Don’t Alert The Stans

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For the final episode of Season 6, it’s just Sope and Eden as Nic is feeling unwell. During the listens section, X-Factor alumni Shayne Ward and Leona Lewis have their careers randomly put under the microscope as a result of Eden’s recommendations 26:41). Kicking off the news agenda is VERZUS who have announced their newest battles between Eve and Trina in addition to Bow Wow and Soulja Boy. Puzzled, Sope considers whether these particular match ups make sense (41:12). Next up is GoldLink who used the announcement of his upcoming album ‘HARAM’ to once again fire lyrical shots at Sheck Wes, who at this point he’s been feuding with for a few years (01:02:55). Closing out the show is Snoop Dogg who’s been appointed as Def Jam’s new executive and strategic consultant. Sope notes that this partnership will only reap good fruit if he’s actually dedicated to working and building the artists on his roster. As opposed to it being a cosmetic role, leading to a conversation about Kanye West and Beyonce’s respective fashion lines. Looking at whether they are truly passionate about these projects or are they just boutique celebrity side hustles for the purpose of brand expansion (01:12:54). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • Children of Zeus - Balance • Tiffany Evans - All Me • Lalah Hathaway - Let Go • Faith Evans - Something About Faith • Faith Evans - Faithfully Nic’s Listens For The Week: • N/A Eden’s Listens For The Week: • Children of Zeus - Balance • Mereba - Rider • Shayne Ward - Breathless, If That’s Okay With You, No U Hang Up • Eva Cassidy - Fields Of Gold Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For the penultimate episode of Season 6, an impromptu conversation about the history and erasure of black rock indie musicians comes to the fore following Nic’s recommendation of Willow Smith’s new single Transparent Soul (30:08). Officially kicking off the news agenda this week is Mary J. Blige who’s partnered with Amazon Prime for a documentary centred on her 1994 classic and era defining sophomore album ‘My Life’ (42:40). In news that is music to Sope’s ears, Chris Brown has shared that he’s not in an immediate rush to release a new album and would rather wait until he feels his fans truly miss him (50:33). Swizz Beatz who in recent months has emerged as a corny and exasperating figure has called out Justin Timberlake to do a VERZUS battle to make up for his “crimes” against black culture (58:15). Closing out the show is an extensive conversation about RapCaviar who named Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Nicki Minaj as the Mount Rushmore rappers of the 2010s. Sope, Eden and Nic discuss in-depth the criteria for the list and weigh up if this line-up is wholly indicative of Hip-Hop’s cultural landscape across that decade (01:08:16). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • Juls - Chance • Michelle Williams - Journey To Freedom + Do You Know • Teedra Moses - Make Me, California Vibes, Clair Voyant • Alicia Keys - Troubles, Goodbye, Butterflyz, Typewriter, I Won't (Crazy World) • Dawn Richard - Boomerang Nic’s Listens For The Week: • Tora-I - Serial • Emotional Oranges Feat. Becky G – Down To Miami • Willow Smith - Transparent Soul Eden’s Listens For The Week: • Beres Hammond - Music Is Life • Sam Wills - Breathe • SiR - Chasing Summer • ((( O ))) - ((( 2 ))) Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the news agenda begins with a #RespectingLegends discussion around Alicia Keys’ performance at the Billboard Music Awards. She took to the stage to perform a medley of tracks from her classic debut album ‘Songs In A Minor’ commemorating it’s 20th anniversary (29:17). Next up is Nas who has announced that his independent label imprint Mass Appeal Records has inked a new strategic and distribution partnership with The Orchard, a subsidiary of Sony Music (39:10). Much to the dismay of BTS’ fervent and overzealous fanbase, Spotify has discounted 10 million streams from the initial 24-hour tally of their new single ‘Butter’ because of artificial activity (48:08). Closing out the episode is a wide-ranging conversation about the 2021 BET Award nominations with each of the boys sharing their predicted winners and losers across many of the categories (01:06:13). Upon seeing H.E.R.’s nomination in the ‘Best Gospel Song’ category, Sope and Eden open up a debate about the long-running rumours that H.E.R. is an industry plant (01:30:33). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • Kadeem Tyrell - Simple Man • Labelle - Chamelon • Mereba - Rider • Doja Cat & SZA - Kiss Me More • Lauryn Hill - Tell Him Nic’s Listens For The Week: • Mustafa - When Smoke Rises • Mustafa - The Hearse • Mustafa - Stay Alive • No Tourists - Ultraviolet Eden’s Listens For The Week: • Children Of Zeus - Travel Light • The Whispers - More Of The Night Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, it’s finally a full house as Eden, Sope and Nic are together again as a trio for the first time in over a month. Kicking off the news agenda this week is T.I. and Tiny who are now being investigated by the LAPD over unrelenting sexual assault allegations. As a response to the accusations, T.I. has released a new single ‘What It’s Come To’ lambasting their accusers (41:35). A year following a viral clip showing 3LW’s Kiely Williams and Destiny Child’s Farrah Franklin engaging in a shade fest, which was later revealed to be from an aborted reality show pilot, BET have announced that the show has now been picked up and is set to air in June. Starring ex-members from groups like 702, Blaque, Total, Cherish, Danity Kane and more (53:23). Rounding out this week’s episode is a sequel to the J. Cole centred ‘Groupchat Convo’ which began with Eden and Sope a few weeks ago. With Nic back in the fray, the boys delve into an comprehensive discussion about his new album ‘The Off Season’. While Sope focuses on why musically it misses the mark, Eden and Nic dissect the project as a wider extension of the person and man J. Cole has grown into over the last decade. Examining his politics, financial stature and consistent misogyny (01:03:00). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • Xscape - Off The Hook • J. Cole - The Off Season • Nicki Minaj - Beam Me Up Scotty • Stevie Wonder - Fulfillingness' First Finale • LSDXOXO - Dedicated 2 Disrespect • En Vogue - Let It Flow Nic’s Listens For The Week: • Latto - The Biggest • KAM-BU - Dumpling • Malibu Mitch - I Like What I Like Eden’s Listens For The Week: • Iman Omari - Energy • Robin Thicke - On Earth, and in Heaven Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, Eden and Sope hold it down as a duo once again as Nic is absent. Kicking off the news agenda this week is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who have officially announced that Tina Turner, Jay Z, LL Cool J, Clarence Avant and Gil-Scott Heron will be among their newest inductees (34:00). One week on from Sope singing the praises of Tank and his catalogue, the R&B veteran has revealed that he is going completely deaf in his right ear and starting to lose hearing in his left ear (42:05). Brimming with happiness, excitement and admiration, Sope offers an emphatic and comprehensive review of the latest VERZUS battle between legendary girl groups SWV and Xscape (46:08). Despite a lack of care from both Eden and Sope, they close out this week’s proceedings by discussing this year’s BRIT Awards. Delving into the logic behind those who won and lost (01:00:18) before taking an impassioned detour to discuss Leigh Anne Pinnock of Little Mix’s documentary ‘Race, Pop & Power’ which aired on BBC last week (01:09:36). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • SWV - I Missed Us • D’Angelo - Alright • Stevie Wonder - Fulfillingness' First Finale • Jessie Ware - What’s Your Pleasure • Xscape - Work Me Slow + Can’t Hang Nic’s Listens For The Week: • N/A Eden’s Listens For The Week: • Alabama Shakes - Sound & Color • J. Cole - The Off Season • Kano - Hoodies All Summer • Hira - Y • Lianne La Havas - Seven Times (Wu-Lu Remix) Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, Eden and Sope hold it down as a duo while Nic takes another week off to regroup. Kicking off the news agenda this week is Tion Wayne and Russ Millions whose collaborative single ‘Body’ has topped the UK Singles Chart. Becoming the first ever drill song to achieve this feat (35:00). Next up it has been announced that the likes of Quincy Jones, James Brown, Missy Elliott, Beyonce, Usher and many others are among the inaugural inductees of the Black Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame. A first-of-its-kind tribute to the trailblazing artists, iconic entertainers, and legendary luminaries who have impacted black culture at large. (42:02) Tory Lanez’s lack of shame continues to take heed as he has revealed that he has a joint album with Chris Brown in the works. Rather than focusing on the obvious downsides to this controversial pairing, Sope uses this topic to speak out against Chris Brown’s lack of musical growth and the immaturity that continues to pervade his new releases (49:55). Closing the episode is a return to the ‘Groupchat Convo’ format where Eden and Sope use the announcement regarding J. Cole’s imminent new album to discuss their thoughts on what they need from Cole this time round and why some of his previous projects like ‘4 Your Eyez Only’ and ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’ fell short (01:03:02). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • Little Simz - Woman • Little Simz - Introvert • JoJo - good to know (Deluxe) • Rochelle Jordan - Play With The Changes • TGT - Hurry • Tank - Foreplay, If That’s What It Takes, Somebody Else, Already In Love Nic’s Listens For The Week: • N/A Eden’s Listens For The Week: • James Fauntleroy - Monin • Coldplay - Higher Power • Jaz Karis - Let Me Down • Common - Let Love • Lucky Daye - Table For Two • Kenyon Dixon - Loving You India COVID-19 Relief Resources + Support: •https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/indian-charities-to-support-those-affected-by-the-coronavirus-crisis •https://covid.giveindia.org/oxygen/ Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, Eden and Sope hold it down as a duo while Nic takes this week off to regroup. Kicking off the episode is the latest developments in what seems to be a long-running saga. Justin Timberlake’s questionable antics from years before, continue to bite him where it hurts almost 20 years later. A stylist has come forward stating the infamous wardrobe malfunction with Janet Jackson at the Superbowl was deliberately planned by Justin. In order to one up Britney’s headline grabbing three-way kiss with Madonna and Christina Aguilera the previous year. (00:21:58). For the second and final topic of this shorter episode is the ongoing fallout from the tragic death of Hip-Hop legend DMX. Sope and Eden initially offer condolences to his family while sharing their personal memories and attachment to his music and persona. Before discussing the legions of unauthorised and greedy people online creating falsified narratives and stories to financially gain from his passing (00:58:38). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • serpentwithfeet - DEACON • Xscape – Traces Of My Lipstick Eden’s Listens For The Week: • Jill Scott – Golden • Tom Misch – Sunshine • Odunsi (The Engine) – Decided • Chronixx – Chronology Nic’s Listens For The Week: • N/A Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys are joined by Sharine Taylor. Based in Toronto, Taylor is an award-winning music + culture writer/critic of Jamaican origin. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, WePresent, Dazed, Nylon, Noisey, The FADER, Shondaland, Pitchfork, and many other notable publications. Before commencing the episode’s usual proceedings, Eden takes time to shout out dear friend of the show Alex Holmes who’s just published his debut book ‘Time to Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection’ (00:02:21). Next up is a sprawling dissection of the intense hysteria around Lil Nas X’s controversial for ‘Montero (Call Me by Your Name)’ (00:20:56). Rounding up the episode is an in-depth interview with Sharine where she elaborates on Jamaica’s cultural presence in Toronto, the role physical spaces and communities have played in the innovation and development of music from the West Indies, the commercialisation of dancehall, the inherently political origins of soca and more (01:00:27). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: • serpentwithfeet - DEACON • Gallant - Neptune • Willow Smith - WILLOW • Willow Smith - Ardipithecus • Miguel - Art Dealer Chic EPs Nic’s Listens For The Week: • Shantel May - Don’t Let Them See You Cry Eden’s Listens For The Week: • Norah Jones - Come Away With Me • Justin Bieber - Justice • Joyce Wrice - Overgrown • Jon Bellion – The Human Condition Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys kick off the news agenda discussing The U.S. National Library of Congress. It has been announced that select works from LaBelle Janet Jackson, Nas and Jimmy Cliff are among the newest inductees into their catalogue for their cultural and historical significance. Sope initially sets the conversation in motion, regarding how it’s a monumental feat to have their music archived on such a huge scale. Eden, however, turns the focus onto the cognitive dissonance at play. Remarking at how it is odd to have music included from artists who have at times criticised American/western politics be celebrated by an institution who is yet to truly recognise their harmful actions on marginalised communities (00:19:40). VERZUS is continuing to make a huge splash in the digital sphere a year on from its debut. The next 3 battles have been revealed and they are - Redman Vs Method Man, SWV Vs Xscape and Earth Wind & Fire Vs The Isley Brothers (00:41:51). Rounding up this week’s episode is Cardi B who with her latest single ‘Up’ recently made history as the first female rapper to rack up 5 #1’s on Billboard Hot 100. This news eventually parlays into an in-depth conversation about Cardi’s sophomore album, and the journey she’s made artistically and as a strategist in the time since the closure of the ‘Invasion of Privacy’ era (01:04:38). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Hiatus Kayote - Get Sun • Jennifer Hudson - I Remember Me • Joyce Wrice - Overgrown Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Radamiz - Drill For Oil • Joyce Wrice - Overgrown Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Saba – FIGHTER • Silk Sonic – Leave The Door Open • Kadeem Tyrell - Simple Man • Lauryn Hill - Ex-Factor • Justin Bieber - Justice Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys are joined by Yaw Owusu who is the Senior Manager at The PRS Foundation’s Power Up. The new initiative tackling Anti-Black racism and racial disparities within the UK Music Industry. A #RespectingLegends topic kicks off the news agenda this week. Anita Baker is telling her fans across the globe to stop streaming her music as she’s currently locked in a legal battle with her former record label about obtaining her masters (00:08:00). R&B veteran Keyshia Cole has announced that she’ll be retiring after the release of her forthcoming 8th studio album. Leading to a discussion where Sope and Nic speak on why her catalogue and previous successes are deserving of better retrospective dialogue (00:26:05). A review of the 2021 GRAMMYs closes out the news agenda. The boys offer unfiltered and unorganised thoughts on the various winners, losers and performances as their investment into the show as a whole continues to wane. (00:40:54). Rounding up this week’s episode is an in-depth interview with Yaw Owusu where they discuss the roots and origins of Power Up’s existence, its dedication to progressing conversations offline about racist practices in the music industry into tangible change, their partnership with the Black Music Coalition and targeting black creators/professionals who fall out of typical moulds (01:09:03). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • N/A Nic’s Listens for the Week: • N/A Eden’s Listens for the Week: • N/A Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the news agenda commences with the announcement that Rina Sawayama, Pa Salieu and Griff have been shortlisted for the Rising Star award at this year’s BRIT Awards (00:27:16). Veering into more disappointing terrain, the boys weigh in on the controversy surrounding Jess Glynne’s use of transphobic language during an appearance on The Mo Gilligan Podcast (00:37:03). The long-term future and evolution of Timbaland and Swizz Beatz’ VERZUS venture is brought under the microscope, in light of the news that they have sold the brand to the Triller network (00:52:55). Closing out the episode this week is a conversation around The Weeknd who has vowed to permanently boycott The GRAMMYs going forward after their decision to completely snub him and his work on ‘After Hours’. Leading to a discussion around why when black artists speak out against award shows, it is cosmetic and self-serving for the most part. Rather than about being a collective rebellion against such institutions (01:20:16). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Cleo Sol - Rose In The Dark • Amel Larrieux - Ice Cream Everyday • Patrick Paige II - Whisper (Want My Luv) Feat. Steve Lacy, Durand Bernarr + Allen Love • Jhene Aiko - sailing soul(s) Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Central Cee - Wild West • Nick Jonas - Spaceman Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Tom Misch - Beat Tape 2 • Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes - Nightrider Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, it’s a full house once again as Eden returns to the fore. During the listens section, Nic offers an impromptu review of Drake’s new EP ‘Scary Hours 2’ (00:26:12). Beginning the news agenda on a sombre but celebratory note, the boys reflect on the death of Reggae icon Bunny Wailer who passed away last week at the age of 73 (00:38:08). Beyonce’s past and present business ties became embroiled in controversy when her father and ex-manager Matthew Knowles harshly rebuffed claims that her Parkwood protégé Chloe Bailey of Chloe x Halle is on equal ground when it comes to talent and performance skills (00:50:12). The walls continue to fall down around the world of T.I. and Tiny. A New York Times expose recently published, revealed that a legal and criminal investigation is officially underway. Following weeks of alleged sexual violence and misconduct. (01:02:46). Closing out the episode this week is a conversation around the immediate impacts and effects that will be wrought with the news that Jack Dorsey and Square Inc. have acquired Jay Z’s majority share in streaming platform TIDAL (01:21:16). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • serpentwithfeet - Same Size Shoe • Dawn Richard – Buttah • Dawn Richard - new breed • Dawn Richard – Break Of Dawn Nic’s Listens for the Week: • No Tourists – Like Lava • No Tourists – Dumbo • Iamdoechii – Oh The Places You’ll Go • Drake - Scary Hours 2 • There was something else Eden’s Listens for the Week: • slowthai - TYRON • Tom Misch - Sunshine Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! After a nearly four-month hiatus, the boys of DATSPOD are back get you through this bleak time in history called 2021. Season 6 is finally here, kicking off with a jam-packed episode with just Nic and Sope. Proceedings begin with optimistic news of institutional progression. British-Japanese pop maverick Rina Sawayama has successfully prompted the BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize to change their eligibility criteria to have all UK residents acknowledged, even if they’re not British citizens (39:38). Meek Mill is once again made a social pariah following the backlash he received after his appearance on a leaked track. His verse features inappropriate lyrics about the death of Kobe Bryant, which resulted in his widow Vanessa Bryant addressing him on social media (48:49). D’Angelo who is one of Sope’s all-time favourite and beloved artists this past week made a rare public appearance to do a solo edition of VERZUS. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very underwhelming and disappointing showing (01:05:05). Rounding out the show is the news that after 7 years of being incarcerated, Bobby Schmurda was released from prison. Wanting to discuss the context around what led to Bobby’s stint in prison, Nic decides to not focus on the prospect of new music but dive into the wider socio-political implications that led to Bobby’s initial arrest. Provoking a dialogue on the criminalisation and surveillance of drill music and Hip-Hop here in the UK as well as New York (01:24:15). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Jamila Woods - LEGACY! LEGACY! • Kirk Franklin - Brighter Day • Corinne Bailey Rae - Corinne Bailey Rae • Janet Jackson - janet. Remixed Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Mariah The Scientist - MASTER • ShaSimone - Supersize Eden’s Listens for the Week: • N/A Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! And we have come to the end of Season 5! For the final episode until next year, the news agenda kicks off with Universal Music who have announced the launch of 0207 Def Jam UK. The new label will be head up by British-Ghanaian twins Alec & Alex Boateng, coming together after individual stints at Island Records and Warner Music (24:13). Next up is a story that Nic was privy to before it was officially announced to press. Comedian, personality and parody rapper Munya Chawawa has signed a contract with Atlantic Records. The boys discuss what needs to be done for Munya to have long-term success as opposed to the short-lived viral popularity that Big Shaq received (35:06). Closing out the episode and the overall season is The Grammys. The 2021 nominations were announced last week and more than ever, Nic, Sope and Eden are appalled at the artists who were snubbed and the artists who were needlessly represented across certain categories. Leading to a discussion about whether it is truly time to abolish the authority given to award shows (47:28). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Zhane - Sending My Love • K. Michelle - Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart • The Revolutionaries - Drum Sound: More Gems From the Channel One Dub Room 1974-1980 • Small Axe: Spotify Playlist Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Jamilah Barry – Romance Me • Tone Stith - Devotion Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Mnelia – After 6 • Bellah – Good Thing • Bellah – The Art of Conversation Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, a blunt and honest review of Megan Thee Stallion’s debut album ‘Good News’ sets the wheels in motion with Nic and Sope expressing their disappointment at the lack of musical growth and the over-reliance of samples. Elsewhere, they examine the overall