Dissect

Rapsody Dissects 'God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops'

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Rapsody breaks down her fantastic new album 'God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops.' Learn about how her trip to Africa inspired its themes and sound, the reverence she has for hip hop, and why she views herself as a guardian of the culture she loves so dearly.

Listen to 'God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops' on Spotify.

Pre-Order 10 Year Anniversary Merch at dissectmerch.com.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Jon Jones

Producer: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 Year Anniversary Mailbag!

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Dissect is 10! To celebrate, Cole dissects "Dissect" - sharing how and why he started the show ten years ago. Then he answers a ton of questions submitted by Dissect listeners.

Purchase limited Anniversary Merch at dissectmerch.com.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Producer: Justin Sayles

Theme: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crowning Tyler The Creator's Best Song Ever | Last Song Standing (E8)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:01:00 -0000

It all leads up to this. After revisiting Tyler The Creator's entire discography over 7 episodes, Cole and Charles debate their song selections until they crown the last song standing: the single greatest Tyler song, ever.

Follow @dissectpodcast on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠,⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠, and⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Jon Jones

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'DON'T TAP THE GLASS' + B-Sides! | Last Song Standing (E7)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues by revisiting 2025's 'DON'T TAP THE GLASS' as well as diving into Tyler's extensive b-sides catalog.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Jon Jones

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'CHROMAKOPIA' | Last Song Standing (E6)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:01:00 -0000

The journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues with his most personal album to date CHROMAKOPIA. Charles and Cole talk through the albums themes, quiz each other with trivia, and nominate the songs they believe should be in contention for Tyler's best.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST' | Last Song Standing (E5)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:01:00 -0000

The journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues with a deep dive into 2021's Call Me If You Get Lost. Cole, Charles, and Justin revisit the DJ Drama 'Gangsta Grillz' mixtape era before nominating their favorite tracks off the project.

Follow @dissectpodcast on⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ TikTok⁠, and⁠ Twitter⁠.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Iulia Ciobanu

Engineer: Jamie Yukich

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'IGOR' by Tyler The Creator | Last Song Standing (E4)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:01:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues with 2019's IGOR. Cole & Charles revisit its release, quiz each other with album trivia, and nominate its best songs.

What's your favorite song on IGOR? Sound off in the comments below. 👇

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Iulia Ciobanu

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Isaiah Rashad Dissects 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL'

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Isaiah Rashad breaks down his new album 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL' with Dissect's Cole Cuchna. From the rollout, album title, production, and lyrics, Isaiah reveals the themes and intention behind the art in intimate detail.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Isaiah Rashad

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Iulia Ciobanu

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'FLOWER BOY' by Tyler The Creator | Last Song Standing (E3)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Cole and Charles continue their journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever by revisiting 2017's Flower Boy - a pivotal album that changed the trajectory of Tyler's career.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'WOLF' & 'CHERRY BOMB' | Last Song Standing (E2)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Cole & Charles continue their journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever by revisiting his album's WOLF and CHERRY BOMB.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'BASTARD' + ' GOBLIN' by Tyler The Creator | Last Song Standing (E1)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Cole & Charles begin their journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever by revisiting his first two projects Bastard and Goblin. They talk through Tyler's origin story before nominating which songs off these projects should be in contention for his best ever.

Comment your favorite songs off Bastard and Goblin below!

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's Tyler The Creator's Best Song Ever? The Debate Begins June 30th.

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Last Song Standing is returning Tuesday, June 30th! This season Cole and Charles are debating their way through Tyler The Creator's entire catalog in order to crown his best song of all time.

Comment your favorite Tyler song below!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crowning Daft Punk's Best Song Ever

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our Daft Punk season concludes with Part 2 of a special Last Song Standing mini-series, where Cole and Charles talk through Daft Punk's discography in order to crown their best song of all time. You can listen to Part 1 here.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E12 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 3]

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:01:00 -0000

SEASON FINALE! Our dissection of Daft Punk's entire career concludes with the second half of Random Access Memories before looking holistically at the narrative their four studio albums creates.

Connecting Changes Everything.⁠ https://www.att.com/connecttochange/⁠

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E11 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 2]

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our dissection of Random Access Memories continues with a journey through “Within,” “Instant Crush,” “Lose Yourself to Dance,” and the album’s emotional centerpiece, “Touch.”

Connecting Changes Everything. https://www.att.com/connecttochange/

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E10 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 1]

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our season-long exploration of Daft Punk continues with their final album Random Access Memories. Turning away from the electronic mainstream they helped create, Daft Punk entered real studios with real musicians to rediscover the human “magic” inside recorded music. In this episode, we dissect “Give Life Back to Music,” “The Game of Love,” and “Giorgio by Moroder,” revealing how Daft Punk reframed music itself as life: a vessel for memory, history, innovation, and shared humanity.

Follow @dissectpodcast on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠,⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠, and⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Connecting Changes Everything.⁠⁠ https://www.att.com/connecttochange/⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E9 - 'Human After All' & 'Alive 2007' by Daft Punk

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Daft Punk continues with a turning point in their catalog, as we unpack the stark minimalism and dystopian vision of 2005's Human After All. We explore how the album’s cold, mechanical sound and Orwellian themes reframe the duo’s robot personas. Then, we trace how those ideas are expanded on stage in the groundbreaking Alive 2007 tour, where Daft Punk fuse their entire discography into a single, story-driven performance.

Connecting Changes Everything.⁠ https://www.att.com/connecttochange/⁠

Follow @dissectpodcast on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠,⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠, and⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drake Drops ICEMAN..and Habibti..and Maid of Honour. Why?

Tue, 19 May 2026 09:31:00 -0000

Cole is joined by The Ringer’s Charles Holmes and Justin Sayles to discuss Drake’s three-album release stunt. They speculate on the strategy behind the 43-song drop before diving into ICEMAN’s music and lyrics. Finally, they discuss Habibti and Maid of Honour, ending the conversation by wondering where Drake will go next.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guests: Charles Holmes, Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is Daft Punk's Best Song Ever? [Season Intermission]

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:01:00 -0000

We’re taking a brief intermission from our Daft Punk season - but don’t worry, we’re still talking Daft Punk in a special episode of Last Song Standing, the show where Cole and Charles Holmes debate an artist’s catalog to determine their single best song.

In this episode, Cole and Charles nominate the tracks from Homework and Discovery they believe deserve a spot in the conversation. Then, after the season finale, they’ll return for Part 2 to cover Human After All, Alive 2007, and Random Access Memories - where the final nominees will battle it out until one remains: the last song standing.

Connecting Changes Everything.⁠ https://www.att.com/connecttochange/⁠

Visit us in stores and online ⁠https://Warbyparker.com/DISSECT⁠

Follow @dissectpodcast on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠,⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠, and⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E8 - Dissecting "Veridis Quo" & "Face To Face" by Daft Punk

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our season-long examination of Daft Punk continues with a brilliant three track run on Discovery: "Voyager," "Veridis Quo," and the sampling masterpiece "Face To Face."

Connecting Changes Everything. https://www.att.com/connecttochange/

Visit us in stores and online https://Warbyparker.com/DISSECT

Follow @dissectpodcast on⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ TikTok⁠, and⁠ Twitter⁠.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E7 - Dissecting "Something About Us" (& More!) by Daft Punk

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our deep dive into Daft Punk’s Discovery continues with a sweeping journey through the album’s middle stretch, from the ecstatic genre-collisions of “Crescendolls,” “Superheroes,” and “High Life” to the intimate emotional world of “Something About Us.”

Connecting Changes Everything. https://www.att.com/connecttochange/

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E6 - Dissecting "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our deep dive into Daft Punk’s Discovery continues with “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” a masterful achievement where the vocoder is used to sonically embody the accelerating arc of technological evolution.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E5 - Dissecting "Digital Love" by Daft Punk

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our dissection of Daft Punk’s Discovery continues with “Digital Love,” a dreamlike love story where harmony and sound design beautifully mirror its theme of unrequited love. Cole claims the song is now one of his favorites of all time as a result of making this episode - listen to find out why.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E4 - "One More Time" / "Aerodynamic" by Daft Punk

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our dissection of Daft Punk's 2001 masterpiece Discovery begins with an in-depth analysis of its opening tracks "One More Time" and "Aerodynamic."

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Visit us in stores and online https://Warbyparker.com/DISSECT

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E3 - Dissecting "Around The World" by Daft Punk

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Revealing the hidden brilliance behind one of Daft Punk’s most deceptively simple songs.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E2 - Daft Punk’s 'Homework' & The Origins of House and Techno

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Daft Punk continues with their debut album Homework. First, we explore the history of house and techno from its roots in disco music and underground Chicago and Detroit clubs. We then trace how Daft Punk studied the early pioneers of these genres and applied those lessons to their debut, breaking down the samples and production of songs like "Revolution 909" and "High Fidelity."

Follow @dissectpodcast on⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ TikTok⁠, and⁠ Twitter⁠.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E1 - Daft Punk: Robots With A Human Touch

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Daft Punk begins now!
In episode one, we trace Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo’s origins in Paris - from their rock band Darlin’ to their discovery of electronic music and first single “The New Wave.” Then we break down their breakthrough track “Da Funk,” revealing what it shares with Beethoven’s most famous symphony and how to build its iconic synth sound from scratch.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Video Editor: Kevin Pooler

Additional Editing: Iulia Ciobanu

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Revealing Season 14’s Artist! Premieres March 17.

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:01:00 -0000

Dissect Season 14 begins Tuesday, March 17 on Spotify and Netflix. Today, Cole reveals the artist being dissected and details the many reasons why this season is unique.
Listen to Cole’s Daft Punk 101 playlist.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Producer: Justin Sayles
Editor: Iulia Ciobanu
Theme: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IDK Dissects 'Even The Devil Smiles' (My Favorite Album of 2026 So Far)

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:01:00 -0000

IDK joins Cole for a track-by-track breakdown of his mixtape 'Even The Devil Smiles.' He discusses how his time in prison inspired the project, how he secured posthumous features from DMX and MF DOOM, and why respecting hip-hop as an art form is so important.

Listen to Even The Devil Smiles on Spotify.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: IDK

Editors: Iulia Ciobanu & Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baby Keem Rises, J. Cole Falls: Discussing ‘Ca$ino’ and ‘The Fall-Off’

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:01:00 -0000

A five-year wait and a double-disc finale set high stakes. Cole Cuchna and Charles Holmes ask: Did Baby Keem and J. Cole deliver?

Dissect Season 14 is just around the corner! Follow ⁠⁠@dissectpodcast on Instagram⁠⁠ for an official announcement coming very soon.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Sarah Reddy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J.I.D. dissects 'God Does Like Ugly' track by track

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:01:00 -0000

J.I.D. and Dissect's Cole Cuchna break down his Grammy-nominated album God Does Like Ugly. They dissect lyrics, themes, album title, samples, and more.

00:00 Cold Open / Intro

01:45 Album Title Breakdown

05:35 "YouUgly" Breakdown

17:23 "Glory" Breakdown

25:29 "Wrk" Breakdown

31:00 "Community" Breakdown

41:22 "Gz" Breakdown

46:39 Melodic Section of "GDLU"

51:03 "On McAfee" Breakdown

54:51 "Of Blue" Breakdown

01:00:50 "K-Word" Breakdown

01:04:05 What's the message of GLDU?

01:05:18 JID Says Next Project his BEST

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: J.I.D.

Editor: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Jon Jones

Producer: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Favorite Music of 2025

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:01:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by friends Camden Ostrander and Margeaux Labat to discuss their favorite music of 2025, including...

Favorite Musical Moments (04:09)

Favorite "Underground" Albums (13:09)

Favorite Albums of the Year (31:20)

Favorite Songs of the Year (1:13:05)

You can listen to a playlist of their picks ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guests: Camden Ostrander, Margeaux Labat

Audio/Video Editor: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 21st Century Song Draft

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:01:00 -0000

The LSS crew is back with a year-end draft to celebrate the quarter-century mark in music. Cole, Charles, and Justin draft songs across five different categories: Best Song, Worst Song, One-Hit Wonder, Moment Maker, and Personal Favorite.

Who won the draft? Hit the comments and let us know.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna and Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Video Producer: Kevin Pooler

Engineer: Kayla Talley

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 10 BEST Clipse Bars on 'Let God Sort Em Out'

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:01:00 -0000

Clipse’s Let God Sort ’Em Out is Dissect’s pick for Best Rap Album of 2025. In this episode, we break down 10 of the most mind-blowing bars from the project, line by line, decoding the layers of wordplay, cultural references, and religious symbolism that make this album so lyrically dense.

🎵 Chapters

00:00 Amazon Prime Ad

00:26 Pusha T, “So Be It”

02:04 Malice, “Ace Trumpets”

04:49 Pusha T, “Ace Trumpets”

07:40 Malice, “M.T.B.T.T.F.”

09:55 Pusha T, “P.O.V.”

12:08 Pharrell, “So Be It” Sample Breakdown

14:27 Pusha T, “Chains & Whips”

16:08 Stove God Cooks, “F.I.C.O.”

17:17 Push & Malice, "FICO"

20:06 Malice, “So Far Ahead”

22:10 Malice, “Birds Don’t Sing”

💬 Subscribe for more breakdowns of hip-hop’s greatest writers - from Kendrick Lamar to Tyler, The Creator, and beyond.

Presented by Amazon Prime. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Most GENIUS Number Bars in Rap History

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:01:00 -0000

From Rakim to Kendrick Lamar, this is the story of hip-hop’s obsession with numbers.

Dissect's Cole Cuchna breaks down the evolution of “number bars” - a lyrical tradition where rappers use math, numeric sequences, and wordplay to showcase technical skill and encode hidden meaning.

Beginning with Rakim’s groundbreaking verse on “My Melody” (1986) - a quatrain built around groups of seven that secretly mirrors his own 21-letter name - we trace how MCs have used numbers as both a mathematical signature and a symbolic device for decades. From Melle Mel’s divine 7-count in “Superrappin” to Jay-Z’s “22 Twos”, Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments,” and Mos Def’s “Mathematics,” numbers became an essential part of hip hop tradition and lyricism.

By the 2000s, artists like Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, JID, Vince Staples, and Kendrick Lamar transformed number schemes into complex storytelling tools. We unpack everything from Lupe’s hidden 3–2–1 countdown on Kanye West’s “Touch the Sky” to Kendrick’s quantum-level equations on “Nosetalgia.”

00:00 Rakim's "7 MCs" Breakdown

00:50 Malice "FICO" Breakdown

02:09 History of Numbers in Hip Hop

03:36 Jay-Z "22 Twos"

05:18 Golden Age Examples

07:29 Ascending Number Counts

10:09 Kendrick Lamar "Freedom" Verse

12:54 Lupe Fiasco "Touch The Sky" Verse

17:09 JID "Lisa" Breakdown

18:08 Vince Staples "Caliphate" Breakdown

19:25 Kendrick "Peekaboo" Breakdown

20:33 J Cole "The Climb Back" Breakdown

23:26 Mike P Battle Rap Breakdown

25:25 Kendrick Lamar "Nosetalgia" Breakdown

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Mr. Morale' Explained in 15 Minutes [Video Essay]

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:01:00 -0000

A 15-minute breakdown of Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. After writing over 100,000 words for Season 13 of Dissect, host Cole Cuchna distills Kendrick’s most ambitious album into a concise masterclass exploring its spiritual framework, narrative design, key symbols, and hidden mirror structure.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full 18-episode season of Dissect on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠. In this video, you'll learn how Eckhart Tolle’s teachings on consciousness and ego shape the album’s guiding philosophy — how "The Big Steppers" represent the unconscious, and "Mr. Morale" embodies the path toward awareness and healing. You’ll also understand how Kendrick constructs a morality play, and how the two discs form a perfect mirror, a reflection of the album's central symbol. Subscribe for more deep-dives into the art of music. 00:00 Intro 00:33 Eckhart Tolle's Influence 01:53 Album Title & Structure Explained 04:22 Mr. Morale as Morality Play 06:24 Disc 1: Track by Track Breakdown 10:02 Disc 2: Track by Track Breakdown 12:42 You & The Mirror

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rosalia's 'LUX' is a Masterpiece

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this emergency episode, Cole shares his initial thoughts on Rosalia's new album LUX, plus provides a brief breakdown of the album's four movements, and shares how its beginning and end connect thematically and narratively.

How are you feeling about LUX? Comment below.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chance The Rapper dissects 'STAR LINE' track-by-track

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:01:00 -0000

Chance the Rapper and Dissect’s Cole Cuchna sit for an in-depth, track-by-track breakdown of Chance’s new album Star Line. We dig into the meaning behind the album’s title, the symbolism of its artwork, and the historical references woven throughout - from Marcus Garvey and the Black Star Line to the Wattstax documentary and beyond.

