Hip Hop Roundtable

Latest Episodes:

Bay Area Verzuz and Year End Rap Up Dec 30, 2020

Show notes

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

"Burden of Proof" Album Review Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

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.

Conscious Expectaion of Hip Hop? Oct 30, 2020

Show notes

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.

"King's Disease" Review (aka "No such thing as opinions") Sep 02, 2020

Show notes

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.

Random Rona Episode Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

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!

Same Ol' Same Old Heads Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

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.

Check Ya tone Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

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

Just Trying to Cope Jun 11, 2020

Show notes

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.

Tribute to Lauryn Hill's "Unplugged" May 22, 2020

Show notes

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

Are The Beastie Boys Culture Vultures? May 05, 2020

Show notes

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.

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