Shows
Between Two Ravens: A Norse Mythology PodcastS3E9: Penda: The Last Pagan King of MerciaShawn discusses the life of Penda: Last Pagan King of Mercia, as told in the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" and Bede's "Ecclesiastical History of the English People". 7th Century England saw many of the Petty Kingdoms converting to Christianity. However, King Penda of Mercia (626-655ce) remained a staunch pagan up until his death. During his reign he ravanged Northumbria (killing 2 of its kings), invaded East-Anglia (killing 3 of theirs), and routed King Kenwal from his kingdom of Wessex due to a slight against his sister. As the Anglo-Saxon gods are similar to the Norse gods, I would say Penda has earned a...
2023-04-1115 min
Between Two Ravens: A Norse Mythology PodcastPenda: The Last Pagan King of MerciaShawn discusses the life of Penda: Last Pagan King of Mercia, as told in the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" and Bede's "Ecclesiastical History of the English People".7th Century England saw many of the Petty Kingdoms converting to Christianity. However, King Penda of Mercia (626-655ce) remained a staunch pagan up until his death. During his reign he ravanged Northumbria (killing 2 of its kings), invaded East-Anglia (killing 3 of theirs), and routed King Kenwal from his kingdom of Wessex due to a slight against his sister.As the Anglo-Saxon gods are similar to the Norse gods, I would...
2023-04-1115 min
/Understated/Understated: Old Music Killing New Music, Spotify & JREWe've come out of hiding for a brand new /Understated episode. Last week, there was an article released stating that Old music is killing new music in terms of streaming. That's unexpected and we need to address this.
Also, there's some new controversy surrounding a deleted letter penned by musician, Neil Young, to Spotify asking to be removed from the platform if they keep the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. This stems from controversy surrounding misinformation exposed on the JRE podcast. Our take is this matter extends well beyond Covid and urge Spotify to take this moment to...
2022-01-3146 min
/UnderstatedLogic & The Tik Tok Music PipelineIn this week's episode, we review (Starts at 1:08) Confessions of a Dangerous Mind which is Logic's (the rapper) fifth studio album and discuss the reason why he receives so much apparent "hate" or is often dismissed in the mainstream narrative.
(Starts at 14:44)
Next, we get into the financial battle occuring between the app Tik Tok vs the Music Labels. Why cover why they are butting heads and more importantly the increasing trend of the Tik Tok plucking artists from obscurity and taking them to the top. What's at stake and whatshould artists watch out for? W...
2019-06-1936 min/UnderstatedThe Old Town RoadIn this segment, we discuss Lil Nas X’s big single ‘Old Town Road’ which was recently removed off of the Country Music Billboard until Billy Ray Cyrus (the Achy Breaky Heart Crooner) hopped on the remix. Odd combo right? In a typical fashion, we un-package the controversy surrounding this subject and we also talk about the possibility of Lil Nas X being an industry plant, will he possibly continue down this road, and lastly get to the bottom of why this song is truly the hottest thing at the moment. As always thanks for listening.
Thanks to sou...
2019-06-1928 min/UnderstatedRock & RapFirst and foremost, we want to share our respect to Nipsey Hussle. RIP young soldier. In this segment, we begin to explore the similar histories of the Rock & Roll genre as well as the Hip Hop genre. Here we are going to analyze the trajectory of these two types of music, how history tends to repeat itself, and forewarning that the younger of the two should pay attention to what happened to the former.
We also talk about female musicians in both the Rock and Rap genres and their uphill battles. We also discuss what drives the R...
2019-04-1733 min/UnderstatedRap or Go To The League/Cancel Culture/The Return of R&BIn this week's episode, we discuss 2 Chainz's new album, Rap or Go To The League. You're probably thinking who listens to 2 Chainz. Stop It. The man has a very consistent fanbase and has been quite successful both in and out of the rap game for the last few years. In that regard, he deserves to have his album judged fairly. Should it be contender for Album of The Year (AOTY) in the future?
Next, let’s talk about the "cancel/mute" culture surrounding artists such as R.Kelly and the late Michael Jackson due to recently released do...
