Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 334 | Fighting Irish
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Hosts: Rory Farrell & Jamil "Mal" Clay
Produced by: Studio71
1. Welcome and Holiday Recap [00:24 - 03:35]
Rory and Mal kick off the episode by addressing the post-holiday return to work sentiments prevalent on social media. Unlike many who felt the crunch of returning to their routines, Rory and Mal reveal that they continued recording through the holidays, making their "regular Monday" feel uninterrupted.
Notable Quote:
- Rory [02:14]: "Happy birthday to Mal. We were going to get you a cake, but, you know, we ran out of time and we spent it on the tolls."
They also celebrate Founders Day for the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, with Rory sharing his experience attending a Founders Day party in Sayc, New Jersey. The hosts discuss the high cost of bottles at the party and Mal notes the aggressive nature of younger bottle girls compared to those from Rory's era.
Notable Quote:
- Mal [04:37]: "No, younger girls are more aggressive."
2. Skip Bayless Sexual Harassment Lawsuit [01:07 - 26:55]
A significant portion of the episode delves into the highly publicized sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Ms. Faraji against Fox Sports, specifically targeting Skip Bayless. Rory and Mal dissect the allegations, including interactions between Skip, Ms. Faraji, and Joy Taylor, another Fox Sports host.
Key Points:
- Congestion Pricing in NYC: Rory criticizes the new toll system, viewing it as a money grab that won't effectively reduce traffic or improve public transit.
- Workplace Dynamics: Mal expresses skepticism about marrying money for access, while Rory empathizes with the victim's plight, highlighting the power imbalance in such situations.
- Support and Critique: The hosts debate the ethics of accepting monetary offers for personal relationships, with Mal questioning the moral grounds and Rory expressing disdain for transactional interactions in the workplace.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [01:07]: "This is just a money grab today. Yes, the streets were a little lighter with traffic coming in, but I don't think it's really going to change."
- Mal [26:55]: "So you sitting there. So the Money makes it. You can deal with it because you're getting a check."
The conversation intensifies as they discuss the broader implications of the lawsuit on Fox Sports, the potential fallout for Skip Bayless, and the challenges faced by women in maintaining career integrity amidst harassment.
3. Liangelo Ball's Viral Record [30:48 - 51:00]
Shifting gears, Rory and Mal explore the unexpected rise of Liangelo Ball's new track titled "Fighting Irish." They analyze its viral success, attributing it to Ball's fame as a basketball player rather than the musicality alone.
Key Points:
- Musical Style: The track incorporates elements reminiscent of artists like Chamillionaire and Nelly, blending New Orleans bounce with Midwest influences.
- Viral Factor: The hosts agree that Ball's celebrity status significantly contributed to the song's rapid popularity, though they question its longevity in mainstream charts without further promotion or strategic collaborations.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [50:33]: "I don't think there’s a lot to hate on Lil Baby. I didn’t think about."
- Mal [50:57]: "It's a bona fide hit."
4. Drake's "Fighting Irish" and Kanye's AI Integration [51:00 - 90:47]
The discussion transitions to Drake's leaked track "Fighting Irish," which has sparked debates over its authenticity and potential use of AI technology in music production. Rory praises the emotional depth of the song, suggesting it's a direct response to previous rap battles and personal conflicts within the industry.
Key Points:
- AI in Music: The hosts express concerns about the integration of AI in creating music, particularly referencing Kanye West's potential use of AI to produce albums. They debate the ethical and artistic implications, emphasizing the importance of human emotion and authenticity in music.
- Industry Dynamics: Rory highlights how AI could disrupt traditional roles of writers and producers, while Mal stresses the preservation of artistic integrity against technological encroachment.
Notable Quotes:
- Mal [68:18]: "Just like buying fake jewelry. A lot of fake jewelry looks great..."
- Rory [84:53]: "How has Kanye's AI affected the integrity of music? It’s a complete thing."
5. Lil Baby’s Latest Album and Rapper Longevity [90:07 - 116:35]
Rory and Mal critique Lil Baby’s recent album, discussing its reception and the necessity for artists to evolve their sound to maintain relevance. They draw parallels with other artists like Jadakiss and Gunna, debating the balance between consistency and innovation in music.
Key Points:
- Album Feedback: While acknowledging some successful tracks, the hosts argue that Lil Baby needs to diversify his musical approach to avoid stagnation.
- Rapper Lifespan: They discuss the typically short career spans of rappers and the importance of continual growth, using Lil Baby as a case study for potential longevity through musical evolution.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [95:16]: "I don’t think he delivered for how important this moment was with everyone saying it's been a little bit quiet..."
- Mal [116:35]: "Rapper's career is really not that long."
6. Relationship and Flirting Advice [117:35 - 151:57]
In what appears to be a listener interaction segment, Rory and Mal offer advice on modern dating dynamics, specifically addressing the appropriateness of women initiating conversations and flirting with men. They navigate through hypothetical scenarios, emphasizing confidence and mutual respect in romantic pursuits.
Key Points:
- Initiating Contact: Mal advocates for women confidently approaching men, viewing it as a positive shift in traditional dating norms.
- Navigating Flirting: The hosts discuss the nuances of flirting, including concerns about miscommunication and the importance of intentions behind interactions.
Notable Quotes:
- Mal [125:07]: "We’re not doing this. It’s 2025."
- Rory [149:25]: "I feel like we're stopping what we're doing to make sure we can hear a little Baby album. What is this was important."
7. Podcast Update and Closing Remarks [141:35 - 169:30]
As the episode nears its end, Rory and Mal announce that another host, Julian, is no longer part of the podcast. They extend their well-wishes to Julian and reaffirm their commitment to continuing the show without him.
Key Points:
- Host Departure: The hosts acknowledge Julian's departure, expressing gratitude for his contributions and wishing him success in future endeavors.
- Future Episodes: Rory and Mal hint at upcoming discussions and predictions, encouraging listeners to engage via Patreon for more in-depth content.
Notable Quotes:
- Rory [143:35]: "I saw that you had on our list. I have not been keeping up with the Megan gossip. I'm shocked you didn't want to start with this."
- Mal [151:13]: "She’s dating him. That’s what she’s trying to make it seem like it is."
Conclusion
Episode 334 of "New Rory & MAL" provides a deep dive into several hot topics of 2025, from high-profile lawsuits in sports media to the evolving landscape of music production influenced by AI. The hosts balance their discussions with personal anecdotes and listener interactions, offering both critique and advice on contemporary issues. As always, Rory and Mal maintain their candid and conversational style, making complex subjects accessible and engaging for their audience.
For more detailed discussions and to support the podcast, listeners are encouraged to visit Patreon.com/NewRoryAndMal.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Rory [01:07]: "This is just a money grab today. Yes, the streets were a little lighter with traffic coming in, but I don't think it's really going to change."
- Mal [04:37]: "No, younger girls are more aggressive."
- Mal [26:55]: "So you sitting there. So the Money makes it. You can deal with it because you're getting a check."
- Rory [50:33]: "I don't think there’s a lot to hate on Lil Baby. I didn’t think about."
- Mal [68:18]: "Just like buying fake jewelry. A lot of fake jewelry looks great..."
- Rory [95:16]: "I don’t think he delivered for how important this moment was with everyone saying it's been a little bit quiet..."
- Mal [125:07]: "We’re not doing this. It’s 2025."