1.) The Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Show - Leaving HOT 97, Drake DM's Ebro + What's Next (12/15/25)

Ebro and Rosenberg discuss their unexpected termination from Hot 97 after nearly two decades, reflecting on their contributions to the station, particularly in political and cultural discourse. They express gratitude for their time at the station but criticize the corporate media landscape. The conversation touches on industry dynamics, including streaming's impact and the role of social media in shaping narratives. They also address personal tensions with Drake, who recently reacted to their show's cancellation. Despite the setback, they plan to continue engaging with their audience through new platforms, maintaining their commitment to diverse and impactful content.

• Discussion about Laura Styles' annual vacation and recurring travel issues.
• Mention of Laura being stranded due to snow and missing a connecting flight.

"She was stranded in New York or delayed in New York five hours, probably because of the snow that we just had."

• Explanation: Laura Styles faced travel delays due to snow, highlighting recurring travel issues during her vacations.

• Exploration of the complex relationship between B (Rosenberg) and Funk Flex.
• Both are described as sensitive, proud, stubborn, and distrusting.

"He doesn't think I like him... It's like, man, I respect him so much, but, you know, like, we just can't. Like, we don't vibe."

• Explanation: Funk Flex perceives a lack of mutual liking with Rosenberg, reflecting their complicated dynamic.

• Contrast between A (Ebro) and Funk Flex's career priorities.
• Ebro's obligations to the audience and team, with a primary job at Apple.
• Rosenberg's desire to be actively speaking, similar to Funk Flex.

"It's Flex's responsibility and his passion to put what he loves first, which is DJing and being on that radio."

• Explanation: Funk Flex prioritizes DJing and radio, while Ebro focuses on broader obligations and his main job at Apple.

• Discussion on public misperceptions about their media presence and career priorities.
• Mention of narratives and assumptions made by the audience.

"People gonna make up whatever narrative they gonna make up and you. And you know what? Everybody's doing it for entertainment."

• Explanation: The public often creates narratives about media figures, driven by entertainment rather than facts.

• Reflection on the shift from traditional radio to digital platforms like YouTube.
• Historical involvement in early YouTube content and the evolution of media consumption.

"We were doing radio on YouTube before podcasts were on YouTube."

• Explanation: They pioneered radio content on YouTube, highlighting their early adoption of digital platforms.

• Description of the abrupt professional changes experienced by Rosenberg.
• Discussion on the classic radio industry practices and their impact.

"This is so and so. I'm here with so and so from legal. That's how the call started. Yeah, hey, it's so and so. I'm here with so and so from legal."

• Explanation: Rosenberg describes the impersonal and abrupt nature of being informed about his termination.

• Emphasis on the inherent political nature of hip hop and black cultural expression.
• Discussion on the challenges of discussing politics on corporate media platforms.

"Being black, making those rap records is political. Hip hop is political now."

• Explanation: Hip hop and black cultural expression are inherently political, especially in a society that often marginalizes these voices.

• The discussion revolves around the influence of social media platforms like X, highlighting the chaotic and often controversial nature of discourse on these platforms.
• The conversation touches on how public figures, like Drake, are perceived based on their social media activity and associations with political figures or causes.
• The hosts discuss the implications of labeling celebrities with political affiliations based on their actions or associations, which may not fully represent their personal beliefs.

"Drake has never openly said which side of the political aisle he is on. However, there are times when he has openly supported left-wing causes."

• This quote highlights the complexity of attributing political labels to public figures based on selective actions or associations. It underscores the importance of considering the broader context of their activities.

• The hosts discuss the challenges and changes in the media industry, particularly focusing on the termination of shows and the dynamics of radio and podcasting.
• There is a reflection on the personal and professional impact of job losses in the media industry, emphasizing the emotional and career-related repercussions.
• The conversation also addresses the importance of legacy media brands and their cultural significance, particularly in the context of Hot 97 and its role in New York City.

"When I talk about my frustration, which will happen over time, I really want to make a clear delineation. You are never going to hear me talk shit about Hot 97. That place is literally in my DNA."

• This quote illustrates the deep personal connection and loyalty the hosts feel towards their former media platform, acknowledging its cultural and personal significance despite professional changes.

