The Stem Society

Ep 147

CyHi returns with new music, including a diss aimed at J. Cole and a record explaining the fallout from the G.O.O.D. Music era. While the songs show his lyrical ability, it raises a bigger question about CyHi’s career and whether fans should still take him seriously when he steps back into the spotlight.

Later, Cole Jackson reacts to Jess Hilarious speaking about the reaction to The Breakfast Club moving from YouTube to Netflix. Did the platform shift disconnect the show from the audience that built it, or is this just the next evolution of hip-hop media?

This is The Stem Society, where Cole Jackson gives honest hip-hop commentary on the music, the culture, and the business behind it.

Timestamps(0:25) Cyhi drops new music(1:47) Cyhi always pump fakes(2:52) It's never his fault(4:14) Cyhi is never going to drop(5:24) Jess Hilarious talks Netflix deal(6:18) The Breakfast Club vs Real Podcasts(8:07) Iheart's involvement(10:20) Losing YouTube is the biggest mistake(12:30) Final thoughts

Ep 146

On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down the escalating T.I. vs 50 Cent back-and-forth and asks the real question — who actually needs this more?

With T.I. dropping multiple diss tracks and rapping with clear urgency while 50 stays silent on the mic, the energy feels uneven. Is this strategic patience from 50, or does this moment simply mean more for T.I.’s legacy?

Cole also reacts to Lil Yachty calling “Rapper’s Delight” weak and dives into the generational tension around respecting hip-hop’s foundation.

This episode is about hunger, relevance, and who still has something to prove.

Timestamps(1:01) TI vs 50 so far(5:41) 50 don't play by the rules(7:02) TI and Family jump 50(10:28) Is this working?(14:21) Never bet against 50(16:48) Yachty's interesting take on old school rap(18:23) He's not wrong(21:51) Yachty should never freestyle (25:12) Outro

Patreon Freebie

Artitst Stock Market

This is where I break down artists like assets — momentum, trust, direction, and whether what we’re seeing is real motion or just noise.

This week’s portfolio:

• Isaiah Rashad

• Baby Keem

• Larry June x Curren$y x The Alchemist

• Joey Bada$$

• OVO Sound x McDonald's

• Jack Harlow

Ep 144

This week on The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down the backlash to LaRussell’s comments about Lil Wayne and questions whether hip-hop fandom has become too sensitive for real opinions.

Then, Cole reacts to Vlad’s viral tweet about Jay-Z and asks the uncomfortable question — would other bloggers get sued for the same move? Why do some media personalities avoid accountability?

This episode dives into free opinion, fandom culture, and who really controls the narrative in hip-hop.

Ep 143

This week on The Stem Society, Cole Jackson tackles three conversations that say a lot about where hip hop stands right now.

First, Geechi Gotti’s arrest in Ohio sparks a deeper discussion about battle rap economics. Are battle rappers really getting paid enough to sustain their lifestyle, or are we ignoring the financial realities behind the culture?

Next, Gene Simmons questions hip hop’s place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and uses the word “ghetto” to describe the genre. Does he have a point about genre boundaries, or does his language cross a line?

Finally, Cole breaks down the Cam’ron vs J. Cole $500K lawsuit and explains why both sides might be better off settling outside of court — plus a scenario where Cole could strategically dodge the situation altogether.

Ep 142

On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole dives into why hip-hop media stays quiet when Jay-Z’s name is mentioned in connection with the Epstein files — and asks the real question: is Jay-Z untouchable in rap culture?

Next, Cole reacts to GloRilla’s sister Scarface going viral after her TMZ interview and breaks down how moments like this can affect an artist’s public image and brand.

Finally, Cole gives an update on the rumored T.I. vs 50 Cent Verzuz battle, explains why it’s not happening, and discusses who T.I. should really be facing instead.

If you’re here for honest hip-hop commentary, real industry insight, and culture-first conversations, this episode is for you.

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Timestamps

(1:08) Jay Z in the files

(8:42) Glorilla's sister is a monster

(15:23) TI and 50 is never going to happen

Ep 141

In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down the biggest moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards, including his favorite highlights from the night, Kendrick’s major win, and the controversy surrounding Rap Album of the Year.

He compares his predictions to the actual winners, discusses the biggest surprises and snubs, and looks at what the results say about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry.

Timestamps

(0:43) Thoughts on the show

(2:10) Favorite and least favorite performaces

(5:40) Bad Bunny winning Album of the Year

(9:05) My picks vs who won

(12:02) My theory on why GNX won Rap AOTY

(18:48) Outro

Ep 140

J. Cole’s Birthday Blizzard ’26 sparked major debate across hip-hop — but much of the conversation missed the point.

In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down his real experience buying the mixtape, why direct-to-fan releases matter in today’s music industry, and where the rollout fell short.

More importantly, he explains why the music itself delivered, how Cole shifted the narrative after the Kendrick vs. Drake moment, and why some media reactions lacked context.

From business strategy to lyrical performance to legacy talk, this is a full breakdown of what Birthday Blizzard ’26 really represented — and what it means heading into The Fall Off.

Timestamps

(0:00) Cole Open

(1:25) Cole's experence buying the mixtape

(5:31) Initial Thoughts

(8:50) Ranking the songs

(14:13) Addressing the hate

(27:27) Final take on what we will get from "The Fall Off"

Ep 139

First, Cole reacts to the recent incident involving DJ Akademiks and asks the real question: was this random, or was he set up? From label money and industry relationships to questions about journalistic integrity, Cole examines whether Akademiks can still be seen as an independent voice in hip-hop media — and why this moment matters.

Then, Cole dives into Kanye West’s latest apology letter. What did it really say? And more importantly, should fans believe it? Looking at Kanye’s history of public apologies and repeated controversies, Cole explains why words aren’t enough anymore — and why real accountability has to come through consistent action.

This episode isn’t about canceling anyone. It’s about standards, credibility, and protecting the culture.

Ep 138

On this episode of The Stem Society, host Cole Jackson breaks down why Drake’s decision to appeal his UMG lawsuit could have long-term consequences for his career, reputation, and legacy. Is this a smart legal move, or a risk that could hurt him in the long run?

Then, Cole dives into the online back-and-forth between 21 Savage and Fivio Foreign after Fivio’s viral comments sparked debate across hip-hop. Did Fivio cross the line, or is this just another example of clout-driven controversy?

From industry politics and legal battles to street credibility and internet culture, this episode explores how power, perception, and reputation shape today’s rap game.

Tap in for honest analysis, cultural context, and unfiltered commentary.

Timestamps

(0:00) Cole Open

(1:09) Drake's Appeal and what could happen

(10:02) Fivio Goes in on 21 Savage

(17:50) Jay Z shows up for LaRussell