Sum'n to Say

Just the other night at the Local, Yoh was wondering what it would take for the crew to hop back on the mic. One week later, that reason came, courtesy of Andre 3000. In this reunion episode, we unpack New Blue Sun and wonder how Dre's debut solo album will function in our lives—as we age, as we mature, and as hip-hop enters its next 50 years. Watch 'May the Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_LQmpx5l-E

Just when we thought apartheid in the A was over, Omeretta the Great's "Sorry Not Sorry" turned "We grew here, you flew here" into a song. In this 911 emergency episode, the crew came out of pod-tirement to discuss with entertainment manager Steven Dingle (@stevozone4).

When we talk about Southern rap’s evolution, we tend to focus on Atlanta’s contributions in particular. Cultural critic Taylor Crumpton reminds us that there are other Southsides — stories about this genre that still need to be told and amplified. As one of five writers selected for Shea Serrano's Halfway Books pilot program, she maps out Dallas rap history by way of Big Tuck's 'Purple Hulk.' Buy Taylor's essay at www.taylorhalfway.com Support for Sum'n to Say is provided by patreon.com/sumntosay

After feuding for 15 or 20 years (hell, they argued over that too), Gucci Mane and Jeezy met at Magic City to settle the score by way of Verzuz. We wrap our heads around the night that was part reunion, part reconciliation and part retaliation. Support for Sum'n to Say comes from patreon.com/sumntosay

Chester Watson released his new album 'A Japanese Horror Film' this past Halloween. Halloween was a Saturday this year, though as the music makes clear, he navigates time and space by his own rules. We discuss how Samurai Champloo, astral projection experiences and a good talking-to from an ex informed his heady personal journey. Support Sum'n to Say at patreon.com/sumntosay

"We hear T.I.'s voice all the time. And depending on your perspective, sometimes we've heard too much of T.I.'s voice," says Jah. This week we debate whether his new album, The L.I.B.R.A., is essential listening. Support for this podcast comes from: https://www.patreon.com/sumntosay

We'll be back with a new episode next week. Until then, in honor of T.I.'s new album The L.I.B.R.A., we're bringing back Episode 9 (!) from 2018, exploring 'Trap Muzik' 15 years later. Support for Sum'n to Say comes from: www.patreon.com/sumntosay

Once OutKast got its 5-mic review in The Source, what else was left to do? As Jah put it, the resulting sound wasn't Organized Noize — it was disorganized, to its biggest mainstream successes yet. We look back at how 20 years ago, Stankonia fundamentally changed our ideas of what the South had to say. Read Yoh's "Stankonia: The OutKast Album That Defies Reality," on Vinyl Me Please: http://magazine.vinylmeplease.com/magazine/outkast-stankonia-yoh-liner-notes/ Support for Sum'n to Say comes from: https://www.patreon.com/sumntosay

On one hand, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin double down on what made them bankable stars in the first place. But those searching for the introspection that earned 21 Grammy nods might only find dust and cobwebs. This week we debate the merits and Morgan Freeman interludes of 'Savage Mode II.'

This week we attempt to solve some mysteries, from Kanye West's war against Universal and Sony [6:24] to Baby Keem's new deal with Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free as label bosses [29:17]. We also check out the latest mashup project by DJ Critical Hype, 'ANDRE,' featuring Andre 3000 raps and Tyler, the Creator instrumentals [53:21]. Support for Sum'n to Say comes from https://www.patreon.com/sumntosay

In her 2020 XXL Freshman freestyle, Mulatto says, “Who else do you know that came from a TV show, turned down a deal and still taking off?” We talk about all the twists and turns in her career, from skating rink gigs(shoutout to Yoh's parents) to scoffing at a scarcity mindset. Help support the show at https://www.patreon.com/sumntosay

It's disappointing when an artist's debut project doesn't match the hype, like when Nick Grant, a lyricist by trade, raps about cufflinks in 2017's 'Return of the Cool.' But 2020's 'God Bless the Child' marks the return of Nick Grant as we know it. This is part of Sum'n to Hear, where we discuss the not-yet-household names who have caught our attention.

