Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 344 | Game Over

Release Date: February 11, 2025
Hosts: Rory & MAL from iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: New stories, new laughs, new random hot takes that no one asked for... New Rory & Mal

1. Exciting Partnership Announcement with The Volume

[00:00 - 02:00]

Rory kicks off the episode with an enthusiastic announcement about partnering with The Volume, expressing excitement about future collaborations.

• Rory: "With that said, we are very, very excited to have Volume as our partners moving forward. Shout out to the guys."

[01:07 - 01:16]

Mal complements the partnership, highlighting the quality of their label mates and shows.

• Mal: "A lot of good guys over there. A lot of good shows. Excited to be a part of The Volume and what they're building."

2. In-Depth Analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

[02:00 - 04:00]

The hosts delve into Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance, discussing its setlist, choreography, and overall execution. They debate whether the songs chosen were hits and how the performance was received.

• Rory: "This is a weird UK jungle beat... I kept trying to remind myself this was what you intended to do."

[07:05 - 08:36]

Rory reflects on mixed reviews from Kendrick’s core community, stressing his commitment to artistic intent despite criticism.

• Rory: "I have, like, easier listens on this album, but I wanted to lead with some shit that's kind of uncomfortable."

3. Critique of Performance Choices and Setlist

[08:36 - 14:00]

The conversation continues with Mal and Josh voicing concerns over the setlist's lack of undeniable hits compared to previous Super Bowl performances by artists like Usher and Rihanna.

• Mal: "This set list as in comparison to the other stars that have had halftime shows, is probably near the bottom."

• Josh: "Not giving SZA a medley is a mistake to me."

4. Discussion on Representation and Cultural Impact

[14:00 - 25:00]

Rory and Mal explore the importance of representation in major events like the Super Bowl, debating whether Kendrick’s performance adequately represented the culture and his artistic evolution.

• Rory: "It's a salute to hov knowing that Kendrick."

• Mal: "This super bowl performance was predicated and built upon a moment that an artist had in a year."

5. Kanye West’s Public Behavior and Mental Health

[25:00 - 45:00]

A heated discussion unfolds about Kanye West's recent Twitter rants, with Rory condemning the behavior as intentional harassment, while Mal contemplates the role of mental health and the need for professional help.

• Rory: "This is not mental health. You're an asshole."

• Mal: "But he said everything. He's okay. He's saying it's intentional."

6. Guest Interview: Ashley Nicole Moss on Sports Media

[45:00 - 75:00]

The episode welcomes Ashley Nicole Moss, a sports media expert, who shares her insights on NBA predictions, athlete interactions, and critiques of sports media practices.

• Ashley: "I think we're straight with one TV star, maybe two."

• Mal: "I think that Ashley and Taylor Rooks are representing black women in sports is amazing."

Predictions:

• Ashley: "I'm going to go OKC to come out of the West."

• Mal: "The Lakers in the Western Conference finals."

• Rory: "I really do think the Knicks beat the Celtics in seven."

7. Athlete Recognition and Media Interaction

[75:00 - 95:00]

The hosts discuss the recognition of athletes in different sports, comparing NFL players' presence in social settings to NBA stars. They debate the impact of athletes' behavior off the field and how it affects their public perception.

• Mal: "NFL players are the most sensitive athletes in the world."

• Ashley: "Calling a player trash is just not factual."

8. Closing Thoughts and Future Predictions

[95:00 - 100:00]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts exchange final thoughts on athlete behavior, media responsibilities, and upcoming sports events. They express gratitude towards their guest, Ashley, and tease future discussions based on ongoing sports seasons.

• Mal: "You can make an email to Adam Silver or you write the email, you give it to Victoria, and she'll send."

• Ashley: "I stand by it. The Bucks have me blocked on Twitter."

Notable Quotes:

• Rory on Partnership:
  "[00:16] Rory: 'Shout out to everyone that is on the roster. Our label mates, everyone. I'm happy, man.'”

• Mal on Setlist Concerns:
  "[14:00] Mal: 'The defensive line was incredible last night, but that Kansas City. I was looking at the players on the sideline. They didn't look like they were together.'”

• Rory on Kanye West’s Intentions:
  "[72:48] Rory: 'This is intentional. It's actually the stable part of Kanye West. And that's my problem.'”

• Ashley on Sports Media Integrity:
  "[100:10] Ashley: 'I'm not going to call a player trash on air. That's not factual.'”

Conclusion

In this episode, Rory and MAL navigate through a myriad of topics ranging from their new partnership with The Volume to a critical analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. The discussion intensifies with their differing views on Kanye West’s public behavior, leading into an insightful interview with sports media expert Ashley Nicole Moss. The episode blends humor with sharp critiques, offering listeners a comprehensive look into contemporary sports and entertainment culture.