My Mic Sounds Nice: Recent Episodes
Aaron - Kev - Tim
Three Black Men who have been friends/brothers for over 30 years have decided to turn their mics on to discuss life through the lenses of health, relationships and culture. Collectively these brothers have more than 150 years of life experiences consisting of 60+ years of marriage and 120+ years of Hip-Hop. The dialogue will be insightful, intellectual and inspirational.
Kamala Harris has taken the political world by storm, Biden's been sent home, and Trump thinks it's 2016. We discuss the perputually morphing presidential race MMSN style. The Olympics set the world on fire, and MMSN had a box of popcorn and a front-row seat. We share our thoughts. Legends LL Cool J and Q-Tip, Common and Pete Rock, Rakim, and even Ghostface have all produced or dropped their own albums this year. Does hip-hop need an adult contemporary category, or should age ever matter in rap music? We unpack growing old in hip hop.
Student protesters have faced the wrath of police, media, and public outrage in the last few weeks. Has it been justified, partially justified, or is it an example of a view that will age poorly over time? MMSN weighs in.
Drake and Kendrick. What more is there to say? We live this hip-hop thing, so you know MMSN weighed in. Join us as we get into the good, the bad, and the ugly!
My Mic Sounds Nice takes a saddened journey examining and even attending the Jam Master Jay murder trial. And after seeing some of it play out before our eyes, we share our thoughts from an up close and personal perspective. Also, Club Shay Shay has broken the internet. It also has pitted some of the black communities greatest artists against each other. Without, getting in the mud, and wallowing in the salacious nature of things, we examine what has happened and why, and ultimately has it been benefical or harmful to us all.
My Mic Sounds Nice has a banger this week! We dig into Nikki Haley and her unique ideas on American history. We examine her thoughts and share ours! Then we really have some fun, as we discuss Drake and Mos Def. Was Mos right? Is Drake hip-hop, is he pop, or is he somewhere in between? MMSN gets into it, and let's just say we definitely disagree! So join us for a fun, spirited show on issues close to our hearts!
My Mic Sounds Nice is back with an episode about all the things that can't be discussed! Why is nuance discussion lost to our public discourse when it is most needed? The brothers investigate. Also, we discuss creativity and age. Andre 3000 felt he didn't have anything to say as a rapper of "a certain age." We discuss the validity of hip hop as only youth culture. Is this correct? Are there examples that prove this thinking is incorrect? We explore.
- My Mic Sounds Nice is back! The crew celebrates the 30th anniversary of three seminal albums released in November 1993. Queen Latifah's Black Reign with the mega-hit U.N.I.T.Y, released 11/16/93, A Tribe Called Quest and their classic third album Midnight Marauders, and the debut genius of The Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - both released on 11/9/93. We break down the genius of each project and celebrate the artistry of three unique projects.
- M.M.S.N. also takes a deep dive into the lives of centenarians and their secrets of living a long life. We analyze the tendencies of communities, all in hopes of capturing some ageless wonder pixie dust of our own.
- It's season 3; we are back, ya'll!
My Mic Sounds Nice celebrated hip hop, turning 50 on August 11th. Attending various shows, basketball games, and, as a highlight, returning to the Mecca - the birthplace of hip hop - 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY, to attend a block party celebrating the 50-year anniversary. We got stories! Tune in to hear our thoughts on the shows, the block party, and what turning 50 means for hip-hop!
This week My Mic Sounds Nice discusses Jay Z vs. Artificial Intelligence and the Tennesee legislative body vs. the constituents! Computers are out in these streets impersonating stars. What's an artist to do? My Mic Sounds Nice knows.
Looking for Republican racism? Well, as Arrested Development said, "he guided me to Tennessee." And there we found two brothers removed against their constituent's wishes. What part of the game is that? MMSN investigates.
It Takes A Nation of Millions vs. Illmatic vs. Black On Both Sides! If you could only own one? Which would you keep/ If you had to borrow or destroy one of the remaining classics, what would you do? What could you live without?
Well, MMSN weighed in, and some of our choices will surprise you! You might agree or think we are just nuts! Either way, check out what we said and let us know what options you would make!
MMSN #mymicsoundsnice #buyborroworburn
Two black QBs in the Super Bowl for the very first time. Have we finally crossed to a true meritocracy, or does black QB bias still live in the NFL? We discuss, debate and direct the situation.
