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.