Dissect
Dissect is a music analysis podcast that dedicates each season to a single album, breaking it down song by song. Host Cole Cuchna explores the themes, lyrics, and production of albums by artists like Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Radiohead, Beyoncé, Tyler, The Creator, and Frank Ocean. The podcast offers deep dives into the music and meaning behind each track.
Episodes
Crowning Tyler The Creator's Best Song Ever | Last Song Standing (E8)
It all leads up to this. After revisiting Tyler The Creator's entire discography over 7 episodes, Cole and Charles debate their song selections until they crown the last song standing: the single greatest Tyler song, ever.
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Editor: Kevin Pooler
Engineer: Jon Jones
Theme
'DON'T TAP THE GLASS' + B-Sides! | Last Song Standing (E7)
Our journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues by revisiting 2025's 'DON'T TAP THE GLASS' as well as diving into Tyler's extensive b-sides catalog.
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Editor: Kevin Pooler
Engineer: Jon Jones
Theme Music: Birocratic
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'CHROMAKOPIA' | LAST SONG STANDING (E6)
The journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues with his most personal album to date CHROMAKOPIA. Charles and Cole talk through the albums themes, quiz each other with trivia, and nominate the songs they believe should be in contention for Tyler's best.
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles&n
'Call Me If You Get Lost' | LAST SONG STANDING (E5)
The journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues with a deep dive into 2021's Call Me If You Get Lost. Cole, Charles, and Justin revisit the DJ Drama 'Gangsta Grillz' mixtape era before nominating their favorite tracks off the project.
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Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Editor: Iulia Ciob
'IGOR' by Tyler The Creator | LAST SONG STANDING (E4)
The LSS Boyz journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever continues with 2019's IGOR. Cole & Charles revisit its release, quiz each other with album trivia, and nominate its best songs.
What's your favorite song on IGOR? Sound off in the comments below. 👇
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Isaiah Rashad Dissects 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL'
Isaiah Rashad joins Dissect to break down his new album 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL' in intimate detail.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guest: Isaiah Rashad
Engineer: Sarah Reddy
Editor: Iulia Ciobanu
Producer: Justin Sayles
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'FLOWER BOY' by Tyler The Creator | Last Song Standing (E3)
Cole and Charles continue their journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever by revisiting 2017's Flower Boy - a pivotal album that changed the trajectory of Tyler's career.
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Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Editor: Kevin Pooler
Engineer: Sarah Reddy
Theme Music: Birocratic
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'WOLF' & 'CHERRY BOMB' | Last Song Standing (E2)
Cole & Charles continue their journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever by revisiting his album's WOLF and CHERRY BOMB.
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Hosts: Cole Cuchna & Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Editor: Kevin Pooler
Engineer: Sarah Reddy
Theme Music: Birocratic
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'BASTARD' & 'GOBLIN' by Tyler The Creator | Last Song Standing (E1)
Cole & Charles begin their journey to crown Tyler The Creator's best song ever by revisiting his first two projects Bastard and Goblin. They talk through Tyler's origin story before nominating which songs off these projects should be in contention for his best ever.
Comment your favorite songs off Bastard and Goblin below!
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Hosts: C
What is Tyler The Creator's Best Song Ever? The Debate Begins June 30th.
Last Song Standing is returning Tuesday, June 30th! In Season 5, Cole and Charles are debating their way through Tyler The Creator's entire catalog in order to crown his best song of all time.
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Crowning Daft Punk's Best Song Ever
Part 2 of Cole and Charles journey to crown Daft Punk's best song of all time.
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![E12 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 3]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/16845dfe-6691-11f1-9c89-7769537c2c68/image/d984d665e9612d7b522401f03e16d166.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
E12 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 3]
SEASON FINALE! Our dissection of Daft Punk's entire career concludes with the second half of Random Access Memories before looking holistically at the narrative their four studio albums creates.
Connecting Changes Everything. https://www.att.com/connecttochange/
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu
Theme Music: Birocratic
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
L
![E11 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 2]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b3fc234c-6037-11f1-8f04-8ba5d8b266b4/image/d984d665e9612d7b522401f03e16d166.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
E11 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 2]
Our dissection of Random Access Memories continues with a journey through “Within,” “Instant Crush,” “Lose Yourself to Dance,” and the album’s emotional centerpiece, “Touch.”
