We late... and we apologize. Also, the sound is like .3 seconds behind on one of the tracks. We new to this. LOL. We're a mess... and we apologize. We gon' get right... promise.

This week on The Idea Of…, Mike returns from a Clipse hometown show in Virginia Beach with stories about the music, the magic, and the meaning of seeing hip hop performed with no gimmicks—just bars and presence. Pharrell’s timeless production shines (even though he didn’t make an appearance), making it a full trip through sound and culture.

The conversation then pivots to the current state of hip hop journalism, with pointed takes on figures like Toure and Elliot Wilson. They break down the shift from byline prestige to performative bitterness, and why some media OGs seem to be missing the moment—while artists like Clipse show how to age with grace in the culture.

The episode closes with real talk about their sons beginning their college soccer journeys, exploring the different ways each parent sees the transition, and the uniquely Black parent worry of “life skills vs. letting them figure it out.” It’s culture, clarity, and the joy in the journey—this is The Idea Of….