Akademiks' & The Real Issue With Calling Pioneers Dusty & Broke | Breakdown

[@TheCompanyMan]

My sincerest apologies, TCAnalysts. There were so many technical difficulties with this video. My memory card broke while shooting. Had to run to walmart and back then get back to it. There’s a weird glitch I spent 5 hours trying to correct during the clip of LL Cool J. The audio is clear, but for some reason he looks purple and shadowy. It’s kinda cool looking, but not the way I wanted to present it.I’ve been up 24 hours straight trying to make this video as clean as possible and got to the point where it was either ship or miss the deadline. You always gotta ship. Success is completion. I’m just excited to see what all you Analysts have to add to the discussion. Also, major thank you to Harry Allen Hip Hop Activist and Media Assassin for speaking with me for this piece. I’m honored and humbled. Consider supporting the Universal Hip Hop Museum uhhm.org/support-the-museum/ And major major thank you to Bryson Townsend-Kellough, Chako Kicks, Brian Boyle, Alexander Fahestalk, Jake LaMotta, Jeremy Buego, and Ethan McNew for supporting the channel through the Linktree. Yall are the illest. linktr.ee/thecompanyman

[@thenopasslook]

your efforts are appreciated 🍻

[@maryannappiagyei4277]

Awesome video 100 Agree you right

[@jordanflores5687]

Appreciate the hardwork and dedication homie I love your ish even when I disagree I still love your ish take your time cuz cats like me that were a lil late to the party are still watching breakdowns from 3 years ago lol......which reminds me we gunna get anything new with you and jude anytime soon????

[@oneemperial]

It came out flawless. ✊🏾👌🏾

[@patricdaniels3760]

Why does Candace Owens name need to be dragged into this? From Dave Chappelle to You my dude, I just don't get it. ANYWAYS APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR CHANNEL MAN!

[@_burrrfict]

Watching all your recently released breakdown episodes made me realize how much I missed your perspective in the rap game, glad to see you on the regular!!

[@NoKapprio]

Fr

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!

[@dantelan-i-er5466]

Everything Everything

[@krusher181]

@@TheCompanyMan we missed the hell out of you

[@hammedafakir3433]

Salaam, kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHWweIOOmcidpq8

[@osmondvaude-mielsh6714]

Akademiks: Hip Hop's Tucker Carlson

[@LembeckIsStaying]

If I could like this a thousand times!

[@TheCompanyMan]

It's all happening.

[@RyuBlack93]

This, this is facts on soooooo many levels... 💯

[@BluEx22329]

@@TheCompanyMan lol

[@rondoughhowell6442]

Well he wants Trump back into office just like Tucker and Fox News Clowns

[@michaelbarnes2126]

DJ AK is one of those guys that joins the football team as the towel guy and SWEAR he’s on the field with them actually playing

[@LembeckIsStaying]

Ak is the kinda guy who bangs strippers and prostitutes and talks like he has game.

[@traplover6357]

Instead of positively promoting to give flowers to pioneers via material contributions, DJ Ak just had to diss old rappers.

[@anti-parasocial]

He's a trend whore not a hip-hop fan. A pure creation of the social media era. If you ever watched any of his streams dude seems like he didn't start listening to rap until around Drake came out. Which makes it even sadder is dude is like 30 molding his brand around trying to sound like he's younger than he really is. I understand, tho. Get that money, but dude is a lame.

[@AnthonyCheeseborough]

He's talkin about the bitter old rappers who just talk about how shit new rappers are

[@KardiFan2000]

@@AnthonyCheeseborough No he wasn't, he was SPECIFICALLY talking about the pioneers of hip hop, and using wealth as a metric to judge their status.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Exactly. He was making great points otherwise.

[@theresasingh6585]

@@KardiFan2000 Yes! Sir, you are correct, but it also is trying to get ahead of the discourse on fat saying 50/50. They know people was going to want them to set the record straight, but in their mind they think they can't. The marketing strategy of not to alienate other races of people. The same way they call Em the goat. Lol just look at all of their faces when they was first asked about Em, and you will see they lying their ass off. Think about it the whole point of MC is no one is nicer than you and neither one of the greats have never call each other that right to this day like KRS1, LL and The R. But they still have the comradery and respect for one another. While still sparring with each other keeping the culture moving. Now ask yourself why Em not included in the sparring or maybe they look at him as an apprentice. All I know is when they say he the goat I know they lying not when you got them. And we don't want to even mention Wise Intelligent of PRT as long as he's breathing. I Bet EM don't want that smoke. And I didn't like the fact that they had to make EM acknowledge KRS1 when EM received some kind of award. He was gonna leave him out, now look at his face and the nervousness and still almost forgot to mention KRS1. Yes EM is smart and hostile, let it still be known he don't f with him.

