Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL - Episode 333 | "It Is What It Is"

Release Date: January 3, 2025
Hosts: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

In the premiere episode of 2025, New Rory & MAL dives into a blend of hip hop insights, media critiques, personal anecdotes, and reflections on recent events. The hosts, Rory and Damaris, engage in lively discussions, interspersed with humorous banter and listener interactions, setting the tone for a year filled with dynamic conversations.

2. Hip Hop and Musical Discussions

Frank Sinatra vs. Modern Rappers:
The episode opens with Rory reciting a rap verse, leading into a discussion about the evolution of musical style and talent. The conversation pivots to comparing legends like Frank Sinatra with contemporary rappers.

• Rory: "He had style. Yeah. Frank Sinatra had a lot of style. Very cool cat." [01:30]
• Damaris: "Frank Sinatra had style for that type of music and era. Similarly, modern rappers offer lifestyle and swag that attract audiences even if the lyrical talent isn't always at peak."

Pimp My Ride Revival:
Hosts speculate on the potential return of the nostalgic show "Pimp My Ride," debating its feasibility and entertainment value.

• Rory: "If they're gonna bring it back, let it actually be cars that people can actually use day to day." [03:43]
• Damaris: "Pimp My Ride was just to entertain with absolute nonsense. It was hilarious but impractical." [04:08]

King of New York Debate:
A significant portion is dedicated to debating who holds the title "King of New York" in hip hop, discussing icons like Jay Z, Nikki, and emerging artists like Joey Badass.

• Damaris: "Joey Badass has the talent and lyrical ability to be the King of New York. He needs to make some drastic mainstream moves." [49:51]
• Rory: "To be the king, you need a consistent run and dominance. Jay Z exemplifies that." [50:19]

Joey Badass and Hip Hop Casualties:
The hosts reflect on the impact of artists like Pop Smoke and the ongoing rap beefs, emphasizing the importance of lyrical depth and consistency in maintaining relevance.

• Damaris: "Pop Smoke was on his way to being the new young king of New York." [52:51]
• Rory: "People don't understand what disses are anymore. Mentioning a coast or artist doesn't automatically mean a diss." [35:01]

3. Media and Journalism

Elliot Wilson Controversy:
Rory and Damaris dissect a recent contentious appearance by journalist Elliot Wilson, debating journalistic integrity and the evolving media landscape.

• Damaris: "Elliot was trying to voice his disdain for certain platforms but ended up targeting Cam and Mace, which created unnecessary tension." [10:02]
• Rory: "Shout out to Cam and Mace. It is what it is." [11:40]

Changing Media Standards:
The discussion extends to how social media and podcasting have democratized media, challenging traditional journalistic qualifications.

• Damaris: "Hip hop allows journalists without traditional degrees to thrive based on talent and connection." [22:42]
• Rory: "We all have social media and cameras, making these issues more visible, though not necessarily new." [06:16]

4. New Year Reflections and Current Events

2025 Happenings:
The hosts express optimism mixed with skepticism about the year's outlook, referencing unusual events that marked the beginning of 2025.

• Damaris: "Prayers to everyone in New Orleans after the tragic events on New Year's Day." [77:39]
• Rory: "There's some type of connection between the shootings in New Orleans and the incident in Vegas involving a Tesla truck." [78:43]

Conspiracy Theories and Tragedies:
A heated debate emerges around recent violent incidents, with Damaris airing strong views on government conspiracies.

• Damaris: "The ISIS flag incident is a ploy by our government to distract us while they pursue their agenda in the Middle East." [78:01]
• Rory: "I'm with you on that." [79:14]

5. Technology Nostalgia

iPods and Music Consumption:
Nostalgia hits as the hosts reminisce about the era of iPods, debating the merits of dedicating devices solely to music versus integrating all functions into smartphones.

• Rory: "I feel like Apple needs to bring a new iPod back. We need something just for our music." [70:16]
• Damaris: "An iPod would preserve your music without exposing your personal data, unlike phones." [70:34]

AirPods and Modern Listening Habits:
The practicality and social implications of using AirPods are discussed, highlighting safety and awareness issues.

• Rory: "With AirPods, you can't hear the world around you. Important things happening while you're distracted by music." [73:35]
• Damaris: "Using one AirPod helps maintain some awareness of your surroundings." [74:10]

6. Relationships and Personal Stories

Listener Voicemail on Dating with Children:
A listener seeks advice on dating someone with kids, sparking a debate on boundaries and emotional motivations.

• Caller: "I feel like I'm fixing something in their child's life that I needed during my bad childhood. Is this weird?" [82:07]
• Damaris: "She's overstepping by using the child to fix her own traumas. Tread lightly." [83:38]
• Mal: "It's not selfish if you're genuinely forming a supportive relationship with the child." [87:37]

7. LeBron James' 40th Birthday Party

Unexpected Rapping Moments:
The hosts recount a unique incident where LeBron James rapped over a Kendrick Lamar track during his 40th birthday, blending celebrity culture with hip hop.

• Damaris: "LeBron was rapping a Kendrick song at his party. It was unexpected but impressive." [56:35]
• Rory: "LeBron deserves it all. His spotless career is commendable." [60:53]

8. Closing Remarks

As the episode winds down, Rory, Damaris, and Mal discuss their plans for the year ahead, including engaging with listeners through Patreon and setting the stage for future topics.

• Rory: "Let's get into our Patreon and share our grievances to start 2025 with a clean slate." [103:33]
• Damaris: "Looking forward to our 2025 predictions and continuing these dynamic conversations." [103:27]

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: "I felt like I'm fixing something, you know?" [82:27]
• Damaris: "Hip hop is the only space in business where someone can be an exec without formal schooling." [22:42]
• Mal: "If you're dating with someone who has children, make sure it's for the right reasons, not just to fix your past." [85:05]

Conclusion:
Episode 333 of New Rory & MAL offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of hip hop culture, media dynamics, personal relationships, and societal events as the hosts navigate the complexities of 2025 with their characteristic humor and insight. Whether debating the legacy of musical legends or dissecting contemporary issues, Rory, Damaris, and Mal provide listeners with a rich tapestry of conversations that resonate both personally and culturally.