ER

A Waste of Time with ItsTheReal XI

Dec 12, 2013

JR
Stage· 340 messages
Dec 12, 2013

What's really good in hip-hop this week.

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:00 PM

oh hey
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:00 PM

While it's brick city outside, we're glad you're here with us.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:01 PM

Warmed by the glow on your computer screen(s).
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:01 PM

Damn, it's almost the end of the year
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:01 PM

we're now in the time of year where everything shuts down prematurely
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:01 PM

which includes the record industry
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:02 PM

and everyone's quick to get their records out for Christmas shoppers
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:02 PM

did you do you Christmas record shopping yet?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:03 PM

I bought R Kelly records for all the girls I'm about to Instagram DM. You?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:03 PM

I'm shutting down my ears
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:03 PM

it's a Tamar Braxton Christmas around these parts!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:03 PM

But if you'd like, we can discuss rap
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:04 PM

like, what's happened this year
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:04 PM

what didn't happen this year
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:04 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stephen Upper

I like rap music just not a lot of the shit that came out this year

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:04 PM

Oh.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:04 PM

Alright, let's just figure this out: how is hip-hop looking going into 2014?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:05 PM

like a State of the Union?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:05 PM

Yea, that.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:05 PM

The country is strong and getting stonger!
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:05 PM

GO ECONOMY
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:05 PM

BUY RECORDS
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:06 PM

In fact, I'd say this was a really great year for hip-hop
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:06 PM

dare to argue?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:06 PM

I think it was a transition year. Everyone dropped records, but no one's really running hip-hop right now.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:06 PM

It's a toss-up, I guess, between Kanye and Drake, but neither dropped rappy records in 2013.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:06 PM

but isn't that the point?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:07 PM

like, where we're at as a genre?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:07 PM

And so it's left to Kendrick, who also didn't drop a rap record in 2013.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:07 PM

it's spread out amongst the many, many rappers?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:07 PM

Just feels a little empty, but I feel excited for the possibilities?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:07 PM

we're in a niche society
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:08 PM

instead of everyone liking just one big artist, there's lots of artists who appeal to certain smaller sects
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:08 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jake O'Connor

which albums did you guys actually purchase?

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:08 PM

Jake, I'll answer in a second
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:08 PM

Right, I really liked the Chance, Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, Yeezus, French and Drake projects.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:09 PM

But there's little crossover between any or all of those.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:09 PM

They speak mostly to "me" as opposed to - say - the hip-hop community-at-large.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:09 PM

But - if there's no one leading the charge and really owning hip-hop, does that make the culture shrink?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:09 PM

I don't think so, especially as compared to every other genre
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:10 PM

to answer Jake, I bought 2 Chainz
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:10 PM

I bought Travi$ Scott
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:10 PM

I bought Lil Wayne
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:10 PM

and that may be it for rap...
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

but I soundcloud'd a lot
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

and YouTube'd a lot
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

For whatever records I purchased, I feel like I streamed more.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

Like, that's been a big thing this year
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

the transition to streaming
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

wanna know why?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

BECAUSE THE INTERNET
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:11 PM

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:12 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stephen Upper

because noone's putting out great albums, only mediocre. little incentive to buy

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:12 PM

I agree/disagree with that.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:12 PM

Like, I think people think there aren't great albums is because there's so many options.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:13 PM

And so how can one suffer through 12, 13, 14 tracks of something when you cherry-pick the few songs you like and move on?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:13 PM

There's no chance for anything to grow on you anymore.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:13 PM

agreed
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:13 PM

So, everything is just whatever your first impression is, pretty much.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:13 PM

also: people rely TOO heavily on critics telling them what's great and what's not
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:13 PM

people need to decide for themselves
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:14 PM

But it's impossible to decide for yourself, because there's SO MANY OPTIONS.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:14 PM

stop, Jeff
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:14 PM

So, if someone says "THIS IS TRASH" why listen to it?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:14 PM

"I heard that French album is garbage."
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:14 PM

and you listened to it anyway
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:14 PM

And then you don't listen to it.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:15 PM

I only listened to it because of his Summer Jam performance.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:15 PM

And it ended up being my favorite of the year.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:15 PM

Otherwise, I would've gone along with the crowd.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:15 PM

so is the moral of that story that live performances have a great effect on purchasing music?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:15 PM

cause I'd agree with that
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:16 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jake O'Connor

I can't stand French Montana, but I respect your opinion, so I listened to it. Still couldn't get into it

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:16 PM

Yes, absolutely.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:16 PM

Well, I'll leave this one to Jeff, who has become the flag bearer for French
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:17 PM

I get why people don't like French; I just think he plays to certain sensibilities that exist on this side of the Hudson.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:17 PM