And NBA YoungBoy has a change of hearty on his violent lyrics. Is it cap, is it real, does it even matter, or can his words impact his HUGE following, MMSN explores.
Here we are once again! Sadly, MMSN is forced to deal with another police brutality tragedy. In Memphis the tragic and brutal murder of Tyre Nichols mere feet from his home compelled us to bare our hearts, voice our frustrations, thoughts, and ideas on what this all means - and what should we do about it.
Deion Sanders left, Brittney Griner came home, and the holidays are here! This season is a time for joy, sadness, and reflection, and MMSN is here for it all!
While the holidays are typically a celebration, they can also be a time of sorrow and depression. We jump in on the duality of the holidays and how to handle the tough times and the good. We examine whether Deion left Jackson State too soon. And question why Brittney Griner's release was a divisive issue for some. We break it all down in the latest episode, Who Won the Trade?
The US government negotiated Brittney Griner's release after ten months of Russian captivity. But of course, in America, even this happy story had distractors. But Brittney is home, and MMSN celebrates her return. We examine the larger political picture and discuss how other parties may have benefitted from her release. Check out this segment on Griner from the upcoming episode Who Won the Trade?
Deion Sanders moves on from Jackson St. to the University of Colorado. Was it the right move at the right time? Should he have waited? Were there better opportunities available for him out there? Does this hurt Jackson St.? MMSN gets into a fierce debate over his departure. Check out this segment on Sanders from the upcoming episode Who Won the Trade?
The Holidays can be a great time for most, but not for everyone. Mental health issues can be real during the holidays! So check out this snippet of MMSN's latest podcast as we tackle the holidays and mental health issues. And look for the complete show Who Won the Trade? coming soon.
Kyrie Irving's recent NBA suspension and the tragic death of Migos member Takeoff have MMSN asking questions about what is going on and why? Are Irving's obvious mistakes missteps, or is he actually anti-semitic? Another rapper dead by gun violence, Takeoff's loss leaves the hip-hop community with a heavy heart and more frustrating feelings than we know what to do with. MMSN explores the impact of it all and what, if anything, can be done about it.
Tom Foolery in the Supreme Court! Roe V. Wade is dead, and open carry comes to New York State? A state in which most citizens want more gun reform laws, not less. The Court obviously isn't in touch with the people its rulings affect. My Mic Sounds Nice sounds off on the changing state of our nation!
Who decides what music is true hip hop? Who determines who can write books about hip hop culture? And who decides that lyrics are factual statements suitable for usage in a court of law. Well this week we delve into three separate situations that prompted us to discuss and weigh in on these questions. Join us this week, and let us know what you think! #DJKHALED #TylertheCreator #hiphoppolice #MMSN #MyMicSoundsNice
My Mic Sounds Nice has turned our love for music into fun, short episodes where we argue over 3 random great albums and where they stack up in comparison to each other!
Which is worthy of buying, which is good enough to borrow, and which one of the three would you burn if you had to! Since we only pick great music the choice is never easy.
Join us as we may make a case for burning your favorite album! And when your done listening please leave in the comment section what you would do with the three albums.
#MMSN #BDP #BLACKSTAR #THEROOTS
Ryan Coogler wanted into a bank, and experienced the phenomenon "banking while black." Almost arrested for trying to withdraw his own money, Coogler became the latest victim of this underreported yet common occurrence. My Mic Sounds Nice goes banking and deposits some thoughts on the problem.
New NYC Mayor Eric Adams is off to a fast start, implementing familiar changes in combating crime. Tough on crime has always worked politically but failed miserably in practice. Is Adams returning to the good old '90s? Is it Guliani time 2.0? We dig in.
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock Sunday night and the world stopped spinning and the internet broke! Folks have come to Will's defense, some have taken him to task, and few have expressed concern for Chris Rock. MMSN has some strong thoughts on this debacle, join us, and let us know in the comments what your thoughts are!
TheNBA. 75 years of competition, consolidation, and expansion. In celebration of turning 75 years young, the league has immortalized its 75 greatest players. Unfortunately, in the process, they snubbed a serious group of hall of famers that will leave you forever confused. My Mic Sounds Nice breaks down the list and weighs in on who does and does not belong, who is ranked too high and ranked too low. Join us, and share in the comments what you agree with, what we got wrong, and what you think we missed!
AND...