2019-04-1742 min/UnderstatedGrammy, Gucci, SavageIn this episode, we talk about the recent news regarding rapper, 21 Savage, being detained by ICE officials on February 3, 2019. To find the details about this situation and our take on what's going on stay tuned.
We also discuss the recent controversy regarding the Gucci sweaters released last week and their resemblance to racially insensitive blackface caricatures. We talk about how this issue is directly related to Hip Hop as this music genre has become the face and the evangelist of many of these high luxury brands that exploit and rehash moments of Black American denigration for profit.
2019-04-1740 min/UnderstatedSuperbowl 53 & The Unexpected Rap BattleIn this segment, we discuss the controversy surrounding Travis Scott performing during the Super Bowl. As we all know, the NFL has been steeped in criticism in response to its treatment of Colin Kaepernick and other players who chose to kneel during the national anthem in protests of police brutality of unarmed citizens in the United States. As a result, there are many opinions on whether or not Black musicians should perform during the biggest NFL event of the year for an organization that sheds no care that disproportionally affects the community of its players.
Also we...
2019-04-1731 min/UnderstatedTalk of the WeekLet's recap what you've may have missed out on lately. First, we discuss Chris Brown recently being cleared of rape allegations and the conspiracy theory mindset around them, as he just signed a deal to own his masters. You may have also heard about the rumored parting of ways between popular R&B singer Tinashe and her record label RCA. Tinashe's place in the R&B game has not been solidified and we have to discuss why this is the case. Tinashe's story is so common that all artists should keep their eyes open when entering the industry to a...
2019-02-1244 min/UnderstatedRae Sremmurd No More?In this week's episode, we discuss the supposed "split" of Rae Sremmurd (Swae Lee & Slim Jxmmi). In the early weeks of January 2019, Slim Jxmmi released a series of tweets indicating that the hip hop duo of Rae Sremmurd was essentially over. As this is hot topic news, we have to discuss this issue further, the concept of the viral virus, and some overall advice to Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee. Don't forget to comment and also like the page so you can be notified when future episodes drop. Thanks for watching.
Thanks to sounds, videos, and images...
2019-01-1817 min/UnderstatedThe Biggest YearWelcome Back, here is all of episode 21. In this episode we discuss some of our top predictions on who will have a big 2019. The first artist discussed is Big Sean. We also discuss the potential Childish Gambino/Chance the Rapper collaboration project that might drop this year. Rumors of this project have been circulating for years so hopefully it releases in the near future. It also looks like Childish Gambino along can have the biggest year as his retirement is on the horizon. Lastly, we must to about the return of Chris Brown to the game. Although he's been...
2019-01-1839 min/UnderstatedTop Advice for Musicians from 2018Happy New Years everyone. Before we stroll into 2019, we wanted to leave you with 5 pieces of advice that we dropped this year to carry forward.
Here are our top 5 tips, which we explain in further detail in the video. Best wishes to you all and thanks for watching.
1. Use Free Cross Promotion with friends already have an audience
2. Listen to yourself 100%, 1000%
3. Delivery is Key, Period.
4. Build Brand Awareness by making personal content
5. Use your Brand to make you money by consistently investing in your brand first
T...
2019-01-0105 min/UnderstatedToo Much Music?In this week's episode, we discuss whether or not artists are dropping too many projects throughout the year. Kwame argues that artists are putting out so much music that it's causing people to miss or tune out what's available. On the other hand, Kenfe says the output is good for competition and everyone has the same 24 hours in a day to listen to the projects. There wasn't a whole lot of agreement this episode. What are your thoughts on the topic?
As always, thanks for watching and you can leave comments below. Don't forget you can find the podcast version...
2018-12-1923 min/UnderstatedTory vs JoynerIn this week's episode, we discuss the rap battle between Tory Lanez and Joyner Lucas during Thanksgiving week. In short, it was an interesting battle and definitely a moment to remember for Hip Hop for the year of 2018. Watch here to see our discussion on the overall rap scrimmage and check the links below to listen to each artists' diss tracks. As always, thanks for watching and you can leave comments below.
Thanks to sounds and video by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
Tory Lanez vs Joyner Lucas image:
http://www.xxlmag.com...
