Dissect
UnderholdningSamfunnAnalyzing the music and meaning of one album per season, one song per episode. Join host Cole Cuchna as he dives deep into albums by Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Radiohead, Beyonce, Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean, and more. Let's Dissect.
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- Crowning the BEST Album of the 21st Century | LAST SONG STANDING [Finale] (01:35:10)
It all comes down to this! Season 4 of Last Song Standing concludes with Cole and Charles finally crowning the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far). Each album that advanced to the finale now duke it out in a cut-throat bracket that includes Frank Ocean's 'Blonde', Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly', Daft Punk's 'Discovery', Beyonce's 'Lemonade', MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy', and more. What artist should be selected for next season of Last Song Standing? Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Video/Audio Engineer: CT Video/Audio Editing: Kevin Pooler Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- good kid, m.A.A.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly | LAST SONG STANDING [E7] (02:10:31)
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two historic albums by the same artist against each other: Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.a.a.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly. Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: CT Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- JID, Chance, Earl, Joey, and Hip Hop's Thriving Middle Class (01:06:33)
Dissect's Cole Cuchna talks to Jeremy Hecht (The Bigger Picture) and King Green (Rap Latte) about a wild slate of August albums releases: God Does Like Ugly - JID Star Line - Chance The Rapper Live Love Laugh - Earl Sweatshirt Lonely At The Top - Joey Bada$$ The trio give their initial impressions of each album and discuss the state of hip hop's maturing middle class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' vs. SZA's 'Ctrl' | LAST SONG STANDING [E6] (02:01:36)
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two landmarks in RnB history against each other: Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' vs. SZA's 'Ctrl' . Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: CT Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy' vs. Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury' | LAST SONG STANDING [E5] (02:26:56)
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two landmarks in indie-hop history against each other: MF DOOM & Madlib’s Madvillainy vs. Clipse's Hell Hath No Fury. Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: CT Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Daft Punk's 'Discovery' vs. Radiohead's 'Kid A' | LAST SONG STANDING [E4] (02:15:15)
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two of the most influential albums in music history against each other: Daft Punk’s Discovery vs. Radiohead’s Kid A. Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: Chris Wohlers Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Eminem's 'Marshall Mathers LP' vs. Tyler, The Creator's 'IGOR' | LAST SONG STANDING (02:01:26)
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far) by pitting a bonafide classic in Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP against a modern classic in Tyler The Creator's IGOR. Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: Chris Wohlers Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Jay-Z's The Blueprint vs. Beyonce's Lemonade | LAST SONG STANDING [E2] (02:07:22)
Today's matchup pushed Cole & Charles' friendship to its limits: JAY-Z's The Blueprint vs. Beyonce's Lemonade. The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far). Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: Chris Wohlers Theme Music: Birocratic Chapters: 00:00 So Delicious Ad 00:32 Intro / Why Jay Z vs Beyonce? 07:11 The Blueprint - Album Facts 14:41 The Blueprint - Album Trivia 18:40 Biggest Song: "IZZO" / "Renegade" 31:07 Best Song: "Heart of the City" 36:00 Worst Song: "Girls, Girls, Girls" 40:19 Best Deep Cut: "U Don't Know" 43:40 Best Moment: "Takeover" at Summer Jam 50:17 Lemonade - Album Facts 1:00:24 Lemonade - Album Trivia 1:03:16 Biggest Song: "Formation" 1:06:04 Best Song: "Freedom" feat. Kendrick Lamar 1:14:36 Worst Song: "6 Inch" feat. The Weeknd 1:16:08 Best Deep Cut: "Sandcastles" 1:21:57 Best Moment: HBO Film / Surprise Drop 1:29:07 Head to Head: The Blueprint vs. Lemonade 1:44:32 And The Winner Is... 1:51:57 Cultural Exchange Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- "Don't Tap The Glass" is More Conceptual Than Tyler Admits (00:15:18)
