Pass The Bar

Over the last year country music has gotten a makeover by entertainers outside of the genre. RMR’s viral song and video Rascal is the latest trap country ditty that is sure to have country music’s elder statesman in their feelings. Megan Thee Stallion has had a good run but it’s time for her to level up. Her latest project, Suga, sounds like a project you drop-off to fulfill contractual obligations before your skate to another label. In a new segment, WTF Record, Norman, Evan, & Jeff contemplate the necessity of certain songs. The call him Jay Electronica, Jay ElectRamenBruh, Jay ElectDon’tNobodyCareAboutTheAlbumCuh. Seriously though, a decade plus after Exhibit C he claims to have completed his debut album in 40 days and 40 nights. But could this be the tree falling in the empty woods? In a random twist of events an artist who shall remain nameless is brought up and the guys test a theory about Can’t Tell Me Nothing being a modern day negro spiritual. With the recent release of No Time to Die movie trailers the Pass The Bar crew looks back at iconic Bond theme songs and suggest future styles for what could be considered it’s own genre. Due to the reach and threat of the coronavirus, various tours, concerts, and events have been canceled all over the world. More and more people are going out less and it made us think of concerts we regret not attending. FX and Lil Dicky have release a Curb Your Enthusiasm for today’s generation and it looks promising. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

On episode 20, the Pass The Bar crew begin by taking a moment to reflect on the recent tragic deaths of entertainers. Have you ever heard the name of a new artist and you had to double take due to it’s absurdity? Of course you have, and so have we, which is why we came up with a segment where we predict the theme and lyrics of songs we’ve never heard by artists with less then marketable names. Not too long ago, some clout chasers really reached for the stars and released a Top 50 Greatest Female Rappers of all time list to add to the ever-growing flagrant conversations of best rappers. Surprising to no one, D. Wade is a terrible rapper! So much so that we’re wondering why on God’s green Earth Rick Ross decided to make a song with him, especially after hearing Flash’s lackluster delivery. Rolling Stone magazine’s latest cover featuring SZA, Megan Thee Stallion, and Normani had the internet high off Black Girl Magic. We’re all for it! One of the trends in music today is the surprise album release. At times these are great, but as Antwan and Andre told us, you gotta call before you come. Justin Bieber dropped an album for the first time in five years. Artists usually take a few years off in between albums, which often adds to the subject matter. In this case, it seems as though there wasn’t any growth and the new album is potentially a money grab. We the people just can’t seem to forget about Fyre Festival. Who would have known then that the fallout would have been everlasting. Because of Fyre, concertgoers are highly skeptical of any festival with a lineup that’s too good to be true. Zoë Kravitz has a hit show on her hands with Hulu’s High Fidelity. She stars in the series, which is modern take on the film. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

Time flies when you’re not recording. No really it does. That being said, we couldn’t leave you without a proper episode closing 2019, and what better way to start a conversation than on the topic of Eminem? For reasons somewhat known, Pass The Bar favorite Eminem decided to send a few shots at Nick Canon since Nick can’t seem to hold his decade long L. But now Em has to hold one as well for wading into f^ckery lately. No one asked for this, but i’m sure Fat Joe and Dre appreciated the attention it brought to their collaborative album, Family Ties. Family Ties “slaps” as the internets say, and we shouldn’t be surprised as Joe has many bops under his belt. But with art comes responsibility and we’re not sure that sampling “Aguanile" for “YES" was the thing to do. Travis Scott is a multiplatinum artist…or so they say. On the surface it looks like the labels are fudging his numbers. We get to the bottom of it and other cheat codes in the segment. As previously stated on the pod, we’re big fans of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow. While finishing the series, Norman stumbled upon something and thinks that there’s a full blown conspiracy. According to him, "the the fix is in." Topping off the episode and the year, the Past The Bar crew discuss their 2019 Spotify stats and what they’re currently listening to. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

In this episode, The Pass The Bar crew came together again in the month of Hate Logic to discuss well...Logic hate. For those who are unfamiliar, it’s apparently the time of the year where the who’s who in rap speak about their disdain for the Maryland rapper. Next we have two artists that are buzzing today, DaBaby and Summer Walker, but is everyone feeling their wave? And speaking of waves, Lizzo’s riding hers for as long as she with some recent moves that reek of desperation. Champagne Papi might need to step in and have an intervention with his father as recent content from the OG Graham is not up to par with anything professional. Indie darlings The Lumineers attempted to finesse their fans by dropping essentially the same song twice. It appears that the current trend in music is the Latin flavor. Many artists are co-opting Latin and Spanish vibes in what often looks like a form of cultural appropriation. Trolling was taken to an all-time high with the release of a 50 Worst Rappers list. All but say 5 artists deserve to be on it if you ask us. Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow is looking like the only rap reality competition show that will churn out rappers with celebrity and longevity. We voice our opinions of what we’ve seen thus far. To close out the episode we play some classic Halloween songs and ones that could be classic. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

Did y’all see Norman’s Savage x Fenty fashion show during New York? I mean you must have as it was trending everywhere. Well just so you know that was Norman’s baby, if you let him tell it. And in other news of outlandish things, the guys discuss their disdain for certain remakes/covers, but in particular j-hope and Becky G’s Chicken Noodle Soup song. Recently Nicki Minaj announced that she was retiring from the entertainment industry to start a family, and that made us wonder, “Can a true artist ever retire from creating art?" Lord Voldemort is out here selling wolf tickets again but please believe we didn’t fall for the okie doke. We expounded on the subject but we call him Voldemort for a reason. On to the next one. The Wu-Tang: An American Saga series on Hulu is better than anticipated but where is the line drawn between reality and hyperbole? For a special treat, we used the 2nd half of the episode to highlight solid albums that have been released this year. You’ll want to take notes so you don’t look like a fool when the aux cord comes your way. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

YOUR BOYS ARE BACK AFTER A BRIEF HIATUS…DID YOU MISS US??? That was rhetorical! Anyhow, we picked up like we never left, running through The Obamas' 2019 Summer Playlist. Lots of jams on there, maybe some subliminals, but definitely some baby making deep cuts. We see you 44. This year MTV came correct with their VMAs and it was very refreshing and nostalgic for Millennials. Billionaire Hov finds himself in an unusual position after the announcement of his Roc Nation partnership with the NFL. Many wonder if he sold his people out, or if this was a necessary step to put some respeck on the "people’s" name. A question that's been on our minds is, can Chris Brown live? At what point will society as a whole accept and forgive one of the most talented artists from the mid 2000s? For a while now "Christian rappers" have been serving up bops at biblical proportions. What is interesting though is that those artists don’t seem to get recognition in the commercial space. Somehow they're below underground rap in the hierarchy of hip hop. That lead us to ask, is there a difference between a Christian rapper, and a rapper that is Christian? Find out on this episode of Pass The Bar. And don't forget to check out the Pass The Bar Spotify Playlist Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