2018-12-0618 min/UnderstatedMore About Spotify & What is Merch Bundling?In this week's episode, we finish our discussion on the Spotify business model and also delve into the Travis Scott/Nicki Minaj beef as it relates to Merch Bundling. If you aren't familiar with the term merch bundling and are unaware of how it is being used for album sales, this is a good video for you. This is part 2 of 2 regarding our discussion of streaming and merch bundling. Below are links to what we've been reading so you can be in the know too. Information is key and the more we know the better we'll all be for it.
...
2018-11-2823 min/UnderstatedGetting Spotify Money, Things To KnowIn this week's episode, we discuss Spotify Streaming Money for Artists. Hopefully, we explain in a simplistic way how streaming platforms work and what artists now and in the future should be expecting. This is part 1 of 2 regarding our discussion of streaming and merch bundling. Check out part 2 next week. Below are links to what we've been reading so you can be in the know too. Information is key and the more we know the better we'll all be for it.
Don't forget to follow our Spotify Driving Playlist with music curated just for you.
https://open.spotify.com/user/1258932187...
2018-11-1610 min/UnderstatedDrogas WaveIn this week's episode, we discuss and rate Lupe Fiasco's latest album Drogas Wave. You can listen to the album either before or after listening to the podcast; we don't try to sway any opinions here. Note, it's definitely worth a listen. Also, watch till the end to see the Soundcloud Artist we highlight this week.
Don't forget to follow our Spotify Driving Playlist with music curated just for you.
https://open.spotify.com/user/1258932187/playlist/6AciDfa7UU6RtFyYWZN1Z7?si=dUCwXSw4SnehtnOVu-1Q3Q
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris morrow4 -hip hop rap instrumental (crying over you)
https://soundcloud...
2018-11-1617 min/UnderstatedMGK vs Eminem PredictionsIn this week's video, we discuss the intensifying beef between Eminem and MGK. If you are completely out of the loop, this video should get you up to date. As we await, Eminem's response to MGK's Rap Devil diss track and Joe Budden's comments, we speculate on the end result of this battle. Give us your thoughts, tell us what you expect to happen. Will things escalate or will this slowly fade away?
Thanks to images, sounds and video by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
Mgk dissing G-Eazy https://www.youtube.com/watc...
2018-10-0825 min/UnderstatedFinding new artists: The Web vs The RadioThis week’s episode is a throwback. This is actually one of the first episodes we filmed for /Understated way back in January 2018. We had a lot of mess ups. Nonetheless we persevered. In this episode, we discussed the problem of finding new artists on the web vs on the radio. Soundcloud appears to be the place to blow up for newer artists and the radio comes later, so we wanted to take a closer look at this. Lastly, we end the segment giving spotlight to an up and coming
artist known as Grand Khai. Check the link below to li...
2018-10-0815 min/UnderstatedF*ck Russ!In this week's episode, we talk about why people don't mess with Russ the rapper. This seems to be an internet phenomenon. Who is the Russ the rapper and why is he seemingly so hated? Listen to this episode for more as we explore those reasons and provide it as a cautionary tale for newer rappers.
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris morrow4 -hip hop rap instrumental (crying over you)
https://soundcloud.com/chris-morrow-3/hip-hop-rap-instrumental-2
2018-10-0823 min/UnderstatedDoes Sex Sell in Music?Does Sex Sell in the music industry? This conversation was inspired by the Iggy Azalea Kream video. We further elaborate in the video, which is far better than what we would do in this description. In the end, we come to some form of conclusion on this matter, so let us know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree. Again thanks for watching.
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris morrow4 -hip hop rap instrumental (crying over you)
https://soundcloud.com/chris-morrow-3/hip-hop-rap-instrumental-2
2018-10-0823 min/UnderstatedIt's called Alternative RapIn the week's episode, we talk about Alternative Rap. In this episode, we explore the need for labeling in the hip hop genre and how this can help with current artists and even up and comers establish themselves better within the industry. What's in a name. The answer is a lot.
