Ep 148

First, Cole reacts to comments from Ebro Darden that sparked debate across the internet after he criticized fans for their album opinions. The conversation raises a bigger question about credibility in hip-hop media — who really gets to decide what’s good music: the media personalities or the fans who live with the music every day?

Then Cole looks at the controversy surrounding independent artist LaRussell after Billboard ruled that thousands of his album sales would not count toward the charts. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between independent artists and the systems that still shape success in the music industry.

From media gatekeeping to chart politics, this episode explores what these moments reveal about power, independence, and credibility in hip-hop today.

(0:00) Cole Open

(0:32) Ebro Goes at the Fans

(4:42) Ebro Era and Distaste for Opinions

(7:59) Ebro is a Company Man

(10:03) We Are Just Customers

(11:42) LaRussell and Billboard Clash

(13:58) LaRussell's Strange Year

(17:41) Billboard and their Rules

(18:56) Final Thoughts

(20:17) Outro