‘State of the Culture’ is the show you turn on to hear unfiltered, unapologetic, gritty opinions in regards to topics within hip hop culture — whether you agree with what’s being said or not. Joe Budden, Remy Ma, Jinx, and Scottie Beam aren’t here to hold your hand in their debates and sugarcoat their words. They’re here to say what everyone else is afraid of saying, and do so with no hesitation. From talking about music, politics, sports and everything in between; the hosts are always with the shits. Welcome to ‘State of the Culture.’

The Popeyes chicken sandwich wasn’t the only thing spicy in these streets this week. On episode four of “State Of The Culture,” we explored how Black Twitter can make or break trends, and why it’s so under-celebrated for our influence. We also talk about some scary times in hip hop where rappers are under attack, but face legal roadblocks in protecting themselves. Eric Garner’s killer got his penance, but here’s why it’s too little, too late.

All this and more in the nine gems dropped during this week’s “State Of The Culture.”

1. Is the Amazon rainforest crisis just modern day colonization?

As you may know, the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, which supplies over 20% of the world’s oxygen, has been on fire for the past three weeks. Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, claims he doesn’t have the resources to put out these fires, but many people — including our SOTC panelists — are calling BS. “[The rainforest] has been preserved for years,” Jinx explains. “We’re running out of space… It’s like real estate in New York. You see an empty lot, that’s going to be somebody’s apartment building.” Remy highlights the sudden apathy toward such a huge global issue in the United States. “Why isn’t our government, like they always do, stepping in and minding other people’s business for the greater good? Oh, I forgot who is in charge over there.”

2. Remy Ma feels there is a war on entertainers and she makes a convincing case

Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley and his aunt/manager Jobina Brown were recently involved in a drive-by shooting. Sadly, Brown lost her life as a result. This random act seems eerily similar to just a couple of weeks back where pregnant City Girls rapper Yung Miami was shot at in her hometown. “There is a war on entertainers from the public to the judicial system,” Remy Ma believes. “If you’re a public figure, people are targeting you.” She goes on to explain that the bigger agenda is to tear rappers who exemplify hope of making it out the hood down. “If you get too big, [they’re] gonna kill you, lock you up, tear you down or get you for taxes,” she adds.

3. Eric Garner’s killer has been fired, but is it enough?

Daniel Pantaleo, the officer who notoriously put Eric Garner in the illegal chokehold that ended his life, has finally been fired from the police force. But, don’t call it justice. “That’s the bare minimum,” Remy says. “You killed somebody using something that was banned.” Jinx finds it astounding that Pantaleo was able to rock for five years before receiving some repercussions. “This should have happened immediately. So when things get prolonged, the action doesn’t validate that feeling [of justice],” he said.

4. Can hip hop artists keep themselves safe without going to jail?

Kodak Black recently pleaded guilty to federal weapons charges and faces up to eight years in prison. We don’t know the exact reason he felt the need to have heavy artillery on him, but Remy does think that hiring security isn’t the quick fix that Joe believes it is. “I don’t know anybody who pays security enough to be like, ‘Hey, don’t shoot her. Shoot me!’ I don’t see that happening. [Pap] says its a deterrent. I get that, but I’m pretty sure the [Notorious] B.I.G.[s], Pacs and Jam Master Jays wish they had something to protect themselves,” she says.

5. The Popeyes sandwich is every bit worth the hype

Sure, this wasn’t officially on the docket, but how the hell could you have missed the hysteria about Popeyes chicken sandwich? Jinx thought the internet was gassing it, but was pleasantly surprised it lived up to his expectations. Remy Ma knew about the sandwich before it was a trending topic. Joe had five sandwiches in the last two days alone. But move quick, Popeyes. We need that restock like yesterday.

6. Black Twitter support is the best advertising money can buy

Reports estimate that the memes and social media buzz garnered around the Popeyes sandwich by Black Twitter was worth over $21 million in ad revenue. This news comes as no surprise to us. “Melanin makes everything richer,” says Joe. He also believes that while the sandwich became a marketing slam dunk, the corporate powers that be will never let black folks know their value.

7. Missy Elliott’s MTV Video Vanguard Award is deserved, but long overdue

As you probably agree, Missy Elliott is a peerless artist, especially when it comes to music videos. Jinx appreciates that MTV is rolling out her day of honor in such a big way with the Missy Elliott museum, but feels it was a misstep not to have awarded her sooner. “They have to get this segment right,” Jinx says. “You can’t skimp on the one you were supposed to get last year.”

8. Nick Cannon made some shady comments about Eminem. Is it time to let that hurt go?

Nick Cannon went on Vlad TV and shared a hot take about how much of hip hop is at stake in the hands of white girls who listen to it. He also called Eminem, “Elvis on crack.” Ouch! Jinx feels the latter comment was a jab fueled by their old beef. However, Joe disagrees that hip hop’s most prominent tastemakers are its white consumers. He questions, “Why do they get to define who a star is?” Despite his tiff with Eminem, Joe profoundly disagrees with Cannon comparing him to Elvis stating, “I don’t understand what he’s trying to say with that particular comment.” He continues, “Elvis stole from niggas. Em does things with words that niggas can’t do.”

9. Mo money, mo lawsuits for our good friend Drake

The OVO head honcho is being sued by an artist claiming that Drake jacked his beat on “Nice For What” and “In My Feelings.” Is this what happens when you have back to back hit records and loads of money? Well, that’s Remy Ma’s theory. “This only happens when your song is a hit or when you’re successful,” she says. “If it weren’t, [they] wouldn’t have anything to gain from it.”

Watch “State of the Culture” on TV on Tuesday nights at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT and on digital on Mondays at 5:00pm ET/2:00pm PT! Check out where you can watch the REVOLT TV channel here.

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