Is Rap Journalism Dead? & Reacting to Jeezy's Tiny Desk | Rap Life Review

In this week's episode of Rap Life Review, Nadeska, Lowkey, and Eddie dive into the hottest new music from Kid Cudi, French Montana, and more.
The group dives into the comments about Eddie and Lowkey's Beyoncé debate from last week's episode. They then get into a review of French Montana’s newest album, ‘Mac & Cheese 5', which pleasantly surprised Lowkey. The debate then goes to the recent announcement of Complex's buyout by NTWRK and what it means for the future of rap journalism as we know it. The episode concludes with a review of Jeezy's Tiny Desk performance, which underwhelmed some viewers.
Listen to Rap Life on Apple Music: apple.co/-RapLifeYT
00:00 - Intro
1:01 - New Music from Kid Cudi
1:13 - New Music from French Montana
5:33 - The State of Rap Journalism
19:22 - Jeezy's Tink Desk Concert
22:58 - 25 Years of JUVENILE'S "Back That Azz Up"
25:59 - 25 Years of Eminem's 'The Slim Shady LP'
28:29 - Responding to Comments
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#KidCudi #FrenchMontana #AppleMusic

[@Its_Keo]

What I love about rap life review are the deep album critiques you give every week, the chemistry between the 4 of you guys, and the overall professionalism you guys show as rap journalists. You guys truly care about the music and have a real passion for this genre that I love and it shows. I hope rap life review keeps going for as long as it can cuz I love tuning in every week. Please keep doing what you're doing 💯

[@laurenw5013]

I wanna hear album reviews, conversations about the details the average listener might not know or catch, just diving into the craft of rap, evolutions of a rapper and their work, etc. Rap life review live would be dope!

[@JayPro4620]

I think Eddie has the potential to have his own show on Apple. He keeps on cooking with these takes.

[@blangum]

I appreciate the depth of the music discussions, particularly when we dissect how songs are created or structured. However, what I enjoy the most is experiencing live reactions to the music. Think of it like watching an NBA game; the commentators analyze the action on the court, break down noteworthy moments, and engage in lively discussion. Now, imagine applying this approach to listening to an album. We'll listen to the music together in real-time, allowing for commentary, analysis, and occasional breaks to reflect on what we've heard. We can revisit specific parts of songs or the entire album for a more detailed breakdown or play-by-play analysis. I believe this interactive approach could offer a dynamic way to explore and document music.

[@blangum]

@@blackgirlinadoggoneworld as a millennial, I just want to see something other than people arguing.

[@lucidjamesofficial]

Of course it is dead because TikTok and clout chasers ruined the good quality of music. And because you just have a bunch of copycat clones that don't make any memorable music or impactful or legacy. It's just the same watered down trap Bangers that everyone else already does, so it's annoying and overblown. over saturated to the point where it just lost its value.

[@stsbk]

What exactly does this paragraph have to do with hip hop journalism though? You don’t just stop being a good journalist because music is subjectively “bad”. It’s clear this generation has no concept of what journalism is, or even means. Most of the people with platforms aren’t even skilled at basic AP style, grammar, and sentence structure. The quality of a genre has no impact on the art and skill that is journalism itself. Try again. Signed - A journalist.

[@cbshine]

I definitely miss XXL and the source it was more in depth and people who actually knew what they are doing.

[@mataba7903]

I love the energy of the group and the format right now. Sometimes it would be nice to discuss longer to some rap album and give us some insights. I would really prefere the most to find this show also on the apple podcast app!✌🏽

[@studiorose11]

when I go to hip hop journalist I want updates. I realized sometimes when I don't watch certain people I get the same reports on the same thing. It'll feel like I'm watching KZbin reaction videos without the video being reacted to. I want a non partial update, and maybe how the person analyzes it. What they feel it means I do want as part of it but after the facts are shared. That's on current events, business dealings, and most importantly which I feel is missed often music.

[@blessedfresh1]

“Slim Shady LP” was the first album I purchased with my own money as a young teen. I learned to never buy an album at wal mart because they were all censored. Marshall Matthers was his best album to date.

[@gronkel4158]

just having this space left for people talking and debating about music. I have none of this anywhere else anymore and it's heartbreaking

[@jay-dee-q4260]

I miss the publication days of looking through magazines, I really wish there was a push to revive that feeling, it does not have to be current stories because social media gets you that within seconds but maybe album reviews of new music but look backs to old albums , interviews etc. Also by people that do it for the love of the culture not for click bait.

[@jorgerivera9405]

What i want from Rap Journalism is album's reviews, New upcoming album's, music Videos, reviews from Gadgets, Technology, columns from new artists or from my favorite artists and reviews from game's and gaming consoles.

[@ColdWeekendPodcast]

Nadeska 😍

[@mannysharpz580]

The Eddie timer when he talks is hilarious 😂

[@taefleming1545]

Personally I love rap life review and I love this kind of content. I like everything you guys do! I would like to see more in depth convos with the artist about the music and the artist process etc… I think more of a culture and community built around the rap life review would be dope and just some way we can build and grow the family!

[@ryanshepard8625]

The journalists I read the most are probably read the most are Andre Gee and Taylor Crumpton, but the ones I watch/listen to are yall, Popcast on New York Times, Jinx and Speedy. As far as what I want from it, I want rap journalists to do more of the music discovery stuff. I would rather have a journalist tell me about a new artist than a streaming service. Also, Rap Life Review Live? Please come to NYU. I'm a graduate journalism student there. We'd really like to have yall.

[@NickBroadway]

I would love to hear album rereviews after a month or 3

[@MetaMan09]

24:31 no lie “Back That a** up” will go down as one of the greatest fasho 💯💯💯💯

[@barryweddle7089]

I also want to know about artists everyday life. What are they doing on days they go to the studio? Their process? What about outside and doing other things?

[@Jorgemikell]

What I want is good editorials again. Artists bringing back mystique. Journalists having the platforms like an Apple Music & etc, where we can get good questions about my favorite artists, or artists I have 0 clue who they are. If the questions/interview is good, it’ll make me invested in the artists a bit. The closest/most recent pieces that I loved was the little brother documentary by rap portraits, the Rap Caviar podcasts by brandon jinx Jenkins (complex alum) & the blog era podcasts (S/O itsTheReal). Love you guys as well.

[@xkaliba9372]

I want (Albums) Reviews keep them Coming!!!

[@drxftkid]

What information do I really want? All of it! Keep doing what you're doing, I love it! 😬🔥

[@drxftkid]

Specifically though - the music reviews, what's going on in hip hop rn, stuff about you guys, life ... All of it! 😂👍

[@alexgill9230]

We want to prioritise the passion and art over anything else, when fans are engaged is because they were able to dive in to an artist universe and truly understand their vision. We can see, specially in media when content is being done for money and when it's meaningful.

[@MannyManhattanMusic]

Who need beats🔥🔥

[@brandonjohnson3189]

What I want from Hip hop journalism is what yall just did. I'm a real hip hop fan so I like in depth conversations about it. Even if I don't like your opinion, if you know what you're talking about I will watch or read it.

[@goodspeed9914]

Guys like Rap Roundtable and According 2 HipHop are keeping HipHop journalism going.

[@zackburnam7032]

great talking points....as a publicist I feel there is less need to hire publish nowadays because people only really pay attention to twitch, KZbin, and Spotify...if it does not have a number count associated with it, it is not relevant......thats the way we are heading and been heading

[@ShingieLee]

i knew they wasn't gon be able to say my name 😂

[@Yourboyeddie]

Sorry 😂

[@ShingieLee]

@@Yourboyeddie all good brah it's my everyday life on the internet tbh 😂😭

[@Mayson_17]

What I want from Rap Journalism is album reviews - there's too much of music out here can't listen to everything but Journalist ears and the hand that writes has a way of highlighting the music that worth listening to and they also shine the light up and coming talent . Pitchfork is doing quite a job with that but they ain't consistent and they trip when it comes to Rap . Rap Life Review is also doing the quite a job too . ❤

[@gemsound]

Nadeska looks like she’s about to go bust someone’s windows out after the show wraps.😂

[@misterlondoner]

All black everything

[@HowdyHeyRadio]

That toe stub comment was a gem of a closer💎

[@dantheneighbor]

Nadeska, thank you for your insight and perspective on this topic! I think your take is spot on

[@PjMasks-qu6bb]

We need ebro back ASAP

[@JuiceCannon]

That opening dialogue was very transparent

[@jerumiles]

The town hall idea is a great one!

[@BigChef061]

Me personally I just like the talk about the actual music, production, and everything that comes with an album review. I’m really tired of all of the “hip hop gossip” being discussed on all of these platforms. Just keep it music. That other stuff is lame.

