We'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 step back and think how to pivot and more importantly about their legacy.

Thanks to sounds by:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’-https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

In 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? We discuss this and more in this new episode of #/Understated. As always thanks for listening.

Thanks to sounds & videos by:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’— https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Delivering Messages - Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o7V1f7lbk4

The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 250 | Tuck Your Summer In- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOTtcFwZdf0&feature=youtu.be   

LOGIC IS BlRACIAL [COMPILATION]- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kMX3htDh7M

Pentecostal Preaching Gone Crazy (1:09)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIioOvwaT3A

All Blue Ranger (Justin) Morphs | Power Rangers Turbo- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9AFh3WPmm4

Short Kevin Hart gif- https://giphy.com/gifs/kevin-hart-golden-globes-2016-xT77XP5M4Iax5DVx96

New Fast Dance Challenge Best Compilation Tik Tok 2019- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXbBFdFw-pc

Cha Ching Sound- http://soundbible.com/1997-Cha-Ching-Register.html

Girl you see this Karlie Jenner Lip Kit hunny? ole doo-doo brown lip! mmm smells like sh*t -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCtd55f1QR0

Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen Season 4 + 5 UNCENSORED EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc3No8790Q0&feature=youtu.be (35:18)

In 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 sounds & videos by:

King Bach - Say Daddy (Official Music Video) ft. King Los- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtx94z3uLso

Lele Pons & Fuego - Bloqueo (Official Music Video)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-nv00ylXQA

DOLLAR STORE WITH LIZA, THE MUSIC VIDEO-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXwQDyFhR14

XXXTENTACION - Look At Me! (Official Video)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qku2WZ7aRYw

XXXTENTACION - MOONLIGHT (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX8Hg6kWQYI

Lil Nas X - Carry On (Official Video)-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bsZCFj6cVY

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’— https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Billy Ray Cyrus - Achy Breaky Heart (Official Music Video)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byQIPdHMpjc

Old Town Road (Tik Tok Compilation)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxwpKKK3P4s&t=2s

Nelly - Over And Over ft. Tim McGraw (Official Music Video)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3htOCjafTc

First 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 Rock movement vs Rap movement and address the hypocrisy of some complaints seen in Rap that was also apparent in Rock.

This is our PSA warning shot to rappers and others within rap culture to be mindful of your roles within that environment and others who enter it. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, but it's so so important to solidify your position and the position of your people in the game so that the new folks don't push you out. Heed this warning because as we always emphasize history tends to repeat itself. Hope this is helpful and as always thanks for watching. As always thanks for listening and also remember to subscribe/follow for more episodes.

Thanks to sounds, videos, and music by:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’— https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Shut The F*ck Up Clip-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6PuC6Tis1E

In 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 documentaries. There is a lot to unpackage that surrounds these controversies as well as the value of public opinion in this space. This is as black and white of an issue as it seems on the surface because we all need to self reflect on what's happening in our daily discourse. And how we are influenced to rush to judgment without researching or choosing to turn a blind eye. Hopefully, this segment gives a broader perspective on the ephemeral nature of cancel culture and discuss the role of accountability for all in these changing times. Please recognize this video does not even come close to covering all the necessary talking points but we try to discuss points that delve a little deeper than the current discussions. Think of this as a Public Service Announcement.  

After reading a recent Vibe article that discussed the evolution and destruction of predominantly male R&B groups, we needed to delve into this topic. As you know the decline of Hip Hop and R&B is a frequent theme of this show and we delve into a different area in this episode. Hopefully, when it's all said and done, these episodes culminate to give you the viewers, a complete picture of what is happening to these genres as we grow. Lastly, we discuss the potential return of R&B back to form and when we foresee the resurgence coming. 

As always thanks for listening and if you want more episodes remember to subscribe/follow.

Thanks to sounds, videos, and pics from:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’— https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

In 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.

We couldn’t forget about the Grammy nominees for the major Hip Hop & R&B awards. We discuss our take on the history of the awards and make some predictions on who is going to win. If you are planning on watching the Grammys, this will be a good preview of what to look for. As always thanks for listening.

Thanks to sounds, videos, images, and gifs by:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’— https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Snoop Dogg Says Fuck The Grammys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4ZDcYHmJP4

Cardi B- I Like It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTlNMmZKwpA

Travis Scott-Can’t Say: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LegcNVM_nM

Rocky-You’re a Bum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDCgp6JW8Ug

This ain’t it Chief: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScQ2XbTlv6M

Drake-God’s Plan gif: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScQ2XbTlv6M

Conor McGregor - "I want to take this chance to apologize…”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Szj21arytU

Post Malone - Funny Moments (Best 2018★) #2:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhxmpsnCq-Q

This is America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY

Teacher call student the n word: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WiYt7gAySw

Cardi B Gets Lump on Head, Attacks Nicki Minaj, Throws Shoe, 'Calls Her P***y | TMZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV0aaidOVDo&has_verified=1

ASAP Rocky video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPBEqEqpTE4

Run The Jewels Perform "Legend Has It" | Lollapalooza 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ZHD-Z3VFY

In 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 discuss Tory Lanez destroying Don Q in a rap battle that no one really expected. We also talk about the uphill challenges other rappers would face if deciding to confront the singer/rapper in the future. We unpack these thoughts and more in this episode of /Understated. If you have enjoyed remember to subscribe/follow for more episodes. As always thanks for listening.