Connecting Changes Everything. https://www.att.com/connecttochange/
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu
Theme Music: Birocra
![E10 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 1]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a9e4901c-5a2c-11f1-a430-731bff304ec8/image/d984d665e9612d7b522401f03e16d166.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
E10 - 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk [PART 1]
Our season-long exploration of Daft Punk continues with their final album Random Access Memories. Turning away from the electronic mainstream they helped create, Daft Punk entered real studios with real musicians to rediscover the human “magic” inside recorded music. In this episode, we dissect “Give Life Back to Music,” “The Game of Love,” and “Giorgio by Moroder,” revealing how Daft Punk refram
E9 - 'Human After All' & 'Alive 2007' by Daft Punk
Our season-long dissection of Daft Punk continues with a turning point in their catalog, as we unpack the stark minimalism and dystopian vision of 2005's Human After All. We explore how the album’s cold, mechanical sound and Orwellian themes reframe the duo’s robot personas. Then, we trace how those ideas are expanded on stage in the groundbreaking Alive 2007 tour, where Daft Punk fuse their entir
Drake Drops ICEMAN...and Habibti...and Maid of Honour. Why?
Cole is joined by The Ringer’s Charles Holmes and Justin Sayles to discuss Drake’s three-album release stunt. They speculate on the strategy behind the 43-song drop before diving into ICEMAN’s music and lyrics. Finally, they discuss Habibti and Maid of Honour, ending the conversation by wondering where Drake will go next.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guests: Charles Holmes, Justin Sayles
Editor: Kevin Poo
![What is Daft Punk's Best Song Ever? [Season Intermission]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f9353aa0-4d88-11f1-9c9c-dfe91617912a/image/d984d665e9612d7b522401f03e16d166.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
What is Daft Punk's Best Song Ever? [Season Intermission]
We’re taking a brief intermission from our Daft Punk season - but don’t worry, we’re still talking Daft Punk in a special episode of Last Song Standing, the show where Cole and Charles Holmes debate an artist’s catalog to determine their single best song.
In this episode, Cole and Charles nominate the tracks from Homework and Discovery they believe deserve a spot in the conversation. Then, after
E8 - Dissecting "Veridis Quo" & "Face To Face" by Daft Punk
Our season-long examination of Daft Punk continues with a brilliant three track run on Discovery: "Voyager," "Veridis Quo," and the sampling masterpiece "Face To Face."
Connecting Changes Everything. https://www.att.com/connecttochange/
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Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cu
E7 - Dissecting "Something About Us" (& More!) by Daft Punk
Our deep dive into Daft Punk’s Discovery continues with a sweeping journey through the album’s middle stretch, from the ecstatic genre-collisions of “Crescendolls,” “Superheroes,” and “High Life” to the intimate emotional world of “Something About Us.”
Connecting Changes Everything. https://www.att.com/connecttochange/
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Host/Write
E6 - Dissecting "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk
Our deep dive into Daft Punk’s Discovery continues with “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” a masterful achievement where the vocoder is used to sonically embody the accelerating arc of technological evolution.
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Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Editors: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu
Theme Music: Birocratic
Additional Production: Justin
E5 - Dissecting "Digital Love" by Daft Punk
Our dissection of Daft Punk’s Discovery continues with “Digital Love,” a dreamlike love story where harmony and sound design beautifully mirror its theme of unrequited love. Cole claims the song is now one of his favorites of all time as a result of making this episode - listen to find out why.
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Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Editors:
E4 - Dissecting "One More Time" & "Aerodynamic" by Daft Punk
Our dissection of Daft Punk's 2001 masterpiece Discovery begins with an in-depth analysis of its opening tracks "One More Time" and "Aerodynamic."
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu
Theme Music: Birocratic
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
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E3 - Dissecting "Around The World" by Daft Punk
Revealing the hidden brilliance behind one of Daft Punk’s most deceptively simple songs.