• The discussion touches on the intersection of politics, social issues, and media, exploring how media personalities engage with these topics.
• The conversation includes a critique of how media figures are perceived when they engage in political or social activism.
• There is a reflection on the role of media in shaping public discourse around political and social issues.

"A lot of the work that I did up there and giving space so we can have the conversations with activists in the community supporting AOC before anybody supported AOC."

• This quote emphasizes the proactive role media personalities can play in fostering discussions on important social and political issues, highlighting their influence in promoting activism and awareness.

• The hosts share personal anecdotes and reflections on their careers, offering insights into the media industry's inner workings and challenges.
• There is a critique of how media companies handle talent and the dynamics of competition within the industry.
• The conversation includes a discussion on the motivations of media figures and the strategies they employ to remain relevant and influential.

"They licking boots and gunning for slots. Because who, if you're, if you're any of these guys, you would love to have access to the artists and the frequency and the, and, and the brand in some way, shape or form."

• This quote reflects the competitive nature of the media industry, where individuals are constantly vying for opportunities and recognition, often employing strategic alliances and positioning.

• The hosts discuss a tragic news story involving Rob Reiner, reflecting on the personal and societal impact of such events.
• The conversation explores the emotional and psychological effects of violent incidents, particularly when involving family members.
• There is a broader reflection on the fragility of life and the unexpected nature of tragedy.

"Rob Reiner, who has been in our lives since we were conscious of what entertainment was...to have lived a life of that much success doing that much cool stuff...and then when you're 78...you get stabbed in your home to death with your wife."

• This quote underscores the shock and sadness associated with tragic events, highlighting the contrast between a life of success and an unexpected, violent end, which deeply affects public perception and personal reflection.

• Ebro received a direct message from Drake at 3:30 AM, which he perceived as threatening.
• The message from Drake read "Ebro, die slower. We got some shit for you," which Ebro responded to by suggesting Drake was upset about losing to Kendrick Lamar.
• The conversation revolves around the perceived threat and the implications of Drake's message.

"So 3:30 AM Saturday into Sunday. Drake DMs, 'Ebro, die slower. We got some shit for you.' Ebro replies, 'Relax. You're salty about losing to Kendrick. You're not mad at me? Love, bro.'"

• Ebro interprets Drake's message as a threat and responds by downplaying the hostility, suggesting it stems from Drake's rivalry with Kendrick Lamar.

• Discussion about potentially suing Drake due to the threatening nature of the message.
• Ebro and Rosenberg joke about needing a lawyer who only gets paid if they win the case.
• The financial aspect of hiring a lawyer and the potential for a significant payout is considered.

"Yo, Rosenberg, you got lawyers in your family? You're Jewish. Who you got for me?"

• Ebro humorously seeks legal advice from Rosenberg, highlighting the seriousness with which they are considering legal action.

• The conversation shifts to the nature of Drake's fanbase, described as hyper-fans who are overly protective and aggressive online.
• Ebro and Rosenberg discuss the evolution of Drake's fans from being perceived as casual listeners to being intensely loyal and defensive.
• The role of marketing budgets and social media manipulation in shaping fan engagement is explored.

"I used to think Drake fans were just hot girls like my wife. Your wife? That's what Drake fans were. When did they become virgins who just sit around like, he's the greatest. We hate Kendrick."

• Ebro and Rosenberg reflect on how the nature of Drake's fanbase has changed, becoming more aggressive and less about the music itself.

• The hosts discuss how social media platforms and marketing strategies can control narratives and influence public perception.
• They suggest that some fan interactions are orchestrated by paid individuals to create engagement and manipulate opinions.

"But if you pay these companies enough money, these tech companies enough money, there has to be ways to control narratives, right?"

• Ebro highlights the potential for social media platforms to be used as tools for narrative control, suggesting that fan interactions might not be as organic as they seem.

• Ebro critiques Drake's use of Black American culture, particularly the use of the N-word and references to slavery in his music.
• The conversation touches on the nuances of cultural appropriation and the responsibility of artists to respect the cultures they draw from.

"But it's. It's. You're playing with something that causes people pain as if it's not a serious thing."

• Ebro criticizes Drake for trivializing serious cultural issues, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and understanding in hip-hop culture.

