JRE #535 – Scroobius Pip

8/13/2014

Joe Rogan Experience #535 – Scroobius Pip Podcast Topics

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Scroobius Pip, a UK spoken word poet and hip hop recording artist. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of the creative process to the absurdity of modern society, all infused with Pip’s sharp wit and insightful commentary.

Podcast Topics

1. Underwear and meUndies: The conversation kicks off with Rogan enthusiastically promoting meUndies, emphasizing the importance of comfortable underwear and highlighting the brand’s high-quality, moisture-wicking fabric.
   1. Rogan shares his personal experience with meUndies, describing how they’ve transformed his underwear experience.
   2. He humorously discusses the “dick hole” and “tucking the hamster back in the cage,” referencing the importance of proper fit and support.
   3. The segment delves into the discomfort of ill-fitting underwear and the need for breathable fabrics, particularly for those with certain medical conditions.
   4. Rogan concludes by urging listeners to visit meUndies.com/rogan for a 20% discount.
2. Ting Mobile: Rogan highlights Ting as the official cell phone provider for his podcast, emphasizing the company’s no-contract, no early termination fees, and pay-for-what-you-use pricing model.
   1. He contrasts Ting’s ethical approach with the predatory practices of traditional cell phone providers.
   2. Rogan praises Ting’s use of the Sprint backbone, ensuring a reliable network for his podcast.
   3. He argues for the importance of consumer control, highlighting Ting’s “go fuck yourself” cancellation policy.
   4. Rogan recommends visiting rogan.ting.com for a $25 discount on their phones.
3. Scroobius Pip’s Introduction Video: Rogan and Pip discuss the dramatic introduction video for Pip’s podcast, “Distraction Pieces,” where Pip shaves his head and sets fire to a poem.
   1. Pip details the logistical challenges of filming the video in a metal container with a controlled fire, emphasizing the importance of getting the shot right.
   2. He recounts the reactions of the crew after the fire, highlighting the spontaneous and rock and roll nature of the shoot.
   3. Pip explains the video’s unconventional style, which reflects his creative freedom as a self-directed artist.
   4. Rogan expresses his appreciation for the video’s raw and engaging quality.
4. Spoken Word vs. Poetry: Pip discusses his background in spoken word and how it differs from traditional poetry.
   1. He emphasizes the potential of spoken word, contrasting it with the often pretentious nature of poetry.
   2. Pip recounts a memorable encounter with a “snotty” poet who heckled Dave Attell, highlighting the negative connotations associated with the term “poet.”
   3. He explains his aversion to poetry stemming from his experiences in punk bands and the desire for artistic independence.
   4. Pip emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work, contrasting it with the tendency of some rappers to adopt a “forced” urban persona.
5. Hip Hop’s Diversity: Rogan and Pip discuss the wide range of subgenres within hip hop, highlighting the challenges of categorizing the genre.
   1. Pip acknowledges the difficulty of describing his own style, particularly in relation to mainstream hip hop artists like 50 Cent.
   2. He emphasizes the importance of entertainment in his work, differentiating it from more didactic “conscious” rap.
   3. The conversation highlights the diversity of hip hop, from old-school pioneers like the Ghetto Boys to contemporary artists pushing boundaries.
   4. Rogan and Pip share their admiration for different artists, showcasing the broad spectrum of talent within the genre.
6. The “Wigga” Controversy: The conversation briefly touches on the term “wigga” and its cultural implications.
   1. Pip acknowledges the term’s potential offensiveness but argues that it hasn’t become as socially unacceptable as using the “N-word.”
   2. He emphasizes the distinct styles of different hip hop artists, emphasizing that his work is distinct from “wigga” rap.
   3. The segment highlights the ongoing debate about cultural appropriation and the challenges of defining appropriate language within different communities.
   4. Rogan and Pip agree that the entertainment value of Pip’s work is a key differentiator within the hip hop landscape.
7. The Importance of Lyrics: Pip stresses the importance of thoughtful lyrics in his music, contrasting it with the tendency of some artists to focus on repetitive themes.
   1. He argues that the creative process requires a focus on personal interest and avoiding formulas that appeal to mass audiences.
   2. Pip discusses the dangers of creating art solely for commercial success, highlighting the importance of artistic integrity.
   3. He expresses his admiration for artists like Lenny Bruce, who challenged societal norms and pushed creative boundaries.