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Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler & Iulia Ciobanu
Theme Music: Birocratic
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
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E2 - Daft Punk’s 'Homework' & the Origins of House and Techno
Our season-long analysis of Daft Punk continues with their debut album Homework. First, we explore the history of house and techno from its roots in disco music and underground Chicago and Detroit clubs. We then trace how Daft Punk studied the early pioneers of these genres and applied those lessons to their debut, breaking down the samples and production of songs like "Revolution 909" and "High F
E1 - Daft Punk: Robots With A Human Touch
Our season-long dissection of Daft Punk begins now!
In episode one, we trace Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo’s origins in Paris - from their rock band Darlin’ to their discovery of electronic music and first single “The New Wave.” Then we break down their breakthrough track “Da Funk,” revealing what it shares with Beethoven’s most famous symphony and how to build its iconic synth
IDK Dissects 'Even The Devil Smiles' (My Favorite Album of 2026 So Far)
IDK joins Cole for a track-by-track breakdown of his mixtape 'Even The Devil Smiles.' He discusses how his time in prison inspired the project, how he secured posthumous features from DMX and MF DOOM, and why respecting hip-hop as an art form is so important.
Listen to Even The Devil Smiles on Spotify.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guest: IDK
Editors: Iulia Ciobanu & Kevin Pooler
Engineer: Sarah Reddy
Baby Keem Rises, J. Cole Falls: Discussing ‘Ca$ino’ and ‘The Fall-Off’
A five-year wait and a double-disc finale set high stakes. Cole Cuchna and Charles Holmes ask: Did Baby Keem and J. Cole deliver?
Dissect Season 14 is just around the corner! Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram for an official announcement coming very soon.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guest: Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Editor: Kevin Pooler
Engineer: Sarah Reddy
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J.I.D. dissects 'God Does Like Ugly' track by track
J.I.D. and Dissect's Cole Cuchna to break down his Grammy-nominated album God Does Like Ugly.
00:00 Cold Open / Intro
01:45 Album Title Breakdown
05:35 "YouUgly" Breakdown
17:23 "Glory" Breakdown
25:29 "Wrk" Breakdown
31:00 "Community" Breakdown
41:22 "Gz" Breakdown
46:39 Melodic Section of "GDLU"
51:03 "On McAfee" Breakdown
54:51 "Of Blue" Breakdown
01:00:50 "K-Word" Breakdown
01:04:
Our Favorite Music of 2025
Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by friends Camden Ostrander and Margeaux Labat to discuss their favorite music of 2025, including...
Favorite Musical Moments (04:09)
Favorite "Underground" Albums (13:09)
Favorite Albums of the Year (31:20)
Favorite Songs of the Year (1:13:05)
You can listen to a playlist of their picks here.
-
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guests: Camden Ostrander, Margeaux Labat
A
The 21st Century Song Draft
The LSS crew is back with a year-end draft to celebrate the quarter-century mark in music. Cole, Charles, and Justin draft songs across five different categories: Best Song, Worst Song, One-Hit Wonder, Moment Maker, and Personal Favorite.
Who won the draft? Hit the comments and let us know.
Hosts: Cole Cuchna and Charles Holmes
Producer: Justin Sayles
Video Producer: Kevin Pooler
Engineer: K
The 10 BEST Clipse Bars on 'Let God Sort Em Out'
Clipse’s Let God Sort ’Em Out is Dissect’s pick for Best Rap Album of 2025. In this episode, we break down 10 of the most mind-blowing bars from the project, line by line, decoding the layers of wordplay, cultural references, and religious symbolism that make this album so lyrically dense.
🎵 Chapters
00:00 Pusha T, “So Be It”
01:40 Malice, “Ace Trumpets”
04:25 Pusha T, “Ace Trumpets”
07:14 Ma
The Most GENIUS Number Bars in Rap History
From Rakim to Kendrick Lamar, this is the story of hip-hop’s obsession with numbers.
Dissect's Cole Cuchna breaks down the evolution of “number bars” - a lyrical tradition where rappers use math, numeric sequences, and wordplay to showcase technical skill and encode hidden meaning.
Beginning with Rakim’s groundbreaking verse on “My Melody” (1986) - a quatrain built around groups of seven that se
Rosalia's 'LUX' is a Masterpiece
In this emergency episode, Cole shares his initial thoughts on Rosalia's new album LUX, plus provides a brief breakdown of the album's four movements, and shares how its beginning and end connect thematically and narratively.
How are you feeling about LUX? Comment below.
