

Dissect
The Ringer
Analyzing the music and meaning of one album per season, one song per episode. Join host Cole Cuchna as he dives deep into albums by Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Radiohead, Beyonce, Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean, and more. Let's Dissect.
Episodes
Mentioned books

12 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 35min
Crowning the BEST Album of the 21st Century | LAST SONG STANDING [Finale]
The finale crowns the best album of the 21st century, with contenders like Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' and Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly' battling it out. The hosts share personal top 10 favorites and dive into the cultural ramifications of iconic albums like Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' and Daft Punk's 'Discovery.' They reflect on the evolution of music's authenticity and the profound connections listeners have with these works. A humorous exchange on 'white boy summer' adds a light-hearted touch to the intense competition.

12 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 2h 11min
good kid, m.A.A.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly | LAST SONG STANDING [E7]
Dive into a riveting clash between Kendrick Lamar's masterpieces, 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' and 'To Pimp A Butterfly.' Discover the thematic complexities and artistic evolution throughout his music. Explore Kendrick's storytelling prowess and how his songs resonate with cultural narratives. The hosts debate creative choices and delve into the significance of his live performances. With trivia and in-depth analyses, this conversation celebrates Lamar's impact on the music landscape and what makes his albums truly iconic.

21 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 7min
JID, Chance, Earl, Joey, and Hip Hop's Thriving Middle Class
Join Jeremy Hecht from The Bigger Picture and King Green of Rap Latte as they dive into the exciting August releases in hip hop. They passionately discuss JID's authentic artistry in 'God Does Like Ugly' and explore the intricacies faced by mid-level artists. The conversation touches on the evolving middle class of hip hop, with insights on personal fulfillment versus commercial success. They also examine the themes of identity and redemption in Chance the Rapper's work, highlighting a musically rich month for this genre's dynamic landscape.

19 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 2h 2min
Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' vs. SZA's 'Ctrl' | LAST SONG STANDING [E6]
Dive into a thrilling showdown between two R&B titans: Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' and SZA's 'Ctrl.' Explore the emotional depth and innovative production that shape these albums. Discover how personal narratives resonate with fans, alongside reflections on heartbreak and identity. The hosts debate key tracks while unpacking each artist's impact on contemporary music. Get ready for a lively quiz and insights into the evolution of R&B, as they crown the true champion of the 21st century's best album!

Aug 26, 2025 • 2h 27min
MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy' vs. Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury' | LAST SONG STANDING [E5]
Dive into a battle between two hip-hop landmarks: MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy' and Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury.' Discover their underrated contributions to the genre and explore the lyrical brilliance of standout tracks. Reflect on the evolution of DOOM's iconic mask and its role in hip-hop history. The hosts engage in lively debates about production techniques, the dynamic between art and commerce, and the cultural impact of both albums. It’s a nostalgic ride through skate culture and hip-hop rivalries, culminating in a showdown that will keep you entertained!

21 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 2h 15min
Daft Punk's 'Discovery' vs. Radiohead's 'Kid A' | LAST SONG STANDING [E4]
A fierce battle of musical titans unfolds as Daft Punk's 'Discovery' takes on Radiohead's 'Kid A'. The hosts dive into the transformative impact of both albums, exploring how they reshaped the soundscape of the early 2000s. From the innovative production techniques to emotional depth, discussions reveal their lasting legacies. Personal anecdotes and lively trivia inject humor into the debate, while they weigh iconic tracks against each other. Ultimately, it’s a spirited exploration of what defines greatness in modern music.

23 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 2h 1min
Eminem's 'Marshall Mathers LP' vs. Tyler, The Creator's 'IGOR' | LAST SONG STANDING
The hosts dive into a lively debate over the iconic Eminem's 'Marshall Mathers LP' and Tyler, The Creator's 'IGOR'. They explore the cultural impact and artistic evolution of both albums. Key moments include Eminem’s lyrical mastery and the complex themes in Tyler’s work. Trivia about Eminem and discussions on authenticity in hip-hop add depth to their analysis. The emotional arcs within 'IGOR' and its innovative storytelling highlight the unique narratives both artists bring to their music, culminating in a showdown of lyrical prowess.

18 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 2h 7min
Jay-Z's The Blueprint vs. Beyonce's Lemonade | LAST SONG STANDING [E2]
The hosts dive into a heated debate over Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint' and Beyoncé's 'Lemonade,' examining their cultural impact and personal narratives. They reflect on themes of infidelity and masculinity while reminiscing about significant moments in music history. Trivia games highlight Jay-Z's legacy, alongside comparisons of iconic tracks like 'Izzo' and 'Formation.' The discussion also touches on how both albums symbolize the evolution of hip-hop and the artistry of their creators.

19 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 15min
"Don't Tap The Glass" is More Conceptual Than Tyler Admits
Tyler, The Creator claims his new album lacks a concept, but what if that's the concept itself? Dive into a deep exploration of dance as a spiritual experience and freedom as resistance. The discussion unpacks the album's opening Hebrew sample and Big Poe, which pays homage to hip-hop history. The hosts highlight Tyler's use of crate-digging to connect with Black dance music traditions and reveal the significance of the album's three rules. Sample breakdowns feature influences from classic tracks, showcasing a rich musical tapestry.

20 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 50min
Kanye's Twisted Fantasy vs. Drake's Take Care | LAST SONG STANDING
The hosts dive into a musical showdown, pitting Kanye's 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' against Drake's 'Take Care'. They explore the creative processes behind each album and reflect on their cultural impacts. Highlights include a debate on iconic tracks like 'Runaway' and 'Devil in a New Dress', alongside discussions on collaborations and the evolution of personal narratives in their lyrics. As they analyze themes of power, fame, and emotional depth, the conversation captivates fans of both hip-hop titans.