The Rap Music Plug Podcast

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:49).

The Interview (3:31).

Nourished by Time is an artist who is on pace to becoming one of my favourites… of all time.

After dropping Erotic Probiotic 2, an album that made my top 5 of 2023, Nourished by Time’s stock has risen tremendously. And not just in my personal musical world. On the heels of recently signing to XL, his unique blend of retro synthpop, classic R&B, rock and hip-hop flavours has been growing in popularity by the day.

I was blessed to have Marcus of Nourished by Time on the show, just a day after his new EP, Catching Chickens, just released. In this episode we discuss his approach to songwriting, thoughts on his current rise in recognition, the impact of Erotic Probiotic 2, and his incredible new EP, Catching Chickens.

Nourished by Time is quickly shaping up to be a generational talent, so you do not wanna miss this episode.

Marcus’ self-belief in his art (3:38).

The political consciousness in Nourished by Time’s music (7:28).

The emotional impact of creating music (17:26).

Nourished by Time’s musical ear (20:07).

How hip-hop informs Nourished by Time’s music (27:17).

How musical schooling helped Marcus’ artistic development (33:04).

The lasting impression of Erotic Probiotic 2 (40:24).

What Nourished by Time’s music says about himself as a person (43:19).

Marcus’ mindstate creating Catching Chickens (47:07).

The recording process of Catching Chickens (56:53).

The sound direction of Catching Chickens (58:40).

Nourished by Time’s upcoming album, The Passionate Ones (1:02:28).

The Super Bowl chances of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024-25 season (1:06:00).

Support Nourished by Time's music here: https://nourishedbytime.bandcamp.com/  

Follow Nourished by Time on Twitter here: https://x.com/nourishedbytime?s=20 

Follow Nourished by Time on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nourishedbytime_/?hl=en  

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:55).

The Interview (2:26).

These days, homebase for me musically is calming, grounded music that allows me to weather some of life’s recent storms in my personal life. And so the music of sleepingdogs, the duo comprised of andrew and jesse the tree, has been some of my most played as of late.

The way they capture the blues, and articulate their existential thoughts and introspective musings is truly powerful stuff. On top of that, these impactful messages are packaged with a ton of melody, tender vocals, and rock-infused production that makes their songs hit that much harder.

andrew and jesse’s chemistry is remarkable; they are a match made in heaven, and they join the show to explain why their pairing works so well, how they approached the creation of their recent solo works, and their brand new sleepingdogs album, will we ever dance again?

sleepingdogs origin story (3:36).

The sleepingdogs creative chemistry (7:22).

How jesse and andrew are similar as people (16:49).

The sleepingdogs sound (23:32).

What andrew is most proud of with don’t forget me bluest. (31:01).

The intent behind Not Fade Away (36:49).

Not Fade Away’s production (39:08).

Key inspirations and topical focuses of will we ever dance again? (41:44).

How sleepingdogs’ chemistry grew creating will we ever dance again? (48:06).

The evolution of sleepingdogs’ sound on their new LP (51:33).

Favourite songs off will we ever dance again? (56:20).

Upcoming projects from sleepingdogs (58:32).

Stream/buy will we ever dance again? here: [link coming on March 14]

Follow jesse on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/jessethetree401?lang=en 

Follow andrew on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/andrewwwdotnet?lang=en 

Follow jesse on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jessethetree/?hl=en 

Follow andrew on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/searchableandrew/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:39).

The Interview (2:07).

Throughout my life, music has consistently been a vital channel for me to process emotions and make sense of the world. Very few artists have allowed me to explore the darkness and melancholy swirling around in my head quite like Sadistik.

Since the moment I first heard Sadistik’s music over a decade ago, I was taken aback by his beautifully-poetic and vulnerable approach to creating hip-hop music.

He also had a knack for collaborating with producers who understand his artistic vision - creating moody, dark, and cinematic soundscapes for his words, working with the likes of Blue Sky Black Death, Kno of CunninLynguists fame, and most recently Maulskull, the producer for his latest opus, Oblivion Theater.

In today’s episode we dive into Sadistik’s affinity for the darker things in life, his writing process, and the makings of his great new album with Maulskull, Oblivion Theater.

Sadistik’s affinity for darker subject matter (2:36).

The personal experience of creating such emotional and heavy music (9:46).

Origins of Sadistik’s interest in horror, human psyche, and filmmaking (12:31).

How Sadistik discovered his signature sound (20:41).

Sadistik’s writing process (24:45).

Sadistik and Kno’s creative connection (30:45).

The production vision for Oblivion Theater (34:36).

Key inspiration behind Oblivion Theater (37:12).

Oblivion Theater’s messaging (40:17).

Major rap influences for Sadistik (46:46).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (50:39).

Stream/buy Oblivion Theater here: https://sadistik.bandcamp.com/album/oblivion-theater  

Support Sadistik here: https://www.sadistikmusic.com/ 

Follow Sadistik on Twitter here: https://x.com/IAMSADISTIK?s=20 

Follow Sadistik on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sadistik/ 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:46).

The Interview (2:46).

Few things have been more important to me in my life than hip-hop music. Growing up, I lacked identity and a sense of community. So as I continued to listen to more and more hip-hop music in my teens and early 20s, it quickly became a key vessel for me to learn about the world and connect with a culture, and ethos that I resonated with.

And yet, as an Indian guy, it was rare that I ever saw someone who looked liked me that was contributing to this artform that I loved so much. It was hard to see how I fit in, if at all. This all changed once I heard the music of Heems, known for his work in Das Racist, Swet Shop Boys, and as a solo artist.

Hailing from Queens, NY, Heems has successfully injected his Indian roots into a brand of witty, thoughtful rap... and invariably helped me see that there was space for people like me in hip-hop after all.

So I’m pleased to welcome Heems, as well as Chicago-based producer Lapgan to the show, who produced the wonderful instrumental album History from last year, as well as the new collaborative album with Heems, LAFANDAR.

In today’s episode, we talk about incorporating Indian culture into hip-hop, Heems’ new venture Veena, and the making of this incredibly creative new album, LAFANDAR.

Heems’ experience ingratiating himself in hip-hop culture (4:00).

Importance of desi representation (7:37).

Heems’ legacy (13:52).

The inspiration behind Heems’ new venture, Veena (20:04).

The features on LAFANDAR (28:58).

Inspiration behind Lapgan’s 2023 instrumental album, History (32:28).

The untapped potential of Indian music in hip-hop sampling (36:30).

The LAFANDAR listening experience (43:21).

The musical direction behind LAFANDAR (52:09).

Heems’ witty, often hyper-referential, raps on LAFANDAR (56:46).

The natural creative relationship Heems and Lapgan (59:21).

The political focus in Heems’ music (1:00:48).

Upcoming projects / merch / tour dates (1:03:26).

Support Veena and LAFANDAR here: https://www.veena.nyc/ 

Support The Olive Tape (feat. Heems), which was compiled to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Palestine here: https://theolivetape.bandcamp.com/album/the-olive-tape 

Follow Heems on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/HIMANSHU 

Follow Lapgan on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/lapganMusic  

Follow Heems on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nehrujackets/?hl=en 

Follow Lapgan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lapganlapgan/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21)

For me, 2023 was the year of “oh wow, thank you”. This was a refrain I found myself more or less saying, time and time again. It signified a genuine gratitude for whatever nice thing some other person said to me, virtually, or IRL… but also signified that I was genuinely taken aback by the love, and that it has been an odd thing to adjust to.

It’s one thing to receive praise for something you’re successful at. It’s another thing entirely to receive praise for something you’re successful at that also actually means a lot to you. This has been my experience with this podcast this year. Thank you for listening… words cannot describe my gratitude.

In the spirit of gratitude, I will dive into detail into defined my 2023… through the lens of my favourite music, and hand out some awards along the way.

Welcome to the 4th Annual RMPP Awards!!!

The 4th Annual RMPP Awards intro (1:59).

Best Rap in a Supporting Role (3:13).

Hook of the Year (6:57).

Beat of the Year (8:39).

Producer of the Year (10:45).

Rapper of the Year (12:52).

Top Albums of the Year structure (16:06).

The RMPP 25: my top 25 albums, inclusive of all genres (18:49).

• The full categorized list of the RMPP's Top 100 Albums of 2023 can be found here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/episodes/163-4th-annual-rmpps

Final reflection (36:15).

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:48).

The Interview (1:53).

The living embodiment of all that is great about Detroit hip-hop - distinct sound and originality in spades - represents Bruiser Wolf to a tee.

Bruiser Wolf is part of the Danny Brown-led collective, Bruiser Brigade, home of some of the most forward-thinking hip-hop coming out of Detroit. Wolf is known as one of the funniest rappers alive, with a voice unlike anyone else’s.

In today's episode we discuss the creative decisions involved in his distinct artistic approach, having faith in his career as an artist, Bruiser Brigade, and how he created his excellent new album, My Story Got Stories.

Bruiser Wolf's writing process (2:52).

Bruiser Wolf’s approach to humour (7:57).

Bruiser Wolf’s faith in his music career (17:00).

How Bruiser Wolf connected with Bruiser Brigade (24:18).

Influence of Danny Brown (26:24).

The Bruiser Brigade environment (30:31).

Bruiser Wolf’s initial reaction to finally dropping My Story Got Stories, 36 hours after its release (33:21).

The My Story Got Stories listening experience (40:20).

The stories Bruiser Wolf wanted to share on My Story Got Stories (45:18).

How Bruiser Wolf improved on his craft through creating My Story Got Stories (48:19).

Upcoming music / tour dates / merch from Bruiser Wolf (50:59).

Bruiser Wolf’s Rams-Lions NFC Wildcard prediction (that was eerily accurate) (55:41).

Support Bruiser Wolf and buy My Story Got Stories here: https://bruiserwolf.com/ 

Follow Bruiser Wolf on Twitter here: https://x.com/theebruiserwolf?s=20 

Follow Bruiser Wolf on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_bruiserwolf/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:51).

The Interview (2:08).

As soon as you here the iconic, “HEY TONY” tag, you know you’re about to hear an absolutely banging beat. With me today is Tony Seltzer, a Brooklyn-based producer who’s known for his catchy ear-grabbing beats that feature hard drums and booming bass.

Tony’s catalog casts a wide net, having worked with major-label artists, as well as artists on the cutting-edge of the indie scene. He's produced albums with the likes of WiFiGawd, Gabe ‘Nandez, and most recently, Wiki with 14K Figaro… one of the best albums of this past year.

In this episode, Tony gives us insight into the development of his signature sound, the inspiring story about how he made the leap to being a full-time producer as his career, and the making of his great recent collab records in Pangea and 14K Figaro.

Tony’s iconic producer tag (3:22).

The signature Tony Seltzer sound (6:18).

Advice on how other producers can find their signature sound (10:39).

Tony’s production process (15:19).

How Wiki impacted Tony’s career (19:37).

Taking the leap to becoming a full-time artist (23:17).

What makes a Tony x MC collab special (29:29).

How Tony’s relationship with Gabe ‘Nandez formed to create Pangea (33:23).

How Tony’s presence and production helped unlock Wiki’s vulnerability on 14K Figaro - RMPP patron q from Dan-O (37:02).

What creating 14K Figaro meant for Tony on a personal and artistic level (40:32).

Tony’s vision for 14K Figaro’s sound (43:44).

Upcoming projects to look out for from Tony (48:37).

Buy 14K Figaro here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/album/14k-figaro 

Support Tony Seltzer's music here: https://tonyseltzer.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Tony Seltzer on Twitter here: https://x.com/tonyseltzer?s=20 

Follow Tony Seltzer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tony_seltzer/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:44).

The Interview (2:28).

I love rap because not every collab needs to “make sense” on first glance. As long as the artists in question are on the same page artistically, know their strengths, and are willing to take risks and compromise when needed, the results can be great.

This is precisely what we get with today’s guests, Uncommon Nasa and Guilty Simpson, on their latest collaborative album, Escalation. As highly respected veterans in their respective hometown hubs of hip-hop, they possess a strong connection as it relates to their perspectives on the craft, and how they approach making music.

In today’s episode, this dynamic duo talks about key lessons they learnt from their careers (involving legendary artists like Dilla, Sean Price, and the original Def Jux crew), their artistic development, the Detroit hip-hop sound really, and the creation of their latest musically exhilarating collaborative album, Escalation.

Current era of rap vs. pre-internet era of rap (3:32).

Mainstream hip-hop scene (22:11).

Key lessons Nasa learnt from his early days working on Def Jux projects (30:55).

The Detroit hip-hop sound (46:02).

It Was Written > Illmatic??? (49:55).

Nasa’s experience mastering engineering, producing, and rapping (53:45).

How Sean Price inspired Guilty (57:53).

The sound of Escalation (1:04:23).

How Guilty was challenged as an MC on Escalation (1:22:45).

Primary lyrical themes of Escalation (1:29:12).

Upcoming music / merch / tour dates (1:35:46).

Buy Escalation here: https://uncommonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/escalation 

Support Uncommon Records here: https://www.uncommonnasa.com/ 

Follow Guilty Simpson on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/guiltysimpson 

Follow Uncommon Nasa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/uncommonnasa/ 

Follow Guilty Simpson on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/guiltysimpson/ 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:44).

The Interview (2:08).