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Chance The Rapper dissects 'STAR LINE' track-by-track
Chance the Rapper and Dissect’s Cole Cuchna sit for an in-depth, track-by-track breakdown of Chance’s new album Star Line. We dig into the meaning behind the album’s title, the symbolism of its artwork, and the historical references woven throughout - from Marcus Garvey and the Black Star Line to the Wattstax documentary and beyond.
Chance dissects specific lyrics, discusses the spiritual and pol
![Crowning the BEST Album of the 21st Century | LAST SONG STANDING [Finale]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7cbc51a8-9257-11f0-b695-7bc7396a6560/image/0f5c39daea28bad78cce2399e1b4084d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Crowning the BEST Album of the 21st Century | LAST SONG STANDING [Finale]
It all comes down to this! Season 4 of Last Song Standing concludes with Cole and Charles finally crowning the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far).
Each album that advanced to the finale now duke it out in a cut-throat bracket that includes Frank Ocean's 'Blonde', Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly', Daft Punk's 'Discovery', Beyonce's 'Lemonade', MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy', and more.
What ar
![good kid, m.A.A.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly | LAST SONG STANDING [E7]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/79560bfc-8b73-11f0-8061-9399ee7ead32/image/0f5c39daea28bad78cce2399e1b4084d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
good kid, m.A.A.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly | LAST SONG STANDING [E7]
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two historic albums by the same artist against each other: Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.a.a.d. city vs. To Pimp A Butterfly.
Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually befor
JID, Chance, Earl, Joey, and Hip Hop's Thriving Middle Class
Dissect's Cole Cuchna talks to Jeremy Hecht (The Bigger Picture) and King Green (Rap Latte) about a wild slate of August albums releases:
God Does Like Ugly - JID
Star Line - Chance The Rapper
Live Love Laugh - Earl Sweatshirt
Lonely At The Top - Joey Bada$$
The trio give their initial impressions of each album and discuss the state of hip hop's maturing middle class.
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![Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' vs. SZA's 'Ctrl' | LAST SONG STANDING [E6]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/46110b12-8695-11f0-8d17-1303a428dd82/image/0f5c39daea28bad78cce2399e1b4084d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' vs. SZA's 'Ctrl' | LAST SONG STANDING [E6]
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two landmarks in RnB history against each other: Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' vs. SZA's 'Ctrl' .
Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to hea
![MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy' vs. Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury' | LAST SONG STANDING [E5]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fb6dbd28-81ce-11f0-b673-13486ad3afed/image/0f5c39daea28bad78cce2399e1b4084d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
MF DOOM's 'Madvillainy' vs. Clipse's 'Hell Hath No Fury' | LAST SONG STANDING [E5]
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two landmarks in indie-hop history against each other: MF DOOM & Madlib’s Madvillainy vs. Clipse's Hell Hath No Fury.
Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the tw
![Daft Punk's 'Discovery' vs. Radiohead's 'Kid A' | LAST SONG STANDING [E4]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/056aac0e-7c6c-11f0-94b0-3b77f7983cf1/image/0f5c39daea28bad78cce2399e1b4084d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Daft Punk's 'Discovery' vs. Radiohead's 'Kid A' | LAST SONG STANDING [E4]
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st Century (so far) by pitting two of the most influential albums in music history against each other: Daft Punk’s Discovery vs. Radiohead’s Kid A.
Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two
Eminem's 'Marshall Mathers LP' vs. Tyler, The Creator's 'IGOR' | LAST SONG STANDING
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far) by pitting a bonafide classic in Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP against a modern classic in Tyler The Creator's IGOR.
Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the 21st century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums
![Jay-Z's The Blueprint vs. Beyonce's Lemonade | LAST SONG STANDING [E2]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/221b1e5e-716f-11f0-be72-0b583ce7f53b/image/8d5d927508299a05f0f1c5d8441aa368.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Jay-Z's The Blueprint vs. Beyonce's Lemonade | LAST SONG STANDING [E2]
Today's matchup pushed Cole & Charles' friendship to its limits: JAY-Z's The Blueprint vs. Beyonce's Lemonade.
The LSS Boyz continue their journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far). Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head
"Don't Tap The Glass" is More Conceptual Than Tyler Admits
Tyler, The Creator says "Don’t Tap The Glass" isn’t a concept album. No narrative. No deep themes. Just a fun, fast, braggadocious dance record.
