80z Babies
Episodes
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
In this episode, the hosts Yinka Diz and Outlaw delve into UGK's fourth studio album, Dirty Money, released in 2001. They explore their personal connections to the album, its critical reception, and the impact of UGK's music on their lives. The conversation includes a detailed track analysis, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the album's production and lyrical content. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the cultural context of the music and reflect on the evolution of UGK's sound and influence in hip hop. In this conversation, the hosts critically review various songs from an album, discussing their beats, lyrics, and overall impact. They explore the significance of titular tracks, the role of collaborations, and the concept of a blaxploitation film as a narrative device for the album. The discussion also touches on the importance of song placement and the influence of artists like Scarface. Ultimately, they aim to conceptualize a classic album that resonates with listeners while acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of the current tracks.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to UGK's Dirty Money01:27 Personal Connections to the Album04:06 Cultural Context and Influences07:48 Production and Collaborations10:32 Bourbon and Music Appreciation15:58 Critical Reception and Highlights21:07 Lowlights and Final Thoughts22:30 Production Insights and Highlights24:51 Lack of Direction in Albums28:48 Track Analysis Begins38:49 Exploring Highlights and Low Lights44:36 Final Thoughts on the Album45:33 Creating Buzz and Mythos in Music46:30 Making a Classic: Conceptualizing the Album47:30 Co-Executive Production and Musical Direction48:24 Blaxploitation Movie Concept: Pimp C as Anti-Hero49:48 Character Dynamics: Pimp C and Bun B51:11 Nods to Modern Influences: Megan Thee Stallion52:32 Cinematic Introductions and Track Adjustments53:54 Guest Features and Collaborations56:44 Scarface's Role and Blues Influence01:01:31 Finalizing the Album: Track Listings and Features
Keywords:
UGK, Dirty Money, hip hop, album review, music analysis, track analysis, Pimp C, Bun B, Southern rap, 2001, music review, album critique, UGK, Pimp C, hip hop, song analysis, music production, collaboration, blaxploitation, classic albums
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Join hosts Yinka Diz and Haas as they delve into the iconic album "Baduizm" by Erykah Badu. Discover how this album became a pivotal part of their lives and its impact on the music industry.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:15 - Personal Connections to Baduizm
00:10:30 - Initial Thoughts on the Album
00:20:45 - Track-by-Track Analysis
01:05:00 - Production Insights
01:20:15 - Erykah Badu's Artistic Influence
01:35:00 - Final Thoughts and Rankings
01:45:30 - Outro
Don't miss this engaging discussion on one of the most influential albums in Neo Soul.
Like, Comment, and Subscribe now for more musical analysis deep dives into some of your favorite golden era albums!
#ErykahBadu #Baduizm #NeoSoul #MusicPodcast
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
The 80z Babies pay tribute (mostly) to The Roots' classic fourth studio album entitled Things Fall Apart released February 23, 1999.
Timestamps:
(0:22) Why doesn't this album excite Yinka?(1:15) Why aren't Be and Stillmatic albums worthy of tributes?(4:27) A brief mention of Jay Z's Unplugged(6:03) Is Black Through transcendent on this album?(9:45) Where was Yinka?(11:10) Where was Outlaw?(13:30) Did Things Fall Apart become a part of Outlaw's identity?(14:25) Critical reception(16:45) Overarching lowlights(21:21) Common's a pervert(25:38) Overarching highlights(37:03) Track for track analysis(1:10:50) Yinka attempts to make it a classic(1:18:20) Closing thoughts
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
The 80z Babies are joined by special guest Haas to discuss the debut solo album from the legendary Raphael Saadiq - Instant Vintage released June 11, 2002.
Timestamps:
(1:30) Where was Yinka?(3:38) Where was Jaz?(4:06) Where was Outlaw?(6:14) Is Saadiq being extra with "Instant Vintage" and "Gospel-Delic"? Is he a neo soul artist?(7:48) Critical reception(9:14) How weird is Saadiq? Does he still have his mystique?(11:37) Overarching highlights(15:47) We need more projects helmed by bassists(17:35) Overarching lowlights. Is the songwriting suspect?(25:06) Track for track analysis(25:21) Is "Doing What I Can" one of the strongest basslines and intros ever? Yinka's 'Highlight of Highlights'(28:44) The team pokes fun at the "Body Parts" lyrics(31:29) D'Angelo's participation wasn't always reliable(34:57) Jaz' 'Highlight of Highlights'(35:35) The tuba is such a striking choice for "Still Ray"(50:45) Lyrically, is Saadiq's "love" and "i miss you" bag better than his "sex" bag?(53:42) Is "Faithful" a fuck boy anthem?(55:53) Outlaw's 'Highlight of Highlights'(1:10:30) Closing thoughts
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
The 80z Babies cover the fifth studio album from Queensbridge legend Nas.