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
Trippie Redd-Woah Woah Woah-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7-FZxWP5Zg
2018-07-2329 min/UnderstatedEnter ScorpionDrake's newest album was released last Friday (June 29, 2018). We've all had a week to listen to it, now let's talk about it.
Remember /Understated can also be found on Itunes for your listening pleasure as well. See this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/understated/id1402355050?mt=2
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
2018-07-0926 min
/UnderstatedKids See GhostIn this week's episode we talk Kids See Ghost and the now lackluster Drake vs Pusha T beef.
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
2018-06-2420 min
/UnderstatedPusha T vs DrakePusha T vs Drake. Almost everybody is talking about it and we weren't going to miss out to give our two cents. Pusha T put out the bait with infrared, Drake thought he could duppy freestyle off the line, but the story was just beginning. In this video, we try to dissect this beef in a distinct way and offer some advice because this fight is very one-sided at the moment. Join the discussion, give us your thoughts, your likes, and predictions.
Don’t forget to turn on HD on the video.
Thanks to music by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zi...
2018-06-2419 min
/UnderstatedSpotify’s Hateful Conduct Policy.In this week’s episode we address Spotify’s Hate Content and Hateful Conduct Policy. We talk in depth about this policy and review pretty much its major flaws. To date, this policy has only affected R. Kelly and XXXtentacion (Tay-Kas of now), so if you want to know why Spotify has been in the news lately, tune into this episode.
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
Thanks to video by:
Boondocks Clip-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiIla9Mqo1I
2018-06-2420 min
/UnderstatedThis is AmericaIn this week’s episode, we discuss Childish Gambino's This is America. No this is not a deep analysis of the music video; it's more like appreciation of the video itself, the discussion around it, and DG/CG's place in the "culture"
Thanks to clips by:
Childish talking about kanye-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVjf9kwMc58
This is America music video-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’-https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
2018-06-2425 min
/UnderstatedLet's Talk Rock and AMVsIn this week’s episode, we start to delve into other parts of our music palette. So if you’re a fan of Breaking Benjamin, AMVs, and yeah even Wale. This is an episode made for you. Don’t forget to like/follow our page to watch new episode of
/Understated as well as the Covenant.
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’-https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
Music By: Nicolai Heidlas Song Title: Letting Go
https://soundcloud.com/nicolai-heidlas/letting-go-cinematic-sad-piano-background-music
2018-06-2426 min
/UnderstatedJ Cole's NEW Album "KOD"In this week’s episode, we discuss J Cole’s new album “KOD”. As big J Cole fans, it would be dumb for us to not review this album and provide our insights on this new installment to Cole’s discography. Watch the video, don’t hesitate to post, and follow our page to see new content every week. The last part is key because if you don’t how will you see the new stuff?
Thanks to sounds and video by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’-https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
Royce da 5’9 ft J Cole-Boblo boat-https://www.y...
2018-06-2425 min
/UnderstatedOld School Rappers vs New School RappersIn this episode, we talk about Old School Rappers vs New School Rappers. Particularly, the lack of respect for legends and the lack of respect for the new guys. Basically, they are both to blame. Check it out, let us know if you agree or disagree. We encourage the discourse.
Thanks to sound and videos by:
Diddy IG Video-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4EUee9weAw
Rakim TMZ Video-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9f8kAz8lEw&t=368s
Tip toeing in my Jordans-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPaTGqLkhCs
Snoop Dogg gif-https://tenor.com/view/snoop-dogg-cheers-gif-5354224
Rockstar...
2018-06-2425 min
/UnderstatedFemale R&B and Hip Hop artistsThis is a message to all female artists! In this week's episode, we talk about the boxing in of female artists (particularly black female artists) and ways to break out of this encasement.
Let us know if you think we are right, wrong, do you agree or disagree.
2018-06-2412 min
/UnderstatedRobbin'In this week's episode, we discuss the passing of rap artists XXXtentacion & Jimmy Wapo. As well as, the failure to address
the robbing aspect of hip hop culture that is ever persistent. Take a listen, if you have any thoughts don't be afraid to provide us your feedback on our facebook page, where you can find video versions of these discussions and more.
See the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/4thecovenant/
Thanks to sounds by:
Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1
2018-06-2222 min