[@shakie6074]

Damn man I’m so glad you’re back uploading regularly. Easily one of the best voices in the culture. Much love

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, shakie. 🙏🏿

[@tiagolourenco11]

Grand Master Flash invented the first crossfader. Instead of a patent he gave to kids from the block to create opportunities... That's Hip Hop

[@TheCompanyMan]

He should've done both, imo.

[@river718]

If a person claims to be a "DJ" yet there are no mixtapes, blendtapes, mix shows, or a pair of turntables in sight, that person is not a "DJ", therefore they should not be validated as such.

[@w1production512]

he has 2 mixtape... just search dj akademiks djing

[@OddOneOut99]

LLCoolJ already SHUT EM’ DOWN without mentioning his name…

[@TheCompanyMan]

He made a number of great points.

[@officielEP]

This is what happens when a bullied and broken child acquires power and influence without dealing with his trauma. He'll only ever align with people he perceives to be like him in a game of revenge of the former underdogs. A man that is happy with his position and life in general doesn't go around looking for who to punch down on . I may be totally wrong but that's my take on why AK behaves the way he does

[@TheCompanyMan]

You're not alone in that assessment, Chidi. There are several Analysts in here making the same points. That tends to be what happens. Thanks for the analysis.

[@mrjames851]

Thank you for acknowledging the Hip-Hop Museum. I wish more of the people jumping on Akademiks took the time to promote what the Museum is doing, or to promote those artists and their events regularly.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Me too. The museum is doing great stuff. I think lost in this conversation is the opportunity to support the pioneers.

[@darejohnson2251]

That Harry Allen quote is a BAR .Yeezus

[@TheCompanyMan]

Man, I was floored. You should read the entire conversation. Maybe I'll publish it somewhere. Brilliant guy.

[@all1ne434]

@@TheCompanyMan Please do, it spoke so many volumes abt society as a whole.

[@TheCompanyMan]

@@all1ne434 I'll ask if he's cool with it.

[@946biz6]

Justin brought it full circle with acknowledging the organizations the public can contribute to the forefathers of hip hop. Great journalism! CHURCH! It's All Happening!

[@BlowWord.]

if i saw Justin’s stuff in High School i would have wanted to be a hiphop journalist 😪

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

The second I heard this dribble form Akademics I knew this topic was gonna get bumped up to the top of your queue, and damn you hit it hard! Personally I have never like Akademics or his vibe, In fact, I heard LLs response before I heard the news of what he said, and I knew right away who he was talking about despite not naming him. he rubs me the wrong way, and he does have a very punchable face... so someone should do it. I do see this as a generational issue to some degree, but more of some people having forgotten history and looking down on those who paved a path, I also think this might be very much a function of a culture that now seems to value material bling (for lack of a better word) than substance in many cases. Being well into my middle age at this point I do feel it a bit myself... there is a lot of newer rap that i find unappealing at first listen, but much of that grows on me after a few rotations, But I have to accept that everything evolves, if Hip Hop today was the same as it was in the 90s when I was in high school then it would likely be a dead art. Evolution is a good thing, but that doesn't mean that we look back at the founders of the art or the artest from a previous era with distan, as several people have pointed out, they paved the way for artists of today. Like LL said, how could one make a 5 year plan for something that didn't exist? in that way, Hip Hop of that era was very much like a startup trying to get traction so it could attract investors and scale to a mass audience. in that sense HIp Hop is like Google, who doesn't know what it is... Within that analogy Akademics is like Google Buzz, eventually will be seen as useless and support and will get deactivated and archived.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Akademiks = Google Buzz 💀💀💀

[@boroqcat]

Thank you for the union name drop. That is incredibly vital. Still hurts to see how Black Rob went out. RIP

[@torqueitup14]

Let's all support the company man. Don't forget to LIKE the video so we can push this man into the algorithm

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you BA!!!