The legendary rock n roll hall of fame, hip hop icon Chuck D has created a new audiobook, "Songs that Shook the Planet." From Sam Cooke's" A Change is Gonna Come" to Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" to Too Short's "In the Ghetto." MMSN examines these classics and what songs "shook our planet" over the years. #NBA75 #NBA #ChuckD #MMSNpodcast.
The Arbery family's misery continues as Ahmaud Arbery killer's limitless audacity was on full display as they tried to dictate where they would serve their prison sentences. MMSN unpack their motivations, the family reaction, and ultimately what it all means. Despite blatant medical misinformation rants and sporadic racist tropes, Spotify's 100 million dollar train - the Joe Rogan Express - is squarely on its tracks. We discuss the merits of that situation, the nationwide book-burning phenomenon, and Eric Adams, the NYC Mayor, recent call, with the help of all SM companies - of course, to cancel Drill Music. Join us as we dig in!
Dr. Dre brought a future Rock -n- Roll hall of fame lineup to the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show. Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Anderson Paak, and Kendrick Lamar all performed, strategically placed on a gigantic multi-stage set. My Mic Sounds Nice weighs in on the show. Who really delivered, who didn't, and the hidden protests to NFL objections that you likely missed.
The recent line of duty killings of two New York City police officers rocked the city and alarmed the nation, highlighting the recent increase of violence against police officers. My Mic Sounds Nice weighs in, seeking answers as to what is behind the wave.
And would you volunteer to work for 72 hours without any pay? Well the NFL is asking some of the halftime dancers to do just that on the upcoming Superbowl Sunday. Has the league crossed the line again, or is this standard operating procedure. We will break down the who, what and why of the matter,
The year 2022 is here! And MY Mic Sounds Nice has had its first birthday, turning one year old at the start of the New Year! In celebration, we looked back at 2021, covering the biggest headline stories AND the issues that personally resonated with us. We cover the 2021 gamut- from the absurdities of the milk crate challenge to the rise in homicide rates. So join us as we look back at a crazy year full of political strife, coronavirus variants and Tik Tok .
The year 2022 is here! And MY Mic Sounds Nice has had its first birthday, turning one year old at the start of the New Year! In celebration, we looked back at 2021, covering the biggest headline stories - and the issues that personally resonated with us. From the Jan 6th capitol insurrection, to critical race theory distoriton, coronavirus variants, and the trial and conviction of Derrick Chauvin - we cover it all. Join us on our birthday episode and look back at the cray cray that was 2021.
Omicron is in the building and is spreading faster than a Beyonce meme! Beyonce often breaks the internet, but will Omicron break us? Infection rates, hospitalizations, and death are up; is a dreaded 3rd lockdown possible? My Mic Sounds Nice investigates!
Future claims he is more relevant than Jay-Z in these streets. Is he? And does it really even matter? Regardless, Jay-Z in return, let the entire world know they do not want that smoke with him on a Versus stage. Does the man who once brought out Michael Jackson on the Hot 97 Summer Jam stage have a point? Do his intricate stage shows and extensive catalog make him untouchable? My Mic Sounds Nice has a few thoughts on that one.
In the new docuseries, "Colin in Black and White," former NFL QB Colin Kaepernick compares slavery to the NFL. The guys of My Mic Sounds Nice understood why he did that.
With the exploitive power dynamic of the owners over the players and the NFL combine's herding of bodies during the thorough, reductive, impersonal physical examination of the draft class, the parallels to slavery are clear, but are they justified?
Comparing a lucrative job that pays in the one percentile to brutal chattel slavery is quite a statement. We unpacked this show like we just returned from a three-week vacation. Join us on this special one-topic episode.
The My Mic Sounds Nice crew goes hard this week! With numerous deaths and arrests related directly to the drill genre, is it just too dangerous? We consider. Then we unpack the Michigan school shooting and ponder the question, do parents deserve to be arrested for their children actions? And finally, we exam the impact of Deion "Primetime" Sanders on Jackson St. and HBCU football.
The Ahmaud Arbery and Kyle Rittenhouse trial matters concluded this week. Ahmaud was shot and murdered in broad daylight, yet his family struggled to get justice, taking 74 days and leaked video evidence before an arrest occurred; Kyle Rittenhouse ended the lives of two men and was deemed within his rights to do so. What do these polar opposite verdicts tell us? The crew of My Mic Sounds Nice digs deep and breaks down each trial, the racial implications, and what it is we think about it all.
