Tribute

Episode 172: A(n almost) Tribute to Things Fall Apart by The Roots

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

Episode 169: A Tribute to Instant Vintage by Raphael Saadiq

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
 

Episode 167: Put You Up - Blank Face LP by ScHoolboy Q

The 80z Babies discuss the 4th studio album by ScHoolboy Q entitled Blank Face LP released on July 8, 2016.
 
Timestamps:
(0:25) WHy are we doing tHis album? Is it ScHoolBoy Q's best?
(1:17) Outlaw skips aHead to rate tHe album
(3:04) WHere was Yinka?
(5:38) WHere was Outlaw?
(7:54) Critical Reception
(9:15) Yinka was Hurt by CrasH Talk
(10:08) OverarcHing lowligHts
(12:38) OverarcHing HigHligHts
(17:40) Track for track analysis
(25:54) Outlaw's "HigHligHt of HigHligHts"
(55:33) Yinka's "HigHligHt of HigHligHts"
(1:05:15) Closing thougHts

Episode 166: A(n almost) Tribute to Stillmatic by Nas

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

Episode 164: A Tribute to Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson

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

Episode 160: A Tribute to The Fix by Scarface

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?

Episode 159: A Tribute to Below the Heavens by Blu & Exile

The 80z Babies pay tribute to the debut album from supergroup Blu & Exile.
 
Timestamps:
(0:57) This is an album we think our fans will enjoy
(1:13) Is this the last great underground hip hop album?
(3:40) Where was Yinka?
(4:45) Where was Outlaw?
(10:42) Critical reception
(11:22) Is this a throwback album even for 2007?
(12:15) Overarching highlights
(18:00) Track for track analysis
(1:06:22) Closing thoughts

Episode 157: A Tribute to 60 Minutes of Funk Vol. 3 by Funkmaster Flex

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

African Hendrix II...Another African Diaspora Mix by DJ Yinka Diz

Back by Popular Demand: The 80z Babies own DJ Yinka Diz drops another summer selection with an eclectic blend of AfroBeats, Trap, Dance, and.....y'all get the picture. #ThatLife
 
#AH2 Tracklist
Yinka Diz – Black Panther Intro
Eazi – Thank You (Acoustic)
Ckay – Love Nwantiti
Burna Boy – Last Last
Drake – Controlla
Tems – Free Mind
Capella Grey – Gyalis
Wizkid – Ginger
Ckay – Emiliana
Burna Boy – Pull Up
Joeboy – Sip (Alcohol)
Wizkid – Come Closer
Juls – Give You Love
Burna Boy – Secret
Pheelz – Finesse
Wizkid – Mood
Wizkid – Energy (Stay Far Away)
Burna Boy – Soke
Rotimi – In My Bed
K Da Great – Never Too Much
Wizkid – Essence
LADIPOE – Feeling
Burna Boy – On the Low
Olakira – Maserati (Remix)
Fireboy DML – Peru
Young T – Don’t Rush
Asake – Sungba (Remix)
Burna Boy – Killin Dem
Lojay – Monalisa
DJSPINALL – PALAZZO
Kizz Daniel – Buga (Lo Lo Lo)
Gravez – All These Girls
Davido – Skelewu
Master KG – Jerusalema
Wande Coal – Iskaba
Wantigga – Maisons a Horta
Vitus Tribe – Calor
Goldlnk – Crew (Sango Edit)
Blckflwr - Heist
Yaeji – Raingurl
TRVE HILL – Que Se Sepa (Rmx)
KiaBHN – Jersey Anniversary

Episode 156: A Tribute to Da Real World by Missy Elliott

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

Episode 152: A Tribute to Train of Thought by Reflection Eternal

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

Episode 151: A Tribute to Madvillainy by MF Doom and Madlib feat. Nick Rosenberg

The 80z Babies are joined by special guest Nick Rosenberg as they pay tribute to MF Doom and Madlib's Madvillainy released on Stones Throw Records on March 23, 2004.
Timestamps:
(0:25) introducing nick rosenberg
(2:50) why did we wait so long to discuss this album?
(4:40) where were nick?
(8:02) where was outlaw?
(12:50) where was yinka?
(22:55) critical reception
(27:25) was the mask a gimmick?
(32:00) overarching highlights
(49:23) overarching lowlights
(50:52) track for track breakdown
(1:30:57) closing thoughts
 
Socials:
80z Babies: @the80zbabies
Yinka Diz: @YinkaDiz
Outlaw: @outlawbebe