Tyler, The Creator says "Don’t Tap The Glass" isn’t a concept album. No narrative. No deep themes. Just a fun, fast, braggadocious dance record. But what if that is the concept? In this video essay, we dive deep into Don’t Tap The Glass to uncover the album’s hidden intentionality — from its crate-dug samples and alter-ego iconography to its sacred rules of the dance floor. Through cultural history, sonic connections, and Tyler’s own words, we explore how this album frames dance as a spiritual ritual, freedom as resistance, and joy as high art. Topics Covered: The spiritual meaning behind the album’s opening Hebrew sample Big Poe as a tribute to hip hop history and Tyler’s alter-ego iconography How Tyler uses crate-digging to honor Black dance music traditions The deeper meaning of the album’s 3 rules — and why they matter now more than ever Sample breakdowns: from Mantronix to Junun, “Boogie Nights” to J Dilla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Kanye's Twisted Fantasy vs. Drake's Take Care | LAST SONG STANDING (01:49:51)
Last Song Standing is back! Dissect's Cole Cuchna and The Midnight Boys' Charles Holmes begin a journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far). Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until they can agree on the better album. The winning album from each episode advances to the season finale Royal Rumble, where the LSS boys will face off one last time until they can finally agree on the Best Album of the 21st Century. New episodes release every Tuesday. Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes Producer: Justin Sayles Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Video Engineer: Chris Wohlers Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Our Favorite Music of 2025...So Far (01:30:30)
Dissect's Cole Cuchna and Professor Skye share their favorite music of 2025 so far, including their favorite albums, songs, and "underground" projects. They talk through projects by Lorde, Bad Bunny, Black Country New Road, Ray Vaughn, Annahstasia, Mac Miller, JID, Joey Bada$$, and more. Official Spotify Playlist here. Subscribe to @professorskye YouTube here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E18 - Dissecting "Mirror" by Kendrick Lamar (00:42:54)
Our season long analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers concludes with its final track "Mirror." Serving as a lyrical epilogue to the album’s emotional climax, “Mirror” delivers Kendrick Lamar’s final moral lesson: “I choose me.” With this mantra, Kendrick brings his morality play to a close, rejecting the performance of salvation in favor of spiritual freedom, radical acceptance, and personal peace. Returning to the character of oklama — “my people” — Kendrick offers listeners the same mirror he used to confront ego, trauma, and public expectation. The result is a parting reflection on self-love, unconditional compassion, and the divine power of choosing yourself. Dissect is part of The Ringer podcast network. Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones Additional Production: Justin Sayles Theme Music: Birocratic 00:00 So Delicious 00:32 Intro / E17 Recap 02:09 "Mirror" Intro Analysis 05:39 Verse 1 Analysis 13:27 Chorus Analysis 16:39 Verse 2 Analysis 18:36 Verse 3 Analysis 26:11 Bridge Analysis 31:41 "I Choose Me" Numerology 38:16 Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Clipse is Back! Breaking Down 'Let God Sort Em Out' (01:07:28)
Dissect's Cole Cuchna and The Ringer's Charles Holmes unpack the long-awaited return of Clipse and their new album, Let God Sort Em Out. Was it worth the 15-year wait? The duo share first impressions, breakdown their favorite lyrics and tracks, discuss Pharrell’s full-album production, and what makes Clipse still sound this sharp in their 40s and 50s. They dissect the emotional depth of “Birds Don’t Sing,” Kendrick Lamar’s controversial "Whips and Chains" verse, Tyler, The Creator’s dream feature, and how Pusha T and No Malice balance grief, flexing, and lyrical mastery in their most personal album yet. Host: Cole Cuchna Guest: Charles Holmes Audio/Video: Kevin Pooler 00:00 So Delicious Ad 00:33 Clipse Opening Thoughts 04:34 The Rollout 12:58 First Impressions 14:56 The Birds Don't Sing 23:09 Chains and Whips 26:54 Kendrick's Feature 33:46 Kendrick "Gen" Breakdown 38:02 POV & Tyler's Feature 46:30 So Be It 52:00 Mike Tyson Blow to the Face 01:01:12 So Far Ahead 01:04:50 Last Song Standing Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- PART 2: "Mother I Sober" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E17] (00:53:29)
Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers continues with Part 2 of “Mother I Sober” — the album’s emotional and spiritual climax. In this sweeping 48-bar final verse, Kendrick releases decades of generational trauma and invites listeners to witness a ritual of forgiveness, transformation, and liberation. This episode unpacks Kendrick’s evolution from fractured self to healing vessel, as he courageously bares his soul and breaks the silence that has haunted his family for generations. Guided by therapy, the divine feminine, and the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, Kendrick reclaims his story — not just for himself, but for his community and children to come. Host/Writer/EP: Cole CuchnaVideo/Audio Production: Kevin PoolerAdditional Video Editing: Jon JonesAdditional Production: Justin SaylesTheme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E16- Dissecting 'Mother I Sober' by Kendrick Lamar (Part 1) (00:36:36)
Our season long examination of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers continues with “Mother I Sober.” This emotionally devastating ballad marks the narrative and spiritual climax of Kendrick Lamar’s album. Stripped bare and seated at the piano, Kendrick confronts generational trauma, inherited pain, and the illusion of self that’s fractured by abuse, guilt, and silence. Building on the spiritual awareness awakened in “Mr. Morale,” this episode unpacks how Kendrick turns inward with unprecedented vulnerability, guided by the teachings of Eckhart Tolle and buoyed by the divine feminine presences that have supported his healing. You'll Learn: How Kendrick’s fragmented narrative and musical structure mirror the psychological effects of trauma and the nonlinear path to healing. Why the song’s piano arrangement and mirrored callback to “United in Grief” signify full-circle emotional closure. The symbolism of Kendrick’s shattered reflection — and how the broken mirror represents the self before healing. What Beth Gibbons’ haunting chorus reveals about ego, identity, and the universal yearning to escape pain. Why “Mother I Sober” is Kendrick’s most personal and courageous song to date — and how it breaks the generational curse that defines the album’s final act. Host/Writer/EP: Cole CuchnaVideo/Audio Production: Kevin PoolerAdditional Video Editing: Jon JonesAdditional Production: Justin SaylesTheme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E15 - Dissecting "Mr Morale" by Kendrick Lamar (00:38:40)
Our season-long breakdown of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers continues with a line-by-line analysis of its title track. We unpack the 'Mr. Morale' moniker, Eckhart Tolle's influence on Kendrick's current spiritual transformation, and how so much of the song is preparation for the album's next track "Mother I Sober." Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones Additional Production: Justin Sayles Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E14 - The Moral Ambiguity of "Auntie Diaries" by Kendrick Lamar (00:55:23)
Our season-long analysis of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Auntie Diaries" - a controversial song in which Kendrick shares his evolution in understanding of his transgender relatives. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, & Twitter. Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler Theme Music: Birocratic Additional Production: Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E13 - Dissecting "Savior" by Kendrick Lamar (00:43:19)
Our season-long examination of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Savior" a song that challenges celebrity worship and false idols in the age of influencers, empty symbolism, and "perfect life" social media curation. Shop Dissect Season 13 Merch Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E12 - Why is Baby Keem on Mr. Morale? Dissecting "Savior - Interlude" (00:31:34)
Our season-long dissection of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Savior - Interlude" performed by Baby Keem. We explore how Keem's feature mirrors Kodak Black's, why Kendrick Lamar made this symbolic pairing, and how it all sets up the next song "Savior." Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler Additional Production: Justin Sayles Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E11 - Dissecting "Crown" & "Silent Hill" by Kendrick Lamar (00:37:43)
Our season-long dissection of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers' continues with "Crown" and "Silent Hill." Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler Additional Production: Justin Sayles Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- S13E10 - Dissecting "Count Me Out" by Kendrick Lamar (00:43:58)