[@joshradick6096]

Can I dislike twice? Poser patrol!

[@SoulofPimpC]

This is a problem that we can't solve by playing nice with everyone who says they like hip-hop. IMO we need our gatekeepers back. It was easy when hip-hop wasn't the most popular genre in the world. You knew who loved it when there wasn't as much money around., but now we have to be more vigilant because of that aspect.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's a breakdown unto itself. Maybe I'll explore that. Thanks, UT.

[@djprincegrandmasteryrjdalo2905]

I’m going to be real with you bro I don’t know if that’s the best idea, cause all I’m gonna see out of that is that if you’re not black you shouldn’t be in hip-hop and I don’t agree with that…

[@SoulofPimpC]

If that's what you got from what I said cool, but you are aware that Ak not white? IMO he's far more problematic than any of the supposed wrong doings of Vlad. Joe and Adam are practically the same guys, just one had a career as a rapper. Done get me started on Queensflip (excuse me if that ain't his name). Again, I'm not with playing nice so if a few eggs get broken so be it as long as the omelette tastes better.

[@sdsdssification]

@@djprincegrandmasteryrjdalo2905 not gonna lie you sound insecure lol. Like it or not, hip hop came from poor black people making something out of nothing. No one said white people can’t be apart of tho, but white people also have to know their place.

[@101iswhatsup]

"Ego Trip - The Big Playback." Salute to the pioneers for the ground work.

[@---mh7dk]

LL pretty much said what needed to be said. I shouldn’t be surprised AKs bullshit has a platform but it’s still sad that it does. Keep up the good work Justin, always blows my mind that this channel doesn’t have more traction.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you! Keep spreading the word and we'll get there. Thanks for the comment.

[@daxtinsley5285]

Stay secure. No matter what is said. Several hip hop Artists have said bad things about each other.

[@ddh1512]

AK continues to allow his NEWFOUND fame go to his head and his mouth. Without the vets, who are you? Sad the amount of disrespect. Great analysis and your words definitely ring true.

[@Wergoheb]

I'm glad you're back uploading regularly, great stuff

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank yoU!

[@benmwaba2735]

You know, modern day media gets a lot of flak for being overly opinionated, clout based and border-line vulture-like. Hip hop media has been infiltrated by such. I really hope one day content like what Justin is doing is the norm, not the exception.

[@MaruTheGreat]

I agree w/ you but unfortunately it may be too idealistic to think the media landscape will change without it dealing a significant blow to a media companies financial bottom line. I read that viewership of traditional media has been in steep decline and people have been gathering their news from social media sites like FB, Twitter, & Tik Tok. As a result of this, traditional news media outlets are going to lean into the more controversial stories like crime, corruption, and violence in order to increase viewer numbers. As the old adage goes “controversy sells”. And unfortunately bad news spreads wider and faster than good news does.

[@kamekakarot]

10:22 Boiling down Ak's comments to "Yo, slave! You sure you invented black people? Because everybody else is lookin' better than y'all" is hilariously on point

[@rackett8655]

Appreciate the perspective. Now I'm wondering who are the label execs and managers that raked in all the profit while the pioneers of hip-hop and their families struggle.

[@TheCompanyMan]

There's tons of them at this point. That's how business works.

[@traceyg3714]

I agree with Ebro he had the best response Akademiks is the last person to call anybody Dusty frfr

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeezus.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Oh I'm gonna have to check that out... can't wait! 🙏🏼 (rubbing hands together 😁)

[@TreFKennedy]

Dope vid Justin, from my perspective here’s the thing with Livingston Allen is 1. He was sheltered as a child, 2. He’s a beta male who lacks self awareness, 3. He was never with the cool kids growing up( he admitted as much) 4. He admitted he got teased because he was a smart kid when his family moved to the states( nothing wrong with being smart) 5. Readily admits he’s not a “tough guy” so he thinks because he owns that aspect of himself he can get off with running his mouth because “ I’m not the tough guy, fighting type” , to tie it all together he’s a beta male who only way to offend ppl is to insult those with more respect because he’s socially awkward, beta who lacks self awareness and over compensate with the fact that he’s amassed a gang of Imcels as an audience and referencing the fact that he’s supposedly made “Millions” off said audience

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeezus. Visceral breakdown. That's a wild profile.