Chance dissects specific lyrics, discusses the spiritual and political threads running through the project, and shares how themes of resistance, memory, and Black liberation shaped the sound and vision of Star Line.

This is the definitive deep dive into Chance’s most ambitious work to date.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro / Tour Experience

03:50 ‘STAR LINE’ Title Breakdown

14:45 Album Art Breakdown

21:25 “Star Line Intro” Breakdown

44:23 Why Wattstax Doc is Sampled

48:51 “Ride” Lyric Breakdown

01:06:00 “No More Old Men” Breakdown

01:17:36 “The Negro Problem” Breakdown

01:23:49 “Drapetomania” Breakdown

01:31:06 “Back to The Go” Breakdown

01:38:08 “Space and Time” Breakdown

01:50:27 “Letters” Breakdown

02:00:42 “Speed of Love” Breakdown

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crowning the BEST Album of the 21st Century | LAST SONG STANDING [Finale]

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:31:00 -0000

It all comes down to this! Season 4 of Last Song Standing concludes with Cole and Charles finally crowning the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far).

Each album that advanced to the finale now duke it out in a cut-throat bracket that includes Frank Ocean's 'Blonde', Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly', Daft Punk's 'Discovery', Beyonce's 'Lemonade', MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy', and more.

What artist should be selected for next season of Last Song Standing?

00:00 Intro

01:57 Trivia Prize Reveal

09:24 Favorite Albums of 21st Century

18:27 Bracket Revealed

19:27 MBDTF vs. Madvillainy 27:39 TPAB vs. MMLP

30:08 Discovery vs. Is This It

33:20 Lemonade vs. ASATT

40:04 TPAB vs. Madvillainy

47:25 Discovery vs. Lemonade

55:05 The Final 3

1:13:28 The Final 2

1:30:49 Closing Remarks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

good kid, m.A.A.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly | LAST SONG STANDING [E7]

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:31:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two historic albums by the same artist against each other: Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.a.a.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly.

Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Video Engineer: CT

Theme Music: Birocratic

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:47 Why 2 Kendrick Lamar Albums?

15:06 good kid, mAAd city Album Facts

16:45 gkmc Album Trivia

20:49 "Money Trees" - Biggest Song

28:40 "m.A.A.d. city" - Best Song

36:57 "Compton" - Worst Song

41:40 "Sing About Me" - Deep Cut

51:06 Cole's Most Dissectable Moment

54:32 Grammy Loss - Best Moment

1:00:50 To Pimp a Butterfly Album Facts

1:07:42 TPAB Album Trivia

1:13:26 "Alright" - Biggest Song

1:28:10 "Wesley's Theory" - Best Song

1:33:25 "Ain't Gotta Lie" - Worst Song

1:37:54 "Hood Politics" - Best Deep Cut

1:42:34 Grammy Performance - Best Moment

1:48:21 Head 2 Head: gkmc vs TPAB

2:05:20 Cultural Exchange

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JID, Chance, Earl, Joey: Hip Hop's Maturing Middle Class

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna talks to Jeremy Hecht (The Bigger Picture) and King Green (Rap Latte) about a wild slate of August albums releases:

God Does Like Ugly - JID

Star Line - Chance The Rapper

Live Love Laugh - Earl Sweatshirt

Lonely At The Top - Joey Bada$$

The trio give their initial impressions of each album and discuss the state of hip hop's maturing middle class.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' vs. SZA's 'Ctrl' | LAST SONG STANDING [E6]

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:30:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two landmarks in indie-hop history against each other: Frank Ocean's Blonde vs. SZA's Ctrl.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Video Engineer: CT

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy' vs. Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury' | LAST SONG STANDING [E5]

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:46:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two landmarks in indie-hop history against each other: MF DOOM & Madlib’s Madvillainy vs. Clipse's Hell Hath No Fury.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Video Engineer: CT

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daft Punk's 'Discovery' vs. Radiohead's 'Kid A' | LAST SONG STANDING [E4]

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:30:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two of the most influential albums in music history against each other: Daft Punk’s Discovery vs. Radiohead’s Kid A.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Video Engineer: Chris Wohlers

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eminem's 'Marshall Mathers LP' vs. Tyler, The Creator's 'IGOR' | LAST SONG STANDING [E3]

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:05:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far) by pitting a bonafide classic in Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP against a modern classic in Tyler The Creator's IGOR.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JAY-Z's 'The Blueprint' vs. Beyonce's 'Lemonade' | LAST SONG STANDING [E2]

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:06:00 -0000

Today's matchup pushed Cole & Charles' friendship to its limits: JAY-Z's The Blueprint vs. Beyonce's Lemonade.

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far). Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: Chris Wohlers Theme Music: Birocratic

Chapters:

00:00 So Delicious Ad

00:32 Intro / Why Jay Z vs Beyonce?

07:11 The Blueprint - Album Facts

14:41 The Blueprint - Album Trivia

18:40 Biggest Song: "IZZO" / "Renegade"

31:07 Best Song: "Heart of the City"

36:00 Worst Song: "Girls, Girls, Girls"

40:19 Best Deep Cut: "U Don't Know"

43:40 Best Moment: "Takeover" at Summer Jam

50:17 Lemonade - Album Facts

1:00:24 Lemonade - Album Trivia

1:03:16 Biggest Song: "Formation"

1:06:04 Best Song: "Freedom" feat. Kendrick Lamar

1:14:36 Worst Song: "6 Inch" feat. The Weeknd

1:16:08 Best Deep Cut: "Sandcastles"

1:21:57 Best Moment: HBO Film / Surprise Drop

1:29:07 Head to Head: The Blueprint vs. Lemonade

1:44:32 And The Winner Is...

1:51:57 Cultural Exchange

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Don’t Tap The Glass” is More Conceptual Than Tyler Admits

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:05:00 -0000

Tyler, The Creator says Don’t Tap The Glass isn’t a concept album. No narrative. No deep themes. Just a fun, fast, braggadocious dance record.

But what if that is the concept?

In this video essay, we dive deep into Don’t Tap The Glass to uncover the album’s hidden intentionality — from its crate-dug samples and alter-ego iconography to its sacred rules of the dance floor. Through cultural history, sonic connections, and Tyler’s own words, we explore how this album frames dance as a spiritual ritual, freedom as resistance, and joy as high art.

Topics Covered:

-The spiritual meaning behind the album’s opening Hebrew sample

Big Poe as a tribute to hip hop history and Tyler’s alter-ego iconography

How Tyler uses crate-digging to honor Black dance music traditions

The deeper meaning of the album’s 3 rules — and why they matter now more than ever

Sample breakdowns: from Mantronix to Junun, “Boogie Nights” to J Dilla

🎧 Chapters:

00:00 So Delicious Ad

00:33 Not a Concept Album?

02:55 Chromakopia vs. DTTG

04:18 Freedom of Dance as Concept

05:01 A Brief History of Dance

07:04 Only Speak in "Glory" Breakdown

09:19 What does "Don't Tap The Glass" Mean?

010:03 "Big Poe" name breakdown

10:40 Recurring "Siren" Sample

12:22 More Sample Breakdowns

13:37 What Tyler Preserves Behind The Glass

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kanye West's 'Twisted Fantasy' vs. Drake's 'Take Care' | LAST SONG STANDING

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:05:00 -0000

Last Song Standing is back! Dissect's Cole Cuchna and The Midnight Boys' Charles Holmes begin a journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far).

Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album.

The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century.

New episodes release every Tuesday.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Video Engineer: Chris Wohlers

Theme Music: Birocratic

00:00 So Delicious Ad

00:32 LSS Intro

02:40 Season 4 Rules

05:46 Why Kanye vs. Drake?

12:53 My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

19:51 Album Trivia: MBDTF

25:14 MBDTF Categories

49:04 Drake's Take Care

56:09 Album Trivia: Take Care

59:48 Take Care Categories

1:27:44 MBDTF vs. Take Care

1:42:14 Cultural Exchange

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Favorite Music of 2025...So Far

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:31:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna and Professor Skye share their favorite music of 2025 so far, including their favorite albums, songs, and "underground" projects.

They talk through projects by Lorde, Bad Bunny, Black Country New Road, Ray Vaughn, Annahstasia, Mac Miller, JID, Joey Bada$$, and more.

Official Spotify Playlist here.

Subscribe to @professorskye YouTube here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting "Mirror" by Kendrick Lamar [Season Finale]

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers concludes with its final track "Mirror." Serving as a lyrical epilogue to the album’s emotional climax, “Mirror” delivers Kendrick Lamar’s final moral lesson: “I choose me.” With this mantra, Kendrick brings his morality play to a close, rejecting the performance of salvation in favor of spiritual freedom, radical acceptance, and personal peace.

Returning to the character of oklama — “my people” — Kendrick offers listeners the same mirror he used to confront ego, trauma, and public expectation. The result is a parting reflection on self-love, unconditional compassion, and the divine power of choosing yourself.

Dissect is part of The Ringer podcast network.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

00:00 So Delicious 00:32 Intro / E17 Recap 02:09 "Mirror" Intro Analysis 05:39 Verse 1 Analysis 13:27 Chorus Analysis 16:39 Verse 2 Analysis 18:36 Verse 3 Analysis 26:11 Bridge Analysis 31:41 "I Choose Me" Numerology 38:16 Final Thoughts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Clipse Still Cook? "Let God Sort Em Out" Breakdown

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:01:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna and The Ringer's Charles Holmes unpack the long-awaited return of Clipse and their new album, Let God Sort Em Out. Was it worth the 15-year wait?

The duo share first impressions, breakdown their favorite lyrics and tracks, discuss Pharrell’s full-album production, and what makes Clipse still sound this sharp in their 40s and 50s.

They dissect the emotional depth of “Birds Don’t Sing,” Kendrick Lamar’s controversial "Whips and Chains" verse, Tyler, The Creator’s dream feature, and how Pusha T and No Malice balance grief, flexing, and lyrical mastery in their most personal album yet.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Charles Holmes

Audio/Video: Kevin Pooler

00:00 So Delicious Ad

00:33 Clipse Opening Thoughts

04:34 The Rollout

12:58 First Impressions

14:56 The Birds Don't Sing

23:09 Chains and Whips

26:54 Kendrick's Feature

33:46 Kendrick "Gen" Breakdown

38:02 POV & Tyler's Feature

46:30 So Be It

52:00 Mike Tyson Blow to the Face

01:01:12 So Far Ahead

01:04:50 Last Song Standing Preview

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PART 2: "Mother I Sober" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E17]

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:02:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers continues with Part 2 of “Mother I Sober” — the album’s emotional and spiritual climax. In this sweeping 48-bar final verse, Kendrick releases decades of generational trauma and invites listeners to witness a ritual of forgiveness, transformation, and liberation.

This episode unpacks Kendrick’s evolution from fractured self to healing vessel, as he courageously bares his soul and breaks the silence that has haunted his family for generations. Guided by therapy, the divine feminine, and the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, Kendrick reclaims his story — not just for himself, but for his community and children to come.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PART 1: "Mother I Sober" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E16]

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:31:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers continues with “Mother I Sober" - an emotionally devastating ballad marks the narrative and spiritual climax of the album. Stripped bare and seated at the piano, Kendrick confronts generational trauma, inherited pain, and the illusion of self that’s fractured by abuse, guilt, and silence.

Building on the spiritual awareness awakened in “Mr. Morale,” this episode unpacks how Kendrick turns inward with unprecedented vulnerability, guided by the teachings of Eckhart Tolle and buoyed by the divine feminine presences that have supported his healing.

You'll Learn:

How Kendrick’s fragmented narrative and musical structure mirror the psychological effects of trauma and the nonlinear path to healing.
Why the song’s piano arrangement and mirrored callback to “United in Grief” signify full-circle emotional closure.
The symbolism of Kendrick’s shattered reflection — and how the broken mirror represents the self before healing.
What Beth Gibbons’ haunting chorus reveals about ego, identity, and the universal yearning to escape pain.
Why “Mother I Sober” is Kendrick’s most personal and courageous song to date — and how it breaks the generational curse that defines the album’s final act.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting "Mr. Morale" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E15]

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:20:00 -0000

Our season-long breakdown of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers continues with a line-by-line analysis of its title track. We unpack the 'Mr. Morale' moniker, Eckhart Tolle's influence on Kendrick's current spiritual transformation, and how so much of the song is preparation for the album's next track "Mother I Sober."

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Moral Ambiguity of "Auntie Diaries" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E14]

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:31:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Auntie Diaries" - a controversial song in which Kendrick shares his evolution in understanding of his transgender relatives.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, & Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting "Savior" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E13]

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Our season-long examination of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Savior" a song that challenges celebrity worship and false idols in the age of influencers, empty symbolism, and "perfect life" social media curation.

Shop Dissect Season 13 Merch

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why is Baby Keem on Mr. Morale? Dissecting "Savior - Interlude" [S13E12]

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Savior - Interlude" performed by Baby Keem. We explore how Keem's feature mirrors Kodak Black's, why Kendrick Lamar made this symbolic pairing, and how it all sets up the next song "Savior."

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting 'Crown' & 'Silent Hill' by Kendrick Lamar [S13E11]

Tue, 27 May 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers' continues with "Crown" and "Silent Hill."

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting 'Count Me Out' by Kendrick Lamar [S13E10]

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Our dissection of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers resumes with "Count Me Out." As the first track on Act 2, the song is positioned as the first therapy session with Eckhart Tolle, as Kendrick reveals some his most vulnerable thoughts and emotions.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The TDE Song Draft

Tue, 13 May 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Dissect’s Cole Cuchna is joined by Curtiss King and King Green to draft their favorite songs from TDE artists across 4 categories: Hit Song, Deep Cut, Collab Track, and Personal Favorites.

Listen to a playlist of their picks here.

TDE or Top Dawg Entertainment has been the most influential independent label of the 21st Century. After establishing themselves with core artists Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q, they have continued their dominance with artists like SZA, Isaiah Rashad, Doechii, and most recently, Ray Vaughn.

Season 13 will resume next week with “Count Me Out.”

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guests: Curtiss King, King Green

Audio/Video Production: Kevin Pooler

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

it's time to talk about kanye

Tue, 06 May 2025 10:20:00 -0000

Not an episode I wanted to do, but one I felt I needed to do. My thoughts on the current state of Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West.

Our season on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers will resume May 20th.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, X, or TikTok.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick's Super Bowl Show: The DEFINITIVE Breakdown

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 10:31:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna breaks down Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show — scene by scene, lyric by lyric, symbol by symbol — to reveal a powerful narrative about the Black American experience throughout history.

This is not a standard recap - it's a forensic analysis of every detail: the set design, the wardrobe, the major and minor characters, the color palette, the set list, and the cultural commentary embedded in Kendrick’s show. From the GNX to Uncle Sam, from the divided American flag to the four control button stage, we explore how Kendrick used his 13-minute performance to honor his art form, unite his community, and beat the Great American Game.

📍 Topics include:

• Kendrick Lamar’s use of the Hero’s Journey to structure his Super Bowl performance

• Significance of Kendrick’s wardrobe, from the pins on his hat to his flare bell-bottom jeans

• The layered symbolism of Uncle Sam played by Samuel L Jackson

• Four Levels of the “Great American Game”

• How Kendrick alluded to the timeline of Black American history, from slavery, segregation, great migrations, mass incarceration, and assassinations of Black leaders

• Kendrick’s tribute to his ancestors through the dead homies and guardian angels

• Meaning of recurring street light symbolism in Kendrick’s art

• Symbolism of each of the four control buttons, the gameboard, and playing field

🧠 This video is the result of weeks of meticulous research, providing a deep dive into Kendrick Lamar’s use of visual storytelling and symbolism.

Let’s Dissect.

👇 Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:22 Superdome or Red Button?

04:42 Decoding the Gameboard and Controller

07:01 4 Levels of "Great American Game"

09:48 The Meaning of Uncle Sam

13:34 Main Character Energy

16:45 The Story Begins on "Square" One - Bodies

21:40 Powered by Angels - Squabble Up

29:19 Be Humble - Decoding the American Flag

31:44 The Great Migrations -DNA & Euphoria

37:12 Man at the Cemetery Garden

42:29 Deduct One Life - Peekaboo

49:04 Divine Feminine Counsel - Luther / All The Stars

54:59 Uncle Sam Gets Duped

56:06 They vs. Us - Not Like Us

01:04:55 Serena Williams Reclaims Crip Walk

01:07:35 Victory Lap - TV Off

01:11:13 Turn Your TV Off / Conclusions

🧠 New to Dissect? Check out our season on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

—

🔗 LISTEN Ghais Guevara - "The Old Guard Is Dead"

—

#KendrickLamar #SuperBowl2025 #HalftimeShow #DissectPodcast #breakdown #VideoEssay #GNX

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's the Best Song on GNX? | LAST SONG STANDING

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by The Ringer's Charles Holmes to discuss Kendrick Lamar's GNX and debate it's best song. There's GNX background and trivia, lyrical breakdowns, and best song nominations. They also discuss the Kendrick x Drake battle songs to see whether any of Kendrick's battle tracks make the cut.

