Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! The Season 8 finale is here! It’s just Eden and Sope as Nic is in Madrid getting some well-deserved rest. Kicking things off is a review of Cleo Sol’s headline show at KOKO. The boys share their individual experiences of the concert and what it meant to hear particular songs in a live setting. They also reflect on Cleo Sol’s decade-long journey in music, and how she’s found herself at this watershed moment in her career (00:04:02). The news agenda begins with Jamal Edwards’, whose mother Brenda released an official statement confirming the cause behind his premature death in February was due in part to the use of recreational drugs (01:04:00). Next up is Lil Nas X, who has taken The BET Awards to task on social media and via an impending diss track, after it was announced that he received zero nominations for the upcoming ceremony later this month (01:22:19). Closing off the episode and the season as a whole is Rolling Stone Magazine, who published their list of what they believe are the 200 greatest Hip-Hop albums of all time, which of course resulted in many a contentious debate online (01:40:08). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: Khruangbin - Mordechai Roy Ayers - Running Away RAMP - Come Into Knowledge Patrice Rushen - The Hump Leroy Burgess - Heartbreaker (Shep Pettibone 12” Mix) Donna Mcghee - Make It Last Forever Nic’s Listens For The Week: N/A Eden’s Listens For The Week: Siergio - BEFORE ITS TOO LATE 070 Shake - You Can’t Kill Me Ravyn Lenae - Hypnos Raheaven - THROAT GAME STUPID! Janine - Loving Me Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

.Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! After many weeks of teasing, our long-awaited deep dive into Kendrick Lamar’s fifth studio album ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’ is here! There will be no recommended listens or news topics this week. It’s strictly all things Kendrick as the guys dissect, explore and debate the album’s sprawling lyrical content and vast soundscapes. Joining us for this special episode to give voice to some of the bespoke experiences, themes and nuances nestled in the album is: Multi-disciplinary creative and entrepreneur Krystopher Scott from Columbus, Ohio. Cultural commentator, educator, activist + host of Rational Anger Podcast Marquise Davon from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, it’s just Nic and Sope as Eden enjoys a well deserved break in Portugal. Before proceeding with the planned agenda, Nic and Sope ease into episode by having an open catch up. Elaborating on how they’re both feeling as they juggle work, writing, side projects, mental health and adulthood (00:01:02). Kicking off the news section this week is N-Dubz who’s recently-announced reunion arena tour has completely sold out. Leading to a hilarious conversation about the memories of their early days on Channel U and Tulisa’s solo endeavours (00:41:35). Next up is Halsey who took to social media to reveal that her label is refusing to release new music from until she can engineer and fake a viral moment on TikTok. Nic points out that Halsey’s post was possibly an ironic spoof but demonstrates a growing trend among artists who are being pressured by their teams to be more active on the platform (00:58:45). Rounding out the episode is Isaiah Rashad who during an in-depth interview with Joe Budden came out as sexually fluid. Sope takes Budden to task for asking ignorant questions that implicate negative stereotypes about queerness, while Nic points out possible the motives behind Isaiah’s stating he’s fluid as opposed to a more defined category (01:14:41). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: Ravyn Lenae - Xtasy Bellah - Prototype ELIZA - Heat Of The Moon Tyler, The Creator - Flower Boy Nic’s Listens For The Week: Dreezy - Hit Girl Eden’s Listens For The Week: N/A Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans!  In this weeks episode, it is just Eden and Nic as Sope takes some R&R to refocus and prioritise his mental health. As we do the rounds to check on each other, Nic and Eden get into a conversation about their experiences with burnout as content creators/writers. Highlighting and acknowledging the pressures it levies on our current generation. Later in the discussion the boys discuss Jack Harlow's Hot 97 interview as he admits he had no idea Ray J and Brandy were siblings during a quiz game. The focus of the conversation was around erasure, #RespectingLegends but also the pressures of social media to get everything right all the time. We question whether people were being fair in their critiques, or harsh with their expectations? As the episode continues, the boys discuss Bobby Schumurda as the "Hot Nigga" rapper fights back against the legal practice of rappers lyrics being used as evidence in court cases. Opening about a discussion about how surveillance and structural racism affects the Black community. Eden refers to Ruha Benjamin's book "Race After Technology", focusing on surveillance culture and how technology disproportionally harms specifically black people. Rounding up the episode is a discussion surrounding Knucks and his new album 'Alpha Place' which debuted at No.3 on The UK Albums Chart (above Jack Harlow!).   Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, it’s just Eden and Sope as Nic had family commitments. When Eden takes time to remind the listeners that #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek is looming, it inspires Sope to speak at length about JoJo’s latest project ‘trying not to think about it’ which explores the many shades of mental health and anxiety (00:10:59). Continuing on the mode of music that soothes and functions as an emotional solace, Eden gives a glowing recommendation of Natalie Lauren’s project ‘Handle With Care’ (00:27:14). During the listens section, Eden opens the floor to discuss what the appeal about Blxst is and considers whether he’s just ageing out of the sounds and trends associated with US mainstream Hip-Hop (00:35:37). Kicking off the news section is Teyana Taylor who’s announced the second and final part of her farewell tour which commenced at the end of 2021. Leading Sope to question whether she’s actually retiring and look back on how Kanye West and GOOD Music routinely dropped the ball on her career progression (00:50:23). Rounding out this week’s episode is TikTok who have launched their own music distribution service SoundOn, which has been described as an all in one platform for music marketing and distribution. Inspiring a conversation about how TikTok’s increasing presence in the music space is threatening to destabilise many archaic institutions in music like record labels (01:01:00). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: JoJo - trying not to think about it Teedra Moses - Complex Simplicity Kehlani - Up At Night Justin Bieber & Kehlani - Get Me Vince Staples - Ramona Park Broke My Heart Mary J. Blige - Good Morning Gorgeous Ebo Taylor - You Need Love Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - African Dreams Nic’s Listens For The Week: N/A Eden’s Listens For The Week: Natalie Lauren - Handle With Care Schoolboy Q Feat. Kendrick Lamar - Blessed Blxst - Before You Go Link To Donate & Help Save Tawanda Chamunorwa's Life:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/5gum6b-help-save-tawandas-life Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! This week’s show is a much shorter affair in light of the last few lengthy episodes. During the listen’s section, Nic’s review of Syd’s new album ‘Broken Hearts Club’ prompts an impromptu discussion around the different types of vocalists. Noting that Syd wouldn’t be termed a “real vocalist” in the traditional sense, the boys discuss the negative perception around “whisper singers”. Looking at in how they’re received in comparison to singers who are known for their power, range, runs and why it's not necessary for everyone in the music marketplace to be a “sanger” (00:23:55). Rounding out the episode is a discussion around the plethora of sexual misconduct allegations against DJ/Presenter Tim Westwood. Questioning why the music industry is yet to have the same reckoning that the film and television industry has around sexual harm. While also looking at the commentary from many in the black community who’ve previously attempted to overlook Westwood’s actions because of his work in increasing the visibility of black artists. (00:54:30). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: LSDXOXO - Drain Goldie Feat. Lady Blackbird - Sunlight Teedra Moses - Cashmere Compliments The Colleagues Feat. Teedra Moses - 90s Kinda Love Nic’s Listens For The Week: Kasien - Grass Grows Greener Syd - Broken Hearts Club Nathy Peluso - Vivir Asi Es Morir De Amor Eden’s Listens For The Week: Tyler, The Creator - Call Me When You Get Lost Hodgy - Everyday People Change Into Someone We Never Knew Omar Apollo - Ivory Harry Styles - As It Was Nilüfer Yanya - the dealer Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys are joined by Gerrick Kennedy. Based in Los Angeles, Kennedy is an award-winning journalist + cultural critic. A former staff writer at the LA Times, his writing has appeared in the likes of Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, GQ, Wall Street Journal Magazine, Men’s Health, Variety, NPR Music, Billboard, Spin, Playboy, Teen Vogue and Shondaland. He is also the author of 'Didn't We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston’. In a very short news agenda, Eden and Sope share their thoughts on Isaiah Rashad who during his 2022 Coachella set, addressed the frenzy that ensued when he was unfortunately outed by way a sex tape that showed him with two other men (00:06:55). Rounding out the episode is an animated and illuminating conversation with Gerrick Kennedy. His guest appearance starts off with a lengthy rumination on the ways the internet has contributed to the ongoing plight of black journalists (00:28:27). The discussion then veers into a focused analysis of his new book where Gerrick and the boys partake in an extended conversation on the life and career of Whitney Houston. Highlighting how the demands of her career and the doors she opened would force her to be at odds with her blackness and her queerness. While also looking at the necessary creative rebirth that came with her ‘I’m Your Baby Tonight’, the social complexities surrounding her iconic rendition of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’. The boys also dive deep into how Whitney’s death personally affected Gerrick and led to his own modes of internal and professional transformation (00:44:20). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: N/A Eden’s Listens For The Week: N/A Nic’s Listens For The Week: N/A Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to another episode of Don't Alert The Stans! In this weeks episode we ask the simple questions; what have we listened to for the week, what music we would recommend, and most importantly...why are we so inna? We use the popular West Indian phrase to question why there is such a demand for celebrity scandal, analysing the false tweets surrounding A$AP Rocky, Amina Muaddi, and Rihanna as a popular twitter user created a false story about infidelity in their relationship. Nic and Eden ask the question, why do we care so much? What do we gain from being so inna?  During the listens section Eden and Nic discuss their favourite albums where Eden controversially questions the hype surrounding Syd's new release 'Broken Hearts Club'. The two couldn't stop talking about Vince Staples new project 'Ramona Park Broke My Hear' leading to a discussion about class, survivors guilt and what it means to become the rich person from a poor community. Not one to miss!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys are joined by Kamica King. Based in Dallas, Texas, Kamica is a board-certified music therapist, speaker, singer and songwriter. King is also the founder of Musically Me Unlimited, a musical self-empowerment program for youth of colour and socio-emotional wellness company King Creative Arts Expressions (KCAE). During the listens section, Sope gushes over Mahalia’s latest single ‘Whatever Simon Says’ and urges her to abandon all attempts at breaking through in the UK by focusing on the states like Ella Mai, Estelle, Daley, Floetry and a plethora of other UK R&B/soul acts before her (00:29:42). In a very short news agenda, the boys deliver a brief review of the 2022 GRAMMY Awards. Congratulating the likes of Jazmine Sullivan, Lucky Daye, Doja Cat, Tyler The Creator and Questlove for their respective awards while questioning awards given to Silk Sonic and once again H.E.R. (00:44:28). Rounding out the episode is an enriching and wide-ranging conversation with Kamica King, where she engages with the boys on an in-depth discussion surrounding all things music therapy. Highlighting the naturally restorative and healing power music has always had in our lives but how its expanded with a clinical approach to bring mental, emotional and physical soothing to our lives. Kamica also provides insight into the misconceptions and usefulness of music therapy as a legitimate path towards healing in comparison to counselling, psychotherapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy and more (00:56:54). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: Lady Blackbird - Black Acid Soul Voices of East Harlem - The Voices Of East Harlem Voices of East Harlem - Right On Be Free Mahalia - Whatever Simon Says Ella Mai - Leave You Alone Eden’s Listens For The Week: Koffee - Gifted Dreamville - D:Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape Vince Staples - Vince Staples Mustard Feat. Nipsey Hussle - Perfect Ten Jaz Karis Feat. J Warner - 2NIGHT Jaz Karis - Games We Play Nic’s Listens For The Week: N/A Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! At long last, the men of DATSPOD have returned after a temporary spell away to individually recuperate. And best of all, the full gang is back together again for Season 8 as Nic returns to rejoin the fold. During the listens section, a tangent surrounding contemporary perceptions of “the debut album” comes to the fore. Inspired by Eden and Nic’s respective listens of Rema’s ‘Rave & Roses’ and Latto’s ‘777’, the boys discuss how we’re currently in an era where the expectations, pressure and significance historically levied onto an artist’s debut album is gradually becoming irrelevant and arbitrary. Due to the way streaming services have blurred the lines on the difference between an album, mixtape or EP in 2022 (00:33:40). In the wake of Remy Ma’s polarising comments on Doja Cat’s eligibility as a rapper, kicking off the news agenda is an examination on what are the qualifiers for those who sing and rap to be seen as authentic rappers and ultimately what complicates these notions. (01:10:19). Closing out the episode is an open-ended exchange on the wave of success Central Cee is currently experiencing and what this means in the wider context of Drill becoming more mainstream. The boys dissect his mind-blowing streams, stats and YouTube views to consider why he’s now being put on a pedestal to fly the flag for UK drill in comparison to some of his contemporaries (01:43:58). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens For The Week: Peter Tosh - Equal Rights Tweet - Charlene Tweet - Get Away (Move On) Tweet - Southern Hummingbird Loose Ends - Time Is Ticking Beyoncé - Be Alive Destiny’s Child - Dubillusions Billie Holiday - Don’t Explain Joyce Wrice - Iced Tea Eden’s Listens For The Week: Che Ecru - Pain Pack 5 J Balvin - JOSE Rema - Rave & Roses Coops - Lost Soul CARRTOONS - Saturday Morning Mac Ayres - Magic 8ball Nic’s Listens For The Week: Omar Apollo - Ivory Latto - 777 Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #DATSPOD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message