The Stem Society

Ep 151Cole Jackson breaks down the growing tension between Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty, and what this situation reveals about loyalty, contracts, and how things can spiral in the industry. Then, we get into Kanye West’s latest run—sold out shows, major headlines, and the bigger question: does success erase everything?Timestamps(0:00) Cole Open(0:36) How did we get here?(4:20) Gucci Mane's Label is Cursed(7:10) Gucci is a Snitch?(8:58) What Wrong With New Rappers?(11:07) Kanye is Back?(13:28) I Can't Forget KKKanye(15:15) The Pushback Against Kanye(18:36) Final Thoughts

Ep 150Cole Jackson breaks down two major interviews that have the culture talking — and they couldn’t feel more different.J. Cole finally sits down, but instead of clarity, it raises more questions. From dodging the Drake situation to redefining himself as a battle rapper, something about this rollout isn’t landing right.Then there’s Jay-Z. In a rare interview, Hov speaks openly on his current mindset, but his stance on battling raises a bigger question about where hip-hop is headed. Timestamps(0:00) Cole Open(0:44) Jay's opinion about battles(3:55) Jay might be right(6:20) Battles are the foundation(7:36) Jay comes from battling(10:51) Final thoughts about Jay(11:44) J. Cole's interview run(14:02) The problem with J. Cole(16:25) Nothing sounds credible (19:07) Unanswered questions(21:31) J Cole is compromised(25:20) Outro

Ep 149In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole Jackson tackles two conversations that show how quickly the culture picks sides.First, Cole breaks down the backlash around LaRussell after a clip from his unreleased track “Heaven Sent” sparked outrage online. With controversial references getting clipped and spread, the question becomes — is this real concern, or just selective outrage from the internet?Then the focus shifts to Jay-Z as he returns to the stage and rumors of new music start to build. Cole asks the bigger question: do we actually need a new Jay-Z album in 2026, or are we holding on to an idea that doesn’t match where the culture is today?From outrage culture to legacy conversations, this episode challenges how we react, who we criticize, and what we really expect from artists at different stages of their careers.Timestamps(0:31) LaRussell's Heaven Sent(3:53) Roc Nation Deal (5:16) LaRussell Doubles Down(6:45) Hip Hop is Hypothetical (8:49) Final Thoughts(11:02) Jay Z is Back Outside(12:11) Why We're Not Getting an Album(14:19) The Back Half of Jay Z Career(15:16) I Don't Want an Album(17:15) Outro

Ep 148First, Cole reacts to comments from Ebro Darden that sparked debate across the internet after he criticized fans for their album opinions. The conversation raises a bigger question about credibility in hip-hop media — who really gets to decide what’s good music: the media personalities or the fans who live with the music every day?Then Cole looks at the controversy surrounding independent artist LaRussell after Billboard ruled that thousands of his album sales would not count toward the charts. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between independent artists and the systems that still shape success in the music industry.From media gatekeeping to chart politics, this episode explores what these moments reveal about power, independence, and credibility in hip-hop today.(0:00) Cole Open(0:32) Ebro Goes at the Fans(4:42) Ebro Era and Distaste for Opinions(7:59) Ebro is a Company Man(10:03) We Are Just Customers(11:42) LaRussell and Billboard Clash(13:58) LaRussell's Strange Year(17:41) Billboard and their Rules(18:56) Final Thoughts(20:17) Outro

Ep 147CyHi returns with new music, including a diss aimed at J. Cole and a record explaining the fallout from the G.O.O.D. Music era. While the songs show his lyrical ability, it raises a bigger question about CyHi’s career and whether fans should still take him seriously when he steps back into the spotlight.Later, Cole Jackson reacts to Jess Hilarious speaking about the reaction to The Breakfast Club moving from YouTube to Netflix. Did the platform shift disconnect the show from the audience that built it, or is this just the next evolution of hip-hop media?This is The Stem Society, where Cole Jackson gives honest hip-hop commentary on the music, the culture, and the business behind it.Timestamps(0:25) Cyhi drops new music(1:47) Cyhi always pump fakes(2:52) It's never his fault(4:14) Cyhi is never going to drop(5:24) Jess Hilarious talks Netflix deal(6:18) The Breakfast Club vs Real Podcasts(8:07) Iheart's involvement(10:20) Losing YouTube is the biggest mistake(12:30) Final thoughts