[@burrybondz225]

This rant looks very sinner influenced if you understand what i mean

[@TreFKennedy]

@@burrybondz225 beg your pardon?

[@unknownflapjack7O7]

Excellent synopsis. I’m in my 20s and I think it’s crazy how much disrespect is put on hiphop and rap from people today. It may be on the way out smh

[@TheCompanyMan]

Feels like late stage capitalism, don’t it. Time for a new genre. What do you think it’ll be?

[@KiNGRaZoR316]

The real issues in Hip Hop are the generational divide and the constant lowballing and underhanded tactics record companies use to shortchange and exploit our youths of all generations.

[@dalvartworktv4838]

Exactly,ll skipped that part. The founders was robbed and they don't want to acknowledge that.

[@jameslight4391]

​@@dalvartworktv4838 they were not robbed they just didn't capitalize on it well like others are.

[@dmaster5556]

I'm so glad people are finally opening their eyes to how terrible of people guys like Akademiks and Vlad are.

[@eloygameno379]

Don't forget Adam22 from No Jumper trying to start a race war in Cali

[@galedribble9535]

Vlad actually has more respect and love for hip hop culture than an Akademiks or Adam 22

[@dmaster5556]

@@eloygameno379 Ah yeah, I've seen Adam22 getting put through the wringer too. Didn't know what for though.

[@eloygameno379]

@@galedribble9535 That is true

[@thecunninlynguist]

@@galedribble9535 nah, he doesn't. don't be fooled.

[@OmegaSunsLight]

Unfortunately for him, he lives in a bubble of fanboys that suck in his every thought. They look forward to his disrespect and "snap" fits and he gladly delivers. Great vid Company Man. 💪🏾

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Omega.

[@MrYunus999]

Dude still looks dusty tho🤣🤣🤣 most 🥷 don’t even know who he is which is a fact

[@parkerbennett6705]

Im so glad youre back man! Your videos at HipHop DX consistently opened my eyes and made me think deeper and more intelligently about the music I love, and also made me punch myself in the face quite a few times for not hearing some of the shit you talked about! Much love, keep it tf up!

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's love, Parker. Thanks for supporting for so long. I appreciate you.

[@Dr.Duck22]

"bloated Candice Owens" 💀💀💀

[@Doomer253]

LL the keeper of the culture. Peace to the King.

[@damon7972]

Sometimes you do know, Justin. And your face says it all. I'm thankful for your content.

[@CurtissKingTV]

🐐🐐🐐 we appreciate and salute you Justin!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, Curtiss.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@gdelacruzjr]

LOL @ the flex of showing us your wonderful home in the background. Keep winnin, breh!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!

[@ProfessorCDO]

I've been following AK for years, he never cared for old rappers or their music. He held this stance before he went to complex and had a solid YT following. He needs to check himself

[@maliking5836]

They’re never cared for him too if that’s the case, they’re never liked him so why he should like them, the young guys a least tried to like him

[@scottfreeman5301]

@@maliking5836 you have a point but im not sure if they ever liked him

[@ProfessorCDO]

@@maliking5836 that’s because his gossip shit caters towards rappers today. He never mentions old rappers unless it’s some gossip with a new rapper

[@blue-pi2kt]

@@ProfessorCDO I hate to defend Ak but Nas doesn't exactly need more clout to put out his latest project, nor does Game, 50 or anyone who dropped in the 2000s. He has his lane and he has seemingly excelled in giving many in this generation the oxygen they need and notoriety they crave. You can say it's destructive but let's not pretend that hood violence isn't going down if we turn the cameras off. Foolio and Yungeen Ace would still be spinning the block even if their god given gifts didn't include music. To pretend otherwise merely acts like Ak is the problem instead of the magnifying glass.

