The Breaks – KUTX

On this episode we discuss if the culture of Hip-Hop was too easily given away to streaming services without a fight. We also discuss the pros and cons of using A.I. in hip-hop. Hip-Hop facts this week include Aaliyah, Whitney Houston and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Unpopular Opinion is about about having too much access […] The post Did We Give Hip-Hip Away? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On this week’s episode we discuss the 2025 ACL line up and why Austin needs a great R&B nightclub/venue. Hip-hop facts about Jay-Z and Jermaine Dupri, Sisqo and more. Unpopular opinion from Fresh takes aim at DJs in Austin possibly doing more. The post ACL 2025?! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On this week’s episode we discuss the many changes coming to the historical 6th Street in downtown Austin. We also discuss if gatekeeping is helping or hurting the music scene. Hip-hop facts about R&B singer Keri Hilson and the first black woman singer to upload to Youtube. The post Day Party On 6th Street! Maybe? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In this episode we discuss the blockbuster movie, “Sinners” , and we also talk about UT’s impact on the local music scene. Brand new hip-hop facts and the controversial Unpopular Opinion with Fresh himself. The post Are We Sinners? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This episode we discuss hip-hop’s effect on drug culture and if we play into too much ourselves. We also discuss hip-hop artists going back to one producer per album, like in the golden eras. The post Do We Glorify Drug Culture Too Much? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On this episode we sit down with Florida rapper Denzel Curry and speak on his upcoming album and career. The post 1 on 1 with Denzel Curry appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This episode we interview San Antonio/Austin hip-hop artist Wes Denzel about his newest release and working with the Austin FC’s soccer team. We also make a call to action for the media to stop interviewing Kanye West. The post Stop Talking to Kanye (feat. Wes Denzel appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On this week’s episode we interview B. Hobbs who is the Director of Programming for SXSW to discuss the changes for next year. We also have some brand new hip-hop facts and of course Unpopular Opinion with Fresh himself. The post Is SXSW Over? (feat. B. Hobbs of SXSW) appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On this episode we discuss legendary producer/artist Jermaine Dupri’s comments on artists not wanting to be independent. We also discuss the recent Austin Music Awards and some criticisms levied at them from local artists. The post Is Jermaine Dupri out of touch? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s that time of year where we discuss our annual official SXSW Showcase SXSBreaks and our amazing line up. We also discuss Rza from Wu Tang’s comments about the rise of southern hip-hop. The post SXSBREAKS! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This episode is a rerun from 10/7. On the finale of the fellas' series on rap beefs, Confucius and Fresh head to the south for rows in Texas, Florida, and Louisiana from the late '80s through the '00s. The post Rap Beef Episode III: Revenge of the South (Re-Run) appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Fresh and Confucius discuss whether Outkast has a legitimate chance at making the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame. The pair also breakdown Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show and their thoughts on it. The post Will Outkast make it into the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Was Beyonce winning the AOTY a little too late? We also pay homage to hip-hop producer/executive Irv Gotti who passed away last week. The post Did Beyonce Get What She Deserved? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On this episode Fresh and Confucius discuss the difference between podcasting and radio and if a Jay-Z feature is still worth it to artists. The post Is a Jay-Z feature still worth it? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

What is the issue between old friends, and artists, Jim Jones and Cam’ron? Also we discuss rappers cozying up to Trump’s new presidency. The post Frenemies? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Carys Anderson talks to Confucius and Fresh about the Austin Chronicle's Music Poll. Plus Fresh and Confucius debate the merits of Drake's case again UMG. The post A Conversation with the Austin Chronicle appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Should Elliott Wilson calm down? Confucius and Fresh talk about not getting nominated for an Austin music award this year, and discuss Elliott Wilson's views hip-hop journalism. The post Should Elliott Wilson calm down? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Don’t worry, it’s not a clip show! Confucius and Fresh recap moments from The Breaks that made this year one for the books. The post 2024 Year-in-Review appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh talk about the recent rape allegations against Jay-Z. Plus they try and figure out why rap songs are getting shorter. The post How do we feel about Jay-Z appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh talk about the implications of Drake’s latest lawsuit, what to expect from Austin hip-hop and R&B going into 2025, and an Unpopular Opinion on the status of regional hip-hop. The post Is Drake going to be okay? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh talk about the evolution of R&B’s character over the decades, hip hop and drug usage, and an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s potential to “fall off”. The post What happened to R&B? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh weigh who gains the most from their industry relationships: Jay-Z or Beyoncé and Young Thug or Gunna, plus an Unpopular Opinion on the future of white rappers. The post Who benefits more from the marriage: Jay-Z or Beyoncé? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Inspired by a recent visit from T.I., Confucius and Fresh talk about how celebrities treat Austin before moving onto the role of Black celebrities in politics and an Unpopular Opinion on 50 Cent. The post Do celebrities respect Austin? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh confer on GloRilla’s growing popularity, check the pulse on Austin’s hip-hop scene, and predict the state of Drill music’s foreseeable future. The post Has GloRilla overtaken Cardi B as hip-hop's “it girl”? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh are joined by DAWA/Riders Against the Storm’s Chaka and The Other Ones’ Aaron Brown to discuss Been There 3: A Party to Support Our Unhoused Neighbors happening November 2nd at Radio East. Hear that, a chat on the relationship between hip-hop and Halloween, and an Unpopular Opinion on Kendrick Lamar’s recent choice […] The post Been There 3 Interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh cover both sides of the upcoming Gumbo SmackDown on October 26th through interviews with WWE Hall-of-Famer Mark Henry and Whip My Soul co-founders Antonio & Tia Echols. Hear that and an Unpopular Opinion on BET Hip-Hop Awards choice of venue in this episode. The post The Gumbo SmackDown! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh follow up their Rap Beef series with discussions on hip-hop and violence, Jaguar Wright's allegations against Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and Logic's intrinsic objective merits as a lyricist. The post Does Hip-Hop beget violence? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

On the finale of the fellas’ series on rap beefs, Confucius and Fresh head to the south for rows in Texas, Florida, and Louisiana from the late ’80s through the ’00s. The post Rap Beef Episode III: Revenge of the South appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh explore some of the biggest rivalries in the history of West Coast Rap. The post Rap Beef Episode 2: West Coast, Best Coast appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh dive into the first episode of their series on rap beefs by tackling some of the most pivotal rivalries the East Coast ever had to offer. The post Rap Beef Episode 1: The East Coast Menace appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh talk with Jeffrey McNeill of Thee Phanton and Illharmonic Orchestra ahead of an Austin appearance, do a little more prep leading up to the series on beefs, and unwrap an Unpopular Opinion on Vivica A. Fox’s stardom. The post Thee Phantom Interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Austin R&B singer LARA’ joins Confucius and Fresh in conversation on her new album Luvology and her upcoming tour with Rapsody. Then the fellas weigh why R&B isn’t as profitable as hip-hop and Meek Mill’s status as a top tier rapper. The post LARA’ Interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh sit down with August 2021 KUTX Artist of the Month BLK ODYSSY to talk about their newly released album 1-800 Fantasy before setting the stage for an upcoming series on beefs. The post BLK ODYSSY Interview appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh break away from the routine chatter for a two-part guest appearance: Shxwnfresh & THEBROSFRESH in Studio 1A ahead of a Stubb’s show on Friday, August 30th and an interview with Staten Island’s Chey. Hear all that plus an Unpopular Opinion on Heavy D this week. The post Shxwnfresh in Studio 1A / Interview with Chey appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh kick things off by catching up with Austin-based Grammy nominee SaulPaul ahead of his next album Speak Hope, Sing Joy: Change Maker Music for Kids, out August 30th. Afterwards the fellas chat about the authenticity of Atlanta’s ian and navigate an Unpopular Opinion surrounding Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle. The post Sitting Down with SaulPaul appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The discussion kicks off with Drake’s massive data dump before moving onto a debate about the dysfunctional state of Fugees and an Unpopular Opinion on rappers billing themselves as “artists”. The post What's Up with Drake's Big Dump? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh contemplate what Hip-Hop’s worst era was before moving onto a modern existential debate over the importance of record certifications, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Lil Keke’s impact on Houston rap and beyond. The post What was the worst period in hip-hop? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh reminisce on their journey so far over the past eight years and what to expect next before dissecting what makes LL Cool J such a significant figure in hip-hop history, plus an Unpopular Opinion on Drake’s status as a so called “culture vulture”. The post What's next for The Breaks? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Inspired by the recent “Cash Money Reunion” at Essence Music Fest, Confucius and Fresh break down what’s going on behind the scenes with the legendary record label, not to mention an Unpopular Opinion about rappers signing to other rappers. The post What's going on with Cash Money? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Inspired by discourse around the recent BET Awards, Confucius and Fresh discuss why some folks are reacting oddly to what’s perceived as uncouth behavior alongside an Unpopular Opinion Puerto Ricans’ place in the rise of Hip-Hop. The post Is Raunchiness in Rap really that new? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Confucius and Fresh sit down with Founder Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Author Terry P. Mitchell to discuss the Austin African American Book Festival and The City We Built: Black Leaders of Austin, happening June 29th, plus Hip-Hop Facts, reactions to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on Tyler the Creator’s role as a West […] The post Interview with Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Terry P. Mitchell appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Most artists can’t just drop a surprise record, so Confucius and Fresh review press strategies for making a bigger album impact before discussing why the majority of blog site era rappers never made it. Hear that, an Unpopular Opinion on New Edition's Ralph Tresvant, plus Hip-Hop Facts and the most recent headlines. The post What does a good album rollout look like today? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In this edition, Confucius and Fresh debate what genres will continue to put Austin on the musical map before discussing why the South in general is so dominant. Get that, Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius’ reaction to the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on lyrical positivity in the latest episode. The post Will Austin blow up because of Rap & R&B? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With the big beef behind us, how do ghostwriting allegations hurt Drake’s status among the GOATs? Hear what Confucius and Fresh have to say on that, plus Jay Electronica’s prospects on being the greatest rapper that never was and an Unpopular Opinion The Alchemist’s ranking in the world of production. The post Do Ghostwriting Allegations Hurt Drake’s Reputation? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After reacting to Apple Music’s recent “100 Best Albums” list, Pause/Play producer and co-host Miles Bloxson joins Confucius and Fresh to talk women’s safety in a genre once run by abusers. Catch that alongside Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius Reads the News, plus an Unpopular Opinion on the modern equivalent to What’s Going On? in this […] The post Has Hip-Hop done a good job of making women feel safe? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

After a quick postmortem on the Drake-Kendrick beef, Confucius and Fresh dissect how R&B crept into Hip-Hop’s sonic sector. Get that, an Unpopular Opinion around Kendrick’s de facto influence on the West Coast’s relevance, plus Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius’ reactions to the latest headlines right here. The post When Did R&B and Hip-Hop Become One? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the Kendrick-Drake beef escalates, Confucius and Fresh are joined by cultural strategist Keys and producer-DJ Mason Flynt for a rare, three-part roundtable discussion on the ongoing exchange. Hear everyone’s takes plus an Unpopular Opinion and Confucius’ reaction to university protests in the latest episode. The post Who’s Winning This Beef? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Fresh does the show solo as he talks about Adam22’s place in media, Kendrick Lamar’s long-awaited response to Drake, Hip-Hop Facts, and an Unpopular Opinion on “selling out”. The post Is Adam22 Really That Big of an Authority? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Fresh defends Drake's "Taylor Made Freestyle," which uses dupes of Snoop and Tupac's voices. Plus hear Confucius' take on the University of Texas' response to a recent pro-Palestinian protest along with other headlines, and Hip-Hop Facts. The post What does Drake’s A.I. Diss Song Mean for Rap? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Over the 4/20 weekend Confucius and Fresh hash out marijuana’s impact on hip-hop, the latest shots against Drake, and why the OGs aren’t always right. Hear that along with Hip-Hop Facts and Confucius’ take on the latest headlines. The post How Important is Weed to Rap? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s a two-parter of Kendrick Lamar clashes: J. Cole’s public apology and Drake’s ongoing affronts. Hear how Confucius and Fresh feel about the beef, Hip-Hop Facts, the latest headlines, and an Unpopular Opinion on hip-hop’s “health”. The post J. Cole's Apology /  Kendrick vs. Drake appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.