Hip Hop Roundtable

We discuss what was one of the most exciting Verzuz for us after watching E-40 and Too Short fully put on for the Bay. We also try to show love for some of our favorite albums this year that provided some good to what was one of the most challenging years for all of us. What we don't do is try to rehash all the depressing stuff that's taken during 2020. No need to relive all of that. Here's to a much better year ahead. Happy new year HHRT fam! #PullUpAChair

By now, you’ve probably seen nearly nothing but praise for Benny the Butcher’s “Burden of Proof.” Nothing different here, except we do all end up agreeing that Benny may be the closest thing to Nipsey we currently have on display in hip hop. Milan also revisit’s his stance toward Hit Boy after since he really liked Benny and Conway’s projects with Hit Boy, but not the latest Nas album. All love for Griselda on this episode. #PullUpAChair and press play.

Recorded weeks ago, just as it was announced that Breonna Taylor’s killers would not be charged with murder, we explore what expectations we [should] have from artists. We also discuss the concept of being seen without being a distraction, the need for balance between acknowledgement of current trends and maintaining joy, and  how this twilight zone that is 2020 has influenced how we’re experiencing the world. We also do a whole break down on if an artist like Drake is better off not addressing the current social climate if he doesn’t feel equipped too or is it his duty to do so? #PullUpAChair and join the convo.

I’m getting mad all over again listening to this episode! When legends like Nas drop, we should just be able to appreciate the music. But of course, what started out as our takes on “King’s Disease” (03:35) quickly led to some passionate discussions about whether or not this was a “forced” collaboration (27:40), the difference between reinvention and experimentation (50:40), a brief convo about the nuance of subjectivity (56:00), a quest to establish when Milan became the only person on earth whose opinions are universal facts (1:05:16), and more. One of the most frustrating conversations we’ve had in a while, but it’s exactly the type of hip hop debate we love to have. Recorded prior to Chadwick Boseman’s passing, we of course honor him and send love to all of us—but especially his family—who will miss his presence. That said, come #PullUpAChair, press play, and let us know what you think in the comments.

We went longer between recording than we usually do, so a lot had transpired between episodes. Because of that, it took us way too long to determine what we would even talk about, but we were already saying a lot, so we just hit record and went from there. Most of the episode is focused on me somehow missing Jack Harlow's song of the century (2:00) and what hip hop's response to the Meg the Stallion situation says about the culture (22:25), but this ended up just being one of those episodes that we let carry us. So, press play, #PullUpAChair, and let us know your thoughts on anything we covered!

You can tell from the intro, Milan came up with the topic. This episode, we kick things off by discussing whether or not sheltering-in-place is negatively impacting hip hop’s relevance (08:40). We also discuss whether or no there is a legitimate difference between the critiques of hip hop today and it’s critiques during its rise (23:56), Milan has the nerve to try to argue semantics with me (41:40), a conversation about whether or not people would be comfortable in a world without hip hop (48:48), and more. The entire episode is an argument. #PullUpAChair and see what side of the table you sit on.  

If you keep up with hip hop at all, you know that J. Cole and Noname were the center of attention last week. So, of course HHRT had to give you our own thoughts about the whole situation. This episode includes, our initial thoughts when we first heard the song (6:40), how hip hop being mainstream effects the important conversation we need to have as a culture (42:40), how we each feel about the critiques of J. Cole releasing his song (1:07:55), and a rant about allowing people to address things when and how they feel comfortable doing so (1:43:26), and more. As always, let us know your thoughts by eleavinga. comment wherever you may be listening and let us know your thoughts. #PullUpAChair

I'll be honest, I didn't even want to have this talk. I was talked out and I was tired of having to fixate on the violent deaths of our people. That said, it actually ended up being really good for all of us. We had the homie Anthony Walker join us to process everything we've been feeling and dealing over the last few weeks since the murder of George Floyd was posted for the world to see. If you're like us and just needed a space to listen and/or share, this episode is for you. We also talk about what we expect from hip hop in response to everything we're currently experiencing. So, please #PullUpAChair, share your own thoughts, and let's continue to come together to make the change we need to see.

If you’ve been rocking with us for a while, you’ve probably heard us talk about how much we all respect Lauryn Hill’s “Unplugged” album. Well, we finally give it space on a full episode. We discuss the reasons we appreciate it (5:18), the difficulties of labeling it solely as a hip hop album (48:40), the reasons we believe it’s not usually mentioned with the rest of her catalogue (1:04:30) and much more! We also pay respects to all those we lost since the last time we recorded: Little Richard, Andre Harrell, and Ahmaud Arbery. On a lighter note, Dev finally hooked us with a new instrumental for the intro! You'll also notice we're waaaay more chill this episode than we've been in a while. Good vibes only..or almost only. Press play, enjoy, and then give us your thoughts! #PullUpAChair

Before you completely flip out over the title, just listen to the episode. At this point, you should already know that the conversation is way more deep than the title. A discussion about the recently released Beastie Boys documentary is what leads to the initial question (11:13), followed by a question about why the label "culture vulture" never seems to be applied to white producers (58:07), attempting to separate the systemic issues from the individuals (1:12:38), thoughts on how the success of any white rapper contributes to the larger issue of cultural appropriation (1:27:48), finally a consensus—kinda (1:38:30), and so much more in-between. We then somehow got into a completely different conversation thanks to Milan that we may or not turn into an episode by itself, but it nearly became one here (2:09:36). As always, #PullUpAChair, press play, and rate, subscribe, and comment to give us your thoughts on the matter.