On this show, I know I’ve used terms like "unique", or "one-of-a-kind" quite a bit to describe the artists I’ve had on this show. But I promise you, today’s guests truly embody these terms to the fullest degree.

maassai and JWords, otherwise known as H31R, are a duo hailing from Brooklyn who sport an ingenious sound that blends electronics and drum n bass elements with hip-hop, supplied by producer JWords. These sounds are paired with confident, heady, and effortlessly fly rhymes from the MC of the group, maassai. Great in their own right as solo artists, together they are an entirely different beast.

In this episode, we discuss their chemistry as a duo, the origin story of H31R, growth and maturation, as well as the making of their fantastic AOTY contender released under Big Dada, HeadSpace.

H31R’s fanbase (3:10).

Big Dada signing (5:12).

H31R origin story and the inspiration behind this partnership (9:04).

The vision for the H31R sound (11:28).

The basis of maassai and JWords’ chemistry (13:22).

How maassai and JWords push each other’s artistry to new places (16:48).

How solo work feeds back into the H31R creative process (22:13).

Inspiration behind the introspective lyricism on HeadSpace (24:23).

Production approach on HeadSpace (33:04).

The cohesive structure of HeadSpace (37:57).

Key learnings from ve·loc·i·ty that they applied to HeadSpace (40:44).

Favourite songs on HeadSpace (45:30).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (50:56).

Support H31R's music here: https://h31r.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow JWords on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/_jwords 

Follow maassai on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/maassai_ 

Follow H31R on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/_H31R 

Follow JWords on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_jwords/ 

Follow maassai on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/maassai_/?hl=en 

Follow H31R on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_h31r/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:57).

So I’m kind of annoying when it comes to certain things with music.

Albums where the last verse isn’t from the main artist? It just doesn’t feel right. Remixes? I’m oddly wed to the original. And finally, producer albums with a bunch of different rappers on it are another type of record, where I don't usually gravitate towards. I’m just such a concept and theme guy I guess.

But I am a fair man... Today’s guest on the show, New York-based producer Blockhead, recently dropped an album that was so good it overcame my annoying biases with The Aux, released on Backwoodz Studioz.

I caught up with the very talented and very funny and personable producer to understand how he’s approached collaboration with some of the genre’s finest lyricists in Aesop Rock and billy woods, discuss his perspectives on the current production landscape, and the makings of his terrific new album.

How the production process differs on instrumental albums vs. working with rappers (3:31).

Most important traits as a producer (8:02).

How the act of creating music unlocks emotion (12:03).

What Blockhead looks for in a rap collaborator (18:38).

Blockhead’s take on the current hip-hop production landscape (21:40).

How Blockhead’s relationship with woods came to be (30:52).

The sound direction of The Aux (34:29).

How the billy woods executive production hand guided the creation of The Aux (41:23).

Blockhead on “challenging fans” with The Aux (46:12).

The making of the electric RXKNephew feature on The Aux (53:49).

Collaborations that surprised Blockhead the most - RMPP patron q from Jarvis (57:44).

Blockhead’s favourite songs off The Aux (59:49).

Upcoming music / tour dates / merch (1:01:28).

Support Blockhead's music here: https://blockheadnyc.bandcamp.com/

Follow Blockhead on Twitter here: https://x.com/BlockheadNYC?s=20

Follow Blockhead on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/blockheadnyc/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:49).

To me, one of the things that impresses me the most about music is its ability to make me care about life experiences, perspectives, and topics that I either don’t know anything about, or have no relation to my current day-to-day life.

Today’s guest, rapper-producer Pink Navel from Massachusetts, is a prime example of being so good at what they do, that they make me care about something I normally could care less about. This thing in question being video games, because on Pink Navel’s latest album fully produced by Kenny Segal, How to Capture Playful, the whimsical passion, lyrical and musical brilliance all combine to create one of the strongest albums of 2023 with video games as its core foundational subject.

In this episode, Pink Navel dives into their expressive style of rap, Ruby Yacht, and the makings of their terrific brand-new album.

Accessibility in Pink Navel’s music and speaking to different audiences in their music (2:28).

The emotional experience creating rap music (5:32).

The Ruby Yacht ethos (7:28).

How R.A.P. Ferreira inspires Pink Navel (11:38).

Pink Navel’s close relationship with their fans (14:54).

Pink Navel’s perspective on internet culture (18:45).

Centering How to Capture Playful around gaming (27:32).

Making connections between video games and real-life (32:30).

Kenny Segal’s production on How to Capture Playful (38:33).

Pink Navel’s rapping performance on How to Capture Playful (43:03).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (45:30).

Support Pink Navel's music here: https://pinknavel.bandcamp.com/music 

Buy physicals of How to Capture Playful here: https://kennysegal.bandcamp.com/album/how-to-capture-playful-vinyl-tapes-preorder 

Follow Pink Navel on Twitter here: https://x.com/pinknavelonline?s=20 

Follow Pink Navel on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dotdev_/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:48).

The ability to be authentically yourself is a superpower. It makes people feel more comfortable around you, and gravitate towards you because there is a certain solidness or realness about you that people can latch on to.

This is a concept that 100% applies to music, and in particular rap, which is a type of music that is heavily based on the listener caring about the artist’s personality and character - not just their technical skill.

Although it certainly is nice when both the skill and the authenticity are present, which is precisely the case with Portland rapper, Milc. Milc is one of the most talented and genuinely funny rappers out right now, who is making an increasingly large mark on the game.

His recent run is punctuated by a string of collaborative records with talented producers, such as Televangel and goldenbeets.

Milc joins the show today to talk about how he injects his personality into his music, his key influences, and the makings of his two most recent records from 2023, Horseradish and The Fish That Saved Portland.

The backstory behind is simple, but dope rap name (4:13).

Portland hip-hop scene (5:38).

Injecting personality in Milc’s music (10:28).

Sean Price, and other key influences for Milc (17:35).

The warm welcome Milc has received from the current indie rap scene (22:16).

The making of Horseradish with goldenbeets (23:49).

The importance of shining a light on his hometown on The Fish That Saved Portland (27:39).

Milc’s experience working with Televangel (33:33).

How Milc has grown from Neutral Milc Motel to The Fish That Saved Portland (36:10).

Upcoming projects / merch / tour dates (40:12).

Buy/stream The Fish That Saved Portland here: https://televangel.bandcamp.com/album/the-fish-that-saved-portland  

Follow Milc on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MILCMANE 

Follow Milc on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/milcmane/?hl=en 

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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:46).

For those who heard the last bonus episode I released, or follow me on Twitter, it should come to you as no surprise that I absolutely adore Leather Blvd., an album created by Pink Siifu and Ahwlee, as B. Cool-Aid.

This was a record that did so much good to my spirit, helping me get through some really tough times this year. Therefore, I’m sure you can imagine how honoured I feel to welcome Pink Siifu to the show to not only dive into the creation of this masterpiece, but also discuss what he’s learnt from legendary musicians, his chameleon-like versatility as an artist, and how he approaches collaboration.

We also get some insight into his brand new surprise album, that just dropped a day ago on Halloween, IT'S TOO QUIET…'!!, a collaborative record with Cincinnati's-own Turich Benjy, who also makes a special appearance towards the end of this conversation.

So it goes without saying that you certainly won’t wanna miss this!

How Siifu maintains his identity no matter what style of music he makes (2:14).

Siifu’s trademark voice (5:05).

The influence of D’Angelo and Erykah Badu on Siifu (8:37).

The role Siifu hopes his music plays in helping those in need (13:19).

Siifu’s mastery of collaboration (17:11).

The feeling Siifu wanted listeners to takeaway from Leather Blvd. (19:53).

The importance of expressing a diverse take on romance in Siifu’s music (26:00).

The greatness of Ahwlee (27:51).

The recording process of Leather Blvd. (29:28).

Introducing Turich Benjy (32:54).

Turich’s primary musical influences (34:15).

The making of Ultrasound (35:51).

What drew Turich and Siifu together (37:47).

The musical experience of IT'S TOO QUIET…'!! (40:20).

The chemistry between Siifu and Turich (46:09).

Shout outs and upcoming work to look out for (50:21).

Stream IT'S TOO QUIET…'!! here: https://open.spotify.com/album/17hUD5VessLUxX5pqBi2Av?si=Dc0eyUSkSf6mpiXk9234Zg 

Follow Pink Siifu on Twitter here: https://x.com/PinkSiifu?s=20 

Follow Turich Benjy on Twitter here: https://x.com/turichbenjy?s=20 

Follow Pink Siifu on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/pinksiifu/?hl=en 

Follow Turich Benjy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/turichbenjy/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:05).

As a 28 year-old hip-hop head, I’d like to say that I’m still somewhat young. So given this youth of mine, I haven’t been able to witness many of the greatest movements or waves in hip-hop history firsthand. I wasn’t even alive when Wu first jumped onto the scene. I could barely form sentences when Company Flow’s debut album dropped

But that thankfully has not been the case with what Backwoodz Studioz, and in particular what today’s guests in billy woods and E L U C I D, have blessed listeners with so far in their careers. For over a decade now, I’ve been able to follow these two refine their craft and expand on their brand of phenomenally rich, creative, and thoughtful hip-hop music that scratches all of the itches I have in music. All of which is funneled into this style of rap that makes the term “one-of-a-kind”, feel somehow too generic of a descriptor for what these two really do.

I’m pleased to have Armand Hammer on the show to discuss what makes their creative connection so special, the makings of one of the best albums I’ve ever heard (no hyperbole) in We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, and much, much more! Enjoy!

Perspective on recent successes and acclaim (2:27).

Perception of Armand Hammer’s growing fanbase (9:16).

How woods and E L U C I D complement each other’s artistry (16:49).

How the creative direction for an Armand Hammer album is established - RMPP patron q from TreDoes (24:52).

The origin of the We Buy Diabetic Test Strips album title (25:41).

The core themes of WBDTS (28:58).

The catalyst for the live instrumentation backbone for WBDTS (38:27).

The inspiration behind the very experimental and ambitious sound of WBDTS (43:13).

Aspects of WBDTS that Armand Hammer were most proud of / found uniquely challenging (51:39).

Armand Hammer’s favourite songs off WBDTS (1:02:00).

Prominent use of vocal manipulation on WBTDS (1:06:57).

What Armand Hammer would like their legacy to be (1:08:17).

Shoutouts to other great music and collaborators within the Armand Hammer / Backwoodz multiverse (1:09:13).

JPEGMAFIA’s pants / E L U C I D’s fashion trend forecast (1:12:36).

Buy We Buy Diabetic Test Strips here: https://fatpossum.com/products/we-buy-diabetic-test-strips

Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/ 

Follow billy woods on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/BackwoodzHipHop

Follow E L U C I D on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/elucidwho

Follow billy woods on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backwoodzstudioz/ 

Follow E L U C I D on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cobratoof/?hl=en 

Follow Armand Hammer on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ArmandHammerNYC 

Follow Armand Hammer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/armandhammernyc/?hl=en

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (2:06).

The ability to have tough conversations about complex topics is an art. It requires not only a great deal of nuanced knowledge on a topic to speak thoughtfully on it, but it also requires a great deal of self-awareness and empathy.

On The Golem of Brooklyn OST, Defcee successfully has one of these tough conversations with the community of white Jewish people he is a part of. He uses Adam Mansbach’s new novel as inspiration to depict thoughtful, and funny stories related to Jewish ideals and folklore in a contemporary context. Furthermore, Defcee levies criticisms that he has for his people, delivered from a place of love and understanding.

This concept is bolstered by the mystical, tone-setting instrumentals from the one and only Messiah Musik, who joins me alongside Defcee to dig deep into the makings of one of the best albums of the year, bar none.

Vast differences in how The Golem of Brooklyn was created vs. Trapdoor (3:48).

Main themes of Adam Mansbach’s novel, and what inspired the soundtrack’s creation (8:18). 

Adam Mansbach’s involvement in the creative process of the soundtrack (15:55).

How the concept shaped Messiah’s approach to the soundtrack’s sound (18:13).

The important conversation Defcee wanted to have with the Jewish community on The Golem of Brooklyn (22:50).

The timing of sharing these perspectives related to Judaism and whiteness, given the context of the heightened attention on anti-Semitism in the current socio-political climate (30:46).

What Defcee and Messiah took away from The Golem creative process, as it relates to their experience as white Jewish people (39:19).

How much of The Golem of Brooklyn was based on the content of the book vs. personal experience (44:22).

Favourite songs (45:53).

Upcoming projects from Defcee and Messiah Musik** (54:02).

**For insight specifically related to the next Defcee and Messiah Musik project, this is available as a patron-only exclusive! Become an RMPP patron to learn about the exciting new project these two have upcoming.

Buy/Stream The Golem of Brooklyn OST here: https://defcee.bandcamp.com/album/the-golem-of-brooklyn-original-soundtrack 

Follow Defcee on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/defcee 

Follow Messiah Musik on Twitter here: https://x.com/theMessiahMusik?s=20 

Follow Defcee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/defcee/ 

Follow Messiah Musik on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/messiah_musik/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:05).

This edition of the Conversation Pieces series is the most ambitious and personal thing I've ever done. It almost felt a bit too close to home to put out publicly, but honestly... creating this was truly a prime example of that 'writing = therapy' trope.