Last Song Standing is an annual show on the Dissect podcast feed that attempts to crown an artist's greatest song of all time by debating their way through their entire discography. Past season can listened to for free on Spotify.

Dissect will resume its season on Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers in a few weeks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E9 - Dissecting 'Purple Hearts' by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Purple Hearts." As the final song of Disc 1, "Purple Hearts" represents a critical juncture in the album where Kendrick calls on God to guide him through the album's emotionally wrenching second half. Kendrick also receives guidance from Ghostface Killah, who plays a Saint-like role in the story.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E8 - Dissecting 'We Cry Together' by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with its eighth track "We Cry Together." We interpret the song as a representation of Eckhart Tolle's concept of the pain-body, an energy field within the body comprised of accumulated, unconfronted trauma and pain.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E7 - Dissecting 'Rich Spirit' by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Our season-long examination of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Rich Spirit," a song that displays both his spiritual progress and his fundamental flaw.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrating 10 Years of 'To Pimp A Butterfly'

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:15:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by journalist Rob Markman to discuss the 10 year anniversary of Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly. Together they reflect on the album's release and reception, its themes and narrative, and its legacy.

Watch Rob's iconic MTV interview with Kendrick here. Follow Rob Markman on YouTube.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Rob Markman

Video/Audio Producer: Kevin Pooler

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E6 - Why is Kodak Black on Mr. Morale? Dissecting "Rich - Interlude"

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:10:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Rich - Interlude," a track given to controversial rapper Kodak Black. Why? Well, that's exactly the question we attempt to answer.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

(00:00) Intro

(00:25) Father Time Recap

(01:55) Rich - Interlude

(03:36) Mr. Morale is a Morality Play

(08:25) Kodak Black Biography

(19:03) Rich Interlude Lyrical Dissection

(32:18) Why Kodak Black is on Mr. Morale

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E5 - Dissecting "Father Time" by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:10:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with a lyrical dissection of "Father Time." Kendrick confronts the mask of masculinity he inherited from his father and realizes he must transcend the toxic elements or risk passing them on to his own children.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E4 - Dissecting "Die Hard" by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:10:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Die Hard." After establishing the capacity for evil in all human beings on the previous song, "Die Hard" posits that the opposite must be true: that we all have the capacity for good, too.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E3 - Dissecting "Worldwide Steppers" by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:10:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with a lyrical analysis of "Worldwide Steppers."

New episodes release every Tuesday.

Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:25 Episode 2 Recap

01:21 "Worldwide Steppers" Intro Analysis

03:33 Meaning of "oklama"

07:25 Significance of Name Order

10:13 "Worldwide Steppers" Breakdown & Significance

12:13 Chorus Breakdown

14:48 Eckhart Tolle's Egoic Unconsciousness Explained

16:50 Verse 1 Analysis

28:15 Verse 2 Analysis

35:14 Chorus Analysis Pt 2

38:56 Verse 3 Analysis

53:52 Conclusions / Episode Recap

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E2 - Dissecting 'N95' by Kendrick Lamar [VIDEO]

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:10:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers continues with its second track "N95." Kendrick critiques the various masks we wear to fabricate our identities in our performance of self on the world's stage.

New episodes every Tuesday. Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick Lamar's Great American Game (Super Bowl Reaction)

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:37:00 -0000

Dissect host Cole Cuchna shares his initial thoughts and analysis on Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S13E1 - Kendrick Lamar: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers [VIDEO]

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Dissect's first VIDEO season is an 18-episode analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. After revisiting Kendrick's years-long public hiatus leading up to its 2022 release, today's episode dissects the album's opening track "United In Grief" - a song that sets up every major theme explored on the album.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Shop limited Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 13 begins February 4th. Plus Dissect is now VIDEO!

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:10:00 -0000

Dissect returns on Tuesday, February 4th with its first VIDEO season examining Kendrick Lamar's Mr Morale & The Big Steppers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mac Miller's 'Balloonerism' is an Existential Dream (Full Album Analysis)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:10:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna breaks down the title, themes, and sequencing of Mac Miller's Balloonerism - a surreal exploration of mortality, addiction, and dreams. Cole discusses each track in detail, with a special emphasis on the album's final track "Tomorrow Will Never Know."

Season 13 of Dissect will begin Tuesday, February 4th. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram for a clue contest leading up to the album reveal.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Favorite Music of 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Cole and Cam award their favorite music of the year across a number of categories, including Favorite Albums, Favorite Songs, Favorite Underground Album, Most Surprising Album, and more.

Listen to the playlist of songs featured in this episode here.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Camden Ostrander

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Best Bars of 2024. Plus: Drake vs Kendrick Retrospective

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:50:00 -0000

Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by Touré, King Green, and James Francis to reflect on the historic year in hip hop. They begin by revisiting the Drake and Kendrick battle, nominating their favorite song, lyrics, and quotable that came from the beef. Then they award and dissect their favorite rap lyrics of the year before closing out the show with their favorite song and album of 2024.

Follow Toure, King Green, and James Francis, and check out the Rap Latte podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unreleased MF DOOM Interview (Exclusive Premiere)

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:50:00 -0000

Alongside Rhymesayers Entertainment, Dissect is honored to premiere an unreleased interview with MF DOOM as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of MM..FOOD. Recorded in 2004 just weeks before FOOD's release, the interview spanned DOOM's entire career, including his origins as Zev Love X, his approach to writing and production, and thriving as an independent artist.

Shop MM..FOOD (20th Anniversary Edition)

Listen to MM..FOOD (20th Anniversary Edition)

Interviewed by Kevin Beacham

Produced by Kevin Beacham & Rob Vanvranken

Mixed by Rob Vanvranken

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick Lamar Is Out For Blood on 'GNX'

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:50:00 -0000

Cole and Femi discuss their first impressions of Kendrick Lamar's GNX. After sharing their first listen experience, they dissect the album's themes, concept, and provide extensive analysis on two key tracks: 'wacced out murals' and 'reincarnated.'

*Recorded 11/25/24. "Squabbled Up" video released during recording so it was not discussed.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Femi Olutade (Dissect S5 co-author)

Audio Producer: Kevin Pooler

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CHROMAKOPIA is here (and it's really good)

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Cole and Cam share their first impressions of Tyler The Creator's CHROMAKOPIA. They discuss the album's themes and sound, share their favorite moments and features, and attempt to dissect the meaning of the project's title and concept.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CHROMAKOPIA is coming! Here's what we know.

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The rollout for Tyler The Creator's Chromakopia has been a masterclass in world building and fan engagement. Cole dissects the various video snippets, album title, and character, and speculates on possible album themes and concepts ahead of its release on October 28th.

Next week, Cole will return to give his first impressions on the album.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doechii dissects "Alligator Bites Never Heal" [VIDEO]

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In our first ever artist interview, Doechii sits down with Cole for a song-by-song analysis of her new project "Alligator Bites Never Heal." They breakdown its lyrics, themes, title, and artwork, and talk about the pressures of the music industry. Cole also pitches one of his musical conspiracies, linking Doechii to Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" and Busta Rhymes "Woo Ha!"

Did you enjoy this convo? Let us know if you want more artist interviews by leaving a comment right here on Spotify.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick drops "Watch The Party Die" - is the album next?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:45:00 -0000

Cole dissects Kendrick Lamar's new song unofficially titled "Watch The Party Die" and theorizes about the possibility of new album coming soon as soon as Friday the 13th.

More recent Kendrick episodes:

Super Bowl Announcement Easter Eggs

"Not Like Us" Song + Video Analysis

"Euphoria" Analysis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Easter Eggs in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Announcement

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:30:00 -0000

There's more to it than you think. Cole dissects the many references and subliminal messages in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl announcement video.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crowning OutKast's Best Song | LAST SONG STANDING (Finale)

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The moment is here. After revisiting their entire discography over 6 episodes, Cole and Charles finally crown OutKast's Last Song Standing: the greatest OutKast song of all time.

Let us know your OutKast list by filling out the template at @dissectpodcast on Twitter or IG.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aquemini by OutKast | LAST SONG STANDING (E6)

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Our journey to crown the greatest OutKast song of all time continues with the duo's classic album Aquemini. Cole and Charles discuss its creation and release, quiz each other with album trivia, and then nominate which songs should be in contention for OutKast's all time best.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Engineer: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Boi: Speakerboxxx + Features | LAST SONG STANDING (E5)

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Our journey to crown the greatest OutKast song of all time continues with an episode dedicated to Big Boi. First we cover his 2003 album Speakerboxxx and then nominate our favorite Big Boi features and solo album cuts.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Guest/Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre 3000: The Love Below + Features | LAST SONG STANDING (E4)

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown OutKast's best song ever with a special episode dedicated to Andre 3000. They begin with Andre's 2003 "solo" album The Love Below, then explore Andre's incredible catalog of feature verses.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna, Charles Holmes

Producer, Guest: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Childish Gambino is back! First reaction to Bando Stone & The New World

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Cole and Cam share their thoughts on Childish Gambino's new album (and soon to be film) Bando Stone & The New World. They cover the album's rollout, its exploration of genre, initial thoughts on its concept, and name their Top 3 favorite moments on the album so far. At the end of the episode, they also share their favorite albums of 2024 so far.

Host/EP: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Camden Ostrander

Audio Engineer: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik | LAST SONG STANDING (E3)

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown OutKast's best song ever with the duo's 1994 debut Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Cole and Charles discuss the history of the album, quiz each other with trivia, and nominate the songs they feel should be in contention for OutKast's all time best.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna, Charles Holmes

Producer, Guest: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar - A Comprehensive Analysis

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 09:30:00 -0000

The most comprehensive analysis of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" to date. Join Dissect host Cole Cuchna as he unpacks every reference and easter egg in the song and music video, dissects the new music snippet at the video's start, and draws some final conclusions from the Drake and Kendrick battle as a whole.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ATLiens by OutKast | LAST SONG STANDING (E2)

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Our journey to crown OutKast's greatest song ever continues with the duo's sophomore masterpiece ATLiens. Cole and Charles debate its best songs, quiz each other with trivia, and provide some context and history around this seminal release.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer, Guest: Justin Sayles

Audio Engineer: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stankonia by OutKast | LAST SONG STANDING (E1)

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:20:00 -0000

Our journey to crown OutKast's greatest song ever begins with Stankonia - the album that transformed the duo into global superstars. Join Dissect host Cole Cuchna and The Ringer's Charles Holmes as they revisit the album's history and themes, stump each other with album trivia, and debate the songs that should be in contention for OutKast's greatest ever.

Let us know your picks off the album by tagging @dissectpodcast and @charlesxholmes.

Producer, Special Guest: Justin Sayles

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MF DOOM Song Draft

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:10:00 -0000

Cole, Cam, and Justin celebrate the end of the Season 12 with an MF DOOM song draft, selecting DOOM tracks across five categories. Share your picks with the guys on social media, tagging @dissectpodcast.

Host/EP: Cole Cuchna

Guests: Camden Ostrander, Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E12 - That's That by MF DOOM (Finale)

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:10:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of MF DOOM concludes with a line by line dissection of "That's That" off DOOM's final solo album Born Like This. We also discuss the controversial DOOMbot performance art shows before sharing some final takeaways from our months long study of Daniel Dumile's musical universe.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E11 - One Beer / Rapp Snitch Knishes by MF DOOM

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Our penultimate episode on MF DOOM features line by line dissections of two standout tracks off MM..FOOD: "One Beer" and "Rapp Snitch Knishes."

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E10 - Beef Rap by MF DOOM

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:50:00 -0000

We continue our season-long dissection of MF DOOM with a two part survey of 2004's MM..FOOD. We discuss the album's central concept and themes before a line by line analysis of its first track, "Beef Rap."

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E9 - Rhinestone Cowboy by Madvillain

Tue, 28 May 2024 09:50:00 -0000

Our analysis of MF DOOM and Madlib's Madvillainy concludes with its final cut "Rhinestone Cowboy." However, this isn't the final episode of the season. Next week, we begin our survey of MM...FOOD.

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E8 - All Caps / Great Day by Madvillain

Tue, 21 May 2024 09:50:00 -0000

Our analysis of MF DOOM and Madlib's Madvillainy continues with the iconic track "All Caps" followed by the album's penultimate cut "Great Day."

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E7 - Strange Ways / Fancy Clown by Madvillain

Tue, 14 May 2024 09:50:00 -0000

We continue our season long analysis of MF DOOM with a line by line dissection of Madvillainy's "Strange Ways" and "Fancy Clown."

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting "Euphoria" by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:50:00 -0000

A line by line analysis of Kendrick Lamar's new song "euphoria." Part 2 of our emergency double episode on the ongoing beef between Kendrick and Drake.

Our current season on MF DOOM will resume next Tuesday, May 14th.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick vs. Drake: Instant Reaction

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:40:00 -0000

Cole is joined by The Ringer's Charles Holmes and Justin Sayles to discuss the weekend's sudden and chaotic crescendo of the ongoing beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. They talk through the timeline events, discuss each track, and declare a winner. Finally, they rank their top 3 songs of the beef.

Our current season on MF DOOM will resume next Tuesday, May 14th.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E6 - Figaro by Madvillain

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:10:00 -0000

Our dissection of MF DOOM and Madlib's Madvillainy continues with "Figaro" - a track that finds both artists in prime form.

S12 Merch is available for a limited time here.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Money Folder by Madvillain (BONUS)

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:20:00 -0000

S12 co-writer Camden Ostrander joins the show for a special conversational episode dissecting "Money Folder" by MF DOOM and Madlib.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E5 - Raid / Curls by Madvillain

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:10:00 -0000

Our dissection of MF DOOM and Madlib's Madvillainy continues with the songs "Raid" and "Curls."

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E4 - Meat Grinder by Madvillain

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:10:00 -0000

Our season long dissection of MF DOOM and Madlib's Madvillainy continues with its third track "Meat Grinder" - a complex lyrical odyssey accompanied by an equally impressive beat.

Dissect S12 merchandise is now available here.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E3 - Accordion by Madvillain

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:10:00 -0000

We begin our season-long analysis of MF DOOM and Madlib's collaborative classic Madvillainy. We revisit the circumstances that brought the two together, then dive into the album's opening track "The Illest Villains" before our line by line analysis of "Accordion."

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting Operation Doomsday's Best Bars (BONUS)

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

S12 co-writer Camden Ostrander and The Ringer's Justin Sayles joins the show to nominate and dissect our favorite lines from MF DOOM's Operation Doomsday (0:50). Then we share our line by line analysis of the second and third verses of "Doomsday" that was cut from our last episode (40:51).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E2 - Operation: Doomsday by MF DOOM

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:30:00 -0000

Our dissection of MF DOOM continues with his debut Operation: Doomsday, an album in which DOOM lays the foundation for his multi-character musical universe. Through a detailed analysis of a few key samples and verses, we’ll discover the very human story hidden behind the villain’s mask.

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Co-Writer: Camden Ostrander

Additional Production: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S12E1 - MF DOOM: A Hero in a Villain's Mask

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:10:00 -0000

Season 12 of Dissect celebrates the life and legacy of MF DOOM through a line by line, beat by beat analysis of his art. Most of the season will be spent dissecting DOOM and Madlib’s classic Madvillainy, but we’ll also be covering his debut Operation Doomsday, MM..FOOD, and Born Like This.

On today’s episode, we explore the legend of DOOM’s origin story, including Daniel Dumile’s childhood in New York, the rise and tragic fall of his rap group KMD, and his reemergence as MF DOOM in the late 90s.

Host, Writer, EP: Cole Cuchna

Writer/Researcher: Camden Ostrander

Original Score/Audio: Kevin Pooler

Production Supervisor/Editor: Justin Sayles

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Favorite Music of 2023

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Cole is joined by Dissect co-writer Camden Ostrander and The Ringer's Justin Sayles and Charles Holmes to share their favorite music of the year.

Official companion playlist here. Purchase Dissect merch here.

Current state of music and hip hop in 2023 (2:54)

Favorite Song of the Year (18:30)

Album that Surprised Us (31:19)

Honorable Mention for AOTY (48:57)

Our Favorite 3 Albums of the Year (56:22)

Host/EP: Cole Cuchna

Guests: Camden Ostrander, Justin Sayles, Charles Holmes

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Radiohead Song Draft

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

The Ringer's Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan join Cole to draft their favorite Radiohead songs. Each of them must choose one song from every studio album, plus one wild card pick from the band's b-sides for a total of 10 songs each.