   4. Pip emphasizes the importance of making art that is both interesting and engaging to the artist, ensuring a genuine connection with the audience.
8. The Internet’s Impact on Art: Rogan and Pip discuss how the internet has democratized the creative process, allowing independent artists to reach wider audiences.
   1. They explore the changing dynamics of artistic expression, where artists can now bypass traditional gatekeepers.
   2. The conversation highlights the increased acceptance of unconventional art forms, such as spoken word and hip hop.
   3. Rogan and Pip acknowledge the power of the internet to connect artists with their fans directly, fostering a more intimate relationship.
   4. They discuss the challenges of maintaining a distinct artistic voice in a crowded digital landscape.
9. Evolution of Artistic Style: Pip discusses the importance of continuous development in his artistic style, acknowledging that his opinions and perspectives will inevitably evolve over time.
   1. He highlights the challenges of satisfying early fans who may hold on to a particular song or phrase as a “mantra.”
   2. Pip argues that artists have a responsibility to grow and evolve, reflecting their changing understanding of the world.
   3. He emphasizes the importance of constant learning and intellectual development, ensuring that his work remains relevant and engaging.
   4. Pip acknowledges the potential disconnect between an artist’s evolving perspective and the expectations of their fans.
10. The Limitations of Democracy: Rogan and Pip engage in a conversation about the shortcomings of traditional democracy, questioning its effectiveness in achieving meaningful societal change.
    1. Pip argues that the current two-party system in the United States isn’t truly democratic, highlighting the influence of corporate funding and the limitations of voting.
    2. He proposes a meritocratic system where voters are ranked based on their knowledge of politics and social issues, arguing that this would incentivize greater civic engagement.
    3. Rogan and Pip debate the ethical implications of weighting votes based on knowledge, recognizing the potential for bias and manipulation.
    4. The conversation highlights the ongoing search for a more effective and equitable model of governance.
11. The Role of Informed Opinions: The conversation touches on the importance of informed opinions, arguing that people aren’t entitled to their own opinions without proper research and understanding.
    1. Pip cites a quote about the importance of informed opinions, challenging the notion that everyone’s perspective is equally valid.
    2. He argues that on some issues, there is demonstrably right and wrong, even if people have strong convictions on different sides.
    3. The segment highlights the dangers of uninformed opinions, which can lead to harmful biases and prejudices.
    4. Rogan and Pip agree on the importance of critical thinking and a willingness to challenge one’s own beliefs.
12. The Absurdity of Religion: Pip questions the validity of religious beliefs, highlighting the contradictions and inconsistencies within various religious texts.
    1. He argues that the stories within the Bible are often ludicrous and preposterous, suggesting that they may have originated from a distorted transmission of original truths.
    2. Pip compares the absurdity of religious stories to the often-mocked beliefs of Scientology, highlighting the shared characteristics of rigid belief systems.
    3. He questions the role of faith in a world where scientific evidence contradicts many religious claims.
    4. The segment explores the human tendency to cling to familiar belief systems, even in the face of contradictory evidence.
13. The Dead Sea Scrolls: Rogan and Pip discuss the historical significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, highlighting their importance in understanding ancient Jewish beliefs and practices.
    1. Pip explains that the scrolls represent some of the oldest surviving texts related to the Hebrew Bible, predating traditional biblical manuscripts by over 1,000 years.
    2. He discusses the painstaking process of piecing together the scrolls, highlighting the use of DNA analysis to ensure their authenticity.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls on understanding the evolution of religious texts and the development of Judaism.
    4. The segment highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover and interpret ancient texts, shedding light on the history of human beliefs.
14. The Mystery of Ancient Civilizations: Rogan and Pip ponder the mysteries of ancient civilizations, particularly those that seem to possess advanced knowledge and technology that seemingly disappeared.
    1. Pip suggests that ancient civilizations may have achieved greater levels of intelligence than currently understood, potentially reaching a point of advanced technology.
    2. He speculates that cataclysmic events, such as asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions, may have led to the loss of knowledge and the collapse of these civilizations.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the human tendency to underestimate the capabilities of past societies, highlighting the limitations of our current understanding of history.
    4. The segment invites listeners to question our assumptions about the past and consider the possibility of lost knowledge and forgotten technologies.
15. The Allure of Castles: Rogan and Pip discuss the fascination with castles, particularly their historical significance and architectural grandeur.
    1. Pip expresses his desire to own a castle, highlighting the romantic appeal of these ancient structures.
    2. He recounts a television show where a homeowner attempted to add a garage to their castle, highlighting the challenges of preserving historic structures.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the availability of castles for purchase, highlighting the potential for owning a piece of history.
    4. The segment emphasizes the enduring appeal of castles as symbols of power, history, and enduring beauty.
16. Transylvania and Dracula: Rogan and Pip discuss the potential for developing a horror-themed amusement park in Transylvania, capitalizing on the region’s association with Dracula and its gothic atmosphere.
    1. Pip observes the underdevelopment of Transylvania, highlighting its potential as a tourist destination.
    2. He proposes a horror-themed amusement park that would capitalize on the region’s spooky history and gothic architecture.
    3. The conversation explores the potential for creating a truly immersive experience, incorporating horror-themed rides, environments, and events.
    4. Rogan and Pip envision a destination that would appeal to both horror fans and those seeking a unique and memorable travel experience.
17. The Future of Bioengineering: Rogan and Pip discuss the potential for future bioengineering advancements, speculating on the possibility of creating artificial zombies.
    1. They highlight the rapid pace of technological advancements, particularly in the field of artificial cells and tissues.
    2. Pip argues that the creation of artificial zombies, devoid of souls and capable of moving and attacking, is a potential outcome of these advancements.
    3. Rogan and Pip engage in a thought experiment, imagining the ethical and societal implications of creating artificial beings with lifelike qualities.
    4. The segment delves into the future of human ingenuity and the potential for both beneficial and terrifying consequences.
18. The Google Glass Revolution: Rogan and Pip discuss the potential of Google Glass to revolutionize memory storage and access.
    1. They speculate that Google Glass is a precursor to a future where memories can be recorded, stored, and accessed in a comprehensive and immersive way.
    2. Pip envisions a future where people can download memories of their experiences, creating a virtual library of past events.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the potential impact of this technology on human memory, questioning whether it will enhance or erode our ability to recall experiences.
    4. The segment explores the ethical implications of memory manipulation and the potential for creating false memories.
19. The Kennedy Assassination: Rogan and Pip delve into the conspiracy theories surrounding the Kennedy assassination, questioning the official narrative of a lone gunman.
    1. Pip expresses his skepticism of the Warren Commission’s conclusions, highlighting the inconsistencies and contradictions in the official report.
    2. He challenges the “magic bullet” theory, arguing that it’s a fabricated explanation to cover up the true circumstances of Kennedy’s death.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the evidence suggesting multiple shooters and the potential for a conspiracy involving various individuals and organizations.
    4. The segment highlights the ongoing debate about the assassination and the enduring fascination with historical mysteries.
20. UFO Sightings and the Government: Rogan and Pip discuss the prevalence of UFO sightings and the government’s involvement in concealing potential alien technology.
    1. Pip expresses his skepticism about most UFO sightings, attributing them to misidentifications, hoaxes, or psychological phenomena.
    2. He argues that the government’s focus on developing advanced technology, such as the stealth bomber, provides a more plausible explanation for many reported UFO sightings.
    3. Rogan and Pip debate the possibility of alien technology being back-engineered by the government, but Pip expresses skepticism about the evidence.
    4. The segment highlights the ongoing debate about the existence of extraterrestrial life and the government’s potential role in covering up evidence.
21. The Ferguson Riots: Rogan and Pip discuss the Ferguson riots, analyzing the causes of the unrest and the role of police brutality.