Aaron Rodgers, Jay-Z, and LL Cool J were sitting in a bar...lol No, actually join My Mic Sounds Nice this week as we check the national political temperature post the November 7th elections. We also celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions of Jay Z and Ll Cool J, and we dig into Movember, aka men's health month, the lingering issues surrounding men's health, and the significance of the month. Finally, we analyze the Aaron Rodgers fiasco and try to figure out what it all means.
Season 2 of My Mic Sounds Nice is here! Join us as we unpack the continuing mess of the NFL and their issues regarding race, followed by a deep dive into the classic Big Daddy Kane vs. KRS-One Verzuz battle. And finally, we walk the 3rd rail as we discuss the controversial Dave Chappelle comedy special The Closer.
The brothers of MMSN are back with a new episode that tackles the Haitian debacle at the border, debates the positive and negative merits of social media in lieu of Facebook's latest study on its platforms, and finally, we question whether the latest two Verzuz battles, and there competitive nature, are the future for the platform.
Kanye and Drake battled for weeks over Social Media as they prepared to drop long-delayed and highly anticipated new albums. Well, the music is here. Was it worth the extended wait? Who dropped the better piece of work? The MMSN crew breaks down each album and has definitive thoughts on who came out on top and who didn't. Finally, we reflect on the life of Michael K. Williams, another powerful actor lost way too soon.
Where were you on 9/11? What do you remember? What has stayed with you? Well the brothers of MMSN, examine these and other complex questions about the greatest modern day attack on American soil. The fellas were in both D.C. and NYC on that day, and share their experiences. So please join us as we tackle terrorism, politics, patriotism, and privacy in the shadow of 9/11.
Is a musical massacre possible? Well if we didn't know before, we know now! And the answer is yes, because The Lox murdered Dipset at the world famous arena Madison Square Garden! Well MMSN watched the crime go down and had a whole lot to say. We also respond to the the Delta variant uptick of Covid-19 and the lackluster response of too many Americans.
Tulsa, Guns, and Naomi Osaka! MMSN looks into the Greenwood race massacre in Tulsa. OK and the immeasurable impact that and other race massacres have had on Black America.
The guys also unpack the mass shooting phenomenons that have essentially reached normality in the U.S. What's with the love of guns, and the monthly mass shootings we've so easily learned to live with? And finally, we discuss the colossal failure of the French Open organizers and how they handled Naomi Osaka's request to bypass media obligations during the event. We'll examine Osaka, the organizers, and the choices that led to Naomi ultimately leaving the event. MMSN got something to say, and we invite you to join. So listen to us unpack, then debate the event, form your own opinion, and in the end, let us know what you think!
Every year thousands of underprivileged students "sell their pain," emphasizing the effects of poverty on their lives in admission essays to college admission counselors across the nation. Brooklyn, NY student Elijah Megginson rejected that choice and expressed so in a NY Times op-ed piece. MMSN debates the matter, is this "poverty porn" for liberal universities, or is the matter more complex? We explore.
Computer algorithms affect our lives, making life-altering decisions in the shadows, making choices that impact every aspect of our daily living. As if that alone isn't bad enough, we now know racism has crept its way into the programming. It is impacting hiring, employment, banking, housing, and, yes, your very freedom. The fellas definitely have something to say about this one.
They're playing basketball! The NBA playoffs are in full swing and the MMSN crew weighs in. We also talk Brooklyn Nets, the lackluster LA Clippers, the surprising NY Knicks and why the "business decision" to not defend against a slam dunk is the weakest move in all of sports. Finally we give our predictions on the playoffs and Chris Webber's sudden departure from TNT. .
Ageism in hip hop, can an MC rap after he turns 30? MMSN does a deep dive to find out if so, how so. We also discuss the CDC and their continuous updates. Is this a practical approach, or should they rethink update rollouts? And finally, we delve into adultification, the phenomenon of young girls viewed and treated as adults, and the devastating effect it has on young women of color.
The Derek Chauvin verdict is in, but the trial brought on a rollercoaster of emotions; in this episode, we discuss our fears and concerns and what bothered us during the trial. Also, in an unprecedented fashion, voting rights are under attack across the nation - MMSN weighs in on the issue and has a special message for urban barbershops across the land. Finally, black male health is always an issue, so in response, the MMSN trio is getting in shape! Join us on our fitness journey - whether that means the equally inspired pick up the challenge and work out with us or couch surfers finding amusement in our efforts; either way, we welcome one and all to follow our fitness quest.
