MSR

D. Watkins discusses his journey as a writer and the influence of his Baltimore roots on his work. He explores themes of respectability politics, the importance of authenticity in representation, and the power of storytelling. Watkins shares insights on his collaborations with David Simon, the significance of education in the writing process, and his future projects aimed at connecting personal narratives with broader cultural stories. The discussion emphasizes the need for genuine representation of black men in literature and the impact of community support on artistic resilience.

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Devin Turner joins the show to discuss his new film Underground King. From shedding pounds to building strength, Devin breaks it all down.

After that crew talks about Thanksgiving and how it just hits a little different this year with all the drama going on in America, Tune In!

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Nargis is in studio!!! She joins us to discuss the resurgence of tennis within the Black community,The importance of health awareness, and the impact of celebrity deaths on public health discussions.e 

Later the team breaks down significance of the Grammy nominations for hip-hop and a new contender in the Jay-Z verzuz convo

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:33
The Rise of Tennis in the Black Community
14:08
Health Awareness and the Impact of Celebrity Deaths
26:22
Mental Health Conversations and Their Importance
33:36
The Grammy Nominations and Hip-Hop's Evolution

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We’ve got a jam-packed episode for you! First, we share our thoughts on the Native Land Pod vs. Joe Budden Pod situation — and what we can all learn from it. Then, our guest Martie Bowser joins us to discuss the current state of hip-hop, especially its surprising absence from the Billboard Top 40 for the first time in decades. We dive into the implications of this trend and the growing impact of AI on music creation.

Later, we have a spirited conversation about a West Virginia HBCU that’s on its way to becoming majority white. Finally, we wrap up the show by asking the big question: Who can beat Jay-Z in a Verzuz?

Don’t miss it!

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The charts are quiet, and the country’s on pause. This week, the MSR team sits down with journalist Kirstin Garriss to unpack how the government shutdown is hitting SNAP recipients hard. We also talk about the surprising absence of hip-hop from the Billboard Top 40 — and whether the culture’s just evolving or being erased.

TO SUPPORT SJ. https://sjs-fundraising-shop.square.site

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This week, we’re joined by The Grio’s own Panama Jackson to unpack Stephen A. Smith’s latest move into politics and what it says about celebrity influence in Black America. Then Tyler, The Creator’s old anti-Black tweets have resurfaced — so what do we do when our faves get called out by the internet? And finally the crew shares their scariest movie moments. 

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We made it to Episode 10! This week on the MSR Pod, we’re talking about the recent ICE raids in Chicago and how even some right-wing podcasters are starting to rethink their support for Trump. Wild times. Then we get into the return of Verzuz—Cash Money vs. No Limit?! We break down what this matchup means for the culture and who we think takes the crown. And finally, we revisit a convo from a few episodes back about tough coaching in youth sports. Is yelling at kids ever okay? Our takes might surprise you. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and hit that subscribe button on whatever podcast app you use. And if you want to support the show, check us out on Patreon!

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In this episode of the MSR Podcast, the fellas delve into the recent legal battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, reflecting on its implications for hip-hop culture. The conversation shifts to Aisha Curry's comments about her marriage and motherhood, exploring the complexities of individualism within relationships. The hosts emphasize the importance of open dialogue about gender dynamics and the need for men to support each other in navigating these conversations. They conclude with a call for more constructive discussions around societal expectations and personal growth. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:36 The D&T Foundation 5K and Its Impact 05:03 Drake vs. Kendrick: The Lawsuit and Its Implications 10:36 The Aftermath of the Battle: Perspectives on Drake 16:26 Aisha Curry's Comments: Context and Reactions 35:40 Navigating Identity in Relationships 39:30 The Importance of Individualism 43:33 Understanding Gender Dynamics 47:41 Conversations Among Men 52:38 The Pressure of Expectations 56:18 The Role of Communication in Relationships 01:01:07 Continuing the Conversation 01:05:55 Counteracting Toxic Narratives

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In this episode of the MSR pod, The crew discusses the impact of Ari Lennox's comments on the Martin show, exploring themes of colorism and comedy. The conversation delves into the evolution of humor in today's society, the challenges faced by comedians. Plus we a little debate about the legacy of Ja Rule in the music industry.

00:00 Introduction and Context 06:52 Ari Lennox's Perspective on Martin

17:34 Debating Comedy and Colorism 20:12 Reflections on Changing Perspectives

21:04 Reflections on Personal Growth and Change

22:25 The Evolution of Comedy in Today's Society

24:06 Navigating Cultural Sensitivity in Humor

27:03 The Impact of Nostalgia on Modern Entertainment 29:17 The Shift in Audience Expectations and Sensitivity 34:38 The Role of the Internet in Shaping Media Consumption

36:23 The Future of Comedy and Entertainment

43:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

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On this episode of The MSR Pod, we dive deep into the revolutionary legacy of Assata Shakur—exploring her impact, her exile, and the ongoing debates around how she's remembered in history.

Later, we tackle our Question of the Day: Should you still listen to music by problematic artists like R. Kelly? We unpack the ethics, the emotions, and the real-life decisions people make when art and morality collide.

Tap in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation you won't want to miss.

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