This episode is different because these times are difficult. We're not talking new releases. Instead, Jah tasked us with creating five-song EPs that actually speak to how we're feeling right now. Which songs would be on yours? Let us know at twitter.com/SumnSay. Jah's EP, 'AmeriKKKa the Usual' (5:20): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64HP462XtOZ5rZa8OgDVKP?si=pVCXe33lQJ-DDohd6onm1A Christina's EP, 'Shaun King Can Go Fuck Himself' (28:59): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22au1CZwQqBGicHFPj1ler?si=eVDJduI0RRqJ6O4Ki74zcQ Yoh's EP, 'Rome is Burning' (46:04): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0SZHVpQrmx03nwY59ij3N6?si=k-TiAPk7SZGiEJ4uFI9EZA

By now it's easy to take Young Money's biggest success stories for granted. But we should remember how strange it was a decade ago to see Lil Wayne handpick his successors. We revisit the strange family portrait that is 2009's 'We Are Young Money,' disgusting CollegeHumor bars and all.

Our original plan this week was to release a throwback episode. But we were so disheartened by the current state of affairs, from Megan Thee Stallion being called a snitch (4:09) to Pharrell and Jay Z's scolding dad energy in "Entrepreneur" (34:26), that this special news bulletin edition felt necessary. We ask the most pressing questions, from "Why is everyone Tory Lanez' friend now?" to "What do we do with rise-and-grind rap when capitalism is broken?"

The alternate title to this episode, about Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's "WAP," is "J. Edgar Jenner." We react to the reactions surrounding the first instant classic of 2020.

Between "Savage" and Quarantine Radio, Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez were behind some of America's greatest quarantine pastimes. Then there was a shooting. We discuss how, between the tasteless takes and Megan's tears of disbelief, the world doesn't deserve a "Hot Girl Summer." Taylor Crumpton for Harper's Bazaar: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a33471010/megan-thee-stallion-shooting-misogynoir/ Support on Sum'n to Say's Patreon went directly to purchasing new mics for Jah and Yoh — what's made it possible to restart season 4 during the COVID-19 pandemic. www.patreon.com/sumntosay

Exactly how well can a posthumous album reflect the artist in question? We compare the new Pop Smoke and Juice WRLD to the closest hip-hop has seen to a platonic ideal: Notorious B.I.G.'s Life After Death. Support on Sum'n to Say's Patreon went directly to purchasing new mics for Jah and Yoh — what's made it possible to restart season 4 during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.patreon.com/sumntosay

There are two types of people. Yoh and Christina are Lil Baby people. They think that twinge of sadness in his voice makes you root for him, which makes the resolve in his lyrics all the more satisfying. But Jah is a DaBaby person. He catches flights, not feelings. This week: a (slightly) grown discussion about baby shit.

Weeks after The New York Times discovered Renegade dance creator Jalaiah Harmon, we discuss the song that inspired it all. Yes, we're talking "Lottery (Renegade)" by K Camp, the 2015 XXL Freshman behind Mykko Montana's "Do It," "Cut Her Off," "Money Baby" and "Comfortable." Where does he go from here? We play armchair A&Rs to discuss further.

The UK rap scene is reaching critical mass. Jah has noticed, as he's dropped albums like Little Simz's 'GREY Area' in the group text. But when will the States embrace rap in the Queen's English, embrace Stormzy as much as Oasis, much less embrace some actual Black Beatles? To quote Yoh: Buy foreign verses, not foreign cars.

Fun fact: One artist who has more monthly Spotify listens than Chris Brown, J. Cole, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne is... Tyga. Against our better judgment, we discuss how he inexplicably became the Fashion Nova of rap, Pornhub bars and all. Follow us on Twitter @SumnSay.

Ten years ago rap game's Adam Sandler released his crowning achievement: a winning jock jam. But could his playbook use an update? We revisit “All I Do is Win” and how DJ Khaled has suffered from success ever since.

Just when we had grown accustomed to trap becoming the post-recession soundtrack of our lives, we now had to figure out how to pronounce “Rae Sremmurd.” Ebro would rather have pulled the covers over his head. Critics felt old as fuck. For our season 4 premiere, special guests Marz and Ducko McFli of Ear Drummers discuss the making of 'Sremmlife' and the duo who reminded hip-hop how to have fun again, no matter how hard we resisted.

Ten years ago next week, just when Clipse managed to escape label purgatory and release an album without years of delays ('Til the Casket Drops'), Gucci Mane confirmed his status as the South's new cult rap hero (with 'The State vs. Radric Davis'). In our final episode of 2019, we compare and contrast the two releases to revisit how an era of cocaine rap came to a close, and listeners instead got white boy “Wasted.”

It's that time of year again! The Recording Academy announces its Grammy nominees, and hip-hop complains that the Grammys just don't understand. We debate whether these trophies still matter and revisit the best award show moments in hip-hop history: Diana Ross jiggling Lil Kim's breast. Three 6 Mafia thanking their choreographer. And of course, the South's declaration of independence.

