Ahead of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Ringer senior staff writer Justin Charity explores some of the critical moments of Kendrick’s story: from a legendary come-up in the rap blog era of the late 2000s to his early stardom in the 2010s to his fiery resurgence in the past several months as he takes a never-ending victory lap after winning his war against Drake.

Host: Justin Charity

Producers: Vikram Patel, Justin Sayles, Chelsea Stark-Jones, and Bobby Wagner

Story Editing: Aric Jenkins

Sound Design, Mixing, and Mastering: Bobby Wagner

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Listen to Rob and Yasi, joined by Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey live from the Lodge Room in Los Angeles! In this song draft, the crew is picking between the best soundtracks of the 2000s.

Hosts: Rob Harvilla and Yasi Salek

Guests: Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey

Producers: Adrian Bridges, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles

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This week, we’re celebrating the Canadian rock band Nickelback! Along the way, Rob discusses butt rock, anti-Nickelback memes, and his friend stealing his girlfriend in high school. Later, author and columnist Leslie Gray Streeter joins the show to defend Nickelback fans and much more.

Pre-Order, Leslie’s new book, ‘Family & Other Calamities: A Novel’ here.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Leslie Gray Streeter

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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Rob celebrates pop icon Rihanna while looking back at her smash hit “Umbrella.” While combing through Rihanna’s expansive career, Rob also discusses whether Jay-Z’s guest verse on “Umbrella” is the worst of his career. Later, Brittany Spano joins the show to answer the difficult question of what song is Rihanna’s best, and much more.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Brittany Spano

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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Rob explores the genre-fluid positive energy of rap/reggae/rock ‘90s holdovers 311 and their hit ‘Amber.’ Among other things, he also talks about them as a bridge from a previous era, the musicality of their bass in particular, and the way they’re in conversation with bands that petered out in the ‘90s, as well as bands that grew in popularity in the 2000s. Then, Rob is joined by New York magazine music critic Craig Jenkins to discuss why 311 is actually good and situates their legacy as it stands today.

Yasi's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/yasis-house-burned-down-to-the-ground

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Craig Jenkins

Producers: Jonathan Kermah, Justin Sayles, and Bobby Wagner

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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Rob examines the crossroads of Usher’s pop star persona and Lil Jon’s unique vocal and musical genius this week when taking a look back at the smash hit “Yeah!” (1:00). Then, he is joined by Clover Hope to talk about the construction of Usher’s career, the imagery and storytelling that went into making him more interesting to audiences, his staying power, and more (59:00).

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Clover Hope

Producers: Jonathan Kermah, Justin Sayles, and Bobby Wagner

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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Rob looks back at the music career of pop star Avril Lavigne while celebrating her smash hit “Complicated.” Along the way, Rob dives deep into the idea of the anti-Britney Spears and much more! Later, he is joined by Marissa Moss to discuss Avril Lavigne’s potential influences, debating what song is her best, and more.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Marissa Moss

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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Listen as Rob celebrates the life and career of the music icon who is Johnny Cash and his 2002 legendary cover of “Hurt.” Along the way, Rob discusses Cash’s work with Rick Rubin and much more. Later, Rob is joined by the Ringer’s Brian Phillips to further celebrate Johnny Cash’s greatness.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Brian Phillips

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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Rob travels down memory lane and looks back at his not-so-kind review of Linkin Park’s diamond-selling debut album, 'Hybrid Theory,' before celebrating the band’s undeniable greatness. Along the way, he also pays respect to the late Chester Bennington. Later, Rob is joined by John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats to discuss Linkin Park’s ability to connect with the youth of the early 2000s, and much more.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: John Darnielle

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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Join us in a moment of 60 Songs history being made as Missy Elliott becomes the first artist with not one, but two songs in the 60 Songs hall of fame with “Work It” added to the mix. In celebration, Rob shares memories from his time at DJ camp as well as a list of some of his favorite songs of all time! Stay and hear Justin Charity join the mix and discuss Missy’s legacy and Virginia’s impact on hip-hop.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Justin Charity

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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This week, Rob assures you that yes, he was there, boots on the ground, for the indie rock (nay, indie sleaze?) boom that hit New York City in the 2000s. Rob sets the stage for the music scene that MGMT launched itself into, before he ultimately unpacks the pop sensation qualities of its megahit “Kids.” Later, music writer Larry Fitzmaurice joins to parse the indie pop scene, share what it was like to cover MGMT during its ascension, and weigh in on the legacy that the band's music and particular aesthetic have today.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Larry Fitzmaurice

Producers: Jonathan Kermah, Justin Sayles, and Bobby Wagner

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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