Shop Dissect Season 11 Merch.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/EP: Cole Cuchna

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talking Radiohead w/ Dr. Brad Osborn + Listener Submissions

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:10:00 -0000

Acclaimed Radiohead scholar Dr. Brad Osborn joins the show to talk all things Radiohead. We discuss the infamous In Rainbows x OK Computer "Binary Theory," In Rainbows' Disk 2, share our Top 5 Radiohead albums, and a lot more.

Then we hear from Dissect listeners around the world sharing their thoughts on In Rainbows.

Purchase Brad's book.

Listen to the Binary Theory.

Listen to Thom's alternative Hail To The Thief tracklist.

Host/EP: Cole Cuchna

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E11 - Videotape by Radiohead (Season Finale)

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:10:00 -0000

We conclude our season long analysis of Radiohead's In Rainbows with its final track "Videotape." We reveal the "secret rhythm" of the piano, give a step by step explanation of the stuttering percussion, and discuss the touching lyrics written from the perspective of a man saying a final goodbye before he dies. Finally, we take a look a Goethe's Faust as a possible reference point for the song and album before sharing some key takeaways from In Rainbows as a whole.

Shop Dissect Season 11 Merch.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Looking to fall down the rabbit hole of Videotape's syncopation debate? Start with these videos:

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E10 - Jigsaw Falling Into Place by Radiohead

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:51:00 -0000

We continue our dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows with its penultimate track "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" - a song about looking for romantic connection at a bar. Among the many things discussed is the song's odd guitar tuning, chiastic structure, and a potentially very ominous hidden narrative.

Shop Dissect Season 11 Merch.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E9 - House of Cards by Radiohead

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:38:00 -0000

Our season long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with an analysis of "House of Cards" - an immersive, reverb-soaked musing on the nature of desire and escape. We'll also cover the musical oddities in the track, including Jonny Greenwood's infamous "coin trick" on guitar and even the rumored dog barks in the background of the verses.

Shop Dissect Season 11 Merch.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E8 - Reckoner by Radiohead

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:31:00 -0000

Our season long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with an analysis of "Reckoner" - the song Thom Yorke described as the thematic center of the album, the point that everything leads to and then recedes from. We'll dissect just exactly what he means by that as well as the song's incredible rhythm section and deeply moving lyrics about the human experience.

Shop Dissect Season 11 Merch.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E7 - "In Rainbows" Title Analysis + Faust Arp

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:12:00 -0000

Our season long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with an analysis of its title and how its themes have appeared in every song thus far. Then we examine the album's sixth track "Faust Arp" - a unique song that features two acoustic guitars, strings, and Thom Yorke's cryptic, impressionistic lyrics.

Shop Dissect Season 11 Merch. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E6 - All I Need by Radiohead

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:15:00 -0000

Our season long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with its fifth track "All I Need" - a song that expresses the concept of limerence or the unrequited obsession passion for someone. Musically, we explore the concepts of rhythmic dissonance, terminally climactic song form, and tone clusters.

Shop Season 11 Merch here. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E5 - Weird Fishes / Arpeggi by Radiohead

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:30:00 -0000

Our season long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with its fourth track "Weird Fishes / Arpeggi" - an incredibly intricate musical arrangement that's considered among the band's best. We dissect the layered, multi-pattern guitar parts that create the song's immersive, oceanic soundscape as well as the potential symbolism of Thom Yorke's lyrics about being stuck at the bottom of the sea.

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E4 - Nude by Radiohead

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:15:00 -0000

Our season long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with its third track "Nude" - a song that took the band over 10 years to get right.

Listen to the Key Notes episode on the Minor 4 chord here.

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E3 - Bodysnatchers by Radiohead

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:30:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with its second track, Bodysnatchers - an adrenaline-fueled romp that explores the phenomenon of feeling disconnected from your own body.

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing on social media. It really helps.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E2 - 15 Step by Radiohead

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:30:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Radiohead's In Rainbows continues with its opening track "15 Step." We examine the song's unique asymmetrical time signature, its origins as a "rhythm experiment," the history of the number 15 in Radiohead songs, and much more.

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Additional Analysis: Dr. Brad Osborn

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Song Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S11E1 - Radiohead: In Rainbows

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

We begin our season long dissection of Radiohead's In Rainbows with a sweeping biography of the band, from their origins in Oxford, England to their historic run of landmark albums like The Bends, OK Computer, and Kid A.

Support Dissect by leaving a review or sharing this episode on social media. It really helps.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crowning Frank Ocean's Best Song Ever | LAST SONG STANDING (E5)

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:02:00 -0000

After Cole and Charles's enlightening, contentious, and entertaining odyssey through Frank Ocean's entire discography, the LSS Boyz are now forced to agree on the greatest Frank Ocean song of all time. They also announce the winner of the "Super Quiz Kids" trivia contest as well as debate what artists should be considered for next season's Last Song Standing.

Listen to Cole's Party Playlist here.

Executive Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Special Thanks: Intern Olivia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Blonde | LAST SONG STANDING (E4)

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:02:00 -0000

Cole and Charles continue their journey to crown Frank Ocean's greatest song of all time with his landmark album, Blonde. The LSS Boyz take us back to the album's surprise release, quiz each other with album facts, and then debate what songs from Blonde should be in the running for Frank's best ever.

Official LSS S2 Playlist here. Fan vote for the finale episode @dissectpodcast on Instagram or Twitter.

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Endless + Frank's Singles & Features | LAST SONG STANDING (E3)

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:02:00 -0000

Cole and Charles continue their journey to crown Frank Ocean's greatest song of all time with a special double episode tackling the staircase to nowhere, Endless, plus debate Frank's singles, loosies, and features.

Official LSS S2 Playlist here. Let us know what your Last Song Standing is from Channel Orange @dissectpodcast and @charlesxholmes.

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nostalgia, Ultra | LAST SONG STANDING (E2)

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:02:00 -0000

Cole and Charles continue their journey to crown Frank Ocean's greatest song of all time with Nostalgia, ULTRA - the project that put him on the map. The LSS Boyz travel back to 2011 with some mixtape background, quiz each other on fun facts, and debate what songs should be in contention for Frank's best ever.

Official LSS S2 Playlist here. Let us know what your Last Song Standing is from Channel Orange @dissectpodcast and @charlesxholmes.

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Channel Orange | LAST SONG STANDING (E1)

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:02:00 -0000

Cole and Charles begin their journey to crown Frank Ocean's greatest song of all time by covering the album that made him a star: Channel Orange. The LSS Boyz take us back to 2012 with some album background, quiz each other on Channel Orange facts, and debate what songs should be in contention for Frank's best ever.

Official LSS S2 Playlist here. Let us know what your Last Song Standing is from Channel Orange @dissectpodcast and @charlesxholmes.

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last Song Standing returns August 1st (Artist Reveal Inside!)

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:01:00 -0000

On Tuesday, August 1st, Cole Cuchna (Dissect) and Charles Holmes (The Midnight Boys) are back with Season 2 of Last Song Standing, a show that attempts to determine an artist's single greatest song by debating through their ENTIRE catalog. After crowning Kendrick Lamar's best song in Season 1, the LSS Boyz are now tackling one of the most enigmatic artists of a generation.

Listen to Last Song Standing on the Dissect feed every Tuesday beginning August 1st.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mailbag + Our Favorite Music of 2023 So Far

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:01:00 -0000

Dissect host Cole Cuchna and co-writer Camden Ostrander discuss their favorite albums of the year so far. Then they answer listener-submitted questions in Dissect's first ever "mailbag." Topics include Frank Ocean's Coachella performance, the process behind Dissect, our favorite albums of all time, and much more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E9 - "Walkin" by Denzel Curry

Tue, 30 May 2023 10:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape series concludes with a line-by-line dissection of "Walkin" by Denzel Curry from Melt My Eyez, See Your Future.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E8 - "Figaro" by MF DOOM / Madvillain

Tue, 23 May 2023 10:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape series continues with a line-by-line dissection of "Figaro" by MF DOOM & Madlib from their 2004 album Madvillainy.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E7 - "Mural" by Lupe Fiasco (PART 2)

Tue, 16 May 2023 10:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape series continues with a line by line dissection of "Mural" by Lupe Fiasco from his 2015 album Tetsuo & Youth. Part 2 of 2.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E6 - "Mural" by Lupe Fiasco (PART 1)

Tue, 09 May 2023 10:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape series continues with a line by line dissection of "Mural" by Lupe Fiasco from his 2015 album Tetsuo & Youth. Part 1 of 2.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E5 - "Introvert" by Little Simz

Tue, 02 May 2023 10:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape series continues with a line by line dissection of "Introvert" by Little Simz from her 2021 album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E4 - "The Story of OJ" by JAY-Z

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape continues with a line-by-line analysis of JAY-Z's 2017 track "The Story of OJ" from 4:44.

For clues on what artist and song we're dissecting next week, follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram.

Host: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Femi Olutade

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E3 - "6 Foot 7 Foot" by Lil Wayne

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape continues with a line-by-line dissection of Lil Wayne's first song released after his stint in prison - 2010's "6 foot 7 Foot."

Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E2 - "Nosetalgia" by Pusha T & Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:45:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape continues with a line-by-line analysis of Pusha T's 2013 track "Nosetalgia" featuring Kendrick Lamar.

For clues on what artist and song we're dissecting next week, follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram.

Host, writer: Cole Cuchna

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MX1E1 - "The Climb Back" by J Cole

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:01:00 -0000

Our "Lyrical Masters" mixtape kicks off with a line-by-line analysis of J Cole's 2020 track "The Climb Back."

For clues on what artist and song we're dissecting next week, follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram.

Host, writer: Cole Cuchna

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissect returns April 4th (Series Reveal Inside!)

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:55:00 -0000

Dissect returns with a brand new series on Tuesday, April 4th. Only on Spotify.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler, The Creator Song Draft

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Cole and Cam wrap Season 10 with a draft of their favorite Tyler, The Creator songs across his entire catalog (3:26). Then we hear from Dissect listeners across the world sharing their biggest takeaways from IGOR (1:12:35).

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Join Dissect Discord here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E12 - Season Finale: IGOR by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

We conclude our season-long analysis of IGOR by exploring the implications of the album's musical and thematic loop. We also dissect IGOR's cover art and influences before hearing from Dissect listeners around the world sharing their biggest takeaways from the album and season.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Join Dissect Discord here.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E11 - ARE WE STILL FRIENDS? by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of IGOR continues with ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?, the album's final track in which Tyler expresses his desire to remain friends his with former crush, and in the process, puts himself at risk of becoming entrapped in a endless loop of falling in and out of love. IGOR then ends with an ominous final note that contains a number of thematic and narrative implications.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E10 - I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 10:45:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of IGOR continues with I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE, a musical respite after the emotional gauntlet of the album's previous track GONE GONE / THANK YOU. As the IGOR's penultimate track, it buttons up many of the albums motifs while setting the stage for its grand finale: ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Favorite Music of 2022

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:45:00 -0000

Cole and Cam share their favorite music of 2022 across five categories: Top 3 Albums, Top 3 Songs, Under the Radar project, Best Lyric, and Best Production. Listen to the companion playlist here.

This episode was recorded live 12/13/22 on Spotify Live.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna

Guest: Camden Ostrander

Audio Engineer: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E9 - GONE GONE / THANK YOU by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of IGOR continues with GONE GONE / THANK YOU, a gorgeous double song in which Tyler memorializes the time shared with his beloved before finally becoming at peace with moving on.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E8 - WHAT'S GOOD by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of IGOR continues with WHAT'S GOOD, where Tyler uses the brash, masculine IGOR alter-ego to regain his autonomy after losing himself on the previous song PUPPET.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E7 - PUPPET by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 10:32:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of IGOR continues with the album's emotional rock bottom, PUPPET. Tyler realizes he's lost himself in his desperate pursuit of pleasing his crush, and looks to a symbolic patriarch, played by Kanye West, to help find his way.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E6 - A BOY IS A GUN* by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:31:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of IGOR continues with A BOY IS A GUN*. In the most sample heavy song on the album, Tyler uses a dichotomous gun symbol to express how his crush makes him feel: safe and in danger all at once.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E5 - NEW MAGIC WAND by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:45:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Tyler, The Creator's IGOR continues with "NEW MAGIC WAND" - a song Tyler described as his favorite song he's ever made. We unpack everything from its unlikely sample source to the historical associations of its main musical interval.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E4 - BOYFRIEND / RUNNING OUT OF TIME by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Tyler, The Creator's IGOR continues with "BOYFRIEND" - a song released as the fourth track only on the physical versions of IGOR - before breaking down the beautiful ballad "RUNNING OUT OF TIME."

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E3 - I THINK by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Tyler, The Creator's IGOR continues with its third track I THINK.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E2 - EARFQUAKE by Tyler, The Creator

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Tyler, The Creator's IGOR continues with his biggest song to date, EARFQUAKE.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S10E1 - Tyler, The Creator: IGOR

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Welcome to our season long examination of Tyler, The Creator's 2019 album IGOR, where we dissect the music, lyrics, and meaning of one song per episode. We begin with the album's first track "IGOR'S THEME," a mostly instrumental composition full of musical surprises, showcasing Tyler's skills as composer, producer, and arranger. And while subtle, the song's minimal lyrics actually foreshadow the album's narrative.

Shop Season 10 merchandise here.

Host, EP, Writer: Cole Cuchna

Writer: Camden Ostrander

Original Score: So Wiley

Audio Editor: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Birocratic

Recreations: Andrew Atwood

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10 begins Oct. 18th! Plus Hasan Minhaj returns to dissect The King's Jester

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Dissect returns with Season 10 on Tuesday, October 18th, right here on Spotify. For clues about what album is being dissected, follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram.

Then comedian Hasan Minhaj returns to the show to dissect his new special The King's Jester, available now on Netflix. Cole and Hasan talk meaningfully about its themes of family, fame, and freedom of speech. Hasan also reveals his process converting the live show to a taped special, discusses the theme music by Ludwig Göransson, and the inspiration behind the set, lighting, and even his outfit, designed by Fear of God's Jerry Lorenzo.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crowning Kendrick Lamar's Best Song Ever | LAST SONG STANDING (E7)

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Season finale! The moment is here. The LSS Boyz have been debating Kendrick Lamar's discography for six contentious episodes. Now it's time Cole and Charles are forced to crown the last song standing: the greatest Kendrick Lamar song of all time.

First, Cole and Charles will be forced to whittle down their list of songs from 8 to 3. These 3 songs advance to the royal rumble, where they will attempt to knock songs off each other's list until there is just one remaining.

LAST SONG STANDING is a new show from Dissect and The Ringer. Each season focuses on one artist in attempt to determine their greatest song of all time by debating through their ENTIRE catalog.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To Pimp A Butterfly | LAST SONG STANDING (E6)

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 09:30:00 -0000

These takes ain't freeeeee! In the penultimate episode of Last Song Standing Season 1, the LSS Boyz finally take on what some consider to be Kendrick Lamar's magnum opus, To Pimp A Butterfly. While this is Cole's favorite album of all time, Charles is...not as impressed.

Cast your vote in the poll below and follow the LSS playlist, updated weekly. You can also cast your vote for the listener's song pick to make it into the royal rumble season finale. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter or Instagram for instructions.

LAST SONG STANDING is a new show from Dissect and The Ringer. Each season focuses on one artist in attempt to determine their greatest song of all time by debating through their ENTIRE catalog.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick's Mixtapes, Loosies, & Features | LAST SONG STANDING (E5)

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Get the LSS Boyz on the phone! Our journey to crown Kendrick Lamar's best song ever continues with every track NOT on one of Kendrick's main releases. We're talking untitled, unmastered, Overly Dedicated, The Heart series, the K Dot mixtapes, The Black Panther soundtrack, and more.

Cast your vote in the poll below and follow the LSS playlist, updated weekly.

LAST SONG STANDING is a new show from Dissect and The Ringer. Each season focuses on one artist in attempt to determine their greatest song of all time by debating through their ENTIRE catalog. New episodes publish Thursdays on the Dissect feed.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Section.80 | LAST SONG STANDING (E4)

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Cole and Charles gather around the campfire to debate Kendrick Lamar's Section.80 and pick its best song. Will Charles continue his streak of normie picks? Will Cole once again choose a deep cut?

Cast your vote in the poll below and follow the LSS playlist, updated weekly.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DAMN. | LAST SONG STANDING (E3)

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz take on their biggest challenge to date as they are forced to crown the best song on Kendrick Lamar's DAMN.