[@josh0253]

Its weird too cause hes not old but he was growing up when Artists like DMX, Jay-Z, 50 cent, OutKast etc. were at the peaks of their popularity im sure alot of that stuff kids today make fun of the way he makes fun of 80s and early 90s rappers, he’s still a 31 year old man he’s not some 17 year old growing up with instagram and tiktok like he tries to pretend he is

[@communitysolutionspro1520]

As a member of Generation X I have seen the beginning of hip hop and the transition into technology. I could never ever disrespect them knowing where we came from. There was no internet. We owned no distribution companies. I can't believe how big it got. We have rappers who made hundreds of millions who started in hip hop. Dr. Dre, Jay Z, P. Diddy. They were the second generation coming out in the 90s. So in a sense they are not dusty. Now if Akademiks wanted to do something he could bring the pioneers out and bring them up to speed in technology. Bring their music to the new generation.

[@octavianlockwood7231]

Great video. Harry Allen perspective was very thought provoking and the generational divide is another unfortunate hurdle that separates us even in a culture created for inclusion. I think the forebears of this culture deserve more and we need to have more hip hop education so these kids grow up with an understanding of hip hop culture and the significance of the older artists.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I think it's a good thing that there are so many hip hop education courses popping up nationwide now.

[@mechuniversal]

Besides Hip Hop, I am also a fan of jazz and its culture. The way Company Man ends the video with talking about how hip hop culture is not paying the financial respect to the founders is an important point. What jazz does is continue to teach the founders and also those that came after them from the early 1900's to the 60's to today (dixieland, swing bands, bebop, hard bop, 3rd stream, fusion and after that). These old recordings from all eras are played alongside the new ones. Hip Hop is also pop music, so I do not expect that all of the kids listening to today's music are true hip hop fans. Many are just listening to what is popular - and this has always been the case with hip hop moreso than jazz post bebop which became an art music in the 40s. Underground hiphop branched off to become an art music in the late 90s I think. But when I make hiphop playlists I try to incorporate all eras, and it would be nice to see hiphop fans doing that more as well. IMO hiphop fans will be listening to the music of all eras and also different cultures (not just US), and pop music fans will listen to the popular stuff as kids and often just stay on that for the rest of their lives and mostly ignore the newer music or the music that came before they were born. But a hiphop fan born in say 1995 can now listen to the hip hop of their youth, follow the newer music coming out, and also learn more about the hiphop that came out before they were born. If hiphop fans (in contrast to pop music fans) of all ages are making playlists that contain all eras, than that is also how we keep the pioneers fed. here by the way is one of my playlists open.spotify.com/playlist/7qXhMTQIb0SPOTRRKMtyAV?si=2c5a5bbe6fa443ac

[@NStarks007]

Justin just called him a bloated Candace Owens and im fucking dead 💀💀

[@TheCompanyMan]

It's all happening. 🤷🏿‍♂🤷🏿‍♂🤷🏿‍♂

[@TranscendentalMental]

Yeah buddy, been waiting on this one!

[@TheCompanyMan]

What'd you think of it?

[@jabee7846]

Thank you for your words.

[@eros-up5jg]

Another great breakdown. Thank you for all the time you put in for these videos. We appreciate it 🙏🏽

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks for checking it out, Eros.

[@bennettm]

15:40 As Hiphop is young (at least in terms of a labor movement) it makes sense that there isn’t much structure in place for unionization. An added factor in this is that “rapper” is a job that almost entirely self selects individualistic, self driven, dare I say egotistical people. If you are placing yourself in a capitalist market where you are selling yourself and your abilities and it’s you against the world it’s not likely you’ll be the type of person to rely on others, to count on others, to work with others. This has and will always lead to the degradation of history, legacy, and the livelihoods of the people who aren’t still competitively viable. A good example of this is Jay-z’s recent outburst: he fully believes in the lies of the American dream, of pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps(physically impossible btw). And why wouldn’t he, the American dream worked for him. As long as people like Jay are the only examples of success in the artistic medium and people who try to contribute to the culture but aren’t commercial enough are left behind, we’re all worse off. When the starving artists starve, the art feels starved.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Most people don't realize that every artist who signs to a record company has the opportunity to join the union. The companies don't broadcast it and the artists don't know to ask for it. But there's a union that covers medical, dental, and other services. It's not specific to hip hop. but it's something.

[@bennettm]

@@TheCompanyMan thank you for covering the fact that it exists! I was one of many to have never heard of it, I hope it continues to garner attention

[@pestyobsrvr4278]

As a former fan of akademics I can say that the problem with him is he doesn’t appreciate the craft or originality he only appreciates winners, the ones with the most money.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Very capitalistic of him.

