Brace yourself for a throwback edition of STB! This week's Artist Showcase features a heavy-hitting appearance by Dennis Hobbs, who also faces the heat in our signature "5 Deadly Questions" segment. We are diving deep into his brand-new project, SILLY GOOSE, alongside fresh drops from rap heavyweights like LE$, Busta Rhymes, Logic, Freddie Gibbs, and more. For all info on DJ Oplex, visit www.oplexmusic.com. Artist, email your tracks to [email protected] Peace, Love and Music on Top Featured Tracklist

• Catch Me If You Can – Logic (Paradise Records Compilation) [3:35]
• Runnin in Place –LE$ is More Vol. 4... Current Affairs*) [2:38]
• BANG – Courtney Bell, Royce Da 5'9 & Benny The Butcher (It Gets Greater Later) [3:00]
• Summertime Homicide – Freddie Gibbs (You Only Die 1nce (Deluxe)) [3:02]
• SPAZZZ – Busta Rhymes & J Dilla (SPAZZZ) [3:17]
• Chest Hurt – Dennis Hobbs (SILLY GOOSE) [3:17]
• Rice & Cornbread – Dennis Hobbs (SILLY GOOSE) [2:39]
• Insane Behavior, Pt. 2 – Dennis Hobbs (SILLY GOOSE) [2:39]

Hip-Hop is undeniably a multiverse of messages , acting as a raw mirror to society and black culture while simultaneously serving as arguably the most profane music genre in the world. In this episode, DJ Oplex strips back the layers of respectability politics to explore the genre's complex relationship with explicit expression. By dissecting the polarizing reception of Yung Miami's smash anthem, "Spend Dat", we confront a glaring double standard in modern music curation. Why does a listener condemn a high-energy anthem of criminal independence, yet willingly applaud tracks that vividly celebrate extreme violence, street trauma or immorality? This deep dive challenges how audiences digest urban culture. We break down the different archetypes in Black culture, proving that Hip-Hop is not a monolith, but a vast collection of contrasting truths.

• Marlon Craft – Find Me (From the album: The Internet Killed The Neighborhood) – 3:42
• Navy Blue – Sir Render (From the album: Sir Render) – 3:06
• Blu & Exile (feat. Black Thought) – T.S.O.D. (From the album: Time Heals Everything) – 3:26
• Juicy J & Project Pat – Southern Hospitality (From the album: Dem Goats) – 3:01
• Rick Ross & Jeezy - Maybach Music VII (feat. Don Toliver From the album: Set In Stone)
• Lucky Daye – Nowhere Fast (From the album: Nowhere Fast) – 2:57
• Black Milk – FIN (From the album: FIN) – 2:21
• GENA – Lead It Up (From the album: Lead It Up) – 2:49
• Deante' Hitchcock – Pretty Things (From the album: Junkie in The Sun) – 4:37
• Stixx & Hugh Masekela (feat. The Bless) – Market Place 2.0 (From the album: Market Place 2.0)

On Episode 122 of the Set the Bar Mixshow,DJ Oplex is putting the industry on notice by examining exactly what a "culture vulture" is, why it's a strictly behavior-based title, and how our own consumer habits are funding the exploitation. We're putting the mirror up to external extractors who treat Hip-Hop like a transactional cash cow, while laying down the ultimate truth of the genre. To keep the vibe uncompromised, the soundtrack is packed with heavy rotation, featuring major new heat like Freddie Gibbs breaking boundaries from his deluxe You Only Die 1nce, Isaiah Rashad cutting deep on his latest drop IT'S BEEN AWFUL, and smooth R&B textures from Haley Smalls' fresh Matches (Deluxe). Hit play and tap into the culture.

1. Lupe Fiasco, Nu Deco Ensemble, Jacomo Bairos & Sam Hyken – Hip Hop Saved My Life (Live from Miami Beach) (feat. Nikki Jean)

2. Foul Mouth & Kain Cole –PESTO

3. Haley Smalls – Static

4. DJ Shadow, Run The Jewels, Denzel Curry & TiaCorine –Nobody Speak Part 2

5. Freddie Gibbs – Rabbit Mode

6. 38 Spesh & Che Noir – Mental Health

7. Clipse (Live)- POV
8. The Roots (Live) - Step Into the Realm
9. Apollo Brown - Angels & Diamond

10. Isaiah Rashad – AIN'T GIVIN' UP

11. Haley Smalls – Lil Bit in Love

In episode 121, DJ Oplex pulls back the curtain on the fundamental law of the genre: authenticity. He discusses how Hip-Hop acts as the ultimate land of the authentic where a single whiff of synthetic behavior is the easiest way to get your cultural clearance revoked. He dives deeper into the seemingly inevitable paradox Drake faces post Kendrick beef while spinning new Hip-Hop from Courtney Bell, Kendall Spencer, Trem Sol and more. Getcha popcorn ready and press play.

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Playlist

1. Couple Hunnid - Trem Sol
2. Immigrants - Freddie Gibbs
3. Everyday - Courtney Bell
4. The LAnd - RJMrLA
5. Final Score - Ro Thoro
6. How it Is - Lord Sko & Statik Selektah
7. Head in a Jar - Khamari
8. Confused - Cortex
9. Guardian Angel - Lee Rene
10. On Me - 6lack & Odeal
11. Eye of the Needle - Smel and Kendall Spencer

Growth is the single most important factor in our evolution as humans, but let's be real—outgrowing your old self can be a messy process if we let it. In Episode 120 DJ Oplex begins unpacking that internal friction you feel when your comfort zone gets way too tight, and why we constantly "pump fake" the exact opportunities we've been praying for. Backed by a flawless playlist featuring new music and fresh cuts from Durand Bernarr, DJ Harrison and more, this episode is the ultimate soundtrack for leveling up and breaking the chains that stop growth. Hit play, catch these vibes, and let's get to growing. Follow DJ Oplex here:

