Podcast Summary: Something Wrong With The Podcast

Title: SWWP #27 - Clipse & Bieber Album Reviews, Drake At Wireless (ft. Jordan From Complex)
Host/Author: Julian Delgado
Release Date: July 22, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 27 of "Something Wrong With The Podcast," host Julian Delgado welcomes Jordan from Complex as his guest. The episode delves into comprehensive reviews of recent album releases by Clipse and Justin Bieber, alongside an in-depth discussion on Drake's performance at the Wireless Festival.

Guest Introduction and Initial Banter (00:00 - 03:35)

• Jordan: Highlights his connection with Complex Media, emphasizing the alignment of his perspectives with the parent company, Network.

  • “We are Network. And network. It's not just Complex, it's Network.” (01:11)

• Julian (Jordan): Expresses admiration for Jordan’s talents, particularly his editing skills, and their longstanding friendship.

Clipse’s Album "Push" Review (03:35 - 07:00)

• Discussion Points:

  • Historical Context: Clipse's evolution from their early solo projects around 2012-2013 to their resurgence with "Push."

  • Beef with Drake: Originated from beef with Birdman, escalating as Drake intervened, creating significant media buzz.

    • “Birdman Beef. That escalated to, like, Drake taking up for it.” (04:24)

  • Album Rollout Strategy: Clipse employed a traditional rollout by engaging extensively with media outlets, contrasting with current social media-driven strategies.

    • “They went to every single media outlet. Podcast. Almost every podcast.” (07:03)

  • Musical Analysis: The album is praised for its masterful production, lyrical depth, and cohesiveness.

    • “The two albums he put out before Daytona were, if you're a hip hop fan. Okay. But they weren't, you know.” (05:07)

  • Sales and Reception: Clipse's album achieved impressive first-week sales of 90k, attributed partly to physical sales and a dedicated fan base.

    • “It's incredible for a 20, 25 Clipse album to sell 90k.” (14:27)

• Notable Quotes:

  • “But throughout the rollout, you could tell they had a formula.” (08:18)
  • “They figured out their formula. And, like, it's like Pusha was a dynamite.” (09:33)

Justin Bieber’s Album "Swag" Review (25:48 - 43:57)

• Overview:

  • Album Details: Justin Bieber released "Swag," featuring 21 tracks over 54 minutes, blending different musical styles.
  • Production Collaboration: Collaboration with a talented producer and guitarist is highlighted as a strength.
    • “Justin just took an album from this guy. And that's not an insult. Like that guy's a freak producer and guitar player.” (26:36)

• Critical Analysis:

  • Features and Skits: The album includes assorted features and skits, some of which received mixed reactions.

    • “My favorite track on is the Birds Don't Sing.” (11:26)
    • “The MSRP cursing on any of the tracks.” (10:34)

  • Personal Reflections: Julian and Jordan discuss Bieber’s introspective tracks, addressing themes like fatherhood and personal growth.

    • “He hasn't shaped like he's still true to, like, why he left the game and has come back.” (09:35)

  • Production Quality: The album is lauded for its high production quality, with meticulous mixing and mastering.

    • “Like, you can tell it's expensive. Like Pharrell does.” (12:39)

• Ratings and Opinions:

  • Clipse's Album: Given a 9/10 for its depth and cohesiveness.

    • “I would probably give it like a nine.” (25:48)

  • Bieber’s Album: Rated an 8/10, appreciating its strengths while noting minor critiques.

    • “I'm giving this one, like, a cool eight.” (43:08)

• Notable Quotes:

  • “But even that part of it of going from talking to Clipse to this, it's like Bieber did the complete inverse of Clipse.” (36:16)
  • “It's a really, really good album and I love how these great albums are coming.” (43:39)

Drake at Wireless Festival Review (46:34 - 74:35)

• Performance Overview:

  • Festival Comparison: The Wireless Festival is likened to a mid-sized US music festival, akin to GO Ball, with notable stage setups and artist lineups.

    • “It's like if I were to compare it to a US sized music festival, it's like maybe half or maybe like relatively the same size as like Gov Ball.” (48:17)

  • Set Highlights: Drake performed over three days, showcasing diverse musical styles each night.

    • “Three show, three days, three different sounds.” (45:30)

• Controversial Moments:

  • Kendrick Chants Incident: Drake faced backlash for making critical remarks about UK rappers during his performance.

    • “It's like, you can't outrun that moment.” (48:37)

  • Tattoo Cover-Up: Drake covered up a tattoo related to a personal betrayal, sparking discussions on his personal decisions.