Leather Blvd. is an album that soundtracked the happiest time of my entire life. This record was chock-full of musical brilliance. But more importantly, Leather Blvd was so impactful to me, due to its raw expression of romance.

Through the lens of a recent event in my personal life, I explore the bountiful emotional richness of this album, and how music is so intrinsically intertwined with real emotions, memories, and experiences that we have.

I already thought that Leather Blvd. was a personal classic to me. But after the other night, it holds an even more special place in my heart, because it truly helped me heal in a time of need.

This is the last bonus episode for a little while because an onslaught of big guests will be coming on the show in the next two months….

Buy/stream Leather Blvd. here: https://bcoolaid.bandcamp.com/album/leather-blvd 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:49).

There’s a reason why people say that traveling and seeing the world is good for you. It naturally expands your worldview and exposes you to different ways of living, and thinking. In other words, it makes you smarter and more interesting. Both things apply to today’s guest, NY-based rapper Gabe ‘Nandez.

Gabe has spent much of his childhood and early adulthood living cross-continent, which has fueled his music with worldly perspective, and colourful multilingual elements.

With one of the most rapper voice rapper voices you’ll ever hear, Gabe has delivered some of my favourite albums of the year. Pangea dropped months ago, fully produced by the electric Tony Seltzer. H.T. III, his latest album fully produced by argov, which just released today (September 20, 2023).

Listen on to hear how Gabe crafted these recent albums, and the inspiring story about how music quite literally saved his life.

How Gabe’s cross-continent childhood influenced his music (2:10).

Incorporating French into Gabe’s music (7:14).

Gabe priding himself on being unique (12:38).

How it felt being featured on billy woods’ Aethiopes track, “Sauvages” (13:43).

How Gabe cultivates confidence within himself (17:32).

What inspired Gabe to pursue rap (21:12).

How rap saved Gabe’s life (23:46).

Working with Tony Seltzer on Pangea (27:48).

The idea of “collective unconsciousness”, as it relates to the making of Pangea (31:25).

The significance of H.T. III serving as the follow-up to Gabe’s debut album from 2014 (35:15).

What inspired Gabe to link up with argov to produce the entirety of H.T. III (37:18).

Lyrical themes on H.T. III (38:41).

Upcoming / current work from Gabe (44:22).

Support Gabe Nandez's music here: https://gabenandez.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Twitter here: https://x.com/GabeNandez?s=20 

Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7KKxDBEgK/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:05).

This edition of the Conversation Pieces series is a little different, and music-adjacent at best to be honest.

In what was mostly a therapeutic exercise, I explored how my love for music was borne out of a dark place, and what that made me realize about myself.

It may sound like a depressing listen, but I promise that it ends on a happy note.

If you end up checking out this super rap music focused bonus episode…

1. Don’t worry, we’ll be back to regularly scheduled programming with some amazing guests soon enough, I promise

2. Thanks for listening to me publicly vent when no one asked; and

3. I invite you to reflect on how music first became a major component in your life, maybe you’ll learn something new about yourself like I did.

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:32).

Few embody a true DIY ethos, and a genuine appetite to be bold and different quite like today’s guest, Fat Tony.

Tony is a Houston-native, who’s charisma and eccentric tastes have led him down a highly unique artistic journey, making waves in the rap game with his diverse-sounding albums, and a wide array of collaborations with the likes of Paul Wall, A$AP Rocky, and more. His impact was not limited to just music though, as he’s hosted TV shows on VICE as well.

Fat Tony is a multimedia star, who joins the show to discuss the key lessons he’s learnt as an artist, the importance of following your authentic North Star, and his latest album with Taydex, I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy.

Key lessons Fat Tony as learnt throughout this career (1:44).

How working in non-music artistic mediums impacted Tony’s growth (12:45).

The influence of Houston on Tony’s tastes and artistic development (22:52).

Fat Tony’s “north star” when making music (27:26).

What inspires Tony’s strong risk-taking appetite (40:44).

Key pieces of wisdom Tony wanted to share on IWMBTDE (45:00).

Why Tony’s desire to be a father has grown since the pandemic (54:05).

The sound Tony and Taydex set out to create on IWMBTDE (58:10).

The significance of ending IWMBTDE with the heavy “Jasper, TX” (1:01:47).

Upcoming / current work to check out from Fat Tony (1:10:18).

Support Fat Tony's music here: https://fattonyrap.bandcamp.com/music 

Check out Found Me Magazine here: http://foundmemag.com

Check out Fat Tony's tour dates here: https://www.fattonyrap.net/tour

Follow Fat Tony on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/fattonyrap?s=20 

Follow Fat Tony on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fattonyrap/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:29).

When you unveil the cloak of darkness that shrouds much of Chester Watson’s music and his public persona, you are presented with a personable, inviting, and highly creative artistic soul.

In today’s conversation, Chester’s thoughtful observations add colour to his typically murky grey-sounding music. Chester illustrates how his art helps him tap into his spirituality, his attraction to all things unknown, his distinct rapping style, and his excellent new album fish don’t climb trees.

Influence of Japanese culture (2:17).

Chester’s experience achieving notoriety as a young teenager, growing as an artist under the spotlight (5:10).

Chester’s distinct style of rap (12:32).

What attracts Chester to dark and hazy sounds (16:50).

The exploration of spirituality and mindfulness in Chester’s music (24:10).

How Chester harnesses creative inspiration (26:08).

Influence of Chester’s musician-father (29:01).

Key inspirations for the deeply emotional and honest fish don’t climb trees (33:05).

The musical world of fish don’t climb trees (40:18).

How Chester’s artistic growth manifested on his latest album (43:35).

Upcoming projects / work (48:45).

Support Chester Watson's music here: https://chesterwatson.bandcamp.com/music 

Buy/stream fish don't climb trees here: https://chesterwatson.bandcamp.com/album/fish-dont-climb-trees-2 

Follow Chester Watson on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/chstrwtsn?s=20 

Follow Chester Watson on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chesterwatson/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:31).

Within about 10 seconds of hearing Fly Anakin for the first time, I knew this guy was born to rap. Immediately, his raspy voice caught my attention, sounding like he had a built-in plug-in in his vocal chords… making his dazzling bars sound so special.

In this episode, Richmond-born Frank, otherwise known as rapper-producer Fly Anakin joins the show. We discuss how he found his voice, established his vision for the almighty Mutant Academy, his recent achievements in FlySiifu’s and Frank, and the impressive world-building that went into creating his cheeky and romantic new album, Skinemaxxx.

The strain of hip-hop Frank likes to create, and making “mindless music” (1:39).

How Frank developed his voice - RMPP patron q from nogod (8:27).

The Richmond, Virgina music scene and its influence on Frank’s musical tastes (12:51).

The moment Frank realized music could be a real career path (15:54).

The vision that Mutant Academy was founded on (18:27).

FlySiifu’s and the creative chemistry with Pink Siifu (23:57).

The importance of Frank, and overcoming insecurity (28:35).

Why Foisey is the jelly to Frank’s peanut butter (34:35).

The thinking behind separating the release of Side A and B of Skinemaxxx (38:34)

The concept and sound of Skinemaxxx (40:45).

The artistic growth Frank experienced creating Skinemaxxx (46:36).

Upcoming work and shows from Fly Anakin, and Mutant Academy (51:05).

Frank overcoming his hatred of jeans (54:34).

Support Fly Anakin's music here: https://flyanakin.bandcamp.com/music 

Buy/stream Skinemaxxx here: https://flyanakin.bandcamp.com/album/skinemaxxx-side-a-side-b 

Follow Fly Anakin on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/flyanakin?s=20 

Follow Fly Anakin on Instagram here: https://instagram.com/flyanakin?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (2:23).

On rare occasion, we get two artists that come together at a moment where their skillsets and mindsets align in sublime harmony. That is what I see with Fatboi Sharif and steel tipped dove’s latest album released on Backwoodz Studioz, titled Decay.

Sharif’s been progressively growing as a vocalist and lyricist… who’s unique gifts mesh perfectly with the vast, atmospheric, and cutting-edge brand of experimentation found in steel tipped dove’s production.

Decay is a soundtrack for the times. Not necessarily the times that are upon us at this very moment, but what may soon be our reality in just a few decades from now.

Decay is a psychedelic masterpiece - a result of two creative minds joining forces at the exact right time in their careers.

Sharif and Dove are here today to breakdown how this excellent new album was created, in the latest installment of the 'Album Alchemy' series.

The sonic landscape of Decay (4:03).

Lyrical themes and inspirations of Decay (8:29).

The heavily gothic and creepy sound of Decay (13:40).

Sharif’s continued evolution as a vocalist (16:00).

The thinking behind having no features on Decay (21:37).

Releasing the album on Backwoodz Studioz, and the label’s influence on the final product (24:38).

The structure of shorter songs - longer tracklist of Decay (28:50).

Favourite songs (32:48).

Upcoming projects (38:31).

Buy/Stream Decay here: https://fatboisharif.bandcamp.com/album/decay 

Follow Fatboi Sharif on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/fatboyprospect?s=20 

Follow steel tipped dove on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/steeltippeddove?s=20 

Follow Fatboi Sharif on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fatboi_sharif/?hl=en 

Follow steel tipped dove on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/steeltippeddove/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:53).

If you weren’t already aware, hip-hop is in a great place. One of the biggest reasons why I feel this way is because the genre has become like a Republican’s nightmare… it’s borderless.

It has become second nature for a rap album to feature countless different influences, incorporating multiple subsets of music within the hip-hop realm, and outside it as well.

Richmond, Virginia-based McKinley Dixon is an artist who folks throughout the years would attempt to classify, as the "conscious rapper", and then after the "jazz rapper".

But with artists like McKlinley Dixon, and his new album Beloved Paradise Jazz?!, whether the music is technically jazz rap, pop rap, big band rap is irrelevant. The mixture of these varying styles of music is so seamless, which makes the end-product defy previous formulas and classifications that your mind may want to tack on to it.

McKinley simply makes good music, following his ambitious artistic vision wherever it takes him. So I am honoured to welcome McKinley Dixon to the show to speak about how he creates such rich eclectic music, his take on music’s ability to inspire change in the world, and the making of his fantastic new album, Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?

McKinley’s passion for making holistic, narrative-driven albums (4:27).

McKinley’s musical background and love for jazz (9:04).

The role music can play in inspiring change (14:16).

The musical vision for Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (22:38).

The concise nature of Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (25:21).

The key lyrical themes of Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (30:16).

How to support McKinley Dixon (35:54).

Support McKinley Dixon here: https://www.mckinleydixon.com/ 

Buy Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? here: https://shop.cityslang.com/collections/mckinley-dixon 

Follow McKinley Dixon on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/McKinleyDixon?s=20 

Follow McKinley Dixon on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/freemckinley/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (1:52).

Music that strikes an emotional nerve is always my cup of tea, whether that emotion is fueled by the production, or the vocals.

In the case of the album Incorruptible Saints, we don’t have to choose. The emotional impact is supplied in equal parts through rhyme, and instrumental.

Honest introspection in the lyrics come from Nebraska rapper Sleep Sinatra, which were placed atop gorgeous, warm, abstract soundscapes created by Portland producer Televangel. Televangel is formerly known as Young God, and previously served as one half of the critically acclaimed production duo, Blue Sky Black Death.

Televangel’s creative musical brushstrokes did wonders to bring out Sleep Sinatra’s thoughtful perspectives and vulnerability.

These two joined forces to make music that truly does its beautiful artwork justice, and they joined the show to dig into the making of Incorruptible Saints, in the latest instalment of the 'Album Alchemy' series.

What sparked the collaboration between Sleep and Televangel (3:54).

The musical palette of Incorruptible Saints (7:54).

The lyrical direction of Incorruptible Saints (13:16).

How Televangel’s Blue Sky Black Death past influenced his emotionally-affecting sound (18:54).

How Televangel’s recent foray into hip-hop production has grown his artistry (22:30).

Sleep’s singing on Incorruptible Saints (26:14).

The album’s guest collaborations (29:35).

Favourite songs (35:06).

Upcoming projects from Sleep and Televangel (38:55).

Buy/Stream Incorruptible Saints here: https://televangel.bandcamp.com/album/incorruptible-saints 

Follow Sleep Sinatra on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SleepSinai?s=20 

Follow Televangel on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/TELEVANGEL_?s=20 

Follow Sleep Sinatra on Instagram here: https://instagram.com/northsidesleep?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Follow Televangel on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/televangel/?hl=en 

--

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Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:06).

In 2022, roughly 49K songs were uploaded to Spotify each and every day. Therefore, amidst a flurry of music releasing to listeners on a daily, being able to command the attention of a listener in this day and age is tough.

The way today's guest, Kenny Segal, acquires this attention is through creating music that simply cannot be found anywhere else.

Kenny’s one-of-one style has enchanted listeners for over a decade, creating soundscapes for some of rap’s most interesting voices in R.A.P. Ferreira, Self-Jupiter, Serengeti, and most recently, billy woods.

The LA-based producer joined the show to provide insight into his eclectic production style, his collaboration style, key learnings he’s gathered from his illustrious career, and the creation of his latest masterpiece with billy woods, Maps.

Kenny’s musical journey to becoming a producer (4:50).

Kenny’s production process (12:26).

The elements of music Kenny is primarily focused on (16:32).

