Topic: Hip Hop

30 chapters across the catalog

99: Devil in the Details
38:57 - 42:31

99: Devil in the Details

Global Expansion of Democracy as a Modern Crusade

The historical conflict between the United States and Muslim forces in North Africa, referenced in the Marine Corps Hymn, is linked to modern foreign policy. The export of "democracy" is characterized as a modern version of the historical "civilizing" missions used to justify territorial and resource acquisition. The discussion also touches on how American culture, including rock and roll and hip hop, acts as a tool for global influence.

98: Mixed Up
2:25 - 6:35

98: Mixed Up

Drake and Kendrick Lamar Beef, Racial Classification Confusion

The ongoing public feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar serves as a catalyst for a discussion on racial classification and the complexities of being biracial. Drake's identity is questioned regarding his blackness and his Canadian upbringing versus ADOS (American Descendants of Slavery) culture. The conversation explores how the system of white supremacy creates confusion for mixed-race individuals who are often not accepted as white and face scrutiny within black communities.

98: Mixed Up
40:43 - 44:08

98: Mixed Up

American Entertainment and the Collaboration of Talents

The hosts discuss the unique American ability to merge diverse talents into global entertainment products. They credit Jewish showmanship, black soul and music, white financial management, and Asian technology for the success of industries like Hollywood and Hip-Hop. Conflict arises when the "pie" or financial rewards are divided unfairly.

94: Helping Our People
0:00 - 3:54

94: Helping Our People

Holy Ghost Meets Commerce, Hip-Hop History Recap

Adam Curry and Moe introduce episode 94 of Mo Facts, titled "The Holy Ghost meets Commerce." This episode serves as a direct follow-up to episode 93, "Higher Infinite Power," focusing on the foundational bedrock of hip-hop. Moe provides a five-minute mashup recap of the previous discussion for new listeners, utilizing modern podcasting chapter markers.

94: Helping Our People
14:30 - 19:36

94: Helping Our People

Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Black Entertainer Roles and Competition

Psychiatrist Dr. Frances Cress Welsing argues that the system of white supremacy programs black people into roles as entertainers and athletes rather than scientists or doctors. The discussion frames hip-hop as a competitive sport, citing the "flow state" and the history of battle rapping and crowd control. This competitive nature is contrasted with other musical genres where aging is viewed differently.

94: Helping Our People
1:48:28 - 1:55:03

94: Helping Our People

Trump Mugshot, 45 Savage and Cultural Shifts

The hosts analyze the cultural impact of Donald Trump's mugshot, noting a shift in hip-hop toward supporting him as a "brother" who has been through the system. They discuss the "45 Savage" moniker and how Trump's perceived "trashy" status makes him more relatable to certain segments of the youth. The segment also touches on the pressure put on artists like Lil Wayne regarding their political affiliations.

93: Higher Infinite Power
0:18 - 3:01

93: Higher Infinite Power

Souls of Mischief, Hip-Hop Anniversary, Episode 93 Introduction

Adam Curry and Moe Facts open episode 93 of the podcast, titled A Journey Into Sound. The hosts discuss the opening track, 93 Till Infinity by Souls of Mischief, and establish the theme of the episode as a deep dive into the history and control of hip-hop. Moe notes that the timing coincides with the 50th anniversary of the genre.

91: Scott Free
2:04:19 - 2:12:58

91: Scott Free

Linguistics, Southern Dialects and the "Axe" vs "Ask" Debate

The hosts discuss the softening of "T" sounds and the use of "axe" instead of "ask" in Southern and Black dialects. Mo explains that these linguistic traits are often unfairly equated with a lack of intelligence. They note how Southern hip-hop has influenced the speech patterns of younger generations, leading to what some might call "cultural appropriation" by non-Southern youth.

87: Ye & They
12:55 - 18:58

87: Ye & They

Business Martyrdom, Hip Hop Contract Freedom

The concept of "business suicide" is reframed as a quest for "business freedom," where West acts as a martyr to escape industry paperwork. Comparisons are made to the difficulty hip-hop artists face when trying to leave contracts held by figures like Diddy. The conversation touches on "Black Twitter" and the "Bouleh phone," suggesting a manufactured consensus in media algorithms.

85: Overman
3:08:52 - 3:18:11

85: Overman

Thomas Sowell on Isolated Cultures and Media Manipulation

Thomas Sowell argues that IQ differences are often the result of "isolated cultures" rather than potential. The hosts apply this to "Black Twitter" and the "hijacking" of hip-hop as a delivery system for negative indoctrination. They also reveal that Netflix allegedly manipulates artwork based on a user's perceived race to keep them within an "isolated" digital experience.