    1. They express concern about the arrest of reporters covering the protests, highlighting the suppression of freedom of the press and the escalating tensions.
    2. Pip critiques the police’s use of force against protesters, including the use of rubber bullets and the targeting of journalists.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the historical context of police brutality in the United States and the importance of addressing systemic issues.
    4. The segment highlights the ongoing struggle for social justice and the need for greater accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
22. Gun Control in America: Rogan and Pip engage in a conversation about the complexities of gun control in America, discussing the potential benefits of gun control while acknowledging the challenges of disarming a heavily armed population.
    1. Rogan and Pip discuss the prevalence of gun violence in the United States and the dangers of easy access to firearms.
    2. They explore the arguments for and against gun control, highlighting the constitutional right to bear arms and the potential for gun control measures to reduce violence.
    3. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate about gun control in America, highlighting the societal and political complexities involved.
    4. Rogan and Pip acknowledge the need for a nuanced approach to address gun violence, recognizing the limitations of both sides of the argument.
23. The Future of Society: Rogan and Pip speculate about the future of society, imagining a world where humans become super-intelligent and potentially manipulate their own evolution.
    1. They discuss the potential for genetic engineering to enhance human capabilities and potentially address societal issues such as overpopulation and disease.
    2. The conversation explores the ethical implications of manipulating human evolution, questioning the potential consequences of creating a “perfect” society.
    3. Rogan and Pip speculate on the potential for a future where humans become so advanced that they lose touch with their emotions and the complexities of human experience.
    4. The segment challenges listeners to think critically about the future of humanity and the potential impact of technological advancements.
24. The Power of the Hustler: Rogan and Pip discuss the American culture of “hustling,” highlighting the drive and determination that fuels the country’s economic success.
    1. Pip observes the influx of Mexican immigrants into various parts of America, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to work hard for success.
    2. Rogan and Pip discuss the importance of taking risks and pursuing opportunities, even if they are unconventional or illegal.
    3. They highlight the cultural impact of immigrants, particularly in areas like food and cuisine.
    4. The segment emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the American dream, even in the face of adversity.
25. The Importance of Free Content: Rogan and Pip discuss the value of free content, particularly in promoting artistic exposure and building fan bases.
    1. Pip acknowledges the importance of giving away free content to gain exposure and build a loyal audience.
    2. He discusses his strategy of releasing free music and content to promote his work and connect with fans.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the challenges of monetizing artistic content in a digital landscape where free access is prevalent.
    4. The segment highlights the importance of finding a balance between free and paid content, ensuring that artists can sustain themselves while providing value to their audiences.
26. The Future of Podcasting: Rogan and Pip discuss the future of podcasting, highlighting its potential to become a more influential and independent platform for creative expression.
    1. Pip expresses his interest in starting a podcast, recognizing its potential for creative freedom and control over content.
    2. He compares podcasting to running a radio show, highlighting the advantages of being independent and not beholden to corporate interests.
    3. Rogan and Pip discuss the increasing popularity of podcasting and its impact on traditional media platforms.
    4. The segment highlights the exciting future of podcasting as a growing and diverse form of media.

Memorable Quotes

1. “It’s the beauty of directing all your own videos is you don’t have to do health and safety shit.”
2. “Any art form is capable of being boring. It exists in rock and roll, comedy, hip hop, everything.”
3. “It’s kind of like if it still works, why would you throw it away? It’s like a towel. … MeUndies is your solution son.”
4. “We’re not all entitled to our own opinion. We’re all entitled to our own informed opinion.”
5. “When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. And that’s the problem with this society that we have when people, you know, you give them guns and you put them in situations where if they make a bad call, someone dies.”