underwhelming roll out in which they feel has failed to be a true culmination of all the buzz she’s amassed in the last year (36:15). Kicking off the news agenda this week is The Weeknd who has been unveiled as the headliner for next year’s Superbowl Halftime Show. It’s questioned whether he has the chops to command a stage of such stature, while questioning why the likes of Usher and Pink haven’t been called to do this yet (1:01:01). Next up is the ongoing legal entanglement between Scooter Braun and Taylor Swift. It has come to light that Braun has sold Swift’s catalogue to private equity firm Shamrock Capital for an estimated $300M (1:27:24). Closing out the episode is the series of controversies a cluster of the UK’s most notable MC’s have encountered in the last week, with Eden & Nic choosing to focus on the allegations that state Dutchavelli is sexually involved with underage girls (1:51:21). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • WizKid - Made In Lagos • Bob Marley - Small Axe • Groove Theory - Groove Theory • Lynda Dawn - At First Light • Erykah Badu - Mama’s Gun Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Megan Thee Stallion – Good News • Savannah Re – Opia • Shygirl - ALIAS Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Kehlani – It Was Good Until It Wasn’t • Xavier Omar – Moments Spent Loving You Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, a discussion on the erasure of European artists in the UK market sets things off in motion after Nic shares his love for French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura’s new album ‘AYA’ (26:48). The news section begins on a bleak note as the boys briefly summarise the domestic abuse allegations against Octavian who subsequently was dropped Black Butter Records (58:17). #FreeBritney is in the headlines again as it has come out that the court of California has declined to remove Britney Spears’ father from the conservatorship agreement (1:02:31). The impact of COVID-19 on live events is beginning to rear its ugly head as Ticketmaster have announced that customers may need to have taken a vaccine before attending their future shows (1:19:43). Rounding out the episode is the 2020 Soul Train Awards which unveiled their lengthy list of nominations. The boys share their thoughts on the artists nominated and predict who will win in particular categories (1:35:07). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Flo Milli - Ho, Why Is You Here • Luther Vandross - Don’t You Know That • Curtis Mayfield - Superfly Soundtrack • Salaam Remi - Black On Purpose • Pa Salieu - Send Them To Coventry Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Pa Salieu - Send Them To Coventry • Aya Nakamura - AYA Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Full Crate – In All Honesty • Loyle Carner – Yesterday • Le Mav Feat Tay Iwar - Heat Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys are joined by Sheniece Charway who works as the Artist Relations Manager at YouTube Music. In a quick tangential moment, Eden asks Nic and Sope on their experiences with the social media app Clubhouse which is quickly becoming popular (3:53). Kicking off the news agenda this week are the homophobic reactions to Lil Nas X dressing up as Nicki Minaj for Halloween by way of 50 Cent and Dave East (35:59). Ahead of the 2021 nominations set to be announced at the end of November, The GRAMMYS have announced that the ‘Best World Music Album’ award category will be renamed to ‘Best Global Music Album’, in an effort to reduce connotations associated with colonialism (50:01). Rounding up this week’s episode is an in-depth interview with Sheniece Charway where they discuss the ins and outs of her role at YouTube Music. The conversation also moves to a discussion about how she’s been able to use her position and influence to elevate Black British Music. Elsewhere, the impact of tech and streaming platforms on the music industry at large is discussed and more (1:05:24). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • WizKid – Made In Lagos • Ariana Grande - Positions Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Lila Ike – The ExPerience Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Misha – Bliss • Down To Mars – The Loneliest Number Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD / #DontAlertTheStans

