. Top 10 Get Up Anthems from LA
The hosts present and discuss the top 10 get-up anthems from Los Angeles, highlighting influential tracks that energize clubs and social gatherings.
- Ice Cube – "It Was a Good Day"
- Mal [146:58]: "Juicy to me is the number one rap song ever."
- YG – "BPT"
- Rory [147:50]: "I wouldn't have thought that would make this list, but I'm not mad at that at all."
- Warren G featuring Nate Dogg – "Regulate" [Time Stamp Needed]
- Nipsey Hussle, YG
- Kendrick Lamar
- Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg
- Drake – "Shook Ones"
- Freddie Gibbs
- Lil Kim
- DMX – "Party Up"
The discussion reflects on the cultural significance of these tracks and their role in defining the West Coast sound.
- Mal [148:00]: "It's a modern classic to me. So I'm not mad at that."
- Rory [150:16]: "Shook Ones feels New York without the girl element."
8. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Projects
As the episode wraps up, the hosts express gratitude towards their guest, Elliot Wilson, and discuss upcoming projects and the evolving landscape of podcasting and media in the music industry.
- Rory [158:35]: "Thank you, Elliot. We appreciate it and hope to have you back in 2025 to promote some more."
- Mal [159:27]: "Happy New Year, everyone. Have a safe night. It's amateur night."
They touch upon the challenges of traditional journalism in an era dominated by streaming and content creation, advocating for a balance between entertainment and informational content.
Notable Themes and Insights:
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Adaptation in the Music Industry: The hosts emphasize the need for artists and media personalities to adapt to changing platforms and audience preferences to stay relevant.
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Authenticity vs. Mainstream Appeal: A recurring theme is the tension between maintaining artistic authenticity and appealing to a broader audience, as seen in discussions about Beyoncé and Jack Harlow.
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Impact of Media on Artist Legacy: They critique how media shapes and sometimes distorts the legacy of artists through selective reporting and cinematic portrayals.
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Personal Growth and Self-Care: Reflecting on personal experiences, the hosts advocate for self-improvement and self-care, highlighting the importance of mental and physical well-being.
Conclusion:
Episode 332 of New Rory & MAL offers a multifaceted conversation touching upon personal anecdotes, critiques of media portrayals, and deep dives into the state of the music industry. With humor and candidness, Rory Farrell and Jamil "Mal" Clay provide listeners with both entertainment and insightful commentary, making it a valuable listen for fans and newcomers alike.