Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL - Episode 340 | "Fat, Juicy, & Trash"

Release Date: January 28, 2025

Hosts: Rory Farrell & Jamil "Mal" Clay

1. Analyzing the "Fat, Juicy, & Wet" Collaboration

The episode kicks off with Rory and Mal delving deep into the newly released track "Fat, Juicy, & Wet," a collaboration between Bruno Mars and Sexy Red. The hosts express mixed feelings about the song, critiquing its lyrical content and the cultural implications of such collaborations.

• Cultural Appropriation Concerns:
  Rory (04:35): "It's not disrespectful that they took Nipsey last time that I checked and changed it to fat, juicy, and wet? That's not culture vulture to you."

• Impact on Representation of Black Women:
  Damaris (17:46): "She takes it so far that it might make it harder for a Lotto or a Megan or a Cardi, who do rap about other things, to be seen as more than just a pussy rapper because of what she does."

The conversation highlights the delicate balance artists must maintain between authentic self-expression and broader cultural impact. They debate whether merging mainstream pop with heavily sexualized rap detracts from the representation and versatility of Black female artists.

2. The Concept of Culture Vulturing in Modern Music

Rory introduces the term "culture vulturing," questioning whether artists like Bruno Mars are appropriating specific music styles for mainstream gain.

• Defining Culture Vulturing:
  Rory (02:35): "Anytime someone that's not from the culture goes and grabs a culture moment and then goes back to their culture, they're called culture vultures."

• Bruno Mars' Musical Direction:
  Mal (22:30): "He's from Hawaii, that's West West."

The hosts scrutinize how established pop artists integrate sounds from different cultures, questioning the authenticity and intentions behind such moves. They compare Bruno Mars' approach to other artists, debating whether it's a genuine evolution or a strategic replication of popular trends.

3. Authenticity and Evolution of Artists

The discussion shifts to how artists evolve while staying true to their roots. Cardi B is used as a benchmark for maintaining authenticity amidst mainstream success.

• Cardi B as a Standard:
  Rory (02:35): "Some guys like Eminem weren't culture vultures, but Bruno's the one doing it."

• Sexy Red's Consistency:
  Mal (06:15): "She's pretty hot. [...] Sexy Red is who she is and she's not changing for nobody."

Rory and Mal debate whether artists can grow and diversify their music without alienating their core audience. They emphasize the importance of staying authentic to prevent being labeled as culture vultures.

4. Listener Engagement and Podcast Initiatives

The hosts transition to discussing their interactions with listeners through platforms like Discord and Patreon. They highlight initiatives aimed at increasing listener engagement and offering exclusive content.

• Valentine's Day Poetry Challenge:
  Damaris (28:42): "Whoever sends me the best voicemail, I'll go on a date with you."

• Patreon Benefits:
  Rory (27:53): "Patreon will have no ads for video and get video the exact same day."

These segments showcase Rory and Mal's commitment to fostering a tight-knit community, rewarding their most engaged listeners with unique opportunities and content.

5. Tribute to DJ Unk and Reflections on the Music Industry

A heartfelt moment arises as the hosts pay tribute to the late DJ Unk, reflecting on his influence in the Atlanta music scene.

• Honoring DJ Unk:
  Rory (120:29): "Rest in peace, DJ Unk. Another Atlanta icon that we lost over the weekend."

This tribute underscores the podcast's connection to the broader music community and acknowledges the loss of influential figures within it.

6. Sports Predictions and Fan Enthusiasm

The latter part of the episode shifts to sports, where Rory and Mal share their predictions for the upcoming NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Team Predictions:
  Mal (107:42): "My money's on Kansas City."
  Rory (108:01): "I'm going 2417. Philly."

• Player Highlights:
  Rory (108:20): "Saquon Barkley has me happy."
  Mal (103:27): "Patrick Mahomes is obviously the face of the NFL."

Their banter reflects a passionate engagement with sports, blending humor with genuine analysis. They also touch on the performance of players like Patrick Mahomes and the overall dynamics of the teams involved.

7. Final Reflections and Future Content

As the episode wraps up, Rory and Mal discuss upcoming content and projects, teasing new music releases and future podcast episodes.

• Upcoming Music Projects:
  Rory (126:02): "I'm putting out three records before the album comes out."

• Future Episodes:
  Damaris (129:40): "Keep it classy all year."

The hosts reaffirm their dedication to providing diverse and engaging content, promising listeners more in-depth discussions and interactive segments in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory (04:35): "It's not disrespectful that they took Nipsey last time that I checked and changed it to fat, juicy, and wet? That's not culture vulture to you."
• Damaris (17:46): "One black woman does not represent our entire race."
• Mal (06:15): "Sexy Red is who she is and she's not changing for nobody."

Conclusion

Episode 340 of "New Rory & MAL," titled "Fat, Juicy, & Trash," offers listeners an insightful exploration of contemporary music dynamics, particularly focusing on cultural representation and authenticity. Through their candid discussions, Rory and Mal engage with pressing topics in the music industry, celebrate influential figures, and foster a strong sense of community among their listeners. Additionally, their spirited engagement with sports predictions adds a layer of relatability and entertainment, making this episode a multifaceted listen for fans.