Timestamps:
(0:18) Is this album Tribute worthy?(1:18) Is this album inextricably linked to Blueprint?(2:03) Is this Nas' Makaveli? It's centered around a diss track, and addresses his haters(4:35) Critical Reception. The Source is the only major publication to give it a stellar rating(6:35) Outlaw is disappointed in Nas' catalog(9:26) Is Nas one of the most frustrating Hip Hop artists ever?(13:10) Where was Yinka?(18:45) Where was Outlaw?(20:35) When did 'ether' become a verb?(26:00) Outlaw calls bullshit on the 5 mic rating from The Source. Yinka recaps the How 97 vs Power 105 beef. Why was Nas flirting with Murder INC?(28:35) Outlaw and Yinka unpack their love/hate relationships with both Nas and Jay Z(31:01) Overarching highlights(34:32) Overarching lowlights(35:22) Is '2nd Childhood' Premier's worst beat?(37:43) Track for track analysis(39:15) Exploring Benzino's relationship with Nas(1:03:10) Outlaw makes it a classic
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
The 80z Babies are joined by Haas to discuss the 25 year anniversary of Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson.
Timestamps:
(0:47) Is this a "woman empowerment" album? What does a "woman empowerment" album feel like?
(5:04) Where was Jaz?
(11:09) Where was Yinka?
(16:15) Where was Outlaw?
(19:25) Critical reception
(34:33) Overarching highlights
(36:40) Is Velvet Rope the crown jewel of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' production catalog?
(43:06) Overarching lowlights
(47:14) Track for track analysis
(50:35) Did Janet make any money from Got 'Til It's Gone?
(1:20:47) Obligatory Madonna rant
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
The 80z Babies pay tribute to The Fix which is the seventh studio album from the legendary Scarface.
Time Stamps:
(0:38) We're finally doing a Scarface episode. Why the long wait?
(3:40) Where was Outlaw? Is Scarface big in Chocolate City DC?
(7:12) Where was Yinka? Is "My Block" Scarface's most representative song of what the artist is about?
(10:00) Critical reception. Was this album catered to an East Coast audience? How did his traditional fans receive the album? Did Scarface sellout with this record?
(13:15) Why was Scarface on Def Jam South?
(16:40) Overarching highlights
(20:57) Overarching lowlights. Is Scarface better in tandem? Is The Fix too accessible to New York listeners?
(26:40) Track for track analysis
(27:00) Is that Scarface singing on the intro!?!?!
(28:08) Does Scarface grow tiresome on "Safe", or is it one of the best songs on the album?
(32:38) Is "In Cold Blood" the start of the strongest run on the album?
(33:51) Talk to me, man. Is "Guess Who's Back" a perfect song? Is Beanie Sigel's verse a necessary inclusion on this song? Does Outlaw even like Beans?
(37:04) Is "My Block" universally relatable?
(40:04) Is "Keep Me Down" the thematic start to the album?
(42:47) Is Scarface too dramatic on "What Can I Do?" Should Pimp C be on this track?
(44:57) Does Nas outshine Scarface on "In Between Us"?
(48:15) Why does Outlaw hate "Someday"? Did Scarface phone it in on this song?
(51:00) Is Scarface just talking shit on "Sellout"? Is Outlaw a square? Does any other rapper keep track of their win/loss record in fights?
(53:42) Why did Scarface add the T-Mix production to "Heaven"?
(56:30) Is "I Ain't the One" WC's worst verse? Does Scarface's last verse do a good job wrapping up the album?
(59:45) Closing thoughts. Should we do more tributes for Scarface?
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
The 80z Babies pay tribute to Funkmaster Flex's 60 Minutes of Funk Vol. 3.
Timestamps:
(0:30) Why this Funk Flex project?
(2:53) Where was Yinka?
(5:30) Where was Outlaw?
(10:53) Is Vol 3 Funk Flex's best mixtape?
(12:02) Critical Reception
(14:52) Overarching Lowlights
(18:44) Overarching Highlights
(20:27) Track for track analysis
(21:36) Do we need to have a discussion about Wylcef as an executive producer?
(24:20) Was Cam'ron great before Dipset?
(25:36) West Coast artist over East Coast beats vs East Coast over West Coast beats, who's better?
(26:27) Does any other verse embody KRS-One like this freestyle? Is it the only actual freestyle on the mixtape?
(29:42) Was Busta Rhymes a good executive producer? How did Rampage get on the 'Flava in ya Ear remix'?
(37:40) Did Smif n Wesson fall off when they changed to Cocoa Brovaz?
(38:38) Do we appreciate Mariah Carey's artistry enough? What was the inspiration for this hook?
(43:10) Is "Get Money" Biggie's best verse?
(54:27) Who is DJ Pooh? Who is Kam? Was Kam responsible for the W?
(1:03:15) Is Shaq the best ballplayer/rapper of all time?
(1:05:10) What artists did this mixtape introduce you to? How did it inform what kind of rapper you wanted to be?
(1:06:30) Is 1998 peak KRS-One as an emcee?
(1:08:35) Why wasn't Eminem on this project?