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the listens section inspires two in-depth discussions. As Sope shares his thoughts on Ty Dolla $ign’s new album ‘Featuring Ty Dolla $ign’, he raises the question as to why for all his success as a featured artist and songwriter, why has there been a disconnect with his own material? (17:22). Meanwhile Eden’s championing of neo-soul artist Jerome Thomas leads to a conversation about the lack of infrastructure for R&B artists in the UK compared to grime, drill and afro-swing (29:10). Heading towards the news agenda, Diplo is believed to be potentially grooming 19-year-old TikTok star Quenlin Blackwell. Subsequently bringing to the forefront previous allegations around his improper and abusive behaviour with underage girls in addition to Azealia Banks and M.I.A. (1:08:05). Next up is the The BET Hip-Hop Awards and the guys evaluate why DaBaby lost all 12 of his nominations and share their thoughts on the cyphers (1:28:39). Closing out the episode is a ‘Groupchat Convo’ segment inspired by the realms of Black Twitter. Subverting the popular conversation around dating and ‘The Ick’, the boys discuss the artists who over the years have made them feel this way (1:45:40). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Lisa Maffia – In Love • Ty Dolla $ign – Featuring Ty Dolla $ign • Frank Ocean - Endless Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Busta Rhymes – Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath Of God Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Jerome Thomas – Mood Swings (Volume One) Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD / #DontAlertTheStans

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, much to Nic’s chagrin, the boys begin news proceedings by sharing the latest update in the Tory Lanez/Megan Thee Stallion shooting controversy. Tory took to IG Live to speak at length about his part in the case and debunk supposed holes in Megan’s story (52:25). As the November presidential election looms near, 50 Cent has revealed he’s endorsing Donald Trump. Even though he’s aware Trump “doesn’t like black people”, he prefers his tax policy over Joe Biden’s (1:00:18). In another instance where politics crosses over with the entertainment world, Diddy has announced the launch of a brand-new political party ‘Our Black Party’ which is said to focus on empowering black voters (1:11:46). Closing the episode is a discussion on the selfish and anti-african sentiments spurred on by Beyonce’s publicist Yvette Noel Schure and her mother Tina Knowles-Lawson. They both lit up with the internet with insensitive and self-centred responses to the backlash Beyonce endured for not speaking out quickly enough on the many issues facing Nigeria in regard to #EndSARS (1:27:18). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Trey Songz – Back Home • Kendrick Lamar – DAMN, Overly Dedicated, Section 80 + Compton • Rejjie Snow – Mirrors, Cookie Chips + Egyptian Luvr Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Reason – New Beginnings • Preme + Popcaan – Link Up Eden’s Listens for the Week: • Jhene Aiko – Trigger Protection Mantra • Tems – For Broken Ears • Paul Woodford, Diplo, Kareen Lomax – Looking For Me Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD / #DontAlertTheStans

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys are joined by award-winning journalist, editor and author Marcus J. Moore. He’s just published his first book, ‘The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America’. Elsewhere he’s a contributing editor at Bandcamp and has written for BBC, The Fader, The Nation, The Atlantic, Pitchfork, Entertainment Weekly and more. Nic sets off proceedings by congratulating and praising Sope for contributing to the success of Headie One’s ‘Edna’ which debuted at No.1 on the UK Album Charts (2:46). The news section is short and sweet as the boys put their two pence in about the controversy that arose from Ivorian Doll’s Daily Duppy on GRM Daily. An opportunity she used to continue her long-running beef with Abigail Asante and MISS RFABULOUS (28:45). Rounding up this week’s episode is an in-depth interview with Marcus J. Moore where they discuss his origins for wanting to write the very first Kendrick Lamar biography. The conversation also moves into the importance of key moments in his career like the ‘Control’ verse to losing several Grammys to Macklemore in 2014. While also discussing the space, he occupies in Black America’s heart and psyche and how he followed the innovative paths set by Miles Davis and A Tribe Called Quest (41:26). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: • Marlena Shaw - The Spice Of Life • Marlena Shaw - Sweet Beginnings • Kelly Rowland - Crazy Nic’s Listens for the Week: • Dylan Sinclair – Proverb • Bbymutha - Motherland Eden’s Listens for the Week: • N/A Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD / #DontAlertTheStans