[@patrickgarrity5529]

I liked lows insight to the jeezy tiny desk. Well said sir.. finally 😉

[@MetaMan09]

I like yall 3, Ebro just come on when necessary 😂

[@Rifumo]

It’s more than just rap journalism. Conde Nast is folding Pitchfork into GQ. Journalism in general is just having a hard time monetising its value

[@unknowncaller4739]

Yeah since everyday struggle

[@jnfe]

I think mainstream music journalism doesn't hold the same passion or fervor that it once has. You can AUTOMATICALLY tell that the commentary is coming from a place of monetary fulfillment obligations. Basically curate some strong talking points to satisfy the corporate big wig's ratings so that the journalists can keep their jobs. It reads right through the screen. Also, the Tik Tokification of music (entertainment as a whole), has ruined the proliferation of quality content. Everybody & their mother is a trap or drill artist, a soul singer (with no discernable vocal talent), a Country Music artist or just basically insert any other genre. It is over saturated by people who use pirated software to piece together horrible pre-made loops and then mumble rap over it to an unsophisticated music audience. Without getting too long-winded, I would say that yes, rap journalism has been diluting it's duties but it is still needed as long as people need to sell hard tickets to concerts.

[@etherealfolkboy]

I'm on the same page with Eddie about the eminem fan thing lol

[@bencromwell707]

Dope Content As Always💯👍

[@toebee90]

Nadeski's face looking fwiiiiin!

[@renthom58]

The podcasters are given us their opinion but we expect the journalist to tell us the truth.

[@LeonNeuton]

"Today's hip hop journalism lacks the quality and unimpeachable purity of the old!" Damn journalist Nadeska going for the jugular right of the top with the heavy topics no antics in this episode. Here's my two cents: 1. Journalists have always served up the tea ☕️ But in the wild world of Hip-Hop journalism, they use to be spitting fire instead! 🔥 Whether it's breaking news or dissecting lyrical genius, these storytellers keep us bopping and pondering. I salute those who add a rap-tastic spin to our newsfeeds! But I often miss some of my olé favorite prints, like Source magazines etc, that gave us hard-hitting headlines, covered rap battles/beefs. Even started some beefs😂 Today's Hip-Hop journalism is lacking and needs to take it up a notch! 💥 2. Hip-Hop journalism has strayed from its original purpose of informing and engaging audiences in critical dialogue. While traditional journalism aims to uphold ethical standards and provide unbiased reporting, the current landscape of Hip-Hop journalism is marred by sensationalism and clickbait tactics. Are we sacrificing integrity for clicks, or are we simply adapting to a new era of digital media consumption? It's time to question whether the evolution of Hip-Hop journalism truly serves its audience with thought-provoking content, or if it's merely chasing trends at the cost of insightful discourse. Hip-Hop's roots as a platform for social change have been overshadowed by commercial interests today and y'all can't blame the hip hop industry's black sheep @joebudden for this one. I believe today's artists are neglecting their responsibility to hip-hop's roots. One things for sure, the rise of social media in culture has blurred the lines between authentic news and sensationalized entertainment. Blessings from Jamaica 🇯🇲, Looking for to Bionic Ebro's return to today's hip-hop journalism. There's definitely a void without his voice on these issues! Jah guide🙏.

[@dafonk9407]

A Music Video Channel / App!

[@Ninjaplease636]

Why is the apple music channel only rap music? Whens the last time a country artist was on?

[@lboogs2158]

Do you know how many shows you can watch on the Apple Music channel?? Why would you come on the Rap Life Podcast to make a general statement that is wildly incorrect. If you want country music go find it, it’s there. Stop looking for every opportunity to complain, we have an abundance of CHOICE go CHOOSE what you want.

[@Ninjaplease636]

@@lboogs2158 i wasnt really complaining it was more of an observation really. Also i didnt go to the rap life podcast i was looking at the apple music youtube channel that isnt classified as a specific genre. You may be projecting your anger and negativity friend i was just simply asking a question.

[@sugarplumtiramisu]

Zane Lowe interviews several artistes. I bet there’ll be a country singer’s interview for you to watch

[@lboogs2158]

@@Ninjaplease636 so now I am I displacing my “anger “? Anger is now defined as correcting the misinformed? I am negative because you posted on Rap Life podcast “ why is there only rap”? You chose to then follow it up with “ when is the last time a country artist was on?” But your takeaway from my response is I must be angry?? Ok, when you actually use the term projecting correctly, I’ll concede you’re important enough for me to be angry.

[@Ninjaplease636]

@@lboogs2158 ok i made a comment on a rap life video but was speaking about the apple music as a whole. I clicked on apple musics yt channel and saw multiple rap videos. My question was simply why doesnt apple music have country artists on its yt channel and seems to be only rap.

[@blessedfresh1]

Yo lowkey, what type of tea you like? I surely agree with your take on French Mac & Cheese. I love the tracks with Kanye. Makes me feel he’s going to run 2025 with music. Even the track with Bryson Tiller is nice. I def prefer Mac & Cheese over whatever Cudders dropped.