Thanks to sounds, videos, and images by:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Travis Scott Image- https://www.thefader.com/2018/03/29/report-travis-scott-missing-minnesota-concert

Tory Lanez Diss Track Image- http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/01/tory-lanez-don-queen-diss-song/

Don Q Diss Track Image- http://thesource.com/2019/01/26/don-q-tory-lanez/

Let'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 avoid being stuck in limbo by these labels. Last but not least, let's not forget J. Cole's Middle Child single which was released at the end of January 2019. This is Cole's first single since the release of his KOD project in 2018. There's a lot to unpackage about this song and we also share a few thoughts on J. Cole's current career trajectory.   To listen and learn more, click play. Remember to follow to get notifications about new episodes. As always thanks for listening.

Thanks to sounds and video by:

J. Cole-Middle Child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8CLsYzE5wk&start_radio=1&list=RDe8CLsYzE5wk

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Lil Pump Talks with J cole about F*@k J cole Diss and J-cole explains 1985 song-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmutdfk9IDI

Lil Pump Reacts To J. Cole's '1985' Diss Track... "You're A Lame Washed Up Old Head Rapper"-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Br9J3_5cs

BBC Radio 1Xtra Hot 4 2011: J Cole - Who Dat-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lspsqJw1-Q

ssj2 power up + aura sound effect- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBMVVtNRdNM

ALL MIGHT I AM HERE-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boconX2zMqo

Tinashe - All Hands on Deck (Official Music Video)-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxUdFQ6N_OI

Tory Lanez shows his recording process [Lets fans choose the beat and title "Time Away”]-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JK1PknNZrk

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 by:

Slim Jxmmi Tweet Image: https://genius.com/a/slim-jxmmi-tweets-he-s-not-rae-sremmurd-anymore

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Rae Sremmurd-Black Beatle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8m9zhNAgKs

Slim Jxmmi vs Joe Budden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MTY0kl-7kk

Post Malone & Swae Lee: Sunflower https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E78T8h5EhA

Otto Rocket image: http://rocketpower.wikia.com/wiki/Otto_Rocket

Ta-Da Sound Effect: http://soundbible.com/1003-Ta-Da.html

Rae Sremmurd Image: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/magazine-feature/7502781/rae-sremmurd-style-issue-cover

Welcome 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 relatively MIA for 2018, he will be dropping his new project called Indigo sometime in 2019. Apparently, he's been working with some interesting figures in the industry who may bring hone in on some untapped potential. Also in unpopular opinions, the rapper named Kid Cudi is name dropped as another entertainer who may be in for a big year. To learn more on why we think these artists will have the biggest 2019, check out this episode of /Understated. Thanks for listening.

Also thanks to sounds by:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Happy 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

Thanks to sounds and video by:

Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1

Old Fashioned Film- Leader-https://www.videvo.net/video/old-fashioned-film-leader-countdown/1351/

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 on all listening streaming platforms (Spotify, iTunes, Google, etc.) Thanks to sounds and video by: Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chr…/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1 KYLE iSPY REACTION AND MAKING HIT SONGS | DailyVee 203 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPi5tQKhUfk

In 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/news/2018/11/hip-hop-reacts-tory-lanez-joyner-lucas-diss-tracks/ IG LIVE: Tory lanez about to body a Joyner Lucas song and Trippie Redd is ready for the feature https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWLBgyTz_sM Tory Lanez says he's better than Joyner Lucas, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar & Big Sean but not Eminem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szBKBzPPUBw Tory Lanez Talking Sh*t To Both Dj Ak & Joyner Lucas, Minutes Before Dropping His Joyner Lucas Diss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_z5Q7uaaDI Tory Lanez-Lucky You Freestyle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY_QOAHnQlw Joyner Lucas - Litty Freestyle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpigJNeY3RU Tory Lanez - Litty Again Freestyle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vQ_BBjBrBE Joyner Lucas - ZEZE (Tory Lanez Diss) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7F0jgpGf_0

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. Resources: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/01/16/streaming-music-services-pay-2018/ https://www.homestudiocorner.com/making-money-with-music-in-2018/ https://genius.com/a/how-album-concert-ticket-bundles-reshaped-the-billboard-charts-in-2017 https://www.thefader.com/2018/08/23/were-living-through-the-merch-bundle-wars Thanks to sounds by: Chris morrow4 -hip hop rap instrumental (crying over you) https://soundcloud.com/chris-mor…/hip-hop-rap-instrumental-2

In 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/playlist/6AciDfa7UU6RtFyYWZN1Z7?si=dUCwXSw4SnehtnOVu-1Q3Q Resources: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/01/16/streaming-music-services-pay-2018/ https://www.homestudiocorner.com/making-money-with-music-in-2018/ https://genius.com/a/how-album-concert-ticket-bundles-reshaped-the-billboard-charts-in-2017 https://www.thefader.com/2018/08/23/were-living-through-the-merch-bundle-wars Thanks to sounds by: Chris morrow4 -hip hop rap instrumental (crying over you) https://soundcloud.com/chris-mor…/hip-hop-rap-instrumental-2

In 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.com/chris-morrow-3/hip-hop-rap-instrumental-2 Kyo-Ken, MistaDC, and Elujay-Most Beautiful Ride https://soundcloud.com/kyo_ken/mostbeautifulride MistaDC's soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/1mistadc

This 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 listen to Everything Grand. You can also find more of Grand Khai’s music on Spotify. Let us know your thoughts. Thanks to sounds by: Chris@nton-Public Enemy vs. Zinc '138 Noise’—https://soundcloud.com/chris-nton/public-enemy-vs-zinc-138-noise-1 Grand Khai-Everything Grand-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMvXI9djyvs

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

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

In 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