[@kurlyking237]

Glad I found your channel bro, always great topics and insightful opinions. Very entertaining.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you KK!!! Welcome!

[@juangoodone1887]

This is probably the best commentary yet. Everybody is lettin him get away with the deflection of his original statement

[@MRBLITZTV]

Greatness as always. Thank you Justin. 👊🏿👊🏿

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!

[@ArcChristelle]

Actually I think a better question is would he be where he is without a platform already provided for him. If KZbin didn't exist there wouldn't be an Akademiks, maybe not even a Soulja Boy. Whereas the pioneers of hip-hop created their own lane and had to guide themselves throughout it with success of varying degrees due to embracing not only new industry, but a corporate environment with all intention on seeking ways to exploit it. I think it's a misconception that Akademiks' success came solely from gang violence and the culture in Chicago, but moreso that it came from the opportunity to learn from his predecessors who have made mistakes prior to him. If it weren't for them, he'd have to experience "the hard way". There's also a nature to AK that always remind me of the old African proverb. "The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth." There's definitely a resentment he holds against the establishment for how he was treated by the industry prior to his financial upcoming. Great video as always Justin!

[@TheCompanyMan]

This is AMAZING analysis. Thank you AC. Love the question of where would AK (or most of us in new media) be without the KZbin, the internet, etc. But I really love that old African proverb you quoted. It fits perfectly. Thanks again, AC.

[@ODDiSEE_]

I love that the "I don't have the answers to these questions." Had an uncharacteristic pause.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Glad you caught that, Alan.

[@IvarConq]

Thank you for this channel and space.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks for rocking with it, Ravi.

[@keevs2933]

This has to the #1 channel for hip-hop insight, thoughts, and discussion. Amazing work and another amazing video! 💪🏽

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you, Keevs!

[@DumbitDwn]

Another great breakdown. Unfortunately rappers have always equated money with success in hip hop and if thats what you've preached for years it's hard to get mad if someone applies that same thinking to older generations.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's part of the paradox Harry Allen mentioned, right. What we're used to becomes normal.

[@_JONGFIRE]

"Apparently in 08 it was wack to be happy"🤣🤣🤣

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's still one of the most awful and awesome rap "beefs" I've ever seen. Such a wild quote.

[@kuraudo9700]

“Only the Henny knows” 😭😭😂😂😆😆🤣🤣😅😅🔥

[@grikgod]

Nice job, great depth and insight.

[@zephzoota]

I love this content bro, keep going

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, Teren.

[@randomcharacter6501]

The fact Justin isn't one of the top viewed hiphop journalist and AK is really make me lose faith in the culture.

[@jordanflores5687]

It's almost criminal

[@MuseR.]

It's all happening, great vid man keep it up

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you Muse.

[@indieoddjobs4766]

"DJ Akademiks should punch himself in the face" Co signed 🔥

[@yb3604]

You's the man Great cover Harry Allen's a legend

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks YB!

[@MaruTheGreat]

Excellent content as always Mr Hunte, and I agree with MOST of your talking points. HOWEVER, To the question you posed at the 12:40 mark, I think the answer is… BOTH. I believe 2 things can be true at the same time. The War in Chiraq KZbin channel and the Noisey Chiraq docuseries were really the only 2 KZbin channels covering Chicago drill music (and the resulting gang violence) in 2012. However, Akademiks page leaned more into the gang violence side of things. But, the larger question we must ask is “how is it that he got as popular as he did if there wasn’t an existing market for that kind of content?”, and that question requires us to take a hard look in the mirror. Violence as entertainment in America is as old as the country itself, from Billy the Kid and Al Capone to NWA to King Von. We’ve gotta hold everyone accountable from the GD pulling the trigger on his ‘opps’ (ie: another black man), to the vlogger creating reaction videos, to it to the kids streaming the latest drill music. I think to do otherwise is both scapegoating and intellectual dishonesty. And I’m no DJ Akademiks apologist, I think he was 100% wrong for those comments about hip-hop pioneers.

[@AshiwiZuni]

“Bloated Candace Owens” had me losing my shit haha, great video!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Vince!

[@TNyce-tk6ed]

My man! The breakdown I was really waiting for

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks for checking it out. What'd you think?

