New Rory & Mal — Episode 441 | “Regional Bias” (Jan 13, 2026)
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, Rory and Mal lean into the concept of “regional bias” in hip-hop, hot takes surrounding Andre 3000’s solo catalog, debates about legends and group vs. solo impact, plus plenty of music, culture, and even classic hood movie nostalgia. The episode is a blend of debate, jokes, and passionate arguments—classic New Rory & Mal vibes—with notable moments encompassing everything from D2: Mighty Ducks, Bruno Mars’ return, and Drake/J. Cole release rumors, to Mero at HOT 97 and the “Greatest Hood Movies” bracket.
Key Segments & Insights
Studio Banter & Getting Into It
- Intro-cold studio jokes (00:40–01:20): The hosts joke about the freezing studio and possible appearances from Cam’ron and 50 Cent in the comments.
- Jumping right into music talk (01:21–01:39): Mal is teased for predicting a major album that didn’t drop; Rory suggests he owes “10 pushups for the culture.”
Rap Release Rumors: J. Cole, Drake, and the Anticipation Game
[02:00–07:00]
- Mal admits to having “great intel” on an anticipated album drop (suspected to be J. Cole), but it didn’t materialize, leading to humorous calls for “fines for podcaster misinformation.”
- Discussion arises about the possibility of J. Cole and Drake releasing in the same month or even day, and how both artists “move how they want.”
- Rory: “I think Drake has more of a chokehold on the algorithm than any other artist right now.” (05:19)
- Mal: “I can promise you that J. Cole doesn’t want to drop the same day as Drake.” (08:08)
- Don’t expect them to coordinate; both cultivate unique anticipation.
New Music, Misinformation, and Podcast “Swear Jar”
[03:40–10:00]
- Joking that podcasters should get “fined for misinformation” à la swear jars.
- Rob Markman is referenced as suggesting penalties for wrong predictions, while Mal says he’d owe a lot already.
- Rory frames these music-anticipation culture moments as fun, not serious infractions.
Mero at HOT 97: Legacy & Radio Revamp
[11:00–15:50]
- Congrats Deezus & Mero’s Mero on HOT 97:
- Hosts discuss Mero taking over HOT 97 mornings—a Bronx legend coming back.
- Hope expressed for creative freedom: “give him as much creative freedom as possible.” (11:46)
- Desire for NYC radio to revamp: “Radio just... needs a revamp or something... we need another Charlemagne moment.” (13:13)
- Suggestions HOT 97 should become a content and music discovery hub, including for new local streamers and artists.
Movie Nostalgia: D2, Cool Runnings & '90s Representation
[21:21–27:05]
- Rewatching D2: The Mighty Ducks
- Rory highlights problematic representation: “Instead of using the colors of the Trinidad and Tobago flag, they just threw tie dye on them.” (22:23)
- Mal: “None of those kids are from Trinidad & Tobago. Those kids are from Queens.”
- Jokes about Hollywood’s trends after Cool Runnings: “When you see something works... rinse and repeat.” (24:02)
- School trip stories turn into sex/coming-of-age anecdotes.
- Humorous and relatable stories about parents, consent forms, and adolescent mischief.
Region, Rap, and the Andre 3000 Debate
[38:25–63:00]
- Viral Hot Take: Mal’s opinion that Andre 3000 isn’t top-5 because he lacks a solo rap album sparks social media debate.
- Mal: “I thought I was being very fair…[he] is definitely a legend... I could not no longer have him in my personal top five.” (40:40)
- Rory: “His output of verses gives me enough as a rap fan to put him in a top 10…or top 15.” (43:30)
- Personal vs. Objective Lists: Distinguishing subjective “favorite” lists from “all-time” lists, with Mal maintaining it’s unfair to artists with long solo outputs.
- Mal: “You need solo albums. As an MC, you need solo albums.” (50:21)
- Regional Bias?: Debate whether revering certain artists (esp. from NY/Atlanta) is about regional bias or just taste.
- Mal reports: “So many people from Atlanta do not have 3,000 in their top five. More people say Future, Lil Baby, Thug, Gucci...” (41:55)
- 9th Wonder & hip-hop Twitter: 9th chimed in, defending Three Stacks.
- 9th Wonder (via Rory): “Andre Benjamin is one of the greatest ever to put pen to paper.”
- Notable quote:
- Mal: “If you have [Andre 3000] in your top five, that’s overrating him.” (50:15)
- Rory: “Three Stacks has surpassed any region. He’s as Atlanta as you could come…but he’s far surpassed Atlanta.” (56:56)
Community, Protecting Your Friends, and Drake’s Nasty Screenshots
[63:10–66:56]
- Rory defends Mal to friend and industry contacts after his viral comments, but Drake posts an old, awkward photo of Rory, leading to laughter and speculation about what other “receipts” Drake has.
- Rory: “…I don't know if I got the same protection.” (63:10)
- The hosts enjoy reliving an infamous Spotify photo shoot.
Bruno Mars’ Return and Why Perfection Can Be Boring
[70:48–78:56]
- Hosts discuss Bruno Mars’ new single: admiration for his perfection, but lament that he never takes true artistic “risks.”
- Rory: “He’s annoyingly perfect… but I thought, with the time [off], we’d get a complete second half of his career shift….”
- Mal: “I want to see him do something totally unexpected. I want to hear him sound a way we never thought we would hear him sound…”
- Both agree: Bruno’s legacy is secure, but they want him to experiment instead of refining a familiar, safe style.
Welcome Home Max B, French Montana, and Fetty Wap
[79:00–84:29]
- Max B and French Montana drop new music; hosts are pleased, though note Max is “getting the kinks out” after so much time away.
- Mal: “He's just got to get his timing back… the music is good.”
- Discussion on regional nostalgia: “Are we being regionally biased because only New Yorkers like Max B? …If that's the case, sorry, I’m from New York City.” (80:42)
- Shoutout to Fetty Wap returning from prison and being warmly welcomed back by 300 Entertainment: “Fetty really helped launch [300]... I hope he beats the ground running.”
Hood Movie Mania: "Best of the Best" Tournament
[89:19–102:44]
- Recap of Ben Affleck's “Greatest Hood Movie” bracket from All The Smoke.
- Friday vs. Rush Hour vs. Coming to America vs. Boys in the Hood, etc.
- Rory: “Coming to America is a better movie… Paid in Full is a hood classic.”
- Mal: “Menace II Society is probably the best version of [Boys n the Hood's] message.”
- Spirited arguments over definitions: “Is Coming to America a hood classic or just a classic movie?” (91:56)
- Fun with “if Pac never went solo” jokes.
- Blood In, Blood Out gets a special nostalgic shout, but most classics are named.
Closing Segments
- Baddies Update: Mal admits he’s fallen off his “Baddies” recaps.
- Mary J. Blige in Vegas: Rory considers going to her new residency, noting the “auntie crowd” is more his speed.
- Listener Participation: Pod prompts Patreon supporters to send voicemails to a recuperating Damaris.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Players fuck up, too.” – Mal (04:03)
- “I think Drake has more of a chokehold on the algorithm than any other artist right now.” – Rory (05:18)
- “I just could not no longer have [Andre 3000] in my personal top five.” – Mal (40:54)
- “If you have [Andre 3000] in your top five, that's overrating them.” – Mal (50:15)
- “His output of verses gives me enough as a rap fan to put him in a top 10… or top 15.” – Rory (43:30)
- “Bruno is annoyingly perfect…what does Bruno listen to on his way to the gym?” – Rory (76:34)
- “Mary and Vegas could be fun. I'd prefer the auntie crowd in Vegas…” – Rory (107:24)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Pushups for the culture, J. Cole/Drake drop talk: 01:24–07:00
- HOT 97 & Mero discussion: 11:00–15:50
- D2 / ‘90s representation: 21:21–27:05
- Andre 3000 top five debate & regional bias: 38:25–63:00
- Drake posting Rory’s photo – podcast friends: 63:10–66:56
- Bruno Mars & artistry: 70:48–78:56
- Max B/French Montana/Fetty Wap returns: 79:00–84:29
- Ben Affleck’s Hood Movie Tourney: 89:19–102:44
Tone & Style
Conversational, playful, opinionated, and reflective—Rory and Mal bring their typical blend of sharp humor and honest hot-takes, always poking fun at themselves and each other, but never shying from substantiating their opinions with experience and openness.
For New & Casual Listeners
- No inside knowledge needed—debates are explained with context and humor.
- If you love hip-hop debates, cultural nostalgia, or musings about what makes an artist “great,” this episode is for you.
- Listeners are encouraged to join in: “Send well wishes to Damaris,” “debate your top five,” or reminisce about favorite hood movies.
Final Thoughts
This episode stands out for its balance of real hip-hop analysis, collective memory-lane trips, and meta-podcast reflection about social media, misinformation, and what it means to care about the culture. Whether dissecting regional bias, the enduring power of group legends, or just clowning on themselves, Rory & Mal deliver an engaging, funny, and substantial conversation.