Our dissection of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers resumes with "Count Me Out." As the first track on Act 2, the song is positioned as the first therapy session with Eckhart Tolle, as Kendrick reveals some his most vulnerable thoughts and emotions. Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler Additional Production: Justin Sayles Theme Music: Birocratic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- The TDE Song Draft (01:37:00)
Dissect’s Cole Cuchna is joined by Curtiss King and King Green to draft their favorite songs from TDE artists across 4 categories: Hit Song, Deep Cut, Collab Track, and Personal Favorites. Listen to a playlist of their picks here. TDE or Top Dawg Entertainment has been the most influential independent label of the 21st Century. After establishing themselves with core artists Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q, they have continued their dominance with artists like SZA, Isaiah Rashad, Doechii, and most recently, Ray Vaughn. Season 13 will resume next week with “Count Me Out.” Host: Cole Cuchna Guests: Curtiss King, King Green Audio/Video Production: Kevin Pooler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- it's time to talk about kanye (00:26:38)
Not an episode I wanted to do, but one I felt I needed to do. My thoughts on the current state of Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West. Our season on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers will resume May 20th. Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, X, or TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- The DEFINITIVE Breakdown of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Show (01:21:43)
📺 Watch this breakdown on YouTube Dissect's Cole Cuchna breaks down Kendrick Lamar’s innovative 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show — scene by scene, lyric by lyric, symbol by symbol — to reveal a powerful narrative about the Black American experience throughout history. This is not a standard recap. This is a forensic analysis of every detail: the set design, the wardrobe, the major and minor characters, the color palette, the set list, and the cultural commentary embedded in Kendrick’s show. From the GNX to Uncle Sam, from the divided American flag to the four control button stage, we explore how Kendrick used his 13-minute performance to honor his artform, unite his community, and beat the Great American Game. 📍 Topics include: • Kendrick Lamar’s use of the Hero’s Journey to structure his Super Bowl performance • Significance of Kendrick’s wardrobe, from the pins on his hat to his flare bell-bottom jeans • The layered symbolism of Uncle Sam played by Samuel L Jackson • Four Levels of the “Great American Game” • How Kendrick alluded to the timeline of Black American history, from slavery, segregation, great migrations, mass incarceration, and assassinations of Black leaders • Kendrick’s tribute to his ancestors through the dead homies and guardian angels • Meaning of recurring street light symbolism in Kendrick’s art • Symbolism of each of the four control buttons, the gameboard, and playing field 🧠 This video is the result of weeks of meticulous research, providing a deep dive into Kendrick Lamar’s use of visual storytelling and symbolism. Let’s Dissect. 👇 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:22 Superdome or Red Button? 04:42 Decoding the Gameboard and Controller 07:01 4 Levels of "Great American Game" 09:48 The Meaning of Uncle Sam 13:34 Main Character Energy 16:45 The Story Begins on "Square" One - Bodies 21:40 Powered by Angels - Squabble Up 29:19 Be Humble - Decoding the American Flag 31:44 The Great Migrations -DNA & Euphoria 37:12 Man at the Cemetery Garden 42:29 Deduct One Life - Peekaboo 49:04 Divine Feminine Counsel - Luther / All The Stars 54:59 Uncle Sam Gets Duped 56:06 They vs. Us - Not Like Us 01:04:55 Serena Williams Reclaims Crip Walk 01:07:35 Victory Lap - TV Off 01:11:13 Turn Your TV Off / Conclusions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- What's the Best Song on GNX? | LAST SONG STANDING (01:51:53)
We're taking a few weeks off Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by The Ringer's Charles Holmes to discuss Kendrick Lamar's GNX and debate it's best song. There's GNX background and trivia, lyrical breakdowns, and best song nominations. They also discuss the Kendrick x Drake battle songs to see whether any of Kendrick's battle tracks make the cut. Last Song Standing is an annual show on the Dissect podcast feed that attempts to crown an artist's greatest song of all time by debating their way through their entire discography. Past season can listened to for free on Spotify. Dissect will resume its season on Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers in a few weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices