The Ebro, Laura & Rosenberg Show

Episode 61: “J. Cole Speaks + Akademiks Responds To Ebro”
Date: March 23, 2026
Hosts: Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, Peter Rosenberg

Episode Overview

This wide-ranging episode blends signature commentary on hip hop culture, politics, and the media, with playful banter and deeper perspectives on recent social issues. The hosts examine trending debates in their media circles, public feuds, the complexities of property theft in New York, and major moments in music, highlighted by fresh insight from J. Cole’s interview about his recent album and the Kendrick-Drake beef. The show weaves between laughter, insider media critiques, and serious reflections on justice, activism, and the responsibilities of artists.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Akademiks’ Challenge & Hip-Hop Media Feuds

(01:41–10:27)

• Akademiks vs. Ebro Debate:
  • Akademiks responded to prior comments from Ebro and issued a public debate challenge. The co-hosts question what the subject of such a debate would be, suggesting it might be mere promo rather than substantive disagreement.
    • “What would I be debating academics about?” (Laura, 04:36)
    • “It was more like an intervention. It wasn’t a debate.” (Ebro, 03:47)
  • The hosts discuss the performative aspect of such online callouts and promotional stunts.
  • DJ Vlad & Adam 22: Vlad allegedly wants to box Ebro, described as more promo-fueled antics.
  • Pete Rock & Hot 97 friction:
    • Discussion dives into Pete Rock’s critical comments against the show, accusing the hosts of “ruining radio” and not supporting real music.
    • The hosts defend their legacy of supporting legendary artists and New York hip-hop, emphasizing the business realities of mainstream radio.
    • Quote: "A legend who we love, who shakes our hand and hugs us, and then jumps in the comments and leaves paragraphs on how much he hates us is worth note on our radio program." (Ebro, 08:27)
    • Laura notes the generational communication gap, suggesting some older heads are just “kooky” (09:00).

2. New Show Features & Listener Engagement

(11:21–14:44)

• The team discusses forthcoming tech improvements—most notably, a call-in phone line for the podcast’s YouTube iteration, and their experiences with “contest pigs” (habitual prize callers on radio).
• Contests & Hustles: Humorous exchange on how “prize hustlers” treat contests as a livelihood.
  • Quote: “Winning contests, couponing, buying and reselling. Those are all the same people. They’re hustlers... probably clear like $3,500 a month, bro.” (Laura, 14:06)
• Banter ensues when Rosenberg mishears “juice” as “Jews,” leading to tongue-in-cheek references and segue into the next segment.

3. NYC “Deed Theft” & Real Estate Exploitation

(15:19–22:38)

• The hosts address recent viral reports about deed theft in New York, especially affecting elderly Black and Latino homeowners. They share a powerful clip (Jennifer Kings, 17:40) exposing the multi-step scam:
  • Fake health aides gather personal info.
  • Hospital admissions are used to trigger home thefts.
  • Corrupt notaries and shell companies flip properties to gentrifiers.
  • Victims are left with no legal recourse; police won’t record it as a crime.
    • Quote: “You cannot even call police to report deed theft as a crime. These families lost everything while their loved ones fought for their lives in hospital beds.” (Jennifer Kings, 18:44)
• The hosts note the antisemitic turn in some online commentary, clarifying the problem is systemic, not attributable to ethnicity or religion.
• Squatters’ rights: Discussion expands to related stories of homeowners being unable to reclaim houses from squatters.

4. Larger Political Landscape: ICE at Airports & Policy Gridlock

(24:34–29:38)

• ICE officers at TSA lines:
  • Worry over green card holders and naturalized citizens being mistreated at airports under new policies blurring immigration enforcement and airport security.
  • Ebro and Laura argue the disruption is a politically staged crisis, blaming Republican refusal to separate ICE and TSA funding.
    • Quote: “This could have all been avoided... if we didn’t vote the country to vote for Trump.” (Ebro, 28:46)
• Disempowered public response:
  • The hosts bemoan how misinformation, apathy, and performative both-sides-ism have eroded civic engagement.
    • “Do you pay taxes? If you pay taxes, you can’t say you’re not involved.” (Ebro, 30:15)
    • Laura passionately defends voting and local engagement, critiquing the “voting doesn’t matter” stance.