[@TNyce-tk6ed]

@@TheCompanyMan honestly, I feel a hell of a lot of ways, I will say as a fan of hip hop I felt that he was being disrespectful in this situation (as well as others) even if that’s whole heartedly felt, why not keep that to yourself. As much as he says he don’t fuck with those guys or care for the creators/forefathers of hip-hop he’s kinda biting the hand that feeds him sort of speak. I would like to say more but this shit was disrespectful in my opinion, i understand why he’s allowed to speak like this.

[@DJDizzy8]

I will always appreciate the way Justin ends his videos. It reminds me of the way Jim Rome speaks on allegations. Where he'll say something as a fact and then go, "allegedly" after the statement.

[@LembeckIsStaying]

*"Clones!"* Damn I haven't listened to the Jungle in years!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, David.

[@tornado649]

That last question set my brain on fire...

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks for watching the video.

[@kta9169]

I'm not familiar with Harry Allen but he sounds like a very wise man. There is naturally a competitiveness when it comes to hip hop in general and that can trickle down to generations feeling like THEIR music is the best.. I have been guilty of hating on newer generations of hip hop for no reason other than its not my preference. That being said I was wise enough to step back and realize MOST forms of the art deserve respect. I can't wrap my mind around someone dismissing the founders of the most popular form of music in the WORLD, because they are "broke" and "dusty". It's really sad and shows the low level thinking of so called hip hop analysts. Hip hop needs more people like you in the spotlight Justin 💯

[@TheCompanyMan]

I definitely recommend checking out Harry's work. Brilliant brilliant stuff. I definitely understand generational friction. I don't understand shitting on pioneers.

[@urbannuance5151]

Great content my brother, we need more genuine authentic educated Black American journalists like yourself to represent the culture, and not these leeches that immigrate from other places just to monetize the toxicity in the black community like Akademics. I was a fan but he really dropped the ball on this one.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I appreciate that, UN. Thank you.

[@EayuProuxm]

I did not know that Akademiks supported 69, but that makes sense for his character.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeah, he was essentially 69's media department.

[@inevitableheatdeath]

Congratulations on 100k... it's all happening 😂

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Kim!

[@xXSonTJXx]

Damn this is so weird seeing 2 content creators I’ve been following for years going at it

[@yvonniamcdonald8844]

Glad I found your channel I’m here now to listen and learn my brother new follower and fan 🙇🏽‍♀️

[@parttimenerd3706]

Another great one Justin, you dont miss man. Tech be glitchin, we all been there. Content was 💯 though

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's love, PTN. Thank you.

[@JudesVlogs]

Holding a lighter to Jheri Curl is CRAZY😅

[@t-god2439]

Damn. You Justin I really wanted you to have the answers on this one we gonna fight with all these cliff hangers you leave

[@TheCompanyMan]

Ha! It's all happening.

[@ykmitchell]

Get him, Justin!

[@KMO325]

Justin you could’ve ended this video after the first line and I would have totally agreed with you😄. I feel like this did not happen like this before the last decade, though I may be wrong. Akademiks is a Glenn Beck/Tucker Carlson type dude, so I am not surprised. Different generations of rappers beefing is not new, but a non-rapper going at a rapper like this is bizarre. Thank you for this video, Justin. I feel like the latest episode of AtlantaFX is weirdly connected to this topic. What a week!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks KMO. It's interesting. If you look back at the blog era, there was a rise of angry voices talking about Hip Hop. It was popular and arguably necessary to cut through the noise. I look at Funk Flex vs Conway similarly too. There's a number of media vs rapper dust ups in rap history. We just see them more often since the digital media explosion.

[@bigdaddyd.5910]

You be bodying these think pieces!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you BDD!

[@sixwaveholddown]

Amazing energy and journalism as always! I personally would be interested in hearing your take on Charleston white and his impact on hip hop/black culture if it’s on your radar

[@TheCompanyMan]

Maybe I'll take a run at that. I should hit him up because I find him compelling. Not from a Hip Hop sense. I dont think about him as hip hop at all. Not disrespect. But I do appreciate the way he challenges what we consider normal. So much of what we accept falls into what Harry Allen describes at the end. And I think there's an interesting parallel with those comments and charleston white.

[@hollywoodblack5744]

Extremely dope & important video

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, HB.

