Author: The Ringer

Rob homes in on the specific and strange political moment in which Toby Keith made "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." Then, he’s joined by New Yorker music writer Kelefa Sanneh to discuss the song’s themes, cultural reception, and musical merit and the state of how we talk about Keith’s career.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Kelefa Sanneh

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles

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Rob heads back to Brooklyn to explore the 2003 indie-rock staple “Maps” and the history of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Later, he is joined by Niko Stratis to further explore the indie jam’s success.

Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Niko Stratis
Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles

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Rob is back from hiatus with a loaded episode! Join him as he straddles the line between real life and virtual reality when discussing the virtual band Gorillaz and the career of its creator, Damon Albarn. Later, Rob is joined by Jeremy Gordon, the author of 'See Friendship' and senior editor at The Atlantic, to get to the bottom of how Gorillaz became so popular (1:07:00).

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Jeremy Gordon

Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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We know, it's been a while. But, Rob and his producer pals are working hard on the show. See you in two weeks!

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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.

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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