5. Global & Domestic Injustice: Gaza, Media Blackouts, and U.S. Accountability

(34:00–43:28)

• Wars abroad & government deception:
  • The show draws parallels between property theft, “rules” of society, and global lawlessness—pointing at Netanyahu, Trump, and U.S. complicity in violence abroad.
  • Rosenberg shares a personal story of an American unable to get State Department assistance to escape violence overseas, exposing the limits of U.S. protection.
  • Hiding military casualties: Viral commentary notes the U.S. military’s move to ban media from filming returning coffins, framing it as an attempt to hide true costs of war.
    • “We are at that stage, everybody, where the United States of America is going to hide how many soldiers are dying in a war for another country.” (King Trev, 39:53)
  • FCC threats to media over “improper” coverage are mentioned, with hosts tying this to a playbook of distraction and authoritarian creep.
    • “Just do so much stuff at one time that we’re all dizzy.” (Ebro, 43:52)
  • Confusion over “Project 2025,” with Ebro unfamiliar with the right-wing planning document.

6. J. Cole Speaks—First Interview Since Album Drop

(46:03–52:44)

• Interview with Nadeska (Apple Music):
  • The co-hosts highlight Nadeska’s interview with J. Cole at his childhood home, delving into his remorse and soul-searching following his involvement in the recent Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef.
    • Quote: “I felt like I misrepresented myself. … I felt miserable about it. My whole demeanor, my whole—my wife could tell.” (J. Cole, 48:11)
  • The hosts commend Cole’s maturity in stepping away from negativity and refusing to escalate the conflict—a move they wish more fans, and artists, understood.
    • “If you’re the kind of person who really dislikes J. Cole because he decided to do what was right by him and man up and get out of it, you’re childish, bro.” (Ebro, 50:15)
  • They explore the gap between hip hop as authentic expression and its consumption as entertainment, where empathy for artists is often lacking.

7. Hip Hop News: Lotto’s Pregnancy & Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Shows

(53:21–59:59)

• Lotto’s Announcement: She’s pregnant and has a new album on the way; speculation about the child’s father (21 Savage).
• Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium:
  • The show dives into the excitement about Jay’s special events featuring full-album performances of “Reasonable Doubt” and “Blueprint,” the logistics and festival-style rollout.
  • Playful debates about attending both shows, tickets, suites vs. GA, and previous snubs by Roc Nation provide levity.
  • Questions arise about whether Jay-Z is done making new music or poised for a new creative phase, with the hosts advocating for art-driven releases:
    • “When rap artists can stop thinking about domination and get to a place of comfort, of just art … that’s the next place for people to go to.” (Ebro, 59:43)

8. Celebrating DJ Premier’s 60th & Hip-Hop Legacy

(62:22–65:52)

• DJ Premier turns 60: Showers of praise for Primo and a correction on Guru’s family history.
• Top Hip Hop Producers: Pete Rock, Dilla, and others mentioned; playful rivalry talk and reminiscence about personal connections to the culture.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Everything's a promo." - Laura, on the endless cycle of hip-hop beefs & stunts. (04:36)
• “Winning contests, couponing, reselling... They’re hustlers.” - Laura, on prize hustlers. (14:06)
• "You cannot even call police to report deed theft as a crime." – Jennifer Kings, activist video on Brooklyn home thefts. (18:44)
• “Do you pay taxes? If you pay taxes, you can’t say you’re not involved.” – Ebro, on civic responsibility. (30:15)
• “If you’re the kind of person who dislikes J. Cole because he manned up and got out of it, you’re childish, bro.” – Ebro, on maturity in hip hop. (50:15)
• “You’re keeping score of a game I don’t even play.” (Ebro quoting a Fonte lyric, reinforcing authenticity over metrics. 65:46)

Timestamps to Key Segments

• Akademiks challenges Ebro: 02:35 – 05:09
• Pete Rock & “ruined radio” debate: 05:39 – 10:27
• NYC “deed theft” explainer: 15:19 – 18:44
• Global war, media, and U.S. military casualties: 34:00 – 43:46
• J. Cole speaks (Nadeska Interview): 46:03 – 52:44
• Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium & hip-hop news: 53:21 – 62:07
• Top producers & DJ Premier's birthday: 62:22 – 65:52

Final Thoughts

The episode masterfully balances pop culture news, music debate, insider industry drama, and serious social critique—demonstrating why Ebro, Laura, and Rosenberg remain central to hip-hop’s evolving conversation. Their blend of authenticity, humor, insider access, and sober analysis makes the show essential listening for anyone who cares about the intersection of music, media, and society.