Confucius and Fresh interview hip-hop art legend Cey Adams, former creative director for Def Jam who designed album covers for everyone from Run-DMC to Jay-Z. They talk about his early days in hip-hop, what it’s been like to watch the genre evolve and grow, and his new show “Combinations” at the West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Jay-Z’s first appearance on television, Jermaine Jackson’s diss song to his younger brother Michael, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the culture put unrealistic artistic expectations on Bobby Shmurda after he got out of jail.

Confucius talks about the recently discovered flesh-eating parasite in Texas, the new speaker of the House, and Bob Mendez’s legal woes in Confucius Reads the News.

The full transcript of this episode of The Breaks is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

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Coming off of ACL, the fellas discuss MJ (take your pick – Jackson OR Jordan) as the golden standard for success and why it may hold less water these days. Plus, Confucius and Fresh gush about the Hype Williams classic Belly.

Hip-Hop Facts enlightens us on how Fabolous got his name and reflects on the recent passing of DJ Mark the 45 King. Afterwards Fresh shares his Unpopular Opinion on the modern state of sloppy sampling before Confucius Reads the News.

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After Juicy J’s comments that there’s a 40% decrease in hip-hop, Fresh and Confucius talk about the truth behind hip-hop’s perceived drop in influence. Then they talk about whether it’s fair to judge Drake.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Janet Jackson’s inspiration for Rhythm Nation, why Ghostface Killa wouldn’t show his face on the first Wu-Tang album, what happened when Chris Brown auditioned for Diddy, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that rappers who move to Austin to get their career going don’t rep Austin enough.

Confucius talks about the Republicans’ struggle to elect a speaker of the house, Kaitlin Armstrong’s escape attempt and more on Confucius Reads the News.

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Confucius and Fresh debate whether this is the best time for Austin hip-hop or not. Then they talk about this year’s Austin City Limits Festival, and relive their best and worst ACLfest memories. The Breaks will be interviewing Austin Artist Blckchyl ACLfest Bonus Tracks Stage Sunday, 10/15 from 2:45-3:15pm.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Oukast’s Auqemini, why Russell Simmons passed on Nas’ Illmatic, and more, and how Baja Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out” originated at Austin’s Reagan High School.

Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that James Fauntleroy is the greatest songwriter-producer of a generation.

Confucius talks about Beyoncé’s record Renaissance tour profits, Austin’s status as a great place to open a business, Donald Trump’s gag order,   Kevin McCarthy’s ouster as speaker of the house, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

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Confucius talks about seeing Beyoncé in Houston for night two of her Renaissance World Tour. Then Confucius and Fresh debate whether Drake’s fame is getting in the way of his art.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco, how Fabolous indirectly connected Rich Paul and LeBron James, what the family connection between Boldy James and Snoop Dogg is, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Beyoncé’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) video has had the same cultural impact as Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Confucius talks about the end of the writer’s strike, the second GOP debate, unprecedented theft in retail stores and more on Confucius Reads the News.

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Confucius and Fresh debate what it takes to become a part of Austin Hip-Hop history, and talk about whether artists now are in it for the art, or the clout.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who produced Deion Sanders’ “Must Be the Money,” how LL Cool J wanted to be Blade, how Ice-T got the role in New Jack City, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Big Boi is better or even equal to André 3000.

Confucius talks about Ken Paxton’s acquittal, the cancelation of Winning Time, and the impending government shutdown on Confucius Reads the News.

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Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin hip-hop pioneer Tee-Double about his career and how it feels to be one of the honorees at The Austin Hip-Hop Awards Sunday, September 17th from 2pm-5pm at the Austin Central Library.

Then they debate whether or not this is the golden age of hip-hop.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Cardi B’s verse didn’t end up on the final version of Ice Spice’s “Munch,” how LL Cool J and 50 Cent almost made an album together,  what the connection between Warren G And Pimp C is and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Drake is a bit of a clout chaser.

Confucius talks about Mitt Romney’s announcement that he will not run for reelection, the release of El Chapo’s wife from prison and more on Confucius Reads the News

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Inspired by a recent article in Defector, Confucius and Fresh discuss the impact of capitalism on hip-hop. Then they talk about Puff Daddy’s decision to give Bad Boy artists their publishing back.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher,” what Chamillionaire and Paul Wall did before they were famous, the connection between Shaq and UGK, and more.

Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that Mac Miller’s 2016 Divine Feminine album was the album that Drake should have made that year.

Confucius talks about Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s divorce, the push in Texas to criminalize traveling to get an abortion, the Ken Paxton Trial and more on Confucius Reads the News.

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Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin R&B artist Mélat about her new music, her experience in the Austin music scene, he collaboration with Austin FC, and how she ended up singing with Matthew McConaughey. Then they discuss how united the hip-hop community is in Austin.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between New Edition and Eddie Murphy, why Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” track listing kept changing, why there’s no video for Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Chad Hugo is the unsung hero — as opposed to the real genius — of the Neptunes.

Confucius talks about last week’s racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville, Mitch McConnel freezing at a press conference,   and more in Confucius Reads the News.

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Fresh and Confucius talk about the impact that this year’s record heat is having on live music in Austin. Then, inspired by Asian Doll’s comments about not wanting to rap at 30, they debate the merits of older rappers.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Andre 3000 lived in Austin, why Dr. Dre turned down opportunities to work with Michael Jackson and Prince, what Missy Elliot song contains Beyoncé’s first solo outing and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t actually separate the art from the artists, but instead just decide what bad behavior they will or won’t tolerate.

Confucius talks about Trump’s mug shot,  the recent Republican Party presidential debate, the Biden Administration’s new student loan repayment plan, and more.

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