But what if that is the concept?
In this video essay, we dive deep into Don’t Tap The Glass to uncover the album’s hidden intentionality — from its crate-dug samples and alter-ego iconography to its sacred rules of the dance floor. Through cultural hist
Kanye's Twisted Fantasy vs. Drake's Take Care | LAST SONG STANDING
Last Song Standing is back! Dissect's Cole Cuchna and The Midnight Boys' Charles Holmes begin a journey to crown the Best Album of the 21st century (so far).
Every episode this season, Cole and Charles each nominate one album they feel should be in contention for the century's best. Each album is discussed individually before the two albums battle head to head, where Cole and Charles argue until
Our Favorite Music of 2025...So Far
Dissect's Cole Cuchna and Professor Skye share their favorite music of 2025 so far, including their favorite albums, songs, and "underground" projects.
They talk through projects by Lorde, Bad Bunny, Black Country New Road, Ray Vaughn, Annahstasia, Mac Miller, JID, Joey Bada$$, and more.
Official Spotify Playlist here.
Subscribe to @professorskye YouTube here.
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S13E18 - Dissecting "Mirror" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season long analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers concludes with its final track "Mirror." Serving as a lyrical epilogue to the album’s emotional climax, “Mirror” delivers Kendrick Lamar’s final moral lesson: “I choose me.” With this mantra, Kendrick brings his morality play to a close, rejecting the performance of salvation in favor of spiritual freedom, radical acceptanc
Clipse is Back! Breaking Down 'Let God Sort Em Out'
Dissect's Cole Cuchna and The Ringer's Charles Holmes unpack the long-awaited return of Clipse and their new album, Let God Sort Em Out. Was it worth the 15-year wait?
The duo share first impressions, breakdown their favorite lyrics and tracks, discuss Pharrell’s full-album production, and what makes Clipse still sound this sharp in their 40s and 50s.
They dissect the emotional depth of “Birds
![PART 2: "Mother I Sober" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E17]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/85e44aaa-5a95-11f0-8166-671e60ea0e38/image/ad3062803beb45f24401007bd50d79c0.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
PART 2: "Mother I Sober" by Kendrick Lamar [S13E17]
Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers continues with Part 2 of “Mother I Sober” — the album’s emotional and spiritual climax. In this sweeping 48-bar final verse, Kendrick releases decades of generational trauma and invites listeners to witness a ritual of forgiveness, transformation, and liberation.
This episode unpacks Kendrick’s evolution from fractured self to healing vess
S13E16- Dissecting 'Mother I Sober' by Kendrick Lamar (Part 1)
Our season long examination of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers continues with “Mother I Sober.” This emotionally devastating ballad marks the narrative and spiritual climax of Kendrick Lamar’s album. Stripped bare and seated at the piano, Kendrick confronts generational trauma, inherited pain, and the illusion of self that’s fractured by abuse, guilt, and silence.
Building on the spiritual awarenes
S13E15 - Dissecting "Mr Morale" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long breakdown of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers continues with a line-by-line analysis of its title track. We unpack the 'Mr. Morale' moniker, Eckhart Tolle's influence on Kendrick's current spiritual transformation, and how so much of the song is preparation for the album's next track "Mother I Sober."
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Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuch
S13E14 - The Moral Ambiguity of "Auntie Diaries" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long analysis of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Auntie Diaries" - a controversial song in which Kendrick shares his evolution in understanding of his transgender relatives.
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, & Twitter.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Audio/Video Editing: Kevin Pooler
Theme Music: Birocratic
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
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S13E13 - Dissecting "Savior" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long examination of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Savior" a song that challenges celebrity worship and false idols in the age of influencers, empty symbolism, and "perfect life" social media curation.
Shop Dissect Season 13 Merch
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
Additional Video Editing: Jon Jones
Theme Music: Birocratic
Learn mo
S13E12 - Why is Baby Keem on Mr. Morale? Dissecting "Savior - Interlude"
Our season-long dissection of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Savior - Interlude" performed by Baby Keem. We explore how Keem's feature mirrors Kodak Black's, why Kendrick Lamar made this symbolic pairing, and how it all sets up the next song "Savior."
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Produ
S13E11 - Dissecting "Crown" & "Silent Hill" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long dissection of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers' continues with "Crown" and "Silent Hill."
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
Theme Music: Birocratic
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S13E10 - Dissecting "Count Me Out" by Kendrick Lamar
Our dissection of Mr Morale & The Big Steppers resumes with "Count Me Out." As the first track on Act 2, the song is positioned as the first therapy session with Eckhart Tolle, as Kendrick reveals some his most vulnerable thoughts and emotions.
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Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
A
The TDE Song Draft
Dissect’s Cole Cuchna is joined by Curtiss King and King Green to draft their favorite songs from TDE artists across 4 categories: Hit Song, Deep Cut, Collab Track, and Personal Favorites.
Listen to a playlist of their picks here.
TDE or Top Dawg Entertainment has been the most influential independent label of the 21st Century. After establishing themselves with core artists Kendrick Lamar
it's time to talk about kanye
Not an episode I wanted to do, but one I felt I needed to do. My thoughts on the current state of Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West.
Our season on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers will resume May 20th.
Follow @dissectpodcast on Instagram, X, or TikTok.
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The DEFINITIVE Breakdown of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Show
📺 Watch this breakdown on YouTube
Dissect's Cole Cuchna breaks down Kendrick Lamar’s innovative 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show — scene by scene, lyric by lyric, symbol by symbol — to reveal a powerful narrative about the Black American experience throughout history.
This is not a standard recap. This is a forensic analysis of every detail: the set design, the wardrobe, the major and minor charact
What's the Best Song on GNX? | LAST SONG STANDING
We're taking a few weeks off Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by The Ringer's Charles Holmes to discuss Kendrick Lamar's GNX and debate it's best song. There's GNX background and trivia, lyrical breakdowns, and best song nominations. They also discuss the Kendrick x Drake battle songs to see whether any of Kendrick's battle tracks make the cut.
Last Song Standing is an annual show on the Dissect p
S13E9 - Dissecting 'Purple Hearts' by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Purple Hearts." As the final song of Disc 1, "Purple Hearts" represents a critical juncture in the album where Kendrick calls on God to guide him through the album's emotionally wrenching second half. Kendrick also receives guidance from Ghostface Killah, who plays a Saint-like role in the story.
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S13E8 - Dissecting 'We Cry Together' by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with its eighth track "We Cry Together." We interpret the song as a representation of Eckhart Tolle's concept of the pain-body, an energy field within the body comprised of accumulated, unconfronted trauma and pain.
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio
S13E7 - Dissecting 'Rich Spirit' by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long examination of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Rich Spirit."
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
Theme Music: Birocratic
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Celebrating 10 Years of 'To Pimp a Butterfly'
Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by hip hop journalist Rob Markman to discuss the 10 year anniversary of Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly. Together they reflect on the album's release and reception, its enduring themes, and its legacy.
Watch Rob's iconic MTV interview with Kendrick here. Follow Rob Markman on YouTube.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guest: Rob Markman
Video/Audio Producer: Kevin Pooler
Lea
S13E6 - Why is Kodak Black on Mr. Morale? Dissecting "Rich - Interlude"
Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Rich - Interlude," a track given to controversial rapper Kodak Black. Why? Well, that's exactly the question we attempt to answer.
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
Theme Music: Biroc
S13E5 - Dissecting "Father Time" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with a lyrical dissection of "Father Time." Kendrick confronts the mask of masculinity he inherited from his father and realizes he must transcend the toxic elements or risk passing them on to his own children.
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Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Produc
S13E4 - Dissecting "Die Hard" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with "Die Hard." After establishing the capacity for evil in all human beings on the previous song, "Die Hard" posits that the opposite must be true: that we all have the capacity for good, too.
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pool
S13E3 - Dissecting "Worldwide Steppers" by Kendrick Lamar
Our season-long dissection of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues with a lyrical analysis of "Worldwide Steppers."
New episodes release every Tuesday.
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
Additional Production: Justin Sayles
Theme Music: Birocratic
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:25 Episode 2 Recap
S13E2 - Dissecting 'N95' by Kendrick Lamar
We continue our season-long analysis of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers with its second track "N95." Kendrick critiques the various masks we wear to fabricate our identities in our performance of self on the world's stage.
