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Episode 36—Call The Jeweler

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"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.

Episode 35—“Virgil Was Here”

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VIRGIL WAS HERE

And the world will never forget that.

"Rest in Peace."

Bonus—He Does What He Wants

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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.

Episode 34—Time To Hate

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"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!

Bonus Episode—Seething Hottake

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"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*

Episode 33—Astroverse

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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.

Episode 32—Yams & Ye

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"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?

Episode 31—Sea Of Sameness

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"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?

Episode 30—Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

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"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.

Episode 29 Part B—Certified Lover Boy [Track Breakdown]

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“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.

Episode 29 Part A—Certified Lover Boy

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"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?

Episode 28—Family Ties

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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.

Episode 27—Contre Temps

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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.

Listen on Spotify.

Selections not found on Spotify or Apple:

Corbin Butler - BOUND4
Geode - Embrace

Episode 26—Stronger Than Me

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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.

Episode 25 Part B—Donda Live

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"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?"

Episode 25 Part A—The House Is Now Burning

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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").

Episode 25—Setting The House On Fire

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"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.

Episode 24—Should He Be Saying This?

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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.

Episode 23—Vince Staples 7thListen Review

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A 7thListen review for Vince Staples’ eponymous effort.

Episode 22—So Many Parts

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Deno and Beamin spend 7-9 mins on recent topics they’ve been ruminating on.

Episode 21—Love To DMX And Wolf Haley

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We're never gone too long! Beamin x Deno discuss the recent BET Awards and begin their conversation on Tyler's 7th effort, Call Me If You Get Lost. 7thListen album review to follow soon!

Episode 20—Buhloone Mindstate Review

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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.

Episode 19—Igor One Year Review

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Description: 7thListen’s favorite album of 2019, Tyler The Creator’s 6th studio album, IGOR, has turned one. The continuous reveal of Tyler The Adult, IGOR finds Tyler in a blonde Anna Wintour wig and pink suit in the midst of unrequited love. Beamin and Deno discuss their favorite moments on the album, new/amplified elements in Tyler’s music, and how the IGOR alt-ego has silenced any creative box critics still might attempt to place Tyler in.

IGOR Tracklist:

1 IGOR’S THEME

2 EARFQUAKE

3 I THINK

4 EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING

5 RUNNING OUT OF TIME

6 NEW MAGIC WAND

7 A BOY IS A GUN

8 PUPPET

9 WHAT'S GOOD

10 GONE, GONE / THANK YOU

11 I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE

12 ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?

**IGOR SONG TITLES ARE IN ALL CAPS**

1:19 // “ IGOR’S THEME”

5:59 // “EARFQUAKE”

7:26 / Marvin Gaye Here My Dear similarities

8:55 // Scum F**k Flower Boy & Tyler The Adult

12:46 // Flog Gnaw & Top 40 Aspirations

13:36 // IGOR persona

14:26 // Favorite songs

16:06 // “A BOY IS GUN”

19:00 // “I THINK”

20 :45 // Later half of IGOR and developing love story

21:20 // “WHAT’S GOOD” and it’s rapping and early Tyler elements

22:39 // Nas “Bye Bye Baby”

23:45 // Kanye’s influence and Yeezus

25:00 // Meaning of “The Creator” and a challenge to Tyler;’s peers

25:57 // Hubris and breakups

26:21 // “GONE, GONE/ THANK YOU”

26:46 // Moses Sumney “Bless Me (before You Go)”

28: 35// Tyler is destined for an EGOT

29:03 // Album playing out like a movie/ conflict is resolved before the ending

29:51 //” I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE”

32:45 // Moments of maturity and detachment

33:27 // “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?”

34:42 // Was the end of the album a credits scene?

35:20 // Final album thoughts

38:41 // Cherry Bomb laying the foundation for IGOR

41:38 // Usher Confessions comparison

43:32 //Tyler writing for other artists

44:02 // “EARFQUAKE” was originally written for Justin Bieber and Rihanna

48:19 // Did Prince, James Brown, Stevie Wonder have an IGOR?

52:05 // Artists creating personalities

54:27 // Escaping artistic boundaries

55:45 // Zoom and Tiktok shoutouts

Episode 18—Camp Flog Gnaw

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For a concert enthusiast, a music festival is the ultimate experience. Since 2016, Camp Flog Gnaw, in particular, has been a staple for 7thListen. With 2018’s expansion, many things about the festival changed but a few things stayed the same. In this episode, Beamin x Deno recount their third CFG Carnival.

