Own No Loops

Ask We Anything

Own No Loops — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 05:50:54 +0000

The one where Jean and Urkel Moe Dee take turns asking each other random rap-related questions.

Name That Rap Tune: 90s Edition

Own No Loops — Tue, 22 May 2018 13:00:27 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus take turns trying to stump each other with obscure rap records released between 1990 and 1999. You know, for fun.

Editor’s Note: The audio gets screwy and scratchy about halfway through the episode. Due to the quiz-game nature, we couldn’t re-record it. All apologies.

Little Brother’s ‘The Listening’: A 15-Year Retrospective

Own No Loops — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 15:00:06 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus pay tribute to the 15th anniversary of Little Brother’s landmark 2003 underground rap album, ‘The Listening.’ We discuss when we first heard it, our favorite tracks, and its lasting impact on hip hop. Word to Roy Lee and Percy Miracles.

Album Reviews: Evidence – ‘Weather or Not’ and Migos – ‘Culture II’

Own No Loops — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 15:00:47 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus review two very different rap albums released on January 26, 2018: Evidence’s (of Dilated Peoples and Step Brothers fame) Weather or Not, and Migos’ Culture II. Both LPs are (technically) each artist’s third effort, have guest appearances on six tracks, and feature songs titled “Moving Too Fast.” That’s where the similarities end, and people start getting real. Wait, that’s “The Real World.” Never mind. Just listen to the episode. Please? We love you.

The Obligatory 2017 Wrap Up

Own No Loops — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 14:00:51 +0000

The one where special guest Jesse Ducker of Albumism joins Jean and Marcus to recall their favorite rap songs and albums of 2017. Like we (and everyone else) always do about this time.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

We Give A [CROCKER] About Some Got Damn Grammys

Own No Loops — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 14:00:33 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus talk about the upcoming (January 28!) 2018 Grammy Awards rap nominees. We predict who will win, and discuss who we want to win, and why.

You can also see our #radiofaces recording this live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-HwvFMpGVs

Rap Heroes in the Hall of Fame

Own No Loops — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 03:52:58 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss rappers in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the competing Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum (and hotel, gift shop, sports bar, restaurant, concert lounge, arcade, and television studios) and Universal Hip Hop Museum projects, VH1’s once-famed Hip Hop Honors, and our own personal hall of fame picks.

Rap Rap Double Double Albums Albums

Own No Loops — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:16:56 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus reach back and evaluate six of rap’s most recognized double discs. Did these albums truly need twice the space to contain their greatness, or are they merely products of pride and excess?

Albums Explored

2Pac – All Eyez On Me (1996)
Wu-Tang Clan – Wu-Tang Forever (1997)
OutKast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)
Nas – Street’s Disciple (2004)
Notorious B.I.G. – Life After Death (1997)
UGK – Underground Kingz (2007)

The Lil’ Uzi Vert & XXXTENTACION Billboard Takeover

Own No Loops — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 14:00:22 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss the recent, overwhelming Billboard chart success of young upstarts Lil’ Uzi Vert and XXXTENTACION, and their new albums Luv Is Rage 2 and 17, both of which were released August 25.

Classic Rap Albums We Missed

Own No Loops — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 13:00:55 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus get vulnerable by admitting that there are a few so-called classic rap albums they’ve never heard, and share their thoughts on their first listens.

Albums Discussed

Boogie Down Productions – Criminal Minded
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – Wanted: Dead or Alive
Puff Daddy & The Family – No Way Out
T.I. – Trap Muzik

A Postmortem on Netflix’s ‘The Get Down’

Own No Loops — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 16:00:13 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus are joined by very special guest Zakiya to discuss the somewhat recently departed Netflix hip hop drama, sort-of-musical, The Get Down.

Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine Are: The Defiant Ones

Own No Loops — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 16:00:52 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss and review Allen Hughes’ HBO documentary series about the lives and careers of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, The Defiant Ones. With apologies to Sidney Poitier & Tony Curtis.

01:06:14 on Jay-Z’s 4:44

Own No Loops — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 08:30:33 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss Jay-Z’s much-talked about 13th album, 4:44.

Our Eyes on All Eyez on Me

Own No Loops — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:19:19 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss and review the famed 2Pac biopic, as well as give a quick rest in peace shout out to Prodigy of Mobb Deep.

Follow-Ups to Classic Rap Albums

Own No Loops — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:46:03 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus evaluate nine rap albums that followed classic releases, and compare them to their predecessors.

Artists and albums discussed in this episode (spoilers!):: Ice Cube – The Predator; The Pharcyde – Labcabincalifornia; Nas – It Was Written; A Tribe Called Quest – Beats, Rhymes & Life; Mobb Deep – Hell on Earth; Notorious BIGgie Smalls – Life After Death; Jay-Z – In My Lifetime, Vol. 1; Ghostface Killah – Bulletproof Wallets; Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.

Own No Poops Part 2 – Most Disappointing Albums

Own No Loops — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:54:18 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus continue talking about the times when rappers they like, or wanted to like, have let them down; this time focusing on albums instead of songs.

