“Kendrick is ducking Drake.”

In this episode, Beamin suggests that Kendrick has been ducking Drake, patiently anticipating this album. Sure, he's being facetious, but was he wrong? If you're reading this... Drake has broken another record with his 6th studio album, Certified Lover Boy. 

Beamin x Deno discuss just how amorously the masses embrace Drake’s escapism, a much-needed respite after a tumultuous 2020 (and, let's be honest, 2021). They end the episode with a track-by-track review of CLB, highlighting all of the quintessential Drake records.

"The boy is perfect."

Nine months later — Drake has released Certified Lover Boy (CLB). Beamin x Deno share their 1stListen reactions to the album (track review to come later). One immediate observation that the duo ponders is — has Drake exposed his hitmaking formula to the world?

Kendrick is back. And he's smoking on Top fives. 

In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss Kendrick Lamar—excuse me—OKLAMA's recent return on Baby Keem's single entitled "Family Ties." Quite naturally, the conversation glides into an exploration of the "Top 3" and what folks should expect from K.Dot's impending release. 

A podcast about a playlist. In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss their recent need for a break from rap. They provide the R&B, Afrobeat, and Alternative artists that provide solace in their time away. 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zBcjfj3pXlFl7gf8V0koX?si=53ce643720744e3e

Selections not found on Spotify or Apple:

Corbin Butler - BOUND4

Geode - Embrace

In this episode, Beamin x Deno start their musings by exploring the lyrics and implications of a track entitled "Stronger Than Me" from Amy Winehouse's 2003 album, Frank. They then work their way to discussing true tenderness and familial love inspired by the video for Navy Blue's track entitled "Primo."  To wrap, the guys somehow find themselves discussing Non-fungible tokens, better known as NFTs, and their viability in the music economy.

"Kanye West is an expert in art, creative entrepreneurship, and music.... [any other questions]?" - Beamin

Beamin calls for an iso in this episode. On August 5, 2021, he attended Kanye West's second listening event for Donda in Atlanta, GA (with 40,000 other people) and returned inspired. In this show, he expounds on Ye's approach to recording his latest album— a shared, creative exchange between artist and fan. After the recap, Deno asks "do you have to believe in Kanye West to enjoy his music?"

The second installment of 7thListen's three-part analysis of Isaiah Rashad's The House Is Burning. Deno connects the opening and closing tracks of the album ("Darkseid" & "HB2U"), and Beamin peels back the layers of his two most played tracks ("RIP Young" & "Hey Mista").

It's a great day! De La Soul officially owns their masters and another 7thListen deep dive sees the light of day. In this episode, Beamin provides the audio complement to the 7thListen review for De La Soul’s 1993 album Buhloone MIndstate. 

"I've never waited for something this long in my life" - Deno.

Isaiah Rashad (affectionately referred to as Zay) is a 7thListen artist in every sense of the distinction.

Deno and Beamin discuss 'The House Is Burning' marketing rollout, as well as Top Dawg Entertainment / Isaiah Rashad underestimating his talent and fanbase. Later on, the duo unpacks Zay's exceptional ability to pair melody & lyricism and highlights Zay's deference towards great artists from the South.

Beamin and Deno discuss Da Baby and Est Gee. The former for his immature and insensitive antics, and the latter (Deno’s current most listened to artist) for his authentic music that often turns dark.