The role of improvisation in Kenny’s workflow - RMPP patron q from André (26:12).

Traits Kenny is looking for a rapper to collaborate with (29:07).

How Kenny’s past work taught him important lessons, and helped him grow as an artist (34:20).

Instrumental records vs. collaborative records (42:48).

The positive press and fan reaction of Maps (47:46).

The musical blueprint of Maps (52:41).

What makes billy woods unique (1:01:14).

How working with woods impacts how Kenny produces (1:07:35).

How Maps differs from Hiding Places musically (1:11:14).

Kenny’s dream collaborators (1:12:45).

Upcoming projects (1:13:53).

Support Kenny Segal's music here: https://kennysegal.bandcamp.com/music 

Buy Maps here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/billy-woods-x-kenny-segal-maps 

Follow Kenny Segal on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/KennySegal?s=20 

Follow Kenny Segal on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kennysegal/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (2:29).

Styles of music such as jazz, R&B, soul, and funk, have all been inseparable elements in the fabric of hip-hop production since its inception.

One particular form of music that has not played nearly as much of a significant role though, is rock music.

That brings us to the subject of today's episode, Ritual, an album by Topeka Kansas rapper Stik Figa, and producer The Expert based in Dublin, Ireland, who’s production features a healthy dose of psychedelic rock samples that are executed brilliantly. The Expert puts those sounds into a blender with traditional golden-age and jazz sounds that rap purists will surely appreciate.

The sound, however, is not all that makes Ritual notable since it is a project that may have ended up being the last album hip-hop veteran Stik Figa would ever create.

To learn more about Ritual, Stik Figa and The Expert join the show to dive deep into how this album was made, as the next instalment of the Album Alchemy series.

Stik Figa and The Expert created Ritual without ever even seeing each other’s faces (2:46).

The collaborative process used for Ritual (9:31).

Ritual was originally supposed to be Stik Figa’s last album (18:33).

The musical landscape of Ritual (24:04).

What drew Stik towards these unconventional beats (34:52).

The challenge of rapping over The Expert’s beats (39:36).

Key themes in Ritual (43:04).

Ritual’s noteworthy features (49:53).

Upcoming work to expect from Stik Figa and The Expert (57:53).

Buy/Stream Ritual here: https://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/ritual 

Follow Stik Figa on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/STIK_FIGA 

Follow The Expert on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/itstheexpert 

Follow Stik Figa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stik_figa/?hl=en 

Follow The Expert on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/itstheexpert/ 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:05).

Affable with Pointed Teeth, by YUNGMORPHEUS and eyedress, is an album I liked quite a bit, and loved in moments for years now. But then out of nowhere, as I prepped for my recent interview with YUNGMORPHEUS himself, the album completely hit a new level for me.

There is a profound beauty that comes from instances like this, where months sometimes years later, a piece of music finally clicks. Since in this moment with Affable with Pointed Teeth, not only have I discovered another great album to listen to for the rest of my life, which is something I never take for granted...

... but more importantly, it serves as a reminder that patience is everything in life.

Stream/buy Affable with Pointed Teeth here: https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/album/affable-with-pointed-teeth 

--

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:57).

If you’re like me, and have found yourself marveling at how great a Backwoodz Studioz record is sounding, it is all but guaranteed that sound God Willie Green was behind the boards... fine tuning the sound to perfection.

That standard of quality you’ve come to expect from a Backwoodz album has been cultivated by the sure hands of beatmaker and audio engineer, Willie Green.

This is a man who’s contributions to the genre’s most impactful movement of the last decade plus, cannot be understated. Decades from now when they tell the story of Backwoodz, Willie Green should, and will be at the forefront of this discussion.

Therefore, I am absolutely honoured to have Green on the show, where he opened up on the value of audio engineering work, and how he approaches his craft, along with his perspectives on notable musical trends, and the continued rise of Backwoodz Studioz.

Green's journey to audio engineering (4:09).

What a having a “good ear” really means, as it relates to music (20:17).

What makes a mix “good” (26:46).

The collaborative element in Green’s artistic process (34:15).

Green’s take on the current state of hip-hop - RMPP patron q from DarkCow (40:53). ***We love DarkCow over here... and this was a great question!

Green’s relationship with Backwoodz Studioz (48:57).

The Backwoodz Studioz sound (1:05:50).

The GreenHouse Recording Co. (1:18:27).

Upcoming work on the horizon from Green (1:20:55).

Work with The GreenHouse Recording Co. here: https://www.williegreenmusic.com/greenhouse 

Follow Willie Green on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/WillieGreen1?s=20 

Follow Willie Green on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/williegreen1/?hl=en 

Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/ 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (3:14).

"I'ma keep it real with you, it's the things you can't undo/The past, the black Rubik's cube"

"Payback always inexact but I be squinting over measuring spoons"

For most artists, lyrics like this would universally be regarded as their all-time best moments.

But for artists like billy woods though… lyrics like this are a dime a dozen… they're literally just Verse 2 off of a song called "Hangman".

The praise being thrown the way of NY-based rapper, label head of Backwoodz Studioz, and 1/2 of Armand Hammer… are plentiful, and growing in their fervor.

After a string of releases that involved high-profile names such as Moor Mother and The Alchemist in late 2020 / early 2021, billy woods rode this surging wave of acclaim surrounding his music, and delivered two legacy-defining works back to back in 2022.

This put the finishing touches on what is, in my humble opinion, the greatest 5-year run in hip-hop history.

From 2018 onward, we got Paraffin, Hiding Places, Terror Management, Shrines, BRASS, Haram, Aethiopes, WHT LBL, and finally, Church.

And if that wasn’t enough, his Backwoodz Studioz camp has added to the flurry of incredible forward-thinking art during this time period, through the emergence of E L U C I D, ShrapKnel, AKAI SOLO, SKECH185, and more.

Yet here we are, in May of 2023… and billy woods has done it again.

Teaming up with Kenny Segal for a second time, woods has released his latest masterpiece, Maps... and he’s here today on the show, to talk about his experience creating this record, his writing style and the frequent themes found in his work, Armand Hammer, the legacy of Backwoodz, and so much more!

If you’re familiar with me and this show so far, you know how I feel about woods. You know I had to make the most of my opportunity speaking with the GOAT.

You won't wanna miss this...

Staying grounded amidst growing acclaim (4:52).

The concept of ‘survivor’s guilt’ as it relates to woods’ career and life in general (9:41).

The legacy of Backwoodz Studioz (16:18).

Working with E L U C I D as Armand Hammer (19:50).

New Armand Hammer album later in 2023 (24:49).

woods’ writing process and a breakdown of “No Hard Feelings” (25:46).

The key ideas underpinning the creation of Aethiopes (33:10).

Love and relationships in woods’ music (47:44).

woods’ mind state creating Maps (53:13).

How Maps differs from Hiding Places (59:34).

Working with Kenny Segal (1:01:48).

Breakdown of the ending to Maps, and how fatherhood has impacted woods’ music (1:19:42).

Upcoming work to expect from woods and Backwoodz Studioz (1:30:07).

Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/ 

Buy Maps here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/billy-woods-x-kenny-segal-maps 

Follow billy woods on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/BackwoodzHipHop 

Follow billy woods on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backwoodzstudioz/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:33).

New York's Wiki is what they call "a rapper’s rapper". Gifted as a lyricist, with a style that could exist within multiple eras of rap.

Not even having reached his 30th birthday yet, Wiki has already received mass acclaim for his work as RATKING, and as a solo artist with revered projects that showcase his exceptional penmanship, remarkable versatility, and immensely deep passion for this thing called hip-hop, which we all love dearly.

I’m honoured to welcome Wiki to the show to understand his perspectives on his success so far in his career, what rap means to him, and gain interesting insight into his latest projects.

So It Goes and experimentation in rap (3:35).

Key influences to Wiki’s melodically-rich style of rap (8:03).

Influence of NYC on Wiki‘s music (11:03).

Wiki reflects on his success to-date (15:39).

How fame and acclaim affected Wiki’s maturation process (20:41).

What aspect of Wiki’s artistry has improved the most (26:14).

Importance of rap for Wiki’s mental health (34:04).

Wiki’s writing process (39:54).

How Wiki selects beats (42:26).

Wiki leaving the label game, and going the independent route (44:57).

What makes Navy Blue special (49:19).

How Wiki’s introspective writing on Half God impacted him as a person (53:54).

The mixtape approach to Cold Cuts (56:46).

Wiki’s upcoming projects / tour (1:05:13).

Support Wiki's music here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/music 

Buy/stream Cold Cuts here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/album/cold-cuts 

Follow Wiki on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/wikset?lang=en 

Follow Wiki on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/wikset/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:32).

As a listener of hip-hop, the best rappers always have a way of drawing you in. This can be achieved through aesthetics, found in a cool flow or voice. It can also be achieved through the content of what someone is saying, found in slick wordplay, or interesting subject matter.

Today’s guest, YUNGMORPHEUS, is a rapper who grabs my attention in both of the aforementioned ways. His voice is smooth, and his delivery is calm and even-keel, in a way that makes him unmistakably unique. On top of that, he really raps about stuff that matters, boasting fierce conviction, worldly perspective, and clever lyrical ability to boot.

MORPH has quickly turned into one of my absolute favourite rappers in the game. He has recently hit a new level of prolific excellence, with a slew of fantastic releases, collaborating with the likes of Eyedress, ThERAVADA, ewonee, and more.

Now, he has his latest upcoming album set to drop on April 28th, From Whence It Came, and I can promise you... this is one of his absolute best pieces of work yet, that continues the upward trajectory of quality we’ve been blessed with in recent years.

So I’m very pleased to welcome YUNGMORPHEUS on the show to discuss his distinct approach to rapping, his fiery brand of political commentary, and the makings of this upcoming album.

Along with some fun talk on white rap listeners and crackers... you won't wanna miss this!!

YUNGMORPHEUS’ music upbringing (3:36).

The moment YUNGMORPHEUS felt he was indeed, “dumb nice” (6:27).

Key influences of YUNGMORPHEUS’ eccentric writing (9:36).

YUNGMORPHEUS describes his writing style (13:30).

YUNGMORPHEUS’ recording process (22:51).

Approach to political commentary and white fan responses (25:16).

YUNGMORPRHEUS’ trademark flow (31:10).

The impact of MORPH’s previous collaborations (36:04).

The main inspiration for From Whence It Came (40:09).

How From Whence It Came stands out in the YUNGMORPHEUS canon (44:50).

Why YUNGMORPHEUS moved away from the one-producer formula on the new album (46:03).

Upcoming projects/merch (52:08).

Support YUNGMORPHEUS' music here: https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/music 

Buy/stream From Whence It Came here: https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/album/from-whence-it-came 

Follow YUNGMORPHEUS on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/yungmorpheus44?lang=en 

Follow YUNGMORPHEUS on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yungmorpheus/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:05).

“Close the door on what I tore apart, my heart is broken/Ball was in your court, I can't believe I left you open”

This was the line in Navy Blue’s song “Alignment”, that first stopped me dead in my tracks, and made me have the thought... "I need to pay attention to this… this song was written for me”.

Found on Navy Blue’s excellent personal classic of a record from 2020, Song of Sage: Post Panic!, "Alignment" is not only a shining star of a track on an album full of them, but the best relationship song I’ve ever heard in my time listening to rap music.

Stream/buy "Alignment" here: https://navybluethetruest.bandcamp.com/track/alignment 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (1:51).

Hip-hop has been ripe with New York lore since the genesis of this art form. Albums like Illmatic, and The Cold Vein are shining examples of albums that encapsulate NYC life, from their own unique perspectives.

King Vision Ultra’s SHOOK WORLD is the latest album to accomplish a similar feat, building a world that captures the raw grit and rich history of the city like no other. It embodies the spirit of collective action, through its deep guest list of New York artists, and the foundational collaboration with post-punk band Algiers’s latest album Shook.

GENG PTP aka King Vision Ultra, is a man of many hats, founder of the revered PTP collective, and creator of this dense epic of an album, SHOOK WORLD.

He joined the show to deep-dive into the creation of this album, in the latest installment of the Album Alchemy series. You won’t wanna miss this.

How SHOOK WORLD was created and its key inspiration, in relation to Algiers’ Shook (4:25).

How SHOOK WORLD and Shook are connected to each other (11:14).

The context and significance of the samples used on SHOOK WORLD - RMPP patron q from Fatmantomb (15:47).

What SHOOK WORLD says about New York life (26:42).

Why GENG PTP loves New York (38:42).

The SHOOK WORLD model, as a potential alternative to the traditional sampling process (50:22).

How the sound of SHOOK WORLD was created (58:59).

Showcasing varying degrees of NY collaborators on SHOOK WORLD (1:07:25).

Upcoming projects from King Vision Ultra (1:14:54).

Buy/Stream SHOOK WORLD here: https://algierstheband.bandcamp.com/album/shook-world-hosted-by-algiers 

Support GENG's music, and PTP label here: https://purpletapepedigree.bandcamp.com/artists 

Follow GENG on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/purpicide 

Follow GENG on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/genggrizzly/ 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:53).

With most success stories in life, it often comes as a result of remarkable talent, passion, and fortunate circumstances that align one’s innate gifts with the right environment to thrive.

