The year 2025 delivered one of the most high-quality years of hip-hop in recent memory, and in episode 59 of Messy Truths, Azar, Mar and Nesha break down how the culture may have experienced a hip-hop algorithm reset — led by the veterans.

We discuss projects from seasoned artists who continue to set the bar, including Raekwon’s The Emperor’s New Clothes, Ghostface Killah’s long-awaited Supreme Clientele 2, and Clipse’s powerful return with Let God Sort Em Out. We also discuss The Alchemist’s prolific 2025 run, highlighted by Alfredo 2 with Freddie Gibbs, and Life Is Beautiful alongside 2 Chainz and Larry June. Of course, no conversation about this year is complete without touching on new music from the ever-consistent Nas and Lupe Fiasco.

From production choices to lyrical maturity, we explore why these "old heads" didn’t just keep up — they reclaimed the spotlight and reminded everyone of how to deliver timeless hip-hop sounds.

Make sure to follow and subscribe to the Messy Truths podcast on your favorite platform so you don’t miss future episodes.

00:00:00 - Intro and hip-hop's resilience in 2025

00:13:52 - Azar gives her heartfelt impressions of De La Soul's new album

00:18:42 - Mar shares her impressions of Life is Beautiful and Let God Sort Em Out

00:25:12 - Nesha admits bias in her hip-hop tastes + love for Raekwon and Ghostface

00:32:27 - Opinions about skits on albums

00:35:28 - Mobb Deep's comeback

00:43:08 - Mar's take on Alfredo 2 + Lupe Fiasco's latest release

00:50:30 - Nesha's undying love for Raekwon

01:00:20 - A nod to Chance the Rapper's Star Line album

01:01:20 - Signing off

Don’t forget to share your thoughts on Instagram @messytruthspodcast. You can also visit the website at www.messytruthspodcast.com

#OldHeadsNewMusic #HipHop2025 #MessyTruthsPodcast #Raekwon #GhostfaceKillah #Clipse #TheAlchemist #FreddieGibbs #2Chainz #LarryJune #Nas #LupeFiasco #RapDiscussion

Note: This episode was recorded in October and released a little later than expected — thanks for your patience.

In this soulful and reflective episode of Messy Truths, Mar, Nesha, and Azar come together to honor the legendary voices we've lost over the past couple of years—musicians whose music shaped generations and shifted culture.

Nesha opens the tribute by remembering the legendary singer and pianist, Roberta Flack, celebrating her timeless voice and the vulnerability she brought to every note.

This episode was sparked by the heartbreaking passing of D’Angelo. The trio dives deep into the legacy he leaves behind and the seismic influence he had on Neosoul, R&B, and the culture at large. Naturally, the conversation also turns to the incomparable Angie Stone, whose imprint on music remains undeniable.

Together, the hosts pay homage to other musical giants we’ve lost, including malletKat Pro vibraphone master Roy Ayers, visionary producer and composer Quincy Jones, and D’Wayne Wiggins, co-founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, whose artistry helped define the R&B sound of Oakland, California and beyond the Bay Area.

Join us as we reflect on the artists whose music raised and moved us.

Don't forget to share your thoughts on Instagram @messytruthspodcast . You can also visit the website at www.messytruthspodcast.com .

#robertaflack #dangelo #angiestone #royayers #quincyjones #podcasts #nycpodcasts #montrealpodcasts

We’re back and we've missed you all! After over a year off the mic, Mar, Nesha, and Azar return with a fresh season of real, raw conversations—starting with one of the messiest topics of all: family drama.

In episode 57 we dive into it all. From passive-aggressive group texts and sibling tension to generational conflict and family secrets, we unpack why family dynamics can get so complicated—and how to deal when things don’t magically get better.

In this episode, we explore:

• Common causes of family drama
• How to set boundaries and protect your peace
• What to do when nothing changes
• Personal stories and real talk from each co-host

Listen to episode 57 now and share your story with us at messytruthspodcast.com.

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—especially on Apple Podcasts. It helps more messy truth-seekers find us!

#MessyTruthsPodcast #FamilyDrama #NoContact #Boundaries #SiblingRivalry #GenerationalTrauma