Advertise on podcast: The Stem Society

Ep 141 In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down the biggest moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards, including his favorite highlights from the night, Kendrick’s major win, and the controversy surrounding Rap Album of the Year. He compares his predictions to the actual winners, discusses the biggest surprises and snubs, and looks at what the results say about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry. Timestamps (0:43) Thoughts on the show (2:10) Favorite and least favorite performaces (5:40) Bad Bunny winning Album of the Year (9:05) My picks vs who won (12:02) My theory on why GNX won Rap AOTY (18:48) Outro

Ep 140 J. Cole’s Birthday Blizzard ’26 sparked major debate across hip-hop — but much of the conversation missed the point. In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down his real experience buying the mixtape, why direct-to-fan releases matter in today’s music industry, and where the rollout fell short. More importantly, he explains why the music itself delivered, how Cole shifted the narrative after the Kendrick vs. Drake moment, and why some media reactions lacked context. From business strategy to lyrical performance to legacy talk, this is a full breakdown of what Birthday Blizzard ’26 really represented — and what it means heading into The Fall Off. Timestamps (0:00) Cole Open (1:25) Cole's experence buying the mixtape (5:31) Initial Thoughts (8:50) Ranking the songs (14:13) Addressing the hate (27:27) Final take on what we will get from "The Fall Off"

Ep 139 First, Cole reacts to the recent incident involving DJ Akademiks and asks the real question: was this random, or was he set up? From label money and industry relationships to questions about journalistic integrity, Cole examines whether Akademiks can still be seen as an independent voice in hip-hop media — and why this moment matters. Then, Cole dives into Kanye West’s latest apology letter. What did it really say? And more importantly, should fans believe it? Looking at Kanye’s history of public apologies and repeated controversies, Cole explains why words aren’t enough anymore — and why real accountability has to come through consistent action. This episode isn’t about canceling anyone. It’s about standards, credibility, and protecting the culture.

Ep 138 On this episode of The Stem Society, host Cole Jackson breaks down why Drake’s decision to appeal his UMG lawsuit could have long-term consequences for his career, reputation, and legacy. Is this a smart legal move, or a risk that could hurt him in the long run? Then, Cole dives into the online back-and-forth between 21 Savage and Fivio Foreign after Fivio’s viral comments sparked debate across hip-hop. Did Fivio cross the line, or is this just another example of clout-driven controversy? From industry politics and legal battles to street credibility and internet culture, this episode explores how power, perception, and reputation shape today’s rap game. Tap in for honest analysis, cultural context, and unfiltered commentary. Timestamps (0:00) Cole Open (1:09) Drake's Appeal and what could happen (10:02) Fivio Goes in on 21 Savage (17:50) Jay Z shows up for LaRussell

Ep 137 This is a collab episode with The Hussle Report's Hussle Porter. In this episode Hussle and Cole talk about the Tenderism conspiricy, Druski's Church skit, Kai's current state, your worst break up and what we expect from J Cole's new album "The Fall Off" Make sure you tap in with Hussle Porter and The Hussle Report on IG: @hussle_porter & @hussleworldent

Ep 136 On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down the Adin Ross and Doechii controversy following the release of Doechii’s song “Girl, Get Up.” Cole explores how early criticism from within the culture helped open the door for extreme outside commentary, the role platforms play in amplifying disrespect, and whether Glasses Malone’s response represents accountability—or escalation. A culture-first conversation about blame, boundaries, and responsibility in hip-hop. Timestamps (0:00) Intro (3:21) Black Internet Culture is to Blame (7:43) Adin Ross and his disrespect (12:15) Glasses Malone steps in (15:37) Final Thoughts

Ep 135 21 Savage just sent a message to the industry: “F* the Streets.”** On this episode of The Stem Society, Cole breaks down what that statement really means for hip-hop — is the street era finally fading out, or is this just another moment that’ll get flipped into marketing? Cole also dives into Charlamagne’s reported $200M deal with iHeart and Ebro’s reaction to it. Is it fair critique or something a little more personal? Real conversation. Real culture. No industry politics. Tap in. 🎙️

Ep 134 In this episode of The Stem Society, Cole Jackson breaks down two conversations that are really about the same thing: legacy in hip-hop. Cole reacts to The Game claiming he’s the best rapper on the West Coast, and why Kendrick Lamar’s name immediately entered the conversation. Is greatness about pure skill, or do catalog, impact, and how an artist moves over time matter more? The episode then shifts to the end of Ebro in the Morning on Hot 97, and why radio still plays a role in hip-hop culture — but only if it evolves in a podcast-driven era. This isn’t about nostalgia or taking sides. It’s about how hip-hop decides who gets the crown, and how media platforms survive when the culture changes. 🎙️ Hosted by Cole Jackson

