The Stephen A. Smith Show - Episode Summary

Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Kids Engaged. Rap Beef Kendrick Keeps Winning!
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Hosts: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

1. LL Cool J's Enduring Influence in Hip Hop

Timestamp: 01:02 - 06:15

In the opening segment, Stephen A. Smith delves into the legacy of LL Cool J, emphasizing his monumental impact on the hip hop industry. Smith highlights LL Cool J's pioneering contributions, asserting that he set foundational trends that have endured over decades.

• Introduction of Key Elements: Smith remarks, "When it comes to the jewelry, this is the guy that introduced all the diamond and ice and the champagne..." (02:15). He credits LL Cool J with popularizing essential elements of hip hop culture, from fashion to lyrical themes.

• Love Songs and Emotional Depth: "When it comes to the love songs, this is the guy who introduced the love songs and all the love shit," Smith notes (03:10), pointing out LL Cool J's role in bringing emotional depth and romantic narratives into rap music.

• Bad Boy Vibe: Smith continues, "When it comes to the bad boy vibe, they're gonna realize... before it was done," (04:20), recognizing LL Cool J's influence in shaping the rebellious and edgy persona that many rappers adopt today.

• GOAT Terminology: Highlighting LL Cool J's linguistic contributions, Smith states, "When it comes to goat terminology, they're going to say... LL is the greatest of all time," (05:05). He underscores how LL Cool J popularized the term "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) within the rap community.

• Def Jam Legacy: Addressing LL Cool J's role in the industry, Smith asserts, "When it comes to Def Jam, wow. This is the first artist that was deaf. He's right. He's right." (05:50), emphasizing LL's foundational role in the establishment and growth of Def Jam Recordings.

Smith praises LL Cool J’s versatility as a "rap artist, actor, producer," and labels him as a "transcendent figure who has withstood the test of time," (06:00). He lauds LL Cool J's multi-faceted career and enduring relevance in both music and entertainment.

2. Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: The Unintended Consequences of Legal Battles

Timestamp: 06:16 - 15:37

Stephen A. shifts focus to the recent legal confrontation between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, providing an insightful analysis of how the lawsuit has backfired, inadvertently boosting Kendrick Lamar's popularity.

• Overview of the Lawsuit: Smith outlines that Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) alleging defamation for the release of Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," which Drake claims accused him of being a pedophile. He explains, "Drake's recent lawsuit against Universal Music Group... has resulted in a massive 440% increase in the song's sales and a 20% rise in streams," (07:45).

• The Streisand Effect: Highlighting the unintended consequences, Smith mentions, "This could be a case of the Streisand effect, where attempting to suppress something only amplifies it," (09:10). He explains how Drake's attempt to silence criticism has instead brought greater attention to Kendrick's track.

• Industry Reactions: Smith references industry experts who caution Drake that his legal actions might be detrimental, stating, "Entertainment lawyer Kevin Cassini even speculated that Drake's filings will likely lead to even more streams for 'not like us'," (10:25).

• Community Sentiment: Emphasizing public opinion, Smith asserts, "The community has spoken against you. They ain't go to be curious about. Not like us. They went to say we rolling with Kendrick Lamar," (12:40). He conveys that fans are rallying behind Kendrick, rejecting Drake's legal maneuvers.

• Advice to Drake: Smith advises Drake to focus on his artistry instead of legal battles, proclaiming, "Drake, you got a problem with Kendrick Lamar, where the hell is you? Not like us. You... You got to do the same. You got to get back in that studio and do your thing," (14:15). He encourages Drake to respond creatively rather than resorting to litigation.

• Future Implications: Looking ahead, Smith predicts increased tensions as the Super Bowl approaches, stating, "As the Super Bowl draws near, it's only gonna proliferate even more. He gonna come at you harder," (15:00). He suggests that the feud may intensify, leading to further developments in the rap landscape.

Overall, Smith critiques Drake's choice to involve lawyers in what he perceives as a creative dispute, advocating for artistic expression over legal entanglements.

3. Engagement of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence's Children: A Union of Comedic Royalty

Timestamp: 15:38 - 15:37

In a heartwarming finale, Stephen A. Smith shares the joyous news of the engagement between Eddie Murphy's son, Eric, and Martin Lawrence's daughter, Jasmine, celebrating the union of two iconic comedic families.

• Announcement of the Engagement: Smith reveals, "Eddie Murphy's son Eric proposed to Lawrence's daughter Jasmine the day before Thanksgiving," (16:00). He describes the proposal with enthusiasm, noting the couple shared a joint Instagram post capturing the special moment.

• Public Reaction and Significance: Emphasizing the rarity and significance of this union, Smith remarks, "It's an indication of how much your daddies matter to the world," (16:20). He underscores the importance of their fathers' legacies in the entertainment industry.

• Tribute to Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence: Smith pays tribute to both comedians, stating, "Martin Lawrence is hilarious to this very day. Bad boys for life. Hysterical. Eddie Murphy is that special... the man is comedic genius," (16:35). He highlights their contributions to Hollywood and their roles in shaping comedic entertainment.

• Personal Reflections: Sharing his personal admiration, Smith recalls favorite Eddie Murphy roles, such as Rasputia in "Norbit," and praises their enduring ability to entertain, "We owe y'all such a debt of gratitude. Y'all are truly, truly mesmerizing and inspirational in so many ways," (16:50).

• Well Wishes: Concluding with heartfelt congratulations, Smith extends his best wishes to the newly engaged couple, "Wishing you nothing but a lifetime of happiness together as one union," (17:10). He also expresses gratitude towards Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence for their enduring impact on comedy and entertainment.

This segment serves as a celebratory acknowledgment of a significant personal milestone within two legendary comedic lineages, highlighting the continued influence of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence in the world of entertainment.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. offers a multifaceted discussion that spans the enduring legacy of LL Cool J, the ramifications of Drake's legal battle with Kendrick Lamar, and the heartwarming engagement of the children of Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. Through insightful analysis and genuine admiration, Smith provides listeners with a rich tapestry of entertainment and cultural commentary, underscoring his renowned ability to blend sports, entertainment, and societal issues seamlessly.

Notable Quotes:

• "LL is a transcendent figure who has withstood the test of time." – Stephen A. Smith (06:00)
• "This could be a case of the Streisand effect, where attempting to suppress something only amplifies it." – Stephen A. Smith (09:10)
• "Drake, you got a problem with Kendrick Lamar, where the hell is you? Not like us." – Stephen A. Smith (14:15)
• "Y'all are truly, truly mesmerizing and inspirational in so many ways." – Stephen A. Smith (16:50)

Listeners who miss this episode can tune in on:
iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.