Swizz Beatz & Timbaland have given us by far the best thing to look forward to during quarantine. Recorded before all the craziness and epic ness of the Babyface/Teddy Riley battle, we discuss our general thoughts about what VERZUZ says about, and means for, the culture (10:53), hoping that VERZUZ won't fall victim to the same commercialization that other aspects of hip hop have (28:28), if it's possible for hip hop to grow and maintain authenticity without chasing the bag (1:03:45), Milan continues his streak of disrespect toward hip hop legends (1:24:29), match-ups we'd like to see (1:29:47), and more. #PullUpAChair, press play, and let us know your thoughts on the VERZUZ battles.

I don't know why Milan won't just admit he doesn't like certain music! During our review of Royce's "The Allegory," Milan claimed that Royce shouldn't have experimented with producing the whole album himself and just stuck to his "normal" format. In this episode, he tries to explain how to determine what certain artists are known for (13:40), give an example of an artist properly experimenting (21:45), explain why experimenting for some is different from experimenting for others (37:20), break down the difference between experimenting and leveling up (1:00:00), and refuses to acknowledge that the example of himself backfired (1:14:35)! Me and Dev respond throughout. Press play and be sure to comment with your thoughts. #PullUpAChair

Well, Jay Electronica finally released his debut album--if that's what you want to call it. Hear our thoughts on more than decade long album in the making (9:27), how new fans who don't full appreciate "Exhibit C" high have receive this album (1:21:40), and the great boxing analogy to sum up the album (1:25:55). Press play and then let us know your thoughts in the comment section. #PullUpAChair

We got to sit down with one of Jamla Records' own, Reuben Vincent! He shares about his music journey, a little of what to expect from his upcoming music, and Milan's role in getting him signed to 9th Wonder. This right here is how you celebrate 100 episodes! #PullUpAChair   How to connect with Reuben: Instagram: @reubenvincent Twitter: @ReubenVincent_ Website: jamlarecords.com  

Somehow, a review of Royce's new offering turned into several debates about artists being allowed to experiment with their sound. Regardless, we do share our thoughts about the album as a whole and how Royce's continued maturation as an artist. Join us at the roundtable and we discuss "The Allegory." #PullUpAChair

We'll be back to given y'all some fresh content soon, but we had to give y'all one more from the vault as we count down to 100 episodes. This one is from September 2017. Between the horror stories of artists signing with major labels, the introduction of 360 deals, and the internet/social media creating more opportunities than ever before, it may seem like it's best for artists to just stop signing with the major labels altogether. We discuss the various things to consider for artists and if it's really that simple. #PullUpAChair and comment to give us your thoughts.

This is a two for one! As we gear up to celebrate our 100th episode soon, we're getting around to releasing some of the episodes that we never put out for one reason or another. This is one of those. Recorded back in February 2018, and based on an article from Very Smart Brothas, we decided to share how each of us listen to hip hop and what draws us in. Some people listen for the beat first. Some people, the lyrics. Some of us just need a vibe. How do you listen? Then we transition to what will likely become the death of the CD. The "news" of Best Buy discontinuing the sale of CDs had just broke, so we talk about that and how we feel about the future of music consumption. They not gone yet, but how do you feel like we're gonna have to say farewell to CDs anytime soon? How does that impact how you purchase/listen to music? Leave all your thoughts and opinions below in the comments as you enjoy this new, but old, episode! #PullUpAChair

Not the episode we wanted or planned to do, but we had to honor the legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and all those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Southern California. We discuss how we've been dealing with the news of the loss, Kobe's legacy, and why he was so embraced by hip hop culture in ways other hoop legends are not. It's tough to have to do this time, but please #PullUpAChair and join us as we pay our respects. On a positive note, we have finally launched our website! Visit http://hiphoproundtable.com to check it out. We will be adding much more to the site, but know that you can still go there for all of the recent episodes and sign-up to get added to our email list so we can inform you of all the things that will be coming up in the future. Please visit, subscribe, and let's keep pushing the culture forward!  

Shout out to Brian Bailey, who actually posed this question on our Facebook page a couple years ago. We recorded the episode soon after the question was posted (back in 2018!), but it ended up getting stuck in the vault with a number of other episodes. But, as we continue to work to get take the podcast to the next level this year, we decided to release one of the episodes from the past that were never released. Based on a video posted by Vox that analyzed the "deconstructed the best rhymes of all time" in a very formulaic way, Brian asks if it is dangerous for hip hop to be broken down and analyzed so academically. We decided to respond to the question. Press play, enjoy the episode, and let us know your thoughts on the matter. #PullUpAChair

Here we are again. The beginning of 2020. So, we share our thoughts on all hip hop had to offer and experienced the past 12 months. Our thoughts on the albums, freestyles, artists, and major moments of 2019. And of course, are typical arguments and basketball analogies to close our the year. So, #PullUpAChair and join us for what was our final convo of 2019!