Cast your vote in the poll below and be sure to follow the LSS Spotify playlist, updated weekly.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers | LAST SONG STANDING (E2)

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The LSS Boyz aren't your saviors, but they are here to debate Kendrick Lamar's latest project in order to determine its best song, the last song standing.

Follow the official LSS Spotify playlist, updated weekly.

LAST SONG STANDING is a new show from Dissect and The Ringer. Each season focuses on one artist in attempt to determine their greatest song of all time by debating through their ENTIRE catalog.

New episodes of Last Song Standing publish Thursdays on the Dissect feed.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

good kid, m.A.A.d. city | LAST SONG STANDING (E1)

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

In the premiere of LAST SONG STANDING, Cole and Charles debate Kendrick Lamar's good kid, mAAd city in order to determine the single best song on the album.

LAST SONG STANDING is a new show from Dissect and The Ringer. Each season focuses on one artist in attempt to determine their greatest song of all time by debating through their ENTIRE catalog.

New episodes of Last Song Standing publish Thursdays on the Dissect feed.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is Kendrick Lamar's Best Song Ever? LAST SONG STANDING (Trailer)

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Premiering this Thursday on the Dissect feed, LAST SONG STANDING is a new show from Cole Cuchna (Dissect) & Charles Holmes (The Ringer) where they attempt to determine your favorite artist's greatest song of all time. First up: KENDRICK LAMAR. Over 7 episodes, Cole and Charles will debate their way through Kendrick's ENTIRE catalog in order to crown the last song standing: Kendrick's best song of all time.

New episodes publish Thursdays on the Dissect feed.

Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Audio Production: Kevin Pooler

Theme Music: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (Part 9)

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 04:02:00 -0000

We conclude our analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE with its final song "Goodbye." We'll also discuss the rich symbolism of its final scenes as well as draw some final conclusion about the film.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (Part 8)

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 04:02:00 -0000

Our analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE continues with the special's climactic song "All Eyes On Me."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (Part 7)

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 04:02:00 -0000

We continue our series long analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE with "That Funny Feeling."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (PART 6)

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 04:02:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE continues with "Don't Wanna Know," "Shit," "All Time Low," and "Welcome to the Internet."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THE INSIDE OUTTAKES Reaction

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

In this bonus episode, Cole and Cam discuss their initial thoughts on Bo Burnham's THE INSIDE OUTTAKES released on the 1 year anniversary of INSIDE.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (Part 5)

Tue, 31 May 2022 09:01:00 -0000

Our series long analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE continues with "Look Who's Inside Again," "Problematic," and "30" - a sequence of songs that mark the special's definitive turn inward.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (Part 4)

Tue, 24 May 2022 04:02:00 -0000

Our song by song, scene by scene analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE continues with "Unpaid Intern," "Bezos 1," and "Sexting."

Follow @dissectpodcast on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Impressions: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Tue, 17 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Cole sits down with Femi Olutade (Dissect S5 co-writer) and Charles Holmes (The Ringer Music Show) to discuss their first impressions of Kendrick Lamar's new album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.

Check out Dissect's full seasons on Kendrick Lamar's albums To Pimp a Butterfly (Season 1) and DAMN. (Season 5).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (Part 3)

Tue, 10 May 2022 04:02:00 -0000

Our song by song, scene by scene analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE continues with "How The World Works" and "White Woman's Instagram."

Follow @dissectpodcast on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE (Part 2)

Tue, 03 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Our song by song, scene by scene analysis of Bo Burnham's INSIDE continues with "Comedy" and "FaceTime With My Mom."

Follow @dissectpodcast on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting INSIDE by Bo Burnham (Part 1)

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 04:01:00 -0000

We begin our 7 part analysis of the music, skits, and themes of Bo Burnham's INSIDE, a music comedy special that captures what it feels like to be alive in the 21st Century. Today's episode explains how INSIDE's opening scene connects directly to Bo's previous comedy special, before examining the opening song "Content."

Follow @dissectpodcast on TIkTok, Instagram, & Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hasan Minhaj talks Kanye, Tyler The Creator, & Compares Comedy and Music

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:01:00 -0000

After Cole reveals the subject of the upcoming mini-series of Dissect, comedian Hasan Minhaj joins the show to talk about the arts of music and comedy, tells us why his favorite album of all time is Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and dissects his new special The King's Jester.

Check out Hasan's performance as The Riddler in the new audio series Batman Unburied here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E18 - Finale: Swimming In Circles

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:01:00 -0000

We conclude our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming In Circles. We examine the albums’ artwork, discuss its most prominent thematic motifs, and draw some final conclusions about Mac’s parting musical statement. Then we hear from Dissect listeners around the world sharing their biggest takeaways from the albums.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Mac Miller Song Draft, Q&A, and More

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000

Recorded live on Greenroom, Cole and Cam end Season 9 by choosing their favorite 9 Mac Miller songs followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Then we hear the remaining listener submissions sharing their biggest takeaways from Swimming In Circles.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E17 - Once a Day by Mac Miller

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:02:00 -0000

We continue our analysis of Mac Miller’s Circles with its final track “Once a Day” – one of the most intimate, honest, and heartfelt expression in Mac’s entire catalog.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E16 - Surf by Mac Miller

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our analysis of Mac Miller’s Circles with “Surf.”

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Purchase The Book of Mac by Donna-Claire Chesman here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baro Sura on Making ‘Hand Me Downs’ with Mac Miller (BONUS)

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000

Australian artist Baro Sura joins the show to talk about meeting Mac Miller for the first time and making the song “Hand Me Downs” with him just 72 hours later.

Follow Baro on Instagram. Listen to his music here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E15 - Hand Me Downs by Mac Miller

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our analysis of Mac Miller’s Circles with “Hand Me Downs,” an gentle anthem dedicated to those who hold us down when we lose our grip.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E14 - Woods by Mac Miller

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000

We resume our analysis of Mac Miller’s Circles with “Woods,” a gorgeous song that finds Mac speaking intimately about love and love lost.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E13 - Good News by Mac Miller

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:52:54 -0000

We resume our analysis of Mac Miller’s Circles with its beautiful lead single “Good News.”

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E12 - Circles by Mac Miller

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:01:00 -0000

We resume our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming In Circles with the opening track of his posthumous album Circles.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Favorite Music of 2021

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 05:01:00 -0000

Cole is joined by co-writer Camden Ostrander to discuss their favorite music of 2021. Then Charles Holmes from the The Ringer Music Show joins to do the same.

Listen to a playlist of the songs mentioned on this episode here.

Want to share your favorites with Cole and Cam? Join them on Greenroom Tuesday, December 21st at 9:30pm EST.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E11 - So It Goes by Mac Miller

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with it’s final track “So It Goes.” Among the many revelations made in this episode is how “So It Goes” intentionally sets up Swimming’s companion album, Circles.

Dissect will return in January 2022 to analyze Circles over 6 episodes.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E10 - 2009 by Mac Miller

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with the album’s crown jewel: 2009.

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E9 - Dunno / Jet Fuel by Mac Miller

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with two tracks united by clouds: “Dunno” and “Jet Fuel.”

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Conversation about Conversation Pt. 1 by Mac Miller

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000

In this bonus episode, Cole and Cam talk through Mac Miller’s “Conversations Pt. 1.” While the song feels like one big flex, as always, there’s layers beneath Mac’s bravado, including guilt, confusion, and paranoia.

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E8 - Small Worlds by Mac Miller

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with its eighth track, “Small Worlds.”

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E7 - Ladders by Mac Miller

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with its seventh track, “Ladders.”

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E6 - Wings by Mac Miller

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with its sixth track, “Wings.”

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E5 - Self Care by Mac Miller

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with its fifth track, “Self Care.”

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"The Book of Mac" with author Donna-Claire Chesman

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Cole and Cam sit down with Donna-Claire Chesman to talk about her new book "The Book of Mac: Remembering Mac Miller."

Purchase the book on Amazon, Brooklyn Vegan, Barnes & Nobles, or better yet, your local bookstore.

Follow Donna-Claire on Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E4 - Perfecto by Mac Miller

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with its fourth track, “Perfecto.”

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting Mac Miller's Faces

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

S9 co-writer Camden Ostrander joins Cole to discuss their approach to Swimming In Circles before dissecting Faces, Mac's 2014 mixtape that recently hit streaming services.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E3 - What’s The Use? by Mac Miller

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with its third track, “What’s The Use?” It’s here that Mac at once asks the fundamental existential question (“what’s the use?”) and dismisses the need to ask questions at all (“what’s the use?”).

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E2 - Hurt Feelings by Mac Miller

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s Swimming with its second track, “Hurt Feelings.” Produced by J Cole, the song finds Mac establishing one of the central themes of the album: the multiplicity of emotions -- how we can feel one way one minute, and another way the next.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S9E1 - Mac Miller: Swimming In Circles

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:01:00 -0000

We begin our season-long analysis of Mac Miller’s conceptual double album Swimming In Circles.

This season includes discussion of substance misuse and addiction. For resources on these topics, visit spotify.com/resources.

Shop Season 9 merchandise here.

Follow Dissect on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Restoring Empathy

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Season 9 premieres Tuesday October 5th only on Spotify! Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram for clues and contest. Plus Cole shares his experience at a recent James Blake concert.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DONDA First Impressions

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Cole sits down with Femi Olutade and Chris Lambert to share first impressions to Kanye West's Donda. They talk about the album's prolonged rollout, its many features, some early themes and symbols, share their favorite tracks, and more.

Recorded live from Spotify Greenroom.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E13 - Epilogue: The Life of Pablo

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Yeezus brought Kanye to the church steps with his divine woman. But what happened after the vows were exchanged? That's the journey of The Life of Pablo.

Follow Cole's new show KEY NOTES on Spotify. Premieres June 29th.

Watch "How Kanye West Uses Samples to Tell Stories" Analysis Video.

Shop Season 8 merch here.

Follow Dissect on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E12 - Finale: The YEEZUS Tour

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 04:01:00 -0000

In our Season 8 finale, we dissect the narrative and stage design of Kanye West's 2013 Yeezus Tour. In this five act show, Kanye uses songs from his entire catalog to mythologize his life.

Follow Cole's new show Key Notes on Spotify.

Buy limited Season 8 merch here.

Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Yeezus Song Draft w/ Travis Bean & Chris Lambert

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 17:51:00 -0000

Cole sits down with S8 co-writers Travis Bean and Chris Lambert for a first ever "Song Draft" -- an NBA-style draft of the songs on Kanye West's Yeezus.

Follow Travis and Chris's podcast Watching The Throne, a lyrical analysis of Kanye West.

This episode was recorded on Greenroom, Spotify's new social audio app.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E11 - Bound 2 by Kanye West

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:42:59 -0000

Follow Cole's new show KEY NOTES: https://spoti.fi/3w8NJgA

Our serialized analysis of Yeezus continues with its final track “Bound 2,” a song that resolves the album both musically and narratively. Back in the club on a Thursday, Yeezus finally meets the one girl worth a thousand of the others he’s been sleeping with. But why is it the over-the-top player Jerome who gets the final word on the album?

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E10 - Send It Up by Kanye West

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Yeezus continues with its penultimate track “Send It Up.” After the emotional journey we’ve witnessed on the album, why is Yeezus back in the club indulging in all the things we know are problematic for him? The answer to this question is found in the song’s brilliant use of samples.

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E9 - Guilt Trip by Kanye West

Tue, 25 May 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Yeezus continues with “Guilt Trip.” After the catharsis and breakthrough of “Blood on the Leaves, ” Yeezus seems ready to move on and leave the heartbreak behind him, a task that proves easier said than done.

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Shea Serrano & Jinx on No Skips, Yeezus, The Off Season

Fri, 21 May 2021 13:01:20 -0000

In this special episode, Cole sits down with Shea Serrano & Brandon 'Jinx' Jenkins to talk about their new music show No Skips, their thoughts on Yeezus, and J Cole's new album The Off Season.

Listen to No Skips with Jinx and Shea on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3wg1J7Q

Read Jinx's SLAM cover story on J Cole: https://covers.slamonline.com/j-cole

Pre-Order Shea's new book Hip Hop (& Other Things): https://amzn.to/2Rq42ql

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E8 - Blood on the Leaves by Kanye West

Tue, 18 May 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Yeezus continues with the epic “Blood on the Leaves.” Here Yeezus reveals that a woman he once loved was stolen by the limelight, leaving an open wound that he’s been unable to heal. We break down the song’s many samples, references, and interpolations in what is undoubtedly one Kanye West’s greatest musical achievements.

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E7 - I’m In It by Kanye West

Tue, 11 May 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Yeezus continues with “I’m In It.” After being rejected by an ex-girlfriend, Yeezus uses his celebrity status and escapes into a world of sex to mend his bruised ego. He conflates his political ambitions with sexual dominance before the song’s final verse reveals that Yeezus is reaching his breaking point.

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E6 - Hold My Liquor by Kanye West

Tue, 04 May 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Yeezus continues with “Hold My Liquor.” After failing to overthrow the powers that be, Yeezus retreats into a haze of alcohol and drugs, drunkenly visiting an ex-girlfriend who rejects him. How will his ego take this blow?

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E5 - New Slaves by Kanye West

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Yeezus continues with “New Slaves.” Over menacing, pulsating dissonance, Kanye expresses his belief that our cultural addiction to material things makes us “new slaves” to the handful of white billionaires who control the majority of the country’s wealth.

But the song takes a dramatic 180 near its end as a man singing in Hungarian provides one of the biggest keys to unlocking the album’s narrative.

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E4 - I Am A God by Kanye West

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our serialized examination of Yeezus continues with “I Am A God.” Written after being rejected entry into a Paris fashion show, “I Am A God” finds Kanye supercharging his ego and recklessly demanding a threesome, a massage, and….croissants. But why isn’t anyone taking him seriously?

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing DECODE - a UK adaptation of Dissect

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:21:42 -0000

Decode is a new podcast from Spotify UK and Dissect premiering April 22nd only on Spotify. Follow Decode on Spotify and never miss an episode:

Hosted by Kayo Chingonyi, Decode gets deep inside an album, track by track, line by line, beat by beat - deconstructing the ingredients which make a masterpiece.

In series one Decode takes a sonic journey into Dave’s award-winning concept album, Psychodrama. Join Dave on the therapy couch for “Psycho”, navigate the alleyways of his hometown “Streatham”, discover the secret sauce of the club favourite “Location”, and take in the epic scope of “Black”.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E3 - Black Skinhead by Kanye West

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0000

We continue our track by track analysis of Yeezus with “Black Skinhead.” Produced by Daft Punk, “Black Skinhead” is our first indication that Yeezus has ambitions outside of his celebrity lifestyle of sex and money. He channels the spirit of Malcolm X to rally his troops to rebel against the systemic injustice he sees in society. But is anyone listening?

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E2 - On Sight by Kanye West

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our song by song analysis of Yeezus begins with its opening track “On Sight.” We meet the crude Yeezus character in his natural habitat at a nightclub, living an indulgent life fueled by drugs and women. But midway through the song there’s an unexpected sample of a gospel choir that foreshadows the fact that while Yeezus may be getting everything he wants, it’s not what he needs.

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S8E1 - Kanye West: YEEZUS

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:01:00 -0000

Our season-long dissection of Yeezus by Kanye West begins now! After revisiting the album’s polarizing impact in 2013, we set up our song by song analysis of Yeezus with a brief discussion of how Kanye uses his albums to tell larger stories about his life. We then document the real life events that inspired the creation of Yeezus, including Kanye’s struggles breaking into the fashion industry, his new relationship with Kim Kardashian, and the many classic interviews that accompanied the Yeezus era.

Limited Season 8 merchandise is available at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E14 - Season Finale: Because The Internet

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

We conclude our season long analysis of Because The Internet with a sweeping recap of the album and script’s central narrative. We then outline and analyze the world’s main themes and symbols before hearing from Dissect listeners directly.

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Dive deeper into the world of Because The Internet with our episodic visual guides (https://bit.ly/30EKbF1), where you can also read the BTI screenplay in full. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Talking Childish Gambino with S7 co-writer Camden Ostrander

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Cole and S7 co-writer Camden Ostrander have a conversation about Childish Gambino, Because The Internet, 3.15.20, Glover as an artist, and more. Then they answer a handful of questions submitted by Dissect listeners (yes, they address those mysterious alien videos).

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E13 - Life: The Biggest Troll by Childish Gambino

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Because The Internet concludes with a retrospective wherein Gambino and Glover look back at the world’s main narrative and provide insights with a newfound freedom and clarity. After expressing the inherent irony of life -- that we’re all dying from the day we are born -- Gambino’s plea at the end of the album expresses his ultimate call to action and leap of faith.