That’s precisely the situation that surrounds Child Actor. Child Actor is an artist that cut their teeth in the indie pop world, before transitioning to the world of rap through organic relationships with the likes of Ceschi, Serengeti, and billy woods.

Child Actor now sports a trademark cutting-edge sound that has become a staple amongst underground’s finest, through fantastic work on Backwoodz Studioz, Open Mike Eagle, and Serengeti projects to name a few.

Listen on to hear how this undeniably talented producer made it to where he is today, and how he approaches his craft with the kind of ingenuity you’d expect from someone who produced that f***** up Armand Hammer track, "Charms".

Who is Child Actor? (3:10).

Child Actor’s artistic origins, and indie pop past (5:59).

Child Actor’s transition to hip-hop (16:59).

The trademark Child Actor sound (24:10).

Type of rapper that works best with Child Actor beats (33:30).

How indie pop background influenced Child Actor’s rap beats - RMPP patron q from Jarvis (37:18).

Why Child Actor has found a home with Backwoodz Studioz (40:22).

The appeal of Serengeti and the character of Ajai on Ajai II (45:21).

Upcoming Child Actor work that should intrigue you (58:59).

Support Child Actor's music here: https://chldactr.bandcamp.com/ 

Buy/stream Ajai II here: https://kennydennis.bandcamp.com/album/ajai-ii 

Visit Child Actor's website here: http://www.childactor.net/ 

Follow Child Actor on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ChldActr 

Follow Child Actor on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chldactr/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (2:40).

Rappers that are known for quote unquote “rapping fast” have almost developed a bit of an odd reputation in some underground circles. Where something that could be seen as an undeniably good thing, has instead been seen as a marker of potentially corny music, devoid of real substance. The downfall of later era Eminem, as well as artists like Logic, have played a big role in this.

However, like with most things, it’s always to avoid generalization and approach things with an open mind… especially when it comes to something as subjective as music. phiik and Lungs are two MCs that have comfortably defied these negative connotations, sporting flows that are not only fast, but take the art of rapping to entirely new places. They have create pockets in beats that would not even be accessible 99% of other rappers out in the game.

Add on to the fact that this duo’s sound, provided Lungs under his producer moniker LoneSword, is similarly cutting-edge... what these guys have created is a world of rap that is entirely their own.

Their work has increased in mastery with each and every project, culminating with their best project yet, early AOTY of contender, Another Planet 4.

I am so pleased to have these two on the show, as part of the Album Alchemy series, where we dive deep into how they’ve developed their craft, and created such a unique record in Another Planet 4.

How phiik and Lungs approach writing their hyper-verbose raps (4:28).

Primary lyrical inspirations (11:47).

The distinct sound of AP4, and the overall Another Planet experience (24:41).

How AP4 was an improvement on the Another Planet formula (44:41).

“The Plug” series of bars (52:53).

Another Planet 4 physicals, and streaming (57:03).

Buy/Stream Another Planet 4 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/53nKCpRA9pldZP5qmjOsyd?si=aNhcdHbUQOubCTt62l7usg 

Follow phiik on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/phiik_ 

Follow Lungs/LoneSword on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/big_dead_lung 

Follow phiik on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/phiik_/?hl=en 

Follow Lungs/LoneSword on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/big_dead_lung/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:00).

One of the primary reasons I decided to move to Toronto last summer, was the vibrant music scene in the city. So going to many shows was the extent of what I expected. However, what I was pleasantly surprised to see though was a solid community of underground rap fans that I kept seeing at many different rap events. Many of which were hosted by none other than the pride of Toronto’s hip-hop underground, Raz Fresco.

Raz is an artist who’s career spans over a decade, featuring co-signs and collaborations with true OGs such as Raekwon, and a prolific run of creativity in recent years. Punctuated by his fantastic Magneto Was Right series and other great records in recent years, such as Marvelous Right Wrist and Secret Wars with DIBIA$E.

Not only does his catalog speak for itself, but his passion and respect for the art is energizing… and comes through loud and clear in the latest episode of this show.

Magnetic Right Wrist tour (3:42). +32

Raz’s non-existent rap origin story (9:22).

The Toronto hip-hop scene, and Raz’s deep engagement with the community (13:04).

The conception of the BKRSCLB (25:22).

The importance of knowledge of self and spirituality in Raz Fresco’s music (28:05).

The meaning behind the Magneto was Right series (32:42).

The vision behind Marvelous Right Wrist (43:49).

Working with Dibia$e on Secret Wars (48:18).

Upcoming projects (51:30).

Support Raz Fresco and BKRSCLB here: https://www.bkrsclb.com/ 

Follow Raz Fresco on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/RazFresco 

Follow Raz Fresco on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/razfresco/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:51).

“It’s important to me to be an original human being. It’s not important to me to be original or different in my music. It’s important to me to be original and different in every single thing I do.”

This is a direct quote from the upcoming interview with R.A.P. Ferreira you are about to hear, and I think that speaks for itself.

As one of the champions of smart indie underground hip-hop for over a decade, and leader of the almighty Ruby Yacht crew, R.A.P. Ferreira has firmly established himself as one of one… never to be duplicated, or replaced.

His thoughtful, coy cockiness, and unapologetically strong sense of self has made me a huge fan of his for many years. It was a true honour to pick his brain, and see that charisma and passion come through in our conversation. This is a MUST listen.

Being so open emotionally early on in a career (5:06).

Maturing as an artist and person in the public eye (7:13).

What first sparked R.A.P. Ferreira’s desire to rap (12:29).

Ferreira’s unique rapping style and rapping style - RMPP patron q from Slumber Logic (22:48).

The importance of originality in Ferreira’s music (31:43).

The reality of the independent music business (35:45).

What blues music provides that rap does not (43:26).

The special qualities of 5 to the Eye with Stars (52:09).

What to expect from G’s Us, the collaborative duo of R.A.P. Ferreira and AJ Suede (58:36).

Upcoming projects (1:03:01).

Support R.A.P. Ferreira's music here: https://afrolab9000.bandcamp.com/ 

Support Ruby Yacht here: https://ruby-yacht.myshopify.com/ 

Support soulfolks here: https://www.soulfolks.org/ 

Follow R.A.P. Ferreira on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/yomilo?s=20&t=P6sGl9hfirhuW8d1cgAv6Q 

Follow R.A.P. Ferreira on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hipcatscience/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (3:10).

*Internet connection was choppy, so excuse the questionable audio quality. We did our best.*

Over the years, as someone who’s obsessed with music… I’ve observed a sort of left brain-right brain dynamic with many of the artists I’ve listened to closely.

In the context of music, I feel there is a side of music-making that is left brain centered on structure, that is all about a thought-out intentional approach.

But then there’s also another side of music making that is fundamentally different, seen a right brain way of creation that is more intuitive, centered on the emotion, the soul, and the passion that underpins the order of the left brain's work.

Just like with regular humans, it’s often those artists that can harness both of these sides of their minds in such a way that leads to some of the greatest music we’ve ever heard.

That brings us to today’s guest, SKECH185. Someone who brings one of the most passionate rap deliveries you will ever hear, along with a carefully thought out approach to building rhymes and structuring his flow.

SKECH’s unique powers made his Backwoodz debut with Jeff Markey, He Left Nothing for the Swim Back, an absolute home run and my current album of the year.

Listen on to hear more about interesting stories related to his new album, Tomorrow Kings, Chicago rap, and how this special blend of meticulous lyrical craftsmanship and unmitigated passion came to be.

The Chicago and New York hip-hop scenes (5:48).

The origin story and impact of Tomorrow Kings (13:47).

SKECH185’s writing and recording process (33:08).

Key themes of SKECH185’s new album (44:56).

Jeff Markey’s progressive sound for SKECH185’s new album (1:01:39).

Context surrounding the 6-year hiatus SKECH185 took between albums - RMPP patron q from TreDoes (1:08:03).

The Backwoodz experience - RMPP patron q from Geoff Rhine (1:13:08).

Support SKECH185's music here: https://skech185.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow SKECH185 on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SKECH185 

Follow SKECH185 on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/skech185/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:54).

Experts have said recently our society is in a “general crisis”, which means that we are not just dealing with economic crises, ecological crises, political crises… but many types of crises occurring at the exact same time.

So needless to say, music that speaks to the emotional and mental effects of these times has been really connecting with me in recent years.

Today’s guest, Oakland’s Nappy Nina, is a rising star who blends thoughtful empathetic subject matter with raps that defy the conventional. She exudes a level of cool and calm that embodies the long lineage of smooth west coast rap greats that preceded her, and a technical ability that brings this buttery soft delivery to new and exciting places.

This element of freshness can be seen in the danceable rap grooves on 2021’s collaborative album with JWords, Double Down, and the soulful vibrant sounding Mourning Due, the upcoming release from Nappy Nina slated to drop on February 17th.

Listen on to hear about her unique artistic background, her general approach to writing, and stay tuned for a sneak peek into what this new album Mourning Due will sound like.

Nina’s poetry background (3:53).

Nina’s eclectic taste in production, and her beat selection process (9:45).

How Nina grew as a rapper creating Double Down (11:42).

Nina’s unique rapping delivery (14:37).

Nina’s key influences (19:18).

Nina’s mindfulness and how rapping contributes (21:49).

Preview of Nina’s new album, Mourning Due (27:41).

The crazy feature list on Mourning Due (32:31).

The importance of artist-owned label’s like Lucid.Haus (35:51).

Nina’s upcoming projects (40:26).

Sneak preview of an upcoming Nappy Nina track off Mourning Due, titled “Cope” (42:14).

Support Nappy Nina's music here: https://nappynina.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Nappy Nina on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Nappy_Nina 

Follow Nappy Nina on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nappy_nina/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Why I love talking about music (0:21)

One of the greatest things about art is that it’s contextual… it’s temporal.

Meaning that a particular album for example, could not only make different people feel different things, but could even make the same person feel different things, once the context surrounding their experience with the album changes.

This dynamic is why I love talking about music, and why I hope you the listener choose to tune in to this show almost every Wednesday of the year, The amount of perspectives and feelings one can have with a piece of music is endless.

It’s this concept of subjectivity and context-dependence that can make anyone’s relationship with any piece of music uniquely their own, and worthy of exploring. Uncovering the why behind not only the artist’s creative decisions, but the listener’s response to said piece of music as well, is why I find this space of music commentary so fascinating.

Therefore, in celebration of music and the discussion of beautiful art… I welcome you to the 3rd Annual RMPPs.

The 3rd Annual RMPP Awards Intro (4:20).

For a full breakdown of winners, nominees, and top albums of 2022, visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/episodes/132-3rd-annual-rmpps

Favourite Musical Discoveries of the Year (5:24)

Hook of the Year (5:58)

Best Rap in a Supporting Role (7:23)

Beat of the Year (8:37)

Song of the Year (10:18)

Producer of the Year (11:56)

Rapper of the Year (13:54)

Top 125 Albums of the Year structure (15:50).

Honourable Mentions (17:38).

Sub-17: projects that are 17 minutes or less (18:27)

The Majors: major-label albums from rap’s mainstream heavyweights (20:28)

Fun in the Sun: albums that can lift your spirits and maybe even make you laugh (23:50)

Feels: albums that get you in your feels (27:20)

For the soul: albums that are dripping in soul and wholesome vibes, which can help ground you (30:54)

Grown Person raps: music that really hits those mature themes of adulthood, growing up, growing old (34:39)

Grimy Shit: Albums that are gritty and hard af (39:30)

Lyrical Wizardry: albums that dazzle with their command of the English language, and their ability to paint lyrical pictures (44:00)

Mind Activation: music that melts your mind and pushes lyrical and musical boundaries (48:16)

Final thoughts (55:32).

Buy/stream "Mentalfortress" and the entire Slumber Logic & Mantis the Miasma album: https://slumberlogic.bandcamp.com/album/talking-to-walls 

--

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Review (2:28).

You may be thinking, why am I, an esteemed member of the rap journalism industrial complex… reviewing the music of an artist historically known as an R&B artist in SZA?

You may want me to just shut up and dribble, and only cover what you consider rap enough… but I will not comply. Discussing SZA’s new album SOS is my god given right protected by the Constitution!

I felt inspired to discuss this record because, for one it’s really good. And this album features many straight up rap or rap crossover moments, so I thought it was appropriate to cover on a rap podcast.

But most importantly, this album hit me at a very pivotal time in December of last year when I needed it most, where I was fragile, spiraling, and deeply ashamed.

Yet SOS managed to give me a bit of juice, providing me with sweet sounds and honest perspective related to emotions I directly was processing at the time, genuinely keeping me afloat throughout a rough time.

It’s funny how all that self-love and acceptance talk starts to actually resonate… when you stop loving yourself, and can’t accept mistakes you’ve made in the past.

If you're intrigued to know why SZA’s SOS left such a mark on me, listen on...

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Snooze"

Stream SOS here: https://open.spotify.com/album/07w0rG5TETcyihsEIZR3qG?si=djgcWQd4Sf6uIARTm35faA 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:04).

Relatability in art is often erroneously mistaken for this idea of “x artist explicitly talking about things that are directly relevant to my life, talking only about things I dealt with personally".

Obviously this is a form of relatability, but I’d argue that relatability is a concept more broad and less rigid than that. Relatability to me is simply the idea of identifying with what an artist stands for.

This edition of Conversation Pieces examines the boy, Drizzy Drake and his latest collaborative album with 21 Savage, Her Loss, through the lens of relatability to see what has gone wrong for the 6 God in recent years.

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:04).

Encountering music that you immediately feel connected to is akin to meeting someone cool for the first time. Where you say to yourself, “this person is going to be a part of my life moving forward, they’re good people”.

Great music has the ability to give me that exhilarating feeling similar to when I make a new friend… it’s priceless, it gives me life.

This is what I experienced when I first heard "Little Boy" by SAULT.

This was one of those instant “Rohan canon” first listens. In the world of me, I know this song will be with me forever, and will be a part of a myriad of playlists that I send with more than platonic intentions in the future...

This song, "Little Boy" also did more than just impress me with its beauty. It made me re-examine how I view the idea of having children.

Yea… I had a lotttt of thoughts when this little boy first entered my world.

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:26).

There are few rappers that I consider true aliens of the rap game. By aliens, I mean rappers who’s style feels one of one, incomprehensible, otherworldly. The kind of rapper that sounds good on any beat you throw at them.

I was honoured to be joined by one of said rappers, Mutant Academy’s Koncept Jack$on, who gave us a peak inside the mind of one of rap’s most unique lyricists.

Listen on to hear how the incredible Koncept Jack$on does what he does.

The development of Koncept’s style and his approach to rap (2:50). 

How Koncept gets inspired to write (9:44).

Advice Koncept would give to up and coming rappers to further hone their skills (12:37).

Koncept on his experience with Mutant Academy (18:10).

How Koncept and Ohbliv created the great JET MagaZINE Reissue ‘21 (25:37).

Koncept and noface’s musical connection (30:08).

How risk-taking inspires Koncept (33:16).

How HTR Vol. 1 was created (35:55).

Looking ahead to Koncept’s dream collaborations and future projects to look out for (38:35).

Support Koncept Jack$on's music here: https://konceptjackson.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Koncept Jack$on on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/konceptjackson_  

Follow Koncept Jack$on on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/konceptxjackson/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (1:44).

Weirdness and experimentation in music is a tricky thing. It’s very easy to go too far and make music that is so unlistenable to many listeners.

It is also easy to make music that feels pushes musical boundaries, but to no meaningful end. Where the end product doesn’t come together into a cohesive statement that says anything coherent.

Lucky for us listeners of Fatboi Sharif and noface’s latest album, Preaching in Havana, none of the above applies.

Havana is a true mindf*** of an album that is stunning, and I'm pleased to be joined by the creators of this record, Fatboi Sharif and noface, to explain how the h*** this twisted record was made.

The vision of Preaching in Havana (4:09).

The creative process of the Havana beats (10:58).

Why Sharif selected these beats to rap over (22:41).

Sharif’s increasingly abstract and impressionistic rapping style (28:07).

The importance of GENG’s post-production work on Havana (29:51).

Sharif and noface’s favourite songs (38:06).

Buy/Stream Preaching in Havana here: https://fatboisharif.bandcamp.com/album/preaching-in-havana 

Follow Fatboi Sharif on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/fatboyprospect?s=20&t=8z_cs72jtyE_XhbqtUwQUw 

Follow Fatboi Sharif on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fatboi_sharif/?hl=en 

Follow noface on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dough.face/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Review (1:45).

You know the saying of, “it’s not how what you say, but how you say it”. This is a point that is being proven time and time again, in politics and certainly in music.

I think this dynamic applies very nicely to R.A.P. Ferreira. Although his witty philosophical musings have been present in his music since the beginning of his decade-plus long career, I don’t think his music has ever sounded better.

The packaging, from the beats to the way Ferreira rhymes, has evolved tremendously from when I first heard him on things that happen at day // things that happen at night in 2013… to where he is now, with his latest album 5 to the Eye with Stars.

Ferreira has continuously sculpted his sound to great results, and I can’t wait to explain how.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "mythsysizer instinct"

Buy/stream 5 to the Eye with Stars here: https://afrolab9000.bandcamp.com/album/5-to-the-eye-with-stars 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:10).

Not only are topics like philosophy, spirituality, knowledge of self, difficult things to learn in and of itself... it’s an entirely different challenge to be able to communicate these topics with clarity. Not to mention with grace and humility to boot. Today’s guest, AKAI SOLO, does just that.

Something I told AKAI, and what bares repeating, is that an idea sounds simple when it is presented in his music. He’s that special.

With a fresh, and raw rap style that is reminiscent of Vordul Mega, and that’s not my words… that comes from the Backwoodz Studioz head honcho himself.

On the topic of Backwoodz, this artist joins the growing list of amazing artists dropping their best projects to-date. Since AKAI just released the beautiful Spirit Roaming just a couple of weeks ago, ne of the absolute best projects of the year, period.

This conversation was as insightful as you’d expect it would be with an artist like AKAI. Enjoy!

AKAI’s writing process (4:59). 

How AKAI characterizes his style of rap (16:13).

What AKAI’s music stands for (20:17).

AKAI’s creative connection with Navy Blue on True Sky (28:26).

AKAI’s mentality that he employs when approaching his career (31:49).

AKAI on being mindful of not alienating the audience (37:07).

The key inspiration behind the creation of Spirit Roaming (42:40).

The sound of Spirit Roaming (51:02).

The importance of woods executive producing Spirit Roaming (54:38).

How it feels being part of the Backwoodz Studioz run (1:00:47).

AKAI’s new album coming soon (1:05:36).

Support AKAI's music here: https://akaisolo.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow AKAI on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/shinlonered?s=20&t=ShYlpWtroe-E2kxSzfflag 

Follow AKAI on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/shinlonered/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

The Interview (1:42).

The Mutant Academy collective has been the launching point for many of rap’s most innovative creators over the past half decade. With uber-talented spitters such as Fly Anakin, and Koncept Jack$on, and captivating beatmakers such as ohbliv, Tuamie, Foisey, and our guest on today’s show... ewonee.

ewonee has fueled the sound for not only Mutant Academy releases, but has also worked with the brightest stars in the game right now. From Mach-Hommy to Estee Nack, to YUNGMORPHEUS, crafting beats for their outstanding collaborative album, Thumbing Thru Foliage.

If you’re interested in hearing how one of the finest producers in the game approaches their craft, make sure you check this out.

ewonee’s initial inspirations to make beats (3:30).

How coding is similar to producing (7:42).

Putting the “ewonee sound” in his own words (9:30).

How ewonee approaches a sample when considering it for a beat (11:24).

ewonee’s perspective on the drumless beats trend emerging in hip-hop (13:02).

ewonee speaks on what makes Mutant Academy special (16:42).

ewonee speaks on his favourite beats that he’s produced (22:31).

The difference in process when creating an instrumental album (23:54).

What makes YUNGMORPHEUS an inspiring artist to work with (26:33).

ewonee’s upcoming jazz album, and other projects to look out for (33:09).

Support ewonee's music here: https://ewonee.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow ewonee on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ewonee_ 

Follow ewonee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ewonee_/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Review (2:13).

Vulnerability is an interesting concept. The more vulnerable you get, the likelihood of you achieving true happiness and connection rises... just as the likelihood you get deeply hurt and traumatized rises as well.

In other words, vulnerability is a double-edged sword.

This is precisely why I gravitate so strongly to music that is personal. It’s because that’s where the magic happens, both in life and in music.

My home base has and will always be music that plays with that double-edged sword.

Since, as I just said at the beginning, vulnerability is what truly enables connection... connection between an artist and a listener surely, but more importantly, connection between a person and their true self.

Vulnerability is the only true path to acceptance, healing, and growth.

This is the path that we find billy woods on in his latest album Church, in collaboration with producer phenom Messiah Musik.

Listen on to see where this path took us…

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Pollo Rico"

Buy/stream Church here: https://billywoods.bandcamp.com/album/church 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

The Interview (2:27).

When I first heard today's guest on the show on El-P's "Oh Hail No" off of Cancer 4 Cure… I was sold immediately.

Even if it was just one feature, without me being aware of who this guy was and what projects he had under his belt, his flows, his bars, and his charisma were off the charts.

The talent of Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire was undeniable.

And luckily for me, he also had a catalog to back up this strong first impression by the time I tapped in around the year 2012, since eXquire had already dropped a fun and rugged mixtape in Lost in Translation, and then soon after would drop the terrifically thoughtful Kismet.

From then on I was a fan for life.

Now a decade later Brooklyn’s eXquire has released his most mature and reflective album yet, and is here today to discuss that and much, much more.

eXquire illustrates how he presents himself in his music vs. how he is in his regular life (3:58).

eXquire speaks on the influence of later 2000s era rappers on his musical style (7:51).

eXquire details the influence that artists such as El-P and the Definitive Jux crew had on his artistic development (12:00).

eXquire speaks on the differences between making music now (15:31).

eXquire speaks on some lessons that he learnt throughout his career (17:23).

eXquire illustrates the inspiration behind his latest album I Love Y.O.U Cus Y.O.U Ugly Vol. 1 (22:31).

eXquire opens up about how his daughter and uncle has inspired his music (25:48).

eXquire dives into the concept of Y.O.U, and why he is so proud of his latest album (28:23).

eXquire illustrates the musical direction of I Love Y.O.U (32:59).

eXquire speaks on some current active artists that inspire him (40:57).

eXquire answers a RMPP Patron question from Dan-O on the most heinous s*** talker in hip-hop (45:29).

Stream Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Sq6VkcHqHAuFvURbH3sXQ?si=I7672d0jR16qXsmKyRg5Ew 

Follow Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/mrmfnexquire 

Follow Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mynameishughie/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

The Interview (1:30).

In today’s political climate, music that speaks to real issues is something I gravitate to more than ever. If you add on wildly creative music to back said real issues, you’ve got me hooked. That’s exactly what we have with today’s guest on the show, Ghais Guevara.

Ghais is a Philly rapper who is unapologetic about his strong communist beliefs, who’s music has quickly achieved strong critical acclaim this year (from the likes of NPR, The Needle Drop, and more), with the release of his impressive new album There Will Be No Super-Slave.

Listen on and get to know an artist you will surely be hearing about for years to come.

Ghais speaks to how it’s felt receiving such widespread critical acclaim from his latest album, There Will Be No Super-Slave (1:59).

Ghais explains how he developed his political consciousness growing up (4:30).

Ghais speaks on if the label of “communist rapper” bothers him, or pigeonholes him in his career (10:09).

Ghais elaborates on his critiques of the Nordic political model, as it relates to his track off of BlackBolshevik, “F*** the Nordic Model“ (12:58).

Ghais gives his thoughts on the growing trend of pretentious leftists and academics that often alienate folks with their flowery vocabulary and narcissism (16:50).

Ghais illustrates how he developed his lyrical craft (22:31).

Ghais details what the main purpose was for his fiercely political There Will Be No Super-Slave (26:30).

Ghais describes his key musical influences, and the sound he was going for on There Will Be No Super-Slave (28:44).

Ghais elaborates on a compromising and settling, as it relates to the creation of There Will Be No Super-Slave (34:37).

Ghais details what to expect with his new FBFC mixtape (39:46).

Ghais gives a sneak peak to what we can expect with his next album (44:43).

Ghais names some dream collaborations of his (48:43).

Support Ghais Guevera's music here: https://ghais.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow Ghais Guevera on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/GhaisGuevara?s=20&t=_YYrNe2FcHmAT3Ng_ac_KQ 

Follow Ghais Guevera on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ghaisguevara/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (2:12).

When I started this Album Alchemy series, I wanted to get laser-focused on the intricacies found in some of the best rap albums being made, with the artists themselves.

So I feel like a series like this was tailor-made for the pair of artists we have featured in today’s episode.

Lukah, Memphis MC, has been on a tear in the past couple of years, who’s approach to music is as well-thought out as it comes.

He is joined by his right-hand man, Hollow Sol, who is the primary engineer for Lukah that mixes all of his music.

Together they joined forced to create one of the hardest and biggest sounding rap albums of the year, titled Raw Extractions.

If you wanna know about the incredibly intricate concept for this album, and how it ended up sounding so grand and ambitious... this is the episode for you.

Buy/Stream Raw Extractions here: https://lukah.bandcamp.com/album/raw-extractions 

Follow Lukah on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/biglukah?lang=en 

Follow Lukah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/biglukah/?hl=en 

Follow Hollow Sol on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hollowsollogansun/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

The XXL Freshman Class is an annual collection of some of the most mediocre young (ish) rappers coming up in the game. Instead of re-hashing a tired idea, I collaborated with cool guys at Freemusicempire to have a different conversation.  

We flipped the conversation and discussed our favourite veterans in the game, in order to compile the first iteration of the RMPP x FME Senior Class.

I hope you enjoy this bonus episode while I'm taking a week off to focus on non-pod activities. 

Join the Freemusicempire here: https://freemusicempire.com/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

The Interview (1:47).

Turning nothing into something, overcoming your surroundings, exhibiting incredible perseverance, have all served as major components to the stories of hip-hop's greats throughout the years.

Today I am joined by someone who absolutely fits that bill. Someone who has succeeded with his integrity and authenticity intact.

