Rap & Reason: Super Bowl Stages, Timeless Albums & Rap’s Evolution

Episode 30 of Rap & Reason delivered a deep dive into one of the most talked-about music moments of the year—Kendrick Lamar’s historic Super Bowl halftime show. As the first hip-hop artist to headline the performance solo, Kendrick not only brought a high level of artistry to the stage but also shattered viewership records, drawing 133 million viewers and surpassing Michael Jackson’s legendary performance.

The hosts praised Kendrick’s approach, emphasizing that he didn’t just run through a medley of hits but instead crafted a performance with strong storytelling elements. Co-host Jeremy noted that Lamar chose to perform deeper cuts rather than predictable party anthems, which may have alienated casual fans but was a gift for true hip-hop heads. “He didn’t just do the biggest records. He structured this like a narrative,” he explained.

They also broke down the performance’s intricate details, including Samuel L. Jackson’s narration as Uncle Sam, the dancers forming an American flag, and the deliberate messaging about hip-hop’s role in culture. One of the biggest moments came when Kendrick teased his hit diss track “Not Like Us,” taking a subtle jab at Drake with a knowing smirk at the camera. “That was the most diabolical thing I’ve ever seen,” joked Earol Hopkins. “He knew Drake was watching, and he just hit him with that smile.”

Despite some complaints about microphone levels and a setlist that omitted fan-favorites like “Alright,” the hosts agreed that Kendrick raised the bar for hip-hop performances on this stage. They also argued that his halftime show may open doors for other lyrical and conceptual rappers, like J. Cole or even Nas, to be considered for future Super Bowls.

Larry June & 2 Chainz’s Life is Beautiful Album Surprises Fans

Another major discussion on the podcast was the unexpected collaboration between Larry June, 2 Chainz, and producer Alchemist on the album Life is Beautiful. The hosts admitted that at first, the pairing of Larry June’s laid-back hustle talk with 2 Chainz’s energetic punchlines felt like an odd fit, but the final product proved them wrong.

“The production is flawless, which is what you’d expect from Alchemist,” said Hopkins. “It just sounds luxurious.” The hosts called out standout tracks like “Munyon Canyon,” “LLC,” and the title track as highlights, while expressing mild disappointment in “Generations.” The song’s chorus explores how previous rap generations influenced today’s youth culture, but they felt the verses failed to deliver on that theme. “It was a golden opportunity for introspection, but the verses just went off the rails,” noted Jeremy.

Overall, they deemed Life is Beautiful a success and applauded both artists for stepping outside of their usual zones while keeping the project cohesive.

Throwback Review: Outkast’s Stankonia

In the episode’s throwback review segment, the duo revisited Outkast’s Stankonia, a defining album in hip-hop history. While acknowledging its cultural significance and undeniable hits like “So Fresh, So Clean,” “Miss Jackson,” and “Bombs Over Baghdad,” they both admitted that it wasn’t their personal favorite Outkast album.

Jeremy preferred Aquemini, citing its balance between lyricism and storytelling, while Hopkins felt ATLiens had a stronger sonic identity. However, both agreed that Stankonia marked a creative turning point for the duo, with André 3000 beginning his evolution into a more melodic and experimental artist. “You can hear the Erykah Badu influence all over this,” joked Hopkins.

The discussion also highlighted Outkast’s impact on hip-hop’s artistic boundaries. They credited the group with opening doors for artists like Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Tyler, The Creator—artists who successfully blended hip-hop with unconventional styles and storytelling.

Can Artists Ever Really Be Canceled?

Wrapping up the music discussions, the hosts explored whether artists can truly be “canceled” or if public backlash is just a temporary “time out.” Using examples like Rick Ross, Chris Brown, and even Kanye West, they pointed out how controversy often leads to brief dips in popularity, only for artists to bounce back as soon as they drop a hit record.

“If your music is undeniable, people will always find their way back,” said Hopkins. “Talent outweighs scandal, and history keeps proving it.”nd their way back,” said Hopkins. “Talent outweighs scandal, and history keeps proving it.”