In this powerful episode, Loon opens by congratulating Kendrick Lamar on his announcement to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. But as one of the leading voices in the South, Loon dives deeper into why Southern legend Lil Wayne was overlooked for this honor. Speaking from his roots, Loon explores how Jay-Z’s influence over the industry has impacted artists from the South, going back to the days of Juvenile and Cash Money. He reflects on the strained relationship between Jay-Z and Southern hip-hop, noting key moments in history that have affected artists like Wayne, Birdman, and even Juvenile​(

Loon speaks for the South, sharing his perspective on how the region’s culture has often been overshadowed by decisions made in New York and by figures like Jay-Z. He recalls the tension between Jay and Wayne, highlighting moments where Wayne publicly challenged Jay’s dominance, but also how their competitive relationship has shaped hip-hop today. This deep dive into the South’s struggle for recognition in the industry showcases Loon’s knowledge and experience growing up in the heart of Southern hip-hop​(

Additionally, Loon pays a heartfelt tribute to Rich Homie Quan, reflecting on his contributions to the Atlanta music scene and his personal interview with him. As Quan’s influence and melodic flow helped define a generation, Loon questions why key figures like Birdman and Yo Gotti have not publicly acknowledged his passing, pointing out how the industry sometimes fails to honor its own​

Finally, Loon calls out the trend of rappers running to platforms like Nore’s Drink Champs, Joe Budden’s The Joe Budden Podcast, and Akademiks' Off the Record for interviews, criticizing these outlets for caring more about views than the culture. Loon urges artists to stay true to the platforms that genuinely care about their stories and the legacy of hip-hop.

Topics Covered:

• Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl announcement and why Lil Wayne was overlooked.
• Jay-Z’s influence on the South, from Juvenile to Wayne.
• A tribute to Rich Homie Quan and his lasting impact on Atlanta’s rap scene.
• Criticism of mainstream platforms and the importance of supporting authentic voices.

Hashtags: #KendrickLamar #RichHomieQuan #LilWayne #JayZ #SouthernHipHop #ItsUpTherePodcast

Links:

• Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/Q85VZ6V9
• Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://patreon.com/ItsUpTherePodcast