The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Summary of the Travis Kelce Interview & Drake's UMG Lawsuit Discussion

Release Date: January 15, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Stephen A. Smith delivers his renowned perspectives, transcending sports to address issues in entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Three times a week, listeners enjoy his unfiltered opinions on major headlines and interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders.

1. Drake's Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group (UMG)

Timestamp: [01:31]
Speaker: Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith opens the show by addressing the high-profile legal battle between rapper Drake and his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG). The lawsuit centers around Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," in which Lamar accuses Drake of criminal behavior and cultural appropriation. Drake's legal team claims that UMG prioritized corporate profits over the well-being of its artists by supporting a song that unjustly maligns Drake's reputation.

Notable Quotes:

• "UMG approved, published and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out of a rap track that was intended to convey the specific, unmistakable and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile..." ([02:10] Stephen A. Smith)
• "Drake should handle his business in the studio, not in a courtroom." ([04:00] Stephen A. Smith)

Discussion Highlights:

• Impact on Hip Hop Culture: Stephen reflects on his personal connection to hip hop, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts within the studio rather than through legal channels.
• UMG's Motives: He critiques UMG's decision to support the contentious track, suggesting that financial incentives overshadowed ethical considerations.
• Drake's Response: Stephen advocates for Drake to either respond artistically with another diss track or to resolve the conflict privately, maintaining the integrity of the hip hop tradition.

2. NFL Playoffs and College Football Picks

Timestamp: [05:00]
Speaker: Stephen A. Smith & Adam Brennaman

Transitioning from the lawsuit, Stephen delves into his predictions for the NFL playoffs and the College Football National Championship. Partnering with Prize Picks, he shares his selections for upcoming games, analyzing quarterback performances and team strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• "I believe in Stroud. I believe in his abilities." ([08:45] Stephen A. Smith)
• "Jaden Daniels is playing on a whole different level right now." ([16:00] Adam Brennaman)

Discussion Highlights:

• NFL Matchups: Stephen discusses his confidence in Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud and Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes surpassing their passing yards projections.
• College Championship Preview: A breakdown of the Notre Dame vs. Ohio State game, with insights into defensive strategies and key player performances.
• Guest Analysis: Adam Brennaman provides additional perspectives on Stephen's picks, expressing support and raising concerns about certain predictions, particularly Mahomes' passing yards after a hiatus.

3. Exclusive Interview with Travis Kelce

Timestamp: [24:35]
Speaker: Stephen A. Smith & Travis Kelce

The core of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. As the Chiefs aim for a historic three-peat in Super Bowl victories, Kelce shares his experiences, challenges, and future aspirations.

a. Career Reflections and Legacy

Notable Quotes:

• "I've always been trying to chase greatness my entire life." ([46:54] Travis Kelce)
• "I can't fathom what football would be like, not in my... not playing football as a profession." ([48:40] Travis Kelce)

Highlights:

• Greatness and Legacy: Kelce discusses his drive to emulate and surpass legends like Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten, emphasizing his commitment to leading the Chiefs to unprecedented success.
• Three-Peat Ambition: He articulates the significance of potentially achieving three consecutive Super Bowl titles, positioning the Chiefs as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.

b. Potential Retirement Considerations

Notable Quotes:

• "It's just something that you have to keep into perspective, man." ([30:33] Travis Kelce)
• "I'm still hungry to go and get something right now." ([48:40] Travis Kelce)

Highlights:

• Retirement Thoughts: Kelce addresses rumors about his potential retirement, clarifying that while he contemplates his future, his primary focus remains on excelling in the present.
• Motivation and Passion: He emphasizes that his love for the game and desire for continual improvement keep him motivated, despite reaching significant career milestones.

c. Life Off the Field and Podcasting

Notable Quotes:

• "We missed each other. We hadn't had those conversations every single week..." ([41:22] Travis Kelce)
• "I think that's been the goal for a lot of football players in this league, is to set yourself up." ([41:33] Travis Kelce)

Highlights:

• New Heights Podcast: Kelce discusses his collaboration with his brother Jason on their podcast, highlighting its rapid growth to over 2.5 million subscribers. They explore topics beyond football, including personal stories and sports insights.
• Balancing Life and Career: He shares how strong relationships and personal support systems enable him to focus on his professional life without distractions.

d. Views on Leadership and Team Dynamics

Notable Quotes:

• "Coach Reid... always has the ability to relate to guys and that's big in the football world." ([50:36] Travis Kelce)
• "Pat Mahomes' ability to lead just like Coach Reid..." ([52:05] Travis Kelce)

Highlights:

• Andy Reid's Coaching Style: Kelce praises Coach Reid for his relatability, toughness, and consistent accountability, noting how these traits foster a motivated and disciplined team environment.
• Patrick Mahomes' Excellence: He lauds Mahomes as one of the greatest quarterbacks, attributing much of the Chiefs' success to Mahomes' natural talent and leadership qualities.

e. Personal Anecdotes and Relationships

Notable Quotes:

• "I need to get back to it. I need to get back to it." ([33:36] Travis Kelce)
• "I think you're the best to ever do it, Stephen." ([54:47] Hunter)

Highlights:

• Celebration Styles: Stephen playfully critiques Kelce's touchdown celebrations, prompting Kelce to commit to bringing back his signature dance moves.
• Brotherly Bonds: The conversation touches on Kelce's relationship with his brother Jason, illustrating the strong familial support that underpins his career and personal endeavors.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [54:47]
Speaker: Stephen A. Smith

Stephen wraps up the episode by reaffirming his admiration for Travis Kelce, highlighting Kelce's multifaceted persona as both a sports icon and a burgeoning media personality. He reflects on the Chiefs' playoff prospects, acknowledging formidable opponents while expressing optimism for their continued dominance.

Final Quotes:

• "He's going to be the most popular football player in history, not because of football." ([59:50] Stephen A. Smith)
• "I hope y'all enjoyed the conversation as much as I did." ([59:54] Stephen A. Smith)

Takeaways:

• Travis Kelce's Impact: Beyond his athletic prowess, Kelce is portrayed as a dynamic individual shaping his legacy through media and personal relationships.
• Chiefs' Championship Aspirations: The potential three-peat underscores the Chiefs' elite status in the NFL, bolstered by stellar leadership from Reid and Mahomes.
• Engagement and Future Episodes: Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming episodes, promising continued insights into major sports narratives and personal interviews with influential figures.

Notable Exclusions:

• Advertisements for Vanta, Greg Rosenthal’s podcast, Prize Picks, Hunting for Answers podcast, and promotional segments for "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" were omitted to maintain focus on core content.

Conclusion: This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a compelling mix of entertainment industry controversy and exclusive sports insights, culminating in a revealing interview with one of the NFL's premier tight ends, Travis Kelce. Whether discussing legal battles in the music world or the pursuit of athletic greatness, Stephen A. Smith delivers an engaging and informative listening experience.