"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.