'Parasite' intrigued Jah and Christina so much, they saw it again in theaters. They also insisted that Yoh join them. If you've seen this Bong Joon-ho film, and you're obsessing over every detail and still trying to make sense of its symbolism and hairpin turns, this recap and analysis is for you.

QT is the Patreon tier where supporters ask us a question that we tackle in a future episode. (Find out more at patreon.com/sumntosay.) This week patron and longtime listener Jalen K. Wright asks, "What advice would y’all give to an artist like Summer Walker who is not having the best/easiest time dealing with fame?" Critic and community organizer Clarissa Brooks (https://clarissambrooks.contently.com/) joins us to discuss the reluctant star's rapid rise, coupled with the high music business expectations facing an female R&B singer today.

Ain't Gon' Let Up is our Patreon tier where folks can request an episode topic, for any verse, song, album or event taking place in hip-hop and R&B, in the South or otherwise. Find out more at patreon.com/sumntosay. Shoutout to Robbie McClellan for requesting a look back at Things Fall Apart, the Roots album that recently turned 20. Revisiting the album prompted us to look back at the late '90s battle lines between mainstream and alternative hip-hop — and how the Roots found commercial and critical acclaim, despite being firmly on the "losing" side of that battle.

DJ OHSO was working at a call center when she stumbled across a Will Smith interview saying, "What's the point of a plan B? It distracts you from a plan A." As this episode's special guest, she explains how that random YouTube clip led to the start of her DJ career (in front of the Fresh Prince himself!) and honoring black women with her signature "Bounce Dat" parties. Catch her at Red Bull Music Festival Atlanta 11/7: https://www.redbull.com/us-en/music/events/red-bull-music-festival-atlanta-ohsos-bounce-dat

Bringing back Sum'n to Hear, where Jah, Yoh and Christina discuss the newcomers who have caught their attention. This month we discuss GRIP's 'Snubnose,' a full-length exploration of how the allure of even a revolver can change an East Atlanta native, in the age of "Pull Up Wit Ah Stick." Yoh's DJBooth interview with GRIP: https://djbooth.net/features/2019-10-21-grip-snubnose-inside-bullet-riddled-world

In his 2009 debut 'Attention Deficit,' Wale wants to be it all: a blog darling who can cross over, the DMV native who can carry go-go's torch. We revisit those impossible expectations and discuss how he's recovered ten years later, to meet his criteria for success — and his alone.

In the time it takes to listen to a DaBaby project, we debate his past life as a Jesus-worshiping Rich Homie Quan soundalike, the best and worst guests on 'KIRK,' and where the Energizer Bunny of hip-hop possibly goes from here.

We've never received an episode request like this. This week producer Michael Saba asked us to discuss how the influence of Phil Collins has played out in '808s and Heartbreak,' intros by Meek Mill and Rapsody, songs by DMX — and an unfortunately named tribute album from 2001. More commentary from Mike here: https://www.youtube.com/user/akhorahilis

Hip-hop history is about how the sphere of influence has migrated, from the East Coast to the West Coast, Midwest to the South. Yoh, Jah and Christina attempt to figure out where that sphere of influence is in 2019. Could Megan Thee Stallion inspire a gold rush to Houston? Atlanta was as productive as ever, but was the music as memorable? And is City Girls' "PERIOD" enough to offset DJ Khaled's temper tantrum about bundles? Check out Sum'n to Say on Is the Mic Still On: https://deadendpodcasts.com/tekashi-snitch-nine-ft-christina-and-yoh-sumn-to-say/

Introducing Sum'n to Hear, where Jah, Yoh and Christina discuss the newcomers who have caught their attention. This month's playlist features: Benny the Butcher's "18 Wheeler," Maxo Kream's "Meet Again," Summerella's "Pretty Bitch in the Trap," Ari Lennox's "BMO" and Kenny Mason's "Hit."

The tour itself didn't actually exist. No one was fluent in the Blanguage. And with its DJ interludes, this mixtape could never be mistaken for an album. Yet as we rediscover, Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug's 'Rich Gang: Tha Tour, Pt. 1.' sounds as vital as it did in 2014. The question is whether it requires a sequel.

What makes a perfect song of the summer? We reunite to launch season 3 with Chance hats on, debate the merits of Megan Thee Stallion's “Hot Girl Summer,” and submit our picks for 2019: “Act Up” by City Girls (Yoh), “Ballin'” by Mustard and Roddy Rich (Jah), and “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo (Christina).