PUUUUUULLLLLLLL UUUUUUPPP FI DI LATEST GREATEST PASS DI BAR EPISODE. *GUNSHOT* NUFF CHUNE A LICK IN DIS ONE *GUNSHOT* *GUNSHOT* DEM SEH JERMAINE DUPRI A NUH LEGEND. A WA KIND OF SANKEY SING SO? AND IF WI A TALK ‘BOUT ATLANTA, WEH JIDENNA RUN GAAN HIDE??? MAYBE HIM ‘FRAID A DI YUTES SINCE DEM A POP STYLE AND A SET TRENDS IN HIP HOP. NOW, ONE TING WI CYAAN UNDASTAN IS HOW ARTISTS A DETERMINE IF DEM A GI WI A MIXTAPE OR AN ALBUM BECAUSE DEM SOUND DI SAME NUH TRUE. JUS ASK CHANCE DI RAPPER...AND SPEAKING OF, CHANCE DI FLOPPA NUH LONGA A GALLIS BUT HIM SHOULDA JUS KEEP QUIET BUT A SO HIM STAY. *SIREN* *GUNSHOT* *GUNSHOT* *GUNSHOT* ON A SERIOUS NOTE. A TIME JAMAICAN DEEJAYS AND DANCEHALL ARTISTS GET DEM PROPA RESPECT IN HIP HOP! RAPPERS A BORROW AND TIEF WI STYLE TO NO CREDIT. A VEX DEM A VEX WI, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHY DI PASS DI BAR CREW DROP A MEGAMIX OF DANCEHALL’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. WHO WAAN TEST DI SOUND??? *GUNSHOT* YUH CYAAN HARM US INNA WI JAMAICAN COLORS!!!! *AIRHORN* *AIRHORN* *AIRHORN* Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

Everything is finite, but tell that to Lil Nas X. As Old Town Road continues it’s historic run on billboard, how many more relevant versions can he release? We can’t call it, but our lord and savior Rick Rubin didn’t grow a Gandalf beard over the last 30 years from pocket lint that accompanied street rapper demos for this. Instead, Rick setup shop in Malibu at Shangri-La and was kind enough to share the vibes he’s created as seen in the Showtime docuseries under the same name. We’ll get to that later. Speaking of rappers and demos, it often seems like everyone is rapper. Hell maybe they are, but there are many that bubble just below the radar and the Pass The Bar crew points the spotlight on them. Now, something that is prevalent in life are double standards. The rap game makes no exception, hence why Inch High Private Eye…excuse us, Jermaine Dupri had a few words on the popular women in rap. But should they be penalized for riding a wave that is Maverick levels? We’re 50/50 on the subject. Remember when music discovery was at it’s height online? Well we do. Which is why we talk about how multiple genres of music were thriving during the Blog Era in the mid- to late 2000s. We leave no stone unturned around these parts so listen or f^ck off. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

Scared money don’t make none, which is why you have to go big or go home. Every year XXL releases their often polarizing Freshman 15. No exception this time around. Some of those artists performed at the 2019 BET Awards, like our good friend DJ Khaled (inside joke). After warming up on those topics, we show how there really is nothing new under the sun by analyzing similarities in song progressions. From most successful producers, to the underrated unknowns, they’ve all done it before. In other analysis of the industry, what’s up with relatively new albums being remembered before they’ve had time to reach classic status? Maybe it’s a part of music marketing in 2019. Oh and by the way, did we mention big bank take little bank? That’s exactly what Billionaire Hov is doing, and his protégé Rihanna is looking to hit that mark as well. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

As recently teased, we bring to you a crossover episode with Jeff Wood and Henry Marquis from The 4th Wall podcast. Being that they are a film podcast, we decided to focus on various music elements when it comes to film. The pod opens with commentary on Old Town Road's continued success, followed by a quick rundown of some of our favorite film soundtracks. Continuing with the crossover theme, we discuss the latest films we’ve watched, successful musicians turned actors, and biopics that standout from the rest. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood Subscribe to 'The 4th Wall'' podcast!

Fans of Pass The Bar, you were probably expecting a new episode right about now. Well the good news is, it's not dropping today. How is that good news you ask? Welllllllll, it's coming in a few days because we decided to team up with our friends from The 4th Wall podcast to give you a crossover episode on music and film! Please, no need to thank us. Just tune in after about 3 sleeps. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

We believe in the mastery of one’s craft and putting in those 10,000 hours and beyond. What an artist does after that point determines their legacy. With that said, we start off by acknowledging the greatness of the Wu-Tang Clan as we were reminded by Showtime’s Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics & Men‎ docuseries. Keeping up with the episode’s theme the guys comment on DJ Khaled’s album formula and how it has overstayed it’s welcome. Then Norman, Evan, and Jeff get into the art of sampling by analyzing a handful of songs, just before they close the episode on the proliferation of rachetry. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