[@ZiaHayes143]

The pendulum always swings back into the other direction. Print media weakened in the past 10 years but, I can sense that there’s a fervent desire, especially from younger generations that didn’t grow up with the power to curate their personal niches through magazines and other print/physical media, to experience that. They desperately desire it, to reconnect to real permeable things. So I think sooner rather than later, we are going to see a resurgence of print media and in return real journalism in all cultures / subcultures

[@johnnytoussaint4401]

Y’all forgot the new Boldy James album.. 🔥

[@Darthrayquaza22]

I personally like the deep album reviews

[@S.TJohnsun-to3vc]

Gonna listen to cd Mac n cheese french🎵🎵

[@mannyaz11]

damnn Nadeska still alive and around... havent seen her since her show with fatkademiks and wayno show ended..

[@chapp5703]

Lmaooo. He right. Ninjas be like I love rap and say their favorite artist is Eminem

[@K_DOT.1369]

Eddie started to sound like Stan 😂

[@juschilln4904]

We, the less rich ppl, have got to stop saying "that's capitalism". Greed and Capitalism are 2 separate things, and you will realize that there is Greed in every economic structure, not due to the stucture but because some people are inherently Greedy. Capitalism isnt perfect, but it's the best because it allows us, the people, to have ownership i.e. it's the reason you can sit on this couch right now and make a career out of talking. UNless you want the government and politicians to own/run everything and run the country further into the ground 🧙🏾‍♂️

[@taefleming1545]

Plzzzzzz do RAP LIFE REVIEW LIVE.

[@EddieaFU]

Jeezy didn't seem like he was prepared or he didn't care about his performance as much. He missed lyrics & energy was just overall low

[@thulanimaqoma1754]

🇿🇦 amme big fan of RapLife review 🤞

[@ilyouslug]

eddie been in the crib since covid

[@Yourboyeddie]

Yooooo 😂😂

[@raphaelhlaise7720]

Nadeska seems so upset.... you can tell it matters to her.

[@michaeltabb581]

Ppl want the info quick and fast and when you can get it from the source why hear it from a 3rd party.

[@Dgee_Reigns]

The band was fire tho! Jeezy killed it too. It was just a chemistry glitch.

[@paulssebanakitta860]

Sure feels like it coz the top rappers don't depict interesting lives all they care about is money

[@sugarplumtiramisu]

Yachty ain’t no 15 min artiste no more after the reinvention

[@Blakataq]

People want to hear album reviews and news from actual fans now....!! The typical hip hop media is boring. Look at Kai, look at akademics. People wanna hear from your average Joe rather than from bias, side choosing media.

[@LowBudgetFame]

I love you deska since everyday struggle

[@Leuneurd1]

Eddie always brings some humor 🤣

[@Mayson_17]

I'm here for Nadeska ❤

[@Lostbutnotfrgotten]

French timing is off on this project he been hella late he disappeared tryna come back to the Rap Game when its dead

[@user-pe2ku4xb8v]

Good film,, ❤ ❤

[@treasureeiland2675]

Nadeska is beautiful!!!

[@rafaelpena4269]

11:00-that's capitalism, unfortunately

[@jamalwilliams005]

Low is such a curmudgeon lol

[@thisisxonyx]

Why Nadeska dressing like she bout to rob somebody? 😂

[@yourfavoritecommentary5028]

Ebro left and might not return until Ye isn't number 1 on billboards 😅 Bad conversations like subjects on Eminem and Ye is why rap journalism is dead. High selling artists only get pooped on in the rap genre smh.

[@bluefood726]

Journalism in general has been severely undermined by people without standards and practices across the board. Hip Hop is on the chopping block like everyone else. Add in a dash of anti-blackness and it’s always going to be an “everyday struggle” so to speak, pardon the pun

[@TheRealA_Jay]

I want yall's jobs... respectfully

[@chapp5703]

I’m just glad we don’t have to listen to Ebro

[@cpr467]

😂😂 yall are so unserious about French is album but Kanyes not even worth the listen?

[@sugarplumtiramisu]

Fr😂

[@misterlondoner]

S/O to YN

[@Will_CU_Later]

I wish em got real love he always gets blamed for his fans

[@Lostbutnotfrgotten]

The source was the shi back then

[@Swype87]

Dude being impressed and pleasantly surprised by a clearly inferior French project is hilarious and so ironic. He had 3-4 previous projects that were far better than this one.

[@Aaron-zd9pk]

Ak the king

[@ChristinaSoft]

Yes because jay z and Desiree are buying blogs and magazines to write up unfounded stories about the rap artists they don’t like.

[@TheMithVideos]

HAHAHAHHAAHAHAAAAA... hot 🗑

[@Lostbutnotfrgotten]

Rap is Dead literally

[@Lostbutnotfrgotten]

Lil yachty trash