That man is Vic Spencer, who’s 2022 has been stellar, dropping great records in Still Here with Doc da Mindbenda, Mudslide with Small Professor, and most recently, Psychological Cheat Sheet 3 with August Fanon.

If you’re interested in feeling inspired or enlightened right now, this conversation with Vic Spencer is for you!

And if you’re not into that sort of thing, that's cool too. I think DJ Akademiks has exactly what you’re looking for!

Vic speaks on how he remains so unapologetically authentic in his music (3:02).

Vic speaks on how he avoids the ‘crab in a bucket’ mentality that many other rap artists fall victim to (8:02).

Vic dives into his challenging childhood, and how he turned his group home experiences into a positive (16:30).

Vic speaks on the elevated sense of purpose in his recent records, and giving back to the youth (25:25).

Vic details why he likes the 1 producer-1 rapper structure for an album (29:05).

Vic provides insight into the unique 8-year long creative process for Still Here with Doc da Mindbenda (34:11).

Vic illustrates why he wanted to showcase more of his lighter side on Mudslide with Small Professor (40:12).

Vic details the deep connection he shares with August Fanon, and the inspiration behind the deeply personal Psychological Cheat Sheet series (43:29).

Vic details the meaning behind some of the most powerful lines on a Psychological Cheat Sheet gem, “Tear Duct Tape” (57:50).

Vis details upcoming projects to look out for (1:16:07).

Support Vic Spencer's music here: https://vicspencer.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Vic Spencer on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/VicSpencer?s=20&t=bix8NLARPZ1K1frNpgudbg 

Follow Vic Spencer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vicspencer/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Review (1:42).

2022 has been a year of marquee albums coming to fruition in hip-hop. After 20+ years, we finally got another album from Black Star. billy woods and Preservation, two artists that were a match made in heaven together, blessed us with Aethiopes. Danger Mouse and Black Thought came through with their collaborative album Cheat Codes.

But no other album in 2022 captured the intrigue of hip-hop head’s more than the long-awaited collaboration between the almighty Alchemist and Roc Marciano, titled The Elephant Man’s Bones.

Expectations were sky high, so I can’t wait to give you my take on if those lofty expectations were met… or disappointingly failed to live up to the hype.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Rubber Hand Grip"

Stream The Elephant Man's Bones here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3Kkrsa5dgEgl2fYyO51EEf?si=zNod_K2iQ_-ymGmrYB_gVw 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

The Interview (2:03).

Album artwork and the visual side of hip-hop has always played a key role in how music lovers engaged with the art form.

In today’s episode we are joined by someone who’s work has provided visuals for some of rap’s finest. From legends such as Prodigy, Clipse, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, and most notably as of late, many Backwoodz Studioz artists such as Armand Hammer and ShrapKnel.

I hope you enjoy today’s illuminating conversation with the incredibly talented photographer and film director, Alexander Richter.

Richter details how he got into photography and film growing up, and why he gravitated towards the visuals of hip-hop vs. the music creation side of the equation (3:01).

Richter provides his take on if album artwork has increased or decreased in value, in our current digital streaming era (8:54).

Richter illustrates the creative process that goes into collaborating with an artist on a visual (15:03).

Richter describes how he improves his craft as a photographer (24:04).

Richter describes how he first got actively involved in hip-hop as a photographer (28:56).

Richter gives us his craziest story shooting with a rapper, working with Action Bronson on the Saab Stories album cover (31:54).

Richter explains why he and Backwoodz Studioz connect so well, becoming a fixture in the Backwoodz Studioz universe (38:55).

Richter provides insight into the striking slaughtered pig album artwork for Haram (42:26).

Richter describes the vision of his short film Dark Brother Rise (50:12).

Richter gives his thoughts on the concept of trust in film, as it relates to the jean-yuhs documentary (59:50).

Richter answers a RMPP PATREON question from Dan-O of Freemusicempire on what stands out to him in a great photo (1:06:06).

Richter shouts out where you can find his work (1:13:38) (link below!).

Support Alexander Richter's work here: https://alexanderrichterphoto.com/  

Watch Dark Brother Rise here: https://www.darkbrotherrise.com/ 

Follow Alexander Richter on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/AlexandeRichter?s=20&t=pLthRxEsbUAaNqhXLCXGdQ 

Follow Alexander Richter on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderrichter/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (2:00).

Few albums build an entirely fresh and distinct musical universe quite like ShrapKnel’s Metal Lung. 

Within seconds, the duo of PremRock and Curly Castro bring you on a 40+ minute journey that features a combination of A1 lyricism, and production that is wildly psychedelic and atmospheric.

Coming off the heels of two great solo albums respectively, and the debut ShrapKnel record that was great in its own right, my expectations couldn't have been higher for Metal Lung... and I am very happy to say that these expectations were blown out of the water.

The dynamic duo of Curly Castro and PremRock joined the show to deep-dive into the creation of Metal Lung, in the 3rd installment of the Album Alchemy series.

Listen on to hear how one of the best albums of 2022 was conceived.

Buy Metal Lung here: https://shrapknel.bandcamp.com/album/metal-lung 

Follow PremRock on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/PlanetPremRock?s=20&t=Y_WTB0pKsxoDf4YvG4pItg 

Follow Curly Castro on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Curly_Castro?s=20&t=Y_WTB0pKsxoDf4YvG4pItg 

Follow PremRock on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/premrock/?hl=en 

Follow Curly Castro on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/curlycastro/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (2:03).

Whether it was back in 2005 when I was first starting to develop a distinct affection for the art form, or even now, a whole 17 years later.

When I look at the artists that soundscape so much of my life that I admire, who I lean on to process trauma, to escape my day to day, to instill some fun and confidence into my life... these artists rarely, if ever, look like me.

And that is why I want to take you on a quick journey through the looking glass of an Indian lover of hip-hop, and discuss the importance of representation through the art form we all love, hip-hop.

Throughout, I will also highlight a few pivotal artists in Heems, Big Baby Gandhi, and Madlib along the way.

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (1:56).

As a fan of music, one of my favourite things to witness is an artist that I love have their breakthrough moment... where their peers, or listeners truly give them the respect they deserve.

For BLOODBLIXING and his latest album, NBA STREETZ: GANGSTA EDITION, it was a little bit of both.

With a feature list running the gamut from the likes of Rahiem Supreme, Defcee, Vic Spencer, AJ Suede, and motherfucking billy woods, it is clear that other fellow great artists in the game are recognizing BLOODBLIXING’s talent.

Couple the impressive guest list with a fan response that has not felt nearly as positive as it has with this latest record, NBA STREETZ is surely a milestone achievement in BLOODBLIXING’s career.

In my opinion, this album is the definitive BLOODBLIXING experience, which is why I’m pleased to have BLOODBLIXING re-join the show as the first repeat guest we’ve ever had, to deep-dive into this record in the second installment of the Album Alchemy series.

Buy NBA STREETZ here: https://bloodblixing.bandcamp.com/album/nba-streetz-gangsta-edition 

Follow BLOODBLIXING on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/bloodblixing1?s=20 

Follow BLOODBLIXING on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bigblixing/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Review (2:16).

Lupe Fiasco, is a stalwart in the hip-hop game, having made music for roughly two decades now, to very good and often great results.

The Chicago MC has returned with his 8th studio album, and decided to create this latest on in an entirely different way than he has made any other album prior.

Lupe worked with a producer named, Soundtrakk, a frequent longtime collaborator of his, to create DRILL MUSIC IN ZION in just three days.

The conception of this album was inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, or appreciating the beauty in imperfection.

Lupe stated that his goal with this album was to find a balance between the "whimsy and the profound". That is very telling, and serves as a useful lens to apply to this album as a whole.

Listen on to see if stepping outside of his comfort zone unlocked some new magic for Lupe… or left me wanting more.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "MS. MURAL"

Stream DRILL MUSIC IN ZION here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0UennjqMxb1SAsaf7bsSwE?si=uL_E-QEzSeydTjjkXzsglA 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:43).

Picking the brain of the artist who created Paraffin, Save Yourself, Haram and most recently I Told Bessie, would’ve sounded like a pipe dream just a year and a half ago...

But now, off the strength of the love and support you the listener have provided me, I was able to sit down with South Jamaica Queen’s E L U C I D for an interview in Ep. 115 of the show.

We dove deep into his one-of-a-kind lyricism, his creative relationship with billy woods, his spirituality, and his latest album of the year contender, I Told Bessie.

Simply put, this was a fantastic conversation with one of the best rappers of all time. 

Are you not entertained??!!

E L U C I D illuminates the conception of his unique style of rap, and the influence of poetry in his music (2:06).

E L U C I D addresses the strange and obtuse perception of his music being “too hard to understand” (9:31).

E L U C I D expands on a poignant line off of “Soft Gold”, describing the various positive and negative emotions associated with his recent rise in popularity (14:14).

E L U C I D illustrates the genesis for the creation of Armand Hammer with billy woods (20:41).

E L U C I D describes the main reason him and billy woods work so well as a duo (22:03).

E L U C I D details the kind of role that he assumes within the Armand Hammer creative process (24:27).

E L U C I D illustrates what he believes he’s learnt working with woods through years, and what woods has learnt from him (26:02).

E L U C I D describes the key element that The Alchemist brought to the Armand Hammer sauce on Haram (29:54).

E L U C I D speaks to what changes in his life have impacted him the most since 2016’s Save Yourself, and this year’s I Told Bessie (33:12).

E L U C I D sheds light on the reasoning for moving away from producing beats for his more recent project (36:01).

E L U C I D speaks to what compelled him to release I Told Bessie at this specific moment (38:25).

E L U C I D dives into his spiritual background, and how this aspect of his life influences his music (42:24).

E L U C I D illustrates how he worked with Willie Green and the other producer collaborators to craft the sound for I Told Bessie, and what kind of sound he was aiming for (50:20).

E L U C I D details his five favourite Backwoodz projects ever (1:00:07) (question supplied by RMPP Patron and host of Freemusicempire, Dan-O… so become a patron if you want the chance to ask artists like E L U C I D a question!!!).

E L U C I D details upcoming projects/events that fans should look out for (1:02:05).

Support E L U C I D's music here: https://elucid.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow E L U C I D on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/elucidwho?lang=en 

Follow E L U C I D on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cobratoof/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (1:33).

In Ep. 114, we debut the first instalment of a new series on this show, Album Alchemy, which deep-dives into some of rap's best albums, with the creators themselves.

This instalment spotlights the fiercely aggressive MIGHTYCANNONS, discussing the ins-and-outs of its development with its creators, Ace Cannons and MIGHTYHEALTHY. 

Buy MIGHTYCANNONS here: grimeynobody.com & use "AOTY" at checkout (this week) for a 15-20% discount  

Follow Ace Cannons on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/itscannons 

Follow Ace Cannons on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/itscannons/?hl=en 

Follow MIGHTYHEALTHY on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MIGHTYHEALTHY_ 

Follow MIGHTYHEALTHY on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mightyhealthymusic/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

The Interview (1:21).

*Note: Internet connectivity issues caused some audio/video issues that could not all be corrected in post.

The ever-thoughtful and intelligent Nebraska MC, Sleep Sinatra, joined the show to dive into his upbringing and worldview that informs his music, such as this year's BRAINSTORMZ and Spirit Box, that are among some of the genre's strongest releases of 2022.  

Sleep discusses what sparked his admiration for hip-hop within his Nebraska upbringing (1:54).

Sleep describes the ideal that he was seeking to attain as a rapper when he first began developing his craft (8:41).

Sleep explains how his rapping benefits from his production work, and vice-versa (14:41).

Sleep opens up about what his recent experiences with the justice system taught him, and how that impacted his music (23:06).

Sleep details what he hopes his music communicates to the listener (27:56).

Sleep discusses how fatherhood has impacted his music, and how he sees the world (33:31).

Sleep describes the creation process of BRAINSTORMZ (34:21).

Sleep discusses what made him gravitate towards collaborating with 8-bza on Spirit Box (36:04).

Sleep details the genesis of the Spirit Box album title (37:53).

Sleep details his upcoming projects that you should keep an eye out for (40:12).

Buy/stream Spirit Box here: https://8-bza.bandcamp.com/album/spirit-box 

Support Sleep Sinatra's music here: https://sleepsinatra1.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Sleep Sinatra on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SleepSinai?s=20 

Follow Sleep Sinatra on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sleepsinatra/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Hook (0:21).

Main Body of Review (1:57).

Since the stock of Armand Hammer and the Backwoodz Studioz name has risen exponentially in recent years, this latest album from E L U C I D presented a real opportunity for him.

A prime opportunity for E L U C I D to solidify his perch in rap lore as one of the best artists of his generation, by delivering an album that amazes when the spotlight is beaming at its brightest.

I Told Bessie was not only a highly-anticipated album, but felt like one of, if not, THE most important moments in hip-hop this year.

So the question is, did E L U C I D follow through on these weighty expectations and cash in on his chance in the spotlight? Listen to find out...

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Bunny Chow"

Stream/Buy I Told Bessie here: https://elucid.bandcamp.com/album/i-told-bessie?mc_cid=1e6703b4b3&mc_eid=d48bd132c7 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

--

R.I.P Simba. I will always love you.

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:04).

Here is the second edition of the Conversation Pieces series where I present my case for Mach-Hommy on Pray for Haiti, as my favourite Mach rap performance ever.

