Podcast Episode Summary: New Rory & MAL - Episode 343 | "Not Another One"

Release Date: February 7, 2025

In Episode 343 of New Rory & MAL, hosted by Rory, Damaris, and Mal, the trio delves deep into the contemporary music landscape, discussing album releases, industry challenges, and significant cultural moments. This detailed summary captures the essence of their engaging conversation, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Introduction to New Music Releases

The episode kicks off with Rory and Damaris promoting Rory's latest single featuring Leon Thomas.

• Rory (00:00): Launches with a teaser of the new track.

• Damaris (02:55): Introduces the song, highlighting its current success.

  "Support Rory while they're listening to this. It already happened, but recording this on February 6th." (02:55)

Mal joins in to emphasize the availability of the new single.

"New single available now on your DSPs, Rory, featuring the talented, the super, super talented Leon Thomas. Who are you anyway? Go stream that." (03:43)

2. Challenges with Album Features and Label Relations

The hosts discuss the complexities artists face when collaborating with high-profile figures like Bruno Mars and navigating label disputes.

• Rory (03:15): Questions the extent of trouble with record labels and compares it to Bruno Mars's frequent collaborations.

  "I keep asking you, how much trouble are you in with the label? Is you and Bruno Mars? I don't know who's in more trouble." (03:15)

• Damaris (03:28): Shares personal experiences with delayed royalties affecting her financial expectations.

  "I had like a backlog on some of my paperwork to actually get the royalties for songs from the last album... that shit was like $1,100." (03:28)

3. Defining Assassination vs. Murder: The Tupac Debate

A significant portion of the discussion centers around whether Tupac's death qualifies as an assassination or murder, exploring the nuances of each term.

• Damaris (05:05): Proposes that certain circumstances classify a death as assassination.

  "I feel like if a woman sends a man on a dummy mission... she should be involved in the case, in my opinion." (05:05)

• Rory (05:43): Distinguishes between assassination and murder, citing historical figures.

  "None of these blood have been assassinated. Them are killed. It's a difference." (05:43)

• Mal (06:26): Reflects on Tupac's political motives to support the assassination classification.

  "I feel like Tupac was assassinated." (06:26)

The conversation highlights differing viewpoints on the intent and context behind Tupac's death, with the hosts debating whether it was politically motivated.

4. DJ Khaled's Album Rollout and Industry Practices

The trio critically examines DJ Khaled's promotional strategies, especially the mishap involving Drake's participation in his latest album.

• Damaris (09:13): Criticizes the lack of communication between Khaled and Drake, leading to promotional setbacks.

  "So you don't have two Drake songs. It's over for that." (13:03)

• Rory (16:03): Questions Khaled's decision-making in assuming Drake's involvement without confirmation.

  "You gotta make sure, like, okay, I haven't spoken to Drake... you gotta make sure." (16:03)

• Mal (17:03): Suggests that the label likely funds Khaled's projects, emphasizing his relationships with top artists.

  "I think this is all label. I think the label understands Khaled's relationships with some of the biggest artists." (17:03)

The discussion underscores the precarious nature of album promotions and the importance of clear artist-label communications to avoid financial and reputational losses.

5. The Evolution and Future of Kith Records

Damaris and Mal explore the transition of Kith Records from a popular retail space to a music label, debating its potential impact on the music industry.

• Damaris (29:25): Commends the launch of Kith Records, noting its strategic partnerships.

  "Ronnie, you need some Dixon beats." (34:43)

• Rory (30:33): Anticipates the label's direction, predicting a focus on authentic and original content rather than mainstream pop acts.

  "It feels original. I think it's pretty cool what they're doing." (30:33)

The hosts express optimism about Kith Records’ creative direction while questioning its long-term viability amidst industry competition.

6. Condolences to Irv Gotti and His Legacy

Towards the latter part of the episode, the hosts pay tribute to Irv Gotti, a pivotal figure in hip-hop whose recent passing marks a significant loss.

• Damaris (89:25): Reflects on Irv Gotti's integral role in shaping hip-hop and his enduring legacy.

  "What more do you say about someone like Irv Gotti?" (89:25)

• Rory (93:03): Emphasizes Irv Gotti's influence and mourns his absence in the music industry.

  "Rest in peace to the legendary, iconic Irv Gotti." (93:03)

The conversation acknowledges Irv Gotti's contributions to major hip-hop milestones and expresses heartfelt condolences to his family and associates.

7. Voicemail Segment: Humorous Interlude

The podcast incorporates voicemails from listeners, featuring humorous and light-hearted messages that showcase the hosts' camaraderie.

• Rory (99:56): Receives a voicemail from "Baby D," playfully addressing interpersonal dynamics.

  "He said he miss you. Who is that?" (100:32)

• Damaris (104:35): Jokes about past birthday celebrations and shared experiences with the hosts.

  "I left early. You stayed." (104:35)

This segment serves as a comedic relief, highlighting the friendly and informal atmosphere of the podcast.

8. Super Bowl Predictions and Plans

In anticipation of the Super Bowl, the hosts share their predictions and discuss their personal plans for the event.

• Rory (119:46): Predicts Kansas City as the potential winner but expresses uncertainty.

  "My money is on Kansas City, but I..." (119:46)

• Damaris (119:56): Leans towards the Eagles for a storybook ending.

  "I'm going with the Eagles." (119:56)

• Mal (120:27): Plans a low-key Super Bowl viewing, focusing on personal enjoyment.

  "It's just gonna be me watching the game." (120:27)

The discussion balances competitive sports predictions with personal anecdotes, offering listeners a mix of insight and relatability.

9. Kanye West's Embrace of AI in Music

A critical discourse unfolds around Kanye West's recent ventures into integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into his music production.

• Damaris (75:50): Observes Kanye's approach to AI, differentiating between enhancement and replacement of artistic input.

  "This isn't just some straight AI. It's emotion." (75:50)

• Rory (76:21): Expresses concerns over the potential estrangement of artists from their creative processes when relying heavily on AI.

  "I think this is where I start listening to country music, man." (76:21)

The hosts debate the ethical and emotional implications of AI in music, pondering its effects on authenticity and artist expression.

10. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, the hosts reiterate the importance of cherishing relationships and expressing gratitude amidst cultural losses.

• Rory (124:37): Encourages listeners to appreciate their time together, drawing inspiration from Irv Gotti's legacy.

  "Enjoy each other, love each other, and just appreciate each other while we still have each other." (124:37)

The episode concludes on a reflective note, emphasizing unity and the enduring impact of music legends.

Notable Quotes:

• "Who are you anyway?" — Mal (00:17)
• "Nobody wants to hear Mutt, even though nobody." — Rory (04:16)
• "He backed away in the cowboy hat." — Rory (03:15)
• "Support Rory while they're listening to this." — Damaris (02:55)
• "He died because you sleep." — Rory (77:14)

Conclusion

Episode 343 of New Rory & MAL offers a comprehensive exploration of current trends, challenges, and pivotal moments in the music industry. From dissecting album promotional strategies to honoring the legacies of influential figures, the hosts provide insightful commentary interwoven with humor and personal anecdotes. Whether discussing the intricacies of AI in music or sharing light-hearted voicemails, this episode stands as a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of music culture.