Ep 146 On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down the escalating T.I. vs 50 Cent back-and-forth and asks the real question — who actually needs this more?With T.I. dropping multiple diss tracks and rapping with clear urgency while 50 stays silent on the mic, the energy feels uneven. Is this strategic patience from 50, or does this moment simply mean more for T.I.’s legacy?Cole also reacts to Lil Yachty calling “Rapper’s Delight” weak and dives into the generational tension around respecting hip-hop’s foundation.This episode is about hunger, relevance, and who still has something to prove.Timestamps(1:01) TI vs 50 so far(5:41) 50 don't play by the rules(7:02) TI and Family jump 50(10:28) Is this working?(14:21) Never bet against 50(16:48) Yachty's interesting take on old school rap(18:23) He's not wrong(21:51) Yachty should never freestyle (25:12) Outro

Patreon FreebieArtitst Stock Market This is where I break down artists like assets — momentum, trust, direction, and whether what we’re seeing is real motion or just noise.This week’s portfolio:Isaiah RashadBaby KeemLarry June x Curren$y x The AlchemistJoey Bada$$OVO Sound x McDonald'sJack Harlow

Ep 144This week on The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down the backlash to LaRussell’s comments about Lil Wayne and questions whether hip-hop fandom has become too sensitive for real opinions.Then, Cole reacts to Vlad’s viral tweet about Jay-Z and asks the uncomfortable question — would other bloggers get sued for the same move? Why do some media personalities avoid accountability?This episode dives into free opinion, fandom culture, and who really controls the narrative in hip-hop.

Ep 143This week on The Stem Society, Cole Jackson tackles three conversations that say a lot about where hip hop stands right now.First, Geechi Gotti’s arrest in Ohio sparks a deeper discussion about battle rap economics. Are battle rappers really getting paid enough to sustain their lifestyle, or are we ignoring the financial realities behind the culture?Next, Gene Simmons questions hip hop’s place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and uses the word “ghetto” to describe the genre. Does he have a point about genre boundaries, or does his language cross a line?Finally, Cole breaks down the Cam’ron vs J. Cole $500K lawsuit and explains why both sides might be better off settling outside of court — plus a scenario where Cole could strategically dodge the situation altogether.

Ep 142On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole dives into why hip-hop media stays quiet when Jay-Z’s name is mentioned in connection with the Epstein files — and asks the real question: is Jay-Z untouchable in rap culture?Next, Cole reacts to GloRilla’s sister Scarface going viral after her TMZ interview and breaks down how moments like this can affect an artist’s public image and brand.Finally, Cole gives an update on the rumored T.I. vs 50 Cent Verzuz battle, explains why it’s not happening, and discusses who T.I. should really be facing instead.If you’re here for honest hip-hop commentary, real industry insight, and culture-first conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe and tap in for weekly episodes of The Stem Society.Timestamps(1:08) Jay Z in the files (8:42) Glorilla's sister is a monster(15:23) TI and 50 is never going to happen

Ep 141In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down the biggest moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards, including his favorite highlights from the night, Kendrick’s major win, and the controversy surrounding Rap Album of the Year.He compares his predictions to the actual winners, discusses the biggest surprises and snubs, and looks at what the results say about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry.Timestamps(0:43) Thoughts on the show(2:10) Favorite and least favorite performaces(5:40) Bad Bunny winning Album of the Year(9:05) My picks vs who won(12:02) My theory on why GNX won Rap AOTY(18:48) Outro

Ep 140J. Cole’s Birthday Blizzard ’26 sparked major debate across hip-hop — but much of the conversation missed the point.In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down his real experience buying the mixtape, why direct-to-fan releases matter in today’s music industry, and where the rollout fell short.More importantly, he explains why the music itself delivered, how Cole shifted the narrative after the Kendrick vs. Drake moment, and why some media reactions lacked context.From business strategy to lyrical performance to legacy talk, this is a full breakdown of what Birthday Blizzard ’26 really represented — and what it means heading into The Fall Off.Timestamps(0:00) Cole Open(1:25) Cole's experence buying the mixtape(5:31) Initial Thoughts(8:50) Ranking the songs(14:13) Addressing the hate(27:27) Final take on what we will get from "The Fall Off"

Ep 139First, Cole reacts to the recent incident involving DJ Akademiks and asks the real question: was this random, or was he set up? From label money and industry relationships to questions about journalistic integrity, Cole examines whether Akademiks can still be seen as an independent voice in hip-hop media — and why this moment matters.Then, Cole dives into Kanye West’s latest apology letter. What did it really say? And more importantly, should fans believe it? Looking at Kanye’s history of public apologies and repeated controversies, Cole explains why words aren’t enough anymore — and why real accountability has to come through consistent action.This episode isn’t about canceling anyone. It’s about standards, credibility, and protecting the culture.