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E12 - Earth: The Oldest Computer by Childish Gambino

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “Earth: The Oldest Computer.” Gambino and The Boy grapple with the meaning of life and our time on Earth at The Boy’s moment of death in the BTI screenplay.

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E11 - Urn / Pink Toes by Childish Gambino

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “Urn” and “Pink Toes.” Gambino continues to grapple with the loss of his father and spreads his ashes in Stockholm. Then after returning home, he meets a girl and falls in love. But how long can this euphoric bliss last?

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E10 - Zealots of Stockholm by Childish Gambino

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “Zealots of Stockholm.” After waking up from a drug overdose, Gambino is told that his father died. Lost and alone, he travels to Stockholm, Sweden to collect his remains, and attempts to connect with one of his online followers.

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E9 - Flight of the Navigator by Childish Gambino

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “Death by Numbers” and “Flight of the Navigator.” After attempting to take his own life, Gambino’s drug overdose sends him to a dreamy, intermediate world where he flies over everything and sees the connection and unity among all life on earth.

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E8 - The Party / No Exit by Childish Gambino

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “The Party” and “No Exit.” Here Gambino’s existential crisis comes to a head. After going berserk at a party at his house and kicking everyone out, he goes on a late-night drive to clear his head and gain clarity. Stuck in a loop and unable to break free, he attempts to take his own life at the end of Act 3.

Shop limited Season 7 merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - BTI’s Secret Track: 3005 (Beach Picnic Version)

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

In one of the more creative pieces of the Because The Internet world, Donald Glover created a secret track that fans had to assemble by connecting various pieces of the world together, including passwords, computer coding, acapella tracks, and more. We unpack this process and examine the song itself. This episode is part of our larger dissection of “3005” that includes an analysis video, web guide, and standard episode.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E7 - 3005 by Childish Gambino

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “3005.” Commonly mistaken as a love song, “3005” is a desperate plea for connection amidst an overwhelming feeling of existential loneliness.

View our 3005 music video analysis on YouTube or Instagram.

Dive deeper into the world of BTI with our episodic visual guides, where you can also read the BTI screenplay in full. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E6 - Sweatpants by Childish Gambino

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “Sweatpants.” After being rejected by a past girlfriend, Gambino’s defense mechanisms kick-in, triggering an ego-fueled barrage of boasts and brags. But by the song’s end, Gambino breaks down, revealing the chinks in his armor.

Shop Season 7 Merch: https://bit.ly/36ClxIV

Dive deeper into the world of BTI with our episodic visual guides (https://bit.ly/30EKbF1) where you can also read the BTI screenplay in full. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E5 - Telegraph Ave. by Childish Gambino

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “Telegraph Ave.” Gambino takes a long drive from LA to Oakland to visit a past girlfriend, only to be rejected immediately upon arrival.

Dive deeper into the world of BTI with our visual guides, where you can also read the BTI screenplay in full. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E4 - The Worst Guys / Shadows by Childish Gambino

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “The Worst Guys” and “Shadows.” Since witnessing the murder outside a nightclub, Gambino begins questioning everything in his life, including his friends and his past girlfriends. He’s coming to realize his life so far has been one long meaningless party.

Dive deeper into the world of BTI with our https://dissectpodcast.com/bti-visual-guides”>visual guides, where you can also read the https://dissectpodcast.com/because-the-internet-screenplay”>BTI screenplay in full. Follow us on http://twitter.com/dissectpodcast”>Twitter and http://instagram.com/dissectpodcast”>Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E3 - Worldstar by Childish Gambino

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with “Worldstar” -- a song with more than a few hidden secrets and surprises. We reveal all of them.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E2 - Crawl by Childish Gambino

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long examination of Because The Internet with the album’s opening song “Crawl.” Here we meet the album’s protagonist The Boy - a Black, rich internet troll who lives in a glass-walled mansion on top of a hill.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S7E1 - Childish Gambino: Because The Internet

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Our season-long analysis of Because The Internet by Childish Gambino begins with a brief overview of Donald Glover’s rise to fame and his debut album Camp. Then we cover some of the main ancillary components of the transmedia world of Because The Internet before dissecting the connection between the end of Camp and the beginning of BTI.

Dive deeper into the world of BTI with our visual guides, where you can also read the BTI screenplay in full. Follow us on http://twitter.com/dissectpodcast">Twitter and http://instagram.com/dissectpodcast">Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Talking BLACK IS KING with director Kwasi Fordjour & more

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Get a behind the scenes look at the making of BLACK IS KING as Cole and Titi talk to co-director Kwasi Fordjour, stylist Zerina Akers, and music director Derek Dixie about their work on the film.

Shop our limited merch for this series at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BLACK IS KING (Part 6)

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING concludes with an examination of “BLACK PARADE.”

Released on Juneteenth 2020, “BLACK PARADE” is Beyonce’s final call to action and a prideful celebration of the African motherland.

Shop our limited merch for this series at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BLACK IS KING (Part 5)

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “Otherside,” “My Power,” and “Spirit.”

Simba returns to the river to be reborn, reclaims his royal identity, and reunites with his father in heaven. Assisted by powerful women, Simba defeats Scar and reclaims his throne. Simba then raises his own child into the air, just as his father before him, completing his journey and fulfilling the circle of life.

Shop our limited merch for this series at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BLACK IS KING (Part 4)

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “Water,” “Brown Skin Girl,” and “Keys to the Kingdom.”

This act of the film introduces the divine feminine, Nala, who heals Simba through her loving affirmation. Simba learns to give all of himself in marriage, symbolizing the ideal balance between divine masculine and feminine energy.

Shop our limited merch for this series at http://shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BLACK IS KING (Part 3)

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “MOOD 4 EVA,” “Ja Ara E,” and “Already.”

After fleeing the Pride Lands, Simba is rudely awakened from his fantasy of the American Dream by the nightmare of his past. His ancestral guides encourage Simba to remember his true royal identity and reclaim his throne.

Shop our limited merch for this series at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BLACK IS KING (Part 2)

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “Don’t Jealous Me,” “Scar,” and “Nile.”

After Mufasa is murdered by Scar’s henchmen, Simba flees his home to live in denial of his true royal identity, setting off his journey outside the Pride Lands.

Shop our limited merch for this series at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BLACK IS KING (Part 1)

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING is a love letter to Africa, and we’re dissecting its story, music, and many visual symbols in a special seven part mini-series.

We begin with the film’s opening two songs “Bigger” and “Find Your Way Back,” where we meet the film’s central protagonist, Simba, and his ancestral spirit guide played by Beyonce.

Shop our limited merch for this series at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E14 - Coda: 4:44 & Everything Is Love

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We follow up our season long analysis of Lemonade by examining Jay-Z’s 4:44 and The Carter’s Everything is Love. With 4:44, Jay-Z offers his perspective on the couple’s marriage crisis while Everything is Love celebrates the restoration of their marriage. When taken in totality, the three albums create a narrative trilogy, an extremely unique musical offering. Follow Dissect on social media @dissectpodcast. Limited S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E13 - Finale: Lemonade by Beyoncé

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We conclude our season-long analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade. We begin with a sweeping summary of the album’s narrative, followed by a detailed investigation of its major themes and recurring symbols. Finally, we hear from YOU - Dissect listeners -- sharing their biggest takeaways from the album and season. Stay in touch over the break by following us on social media @dissectpodcast. Limited S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Lemonade Q&A w/ Titi, Maggie, and Cole

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

The Season 6 team answers listener submitted questions about Beyoncé, Lemonade, and more. Stay in touch over the break by following us on social media @dissectpodcast. Limited S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E12 - Formation by Beyoncé

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its final song and video “Formation.” The track is Beyoncé’s clarion call to the sisterhood of black women we’ve seen throughout Lemonade. She encourages them to “get in formation” -- to unite and take a stand against injustice and discrimination through unity, excellence, and harnessing Black Girl Magic. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E11 - All Night by Beyoncé

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its eleventh and final chapter “Redemption,” which features the song “All Night.” Beyoncé marks the conclusion of her personal journey and the redemption of her marriage. She has triumphed over the curse that plagued her and her family throughout the film, and she celebrates having turned lemons into lemonade. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E10 - Freedom by Beyoncé

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its tenth chapter “Hope,” which features the song “Freedom.” Beyoncé gathers her sisterhood at a former slave plantation to deliver an empowering message of hope and transcendence over oppressive forces. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E9 - Forward by Beyoncé

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its ninth chapter “Resurrection,” which features the song “Forward.” Having restored her relationship, Beyoncé turns her attention to social action and communal healing, beginning with a moving portrait of the Mothers of the Movement. Support the ongoing fight of systemic racism and equality for all by visiting these links: trayvonmartinfoundation.org, colorofchange.org, joincampaignzero.org, and 8cantwait.org. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E8 - Sandcastles by Beyoncé

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its eighth chapter “Forgiveness,” which features the song “Sandcastles.” Beyoncé finally opens herself up completely, requires her husband to do the same, and forgives. As a result, Beyoncé breaks the curse of broken male-female relationships in her family. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Moment of Silence for George Floyd

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:01:00 -0000

8 minutes and 46 seconds. The amount of time Officer Derek Chauvin's knee was pressed into George Floyd's neck. We encourage our listeners to use this time of silence to remember the Black lives lost to police brutality, reflect on the Black lives affected every day by systemic injustice and discrimination, and how we can individually and collectively fill this silence with sustained action. Visit blacklivesmatters.carrd.co to get started.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E7 - Love Drought by Beyoncé

Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its seventh chapter “Reformation,” which features the song “Love Drought.” Beyoncé extends an olive branch to her husband, expresses the potential of the love they share, and entertains the idea of reconciliation. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E6 - Daddy Lessons by Beyoncé

Tue, 19 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its sixth chapter “Accountability,” which features the song “Daddy Lessons.” Beyoncé looks to her past to better understand the history of broken male-female relationships in her family. She realizes that the “gun” she inherited from her father must be disarmed if she wishes to reconcile with her partner. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E5 - 6 Inch by Beyoncé (feat. The Weeknd)

Tue, 12 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its fifth chapter “Emptiness,” which features the song “6 Inch.” We find Beyoncé wielding her sexuality for profit in a powerful anthem for working girls. But is there something else beneath her external show of dominance? A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast. S6 merch can be purchased at shop.dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E4 - Sorry by Beyoncé

Tue, 05 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its fourth chapter “Apathy,” which features the song “Sorry.” The inside of the Madewood Plantation big house in Louisiana becomes the backdrop for Beyoncé’s apathetic dismissal of her partner. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E3 - Don’t Hurt Yourself by Beyoncé (feat. Jack White)

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its third chapter “Anger,” which features the song “Don’t Hurt Yourself.” Beyoncé flips stereotypical gender roles to command the respect of her partner and reclaim her agency. But how long can her anger sustain? A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Titi & Cole visit the Louisiana Plantations in Lemonade

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 04:03:00 -0000

Hear S6 co-host Titi and Cole in conversation about their experience traveling together to the Louisiana sugar plantations seen throughout the visuals of Lemonade. We’ll also learn more about Titi, her educational background, and both Cole and Titi’s history with Beyoncé’s music. Listen to Titi’s podcast Dope Labs: https://open.spotify.com/show/3pCF6hcNsAHKlKAillCOuZ?si=d0UliQ9VTVOCcleDdEoTVQ.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E2 - Hold Up by Beyoncé

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 04:02:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of Beyoncé’s Lemonade by dissecting its second chapter “Denial,” which features the song “Hold Up.” After unsuccessfully attempting to change for her husband’s sake, Beyoncé channels the Yoruba water goddess Oshun to deliver a spiteful message. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com. Follow us on social media @dissectpodcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S6E1 - Beyoncé: LEMONADE

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Surprise! Season 6 is dedicated to Beyoncé’s masterwork Lemonade. Through in-depth, highly researched analysis, we follow Beyoncé on her transcendent journey from subjugation to freedom. Today we unpack the visual album’s opening chapter “Intuition,” which features the song “Pray You Catch Me.” We’ll come to understand the curse that looms over Beyonce and how she must take a leap of faith to overcome this curse for the sake of her family. We also welcome our very first co-host Titi Shodiya. Listen to her podcast Dope Labs: https://open.spotify.com/show/3pCF6hcNsAHKlKAillCOuZ?si=d0UliQ9VTVOCcleDdEoTVQ. A visual guide for this episode can be found at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E20 - Season Finale: DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 07:05:00 -0000

We conclude our season on DAMN. by recapping the album’s narrative in standard track order before speculating on an alternative narrative when listening in reverse track order. Finally, we present a new theory about the album’s track listing (did someone say “chiasm”?). Stay connected over the break by following @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Cole and Femi Q&A + Listeners Share Thoughts on DAMN.

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 05:05:00 -0000

Cole and S5 co-writer Femi answer listener submitted questions and share some final thoughts on the season. Then we hear directly from Dissect listeners who share their biggest takeaways from DAMN. Stay connected over the break by following @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E19 - DUCKWORTH. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

DUCKWORTH. tells the remarkable true story of the chance encounter between Kendrick’s father Kenny Duckworth and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. Kendrick uses this story to illustrate the album’s central message: the (unpredictable) blessings that come from choosing weakness. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E18 - GOD. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

After receiving guidance from Cousin Carl on FEAR., Kung Fu Kenny expresses the joyous feeling of being filled with the spirit of GOD. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E17 - FEAR. (Part 2) by Kendrick Lamar

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

In part two of our analysis of FEAR., we come to understand how fear has been the primary motivating factor in Kung Fu Kenny’s life. Kenny consolidates the album’s major themes into one extremely dense final verse, which unlocks many of the album’s mysteries. Finally, we dissect Cousin Carl’s voicemail that explains the reasons behind Kenny’s tumultuous emotional journey over the course of DAMN. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E16 - FEAR. (Part 1) by Kendrick Lamar

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

FEAR. is the pivotal track in the narrative of DAMN. We begin our two part analysis by dissecting the song’s virtuosic use of samples before digging into the appearance of Kendrick Lamar’s two real life cousins: Carl and Charles. Finally, we unpack the song’s first verse, which is rapped from the perspective of Kendrick’s mother. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E15 - XXX. (Part 2) by Kendrick Lamar

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

In part two of our analysis of XXX., we discover the dramatic twist in the narrative of DAMN. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E14 - XXX. (Part 1) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

XXX. is a multipart suite that begins to reveal the deep-rooted themes of DAMN. We find Kung Fu Kenny seemingly under demonic influence as he portrays himself as a heartless, bloodthirsty killer. By the song’s second half, we discover the event that triggered such ruthlessness. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E13 - LOVE. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Coming off the heels of LUST., LOVE. presents the flipside of the coin as Kung Fu Kenny explores the youthful, romantic love he felt as a teenager. As we’ll discover, this isn’t the first time Kendrick has explored the love/lust dichotomy in his music: it was actually the basis for his major label debut good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Producer DJ Dahi on Making DAMN.

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Cole sits down with DJ Dahi, acclaimed co-producer of five tracks on DAMN. and sole producer of "Money Trees" from GKMC. The conversation begins with Dahi's eclectic influences and his big break in producing "Money Trees." Then, Dahi talks us through the story behind each track he helped produce on DAMN.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E12 - LUST. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

When DAMN. released just months after Donald Trump was elected president, many were anticipating the moment Kendrick Lamar -- the greatest rapper of our generation -- addressed the election on the album. LUST. presents that moment, but not in a way many people were expecting…Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E11 - HUMBLE. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

We continue our season-long analysis of DAMN. with the album’s hit single HUMBLE. Coming off the heels of PRIDE. in which Kung Fu Kenny admitted his imperfections, we are puzzled to find Kenny egotistically lifting himself up by putting down others. But as we’ll hear, this mentality embodies the central biblical theme that powerful rulers and nations often become corrupted by pride. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Mid-Season Recap w/ Cole & Femi

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Cole and S5 co-writer Femi Olutade sit down to review and reflect on the narrative and themes of DAMN’s first half. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E10 - PRIDE. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Kung Fu Kenny takes a big step forward by admitting his imperfections and humbling himself. As track 7 of 14, we hypothesize about PRIDE. being a micro-resolution to DAMN’s first half. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E9 - LOYALTY. by Kendrick Lamar (feat. Rihanna)

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 18:36:00 -0000

Kung Fu Kenny teams with Bad Girl RiRi for a meditation on the concept of LOYALTY. What begins as a self-serving demand for absolute devotion eventually unfolds into a recognition that one’s highest degree of loyalty should be shown to God. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E8 - FEEL. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Kung Fu Kenny’s pursuit of sex, money, and murder comes to a head in FEEL. In a violent storm of emotions, Kenny reveals the underlying isolation and suffering caused by his self-centered way of life. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Dissecting JESUS IS KING w/ co-writer Femi Olutade

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Cole and Femi discuss Kanye West's new album JESUS IS KING, including a song-by-song thematic analysis.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E7 - ELEMENT. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

ELEMENT. is a brutal meditation on Kung Fu Kenny’s intuition toward preemptive violence. But upon analysis we realize that beneath Kenny’s aggression is an underlying fear of his family going back to a life of poverty. In this way, the track exemplifies how self-preservational pride tilts toward death and destruction. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E6 - YAH. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

YAH. formally introduces DAMN’s protagonist: Kung Fu Kenny, a prophet who rejects God’s call. Kenny chooses instead to follow his intuition toward sex, money, and murder -- the very traits named on the album’s previous track DNA. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E5 - DNA. (Part 2) by Kendrick Lamar

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

In Part 2 of our DNA. analysis, we dissect the song’s dramatic second half. Triggered by the disparaging comments by FOX News, Kendrick goes ballistic in a now icon extended verse. While we may have originally thought DNA. was about Kendrick Lamar, the song ends with the diagnosis that sex, money, and murder are traits shared in each and every human being. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E4 - DNA. (Part 1) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

DNA. lays the philosophical groundwork for the album DAMN. In the song’s first half, Kendrick defines his genetic makeup as a mixture of biological (family), environmental (Compton), and cultural (hip-hop) inheritances. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E3 - BLOOD. by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

We begin our season-long analysis of DAMN. with the opening track BLOOD. We unpack the many layers of the wickedness/weakness dichotomy presented as well as the cryptic parable in which Kendrick is shot by a blind lady. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Talking DAMN. w/ co-writer Femi Olutade

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Cole sits down with Dissect’s first co-writer Femi Olutade to discuss how the two came to work together, Femi’s relationship with Kendrick Lamar’s music, and viewing Lamar’s music through both religious and secular lenses. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E2 - TPAB as a Preface to DAMN.