    • “It's corny, but... that's what makes Drake Drake like this.” (54:44)

• Industry Impact:

  • Longevity and Influence: Drake is recognized for his sustained influence in the music industry, comparable to sports legends like LeBron James.

    • “Drake. Like LeBron operating in rare air.” (52:22)

  • Fan Engagement: The discussion touches on how Drake's global tour focuses on international markets, reflecting his widespread fan base.

    • “He's clearly leaning into his international fan base which he does have a large market in.” (47:47)

• Notable Quotes:

  • “He's never been a parasocial relationship or something like that.” (52:46)
  • “I'm telling you, bro, to land on your feet when... Drake fatigue was building.” (64:33)

Discussion on Nikki Minaj and SZA (68:01 - 77:02)

• Personal Opinions:

  • Nikki Minaj: Julian expresses strong negative sentiments towards Nikki Minaj, criticizing her behavior and influence.

    • “She's always been the most immature one in any spat that she's having.” (68:19)

  • SZA: While briefly mentioned, the focus remains largely on Nikki Minaj's actions and their repercussions in the music industry.

• Fan Culture and 'Stan' Phenomenon:

  • Evolution of 'Stan': The conversation explores how the term "Stan," originally coined by Eminem to describe obsessive fans, has evolved with social media.

    • “It's like Stan inflation. Because in that time, in that era, to be considered a Stan, you have to legitimately be a stalker.” (75:30)

  • Impact of Social Media: The accessibility provided by social platforms has transformed fan interactions, contributing to toxic behaviors and heightened scrutiny.

    • “Like, you can say you're a Stan, but it can be validated by how many followers that account has.” (75:30)

• Mental Health and Public Scrutiny:

  • Artists' Well-being: The hosts express concern over the mental toll that fame and constant public scrutiny take on artists like Nikki Minaj.
    • “Does she need help? Like, does she... does she dead ass need to seek some type of help?” (71:31)

• Notable Quotes:

  • “It's just, it's like, what. It's like the Trump thing. It's like this guy can say whatever he wants.” (71:58)
  • “It's like living in that space is dangerous.” (75:52)

Closing Remarks and Appreciation (77:02 - 78:35)

• Host Gratitude: Julian thanks Jordan for joining the podcast, highlighting their friendship and Jordan’s contributions to hip-hop media.

  • “Thank you. First, for having me on the show, but second, to, like, see how you've built this out.” (77:05)

• Final Thoughts: Both hosts reflect on the discussions, emphasizing the importance of genuine content creation and supporting authentic voices in the music industry.

• Closing Quotes:

  • “Nothing wrong with the pussy.” (78:35)

Key Takeaways

1. Clipse’s "Push" is lauded for its mature themes, production quality, and effective traditional media rollout, achieving significant sales and re-establishing their presence in hip-hop.

2. Justin Bieber’s "Swag" receives positive reviews for its production and introspective content, though certain skits and feature choices receive minor critiques. The album shows Bieber's growth and personal reflections.

3. Drake’s Wireless Festival Performance showcases his versatility and enduring influence, albeit marred by controversial moments that highlight the challenges of maintaining relevance and managing public perception.

4. Discussion on Fan Culture highlights the transformation of fan relationships in the age of social media, emphasizing the potential for toxic behaviors and the mental health implications for artists.

5. Critical Perspectives on Artists like Nikki Minaj reveal the hosts' concerns over toxic fan interactions and the pressures of maintaining public personas, advocating for more genuine and introspective engagements within the industry.

Notable Quotes

• “They're very attentive. Like, super intentional with every word.” – Julian (02:37)
• “They let the fucking music speak type shit, which was incredible.” – Julian (09:43)
• “They figured out their formula.” – Jordan (08:18)
• “This is going to be a testament to more people through this rollout.” – Jordan (20:03)
• “He is the goat. He's a goat.” – Jordan (44:35)
• “It's corny, but... that's what makes Drake Drake like this.” – Jordan (54:44)

Conclusion

Episode 27 of "Something Wrong With The Podcast" provides an insightful analysis of Clipse’s and Justin Bieber’s latest albums, offering listeners a balanced critique of both artists' works. Additionally, the episode navigates the complexities surrounding Drake’s performances and the evolving nature of fan interactions in the digital age. Through candid conversations and expert perspectives, Julian Delgado and Jordan from Complex deliver a rich and engaging exploration of contemporary music and its cultural implications.