Ep 138On this episode of The Stem Society, host Cole Jackson breaks down why Drake’s decision to appeal his UMG lawsuit could have long-term consequences for his career, reputation, and legacy. Is this a smart legal move, or a risk that could hurt him in the long run?Then, Cole dives into the online back-and-forth between 21 Savage and Fivio Foreign after Fivio’s viral comments sparked debate across hip-hop. Did Fivio cross the line, or is this just another example of clout-driven controversy?From industry politics and legal battles to street credibility and internet culture, this episode explores how power, perception, and reputation shape today’s rap game.Tap in for honest analysis, cultural context, and unfiltered commentary.Timestamps(0:00) Cole Open(1:09) Drake's Appeal and what could happen(10:02) Fivio Goes in on 21 Savage(17:50) Jay Z shows up for LaRussell

Ep 137This is a collab episode with The Hussle Report's Hussle Porter. In this episode Hussle and Cole talk about the Tenderism conspiricy, Druski's Church skit, Kai's current state, your worst break up and what we expect from J Cole's new album "The Fall Off" Make sure you tap in with Hussle Porter and The Hussle Report on IG: @hussle_porter & @hussleworldent

Ep 136On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down the Adin Ross and Doechii controversy following the release of Doechii’s song “Girl, Get Up.”Cole explores how early criticism from within the culture helped open the door for extreme outside commentary, the role platforms play in amplifying disrespect, and whether Glasses Malone’s response represents accountability—or escalation. A culture-first conversation about blame, boundaries, and responsibility in hip-hop.Timestamps(0:00) Intro(3:21) Black Internet Culture is to Blame(7:43) Adin Ross and his disrespect(12:15) Glasses Malone steps in(15:37) Final Thoughts

Ep 13521 Savage just sent a message to the industry: “F* the Streets.”** On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down what that statement really means for hip-hop — is the street era finally fading out, or is this just another moment that’ll get flipped into marketing?Cole also dives into Charlamagne’s reported $200M deal with iHeart and Ebro’s reaction to it. Is it fair critique or something a little more personal?Real conversation. Real culture. No industry politics. Tap in. 🎙️

Ep 134In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down two conversations that are really about the same thing: legacy in hip-hop.Cole reacts to The Game claiming he’s the best rapper on the West Coast, and why Kendrick Lamar’s name immediately entered the conversation. Is greatness about pure skill, or do catalog, impact, and how an artist moves over time matter more?The episode then shifts to the end of Ebro in the Morning on Hot 97, and why radio still plays a role in hip-hop culture — but only if it evolves in a podcast-driven era.This isn’t about nostalgia or taking sides. It’s about how hip-hop decides who gets the crown, and how media platforms survive when the culture changes.🎙️ Hosted by Cole Jackson

Ep 133In this episode, Cole breaks down why the new Diddy documentary adds nothing to the conversation. From 50’s ego play to the recycled information, Cole explains why the doc feels like a waste of time and money.Cole also reacts to Trap Lore Ross’ new video on NBA YoungBoy and talks about why creators who lean into street politics need to stand on their words when the pressure hits.Tap in for honest hip hop commentary and real conversations about media responsibility.Timestamps(1:16) Initial Thoughts / 50's Involvement(2:40) What Is the Doc About?(6:59) What Was the Purpose?(8:13) Diddy’s Love Life(9:21) R. Kelly vs. Diddy(10:51) Diddy Is Just Like White Executives(14:02) Final Thoughts on the Doc(15:14) Trap Lore Ross Going at YoungBoy(16:43) Who Is Wrong?(20:02) I Won’t Blame Artists(22:07) Stand By Your Statement!(24:31) Hip Hop Is ALWAYS the Blame(25:56) Stop Supporting TLR(27:44) Outro

Ep 132Cole breaks down why The Bigger Picture didn’t work long-term and what its ending says about the shallow state of hip-hop podcasting. He also dives into why labels pushing DSPs to raise streaming prices is a bad idea, and whether real alternatives to Spotify and Apple Music even exist. A full culture talk from someone who actually pays attention.Timestamps(0:00) Cole Open(1:08) The Bigger Picture Says Goodbye?(3:46) The Couldn't Move Past Kendrick v Drake(5:05) Jeremy, Dj Hed and Elliott Wilson felt non committal(9:37) Elliott's Hidden Agenda(14:57) The Problem with Hip Hop Podcasting(18:13) Spotify is Going to Raise the Price(19:10) The Labels Are to Blame(20:17) The OG Rappers are the Problem(24:39) Here is My Alternative to Streaming