No Ceilings with Glasses Malone

In this episode of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone is joined by West Coast rap veteran Yukmouth for a passionate conversation about hip-hop history, regional pride, and the ongoing debate surrounding West Coast unity. The discussion celebrates the legacy of Luniz and the cultural impact of “I Got 5 on It,” while exploring the influence of Bay Area and Los Angeles artists on the broader hip-hop landscape. Glasses and Yukmouth also unpack the controversy surrounding Drake’s use of a Mac Dre-inspired record produced by P-Lo, debating whether the surrounding discourse has fueled unnecessary Bay Area versus Los Angeles tensions. The conversation expands into media accountability, social media narratives, and the growing influence of bots, algorithms, and online perception in shaping public opinion. Glasses and Yukmouth discuss the difference between journalism and choosing sides, the meaning of “keeping it P,” and the importance of properly honoring hip-hop history and its pioneers. The episode also addresses commentary surrounding Tupac Shakur’s legacy, the value of authenticity in music culture, and the need for unity rather than division within West Coast hip-hop. Blending cultural commentary, industry insight, and unfiltered conversation, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at loyalty, influence, and preserving the integrity of the culture. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @regimegeneralSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone sits down with writer and showrunner Malcolm Spellman for an in-depth conversation about Hollywood, storytelling, and the realities of large-scale television production. Spellman breaks down how major productions operate like “300-person machines,” with union dynamics, departmental politics, and the immense pressure placed on showrunners when projects succeed or fail. The discussion explores what makes timeless storytelling resonate, with praise for The Wire as a groundbreaking example of authentic, layered writing, while also unpacking how long-running shows often struggle to maintain quality without “jumping the shark.” The conversation also dives into Malcolm Spellman’s unconventional journey into the entertainment industry, from selling a spec script to building a résumé that includes Empire, Truth Be Told, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hip Hop Uncovered, Captain America: Brave New World, Bel-Air, and Snowfall. Together, they discuss how technology and streaming have shifted music and film into market-share businesses, while highlighting the importance of preserving authenticity and human storytelling in hip-hop and entertainment culture.   Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @malcolm_spellmanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone sits down with Toronto-based artist Sty Low to discuss street culture, identity, and hip-hop’s global influence. Originally from France with Ivorian roots, Sty Low shares how artists like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Tupac Shakur, and Snoop Dogg helped shape his understanding of English and hip-hop culture. The conversation breaks down how “gang banging” is often misunderstood as only violence rather than community politics, diplomacy, and territorial navigation, while also exploring the global perception of Canada, Toronto street culture, and the international impact of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. The discussion expands into the music industry’s marketing tactics, with Glasses examining how labels use “Passover” artists to introduce Black music to mainstream white audiences, drawing comparisons across rap, rock, and R&B history. He also distinguishes rap from hip-hop culture, emphasizing authenticity, local storytelling, and the importance of artists embracing their real-life experiences and cultural roots.  Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @mister_d.o.p.eSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Season 6 premiere of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone joined by Justin Hunte, and Scru Face Jean dive into how social media and parasocial fandom have reshaped hip-hop culture and discourse. Comparing today’s online environment to earlier eras where respect carried real-world consequences, the crew unpacks the rise of trolling, burner accounts, and performative “stan” behavior. They also react to receiving a suspicious “OVO Docket” email alleging a slander lawsuit—highlighting inconsistencies and using the moment to reflect on how far the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle fallout has spread across the internet. The conversation expands into the psychology of modern fandom, where identity, engagement, and social currency often outweigh genuine artist support. From bot-like behavior and harassment tactics to debates around accountability, blocking, and digital boundaries, the hosts break down the blurred lines between fans and participants in hip-hop narratives. Scru Face Jean also addresses concerns about being tied to lawsuit narratives, framing the larger issue as a threat to hip-hop culture and free expression—making this episode a sharp look at the intersection of music, media, and internet culture.   Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @scrufacejean @thecompanymanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Glasses Malone reflects on a conversation with A&R Don Dub about preparing upcoming music releases, revealing plans to prioritize the One 10 album for an August rollout while pushing the highly anticipated DJ Toomp project to later in the year due to a Hollywood commitment. Malone also breaks down how the traditional concept of “working a record” was built around vinyl sales and retail demand, arguing that the modern streaming era has fundamentally changed the music business, leaving many artists financially struggling despite their public image. Malone shares candid insights from his own career, including his transition from street life to rap success, early label experiences with Cash Money Records, and lessons learned about music fundamentals from industry figures like DJ Head. Using examples like the marketing strategy behind “Tupac Must Die”, he emphasizes the need for artists to build direct-to-fan business models, leverage the information age, and embrace discomfort while chasing timeless albums and long-term success in today’s evolving hip-hop landscape.   Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLocSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone opens by addressing how his song “Tupac Must Die” was received, explaining that it was never meant as a personal attack and that he would have withheld it if people close to him—like Gonzo—had said it hurt them. He frames the record as a cultural hip hop expression that can make outsiders uncomfortable, then welcomes guests including RoseKiki Loko, Sega, Trap Bradshaw, Lex Diamonds, and Partee as the group revisits a recurring debate about whether hip hop is defined by regional “sounds” (West Coast, East Coast, South) and what people mean when they use terms like “ignorant” in conversation.  The discussion turns into a detailed breakdown of funk’s origins and how it traveled through American music into hip hop, with arguments over sampling versus being influenced, and how G-funk became popularly associated with the West Coast through landmark records (including Dr. Dre’s work, The Chronic, and Doggystyle). Glasses challenges the idea that regions define sound, arguing that producers’ signatures—especially drum work—matter more, and that the best hip hop creators were chasing musicians (Leon Haywood, George Clinton, Donny Hathaway) rather than copying other rap records. The episode also detours into NBA comparisons centered on Steph Curry’s uniqueness and how imitation dilutes quality, then closes with commentary on 50 Cent’s escalating responses in the T.I. “Verzuz” conversation and a broader warning that hip hop is suffering from “copies of copies,” losing connection to its musical foundation and proper credit to producers. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @fleepartee @lexmelek @trap_bradshaw_gtkprs @segamisfit @lilkekeloco_the_original See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone with special guest Ace Boy Rios get into a spirited discussion about cultural authenticity, personal experiences with various cuisines, and the influence of cultural elements in hip hop and pop music. They share their candid opinions on New York culture, Jamaican food, Mexican food in different parts of the U.S., and Americanized versions of global cuisines. The conversation also touches on the authenticity of artists like Drake and J. Cole, their contributions to music, and their roles in the evolution of hip hop and pop. They also emphasize the importance of cultural authenticity in music and critique behaviors they perceive as inauthentic. Additionally, they discuss the implications of mainstream success on the authenticity of cultural expressions. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @AceBoyPun Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @ADHDPodcast (Trap)   Glasses Malone - “Banned From VladTV” Available NOW EVERYWHERE   Apple https://music.apple.com/us/album/banned-from-vladtv-ep/1842422575   Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/album/793E8PnU779PSwrW6lUNNd?si=7tbYT7XLR8iJfwt-SrBJzw   Tidal https://tidal.com/browse/album/463233516?u  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Glasses Malone and the No Ceilings crew break down a revealing Baxter Holmes ESPN feature examining the Buss family dynamics that ultimately led to the historic $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. The conversation explores Jeanie Buss’ leadership following Dr. Jerry Buss’ passing, including the scrutiny she faced while guiding the franchise through Kobe Bryant’s final seasons and reshaping the organization’s long-term vision. They analyze Jeanie Buss’ strategic decisions—highlighting the acquisitions of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the franchise-altering move to trade for Luka Dončić—as proof of a tenure that proved critics wrong. The episode also debates the future of LeBron James, weighing potential retirement scenarios against the possibility of another championship run with a new team, including speculation around Golden State.     Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @PeterBasBoss   Glasses Malone - “Banned From VladTV” Available NOW EVERYWHERE   Apple https://music.apple.com/us/album/banned-from-vladtv-ep/1842422575   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/793E8PnU779PSwrW6lUNNd?si=7tbYT7XLR8iJfwt-SrBJzw   Tidal https://tidal.com/browse/album/463233516?uSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the No Ceilings Podcast, Glasses Malone and special guests, The Viral Way (@theviralway_podcast), unpack the ongoing tension between authenticity and commercialization within hip hop culture. The conversation explores how street narratives are framed in media, the consequences of being labeled “crazy,” and the importance of understanding personal limits when navigating fame, storytelling, and public perception. The discussion also reflects on the cultural legacies of iconic figures like Scarface and Tupac, examining how their influence continues to shape modern hip hop conversations. The crew addresses the growing commodification of street culture by digital platforms such as DJ Vlad and No Jumper, debating the ethics, financial incentives, and integrity behind telling street stories for mass consumption.  Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @mr_viiiral_himself  @lbcmessiah  @kauleethe1  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the No Ceilings Podcast, Glasses Malone and special guests unpack the ongoing tension between authenticity and commercialization within hip hop culture. The conversation explores how street narratives are framed in media, the consequences of being labeled “crazy,” and the importance of understanding personal limits when navigating fame, storytelling, and public perception. The discussion also reflects on the cultural legacies of iconic figures like Scarface and Tupac, examining how their influence continues to shape modern hip hop conversations. The crew addresses the growing commodification of street culture by digital platforms such as DJ Vlad and No Jumper, debating the ethics, financial incentives, and integrity behind telling street stories for mass consumption.  Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @PeterBasBossSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Glasses Malone and crew unpack the complexities surrounding Drake’s Civil RICO lawsuit, examining its potential implications for hip hop culture, artist accountability, and the music industry at large. The conversation explores legal strategy, corporate power dynamics, and how public perception influences high-profile cases involving major artists. The panel also zooms out to assess the current state of hip hop, drawing comparisons to past cultural shifts in music and debating the balance between authenticity, innovation, and commercialization. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize cultural responsibility, creative evolution, and the changing relationship between hip hop, law, and institutional influence. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLocSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone is joined by Jobs (Intellectually Petty Radio) for a thought-provoking and deeply analytical conversation about the role of street culture in American society. They examine the historical and socio-economic function of the streets, particularly within marginalized communities, and unpack how various immigrant groups have used street economies as pathways to opportunity. The discussion explores the moral contradictions between criminalized street activity and socially accepted legal vices, while highlighting the racial disparities that shape access to opportunity in America and more. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc   Glasses Malone - “Banned From VladTV” Available NOW EVERYWHERE   Apple https://music.apple.com/us/album/banned-from-vladtv-ep/1842422575   Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/album/793E8PnU779PSwrW6lUNNd?si=7tbYT7XLR8iJfwt-SrBJzw   Tidal https://tidal.com/browse/album/463233516?uSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of No Ceilings, Glasses Malone and Rose Gold Pete dive deep into the intersection of music, creativity, and the societal forces that shape personal fulfillment. They explore what makes an artist’s voice truly unique, how parenthood can both challenge and fuel creativity, and the tension between material success and holistic well-being. The conversation examines the difference between the human mind and the human condition, highlighting how modern distractions—from social media to substance use—impact emotional regulation and artistic expression. Glasses and Pete also reflect on the evolving definition of the American Dream, economic inequality, cultural identity, and the subconscious burden many people carry while navigating today’s social landscape. Ultimately, they challenge listeners to reject mediocrity, embrace self-awareness, and maximize their potential in a world engineered to keep people unfocused and unfulfilled. Rate, subscribe, comment and share. Follow NC on IG: @GlassesLoc @PeterBasBoss   Glasses Malone - “Banned From VladTV” Available NOW EVERYWHERE   Apple https://music.apple.com/us/album/banned-from-vladtv-ep/1842422575   Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/album/793E8PnU779PSwrW6lUNNd?si=7tbYT7XLR8iJfwt-SrBJzw   Tidal https://tidal.com/browse/album/463233516?u  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.