I do believe that - if you like your hip-hop loud - it's a slam dunk.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:18 PM

I wonder how he would've done under Kanye's GOOD umbrella, though.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:18 PM

Okay, let's talk about what work work work work worked this year
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:18 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jake O'Connor

that Trap Lord album took me by surprise this year

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:18 PM

it's funny...
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:18 PM

I found myself being partial to singles this year, over albums
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:19 PM

now, I've sat through a lot of listening parties this year
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:19 PM

and some feel VERY long
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:19 PM

and some feel right
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:19 PM

Juicy J was WAY too long
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:19 PM

Right, I was about to say. Juicy J's was "Bandz A Make Her Dance" for an hour.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:19 PM

like, why not just sell singles if you're Juicy
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:20 PM

there's an immediacy
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:20 PM

and you're not bowing to tradition
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:20 PM

What do you think you missed out on this year? Is there anything you're like, "Oh, I should catch up on that?"
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:20 PM

a lot, I think
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:20 PM

Anything you will catch up on?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:20 PM

hard to say
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:21 PM

actually...
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:21 PM

I still haven't listened to the entire Kendrick album
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:21 PM

is that crazy?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:21 PM

★ Spotlighted from Hershal Pandya

I think we got spoiled as rap fans this year. Particularly over the summer...But fans will go back to having to digest albums soon cause the big name albums won't be released for another two years now at least.

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:21 PM

Hershal, I'm not sure I agree
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:21 PM

Kanye will be back soon with a solo album
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:22 PM

and I bet that takes over the radio 100 percent
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:22 PM

Back to Hershal: I think that some of those albums were just mediocre. I do wonder how Jay's MCHG will be viewed in a year's time.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:22 PM

★ Spotlighted from Laura Del Rey

I know where you both stand with this (and I couldn't agree more) but seriously......what is it that makes people like macklemore?!

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:22 PM

ah Macklemore
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:23 PM

okay
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:23 PM

Well:
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:23 PM

Well:
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:23 PM

here we go
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:23 PM

My thinking on Macklemore is this: you know how people send links around on Facebook, like Upworthy and (sure) Buzzfeed?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:23 PM

Like, those photos that will make you feel whole again or whatever?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:24 PM

I think that's Macklemore. I think he's the guy who's like, "Hey! How about equal rights? How about not spending money on shoes and being a 'consumer'?"
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:24 PM

I think this
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:25 PM

(It's the Ellen-ization of society, and it's no wonder Ellen had a huge part in his success.)
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:25 PM

I think Macklemore hit because he's what is acceptable throughout much of this country for what their idea of rap should be
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:25 PM

But really, the reason for his success is Ryan Lewis.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:26 PM

and much of this is driven by kids in high school and college who want anthemic songs with VERY wordy raps, with broad messaging
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:26 PM

Agreed.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:26 PM

like, if you listen to Thrift Shop...
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:26 PM

it's the beat
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:26 PM

it's not because people are like, yes, I can relate to his shopping habits
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:27 PM

It didn't hurt that people like the coat because it's silly.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:27 PM

kids want to say what he's saying, in the way he's saying it, over a catchy beat
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:27 PM

it's not for me
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:27 PM

"Macklemore in a fur coat? LOL!"
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:27 PM

but I understand his hustle and that kids might like that
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:27 PM

"That's what rappers wear!"
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:27 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stephen Upper

Jeff likes his rap ignorant.

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:28 PM

I'll take that on the chin, but to be fair: I listen mostly to Kanye/Biggie/Jay/Drake/others.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:28 PM

Kendrick.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:28 PM

it's interesting to look at the Grammys...
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:28 PM

and see that Macklemore and Kendrick are right up there with Jay
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:29 PM

I feel like the Grammys listened to an entirely different iTunes than I did.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:29 PM

because those are two VERY wordy rappers, talking about broad subjects
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:29 PM

along with a staple, Jay Z
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:29 PM

and those older, white voters put them there
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:29 PM

★ Spotlighted from Laura Del Rey

So much clarification.....I was stumped for so long. It's 'easy listening' hiphop for the world, and especially if the music speaks to the younger audience that's where the most money is it.