The Derek Chauvin Trial is over. However, even with almost 10 minutes of compelling video evidence, the verdict had remained in doubt. Join MMSN as the fellas share their feelings pre and post-Chauvin's verdict. Finally, we x-ray the current state of policing and, most importantly: Where do we go from here!?
Sorry for the delayed episode - But the DMX loss had to be addressed first. However, MMSN is back to our regularly scheduled program! On the agenda for this show- We get deep into Hip Hop and the GRAMMYs! We discuss political Covid-19 vaccine reluctancy and delve into Candice Owen's aversion to WAP.
The men of MMSN gather to pay homage and discuss the career and life of Earl Simmons a.k.a Dark Man X. We celebrate his music and films, and also touch on the hardships he faced throughout his life. We talk addiction, faith, manhood and music as we salute the life of DMX!
The merry men of MMSN take a trip back to Zamunda and share with the world our thoughts on the recent Coming 2 America sequel and its social and cultural relevance. We also examine the significance, if any, of the recent passing of the George Floyd Justice in Policing reform bill in the House of Representatives. And Historically Black Colleges and Universities are all the rage again; My Mic Sounds Nice celebrates the recent black college love but contemplates if HBCU'S are just the latest flavor of the month - or has permanent black college respectability arrived.
The MMSN crew examines what it means to be shut down/canceled in America. We take a deep dive into the life of Fred Hampton and the film Judas And the Messiah. We also explore what it means to be canceled in 2021. We x-ray the social media-fuelled rise in cancel culture, its fairness, and is the societal change effective, while also considering is there a path back for the canceled among us? And finally, we revisit everyone's drunk uncle who won't go home - Covid-19. Will the vaccines shut down the spread or further shut out the disenfranchised. MMSN lets you know where we stand and how our feelings have evolved since our last rona' discussion.
Impacted by it in the '80s and impressed in 2021 by Stanley Nelson's brilliant documentary Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy, MMSN discusses the societal impact of crack and its continued legacy of destruction. On a lighter note, the brothers debate Complex magazine's hip hop list of the best in the game - year by year, starting from 1979 to the present. And finally, the fellas reminisce on their marriage proposals and share some advice for those contemplating the big step.
The Brothers of MMSN prove they should stick to their day jobs, as the three of them make Super Bowl predictions and only one proves any familial relations to Nostradamus. Tune in on Tuesday February 16th as a new full episode drops!
Back in the booth, the brothers of My Mic Sounds Nice pay homage to the life of home run king and distinguished gentleman Hank Aaron. We lament the recent lack of black coaching hires in the NFL, and search for permanent answers beyond current measures. The fellas share their thoughts on Regina King's masterful One Night in Miami, and conduct an autopsy on the Trump presidency.
In this episode, the brothers of My Mic Sounds Nice break down the unlikely beef between Snoop Dogg and Eminem. And with the help of Spotify's Wrapped 2020, analyze what music and podcasts dominated MMSN eardrums last year. Finally, the fellas introduce a new show segment called The Robinson Report - it's origins and importance, and have a little fun breaking down Playboi Cardi's Whole Lotta Red dominance on Billboard.
Since the Capitol debacle, folks have pondered what would have happened if the occupiers were black? Well the men from MMSN reflect on the 89' Howard University protest, and just exactly how the police chose to handle an administration building full of college students. Check out the Chaos episode for further commentary on the Capitol.
On Wednesday January 6th 2021, the greatest domestic terrorist act since the Oklahoma City bombing! Of course My Mic Sounds Nice had to weigh in on the carnage and the fallout of that day. So we give our perspective on what happened, what to call the event, what to call the participants, and dissect exactly what to think of them and our concerns moving forward.
The fellas are discussing relationships and mulling a list that is said to help lead to healthy relationships. When 60+ years of collective marriage knowledge decides that maybe the experts might not be right on this one.
This Inaugural episode is a creative discussion around the Nguzo Saba and the implementation of its principles. We break down words like nia and kujichagulia and their relevance in your life, and how they serve as practices for getting the most from our health, relationships , and culture (the three tenets of this podcast) through the coming year. This trailer introduces the world to a trio of life long friends, and dedicated hip-hop heads, who are sure to make the mic sound nice!