Playlist

1. 10,000 Lifetimes - Durand Bernnarr feat. Sevyn Streeter
2. Make it Last - Dave East feat. Crutch Calhoun, Scram Jones, Mike & Keys
3. High Enough - Jasper Logan
4. Growth - Lizzie Berchie
5. Fly - Tone Stith
6. Sit Yuh Self Down - AJ Mcqueen feat. Londrelle
7. Let Me (Live Rendition) - Victoria Monet
8. It's All Love - DJ Harrison feat. Yazmin Lacey

Episode 119, Season 3 explores the evolution of the Set the Bar Mixshow and discusses how the show has evolved over the last three years. Since Episode 84 in 2023, the show has transitioned from a guest-heavy format into a Music Podcast that balances quality sounds with uplifting substance. New music from Jill Scott, King Rab, Gainstaville and More!!!

Playlist

1. Weather Man - Gainstaville X DJ Oplex
2. Feels like Love - Tanarelle
3. P.O - IDK
4. Right Back - King Rab
5. Bittersweet- Naomi Sharon
6. Chamomile - Kofi Stone feat. Ady Suleiman
7. Ask for Me- Hit Boy feat. Alchemist
8. U Ain't Gotta Chance - Big L feat. Nas
9. Please, Stop The Violence In Hip Hop - Juicy J feat. Black Thought
10. All That I Hope For - Joseph Rutakanga
11. Beautiful People - Jill Scott
12. 12. Everywhere I Go - BYNX ft. Kid Cudi & Royksopp

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In this episode of Set the Bar Mix Show, DJ Oplex unpacks the concept of "Strategic Maturity"—the pivotal shift from measuring success by what you can do, to defining value by what you won't do. As we approach the New Year, Oplex breaks down how true growth implies moving away from the brute force of youthful potential and embracing the precision of adult boundaries. It's a lesson on how to stop leaking energy and start moving with intention. To soundtrack this evolution, the decks are loaded with a heavy lineup of new music, including the latest heat from Nas, the soulful return of De La Soul, and fresh storytelling from Kofi Stone, Lordkez, and more. Playlist Thorns - Kofi Stone Reinvention - DJ Premier feat. Ransom Closer - Trem Sol feat. Enigma Sept & King Redd Enn Eff - De La Soul feat. Black Thought Aweh - lordkez feat. Cassper Nyovest PS118 - Jurin Asaya feat. Rapsody Speed of Love - Chance the Rapper feat. Jazmine Sullivan Track 01 - Max & Sabrina Claudio Rock With Me - Kem (Marsha Mix) My Story, Your Story - Nas & AZ Trap Phone - Give Me Ring - Lordkey www.oplexmusic.com

DJ Oplex speaks on an explosive topic that includes exploring the advantages and disadvantages of AI in music creation. He discusses how it will impact listeners and its potential to compromise Organic Authenticity. Meanwhile he features new music from Mobb Deep, Victoria Noellel, RJ Payne and more. Don't miss this controversial episode!!

Playlist

1. Life on Mars - Jay Electronica
2. Anthem - Victoria Noelle
3. Intervention - Sabis The God
4. I'm Still - Hilari
5. Amira Kitchen - West Side Gunn (feat. Tom Soos & AA Rashid)
6. Moon - Daniel Caesar (feat. Bon Iver)
7. Both Eyes Closed - Asap Rocky
8. Evil Streets - RJ Payne
9. Taj Mahal - Mobb Deep & The Alchemist
10. When I Feel Like It - Willie the Kid & Soop

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On this episode, DJ Oplex scans through a plethora of new releases to find bar setting songs that are meaningful for the culture. Only new released music graces the show including new music from Chance the Rapper, Emi Secrest, Teyana Taylor and more. Meanwhile, he explores the idea of being notified that this is your last day to live. The plot thickens as he dives into a discussion centered around mortality and legacy.

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Playlist

1. The Negro Problem - Chance the Rapper (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid)
2. Palaces - Lupe Fiasco (feat. Troy Tyler)
3. Arrival - No Spirit & Satyr
4. Caught up In This Illusion - Juicy J & Endea Owens (feat. Kenneth Whalum)
5. Prick - Westside Gunn
6. Rain Every Season - Evidence (feat. The Alchemist)
7. Numb - Giveon
8. Cotton Candy Blvd - India Shawn (feat. Lucky Daye)
9. Ruby Blue - Emi Secrest (feat. Juicy J)
10. Pum Pum Jump - Teyana Taylor (feat. Jill Scott & Tyla)
11. Lalelani - Kazba De Small & DJ Maphorisa (feat. Zaba, Njelic & Dlala Thukzin)

*Peace, Love & Music on Top

DJ Oplex rants on his qualms with the music industry while explaining that being yourself is what is expected in Hip-Hop and what you should do. He speaks on systemic problems with the genre while spinning new music from Clipse, Bizarre, Living Legends and more. Dust off your woke card. Episode 115 is here.

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Supreme Curation:

1. Inglorious Bastard - Clips (feat. Ab Liva)
2. Tempo - Living Legends (feat. Reverie)
3. High Stakes - Benny the Butcher (feat. 38 Spesh)
4. Whole Lotta $ - LE$ & DJ Mr. Rogers
5. 99 (feat. Daecolm) Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young John
6. Die With A Buzz - Sam Be Yourself & Nathan Hui-Yi
7. Chandeliers - Clipse (feat. Nas)
8. Motion - Bizarre (feat. King Gordy & X-Factor)
9. So Long - Old Man Saxon & Bei Ru
10. Evolve - Big Piph (feat. Bijoux)