The Casual Genius Podcast

Chances are, he wrote your favorite song. Now, pop juggernaut Jon Bellion is back with his first album in 7 years. Tune in as J. Mac & Ryder break down his new project: FATHER FIGURE.

Few artists have had as much of an impact on the music working as rap group Wu-Tang Clan has. Back with their first album together in 10 years, can they live up to the classics of the past? In this week's episode, J. Mac & Ryder break down the newest music from the iconic crew.

Few artists have had as much commercial success in the 2020's as Morgan Wallen. With the number of highly successful (and extraordinarily long) albums being equaled only by the number of public controversies surrounding Wallen, he has returned with his fourth studio album: I'm The Problem.

J. Mac & Ryder voyage into uncharted album review territory to discuss the latest album from heavy metal band Ghost. They also tap in rock/metal expert guest reviewer: Blake Grimes.

This week, J. Mac & Ryder are joined by the great mind of gamer, streamer, and Geeked Out podcast cohost: Ty Palomino as they break down The Minecraft Movie. With TikTok trends sweeping the world, box office successes, and Jack Black at the helm of the acting crew, what could go wrong?

Duckworth is a multi-talented singer, often blending hip-hop, pop, and alternative music to create a distinct sound in the modern music landscape. J. Mac and Ryder sit down to break down his newest album and discuss where it ranks among the best projects of 2025.

Few artists have shaped the modern generation of up-and-coming rappers the way Playboi Carti has. With his long anticipated album, MUSIC, dropping just a few weeks ago, J. Mac and Ryder sit down to discuss the project and where it ranks so far among this year's releases.

With production quality and fan interest seeming to perpetually decline since 2019's Avengers: Endgame film, Marvel looks to bounce back with the 4th installment in the Captain America franchise: Brave New World. This week, J. Mac & Ryder break down the new film and discuss where Marvel needs to improve.

While it's been a rough year for Drake, his stardom and popularity remain at the forefront of the music industry. With over a year passing since his last album release, he's teamed up with PARTYNEXTDOOR for a 21 track Valentine's Day collab project. In this episode, J. Mac & Ryder break down each aspect of the album and how it measures up to Drake's recent projects.

It's been a big week for the music industry with Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show coming off the heels of the 2025 Grammy awards. In this week's episode, J. Mac & Ryder react to K. Dot's performance as well as several of the Grammy category winners. (00:00:00) - Reviewing Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show (00:30:30) - Reacting to the 2025 Grammys

Arguably one of the most prominent music stars in the modern era, The Weeknd has been breaking records and changing the game throughout his career. After 3 years he's returned to round out the conclusion of his new trilogy (and possibly his career) with the release of his new album: Hurry Up Tomorrow. Tune in as J. Mac, Ryder, and special guest Asher Swiss break down the new project and discuss where it ranks among The Weeknd's best projects.

In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Kane Brown established himself as one of the most promising and versatile pop-country artists in the modern music landscape. After just over 2 years since his last release, he dropped his new album The High Road highlighted by collaborations with Brad Paisley, Marshmello, Jelly Roll, and more. J. Mac and Ryder sit down in this episode to discuss the album and where Kane Brown ranks among today's best country stars.

J. Mac and Ryder are back with another music review to discuss the 2nd posthumous album from Mac Miller: Balloonerism.

Following the 2023 “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, 2024 brought us….. “Wickediator”?…. “Gladiwicked”? In any case, J. Mac and Ryder break down two of the biggest big screen moments of 2024: Wicked and Gladiator II with help from special guest Jonah Park! Tune in to hear which movie was our favorite!​(00:00:00) - Wicked Review​(01:05:00) - Gladiator II Review

As 2024 comes to a close, we revisit some of our favorite music to shout out songs, albums, and artists that stood out along the way. With special help from some of our favorite guests on the show (Tommy Acker, Asher Swiss, and Jonah Park) we present the 2nd Annual Casual Genius Awards!Categories:​Most Underrated Artist (00:01:30)Best Rapper (00:07:45)​Best Female Vocalist (00:13:25)​Best Experimental Album (00:20:12)​Best Concept Album (00:26:28)​Best Storytelling in a Song (00:34:26)​Best Male Vocalist - with Tommy Acker (00:40:17)​Best New Artist (00:48:20)​Best Bar of the Year - with Asher Swiss (00:52:38)​Best Album Production - with Jonah Park (01:04:00)​Best Feature (01:15:05)​Best Album Art (01:18:55)

Our 2024 countdown continues with the Best Albums of the Year. Check out where projects from Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Post Malone and more fall!

J. Mac and Ryder break down their picks for the top 10 songs of 2024 including tracks from Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, Zach Bryan, SZA, Snoop Dogg and more!

2024 has been a memorable year of music with some the biggest stars releasing new music. Check out which albums, songs, and artists we played most this year as we break down our 2024 Spotify Wrapped!

Jaden & Ryder break down the final album from the late artist Juice WRLD. Does it measure up to his best work? Is it a good tribute to his life? Tune in to find out!

Surprise! Kendrick recently surprise dropped his new album: GNX! Check out our full breakdown on the production, lyrics, vocals, features, and much more!

In a world full of Yeats and Cartis, Cordae is a rapper that has stayed true to the lyrical styles popularized by a past generation of rappers. On this episode, J. Mac & Ryder breakdown his newest project: Crossroads and discuss where Cordae sits among today's best rappers.

Grammy award winning artist Tyler, The Creator is back with his highly anticipated project: CHROMAKOPIA. Check out our full breakdown on the album and where it ranks among the best albums of this year!

J. Mac and Ryder are back with a movie review this week, discussing the latest installment in Sony Spider-Man character franchise: Venom: The Last Dance.

This week J. Mac & Ryder break down who the top 4 rapper from each of the recent decades are (90s, 00s, 10s, 20s). Check out which artists made the cut!

J. Mac & Ryder break down the newest album, Beautifully Broken, by last year's Best New Artist at the CMAs: Jelly Roll. Tune in to hear who rated the album as one of the best year and who thinks one of the collaborations on the album is being massively overrated.

Last year, Toosii was a favorite artist of ours on the show and even took home the award we gave for Best New Artist for his innovative sound and style in the melodic rap world. With high hopes, Ryder breaks down the exciting young artist's second album: Jaded. (00:25) - Thoughts on Toosii (01:54) - Instrumentals/Production(02:42) - Vocal Performance(04:01) - Lyrics(05:11) - Album Concept/Theme(06:42) - Featured Artists(07:55) - Enjoyment/Replay Value(10:03) - Best & Worst Tracks

In light of the highly anticipated sequel of Todd Phillips & Joaquin Phoenix's Joker movie, Lady Gaga has released a concept album about her character in the film: Lee Quinzel aka Harley Quinn. Tune in to join us in breaking down the glitzy, glamorous, and deranged musical adventure. (02:30) - Thoughts on Lady Gaga (04:36) - Instrumentals/Production(07:34) - Vocal Performance(10:00) - Lyrics(13:09) - Album Concept/Theme(15:28) - Featured Artists/Absence Thereof(17:36) - Enjoyment/Replay Value(20:18) - Best & Worst Tracks

With Eminem releasing his first album in 4 years and again receiving mixed reviews (including our own), Jaden & Ryder decide to sit down and rank each of his albums from worst to best including their favorite and least favorite tracks along with which of Eminem's songs are the most underrated in his catalogue. (02:10) - Jaden's Ranking of Eminem's Albums(24:25) - Ryder's Ranking

After several months of covering music, J. Mac & Ryder discuss one of the biggest blockbuster movies of the summer, Ryan Gosling & Emily Blunt's Fall Guy. Tune in to hear who is finally over their hatred of Ryan Gosling and who has been playing the soundtrack on repeat! (00:55) - Spoiler Free Review(05:04) - Plot(08:40) - Writing/Dialogue(11:42) - Visuals(15:58) - Audio/Soundtrack(18:29) - Characters(24:30) - Overall Enjoyment

Everyone's favorite pop/rap sensation Post Malone has finally dropped his long hinted at country debut, F-1 Trillion. Grab your boots and cowboy hats, because this week J. Mac & Ryder discuss the album from top to bottom including a song that may be the best Post Malone's ever written. (00:58) - Thoughts on Post Malone (03:55) - Instrumentals/Production(05:46) - Vocal Performance(08:56) - Lyrics(13:01) - Album Concept/Theme(16:01) - Featured Artists(20:04) - Enjoyment/Replay Value(25:05) - Best & Worst Tracks

This week Jaden & Ryder breakdown the newest album from the highly regarded rapper/producer, JPEGMAFIA. Tune in to hear where this album ranks among this year's best as well as whether or not Jaden thinks JPEG is currently a better rapper than Eminem!(00:33) - Thoughts on JPEGMAFIA (02:55) - Instrumentals/Production(07:01) - Vocal Performance(10:11) - Lyrics(14:33) - Album Concept/Theme(17:01) - Featured Artists(19:56) - Enjoyment/Replay Value(24:11) - Best & Worst Tracks

Coming off of what many considered his worst musical endeavor (Vultures 1) and in only slightly less hot water regarding his highly controversial public statements and behaviors, Kanye West and his longtime collaborator Ty Dolla $ign have released their (mostly finished) follow up album: Vultures 2. (00:59) - Thoughts on Vultures 1(02:37) - Instrumentals/Production(04:06) - Vocal Performance(05:51 - Lyrics(07:08) - Album Concept/Theme(09:36) - Featured Artists(11:12) - Enjoyment/Replay Value(13:12) - Best & Worst Tracks

Throughout his career, Donald Glover/Childish Gambino has proven to be one of, if not the most, talented entertainers of the 21st Century. Upon finishing his “side quests” (including Emmy award winning TV series Atlanta and Mr. & Mrs. Smith and appearing in the Star Wars and MCU franchises) he has returned to making music for his final album under the Gambino alter ego: Bando Stone and The New World. (01:02) - Thoughts on Gambino's Discography (04:12) - Instrumentals/Production (06:57) - Vocal Performance (10:21) - Lyrics (13:00) - Album Concept (16:48) - Featured Artists (21:34) - Enjoyment/Replay Value (26:02) - Best & Worst Tracks

Since the dawn of man there have been only two things worthy of being considered absolutes: death, and Eminem dropping a controversial album. This week J. Mac & Ryder break down the record breaking artist's newest album: The Death of Slim Shady. (01:29) - Thoughts on Eminem's Discography (05:08) - Instrumentals/Production (08:43) - Vocal Performance (13:16) - Lyrics (21:34) - Album Concept (28:06) - Featured Artists (36:37) - Enjoyment/Replay Value (40:48) - Best & Worst Tracks

This week Jaden & Ryder break down Lil Yachty and James Blake's collab album Bad Cameo. Check out their thoughts on the best and worst tracks as well as where this album ranks among the best of the year! (00:48) - Thoughts on Lil Yachty and James Blake's Discographies (04:12) - Instrumentals/Production (07:18) - Vocal Performance (10:11) - Lyrics (13:01) - Tone & Flow of the Album (17:06) - Featured Artists (20:31) - Enjoyment/Replay Value (24:30) - Best & Worst Tracks (30:50) - Brief Thoughts on Lupe Fiasco's Album

They've been called the modern Nickelback by some and for others, they've been a mainstay in their music rotation for 12 years. This week Jaden & Ryder breakdown the newest album, LOOM, from the highly divisive band: Imagine Dragons. They also briefly cover their thoughts on the albums released by Jxdn and Lupe Fiasco. (00:41) - Reviewing Jxdn & Lupe Fiasco's albums (11:18) - Instrumentals/Production (13:52) - Vocal Performance (17:58) - Lyrics (21:51) - Theme/Concept (26:44) - Featured Artists (30:40) - Enjoyment/Replay Value (32:08) - Best & Worst Tracks

Jaden & Ryder are back reviewing music this week with the release of the album Hardstone Psycho from everybody's favorite trap/r&b genre bending vocalist: Don Toliver. They tap in trap/hip-hop expert and former guest star on the Travis Scott episode, Asher Swiss, for some assistance in breaking down the project. (04:10) - Instrumentals/Production (10:12) - Vocal Performance (17:00) - Lyrics (23:14) - Theme/Concept (29:02) - Featured Artists (36:14) - Enjoyment/Replay Value (41:12) - Best & Worst Tracks

This week, Jaden and Ryder breakdown some of their least favorite movie sequels, or at least sequels that ruined the original movie. Tune in to hear which films made their picks!

Jaden & Ryder return for another album review, this time to discuss the new Vince Staples album Dark Times. The album has already been making waves in the hip hop community with some regarding it as a top hip hop project of the year. Tune in to hear us breakdown each aspect of the album and where it ranks among this year's rap albums! (03:42) - Instrumentals/Production (06:13) - Vocal Performance (09:09) - Lyrics (14:25) - Theme/Concept (18:23) - Featured Artists (21:20) - Enjoyment/Replay Value (27:44) - Best & Worst Tracks

Did you know our very own cohost J. Mac makes music? In fact, this week Ryder sits down to interview him and his fellow Vegas rapper and collaborator Dirty Mike. They discuss their upcoming album Out of the City while Ryder plays couple's therapist. Tune in to check it out!

Jaden and Ryder are back with an episode reviewing the fully finished and rereleased Childish Gambino album Atavista (formerly known as 3.15.20) (04:20) - Instrumentals/Production (08:40) - Vocal Performance (12:42) - Lyrics (15:05) - Theme/Concept (18:39) - Featured Artists (22:20) - Enjoyment/Replay Value

Jaden and Ryder finish discussing the rap beef saga between Kendrick Lamar and Drake by ranking the diss tracks released by both artists and offering their thoughts on the shots taken in new songs like Not Like Us, Family Matters, and Meet The Grahams.

This week Jaden & Ryder discuss some of their favorite songs for every scenario in life including in the gym, at the pool, road-trips and more. Check out which songs from artists like Kanye West, Lil Nas X, NF and more made the lists! (01:59) - Gym/Workout Music (06:35) - Summertime Songs (10:50) - Road-trip Songs (16:37) - Late Night Music (21:40) - Sad Songs (29:37) - Songs to Start the Morning

**EPISODE PUBLISHED PRIOR TO FAMILY MATTERS & MEET THE GRAHAMS, etc. Jaden & Ryder are back with a midweek episode to discuss the evolving beef between rap industry titans Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Tune in to hear their breakdown of each song so far and who they think has won the beef at this point. Link to part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5msE3qIToTquQKnpXiqQzG?si=6IHyn5QiSaqMP7PywumUmA (01:15) - Like That (05:50) - 7 Minute Drill & Champagne Moments (13:30) - Push Ups & Taylor Made Freestyle (23:10) - euphoria (3&:42) - Who won the beef?

Jaden and Ryder talk movies this week breaking down their favorite DC Comics films with a twist: no Batman films considered. Check out where films like Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, Joker, and more rank! (02:41) - Jaden's Top 5 DC Movies (08:30) - Honorable Mentions (13:30) - Ryder's Top 5 DC Movies (24:10) - The Best Batman Movies

J. Mac and Ryder are back after a week off to rank every album from one of the most prolific and controversial music artists of the 21st century: Kanye West. (04:02) - Ryder's Ranking (23:00) - Jaden's Ranking

J. Mac and Ryder are back with another album review to discuss the surprise J. Cole release: Might Delete Later. Check out their thoughts on the project as well as who won the beef between J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar! (04:30) - Instrumentals/Production (08:04) - Vocal Performance (11:37) - Lyrics (16:23) - The Kendrick Lamar Beef (31:35) - Featured Artists (37:00) - Enjoyment/Replay Value

Jaden & Ryder are back to album reviews this week to recap a few of the past couple week's biggest projects. They briefly review the machine gun kelly/Trippie Redd, Joyner Lucas, and Beyoncé albums before a more in depth review on the most recent Billboard #1 album: WE DON'T TRUST YOU by Metro Boomin and Future. (01:47) - mgk & Trippie Redd - genre : sadboy (06:45) - Joyner Lucas - Not Now I'm Busy (13:22) - Beyoncé - COWBOY CARTER (25:00) - Reviewing Future & Metro Boomin's WE DON'T TRUST YOU (25:31) - Production/Instrumentals (28:31) - Vocal Performance (31:51) - Lyrics (34:58) - Album Theme/Concept (38:04) - Features (39:00) - Kendrick Lamar v. Drake & J. Cole (53:15) - Replay Value

Jaden & Ryder are back with the Artist Interviews segment to talk with up and coming country music singer Tommy Acker. Tommy tells us about upcoming music and shows as well as his music making process and artists that he feels like are currently sitting as the best in country! (00:35) - Getting started in music (03:51) - The songwriting process (07:12) - Studio recordings (10:29) - Upcoming shows (14:27) - Which artists inspire you? (16:24) - Top 3 Country Artists (18:38) - Pop-country vs. traditional country (23:44) - Listening to other genres

Jaden & Ryder are back to review one of 2024's biggest blockbusters thus far, Dune: Part 2. Tune in to hear our favorite parts of the film, which actor was the weakest performer, and how we feel about Dune: Part 2's current ranking as IMDB's 12th best movie of all time! (02:05) - Spoiler-Free Review (08:15) - Discussing the Plot (14:02) - Writing/Dialogue (17:42) - Visuals/Cinematography (23:08) - Audio/Score (26:45) - Characters/Acting (34:39) - Overall Enjoyment

Ryder is in the office this week for a solo episode to recap last weekend's Oscar Awards. Check out his thoughts on who was snubbed, which actors gave the best performances of their career, and the Oppenheimer beef! (01:08) - Lead Actor (02:38) - Supporting Actor (04:07) - Lead Actress (05:28) - Supporting Actress (06:18) - Animated Film (08:23) - Cinematography (09:35) - Directing (10:39) - Soundtrack (11:52) - Best Original Song (13:05) - Visual Effects (15:39) - Best Picture (16:05) - The Oppenheimer Beef