Ep 133 In this episode, Cole breaks down why the new Diddy documentary adds nothing to the conversation. From 50’s ego play to the recycled information, Cole explains why the doc feels like a waste of time and money. Cole also reacts to Trap Lore Ross’ new video on NBA YoungBoy and talks about why creators who lean into street politics need to stand on their words when the pressure hits. Tap in for honest hip hop commentary and real conversations about media responsibility. Timestamps (1:16) Initial Thoughts / 50's Involvement (2:40) What Is the Doc About? (6:59) What Was the Purpose? (8:13) Diddy’s Love Life (9:21) R. Kelly vs. Diddy (10:51) Diddy Is Just Like White Executives (14:02) Final Thoughts on the Doc (15:14) Trap Lore Ross Going at YoungBoy (16:43) Who Is Wrong? (20:02) I Won’t Blame Artists (22:07) Stand By Your Statement! (24:31) Hip Hop Is ALWAYS the Blame (25:56) Stop Supporting TLR (27:44) Outro

Ep 132 Cole breaks down why The Bigger Picture didn’t work long-term and what its ending says about the shallow state of hip-hop podcasting. He also dives into why labels pushing DSPs to raise streaming prices is a bad idea, and whether real alternatives to Spotify and Apple Music even exist. A full culture talk from someone who actually pays attention. Timestamps (0:00) Cole Open (1:08) The Bigger Picture Says Goodbye? (3:46) The Couldn't Move Past Kendrick v Drake (5:05) Jeremy, Dj Hed and Elliott Wilson felt non committal (9:37) Elliott's Hidden Agenda (14:57) The Problem with Hip Hop Podcasting (18:13) Spotify is Going to Raise the Price (19:10) The Labels Are to Blame (20:17) The OG Rappers are the Problem (24:39) Here is My Alternative to Streaming

Ep 131 This week on The Stem Society, Cole breaks down Drake’s new Complex interview and pulls out the moments that actually matter. From the “calm seas” comment to the mindset behind the Iceman rollout, Cole digs into what Drake is really trying to signal before the album drops. Then, we get into the Roc Nation Distribution announcement and why the timing and presentation of this move just feel off. Is this a strategic play or a bad look for the culture? Cole explains why this news isn’t landing the way Roc Nation probably hoped. Tap in for honest hip-hop commentary, no industry politics. Timestamps: (0:00) Cole Open (1:27) Drake's Iceman Rollout (2:26) Points from Drake's Complex Inteview (8:31) Drake's Make or Break Album (9:20) Final Thoughts on Drake (10:53) Roc Nation Distrobution Announcement (11:52) The Internet's Perception (12:56) Russ Speaks Up (16:07) What is Roc Nation Really Offering? (17:28) Learn About Alternatives (19:50) Final Thoughts

Rory Farrell had one of the messiest weeks in podcast history. Old tweets and retweets resurfaced showing racist comments and disrespect toward Black women, and his reaction in a live X Space only added fuel to the fire — sarcasm, excuses, and an apology that didn’t land. In this episode, Cole Jackson breaks down the full story and asks the real question:Is Rory actually canceled… or is this another case of outrage that disappears once the timeline moves on? Tap in as we unpack the fallout, the cultural response, and what “accountability” even means in hip-hop media today. Chapters: (0:00) – Cold Open (1:14) – What Really Happened (6:14) – The X Space Fallout (12:54) – People Aren't Really Doing Anything (19:20) – It's All a Scam (21:17) – My Final Thoughts on Rory's Apology

Westside Gunn says WWE kicked him out of Monday Night RAW in Buffalo — after years of sitting front row, spending thousands, and repping wrestling in his music. Cole Jackson breaks down why the fallout between Gunn and WWE hits deeper than a copyright issue. From cease and desists to cultural disrespect, this episode dives into how hip-hop helped make wrestling cool again — and why WWE still doesn’t get it. 🎙️ Hosted by Cole Jackson | The Stem Society

Ep 129 The 2026 GRAMMY nominations are in, and hip hop came to play. Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nods, but did the Academy finally get it right? Cole Jackson breaks down the biggest rap and R&B categories — from Clipse’s Let God Sort ’Em Out to Leon Thomas’s MUTT — and calls out who got snubbed. Then, Cole pivots to a new lawsuit accusing Spotify of ignoring fake bot streams and asks the question every fan is thinking:if the biggest artist in the world benefits from bots, what does that say about the industry? The Stem Society is hosted by Cole Jackson — honest commentary at the intersection of hip hop, R&B, and culture.New episodes every Sunday and Wednesday. ⏱️ Timestamps (0:00) - Cole Open (1:45) - Will This Be Kendrick's Night (3:34) - Best Rap Album (7:40) - Who Got Snubbed (10:54) - Best Rap Performance (13:24) - Best Rap Song (15:09) - Album of the Year (19:27) - Drake and Fake Streams

Four years later, Dave returns with The Boy Who Played Harp — a deeply personal album about faith, loss, and growth.This isn’t just a rap record; it’s a reflection of where he is as a man. In this episode, Cole breaks down how Dave uses spirituality, honesty, and vulnerability to tell his story. From “175 Months” to “Chapter 16” with Kano, this is Dave sounding more grounded — and more human — than ever before. If you’ve ever questioned your faith or felt like you’re figuring life out one prayer at a time, this one’s for you. 🎙️ The Stem Society — honest hip-hop commentary with Cole Jackson. New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.