Podcast Summary: Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | Pacman Jones
Podcast Information:
- Title: New Rory & MAL
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
- Description: New stories, new laughs, new random hot takes that no one asked for... New Rory & Mal
- Episode: Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | Pacman Jones
- Release Date: February 20, 2025
Introduction
In the inaugural episode of "Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball," hosts Rory and Mal dive into the intricate relationship between sports and music, featuring a special guest, the multifaceted athlete and musician, Pacman Jones. The episode, released on February 20, 2025, promises a blend of humor, insightful discussions, and unfiltered hot takes that align with the show's premise of exploring areas outside the hosts' expertise.
Hosts' Vision and Podcast Genesis
Rory and Mal kick off the episode by expressing their enthusiasm for launching their new platform. Rory shares his excitement about having a space to "get my sports shit off on," while Mal humorously mentions his focus on topics like "smoke a wine, black and mild." Their banter sets a casual and candid tone for the podcast.
- Rory (00:14): “You know this is a dream come true, right? I've been waiting. I've been waiting for a platform to get my sports shit off on.”
- Mal (00:20): “Been waiting for the time I could smoke a wine, black and mild.”
The duo elaborates on their journey, mentioning their interactions with "the Volume folks in New Orleans," where they aimed to make their presence felt by "slamming bottles on Bourbon Street."
- Mal (00:36): “I was trying to scare them, let them know we here to shake shit up.”
Their initial efforts were met with enthusiasm, receiving emails the next day from excited listeners eager to meet them in person.
- Rory (00:46): “All he was, can't wait to meet you in person.”
- Mal (00:50): “I'm coming down Bourbon street with two Great Danes and a bottle of fucking Wild Turkey. I'm here.”
This introduction underscores their intent to disrupt the conventional podcasting landscape with their unique blend of sports and music discussions.
Exploring the Intersection of Sports and Music
Rory and Mal delve into the symbiotic relationship between athletes and musicians, observing that while athletes often engage with music, they may not fully grasp its nuances. This observation forms the foundation of their show's concept: bridging the gap between sports and music by engaging athletes who venture into the music industry.
- Mal (01:08): “You and I have spent a lot of time around athletes and every time that they want to talk, they don't want to talk about sports, they want to argue with us about music.”
- Rory (01:21): “We get killed for our sports takes. And, you know, obviously we don't know ball, but athletes don't know music”
They highlight how rappers aspire to be athletes and vice versa, emphasizing that this cultural crossover has been a staple since the beginning of both industries.
- Mal (01:59): “Because I feel like they go hand in hand. Rappers want to be athletes. Athletes want to be rappers. It's just part of the culture, part of it forever.”
- Rory (02:21): “We don't know ball, but a lot of these athletes, they don't know music either.”
The hosts propose that by bringing athletes onto their show, they can uncover the extent of each other's knowledge (or lack thereof) about their respective fields, fostering engaging and often humorous conversations.
Introducing Pacman Jones: Player and Musician
The highlight of the episode is the introduction of Pacman Jones, a renowned figure in both the sports and music arenas. Rory and Mal express their admiration for Pacman, eagerly anticipating the insights he will bring to the discussion.
- Rory (04:11): “Welcome to another episode or a new episode of Don't Know Ball, the show where Rory and Ma don't know Ball.”
- Rory (04:45): “We are joined by a legend, one of my favorite personalities, one of my favorite players, WV Legend, Atlanta, GA Legend Adam. Pac Man.”
Pacman Jones shares his latest music ventures, mentioning collaborations with notable artists and teasing upcoming releases.
- Pacman Jones (05:07): “I'm dropping the whole episode. I got a lot. I don't want to spoil everything, but I got a crazy song with Jimmy Allen. That's a country song.”
His enthusiasm for music is palpable as he discusses his projects, including working with rising artists like Rico Rich and Colt, indicating his deep involvement in the Atlanta music scene.
Pacman Jones’ Music Projects and Collaborations
Pacman's passion for music is evident as he details his various projects and collaborations. He emphasizes his versatility, showcasing his ability to span genres from country to rap, and his commitment to producing high-quality music independently.
- Pacman Jones (06:13): “I started rapping at March 15. Like I was saying, I got Jimmy Allen on the song. I got Rico Rich who is making his move in Atlanta right now.”
He mentions his strategic approach to music, controlling every aspect from recording to mixing to ensure his vision is fully realized without external interference.
- Pacman Jones (44:37): “I do everything, bro. I got TV show. I do music. I'm in the middle of doing the documentary and writing a book... I sit there, record, boom, clip, put.”
This hands-on approach highlights his dedication and deep understanding of music production, positioning him as a credible figure in the industry.
The Atlanta Music Scene: Then and Now
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the evolution of the Atlanta music scene. Pacman reminisces about the city's vibrant past, citing influential artists like Jeezy, 50 Cent, and Metro 808, and contrasts it with the current landscape dominated by artists like Young Thug and Future.
- Pacman Jones (15:45): “Young Thug was the king of the ATL music scene. They gotta put respect on chardonnay. Even Lucci wouldn’t be Lucci without Thug.”
He acknowledges the foundation laid by previous generations, mentioning how contemporary artists owe their success to those who paved the way.
- Pacman Jones (16:03): “None of them niggas would be doing nothing. They was the new Generation... None of them niggas would be nothing without the…”
The discussion touches on the cultural shifts within the music industry, the emergence of new talents, and the enduring legacy of Atlanta's musical heritage.