*AIRHORN* *AIRHORN* *AIRHORN* GIVING YOU WHAT YOU ASKED FOR WITH AN ALL R&B EPISODE!!! YOU GET A SLOW JAM! YOU GET BABY MAKING MUSIC! YOU GET ALL THE JHENÉ AIKO CLONES! ANNNNNDDD LASTLY, YOU GET NEW JACK SWING, EVEN IF YOU CAN’T MILLY ROCK TO IT. SO DIM THE LIGHTS AND PUT ON YOUR SILKY PJS. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

Here at Pass The Bar we pride ourselves on having a thorough knowledge of music. From speaking on various genres to dissecting music as it relates to film and television, we have you covered. This time around we get a little technical when highlighting Coachella, digital vs. physical, regular vs. deluxe albums, and visual projects such as Clapping for the Wrong Reasons, Dirty Computer, Guava Island, and Lemonade. While we might geek out, no pocket protectors here. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

With heavy hearts we open the episode paying respects to the late great Nipsey Hussle. He was a pillar of the community who was spreading knowledge, giving back, and had many goals aimed towards building the community up and advancing his people. In honor of him we celebrated life by coming together, doing what we love. For many reasons this episode meant so much more than usual. Every day is a blessing so if you open your eyes, enjoy the sunrise. No snarky description this time around. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

So you wanna be startin’ something, but in your pursuit of being bad you discovered everything ain’t black or white. We tried to tell you to ease on down the road while you were in Hollywood tonight, but you were bound to repeat your history...Guess that’s just human nature. You see, we remember the time when everybody didn’t think they were a smooth criminal, and instead looked for a brand new day to change their destiny. But you and I know that life can be a thriller, and if you make the wrong move you could be gone to soon. So when those times are upon us, just remember one thing...You are not alone. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

As the great American proverb goes, “Ain’t no such things as halfway crooks.” That is most definitely this episode’s theme, as the Pass The Bar crew recap the Grammys, propose Nicki and Cardi B’s next move, make sense of Jussie Smollett’s antics, and have a serious conversation about the boxes black entertainers are “supposed” to stay in. There’s more in there, but y’all only care about the most spiciest hot takes. So keep a glass of water handy because we’re coming in hot. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

On this week's episode of Pass The Bar, hosts Norman, Evan, and Jeff start off by running through a list of songs that "put on for their city." That leads into a discussion on the hunger for artistic greatness and authenticity in music. And if opinions are like @%&h*!3$, you might get a kick out of what these guys think about your favorite band's cover songs. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

It's a Fyre sale and everything must go! This ep begins with a skewering of Fyre Festival’s Head Fraudster In Charge, Billy McFarland. The festival flop did however inspire Norman to conceive and propose the Kardashian/Jenner clan’s next move. From there the Pass The Bar crew pivots into six degrees of Soulja Boy swagger jacking, with Ariana Grande as the centerpiece, and they consign Young Drako as the godfather of this current rap sh^t. To conclude the session, the hosts discuss the greatness of J. Cole. So please, don’t let Nas down, listen to the show. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

Starting the year off right, your favorite music aficionados recorded an episode for the books! You won’t believe how they connect Meek Mill with the Battle of Gettysburg, or compare viewing leaked provocative celebrity photos to listening to posthumous albums that were crafted half-assedly. Folks, that’s just the tip of the iceberg and other slightly hyperbolic idioms that could be used to describe this session. Enjoy! Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

The Pass The Bar crew get into the holiday spirit as they wrap up the year with their favorite albums, Grammy slander, and a slew of new and old holiday classics. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood

Norman, Evan, & Jeff go deeper than rap on topics such as their top 5, the greatest rapper alive, recent album releases and many more. Follow us: Norman - @topbananas48 Evan - @coach.barry Jeff - @iamjeffwood