Episode 17—Live Performances

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Seeing live shows is crucial to music consumption and artist support. If you really want to know how you feel about an artist, go see them live. In this episode, Beamin x Deno detail their recent concert experiences.

Episode 16—Rap Mystics

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“It's spirits, we ain’t even really rappin’. We just letting our dead homies tell stories for us.” - 2Pac, Mortal Man.

In this episode, Beamin x Deno explore mysticism, spirituality, and otherworldly lyricism in Hip-Hop. The guys list their top rap mystics and try not to go too far down the rabbit hole.

Episode 15—Why Fans Won’t Give Up On Kanye

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He hates being bipolar, but it’s awesome. He realizes that he’s being used, but it’s Trump all day. In this episode, Deno references Jordan Peele’s, “Get Out,” to explain why so many fans refuse to give up on Kanye West.

Episode 14—What’s Good With Dom Kennedy

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We loved DOM in 2011 and we love him now. But, something is different…way different. In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss the overt change in DOM KENNEDY’S music.

Episode 13—Adult Swim Fest + Artists Interacting With Fans

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The Adult Swim Fest was no less eccentric and fun than its every day programming. In this episode, Beamin x Deno relay their experiences at the festival and later debate how artists should engage with their fans.

Episode 12—#RIPMacMiller #FreeWeezy

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THE CARTER V is out. Lil Wayne is a living legend. We've been waiting 4 years for the Carter V to drop and even before that, we patiently waited for the Carter IV. The Carter V is out but, is Wayne really "free"?

RIP Mac Miller. Mac ascended on September 7th. Mac Miller's magnum opus, Faces is a monumental album for 7thListen. Mac was already powerful on earth, so we wish him peace.

Episode 11—Trav + YG + (R.I.P.) Mac Miller

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In this episode, after listening to over three consecutive hours of music, Beamin x Deno give an impromptu and rare first listen review for Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD, YG’s Stay Dangerous, and Mac Miller’s Swimming (#RIPMACMILLER).

Episode 10—The Story Of Terrence & Aubrey

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In 2018, the beef between G.O.O.D. Music and Young Money came to a head and set the Rap world on fire. In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss the soul burning shots sent by Pusha T and Drake.

Episode 9—K.O.D

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Kids on Drugs. King Overdosed. Kill Our Demons. In this episode, Deno gives an account of his experience at the spontaneous and exclusive K.O.D. listening party for fans in New York. Later, both Beamin x Deno give their take on Cole’s fifth studio album.

Episode 7—Robbin’ Season On The Way

MAR 5, 2018

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“Shouts out to the brownies!” In this episode, after they enjoy some baked goods, Beamin x Deno discuss their excitement for the imminent season of Donald Glover’s mind-blowing and invaluable sitcom, ATLANTA.

Episode 6—Strategy 101

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Welcome to the minds of 7thListen. In this behind the scenes podcast, Beamin x Deno allow listeners to hear the ways in which they plan to further the show, even capturing the moment the name was decided upon.

Episode 5—Favorite Tracks

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In this episode, Beamin x Deno exchange some of their favorite tracks, going back and forth for nearly 90 minutes.

Episode 4—Eminem & Space Jam

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Expressing discontent with the greats is never easy. In this episode, Beamin x Deno discuss the latest releases from Eminem & N*E*R*D* and discuss whether they deliver with their usual grandeur.

Episode 3—The Grammys

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Ever since Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was snubbed of an album of the year nomination in 2011, The Grammys have garnered the utmost scrutiny from 7thListen. The recording academy is an archaic institution judging contemporary music and seldom does right by the cultural zeitgeist. In this episode, Beamin x Deno share their gripes with the Grammys, disclose their favorites to win, and imagine an awarding academy that is both reputable and for the people.

Episode 2—Best Rapper Or Best Business Man?

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“I'm not looking at you dudes, I'm looking past ya
I thought I told you characters I'm not a rapper” - Jay Z, Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)

In this episode, Beamin x Deno take the road less traveled when discussing the artists on the Rap Mt.Rushmore. Instead of debating lyrics and hits, the guys assess whether business prowess and professionalism count more than bars and melodies when ascending the all-time great list.

Episode 1—4eva Is A Mighty Long Time

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What seemed like forever turned out to be 7 years. 7 years of musical synergy. 7 years of wanting to record insights on the culture but with no decision on execution. In the very first episode of 7thListen, Beamin x Deno unpack Big K.R.I.T’s third studio album, 4Eva Is a Mighty Long Time. They provide a track by track analysis and later dissect the album cover art.