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Riffs on Riffs

Riffs on Riffs

By: Evergreen Podcasts
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Riffs on Riffs is about the thrill of musical discovery — that tingle down your spine when a perfect melody kicks in. Every chart-topper is a sonic time capsule. We'll crack it open, trace its history, decode those cryptic lyrics, and unearth the hidden gems in its musical DNA. Hosts Joe and Toby are back as your audio archaeologists, digging up the stories behind the songs. But here's where it gets fun. From those melodies, we riff. Wild tangents, pop culture connections, personal stories, those "shower thoughts" sparked by a killer chorus – think of it as the ultimate deep dive followed by a freewheeling jam session inspired by the hits. Dust off your headphones and get ready to rediscover those songs you thought you knew.All rights reserved 2025 Music
Episodes
  • Drake - "Janice STFU"

    Drake - "Janice STFU"
    Jun 15 2026
    This week on Riffs on Riffs, we tackle one of the most polarizing artists of the modern era: Drake, his track “Janice STFU,” and the massive cultural machine surrounding the release of Iceman. Alonog the way, Toby and Joe discuss celebrity, marketing, authenticity, attention spans, social media, AI, and whether modern culture has become addicted to constant stimulation. We break down Drake’s ambitious album rollout, from elaborate promotional stunts and livestreams to the strategy of dominating conversation through sheer volume. Joe compares Drake to KISS as a case study in marketing genius. The result is a fascinating discussion about what makes an artist culturally unavoidable, even when critics and fans can’t agree on the music itself. The conversation also revisits the lingering shadow of Drake’s legendary feud with Kendrick Lamar. Was it genuine animosity, performance art, or some combination of both? And what does it say about modern audiences that conflict itself has become part of the product? From meditation and dopamine addiction to birds nesting outside Joe’s front door, the episode becomes a reflection on what many of us seem to be craving right now: something real. We explore how technology, algorithms, and endless content have left us exhausted, and why artists like Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, and others are finding success by returning to more organic, human forms of music-making. Come for the Drake debate. Stay for the philosophy, birds, blues, and unexpected reflections on what it means to truly listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Chris Brown "Fallin"

    Chris Brown "Fallin"
    May 14 2026
    This week on Riffs on Riffs, we dive into “Fallin” by Chris Brown featuring Leon Thomas, and what starts as a conversation about one song quickly turns into a full-blown exploration of modern R&B, blues revivalism, AI music culture, performance authenticity, and why pain sometimes translates into great art. We unpack the cinematic weight of the song and its visual parallels to Sinners, asking whether the video is homage, influence, or something in between. We also explore how artists like Leon Thomas are helping Usher (pun intended) R&B back toward its blues roots, trading glossy perfection for something more raw, intimate, and emotionally honest. Along the way, we tackle the complicated reality of Chris Brown’s legacy. Can you separate the art from the artist? Why do some public figures become permanently polarizing while others seem to escape scrutiny entirely? Rather than offering easy answers, we sit with the tension and focus on the music itself: the harmonies, the live performance chops, the emotional weight, and the undeniable impact Chris Brown has had on modern R&B over the last two decades. The episode also veers into conversations about AI-generated music, disappearing physical media, underground mixtape culture, the return of vinyl and CDs, and why younger generations may be losing spaces where they can simply exist without being recorded. And somewhere in the middle of all that? Buddy Guy, Bruno Mars, Usher, Japanese vinyl pressings, Entourage, and the possibility that the blues are making a massive comeback. This one sprawls like a late-night jam session in a smoke-filled juke joint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Kehlani "Folded"

    Kehlani "Folded"
    Apr 28 2026
    In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, we unpack “Folded” by Kehlani—a song that’s equal parts breakup, late-night temptation, and emotional tug-of-war. Inspired by a shoutout from Olivia Dean, we dive into why this track has resonated so widely—and why it might not be as straightforward as it sounds. Along the way, we trace Kehlani’s journey from a turbulent childhood and early industry struggles to Grammy-winning recognition, reminding us that “overnight success” is often years in the making. We also explore the song’s musical DNA—from subtle nods to classic R&B textures reminiscent of Brandy to the orchestral flourishes that elevate it beyond a typical slow jam. But the heart of this episode lives in the tension of the lyrics: Is “Folded” a breakup song… or an invitation? A moment of closure… or the beginning of another cycle? We wrestle with the emotional reality behind lines like “come pick up your clothes,” and what they reveal about attachment, chemistry, and the stories we tell ourselves to stay connected. We also zoom out to talk about performance versus production—why live sessions (Colors, Tiny Desk, Spotify Sessions) hit differently in an AI-saturated world—and how music continues to be one of the most human forms of expression we have. And if you’ve ever considered going back to “pick up your clothes”… you might want to listen first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
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