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:30 PM

Laura, one more thing
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:30 PM

we have to remember that kids like what their friends like
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:30 PM

and so there was this title wave that started from the radio-friendly beat of Thrift Shop
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:30 PM

(*tidal)
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:30 PM

and all of the sudden 9-year olds can't get enough of it
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

yes, tidal
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

and then radio says, this is a hit!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

let's expand it
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

and it's easily digestible
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

and the next thing you know, Macklemore is everyone
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

It doesn't hurt that they had 'epic' videos.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

and then those who didn't know him before, are not like, I should know him
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

yes, he makes big videos
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

and big songs
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:31 PM

A lot of rappers are afraid to take chances. Macklemore - owing to skin color, for one - is able to take those chances.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:32 PM

and this year, everything hit for him
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:32 PM

or them
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:32 PM

You'll never see Kendrick in footie pajamas.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:32 PM

I disagree, Jeff
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:32 PM

Like, I don't believe that he thinks he's taking chances
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:32 PM

I think he really believes he's just doing him
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:32 PM

I mean, "chances" in terms of hip-hop video language.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:33 PM

and because of all of those things, it's become "cool"
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:33 PM

I really believe that this was like a Sliding Doors situation
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

where he could have been destined to be underground forever
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

but for one radio station programmer tapping their foot to Thrift Shop
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

Ha: "tapping their foot"
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

and the rest fell like dominos
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

dominoes
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

ANYWAY
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

ANYWAY
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:34 PM

ENOUGH ABOUT MACKLEMORE (?)
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:35 PM

was there un-Macklemore music this year?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:35 PM

My Spotify suggests there was!
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:35 PM

I talked to Danny Brown for an interview, and he said his favorite trend of this year was that the South has lyrics again - in guys like Kevin Gates.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:35 PM

So I'm excited about that.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

I think the same goes for Chance the Rapper, who comes from a similar circumstance (if not location).
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

but I mean, is it wrong to like the non-lyrical South?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

I feel like it's accepted now
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

Waka
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

etc
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

Of course it's not wrong.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stephen Upper

it is wrong

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

Although: the worst trend is - speaking of Waka -
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

Waka's doing EDM stuff now.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

Stephen: okay.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:36 PM

ha ha
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

Blugh.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

let's look at some artists though
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

tell me if 2013 has been a plus or minus year for them
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

Okay.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

Shoot.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

FRENCH
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

Good year, bad sales, but I think he'll recover.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

agree
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:37 PM

YE
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:38 PM

Great year. The tour definitely helped some people understand his genius, even if his interviews sort-of did and sort-of didn't.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:38 PM

I think Ye is headed for the biggest and most dynamic album of his career
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:38 PM

which is saying something
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:38 PM

I wonder what direction it'll be in.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:38 PM

it's going to be the opposite of Yeezus, I believe
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:38 PM

in many ways
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:38 PM

Which is what?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

R Kelly is doing a country album...
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

which is big, lush sounds
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

no, I think it's going to be based in rap
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

but it's not NIN
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

That's a good call. But is that too much like, say, Late Registration?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

Or Graduation?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

hmmm
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

well here's what we know:
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:39 PM

Rick Rubin is involved
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

Q-Tip is involved
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

Oh, so it won't be big and lush, if Rick Rubin's involved.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

so could be one, could be the other
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

I hope it'll be more Q-Tip.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

but in any event, a plus year for Ye
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

Yes.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

PUSHA
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

Good year, I think people really took those "Pusha IS rap" comments to heart.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:40 PM

MAC MILLER
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

Most improved!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

FAB
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

Ew.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

bad year for Fab
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

Non-year for Fab.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

the best thing was the Studio tweet
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

JAY Z
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:41 PM

(That being said, he has a song with French Montana called "FOH" which I sort-of hated myself for quasi-liking)
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:42 PM

Fab's not a bad rapper, Jeff
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:42 PM

he just hasn't had a hit in a long while
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:42 PM

★ Spotlighted from Hershal Pandya

I dipped out for a bit and didn't have my say on Macklemore, so I'll add it it in here...I think it's crazy how much Macklemore's existence has sparked debates about culture appropriation and white privilege online. That's it. He sucks at rap.

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:42 PM

It was going to be an eh year for Jay - his album was panned by many, including me - and then FWMyouknowigotit grows on you...and Tom Ford...and all of these songs sound better much later.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:42 PM

Hershal: noted.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:42 PM

It's still an uneven album, though.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

★ Spotlighted from Hershal Pandya

No one was calling cultural appropriation when timbaland and magoo made indian flute.

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

Yea, but that was before Tumblr.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

TIMBO
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

He didn't have a Pharrell year.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

but a plus year
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

good piece on him in NYMag
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

In that he made his friends again?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

Oh, I didn't read it yet.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

Suit & Tie
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:43 PM

his work on MCHG
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:44 PM

Suit & Tie is not. good. Eric.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:44 PM

it's not bad
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:44 PM

I did not like JT's album at all. It sounded better live, but ugh.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:44 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stephen Upper

honest question: who's still playing this year's Jay-Z & Kanye albums?