[@jordancorley828]

Solid video and fantastic analysis. This is the best and most well rounded video I have seen on this topic.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, Jordan!

[@BigSteph89]

The fact the opening was straight face

[@kevinmorrison6093]

The money was always there the labels stole all the money 💰 🤑 💸

[@brynellsidney3983]

Spice 1 even threatened to smack the sh*t outta him. Love it!!

[@jephtawallace2135]

Word I was gonna mention that.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I missed that. When did that happen?

[@crissayago6070]

@@TheCompanyMan Art Of Dialogue interview a few days ago

[@TheDallboi]

Loving the content and consistency

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!

[@monstalung]

Great video, and breakdown. It would be dope if the consequences of Akademik's ignorance ( I refuse to call him a DJ) made us address our pioneer's financial situation and brings attention to the Hip Hop Museum & the Hip Hop Union.

[@idefyseven]

Great video as always Justin

[@abstractrealitytim9672]

Great Breakdown.

[@urbannuance5151]

CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎉🎉 ON THE 100K SUBSCRIBERS!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!!!

[@b.o.1951]

Absolutely fire as always sir. I think ACTademiks is an agent but I also think his reckless comments where a dig at FBA culture more then it is about hiphop. Him being a first generation immigrant from Jamaica he has a lot of disdain for black Americans and takes every chance he can get to toss subliminal jabs. This was just another jab among many he’s thrown before.

[@Lord_Fried]

I disagree. He’s a perfect example of what yardies call “frighten” which means he came to the US and acts more American than the Americans and kiss as much ass as possible. I know it’s easy to go down that fba vs immigrants rabbit hole but anyone from our side can see what’s really going on with AK. That said, he’s an embarrassment. Just a loud mouth that wants to talk tough (like his bestie 69) and thinks he’s protected

[@ArmandTheBlackRevolutionary]

It breaks my heart yknow? The lack of accountability to simply say “Damn, I see where you’re coming from..maybe I flew off the handle a bit.” Instead he’s gonna double and triple down, possibly comforted by the fact that he just created enough traffic and vitriol to eat even MORE. And again off the backs of the generation he disrespected in the first place 😂 I just wish people like him could look back and admit when they messed up. Instead he compounds the issue and creates another fissure in the already tenuous tether that we as a community have to our roots. Craziest thing is the guys who are really eating these days all pay homage to the great ones. Drake the hottest rapper in the game and a guy Ak adores pays respect to all of them. Ps: I loved watching Vic Mensa verbally assassinate Ak tohis face. Imma watch that again tonight to feel better lol

[@TheCompanyMan]

The Vic Mensa moment was an instant classic. But you hit the nail on the head for me: this is the easiest situation to be like "my bad I could've said that better." 🤷🏿‍♂

[@kingozone]

@@TheCompanyMan a sober mind would likely say that. But we talking bout a dude that live stream himself goosenecking Henny straight while running his mouth.

[@TheCompanyMan]

@@kingozone Too much truth.

[@AndresGomez-ct7qb]

"A man that didn't do nothing but hold a candle to a jheri curl" Ayoo 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheCompanyMan]

🤷🏿‍♂🤷🏿‍♂🤷🏿‍♂

[@markbatson3958]

Fantastic Breakdown!!! Interesting look at the power of financial success.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Mark!

[@SamuelWagnerSWagchi]

Killing it 🎉

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks SW.

[@rtswift]

"clearly there ain't nothing in that mug" :)

[@TheCompanyMan]

HA! By that point in the shoot, probably not.

[@jmuhammad007]

Do a top 5 mcs from each decade!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Including the 2020s.

[@jmuhammad007]

@@TheCompanyMan Yes! 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010-2020. I think the audience would really get into it. It could be a series with each decade having its own episode. Thanks for responding, and keep the content coming. The culture needs your channel!

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Confirming everything I've ever said about dude, (w)Akademiks... _everything_ wrong with the culture. Whereas Jason represents everything right with real HipHop journalism. 🙌 Blessings to TCM - so glad you're back on the regular! Edit: _"...ranted like a bloated Candace Owens!"_ 🤣🤣🤣🤣🎯🎯🎯

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, Jimmy!

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

@@TheCompanyMan 🙏🏼 Thank you, Justin... keep the great content coming - we're here for it!