Own No Loops

The one where Jean and Urkel Moe Dee take turns asking each other random rap-related questions.

The one where Jean and Marcus take turns trying to stump each other with obscure rap records released between 1990 and 1999. You know, for fun. Editor’s Note: The audio gets screwy and scratchy about halfway through the episode. Due to the quiz-game nature, we couldn’t re-record it. All apologies.

The one where Jean and Marcus pay tribute to the 15th anniversary of Little Brother’s landmark 2003 underground rap album, ‘The Listening.’ We discuss when we first heard it, our favorite tracks, and its lasting impact on hip hop. Word to Roy Lee and Percy Miracles.

The one where Jean and Marcus review two very different rap albums released on January 26, 2018: Evidence's (of Dilated Peoples and Step Brothers fame) 'Weather or Not,' and Migos' 'Culture II.' Both LPs are (technically) each artist's third effort, have guest appearances on six tracks, and feature songs titled "Moving Too Fast." That's where the similarities end, and people start getting real. Wait, that's "The Real World." Never mind. Just listen to the episode. Please? We love you.

The one where special guest Jesse Ducker of Albumism joins Jean and Marcus to recall their favorite rap songs and albums of 2017. Like we (and everyone else) always do about this time. You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

The one where Jean and Marcus talk about the upcoming (January 28!) 2018 Grammy Awards rap nominees. We predict who will win, and discuss who we want to win, and why. You can also see our #radiofaces recording this live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-HwvFMpGVs

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss rappers in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the competing Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum (and hotel, gift shop, sports bar, restaurant, concert lounge, arcade, and television studios) and Universal Hip Hop Museum projects, VH1’s once-famed Hip Hop Honors, and our own personal hall of fame … Continue reading "Rap Heroes in the Hall of Fame"

The one where Jean and Marcus reach back and evaluate six of rap's most recognized double discs. Did these albums truly need twice the space to contain their greatness, or are they merely products of pride and excess? Albums Explored: 2Pac - 'All Eyez On Me,' Wu-Tang Clan - 'Wu-Tang Forever,' OutKast - 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,' Nas - 'Street's Disciple,' Notorious B.I.G. - 'Life After Death,' and UGK - 'Underground Kingz.'

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss the recent, overwhelming Billboard chart success of young upstarts Lil' Uzi Vert and XXXTENTACION, and their new albums 'Luv Is Rage 2' and '17', both of which were released August 25.

The one where Jean and Marcus get vulnerable by admitting that there are a few so-called classic rap albums they've never heard, and share their thoughts on their first listens.

The one where Jean and Marcus are joined by very special guest Zakiya to discuss the somewhat recently departed Netflix hip hop drama, sort-of-musical, The Get Down.

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss and review Allen Hughes' HBO documentary series about the lives and careers of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, The Defiant Ones.

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss Jay-Z's much-talked about 13th album, 4:44.

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss and review the famed 2Pac biopic, as well as give a quick rest in peace shout out to Prodigy of Mobb Deep.

The one where Jean and Marcus evaluate nine rap albums that followed classic releases, and compare them to their predecessors.

The one where Jean and Marcus continue talking about the times when rappers they like, or wanted to like, have let them down; this time focusing on albums instead of songs.

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss the most disappointing songs made by rappers we like. While we laugh and critique these perceived failures, it’s all done from a place of love. Aww. Stay tuned for part 2, where we list the rap albums that did whatever the opposite of giving us life is.

The fourth and final one where Jean and Marcus celebrate Women’s History Month by filing through the history of female rappers, from the megastars to the extremely obscure. This time, we cover artists from 1999 to 2017. Covered in this episode: Ms. Toi Charli Baltimore Lady Luck Solé Shawnna Mercedes Trina Free Rasheeda Remy Ma(rtin) … Continue reading "Ladies Fourth – A History of Female MCs (1999-2017)"

The third one where Jean and Marcus celebrate Women’s History Month by filing through the history of female rappers, from the megastars to the extremely obscure. This time, we cover artists we missed in the previous two installments. Covered in this episode: Anquette Choice Shazzy Tam Tam The Honeys (Lil’ Honeys) Gamilah Shabazz Simplē E … Continue reading "Ladies Third – A (Supplemental) History of Female MCs"

The second one where Jean and Marcus celebrate Women’s History Month by filing through the history of female rappers, from the megastars to the extremely obscure. This time, we cover artists from 1993 to 1998. If we missed any names in this episode, there’s a 97.35% chance we’ll cover them in the final installments. Covered … Continue reading "Ladies Second – A History of Female MCs (1993-1998)"