About this episodeMickey Fax, founder of Pendulum Inc., discusses the importance of authenticity, lyricism, and mental health in…AI summary
Mickey Fax, founder of Pendulum Inc., discusses the importance of authenticity, lyricism, and mental health in hip-hop, contrasting the culture's current state with its foundational values. The conversation covers the impact of social media on artist reconciliation, the limitations of AI in creative writing, and specific pedagogical methods for teaching advanced rap techniques.
Key takeaways 5
Pendulum Inc. was founded in 2022 after Mickey Fax observed that deceased legends like DMX and Shock G died without their affairs in order, prompting him to create an educational platform that teaches lyricism, business, and hip-hop mental health to prevent similar outcomes.
Mickey Fax distinguishes between 'genius' and 'luck,' defining true genius as individuals who fundamentally change a culture or generation (e.g., Steve Jobs, Michael Jackson), whereas viral hits or single accomplishments are often just luck or a 'hit record.'
The Kendrick vs. Drake battle is viewed as uniquely difficult to reconcile due to the social media era; unlike past battles (Jay-Z/Nas) which were contained to specific spaces, modern conflicts are amplified globally and persistently online, making forgiveness harder.
Chiller Jones argues that AI cannot replace human creativity in rap because it lacks the 'soul' and lived experience required for authentic lyricism, though he acknowledges its prevalence in the industry.
Pendulum's curriculum includes mandatory 'Rhymeology' classes focused on emotional processing (grief, depression) to ensure students create music with genuine emotion rather than robotic delivery.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I don't want this to happen to me. So, I want to try to create something for myself and and try to teach hip-hop.”
▶ 5:13Mickey Fax explaining the motivation behind founding Pendulum Inc. after seeing legends die without financial or personal affairs in order.
“Genius is Steve Jobs. That's genius, right? He changed an entire culture. He changed an entire generation. That's genius. Michael Jackson, that's genius.”
▶ 36:59Mickey Fax defining true genius as transformative cultural impact rather than just having a hit record or viral moment.
“It's just a different ballgame with the way social media is and how that's changed the landscape of hip-hop... It's never going to work [to find peace] because it went into the machine.”
▶ 28:46Chiller Jones explaining why the Kendrick/Drake feud is harder to resolve than past feuds like Jay-Z/Nas due to the permanent, public nature of social media.
“We don't want to create robotic MC's... We teach the business of hip-hop... We have poetry classes... hip-hop mental health.”
▶ 6:38Mickey Fax describing Pendulum's holistic approach to education, emphasizing emotional health alongside technical skill.
“I don't subscribe to it being a place to write rhymes. I think that the creativity should still come from the soul of the artist in my opinion.”
▶ 16:19Mickey Fax's stance on AI in music, arguing that AI lacks the soul necessary for authentic lyricism.
Chapters & Sections (40)▼
0:02The Importance of Authenticity in Hip Hopchapter4
0:02Hip Hop Culture and Authenticity
1:57Artist Success and Cultural Impact Discussion
3:25Mickey Fax Interview on Pendulum Platform
5:01Overcoming Obstacles to Teach Hip-Hop
8:24Bun B Discusses Engaging with Fanschapter1
8:24Bun B Discusses Engagement with Fans
12:54Hip-Hop's Escapism and Lack of Real Conversationchapter3
12:54Hip-Hop's Lack of Realistic Conversation
14:46SNAP Benefits Ending in Most States
16:05AI in Rap Music and Creative Control
17:22Music Industry and AI Collaborationchapter5
17:22Music Industry and AI Discussion
19:03Hip-Hop Battles and Community Sentiment
21:12Hip-Hop Competition and Era of Censorship
23:04Hip Hop Rivalry and Friendship Discussion
24:33Hip-Hop Rivalries and Potential Reconciliation
25:52Battle Rap Culture and Personal Experienceschapter2
25:52Battle Rap Culture and Personal Experiences
28:21Social Media Affects Hip-Hop Personalities
30:33Rap Techniques and Teaching Methods Discussedchapter3
30:33Rap Techniques and Teaching Methods
32:16Preserving Depth in a Surface Level Era
33:50Hip-Hop Education and Student Connection
36:13Diluted Meaning of Genius in Modern Erachapter2
36:13Discussion on Genius and Creative Talent
37:59Music Education and Industry Preparation
40:40Discussion about Horse and Upcoming Eventchapter2
40:40Hip-Hop Discussion and Freestyle Session
43:30Rapper Discusses Views and Musical Influences
44:51Mickey Facts Freestyling and Discussing Hip Hopchapter3
44:51Mental Health and Aggressive Rap Lyrics
46:36Conversational Rap with Mickey Facts
48:14Confrontational Rap with Social Commentary
49:37Celebrating Haitian Appreciation and Community Culturechapter2
49:37Celebrating Haitian Appreciation Day and Community
52:27Artist Criticizes Music Industry Changes
54:25Celebrity Challenge and Public Apologieschapter2
54:25Celebrity Challenge and Music Industry Discussion
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