Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL
Episode 385 | Nick Grant Wants All The Smoke
Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 385 of New Rory & MAL, the hosts delve deep into the intricacies of the music industry with special guest Nick Grant. The episode, titled "Nick Grant Wants All The Smoke", explores themes of artist recognition, industry politics, personal integrity, and the challenges artists face in gaining acknowledgment for their work.

Discussion on Ryan’s Album and "Took It Personal"

The episode kicks off with Ryan discussing his latest project, describing it as the "rap album of the year so far" (03:23). He elaborates on his previous work, particularly the album "Sunday Dinner," which solidified his position among elite rappers. Ryan explains that his new album, titled "I Took It Personal," represents a more experimental phase where he aims to balance heavy personal narratives with lighter, danceable tracks.

Notable Quote:

Ryan: "I wanted to give them something like, let's dance a little bit this time... It's a continuation of Sunday Dinner, but I didn't want to give the people such a heavy album again."
07:32

Industry Politics and Recognition

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the struggle artists face in receiving recognition from media outlets and influential lists. Ryan expresses frustration with how some talented artists are overlooked despite their skills and contributions.

Notable Quotes:

Ryan: "I've been pissed off since I came into the business... I feel like I'm the coldest rapper, one of the coldest rappers ever."
11:18

Rory: "There’s a lot of other shit going on. But yeah, I just felt like I was the dopest rapper."
16:00

The Role of Relationships and Networking

The hosts discuss the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry. Nick Grant emphasizes that personal connections often play a crucial role in an artist's rise, sometimes overshadowing pure talent.

Notable Quote:

Nick Grant: "It has to be personal relationships. It has to be politics... When did that become something that stopped giving recognition to dope albums?"
22:07

Balancing Artistic Integrity with Business

Ryan and Nick delve into the tension between maintaining artistic integrity and navigating the business aspects of the music industry. Ryan shares anecdotes about refusing to compromise his values, even when lucrative opportunities arise.

Notable Quote:

Ryan: "At the end of the day, I only do stuff that I wanna do if I feel comfortable doing it... I just can't do it."
29:34

Personal Stories and Experiences

The conversation takes a personal turn as Ryan shares experiences from touring with legendary artists like Nas, Lauryn Hill, and Andre 3000. He recounts memorable interactions and the impact these relationships have had on his growth as an artist.

Notable Quote:

Ryan: "When he was talking to me, he was like, yo, when we do a record, I ain't holding no punches. I'm gonna kick your ass."
35:28

Nick Grant: "If you could rap with Jid the way he’s showed up in the last five to six years... you gotta walk with that."
63:56

"Bars vs Yelp" Segment

Adding a fun twist to the episode, the hosts introduce the "Bars vs Yelp" segment. In this segment, Rory and Nick present statements and challenge each other to determine whether they are rap lyrics (bars) or actual Yelp reviews. This playful segment highlights the lyrical prowess of the guests while engaging listeners in a unique game.

Example:

Rory: "I paid $80 for brunch and still left hungry."
Nick Grant: "That's a bar. Larry June Breakfast in Monaco."
85:30

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Nick Grant praises Ryan’s latest project, encouraging listeners to stream and download it. The hosts reaffirm their commitment to authentic and honest discussions about the music industry, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s artistic vision despite external challenges.

Notable Quote:

Nick Grant: "I took it personal. Available now on DSPs. Congratulations on a phenomenal project."
102:00

Key Takeaways

• Artist Recognition: Struggles with gaining acknowledgment despite talent.
• Industry Politics: The influence of personal relationships and networking.
• Artistic Integrity: Balancing personal values with business opportunities.
• Personal Growth: The impact of relationships with legendary artists.
• Engaging Segments: Innovative segments like "Bars vs Yelp" add variety and entertainment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ryan: "I just can't do it."
  29:34

• Nick Grant: "Flowers is just recognition, appreciation..."
  (Referenced, exact timestamp not provided)

• Rory: "Forget the rest of media, the rest of the world really works that way."
  25:48

• Nick Grant: "It's the business side of it."
  10:44

• Ryan: "I'm always happy, I'm like, hey, what up?..."
  58:37

This episode offers a candid look into the challenges artists face in the modern music landscape, emphasizing the need for authenticity and resilience. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, New Rory & MAL provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape the careers of talented artists like Nick Grant and Ryan.