81: Qincidence
3:07:47 - 3:12:06

81: Qincidence

Quincy Jones on Vibe Magazine and Must-See TV

Quincy Jones discusses the launch of Vibe Magazine and the success of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." He notes that the show was "must-see TV" that successfully bridged the economic strata of the Black community and introduced hip-hop culture to a mainstream audience.

80: Barry's Back
42:07 - 50:53

80: Barry's Back

PBS History of Black Twitter, Hashtags and Cultural Appropriation

A PBS "Say It Loud" segment traces the origins of Black Twitter to 2009, highlighting the community's innovative use of hashtags for storytelling and social impact. The hosts discuss how Black America has historically used self-invented means of communication, from cassette tapes to radio shout-outs, due to underrepresentation in mainstream media. They also address the concept of "cultural vulturing" where corporate entities monetize Black inventions like the turntable or specific TikTok dances.

75: What U Gonna Do Cuzz
1:12:30 - 1:16:01

75: What U Gonna Do Cuzz

Tupac Shakur, The Hotel Room Analogy for Social Unrest

In a 1994 clip, Tupac Shakur uses a hotel room analogy to explain how persistent hunger and the sight of excess lead to violent social unrest. Mo Facts connects this to modern phenomena like mass train robberies and people "unplugging" from society. He argues that hip-hop remains the voice of the underclass and should be listened to as a diagnostic tool for societal health.

72: Duke Power
2:13:42 - 2:18:48

72: Duke Power

Jalen Rose and the "Fab Five" vs. Duke

A clip features Jalen Rose discussing his hatred for Duke during his time with Michigan's "Fab Five." Rose admits to calling Duke's black players "house Negroes" because they came from affluent, two-parent households, which contrasted with his upbringing in Detroit. The hosts explore how Duke became the "epitome of whiteness" in the basketball world.

70: Four Freedoms
3:24:19 - 3:28:36

70: Four Freedoms

Black American Skepticism and "Conspiracy Survivalists"

Mo Facts argues that black Americans have a long history of "conspiratorial thinking" as a survival mechanism against a system that has historically been untrustworthy. He cites the influence of hip hop and figures like the RZA in spreading awareness of global power structures like the Trilateral Commission. The hosts also mock the Jussie Smollett incident as an example of a narrative that was immediately recognizable as "bullshit" to those with survivalist instincts.

70: Four Freedoms
4:00:32 - 4:04:57

70: Four Freedoms

Episode 70 Sign-Off and "I Wish I Could Live Forever"

Mo Facts and Adam Curry conclude the episode by reaffirming their commitment to the "Value for Value" model and their belief in personal talent and faith over government mandates. They announce the upcoming "Lost Tapes" session on YouTube and sign off with the track "I Wish I Could Live Forever." The lyrics of the closing song reflect themes of survival, urban struggle, and reaching for higher aspirations.

69: Infektion
2:00:07 - 2:04:41

69: Infektion

Hip-Hop Culture, TLC's Waterfalls and Reverend Wright's Military Background

The hosts discuss how theories of man-made AIDS were disseminated through hip-hop culture and the Black church. They highlight the lyrics of TLC's "Waterfalls" as a cultural marker of the epidemic. Reverend Jeremiah Wright's background as a military healthcare professional for Lyndon B. Johnson is noted to provide context for his skepticism.

65: Disco Biscuits
2:11:04 - 2:20:05

65: Disco Biscuits

Generational Gaps in Comedy and the Role of Elders

The hosts reflect on the "transfer of knowledge" between generations in the entertainment industry. They criticize Cosby for his hostile approach to younger artists and his attempts to stop the rise of *Def Comedy Jam* and hip-hop culture. The conversation emphasizes the importance of elders guiding rather than micromanaging the next generation.

63: We Are People 1
3:32 - 9:13

63: We Are People 1

Maxine Waters Endorses Megan Thee Stallion in Harper's Bazaar

Representative Maxine Waters participated in a conversation with Megan Thee Stallion for Harper's Bazaar, where she commended the rapper's "audacity" in the song "WAP." The segment explores how this story was covered across different media outlets, including The Breakfast Club and the Ricky Smiley Morning Show. The hosts characterize Waters' support as a form of political pandering to a younger demographic.