Artists mentioned in this episode (spoilers!):: Foxy Brown; Kanye West; Mos Def/Yasiin Bey; Naughty by Nature; Nas; Snoop Dogg(y Dogg); Method Man; Xzibit; The Roots; Big Daddy Kane; The Beatnuts; Flatlinerz; Bone Thugs-N-Harmony; Talib Kweli; Mic Geronimo

Own No Poops Part 1 – Most Disappointing Songs

Own No Loops — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:43:22 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss the most disappointing songs made by rappers we like. While we laugh and critique these perceived failures, it’s all done from a place of love. Aww.

Stay tuned for part 2, where we list the rap albums that did whatever the opposite of giving us life is.

Ladies Fourth – A History of Female MCs (1999-2017)

Own No Loops — Wed, 17 May 2017 08:43:26 +0000

The fourth and final one where Jean and Marcus celebrate Women’s History Month by filing through the history of female rappers, from the megastars to the extremely obscure. This time, we cover artists from 1999 to 2017.

Covered in this episode:: Ms. Toi; Charli Baltimore; Lady Luck; Solé; Shawnna; Mercedes; Trina; Free; Rasheeda; Remy Ma(rtin); Princess Superstar; Angie Martinez; Khia; Ms. Jade; Jean Grae; Lady May; Rayna Shine; Jacki-O; Nicki Minaj; Lil’ Mama; Rapsody; Iggy Azalea; Azealia Banks; Dreezy; Young MA

Ladies Third – A (Supplemental) History of Female MCs

Own No Loops — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 05:26:31 +0000

The third one where Jean and Marcus celebrate Women’s History Month by filing through the history of female rappers, from the megastars to the extremely obscure. This time, we cover artists we missed in the previous two installments.

Covered in this episode:: Anquette; Choice; Shazzy; Tam Tam; The Honeys (Lil’ Honeys); Gamilah Shabazz; Simplē E; Shorty No Mas; Nefertiti; Paula Perry; Mother Superia; Newsense; Da 5 Footaz; Jane Doe; Jane Blaze; Apani (B. Fly Emcee); Sylk-E-Fine; Ghetto Twins

Ladies Second – A History of Female MCs (1993-1998)

Own No Loops — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 01:28:57 +0000

The second one where Jean and Marcus celebrate Women’s History Month by filing through the history of female rappers, from the megastars to the extremely obscure. This time, we cover artists from 1993 to 1998.

If we missed any names in this episode, there’s a 97.35% chance we’ll cover them in the final installments.

Covered in this episode:: Isis; Queen Mother Rage; Icey Jaye; Tam Rock; Sister Souljah; Sweet Tee; LA Star; The Poetess; Overweight Pooch; Finesse & Synquis; Boss; Conscious Daughters; LeShaun; Suga T; Da Brat; Lady of Rage; Bahamadia; Lauryn Hill; Champ MC; Lil’ Kim; Foxy Brown; Mia X; Nonchalant; Missy Elliot; Rah Digga; Eve; Amil; Gangsta Boo; Queen Pen; Shaunta

Ladies First – A History of Female MCs (1979-1992)

Own No Loops — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 06:05:25 +0000

The one (of three) where Jean and Marcus celebrate Women’s History Month by filing through the history of female rappers, from the megastars to the extremely obscure. This episode covers MCs from 1979 to 1992. Just in time for April!

If we missed any names in this episode, there’s a 92.71% chance we’ll cover them in part two or three. Stay tuned.

Covered in this episode:: The Sequence; Lady B; Deborah Harry; Teena Marie; Roxanne Shanté; The Real Roxanne; Sparky D; Salt-N-Pepa; MC Lyte; Antoinette; JJ Fad; Queen Latifah; Monie Love; Yo-Yo; Nikki D; Left Eye; Ladybug Mecca; Oaktown’s 357; HWA; BWP; Ice Cream Tee; MC Trouble; MC Peaches; Ms. Melodie; Harmony; Heather B; Tairrie B; Icy Blu

2017 Rap Albums Thus Far

Own No Loops — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 05:34:54 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus give their opinions on January and February 2017’s rap releases. Includes albums by Substantial, The Koreatown Oddity, Prodigy, Mozzy, Migos, Iamsu!, Big Sean, Lupe Fiasco, Quelle Chris, Remy Ma & Fat Joe, Future, Jidenna, Jonwayne, Roc Marciano, and Oddisee.

Note:

Apologies for the snap, crackle, and pop audio glitches.

A Tribute to David Axelrod

Own No Loops — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 05:29:36 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus pay tribute to the recently departed musician David Axelrod, and play a game of “Name That Sample”.

Politics & Bull[CROCKER]

Own No Loops — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 05:13:13 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss the presence of politics and conscientiousness in rap since the release of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly in 2015.

5 Years, 5 Albums, 5 Rappers

Own No Loops — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:00:47 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus name and discuss their top five albums and rappers of the past five years. For those who don’t math so good, that’s going back to 2012.

Soundtracks (aka Martin’s Theory)

Own No Loops — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:00:56 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss rap soundtracks, from the artists who made their first big splash, to the classic songs they birthed, and why they’re no longer part of a balanced hip hop breakfast.

Ghostwriters (aka RIP Richard)

Own No Loops — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:00:38 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus discuss ghostwriting in rap, from Big Bank Hank to Bigger Bank Drake.

Pilot (aka The Obligatory 2016 Wrap Up)

Own No Loops — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 00:00:07 +0000

The one where Jean and Marcus start their new podcast by introducing themselves and discussing their favorite songs and albums of 2016.