

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

Dec 3, 2019 • 44min
S5E11 - HUMBLE. by Kendrick Lamar
We continue our season-long analysis of DAMN. with the album’s hit single HUMBLE. Coming off the heels of PRIDE. in which Kung Fu Kenny admitted his imperfections, we are puzzled to find Kenny egotistically lifting himself up by putting down others. But as we’ll hear, this mentality embodies the central biblical theme that powerful rulers and nations often become corrupted by pride.Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2019 • 45min
S5E10 - PRIDE. by Kendrick Lamar
Kung Fu Kenny takes a big step forward by admitting his imperfections and humbling himself. As track 7 of 14, we hypothesize about PRIDE. being a micro-resolution to DAMN’s first half.Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 snips
Nov 19, 2019 • 43min
S5E9 - LOYALTY. by Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna
Dive into a deep exploration of loyalty, as Kendrick Lamar teams up with Rihanna to unpack its complexities. The discussion flows from self-serving love to a spiritual commitment to God. Themes of pride, humility, and authenticity intertwine, revealing the dualities in their lyrics. The analysis also links personal sacrifices and societal challenges in hip-hop, while examining sexual nuances that echo emotional turmoil. Ultimately, it questions how loyalty shapes legacy and spiritual journeys.

6 snips
Nov 12, 2019 • 40min
S5E8 - FEEL. by Kendrick Lamar
Dive into the emotional storm of Kendrick Lamar's 'Feel,' where Kung Fu Kenny confronts his internal struggles with isolation and self-centeredness. Explore the artistry behind his lyrics, revealing layers of hopelessness and societal injustice. The discussion connects personal narratives to broader themes, touching on the War on Drugs and its impact on Black communities. You'll uncover intense vocal conflicts and the evolution of emotional struggles within Lamar's music, providing a profound exploration of his journey.

10 snips
Nov 5, 2019 • 60min
S5E7 - ELEMENT. by Kendrick Lamar
Dive into Kendrick Lamar's 'Element' as he grapples with violence and the weight of family expectations. Discover how themes of pride and fear shape his narrative, leading to reflections on loyalty and morality. Explore the haunting story of the Candyman, paralleling systemic injustices faced by Black men. Delve into Kendrick’s rivalry within the rap scene and his critique of authenticity versus commercialization in hip-hop, revealing the intense complexities of his identity and artistry.

Nov 1, 2019 • 2h 4min
BONUS - Dissecting JESUS IS KING w/ Femi Olutade
Cole and Femi discuss Kanye West's new album Jesus Is King, including a song-by-song thematic analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 snips
Oct 29, 2019 • 41min
S5E6 - YAH. by Kendrick Lamar
The podcast dives deep into Kendrick Lamar's complex character, Kung Fu Kenny, who wrestles with intuition, morality, and identity. It explores inherited struggles linked to sex, money, and violence, reflecting his upbringing. The narrative connects his personal battles to biblical tales, particularly the story of Jonah. There's a keen analysis of authenticity in hip-hop, examining societal pressures and their impact on relationships. Ultimately, it highlights the timeless conflict between personal desires and spiritual duties.

12 snips
Oct 24, 2019 • 33min
S5E5 - DNA. (Part 2) by Kendrick Lamar
Dive into the explosive second half of Kendrick Lamar's 'DNA,' where he confronts the media with fierce intensity. Discover how the song addresses universal traits of sex, money, and murder that connect us all. Explore the chaos of hip-hop culture and spirituality as Kendrick challenges inherited vices. Witness the irony of fame through his reflections on success and its pitfalls. Biblical symbolism and themes of betrayal reveal the artist's struggle with identity in a world rife with systemic challenges.

9 snips
Oct 22, 2019 • 41min
S5E4 - DNA. (Part 1) by Kendrick Lamar
The podcast dives into Kendrick Lamar's 'DNA,' unpacking themes of identity shaped by heritage, environment, and culture. It explores the profound societal injustices reflected in his lyrics while connecting his personal story to biblical references. Listeners learn about his inner struggle between peace and violence, revealing the complexities of his upbringing. The analysis includes a defense of hip-hop culture and highlights the song's unique musical style, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Kendrick's artistry.

Oct 15, 2019 • 45min
S5E3 - BLOOD. by Kendrick Lamar
We begin our season-long analysis of DAMN. with the opening track BLOOD. We unpack the many layers of the wickedness/weakness dichotomy presented as well as the cryptic parable in which Kendrick is shot by a blind lady -- or shall we call her Lady Justice?Say hi @dissectpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. Purchase Dissect merch at https://shop.dissectpodcast.com/. Listen to original Dissect themes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k8BsZM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