New episodes of Dissect release every Tuesday.
Shop Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Host/Writer/EP: Cole Cuchna
Video/Audio Production: Kev
Kendrick Lamar's Great American Game (Super Bowl Reaction)
Dissect host Cole Cuchna shares his initial thoughts and analysis on Kendrick Lamar's Halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
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S13E1 - Kendrick Lamar: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Dissect's first VIDEO season is an 18-episode analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. After revisiting Kendrick's years-long public hiatus leading up to its 2022 release, today's episode dissects the album's opening track "United In Grief" - a song that sets up every major theme explored on the album.
New episodes every Tuesday.
Shop limited Dissect S13 Merch. Follow Dissect
Season 13 Album Reveal! Begins February 4th.
Season 13 of Dissect begins Tuesday, February 4th. A VIDEO version of the podcast will be available on Spotify and YouTube. However, Dissect remains an audio-first experience, and has not changed from its original format.
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Mac Miller's 'Balloonerism' is an Existential Dream (Full Album Analysis)
Dissect's Cole Cuchna breaks down the title, themes, and sequencing of Mac Miller's Balloonerism - a surreal exploration of mortality, addiction, and purpose. Cole dissects each song, explores the psychedelic influences of The Beatles, and places special emphasis on the album's final song "Tomorrow Will Never Know."
Dissect Season 13 will premiere February 4th. Follow @dissectpodcast for clues le
Our Favorite Music of 2024
Cole and Cam award their favorite music of the year across a number of categories, including Favorite Album, Favorite Song, Favorite Underground Album, Most Surprising Album, and many more.
Listen to the playlist of songs featured in this episode here.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guest: Camden Ostrander
Audio Production: Kevin Pooler
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Best Bars of 2024. Plus: Drake vs. Kendrick Retrospective
Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by Touré, King Green, and James Francis to reflect on the historic year in hip hop. They begin by revisiting the Drake and Kendrick battle, nominating their favorite song, lyrics, and quotable that came from the beef. Then they award and dissect their favorite rap lyrics of the year before closing out the show with their favorite song and album of 2024.
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Unreleased MF DOOM Interview (Exclusive Premiere)
Alongside Rhymesayers Entertainment, Dissect is honored to premiere an unreleased interview with MF DOOM as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of MM..FOOD. Recorded in 2004 just weeks before FOOD's release, the interview spanned DOOM's entire career, including his origins as Zev Love X, his approach to writing and production, and thriving as an independent artist.
Shop MM..FOOD (20th Annive
Kendrick Lamar Is Out For Blood on 'GNX'
Cole and Femi discuss their first impressions of Kendrick Lamar's GNX. After sharing their first listen experience, they dissect the album's themes, concept, and provide extensive analysis on two key tracks: 'wacced out murals' and 'reincarnated.'
*Recorded 11/25/24. "Squabbled Up" video released during recording so it was not discussed.
Host: Cole Cuchna
Guest: Femi Olutade (Dissect S5 co-auth
CHROMAKOPIA is here (and it's really good)
Cole and Cam share their first impressions of Tyler The Creator's CHROMAKOPIA. They discuss the album's themes and sound, share their favorite moments and features, and attempt to dissect the meaning of the project's title and concept.
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CHROMAKOPIA is coming! Here's what we know.
The rollout for Tyler The Creator's Chromakopia has been a masterclass in world building and fan engagement. Cole dissects the various video snippets, album title, and character, and speculates on possible album themes and concepts ahead of its release on October 28th.
Next week, Cole will return to give his first impressions on the album.
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Doechii dissects "Alligator Bites Never Heal" (Our First Ever Artist Interview!)
Doechii joins the show to breakdown her new project "Alligator Bites Never Heal" (TDE Records). Cole and Doechii discuss the meaning behind its title and artwork, dissect some of its best lyrics, and Cole even gets to pitch her one of his wild musical conspiracy theories.
Did you enjoy the convo? Let us know if you'd like to hear more artist interviews on Dissect! Hit us up @dissectpodcast on Twi
Kendrick drops "Watch The Party Die" - is an album next?
Cole dissects Kendrick Lamar's new song unofficially titled "Watch The Party Die" and theorizes about the possibility of new album coming soon as soon as Friday the 13th.
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