Something Wrong With The Podcast

Episode 50: Wrong Hip-Hop Predictions & Golden Globes Recap

Host: Julian Delgado
Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this milestone 50th episode, Julian Delgado returns after a holiday hiatus with a packed agenda: he unpacks the growing culture of misinformation in hip-hop podcasting, discusses Marrow's (of Desus & Marrow) high-profile new radio gig, and delivers a passionate, film-nerdy recap of the 2026 Golden Globes. As always, Julian blends sharp cultural critique with humor, transparency about his own industry position, and thoughtful (sometimes fiery) insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Problem with Hip-Hop Rollout Predictions

[00:43 - 05:42]

• Julian critiques the deluge of false or misinformed predictions made by music podcasters regarding major artists’ album releases, particularly “the big three” (J. Cole and peers).
• He points out the disconnect between what artists’ teams actually know and what podcasters claim:

  “It just amazes me how confidently people will go on the microphone and just say a bunch of bullshit or just spew out the rumblings of a rollout from, like, years ago as if that's still today's, you know, business.” (03:09)

• Receipts don’t equal connection: Julian is transparent about his own relationships in the industry but draws a line at leaking info or feeding the rumor mill:

  “A lot of these camps cannot stand a lot of these people with microphones, myself included... I tend to stay away from the rumor mill and spilling information from those people that I know within the music industry.” (04:10)

• Advice to listeners:

  “Trust the artist... The further the information gets removed from the artist, just be wary of what you’re hearing because a lot of what I’ve seen on the timeline is just so not accurate... it’s embarrassing.” (05:10)

2. Marrow (of Desus & Marrow) Named Hot 97 Morning Host

[06:14 - 11:06]

• Julian breaks the news and offers historical context:
  • Marrow (not Desus) is now the morning host at legendary New York station Hot 97.
  • Calls it a "strong move" for the program and expects Hot 97 to let Marrow “cook creatively.”
• Reminisces on Desus & Marrow’s podcast/radio rise and their unique voice in New York media.

  “New York has already proven to love who he is the way he is. So for them to try to put restrictions on that I think would be foolish. And you know, I don't think that they would do so.” (06:58)

• Wonders openly about future show format, DJ choices, and the balancing act between Marrow’s internet fame and traditional radio.
  • Highlights Marrow’s “great SEO” and digital reach.
• Expresses genuine excitement:

  “I think the city from the reception I've seen, including myself, is welcoming him with open arms. It's good to see him back on this, at this level, at this scale, which honestly is where I believe he should have been a long time ago.” (09:32)

3. A Weekend of Art, Food, and the Golden Globes

[11:06 - 13:10]

• Julian describes a vibrant weekend: MOMA visits, hip-hop-infused dining at Charlie Bird, and chilling with friends before the Golden Globes.
• Mentions his work on an innovative project integrating a prediction market into the Globes for the first time.

4. Golden Globes 2026: Film-Nerd Recap

[13:10 - 27:55]

Highlights by Category:

• Best Motion Picture:
  • Winner: Hamnet
  • Julian admits he hasn’t seen it, plans to. Notes it was NOT the favorite and is intrigued at the upset.
  • Praises Sentimental Value (on his must-see list due to PTA’s endorsement) and One Bell After Another:

    “Still to me, the best film of this year.” (13:53)

• Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy:
  • Winner: One Bell After Another
• Best Animated:
  • Winner: K Pop Demon Hunters
  • Julian confesses he missed all the noms, vows to take animation more seriously.
• Notable Top-Five/Top-Six List:

  “My top five of the year, in no particular order: One Battle after Another, No Other Choice, Marty Supreme, Sinners, Bugonia — and damn, Weapons came out this year... and Eddington — Ari Aster’s film was great.” (14:53)

Deeper Takes and Critique:

• Discusses the recurring trope of Black directors and performers only winning for "educational" roles about the Black experience:

  “It’s like, we can’t... just go up and make a movie that is just a film, you know, something to get lost in, without having to be educated. Black directors don’t have the luxury.” (19:47)

• Regarding Teyana Taylor’s supporting win:

  “Not because she wasn't deserving... it was more in line with why is it always when black women play stereotypical roles is when they win awards, they never can play a character beyond the scope of what white America presents them as in these roles.” (18:50)

Standouts & Memorable Quotes:

• Alexander Skarsgård’s acceptance ([21:46]):

  "In a cinema where the lights go down and eventually you share the pulse with other people, that is magic. Cinema should be seen in cinemas."

  • Julian praises this as “obvious but poignant,” especially given the battle between streaming and theatrical exhibition.
• Nikki Glaser’s hosting:

  “Fantastic host. I think she should just get any gig of hosting gig that she’s — that’s available in Hollywood... she’s incredible... built for those moments.” (24:09)

Quick Fire Notes:

• Observes online controversy over Sinners being allegedly “written out” of live coverage, especially Ludwig’s original score win.
• Seth Rogen’s show wins for comedy — Julian expresses joy but wishes a recurring inside joke from the show was included in the acceptance speech.

Julian’s Overall Attitude:

• Joyful about films and critical of mainstream trends; unapologetically transparent about what he has/hasn’t seen and dismissive of the fake-expert film discourse.

5. Final Reflections and Personal Check-In

[28:32 - 29:40]

• Julian touches on the challenges of solo creative life, recalibrating his work/life balance, and staying grateful and present.

  “I'm keeping this ship rocking while I can because I owe it to all of you. And I love doing this. It's not a matter of me losing love for this by any means, it's just figuring out life as it's happening in real time.” (28:58)

• Encourages listeners to enjoy art and music on their own terms, unbothered by rumor and industry noise.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• On Hip-Hop Gossip:

  “A lot of these camps cannot stand a lot of these people with microphones, myself included.” (04:10)

• On Industry Trust:

  “I think we owe it to the artist to have them have their moment.” (04:45)

• On Marrow’s Appointment:

  “I think they'll just let him cook creatively... I think New York has already proven to love who he is the way he is.” (06:58)

• On the Black Cinema Pattern:

  “I don't like that... black directors have to do something that is inherently educational for white audiences to also care...” (19:31)

• On the Magic of Cinema (Skarsgård’s speech):

  “In a cinema where the lights go down and eventually you share the pulse with other people, that is magic. Cinema should be seen in cinemas.” (21:46)

Important Segment Timestamps

• False Hip-Hop Predictions & Industry Critique: 00:43 – 05:42
• Marrow/Hot 97 News & Implications: 06:14 – 11:06
• Golden Globes Recap Begins (Film Awards): 13:10
• Critical Taste & Black Cinema: 18:50 – 20:40
• Skarsgård’s Speech & Cinema’s Future: 21:46 – 22:56
• Nikki Glaser Host Praise: 24:09
• Show Closing Thoughts: 28:32 – 29:40

Tone & Takeaways

Julian is witty, candid, and passionate about defending both music and film culture from superficial coverage and lazy mythmaking. He’s proud of his inside knowledge but refuses to trade in gossip, and he’s unafraid to call out problematic industry and media trends — especially where they impact Black artists and directors. His sharp humor breaks up the heavier critiques, and he closes on an encouraging note for listeners to seek and support new experiences in art — without judgment, hype, or cynicism.

A must-listen/recap for those who want informed opinions on pop culture — minus the usual noise.