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:44 PM

I'm playing Yeezus still.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:44 PM

I'm not
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:44 PM

MCHG, I like the singles.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:45 PM

But the album as a whole was bloated.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:45 PM

And like, stupid.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:45 PM

I mean, I'm still playing Jay Z & Kanye's collaborative album, WTT in 2013...
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:45 PM

Yeezus was not Kanye's best work
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:45 PM

I really enjoy it.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:46 PM

Maybe I'm just in a dark place.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:46 PM

and you're allowed
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:46 PM

I wore a lot of black and grey this year. Thanks all, for your concern.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:46 PM

I need to listen to Action Bronson's album more.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:46 PM

yet, when Jay does that, you laugh at him
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:47 PM

Stephen, I did not
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:47 PM

I don't laugh at Jay for wearing black and grey!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:47 PM

you say Jay doesn't know how to dress himself
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:47 PM

Yes, but not because of his color pallette.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:47 PM

WALE
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:47 PM

Stephen, I promise I will
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:47 PM

I think he missed a huge opportunity with the "Clappers" video.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:48 PM

totally
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:48 PM

he could have owned the summer
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:48 PM

And I wonder how Fat Trel's signing will affect him within MMG's ranks.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:48 PM

Wale has his own lane
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:48 PM

I don't think it matters about Trel
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:48 PM

Wale can sell a lot via the ladies
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:48 PM

Sure, but Omarion has his own lane too.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:49 PM

well, let's talk about this for a sec
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:49 PM

We shall see!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:49 PM

just because they're all "on the same label" doesn't mean that they're getting in each other's way at all
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:49 PM

like, as Kanye said, if you make good music, you're on GOOD music
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:50 PM

MMG doesn't deem Omarion the only one worthy of making music for the ladies
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:50 PM

I think that's true...because of internet...but I also think there's only so many resources.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:50 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jake O'Connor

that's why they are the untouchable maybach empire?

ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:50 PM

Jeff, come on
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

Alright, for the final ten minutes: you're not allowed to type anything without making a pun. Deal or no deal?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

(No deal.)
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

HOWIE MANDEL
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

Buhhhhhhhhhh
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

(is that what you're talking about?)
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

wait wait wai
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

you asked me to make a pun and then you "BUHHHHHH" me?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:51 PM

this has taken a turn
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:52 PM

GUYS, THIS TAWK IS OVER, I QUIT
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:52 PM

(LOLLLLLLLLLLLL)
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:52 PM

★ Spotlighted from Laura Del Rey

This was kind of discussed earlier, but do you think there was a definitive/dominant "sound" this year in hiphop? (eg. west coast, southern, alternative etc)

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:52 PM

Hm. Eric?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:52 PM

Laura, you're like the MVP today
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:52 PM

I'd say, DJ Mustard
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:52 PM

I was going to say that too!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

which is essentially bringing back the Lil Jon sound
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

which is cool with me
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

DJ Mustard was vvv 2013.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

a thought:
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

Crazy to think that it all started with "Rack City" two years ago.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

imagine if Joey Bada$$ signed to Roc Nation and then worked with DJ Mustard?
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

;sladfjalsfja;gljli;ghiwoher;a
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:53 PM

also, a thought:
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:54 PM

imagine if Kanye didn't get kicked off of the Ye-Lady Gaga tour after the Taylor Swift comments?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:54 PM

would have been interesting
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:54 PM

and the idea of what a BIG tour was/could be
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:54 PM

anyway
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:54 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jake O'Connor

Then we wouldn't have Yeezus

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:55 PM

Then we'd only have happy Kanye.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:55 PM

Then what would we write about?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:55 PM

that's not true
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:55 PM

808s was before that
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:55 PM

808s was before Taylor
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:55 PM

right?
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:55 PM

yes
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:56 PM

and that was not a happy album
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:56 PM

Yes. But sad Kanye is different from the wrath of Kanye.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:56 PM

Of course he has EMOTIONS.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:56 PM

But like, Yeezus comes from being the butt of America's joke.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:56 PM

I'd disagree
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:57 PM

And the racism. And the finger-pointing and ostracizing of Kanye
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:57 PM

hmmm
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:57 PM

I'm gonna disagree with that
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:57 PM

I believe that was all from MBDTF
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:57 PM

then he did Cold Summer
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:57 PM

I think it's channeling those emotions in different ways.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:57 PM

and the ideas of commercialism led to Yeezus
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

MBDTF was to make the best album he could BECAUSE he needed to prove that he was indispensible.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

Sure, but I don't think that's exclusive.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

well, something to consider next ime
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

time
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

Anyway: this has been a lot of fun!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

we're back next week
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

We are!
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

it'll still be 2013
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

We'll miss you until then.
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:58 PM

Thank you all.
ER

Eric Rosenthal · 6:59 PM

thank you guys for your awesome back and forth!
JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:59 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stephen Upper

peanut gallery: where you from?

JR

Jeff Rosenthal · 6:59 PM

LOL: "ASL?"