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Today we revisit To Pimp a Butterfly with a special focus on how its ending connects directly with the opening of DAMN. Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5E1 - Kendrick Lamar: DAMN.

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Season 5 is dedicated entirely to Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer-Prize winning album DAMN. Today’s episode dives into Lamar’s upbringing in Compton and the developing spiritual beliefs encoded in his early discography. As we’ll come to find out, these beliefs become the basis of the underlying question DAMN. serves to answer: Is it wickedness or weakness? Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E14 - Epilogue: IGOR

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Today’s special episode dissects Tyler, The Creator’s 2019 album IGOR. After a thorough dissection of the album’s narrative, we hypothesize about thematic and narrative connections between IGOR and Flower Boy. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Stay in touch over the break by following @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Dissecting S4 Theme with Birocratic

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Cole sits down with Birocratic (Brandon Rowan) to dissect the original theme music he composed for Season 4. Listen to all past Dissect themes in full on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Y8VxSF

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E13 - Season Finale: Flower Boy

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

After a thorough recap of the album’s narrative, we draw some final conclusions about the themes of Flower Boy and dissect the album’s cover art and title. We then hear from you, the Dissect audience, sharing their biggest takeaways from the album. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. Stay in touch over the break by following @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E12 - Glitter by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “Glitter.” It’s here that Tyler’s album long journey culminates with him expressing how he feels to the love interest he’s been chasing throughout Flower Boy. But as we’ll discover, this beautiful moment comes with a twist ending. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E11 - November by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “November.” In terms of the album’s narrative, “November” represents rock bottom, an emotional low point. But after a near death experience, Tyler is inspired to pull over his sports car and seize his moment. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E10 - 911/Mr. Lonely by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “911/Mr Lonely.” Despite its upbeat tempo and danceability, “911/Mr Lonely” is in Tyler’s own words, “the saddest song I’ve ever written.” Find out why through our line-by-line analysis. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E9 - I Ain't Got Time by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “I Ain’t Got Time.” The isolation expressed on the previous song “Boredom” is too much for Tyler to handle. He regresses and gets back into his sports car, using ego and testosterone to mask the loneliness he feels within. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E8 - Boredom by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “Boredom.” Still in the isolation of his garden shed, Tyler’s boredom reveals an underlying loneliness and aimlessness that triggers his unhealthy defense mechanisms. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E7 - Garden Shed by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 28 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the album’s centerpiece “Garden Shed.” In one of the greatest songs of our generation, Tyler acknowledges his attraction to men in the privacy of his garden shed. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dissecting IGOR with Anthony Fantano

Fri, 24 May 2019 12:06:00 -0000

In this special BONUS episode, Cole talks to Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop) about Tyler, The Creator's IGOR and where the album fits into Tyler's legacy. Then co-host of Watching The Throne Chris Lambert joins Cole for a song by song dissection of IGOR's narrative and the meaning behind the album's title.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E6 - Pothole by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 21 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “Pothole.” Tyler takes his mother’s advice to heart and examines the various “potholes” in his life that hinder his personal growth. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E5 - Who Dat Boy by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 14 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “Who Dat Boy.” Tyler combats his vulnerability through egotism, machismo, and materialism. While still searching for his dream partner revealed in “See You Again,” Tyler seems to be looking in all the wrong places. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E4 - See You Again by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 07 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with “See You Again.” Tyler describes an idealized partner he only sees in his dreams. But as we’ll discover, this fantasy lover is a manifestation of the chronic loneliness Tyler feels in the waking world. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E3 - Where This Flower Blooms by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Flower Boy continues with the song “Where This Flower Blooms.” Tyler contrasts his childhood roots in poverty with the initial feeling of “making it” as a successful musician. But the song ends with a cliffhanger -- what exactly is Tyler hiding? Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E2 - Foreword by Tyler, the Creator

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

We begin our season long analysis of Flower Boy by Tyler the Creator with the album’s opening track “Foreword.” We find Tyler laying out the themes that will be explored throughout Flower Boy as he questions his success, his chronic loneliness, and the nature of life itself. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4E1 - Tyler, The Creator: Flower Boy

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Our season long examination of Flower Boy by Tyler, the Creator begins with a biographical episode on Tyler’s upbringing in Los Angeles, the genesis of Odd Future, and Tyler’s discography leading up to the release of Flower Boy. Purchase limited Season 4 merchandise at shop.dissectpodcast.com. New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday. Follow “Dissect Pod Playlists” on Spotify for companion playlists curated by Dissect creator/host Cole Cuchna. Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MSE8 - Finale: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

We conclude our 8 episode analysis of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. After dissecting the album's title track, we outline the success of Miseducation, the infamous lawsuit, and Ms. Hill's self-imposed exile from the public eye in the years following the album's release.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MSE7 - Dissecting "Everything Is Everything" by Lauryn Hill

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill continues with "Nothing Even Matters" and "Everything Is Everything." Having submitted herself to god, Ms. Hill displays the tranquility, acceptance, and maturity she's acquired through the life lessons she learned outside the classroom.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MS1E6 - Dissecting "I Used To Love Him" & "Forgive Them Father" by Lauryn Hill

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

We dissect a trio of songs in which Ms. Lauryn Hill presents a micro-narrative of heartbreak and forgiveness, a turning point in Miseducation's loose narrative. After establishing her pain on "When It Hurts So Bad," Ms. Hill turns her life over to god on "I Used to Love Him" and works toward forgiveness with the song "Forgive Them Father."

Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MS1E5 - Dissecting "Superstar" & "Final Hour" by Lauryn Hill

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill with two songs cut from the same thematic cloth. With both "Superstar" and "Final Hour," Ms. Hill calls out the superficial materialism and ego in hip-hop, frequently citing scripture as she warns her peers about their final day of judgement.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MS1E4 - Dissecting "Doo Wop" by Lauryn Hill

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Ms. Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)" synthesizes hip-hop with 1950s doo wop music. We trace the parallel histories of these two musical genres before our line-by-line analysis of the cautionary message Ms. Hill presents in her chart topping single.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MSE3 - Dissecting "To Zion" by Lauryn Hill

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Ms. Lauryn Hill's timeless ballad "To Zion" tells a powerful story about the birth of her first child. We dive deep into its lyrics and discover how its harmonic structure reflects the song's themes of uncertainty.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MS1E2 - Dissecting "Lost Ones" + "Ex Factor" by Lauryn Hill

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Ms. Lauryn Hill begins Miseducation with a dualistic examination of heartbreak. "Lost Ones" is a scathing, venomous assault while "Ex Factor" reveals the pain beneath Ms. Hill's harden exterior.

Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Join our newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Dissecting "Every Ghetto, Every City" by Lauryn Hill

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We get to know more about Ms. Lauryn Hill's upbringing through a line by line dissection of the autobiographical track "Every Ghetto, Every City."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MS1E1 - Lauryn Hill: An Education

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Today we begin our 8 episode mini-series on of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. We start with Ms. Hill's upbringing in New Jersey, her rise with The Fugees, and the events leading up to the creation of Miseducation.

Listen to new episodes of Dissect every Tuesday on Spotify.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Recreating Blonde with Andrew Atwood

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Cole sits down with producer Andrew Atwood about his song recreations featured throughout Dissect Season 3. They discuss the production on Blonde and Frank Ocean's evolution as an artist. Andrew also gives insight into his process of recreating songs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - S3 Listener Audio Montage

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Dissect listeners submitted audio clips talking about their biggest takeaways from Frank Ocean's Blonde.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E18 - Season Finale: Blonde by Frank Ocean

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We conclude our season long analysis of Blonde by Frank Ocean.

Stay in touch over the break by following @dissectpodcast on Twitter or Instagram, and join the newsletter at dissectpodcast.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E17 - Godspeed + Futura Free by Frank Ocean

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect Blonde's closing tracks "Godspeed" & "Futura Free."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E16 - Seigfried by Frank Ocean

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect "Seigfried" by Frank Ocean, a song expressing Frank's feelings of alienation and isolation, leading to an existential crisis.

Season 3 merchandise is now available at dissectpodcast.com. Want to be featured on the Season 3 finale episode? Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter or Instagram for details.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E15 - White Ferrari by Frank Ocean

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect "White Ferrari" by Frank Ocean, an emotionally potent car ride through Frank's memories of a failed relationship.

Season 3 merchandise is now available at dissectpodcast.com. Want to be featured on the Season 2 finale episode? Follow @dissectpodcast on Twitter or Instagram for details.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E14 - Solo (Reprise), Pretty Sweet, Close to You by Frank Ocean

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect the first four tracks from Blonde's second half: "Solo (Reprise)" feat. Andre 3000, "Pretty Sweet," "Facebook Story," and "Close to You."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E13 - Nights by Frank Ocean

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect "Nights" by Frank Ocean, a two-part odyssey whose iconic beat switch divides more than just the song's two halves.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E12 - Skyline To + Self Control by Frank Ocean

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Today's special double episode dissects "Skyline To" and "Self Control" by Frank Ocean, two songs that reflect deeply on summer romance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E11 - Solo by Frank Ocean

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect "Solo" by Frank Ocean, a series of narrative vignettes expounding on loneliness, freedom, and the push-pull relationship of the heaven and hell within us all.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E10 - Pink + White by Frank Ocean

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect "Pink + White" by Frank Ocean, a beautiful mosaic-like remembrance of childhood.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E9 - Ivy by Frank Ocean

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect "Ivy" by Frank Ocean, a tender recollection of a failed romance.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E8 - Nikes by Frank Ocean

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We begin our serialized examination of Blonde by Frank Ocean with the album's opening track "Nikes."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - The Tricky Stewart Interview

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Cole sits down with veteran producer/songwriter Tricky Stewart to discuss his legendary career, which includes signing Lonny Breaux (aka Frank Ocean) to Def Jam in 2009.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS - Andre 3000's "Pink Matter" Verse

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0000

This Spotify-exclusive bonus episode dissects Andre 3000's guest verse on "Pink Matter" by Frank Ocean. Then we'll discover a few interesting musical connections between the last three songs on Channel Orange.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E7 - Channel Orange Recap + 4 Years Gone

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We conclude our six episode mini series on Channel Orange by Frank Ocean. Then we'll examine the four years between Channel Orange and Frank's next projects Endless and Blonde.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E6 - Bad Religion by Frank Ocean

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect Frank Ocean's "Bad Religion," a tragic tale of unrequited love.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E5 - Pyramids (Part 2) by Frank Ocean

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We conclude our analysis of Frank Ocean's masterwork "Pyramids" (Part 2 of 2).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E4 - Pyramids (Part 1) by Frank Ocean

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0000

We dissect Frank Ocean's 10 minute contemporary masterwork "Pyramids" (Part 1 of 2).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS E3 - The Lost Verse

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Our bonus episode today explores the lost verse from Frank Ocean's "Super Rich Kids."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E3 - Super Rich Kids by Frank Ocean

Tue, 29 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Today's episode explores "Super Rich Kids" by Frank Ocean as part of our ongoing serialized examination of Channel Orange and Blonde.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E2 - Thinking About You by Frank Ocean

Tue, 22 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

After a cultural examination of Frank Ocean's open letter that revealed his sexuality days before releasing Channel Orange, we dissect Ocean's hit "Thinking About You."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BONUS E1 - Swim Good by Frank Ocean

Thu, 17 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Our first Spotify-exclusive bonus episode dissects "There Will Be Tears" and "Swim Good" from Frank Ocean's debut mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3E1 - Frank Ocean: A Man of Art and Mystery

Tue, 15 May 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Today we begin our season long analysis of the music of Frank Ocean. We begin with Ocean's upbringing in New Orleans and his move to Los Angeles after Hurriance Katrina before breaking down his landmark mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E16 - Season Finale: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:16:00 -0000

Today, we conclude our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West.

After a recap of the album’s narrative and themes, we’ll discuss those mysterious applause that conclude the album. We’ll talk about fame, art’s ability to inspire action in our lives, and hear Dissect listeners’ thoughts on Kanye West in a montage of listener submitted audio clips.

It’s been a beautiful, life-changing season. Thank you, everyone.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E15 - Lost in the World by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:15:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy with the album’s final tracks “Lost in the World” and “Who Will Survive in America?”

“Lost in the World” is a cathartic embrace of letting go, an anthem of ambiguity that finds Kanye reconciling the conflicting duality presented throughout the album.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E14 - Blame Game by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:14:00 -0000

Our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West continues with the penultimate track “Blame Game."

“Blame Game” finds Kanye attempting to decipher who’s at fault for his crumbling relationship and rapidly deteriorating life. Of course, we’ll also answer that timeless question: What exactly did Yeezy teach us?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E13 - Hell of a Life by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:13:00 -0000

Our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy continues with “Hell of a Life."

Coming off the heels of the album’s emotional centerpiece “Runaway," the explicit, porn-filled fantasy that is “Hell of a Life” couldn’t seem more thematically distant. But strangely, “Hell of a Life” is in many ways a journey toward self-acceptance. Kanye exposes the darkest recesses of his imagination, an honest assessment of his most private thoughts. And the more honest Kanye is about himself, the more alienated and shunned from the world he becomes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E12 - Runaway (Part 2) by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:12:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West with Part 2 of our “Runaway” double-episode.

After an examination of Pusha T’s “we need more douchebag” verse, we discover how the instrumental outro reorchestrates the song’s first six minutes with just cellos and piano.

We make a slight detour to talk Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Greek Mythology, Order, Chaos, and more — all to better understand why we find Kanye’s wordless concluding solo so moving.

Finally, we look at Runaway’s premiere at the 2010 VMAs, a career-defining moment for a victorious Kanye West.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E11 - Runaway (Part 1) by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:11:00 -0000

Our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West continues with a Part 1 of our double episode on the album’s nine-minute emotional centerpiece “Runaway."

According to Runaway’s co-producer Emile Haynie, Kanye conceptualized “Runaway” in just four minutes. We dissect the iconic opening piano line, examining its conscious use of overtones and rhythmic deception.

After deconstructing the song’s beat, we turn to its lyrics and Kanye’s cathartic embrace of his imperfections.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E10 - Devil in a New Dress by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:10:00 -0000

Our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West continues with fan favorite “Devil in a New Dress.”

“Devil in a New Dress” is an impressionistic glimpse into Kanye’s failed relationship with a woman he names his “sin-sation.” The song is built on dichotomy: love and lust, heaven and hell, authenticity and deception. We’ll hear this thematically in the song’s lyrics, but also tonally in the song’s unresolved, contrasting chord structure.

At the conclusion of our episode, we’ll display how the song’s abrupt ending sets up the album’s next track “Runaway.” Things take an unexpected turn we realize how inexorably linked the two tracks are both thematically and tonally.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E9 - So Appalled by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:09:00 -0000

Today we continue our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West with the album’s seventh track “So Appalled."

“So Appalled” features Jay-Z, Pusha T, CyHi The Prynce, Swizz Beats, and The RZA. In many ways, the track represents the “art by committee” approach to Twisted Fantasy, and we open today’s episode detailing the work environment during the album’s creation.

We’ll also briefly explore the history of the “posse cut” in hip-hop before diving into our extensive analysis of “So Appalled,” a track that sees each guest MC expounding about the ridiculousness of the successful life they live.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E8 - Monster by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:08:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West with the album’s next track “Monster."

“Monster” is an exemplary model of musical cohesion. Everything about the track contributes to its monstrous theme. The production rumbles and shakes with a persistent, driving low end and minimal treble. There’s use of multiple sound effects, including literal monster roars, screams, and detuned voices.

Kanye also selects guest artists and coaxes them to staying on theme: Justin Vernon’s distorted, sinister introduction, Rick Ross’s grisly, monstrous voice, Jay-Z’s clever wordplay, and of course, Nicki Minaj’s alter-ego invested verse, which many argue to be the best verse of the entire decade.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E7 - All of the Lights by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:07:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West with the album’s fifth track “All of the Lights.”

“All of the Lights” and it’s fourteen high-profile guest vocalists is the kind of decadence that borders on excessive indulgence like the terrible feeling you get after eating too much cake. This kind of problematic indulgence is an inherent quality of celebrity, and “All of the Lights” is calculated overstimulation, a sensory overload aimed to express the strung-outed-ness of a life lived beneath a perpetual spotlight.

Structurally, “All of the Lights” acts as a bridge into another world. While there’s been moments of fantasy in the album’s first three songs, on “All of the Lights” we hear for the first time an elaborate fantasy world created throughout an entire song, complete with its own narrative arc. It begins a glamorous, ambitious ode to stardom and ends a dysfunctional, unraveling mess. It’s an ongoing expression of the internal conflict and dichotomy Kanye feels within himself, forever torn between the justification of his greatness and his apparent internal insecurity and sensitivity following the VMAs, his mother’s death, and his failed engagement.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E6 - Power by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:06:00 -0000

Our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West continues with the album’s third song “Power.”

From its meticulous, heterogeneous production to its tightly wound lyricism and complex, metaphoric thematic content, “Power” is a detailed, intricately chiseled marble statue approach to songwriting. Kanye simultaneously explores power both as a concept in and of itself, as well as its personal affects on his life and mind. It’s something Kanye clearly struggles with. He’s smart enough to recognize power’s ability to deteriorate his spirit, but also recognizes his own inability to let it go.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E5 - Gorgeous by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:05:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West with the album’s second track “Gorgeous.”

“Gorgeous” is undoubtedly one of Kanye’s strongest displays as lyricist and rapper. There’s nary a wasted word on “Gorgeous” as Kanye seamlessly weaves cheeky pop culture references with poignant racial anecdotes and self-empowering affirmations. It’s a blueprint to atonement, to overcoming uncontrollable forces with sheer grit, determination, and self-assurance. Kanye seems less concerned with how to end racism and more concerned with how to overcome it, how to do great things in spite of it.

Layers of emotional and psychological complexity are added when we consider the song’s hook, an observation on Kanye’s psyche after the VMA backlash. It subtly reveals that fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of losing it all are guiding, underlying principles in Kanye’s behavior. It would seem for all his bravado, Kanye is not fully confident in his confidence, his ego a defense mechanism to adversity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E4 - Dark Fantasy by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:04:00 -0000

We begin our serialized examination of Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy with the album’s opening track “Dark Fantasy.”

From its opening moments, “Dark Fantasy” establishes the sound, themes, and narrative that will be explored throughout My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Sonically, it consolidates Kanye’s entire musical palate and creative powers developed over his first four solo albums. It’s a beautiful amalgamation of soul, hip-hop, RnB, classical, and gospel, at once seamless and juxtaposed, and utterly grandiose.

Lyrically, we find Kanye at perhaps his most economical. Woven within just two compact verses and a brief bridge, Kanye establishes a complex character who appears confident and living a luxurious life of fame and fortune. But veiled beneath the surface is a struggle between good and evil, someone who is all too aware of the shallowness of the drugs, sex, and materialism he indulges in.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E3 - The Old Kanye

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:03:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy with third and final installment of our introductory episodes.

Our job today is frankly impossible. We’re going to cover the four masterful albums by Kanye West in just under forty minutes, a borderline audacious premise for a show about in-depth analysis. But we must remember the larger goal: to provide context, to get a basic understanding of the trajectory of Kanye’s musical output and success. We’ll cherry-pick a song or two from each album that’s representative of Kanye’s production and lyrical subject matter at that particular time, gaining a broad sense of the evolution of Kanye’s art leading up to our main course, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E2 - Through the Wire by Kanye West

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:02:00 -0000

Our serialized analysis of Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy continues with part two of our three part introductory preface.

On October 23rd, 2002, just two weeks after his deal with Roc-A-Fella Records was announced, Kanye fell asleep at the wheel and collided headfirst with an oncoming car, breaking his jaw in three places.

Just two weeks after his accident, and with his mouth still wired shut, Kanye would record “Through the Wire,” the song that would ultimately launch his rap career.

On today’s episode, we dissect “Through the Wire” as an example of Kanye’s early production and rapping style as well as trace the history of sampling and its place in music history.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S2E1 - Kanye West: Elephant in the Room

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:01:00 -0000

Season 2 of Dissect is dedicated entirely to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West.

Our first three episodes this season will serve as a preface to Twisted Fantasy. Today, we’ll explore Kanye’s early life and hard-fought ascension up the ranks of the music industry. As we’ll see, Kanye’s infamous ego was born of insecurity, a “forcefield” he constructed to defend himself against the torrent of naysayers who doubted him early in his career.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E22 - Season Finale: To Pimp a Butterfly

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:22:00 -0000

We conclude our season long examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E21 - Mortal Man (Part 2) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:21:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar with Part 2 of the album’s final song “Mortal Man.”

On our last episode, we heard how the song “Mortal Man” questioned Kendrick’s new leadership role and loyalty of his fanbase. At the end of the song, the narrative poem returns and is finally read in full. It’s revealed that the poem was being read to none other than deceased rapper Tupac Shakur. What follows is a metaphysical conversation between the two as Kendrick asks Pac for advice on both his own personal situation and the state of our nation.

On today’s episode, we dive deep into Pac’s conflicted legacy and his eerie conversation with Kendrick.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E20 - Mortal Man (Part 1) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:20:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar with album’s final song “Mortal Man.”

Thus far on To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick has held a mirror to himself, analyzing his new place in the world of celebrity and success outside the streets of Compton, the only life he knew for twenty plus years. Now, having shared his story, Kendrick will turn that mirror around on us, the listeners.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E19 - i (Part 2) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:19:00 -0000

We continue our serialized analysis of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar with Part 2 of the album’s fifteenth track, “i.”

“i” is the narrative conclusion of To Pimp a Butterfly, the apex of Kendrick’s teachings on self-love and self-acceptance.

While the studio single version of “I” we examined in our last episode could’ve easily acted as the album’s narrative climax, Kendrick chose instead to use a staged “live performance” on the album. His using a live version is a strategic, self-referential appropriation, the reasons for which become clear when the performance comes to a halt after a fight breaks out in the crowd, and Kendrick recites a spoken word piece that puts an end to the scuffle.

The statement “Kendrick Lamar, by far, the realest negus alive” at the end of the spoken word piece is the album’s exclamation mark, the moment of triumph, the one-liner in the movie that signals the hero has finally conquered the villain.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E18 - i (Part 1) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:18:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar with the album’s fifteenth track, “i.”

“i” is the narrative conclusion of To Pimp a Butterfly, the apex of Kendrick’s teachings on self-love and self-acceptance.

Written for his incarcerated friends and suicidal kids he meets on tour, “i” was released as the album’s first single six months prior to the full release of To Pimp a Butterfly. This early version, which we’ll refer to as the “studio version,” does not appear on the album. Instead, a live performance of “i” is used. Because Kendrick uses “i” self-referentially as a climactic narrative tool, we’re going to first use the studio version to examine the song’s thematic content. In Part 2, we’ll cross-examine the live version as it appears on the album.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E17 - You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:17:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar with the album’s fourteenth track “You Ain’t Gotta Lie (Momma Said).”

On “You Ain’t Gotta Lie (Momma Said),” Kendrick exposes the fabricated behavior of the members of his community who attempt to act in accordance to some ill-conceived notion of “cool” to fit in. His message for them is simple: be yourself, love yourself, and love those around you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E16 - The Blacker the Berry (Part 2) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:16:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar continues with part two of the album’s thirteenth track “The Blacker the Berry.”

The song was the album’s second single and released amidst the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s incredibly potent, packed with references to the historic oppression of the black community, race relations in contemporary American society, police brutality, the US penitentiary system, and the complexities of black identity, among many others.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E15 - The Blacker the Berry (Part 1) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:15:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar continues with the album’s thirteenth track “The Blacker the Berry.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E14 - Complexion (A Zulu Love) by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:14:00 -0000

We continue our season long analysis of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar with the album’s twelfth track “Complexion (A Zulu Love).”

After battling depression, survival’s guilt, temptation, selfishness, and suicidal thoughts, Kendrick was humbled by an encounter with god on the album’s previous track “How Much a Dollar Cost?” Kendrick will now embrace his leadership role, and become an advocate for the Compton’s of the world. His first order of business will be to address colorism and black beauty on “Complexion (A Zulu Love).”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E13 - How Much a Dollar Cost? by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:13:00 -0000

Our season long examination of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly continues with the album’s eleventh track, “How Much a Dollar Cost?”

Plagued by Uncle Sam (the American Dream) and Lucy (temptation), Kendrick has stood at a metaphoric crossroads for most of the album, deciding whether to use or pimp his talent for good or evil. “How Much a Dollar Cost?” will force Kendrick’s hand.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E12 - Hood Politics by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:12:00 -0000

Our season long examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar continues with the album’s tenth track “Hood Politics.”

“Hood Politics” begins with a voicemail Kendrick receives from an old Compton friend. He calls out Kendrick for never answering his phone, dressing differently, and forgetting about his friends.

The voicemail triggers Kendrick’s survival’s guilt for escaping Compton. Earlier on the album, Kendrick was sent into a fit of manic depression by his survival’s guilt on the song “u.” On “Hood Politics,” Kendrick attempts to convince himself of the street credibility he’s earned as a youth in Compton, and how he’s remained true to his roots despite his success.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E11 - Momma by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:11:00 -0000

Our season long examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar continues with the album’s ninth track “Momma.”

On “Momma,” Kendrick returns home to Compton for the second time on the album. On his first return, he gloated about his success and status on the song “King Kunta.” This time around Kendrick shows signs of maturation. He’s reflective, nostalgic. Having been through the trauma of “u” and the hypnotic seduction of “For Sale?,” home is now a place of grounding comfort that helps Kendrick in his search for clarity and contentment.

On verse three, Kendrick returns to another, more metaphoric home: Africa. He recounts an experience in South Africa in which he feels an inert kinship with a boy there. It forces Kendrick to reconsider his entire identity and sends him spinning into an existential crisis that’s reflected in the song’s abstract outro.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E10 - For Sale? by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:10:00 -0000

Our season long examination of To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar continues with the album’s eighth song “For Sale? (Interlude).”

Whereas the album’s second track “For Free?” was an external reaction to the seductive lures of Uncle Sam, the American Dream incarnate, “For Sale?” is the internal reaction to seductive lures of Lucy, the Devil incarnate.

The contrast of “For Free?” and “For Sale?” starts to reveal the intricacies of the album’s overall narrative structure. While we’ve seen examples of the contrasting duality theme on a small scale in individual songs, we’ll now begin to see it appear in large scale between entire songs.

“For Sale?” takes place in Kendrick’s subconscious while he dreams. The majority of the song is told from the perspective of Lucy as she recounts the first time her and Kendrick met. It turns out, Lucy and Uncle Sam have a lot in common. Both attempt to pray on Kendrick’s naivety for their own selfish benefits.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E9 - Alright by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:09:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly with the album’s next track “Alright.”

In the context of the album’s narrative, “Alright” takes place the morning after the drunken confession heard on the previous song “u.” After a therapeutic confrontation of his demons, it seems Kendrick has awoken with a more optimistic outlook and seems determined to overcome his anxieties.

Outside of the album, “Alright” has been adopted as an unofficial anthem of the Black Lives Matter movement. The song’s simple message of hope through solidarity and resilience has struck a chord with supporters of the movement, and the refrain “we gon be alright” has been heard chanted at protests and rallies across the country.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E8 - u by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:08:00 -0000

We continue our serialized examination of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly with the album’s next track “u.”

“u” is the album’s emotional rock bottom. It’s one of the most gripping, emotionally vulnerable records in hip-hop. It’s a confrontation of inner demons and insecurities told with an honesty rarely found in the genre.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E7 - These Walls by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:07:00 -0000

Our season long analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly continues with the album’s fifth track “These Walls.”

On “These Walls,” Kendrick speaks of various metaphoric walls to express the confinements of vice. It interweaves a complex threesome between Kendrick, an unnamed woman, and an imprisoned man serving a life sentence. Each deals with their own personal set of constricting walls that work to prohibit personal progress.

Upon first listen, “These Walls” is a similar experience to “King Kunta.” It’s so infectiously danceable and enjoyable that the intricacies of the story it tells is easily lost. But this only works to exemplify Kendrick’s extraordinary talent to craft radio-ready singles without sacrificing the album’s narrative or its ability to stand on its own under scrutiny. It’s only after thorough examination that one realizes its intricacies.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E6 - Institutionalized by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:06:00 -0000

Our season long examination of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly continues with the album’s fourth track "Institutionalized."

After the introduction to the album’s ever-important narrative poem, Kendrick begins to unpack the complexities of his new life of stardom. It begins with Institutionalized, a bouncing, head-nodding track that details Kendrick’s frustrations with his Compton friends’ behavior at the BET awards.

By naming the song "Institutionalized," Kendrick alludes to broader issues that plague our country and manifest in the behavior of the impoverished and repressed population. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, the recent trend of athletes, musicians, and entertainers using their influence to shed light on social issues is evidence that perhaps many celebrities are more aware of the potential of their platforms.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E5 - King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:05:00 -0000

Dissect continues its season long examination of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly with the album’s third track “King Kunta.”

“King Kunta” is perhaps the album’s most unabashed tribute to the pervading funk influences throughout To Pimp A Butterfly. On its surface, King Kunta is boastful, heroic, prideful, and at times, vain. Upon further examination, however, we’ll realize there’s a deeper, contrasting message to the song’s calculated, overtly valiant air. We’ll also discover that “King Kunta” is the pinnacle of the album’s first act, which we’ve named Pimped by Consumption.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E4 - For Free? by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:04:00 -0000

Dissect continues its season long examination of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly with the album’s second track “For Free? (Interlude).”

“For Free?” assembles some of the greatest living jazz musicians to back Kendrick in a raucous, unapologetic critique of the American Dream expressed in a rapid-fire stream of consciousness.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E3 - Wesley's Theory by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:03:00 -0000

We begin our season-long examination of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly with the album’s opening track, Wesley’s Theory.

To Pimp a Butterfly is a concept album that documents Lamar’s journey from caterpillar to butterfly. Wesley’s Theory introduces the album’s protagonist, Kendrick himself, a young, naive rapper that has achieved stardom and escaped from the cocoon of Compton. We also meet the album’s antagonist, Uncle Sam, who looks to exploit young Kendrick for profit.

Through the lens of this song, we’ll cover topics like the American Dream in modern society, the origins of the phrase “40 Acres and a mule”, Dave Chapelle’s exit from his hit TV show, and Wesley Snipes’ tax evasion conviction.

We’ll also examine how Wesley’s Theory is written cinematically and sets the stage for the narrative that unfolds throughout To Pimp a Butterfly.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E2 - good kid, m.A.A.d. city by Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:02:00 -0000

We continue our preface of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly with an overview of Lamar’s major label debut good kid, m.A.A.d. city.

good kid, m.A.A.d. city spans one pivotal day in Lamar’s teenage upbringing in Compton, California. The album’s protagonist, Kendrick himself at age 16, is jumped by gangbangers in front of Sherene’s house, Kendrick’s girlfriend at the time. Kendrick and his friends retaliate, leaving one of Kendrick’s best friends dead in his arms.

While debating whether to retaliate once again, Kendrick and his friends are approached by an old woman, who leads the children in the Sinner’s Prayer. This sets Kendrick on a new path, dedicating his life towards family, God, and music.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E1 - Compton, K Dot, and Kendrick Lamar

Tue, 01 May 2018 04:01:00 -0000

Season 1 is dedicated entirely to Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly. Today, we begin with the history of Compton, California and Lamar’s transformation from K Dot, a young mixtape rapper, to Kendrick Lamar, a true artist.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices