The Culture Decides

We’ve all had that parasocial moment—when an artist’s music feels personal, like they get you. But what happens when the idols start moving like incels? This week, on episode 13, I sit down with Kris Chesson, one half of the Bad Queers Podcast, to unpack the complicated rise and fall of some of hip-hop’s biggest names: Kanye West and Young Money's favorites, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne. 

From Through the Wire to CLB, from the backpack era to MAGA flirtations and messy lawsuits, from Itty Bitty Piggy to Big Foot—this episode traces the cultural shift that turned these stars into ego-driven incels. Time to answer the question that’s been brewing for a decade: When did it all start to go left?

Also on deck:

• A review of Brooklyn the Kid’s unapologetic anthem “Dyke Lee” 
• Our personal timelines with Ye, Drizzy, Weezy, and Nicki

No stanning. Just honesty.
Because The Culture Decides.

Follow Kris and the Bad Queers Podcast (@kris.chess / @badqueerspod)

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

May was full of surprises! Rap battles rocked the east and west coast meanwhile Diddy’s world continues to unravel with shocking reveals. Join me as I recap May and review projects for Blxst, Youngn MH, Kai Ca$h, 450, & Aminé!

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Had to pop out and show 'em this month! Check out episode 11 for a recap of my experience at Kendrick and SZA's Grand National Tour stop at MetLife Stadium, top looks at the Met Gala, and album reviews for Ding Dong, Coco Jones, and Lefty Gunplay!

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Y'all know I had to do it BIG for episode 10! This one is a SPECIAL bonus episode. Youngn MH, hottest artist out of Flatbush, Brooklyn, stopped by to discuss his career so far and what's in store for us. Young about to turn up for NYC real soon!

Check out his latest singles Impatient & Ice Spice! Follow Youngn MH & MONEY HUNGRY ENT on IG!

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

On episode 9ine, I’m serving up updates on the industry including the latest on Drake vs UMG, new music on the way, and conclude with project reviews for the following:

• Alex Isley - WHEN (EP)
• Westside Gunn - HEELS HAVE EYES (EP)
• Davido - 5ive (Album)

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome back! Festival season is here and the music industry has been heating up. Join me as I cover recent news, share songs on repeat, and project reviews for “We Owe You an Explanation” by PARTYOF2, “OMW2 Rexdale” by NAV, & “Deep Thoughts” by Lil Durk.

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

The March Madness continues! Join me as I cover highlights/lowlights, including Drake's ongoing saga with UMG, new singles and albums on repeat, plus album reviews for Insomnia by Money Man, Ghetto Children by Lil Bean, & the long-awaited album by Playboi Carti, I AM "MUSIC". 

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

We’re nearly halfway through the month and things have been off to a wild start. Join me as I cover Drake’s thrown out petition, upcoming albums, Doechii’s continuous success, Lil Tjay + Offset’s fall out, & more. Stay tuned for my review of The Outcome by ILL Tone Beats & Benny the Butcher’s music collective, Black Soprano Family.

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Feb was stacked with highlight moments for the Culture! From Kendrick sweeping the Grammys and crushing his Super Bowl performance, Vybz winning at the MOBO Awards, A$AP beating his case, to albums from some of our faves. This episode kicks off with the highlights and ends with reviews for Life is Beautiful and $ome $exy $ongs 4 U! 

Timeline

Intro: 00:00:31

Agenda: 00:00:58

February Recap (highlights and the lowlights): 00:02:08

J.Cole cLOUDS Review: 00:13:40

Album Review Criteria: 00:18:58

Life is Beautiful Review: 00:22:17

Questions/Thoughts & Tea ahead of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U: 00:37:17

$ome $exy $ongs 4 U Review: 00:51:25

Final Thoughts on $$$ 4 U: 01:13:43

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Kendrick set the stage and the tone with Sunday’s Super Bowl Halftime Show! GNX was heard live for the first time and he had a performance full of symbolism and surprises like Samuel L. Jackson. This was one def for the Culture! Tune in for my highlight moments and listen to me unpack the show! 

Timeline

Intro: 00:00:31

Agenda: 00:01:30

Pre-Halftime Show Highlights: 00:01:52

Questions & Thoughts ahead of Show: 00:05:27

Halftime Setlist/Performance Review: 00:07:38

Favorite Part of the Show: 00:29:55

Let me know your favorite part of this episode and what's on your playlist now!

Submit your music for review: Music Submission Form

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow & download on your favorite pod platform
Follow on IG & X/Twitter, & TikTok
Thank you for tuning in!

Disclaimer:

The Culture Decides is an original production of The Culture Decides Media LLC.

The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employers, artists, record labels, affiliates, or other organizations.

This podcast discusses music, entertainment, and popular culture for the purposes of commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and discussion. All copyrights, trademarks, artist names, recordings, and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. No ownership of third-party content is claimed.

Listeners are encouraged to support the artists discussed by purchasing, streaming, and engaging with their work through official channels. Some episodes may contain mature language or themes. Listener discretion is advised.

© 2026 The Culture Decides Media LLC. All rights reserved.