• Discussion on the accountability of artists within hip-hop culture and the importance of understanding its roots and significance.
• The hosts express frustration with those who engage with hip-hop superficially, without appreciating its deeper cultural context.

"He never wants to have any relationship or conversations with the people who might hold you accountable for the things that hip hop's actually about."

• Rosenberg points out Drake's tendency to avoid engaging with the deeper aspects of hip-hop culture, focusing instead on superficial interactions.

• Discussion on Kendrick Lamar and Drake's rivalry, emphasizing that Drake does not want it to be about Kendrick anymore.
• Recognition of Drake's dedication to hip-hop and his willingness to engage in battles.
• Criticism of Drake's decision-making, including controversial actions and the lack of genuine friends to offer honest feedback.

"He can't want it to be about Kendrick no more. He can't. There's a. He still. Didn't he lose the lawsuit? Now he's bringing it back. Like, he can't want that to still be the discussion. He's got to change the discussion."

• Emphasizes the need for Drake to shift the narrative away from Kendrick Lamar and focus on other aspects of his career.

"And I want to commend Drake because Drake didn't have to battle Kendrick. No, like, there's a part of, There's a part of saluting him for that, man."

• Acknowledges Drake's bravery and respect for engaging in battles, even when unnecessary.

• Discussion on the poor decisions made by Drake, such as using AI to play with Tupac's image and controversial language.
• Highlighting the absence of real friends who provide honest feedback to Drake.
• The notion that true friends would engage in open conversations rather than cutting off communication.

"But then you can't also make one terrible decision after another. Let's play with Tupac and AI. Let's play with the N word. Let's play with. He made all of mistakes and would just double down further because no one's around him."

• Critiques Drake's series of poor decisions and the lack of accountability due to the absence of genuine friends.

"If they're being that sensitive, those aren't the kind of people who are telling the truth. Because they'd be hitting you and me up on the side and being like, hey, let's have a conversation. Not just you. I'm cutting you off."

• Points out that true friends would engage in dialogue rather than cutting ties, indicating a lack of genuine support around Drake.

• Mention of the Rap Life Review Live event and its focus on hip-hop culture.
• Discussion on Stove God Cooks' new single, "Goat Stand," and its potential impact.
• Emphasis on the changing dynamics and timing in the music industry.

"Last week we did Rap Life Review Live, which is something I do on Apple Music. And by the way, you can check me out every day. 3 o'. Clock."

• Highlights the Rap Life Review Live event and its role in discussing hip-hop culture.

"Stove God decided. You know what? I'm gonna drop a club feeling, record something with a bop. I'm gonna drop A bop."

• Describes Stove God Cooks' decision to release a club-friendly track and its significance in the current music scene.

• Discussion on Drake's overwhelming success and the public's mixed reactions.
• Acknowledgment of Drake's numerous hits and his impact on the music industry.
• Debate on the public's perception of Drake's future releases.

"He has more hits than any other rapper by far, by far."

• Acknowledges Drake's record-breaking number of hits, solidifying his status in the music industry.

"People gotta stop. And. And just because he lost a battle and we don't like, certain about his. His decision. You don't have to like him, but you should at least be honest."

• Urges the public to be truthful about Drake's achievements, regardless of personal opinions.

• Reflections on the end of a long-running radio show and the transition to new opportunities.
• Discussion on the nature of radio audiences and the challenges of maintaining listener engagement.
• The impact of venture capital on radio stations and the resulting changes in the industry.

"Yo, I've been doing real late when I would be on my honeymoon, when I would be across the world on Sunday."

• Reflects on the dedication and commitment required to maintain a long-running radio show.

"I feel like Hot 97 is the giving tree and it's being stripped down to nothing. And I'm really upset."

• Expresses frustration with the changes in the radio industry, particularly the influence of venture capital.

• Plans to continue engaging with audiences through different platforms, including YouTube and podcasts.
• Commitment to maintaining a multicultural and inclusive approach in future content.
• Discussions on the logistics of delivering daily content and the importance of audience loyalty.

"Every day you'll get content from us at 9:30am on Laura Rosenberg channel."

• Outlines plans to provide consistent daily content to maintain audience engagement.

"We were supposed to start vacation this week. So up through. Through the holidays, we. We'll figure out what we're figuring out."

• Indicates ongoing discussions and planning for future content delivery and audience engagement strategies.