On the season finale of Sum'n To Say the gang sits down with Atlanta rapper YFN Lucci to talk about his experience growing up in the city, his journey through the music industry, and his new Gangsta Grillz 650 Luc. Produced by Mike Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Put Sum'n On Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

The opening line to 'Teflon Don' — “I'm not a star” — was a punchline in of itself. In the aftermath of being sued by the actual Freeway Rick Ross and outed as a correctional officer, Rick Ross became more committed to his outlandish persona than ever. Have you ever tried rapping like him? See when your lungs give out. Produced by Michael Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

We used to avoid Tyler, the Creator for how he'd lash out in homophobic and misogynistic anger. But in due time, anyone can learn how to process their emotions differently, to where grief can actually end with acceptance. We discuss how 'IGOR' reminds us of that fact. This episode was requested by Patreon supporter Jalen K. Wright. Produced by Michael Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

J. Cole, Cardi B and Drake interpolate his lyrics. Gucci Mane and 21 Savage wouldn't exist without him. But before that, Project Pat was an underground sensation setting the tone for Memphis hardcore rap. To understand the extent of his influence, we go back to where Pat's story begins: 1999's 'Ghetty Green.' Produced by Michael Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

Jah's list of all-time favorite records goes something like this: “Purple Rain.” “Thriller.” “Ain't Gon' Let Up.” We time-travel back to 2006, when DG Yola's self-help to steel drums (“Go get your brain a bath / Go to church”) went diamond in the streets. Produced by Michael Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

Back when Southern artists went platinum off a ringtone, and hip-hop's birthplace was notably absent from radio, Jay Z fired off "Death of Auto-Tune." We reflect on how this anticlimactic warfare forever changed how we view Hov as a business, *man,* T-Pain and noogies. Produced by Michael Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

What began as an overlooked Project Pat single reemerged in 2007 as the definitive hip-hop wedding song. We look back at how UGK, Three 6 Mafia and OutKast formed a perfect union with "Int'l Players Anthem" — as in, DJ Khaled should stay as far away from this as possible. Produced by Michael Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

Crime Mob weren't adults when they arrived in the scene. They drowned in their tall tees. We revisit how, against all odds, this teen group came in the club, shaking their dreads, to create the soundtrack to your smoke with "Knuck If You Buck." Produced by Michael Saba: www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sumntosay Closing music by Slimm Leary

This is a Patreon-exclusive episode, but it's so good that we had to unlock it to share it with everyone. If you're interested in listening to more patron-only content like this, consider contributing to our Patreon crowdfunding page so we have the resources to keep delivering great content like this: https://www.patreon.com/sumntosay Twenty years ago Daniel Dumile slipped a Doctor Doom-inspired mask in the fight against the mainstream. We revisit MF Doom's debut album 'Operation Doomsday' (“The character is there, but he is still finding the voice and finding the flow,” says Yoh) and how, despite its limited release, its outsized impact on independent rap. Produced by Michael Saba: https://www.youtube.com/c/michaelsaba

When Waka Flocka Flame said, “Drug dealing music / I influence,” he had no idea how right he'd be. We discuss how he and Lex Luger's straight brown liquor energy shook up the music industry ten years ago and can still be heard halfway across the world. Produced by Michael Saba: https://www.patreon.com/michaelsaba Closing music by Slimm Leary

Today Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris' smiling faces appear on a giant digital screen at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to greet the 275,000 passengers flying in on a daily basis. This is the future these homegrown superstars first envisioned in their 2002 hit "Welcome to Atlanta." Plus, a detour through T.I.'s star turn in 'ATL.' Shoutout to new Patreon support Sharod Clerge. Production by Michael Saba: www.youtube.com/c/michaelsaba Music by Slimm Leary

The term "scrub" wasn't always gender-specific. But in 1999, TLC, Kandi Burress and Tameka Cottle rewrote the definition to put the patriarchy on notice. Jah, Yoh and Christina revisit how "No Scrubs" alerted them to thirst buckets worldwide. Production by Michael Saba: www.youtube.com/c/michaelsaba Music by Slimm Leary

You could call it a stroke of luck: how Soulja Boy invented clickbait when he had unsuspecting Limewire users downloading "Donk" instead of the latest Britney Spears single. But to quote Yoh, "Crank Dat"'s lasting impact on music, the industry grind and us all (YOU!) wasn't a joke. Thanks to our first Patreon supporters: Robbie McClellan, Sarah Lawrence and Jalen Wright Production by Michael Saba: www.youtube.com/c/michaelsaba Music by Slimm Leary