"Let them eat cake." - Marie Antoinette (Not Queen Elizabeth) In this episode, the guys start with a stoner-Esque philosophical question about the (arguably harmful) nature of the jeweler in Hip-Hop before discussing one of the most opulent and richest in the game, Rick Ross. Richer Than I Ever Been is Rozay's eleventh studio album and while he may be wealthier than the boss from years past, the guys wonder if the music too has improved with time. Beamin x Deno end the episode with new sounds that you should check out.  RECORDED: 12/8/21

VIRGIL WAS HERE And the world will never forget that.  "Rest in Peace."

In this complementing bonus episode, the guys spend *nearly* 15 minutes voicing their love and admiration for two of the culture's most exceptional innovators: Jay Z and Frank Ocean.  Check out Frank's jewelry line, Homer, here.

"I didn't go to service this week, but I had my own spiritual experience...PAY FOR HAITI!" In this episode, Deno starts by detailing his universal chanting experience featuring Alice Coltrane's Sai Anantam Ashram and Beamin describes his appreciation for Kaytranada & Mach-Hommy's latest track, $payforhaiti. Both, undoubtedly, spiritual experiences. Then, the guys discuss the 2022 Grammy nominations and the new cohort of shoo-in winners. Later, the guys start their reflection on the music released in 2021 and reveal a refreshing spin on their traditional yearend offerings.  There is a lot on the horizon for 7thListen!

"I hate this video more and more the longer I look at it." In this bonus episode, Deno spends a solid 15 minutes hating on an unnamed song and music video. As Beamin puts it, sometimes all the ingredients for success are there but they are mixed together distastefully. And this Grammy-nominated song/music video is a nasty concoction. *Updated*

First and foremost, rest in peace to the lives lost at the 2021 Astroworld Festival.  In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss the downfalls of music festival culture; two things, in particular, cannot continue post-pandemic.  Next, the guys take a stab at unpacking the metaverse and the digital flex.

"Where were you the first time you heard Live.Love.A$AP by A$AP Rocky?" In this episode, the fellas discuss the impact of two visionaries: A$AP Yams and Ye Omari. Beamin recaps his experience of Rocky performing his breakthrough mixtape at ComplexCon on its 10th anniversary. Later, the guys breakdown Ye's Drink Champs episode. It's easy to write Ye's long-form thoughts off as rants, but is it possible that Ye is transmitting sage knowledge from sacred texts?

"1 rapper & 10 dancers." In this episode, Beamin x Deno start their recap of the BET Awards by discussing Tyler the Creator's ardent and apparent passion for his craft, shown during his acceptance speech for the 2021 Cultural Influence Award. Then, they explore the lack of innovation in live performances. Are live performances now the musical equivalent of fast fashion?

"There's a difference between a compilation and an album. This is an album!" In this episode, Beamin x Deno fan out over the artistry of Nigerian-British rapper, Little Simz. Her fourth album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, is an early 7thListen favorite for album of the year. In this offering, the fellas exchange soliloquies on their most beloved elements of the project.

“Kendrick is ducking Drake.” In this episode, Beamin suggests that Kendrick has been ducking Drake, patiently anticipating this album. Sure, he's being facetious, but was he wrong? If you're reading this... Drake has broken another record with his 6th studio album, Certified Lover Boy.  Beamin x Deno discuss just how amorously the masses embrace Drake’s escapism, a much-needed respite after a tumultuous 2020 (and, let's be honest, 2021). They end the episode with a track-by-track review of CLB, highlighting all of the quintessential Drake records.

"The boy is perfect." Nine months later — Drake has released Certified Lover Boy (CLB). Beamin x Deno share their 1stListen reactions to the album (track review to come later). One immediate observation that the duo ponders is — has Drake exposed his hitmaking formula to the world?

Kendrick is back. And he's smoking on Top fives.  In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss Kendrick Lamar—excuse me—OKLAMA's recent return on Baby Keem's single entitled "Family Ties." Quite naturally, the conversation glides into an exploration of the "Top 3" and what folks should expect from K.Dot's impending release.

A podcast about a playlist. In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss their recent need for a break from rap. They provide the R&B, Afrobeat, and Alternative artists that provide solace in their time away.  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zBcjfj3pXlFl7gf8V0koX?si=53ce643720744e3e Selections not found on Spotify or Apple: Corbin Butler - BOUND4 Geode - Embrace

In this episode, Beamin x Deno start their musings by exploring the lyrics and implications of a track entitled "Stronger Than Me" from Amy Winehouse's 2003 album, Frank. They then work their way to discussing true tenderness and familial love inspired by the video for Navy Blue's track entitled "Primo."  To wrap, the guys somehow find themselves discussing Non-fungible tokens, better known as NFTs, and their viability in the music economy.

"Kanye West is an expert in art, creative entrepreneurship, and music.... [any other questions]?" - Beamin Beamin calls for an iso in this episode. On August 5, 2021, he attended Kanye West's second listening event for Donda in Atlanta, GA (with 40,000 other people) and returned inspired. In this show, he expounds on Ye's approach to recording his latest album— a shared, creative exchange between artist and fan. After the recap, Deno asks "do you have to believe in Kanye West to enjoy his music?"

The second installment of 7thListen's three-part analysis of Isaiah Rashad's The House Is Burning. Deno connects the opening and closing tracks of the album ("Darkseid" & "HB2U"), and Beamin peels back the layers of his two most played tracks ("RIP Young" & "Hey Mista").

It's a great day! De La Soul officially owns their masters and another 7thListen deep dive sees the light of day. In this episode, Beamin provides the audio complement to the 7thListen review for De La Soul’s 1993 album Buhloone MIndstate.

"I've never waited for something this long in my life" - Deno. Isaiah Rashad (affectionately referred to as Zay) is a 7thListen artist in every sense of the distinction. Deno and Beamin discuss 'The House Is Burning' marketing rollout, as well as Top Dawg Entertainment / Isaiah Rashad underestimating his talent and fanbase. Later on, the duo unpacks Zay's exceptional ability to pair melody & lyricism and highlights Zay's deference towards great artists from the South.

Beamin and Deno discuss Da Baby and Est Gee. The former for his immature and insensitive antics, and the latter (Deno’s current most listened to artist) for his authentic music that often turns dark.

A 7THLISTEN REVIEW FOR VINCE STAPLES' EPONYMOUS EFFORT.