Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Should Kendrick Play 'Not Like Us'?

Episode: The Big Suey: Should Kendrick Play 'Not Like Us'?
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Chris Cody, Mike Ryan, David Sampson, Izzy Gutierrez

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz titled "The Big Suey: Should Kendrick Play 'Not Like Us'?", the hosts delve deep into the complexities surrounding Kendrick Lamar's potential song choice for the Super Bowl halftime show. The discussion intertwines legal concerns, artistic integrity, and the broader implications for the artists involved.

Main Discussion: Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show

Background of the Situation

The episode kicks off with Dan Le Batard introducing the central debate: whether Kendrick Lamar should perform his song "Not Like Us" during the Super Bowl halftime show. The conversation alludes to a speculative scenario where Kendrick's performance might be entangled with ongoing tensions between Drake and Universal Music Group, particularly concerning defamation lawsuits.

Notable Quote:

Dan LeBatard (05:35): "Kendrick Lamar is doing the halftime show. And I walked in this morning and I was like, oh, well, what if they... what if that was all just a big, like, fake beef so that they could have this crazy Super Bowl halftime show?"

Legal Implications and Risks

Stugotz and the team explore the potential legal ramifications if Kendrick were to perform "Not Like Us." They discuss the risk of escalation due to the defamation lawsuit Drake has filed, emphasizing that a high-profile performance like the Super Bowl could amplify any legal damages.

Notable Quote:

Stugatz (06:24): "Does he clear from the legalities? If he gets up to that lyric and then, like, stops and lets the audience say the inappropriate stuff that Drake is worried about?"

David Sampson, with his legal expertise, provides insights into the possible financial and reputational risks Kendrick might face, suggesting that the Super Bowl's vast viewership could amplify the consequences of any legal disputes.

Notable Quote:

David Sampson (08:48): "The juice is not nearly worth the squeeze."

Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Pressure

The hosts debate whether Kendrick Lamar should prioritize artistic expression over commercial pressures. They consider whether performing the contentious song would overshadow Kendrick's previous accolades and genuine artistic endeavors.

Notable Quote:

Izzy Gutierrez (10:22): "But the other part about this is, if you're Kendrick, and this is sort of a career celebration for you, right? How much of this time do you really want to spend stomping on Drake's grave?"

Possible Outcomes and Recommendations

After weighing the pros and cons, the consensus leans towards Kendrick avoiding the performance of "Not Like Us" to maintain his professional integrity and minimize legal risks. The hosts agree that the potential fallout from such a move could outweigh the benefits of a high-profile performance.

Notable Quote:

Dan LeBatard (09:28): "There's no formula... the Super Bowl is a massive platform, and the damages, if he is found guilty, would then increase."

Side Discussion: Jake Paul vs. Canelo Alvarez Fight Developments

Shifting gears, the episode briefly touches upon the unexpected changes in the highly anticipated fight between Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez. The sudden decision by Canelo to opt for a four-fight deal instead of facing Paul has left fans and promoters bewildered.

Notable Quote:

Chris Cody (14:38): "They announced the fight, and then Canelo said, 'I got a better idea. I'm not going to fight Paul.'"

The hosts speculate on the strategic moves behind this decision, considering the influence of Saudi Arabia's Riyadh season and its role in reshaping boxing's landscape.

Media, Attention, and Genius in the Modern Era

In the latter part of the episode, the conversation broadens to discuss the nature of media attention in today's fragmented landscape. Comparing contemporary media figures like the Kardashian family to longstanding personalities like Jerry Springer and Maury Povich, the hosts debate what constitutes true genius in capturing and maintaining public attention.

Notable Quote:

Chris Cody (25:12): "The idea that, David, just the ability to grab people's attention, that is the most rewarded thing right now. You don't even have to hold the attention."

They conclude that while attention is a valuable currency in today's media-driven world, maintaining depth and substance remains a challenging yet essential endeavor for lasting influence.

Conclusion

"The Big Suey: Should Kendrick Play 'Not Like Us'?" offers a multifaceted exploration of the intersection between artistry, legal challenges, and media strategies. The hosts provide a nuanced perspective on the potential implications of high-profile performances and the evolving nature of public attention in the digital age.

Note: The timestamps referenced in the quotes correspond to the moments within the episode's transcript where the discussed points are addressed.