6 chapters across the catalog
An archival recording from the 1960s features wealthy Black residents in Los Angeles expressing concern over the influx of "Negroes" from the South. The speakers describe feeling "embarrassed" by the "mass element" and wanting to maintain their social bracket. Mo identifies this as the "Boule" mentality—an internal class buffer that seeks to distance itself from the "common" members of its own race.
Adidas officially ended its partnership with Ye, citing unacceptable and hateful comments. The discussion notes the historical ties of German companies like Adidas and Hugo Boss to the Nazi party. A specific incident involving a banner over a Los Angeles highway reading "Kanye Was Right" is analyzed as a media tactic to amplify the actions of a small group of extremists to a national level.
A viral Instagram post from Shana Ross, a Jewish music teacher and comedian in Los Angeles, describes her distress when fourth-grade students mentioned Kanye West's comments. The hosts use this to illustrate "trauma-based entertainment," where the media uses individual stories to create a sense of national crisis. They compare this to the trauma felt by black Americans when West made comments about slavery.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discussed a "90-day sprint" to unclog the supply chain at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The hosts point out that this timeline extends into January, meaning many holiday goods will not arrive in time for Christmas. They discuss the psychological impact on children when "Santa" fails to deliver promised gifts due to global logistics failures.
The social hierarchy of drug use is discussed, noting the intense stigma attached to "crackheads" compared to the perceived glamour of powder cocaine users. While both are forms of the same drug, crack was marketed as a cheap, high-intensity option for the poor. The segment briefly touches on modern parallels with the heroin and meth epidemics in Los Angeles.
The hosts open the episode on February 29, 2020, noting the significance of Leap Day as a "Black History bonus day." One host announces an upcoming trip to Los Angeles to appear on The Joe Rogan Experience, which will necessitate a shift in the following week's recording schedule.
