Right now, the two biggest records in the country come to us from two of hip-hop’s biggest superstars: Travis Scott and Post Malone. Both artists have been releasing mainstream records for nearly a decade; their records UTOPIA and AUSTIN, respectfully, sit at number one and two on the Billboard 200. But going further than the numbers, these albums signify a shift in these artists’ sounds, moving them out of their usual genres into previously uncharted territory in both of their careers. And as this is Post Malone’s fifth record and Travis Scott’s fourth, we also must ask: what does it mean to be a mid-career artist? Songs discussed: Travis Scott – HYAENA Post Malone – Mourning Travis Scott, Teezo Touchdown – MODERN JAM Post Malone – Chemical Madonna – Borderline Madonna – Ray of Light Madonna – Don’t Tell Me Kendrick Lamar – m.a.a.d. city Kendrick Lamar – For Free? – interlude Travis Scott, Swae Lee, Chief Keef – Nightcrawler Travis Scott, Yung Lean – PARASAIL Travis Scott, Kid Cudi – LOOOVE Kanye West – I Am A God Gentle Giant – Proclamation Travis Scott, Beyoncé – DELRESTO (ECHOES) Post Malone – White Iverson Post Malone, 21 Savage – rockstar Post Malone – Overdrive Pixies – Where Is My Mind? Semisonic – Closing Time Post Malone – Something Real Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.