(1:09:08) Closing thoughts
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
The 80z Babies pay tribute to "Da Real World", the sophomore album by legendary VA emcee/producer Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott released June 22nd, 1999.
Timestamps:
(0:30) Why this Missy Elliott album?
(1:38) How were you introduced to new artists?
(3:00) Thoughts on Timbaland & Magoo debut album
(5:15) Where was Yinka?
(9:43) Where was Outlaw?
(11:11) Critical Reception? Was the 'battle of the sexes' theme overdone?
(12:23) Outlaw puts his foot in his mouth
(15:11) Which is Missy's best album from the first three?
(21:52) Does Missy get enough credit as a producer?
(22:43) Overarching lowlights
(24:45) Overarching highlights
(28:22) Track for track analysis
(30:45) Was Eminem the first incel rapper?
(35:18) Could Eminem and Timbaland done a project together?
(35:37) "All N My Grill"
(37:10) Is "Dangerous Mouths" Missy's best verse on the album?
(38:54) Why wasn't the "Hot Boyz remix" on the album? Why aren't the Hot Boyz on either version? Was the battle of the sexes theme played out in the 90s?
(41:28) Did we need "You Don't Know" given that the "The Boy Is Mine" was released the prior year? The song highlights a double standard between the sexes. What was it that Missy was actually trying to say regarding the sexes? Her themes felt inconsistent
(45:22) Timbaland created his own vibe with Caribbean artists
(46:08) Was Lil Kim's inclusion on the record necessary? Has her featured appearance aged well?
(53:13) "She's a Bitch"
(56:55) Did Beyonce outperform Missy Elliott on "Crazy Feelings"?
(58:35) Outlaw attempts to briefly Make It a Classic
(1:01:30) Yinka attempts to briefly Make It a Classic
(1:02:52) Closing thoughts
Socials:
80z Babies: @the80zbabies
Yinka Diz: @YinkaDiz
Outlaw: @outlawbebe
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Fan Sourced: As requested, the 80z Babies tackle the debut album from Brooklyn emcee Fabolous entitled Ghetto Fabolous, released September 11, 2001.
Timestamps:
(0:42) Why this Fabolous album to Make a Classic?
(1:35) Remembering the William Holla family
(3:09) Does Fabolous have a classic album in his catalog? Is he a better mixtape artist?
(4:45) Where was Yinka?
(5:10) DJ Clue introduces Fabolous Sport. Origins of the name 'Fabolous'
(7:37) Remembering 106th & Park's Freestyle Fridays
(10:53) Where was Outlaw? His thoughts on DJ Clue
(11:58) DJ Clue vs Funkmaster Flex
(13:53) Superwoman remix with Lil' Mo
(15:00) Ghetto Fabolous vs Blueprint
(17:15) Who started the trend of the throwback jerseys and fitted hats?
(21:52) Critical Reception
(22:18) Did we anticipate Fabolous albums?
(24:09) Overarching Highlights
(24:40) Did Fabolous force his rhymes? Were the MA$E comparisons fair? What was Fabolous' image?
(28:28) Overarching Lowlights
(29:49) Does an album need to have themes to be great? Does Fabolous have any substance?
(32:25) Track for track analysis
(34:47) Remembering the Harlem Shake (Holla back, young'n)
(37:10) Outlaws recalls how he first learned to Shake
(42:45) Who is Fabolous? Does anybody actually know anything about him?
(47:00) Is Timbaland given his proper flowers? Timbaland vs Pharrell
(50:33) Fabolous vs Ludacris? Can you take either seriously? Did Fabolous ever see himself as having a rap career? Would Fabolous have been more successful today?
(53:15) East coast artists on West coast beats vs West coast artists on East coast beats
(58:54) Is Fabolous believable as a 'bad guy'?
(1:03:11) Yinka attempts to Make it a Classic
(1:14:55) Closing thoughts
Socials:
80z Babies: @the80zbabies
Yinka Diz: @YinkaDiz
Outlaw: @outlawbebe
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
The 80z Babies pay tribute to Train of Thought by Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi Tek) released October 17, 2000 on Rawkus Records.
Timestamps:
(1:15) Initial thoughts on the album. Does it even warrant discussion?
(2:43) Where was Yinka?
(3:15) Where was Outlaw?
(4:30) Was Yinka ever a fan of Talib Kweli? Why does this album not matter?
(7:26) Why does this album matter?
(9:21) How does Outlaw really feel about Talib Kweli? Is he a top Hip Hop talent?
(12:20) What kind of rapper was Outlaw when he was younger? What kind of rapper is/was Talib Kweli? What kind of rapper was Yinka when he was younger?
(15:42) Was Talib Kweli ever a star?
(17:15) Critical reception
(19:13) Overarching highlights
(22:10) What is conscious Hip Hop?
(23:57) Overarching lowlights. Does Talib Kweli understand time signature?
(26:18) Track for track analysis.
(1:04:10) Closing thoughts.
Socials:
80z Babies: @the80zbabies
Yinka Diz: @YinkaDiz
Outlaw: @outlawbebe