Golf and Personal Interests: Bridging Sports and Leisure
Beyond music and sports, the conversation takes a lighter turn as the hosts express their interest in golf, with Pacman demonstrating his golfing prowess. This segment underscores the show's aim to explore various facets of their guests' lives beyond their primary professions.
- Pacman Jones (09:17): “Get in the damn hole, man.”
- Rory (07:56): “I gotta go. I gotta see. That's my type of show. I gotta. I gotta. I'm gonna get into golf.”
Pacman showcases his skills with PXG golf clubs, highlighting his investment in the sport and his plans to launch a golf show, further blending his athletic and entertainment endeavors.
- Pacman Jones (08:35): “And I'm starting a golf show, getting a damn hole this summer where I'm gonna be shooting.”
The playful banter about golf equipment and Rory's admission of his subpar golfing skills add humor and relatability to the episode.
Memories and Anecdotes: Life in the Trenches
Pacman delves into his personal history, recounting his upbringing in Bankhead, Atlanta, and the challenges he faced growing up in the projects. He reflects on the importance of staying focused on sports as a means of survival and personal growth.
- Pacman Jones (17:30): “Man, I wanna listen to none of that shit. My life was so fast. I ain't give a fuck about no music. I was trying to stay alive.”
He touches on his relationship with Deion Sanders, whom he regards as a father figure, and how this mentorship influenced his life and career.
- Pacman Jones (19:08): “I took a lot of characteristics from our relationship, him being in my life and being like a big brother or father figure.”
These heartfelt reflections provide depth to Pacman's character, showcasing the resilience and determination that drove his success both on the field and in the music studio.
Challenges and Controversies: Navigating Public Perception
The discussion doesn't shy away from controversies, with Pacman openly addressing his relationships and past incidents. He candidly talks about his approach to public image and accountability, distinguishing his actions from those of his peers.
- Pacman Jones (26:37): “I don't got offers. 25 fucking D1 coaching jobs. 25 I will not take not one of them. That's not for me, bro.”
He reiterates his commitment to personal and professional integrity, emphasizing that his pursuits in music and other ventures are driven by passion rather than external expectations.
- Pacman Jones (27:14): “So I got the new clubs, too. These are new ones right here, my boy.”
This segment adds a layer of authenticity to the conversation, as Pacman addresses the complexities of his public persona and personal endeavors.
Music Production and Creativity: Behind the Scenes
Pacman offers insights into his music production process, revealing his proficiency with tools like Pro Tools and his preference for self-production. He emphasizes the importance of content and genuine artistry over superficial trends.
- Pacman Jones (44:37): “I do everything, bro. I got TV show. I do music... I sit there, record, boom, clip, put.”
He discusses his collaborations and praises fellow producers, highlighting the community and collaborative spirit within the Atlanta music scene.
- Pacman Jones (51:05): “Scott Light Skin. Who's making all the hits right now.”
These revelations shed light on the meticulous effort and creativity that Pacman invests in his music, underscoring his dedication to the craft.
Final Thoughts and Mutual Appreciation
As the episode draws to a close, Rory, Mal, and Pacman share mutual respect and admiration, expressing gratitude for the candid and engaging conversation. They discuss potential future collaborations, blending their interests in sports, music, and leisure activities like golf.
-
Rory (58:27): “We definitely gonna cross paths again in real. Face to face, real time. Love everything that you're doing and keep doing what you're doing.”
-
Pacman Jones (58:59): “Thank you, bro.”
The heartfelt exchanges reinforce the camaraderie among the hosts and their guest, promising more insightful and entertaining episodes ahead.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Rory (00:14): “You know this is a dream come true, right? I've been waiting. I've been waiting for a platform to get my sports shit off on.”
- Mal (00:20): “Been waiting for the time I could smoke a wine, black and mild.”
- Mal (01:08): “I can only speak for myself. All athletes have the worst rap takes I've ever heard in my fucking life.”
- Rory (02:21): “We don't know ball, but a lot of these athletes, they don't know music either.”
- Pacman Jones (05:07): “I'm dropping the whole episode. I got a lot. I don't want to spoil everything, but I got a crazy song with Jimmy Allen. That's a country song.”
- Pacman Jones (15:45): “Young Thug was the king of the ATL music scene.”
- Pacman Jones (26:37): “I don't got offers. 25 fucking D1 coaching jobs. 25 I will not take not one of them. That's not for me, bro.”
- Pacman Jones (44:37): “I do everything, bro. I got TV show. I do music. I'm in the middle of doing the documentary and writing a book... I sit there, record, boom, clip, put.”
- Rory (58:27): “We definitely gonna cross paths again in real. Face to face, real time. Love everything that you're doing and keep doing what you're doing.”
- Pacman Jones (58:59): “Thank you, bro.”
Conclusion
The first episode of "Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball" successfully sets the tone for what listeners can expect: a blend of humor, candid discussions, and insightful explorations into the intersections of sports and music. Featuring Pacman Jones, a guest who embodies the very essence of this crossover, the episode delivers on its promise of uncovering the lesser-known facets of its hosts and their guests. With memorable quotes, engaging anecdotes, and a clear passion for both sports and music, Rory and Mal's podcast is poised to become a must-listen for enthusiasts eager to hear fresh perspectives and unfiltered conversations.