If you want cool content like this, months earlier than when you're getting it now, become an RMPP patron today, and obtain access to many forms of exclusive content that you won't be able to get anywhere else.

Stream Pray for Haiti here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7doW9YWOtpmqHBqAUuBaKO?si=V4cvPj9PSW6JybMjkLYWMQ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 111, I am joined by a beloved musical act from Chicago, Rich Jones, who’s thoughtful and diverse talents have really impressed me over the past couple years.

His most recent achievements include 2020’s How do you sleep at night? with Montana Macks, 2021's Blue Beach with Killer Kane, and his latest album with Iceberg Theory titled Smoke Detector.

Rich details his entry point into hip-hop (4:54).

Rich gives his perspective of the Chicago hip-hop scene (13:05).

Rich gives some insight into keys he learnt through his two-decade long career as an artist (26:08).

Iceberg Theory joins the show, and detailed the collaborative process working with Rich Jones on Smoke Detector (31:11).

Rich explains the eclectic nature of Smoke Detector, and the deep musical variety (34:02).

Iceberg explains why he trusted Rich to rock such a uniquely diverse set of beats (42:36).

Rich discusses how he developed the singing element of his artistic repertoire (48:01).

Iceberg explains what aspect of the craft of production has improved for him over the years, during his recent prolific run (55:12).

Rich details the meaning behind the album title of Smoke Detector (59:37).

Rich details the conception of the 7-minute epic, “Blankets” off Smoke Detector (1:04:55).

Rich details the significance of the mesmerizing “There Are 2 of You” off Smoke Detector (1:15:34).

Rich details the recording process of Blue Beach with Killer Kane (1:26:29).

Rich discusses his future goals (1:33:27).

Buy/stream Smoke Detector here: https://filthybroke.bandcamp.com/album/smoke-detector 

Support Rich Jones' music here: https://richjonesmusic.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow Rich Jones on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/jonessoruthless?s=20&t=WrcFmstFcI8Koa-Y-nsgKA 

Follow Rich Jones on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/richjones_music/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Detroit’s Quelle Chris is currently on a run that has already cemented himself as one of the most important hip-hop artists of the past decade.

His oddball eccentricity, insightful perspective lyrically, and musical mastery has powered his music to amazing heights... delivering some of my favourite records in recent memory.

Quelle has been at the forefront of hip-hop’s creative renaissance for the better part of the last decade.

And at this point in his career, Quelle not only is aware of that… but is trying to come to terms with what that means to him, and what he has learnt along the way to what many would call success

Yet, as is made clear on DEATHFAME, success is a loaded word that has a lot of implications for Quelle that doesn’t always paint a clean rosy picture.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Alive Ain't Always Living"

Stream/Buy DEATHFAME here: https://quellechris360.bandcamp.com/album/deathfame 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Who is Kendrick Lamar?

That is a serious question, because for as much as Kendrick has given us of him in his music... there has always been a certain protective barrier shielding us the audience, from this talented 34 year-old guy from Compton.

On Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Kendrick leaves no stone unturned, putting an hour-long therapy session on wax, for the world to see and criticize as they please.

This is Kendrick at his most daring and human, which makes Big Steppers feel vastly different than anything else he's created thus far.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Mother I Sober"

Stream Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1atjqOZTCdrjxjMyCPZc2g?si=aDWQE7aAQUWFBlWVcV-zkA

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:04).

Here is the first edition of the Conversation Pieces series, which aims to shine a light on some inspired gems of creativity in hip-hop that I’ve encountered...

That being said, this one is another layer of different for me, since I'm covering MOTOMAMI by Spanish songstress Rosalìa, specifically from the standpoint of how hip-hop fueled her artistry and the compelling creativity of this new album.

If you want cool content like this, months earlier than when you're getting it now, become an RMPP patron today, and obtain access to many forms of exclusive content that you won't be able to get anywhere else.

Stream MOTOMAMI here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6jbtHi5R0jMXoliU2OS0lo?si=n5BHdJmrShm-Fu9l65W0Gg 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Vince Staples is an MC with immense potential, who has never fully cashed in on his potential.

I prognosticated on how Vince could take the leap on my previous review of his self-titled album, however, Vince kept his head down and ended up making the most complete album of his career... RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART. 

RMPP Preferred Cut: "WHEN SPARKS FLY"

Stream RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2G549zeda2XNICgLmU0pNW?si=t3o7NV4VSX6m38PmOl83PA 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 107, we were joined by the esoteric, abstract, and incredibly smooth rapper from Seattle, AJ Suede. Suede has delivered two of my absolute favourite albums of this year, in his Televangel-produced collaborative album, Metatron’s Cube, and his collaborative album with Small Professor, Hundred Year Darkness.

AJ is a very thoughtful individual with a special kind of voice that both came through loud and clear in this conversation. 

Suede gives us some insight into the hip-hop scene in Seattle (2:00).

Suede details the influences that have shaped his artistry (5:24).

Suede dives into his attraction to spirituality and philosophy (11:21).

Suede details how he approaches writing to a song (15:12).

Suede provides guidance on how artists can define a signature style for themselves (17:53).

Suede talks which comes more naturally, beat-making or rapping, and the differences between producing his own music and working with outside production (21:41).

Suede details how Metatron’s Cube is reminiscent of the classic loud rap sound, but with a boom-bap twist (28:56).

Suede expands on the idea of cube worship (38:22).

Suede explains how him and Small Professor approached the sound for Hundred Year Darkness (41:30).

Suede shouts out some other producers that he’d love to work with in the future, and upcoming projects to look out for (49:38).

Support AJ Suede's music here: https://ajsuede.com/ 

Follow AJ Suede on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/AJSUEDE?s=20&t=evuNswp7uNcfoqUmuK0aTg 

Follow AJ Suede on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ajsuede/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

The League of Extraordinary Content Creators (LOECC) is a conglomerate of some of the sharpest minds in hip-hop journalism (if I do say so myself), composed of the following members:

• Gary Suarez - writer and podcaster for CABAGGES, with bylines in Rolling Stone and Vulture: https://linktr.ee/imgarysuarez 
• CineMasai - writer and podcaster with the Reel Notes podcast, with bylines in Pitchfork, Okayplayer, and DJBooth: https://linktr.ee/CineMasai 
• Dan-O - writer and podcaster for Freemusicempire: https://linktr.ee/Freemusicempire 
• SonRaw - writer/DJ/Producer, with bylines in FactMag and Passion of the Weiss: https://linktr.ee/sonraw 
• ... and Me!

In the first installment from the LOECC, we discuss the highly-anticipated album from Virginia's Pusha T, It's Almost Dry. 

It was an absolute honour to rub virtual shoulders with some hip-hop journalist heavyweights. This conversation was an absolute blast that is chock full of gems... don't miss this!!! 

RMPP Preferred Cut: "I Pray for You"

Stream It's Almost Dry here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6o38CdD7CUlZDCFhjZYLDH?si=codyid1CRDWypy_z9BB6Jw 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

The long-awaited RMPP review of billy woods' Aethiopes is finally upon us.

In the past few years, the stock of billy woods has risen exponentially. Many of us who are truly tapped in have been screaming from the rooftops that woods is one of the best to ever do it.

Now, with the release of his latest solo album, produced solely by Preservation, the world may finally be forced to reckon with the greatness of one of the best writers who ever lived.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Remorseless"

Stream/Buy Aethiopes here: https://billywoods.bandcamp.com/album/aethiopes 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 105, New York's multi-talented rapper, producer, podcaster, videographer, Duncecap, joined us on the show. Dunce is known for his strong left-field take on hip-hop that has impressed for years, with no better addition to his catalog than the supremely dope Go Climb a Tree released on Backwoodz Studioz earlier this year.

Dunce is a good dude, and made for an interesting conversation!

Duncecap explains how he came up with his artist name of “Duncecap” (1:59).

Duncecap explains how he first got into hip-hop when he was younger (4:57).

Duncecap elaborates on what influenced him to love music with “freaky beats” (8:11).

Duncecap how he developed the confidence to present himself as such a different rapper than what’s typical (14:23).

Duncecap explains his affinity video games, his Duncecast podcast, and the connection he sees between video games and hip-hop (23:26).

Duncecap illustrates what drew him to the visual side of art creation (28:47).

Duncecap discusses the influence Backwoodz Studioz had on his latest album, Go Climb a Tree, and how it feels being part of the Backwoodz movement in hip-hop (34:24).

Duncecap explains the meaning of the Go Climb a Tree album title (39:23).

Duncecap illustrates why HAJINO was a great pairing with him on Go Climb a Tree (41:35).

Duncecap’s feelings towards the positive reception Go Climb a Tree has received (48:56).

Duncecap talks about his upcoming projects (50:46).

Support Duncecap's music here: https://duncecap.bandcamp.com/music 

Support Duncecap's video work here: https://www.mikepetrow.com/ 

Follow Duncecap on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Duncecap_?s=20 

Follow Duncecap on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/duncecap_/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 104, we are discussing another recent marquee Griselda release, Benny’s long-anticipated Tana Talk 4.

With the help of long-time business associates in Daringer and The Alchemist, many thought TT4 would be a complete return to the grimy street roots of Benny's most celebrated works, in Tana Talk 3 and The Plugs I Met.

However, what we ended up getting on Tana Talk 4 was a bit of a blend of Benny's core street content, and his later-career wisdom of past albums like Burden of Proof.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Billy Joe"

Stream Tana Talk 4 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4FZ2ilW8I4HxVz0gWEYzX2 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 103, we welcome Baltimore's Teddy Faley to the show!

Teddy possesses a terrific ability to cover heavy topics with striking honesty, and twisted humour. His latest album Teddy Brown Brown is one of the best albums of 2022 so far.

This was a fun one, you definitely won't want to miss this!

Teddy details his first experiences with hip-hop growing up in Baltimore (2:36).

Teddy speaks on some of his musical influences, as it relates to production (5:31).

Teddy reflects on the root cause of affinity for nihilism and dark humour, and how that informs his music (11:54).

Teddy explains why he’s drawn to making this brand of hip-hop that is so confessional and honest, and highlights his key artistic influence (22:42).

Teddy explains how he removed the ‘safety net’ of abstraction and metaphor, and spoke more directly on Teddy Brown Brown (25:34).

Teddy details if there has ever been a song that was too raw or difficult to release (31:34).

Teddy discusses how the pandemic affected his music (37:11).

Teddy explains if there was ever a moment in his career where he truly realized he had a talent for rap (39:36).

Teddy details what relinquishing the beat-making duties for Teddy Brown Brown did for the final product (49:43).

Teddy deep-dives into his exceptionally creative and evocative song, “A Song About Cigarettes But It’s About My Dead Mom Too” (52:50).

Teddy details upcoming projects we should be looking out for, including his new album titled, The Banshee Connection (59:22).

Support Teddy Faley's music here: https://teddyfaley.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow Teddy Faley on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/teddyfaley?s=20 

Follow Teddy Faley on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/teddyfaley/ 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Conway the Machine's long awaited Shady Records studio album, God Don't Make Mistakes, has finally arrived. 

To discuss this highly anticipated record, I was joined by Virginia artist-writer extraordinaire Dash Lewis, who lent his keen ear to this album and helped discuss this intriguing addition to the Machine's catalog.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Stressed"

Stream God Don't Make Mistakes here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4w1BBgCcUVv54r3zJenKpG?si=hAnbTYFyQHmygf1ZrRj6dA  

Follow Dash Lewis on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/gardenerjams?s=20 

Follow Dash Lewis on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerjams/ 

Check out Dash's various written work and music here: https://linktr.ee/gardenerjams 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 101, we continue the discussion on the genius of Cities Aviv... this time with the man himself!

The artistry of Memphis' Cities Aviv can be described appropriately by the word, groundbreaking. He is one of the most important acts in hip-hop in recent memory.

Cities' work spans over a decade long, featuring a prolific output of some of the most forward-thinking hip-hop imaginable. In recent years he’s received widespread acclaim from the hip-hop world, and myself included, for his past two masterpieces in THE CRASHING SOUND OF HOW IT GOES and MAN PLAYS THE HORN. 

If you’re curious to know what makes such a creative mind like this tick, this is the episode for you!

Cities’ initial experiences with music, and how he acquired his eclectic ear for music (2:46).

Cities explains how he mixes so many different genres into his unique brand of hip-hop music (5:33).

Cities speaks on how he uses his voice in his music, and what that adds to the art (15:02).

Cities illustrates how he manages to truly be himself in his music, and be comfortable in his own skin (18:18).

Cities breaks down a bar from “BLACK PLEASURE”, and speaks on how he’d like to be remembered when it’s all said and done (22:00).

Cities explains how his hometown of Memphis influences his music (28:03).

Cities speaks on his creative and personal relationship with fellow Memphis rapper, Lukah (31:56).

Cities illustrates the kinds of emotions he was looking to explore on THE CRASHING SOUND OF HOW IT GOES (34:43).

Cities speaks on the emotional progression that was displayed in his recent string of albums (39:19).

Cities details what exactly he looks for in a sample (43:19).

Cities explains why many of his songs are presented in multiple parts on MAN PLAYS THE HORN (51:24).

Cities discusses his latest instrumental project, Tamika’s Lodge, and why he released it under a different artistic moniker (55:54).

Cities highlights his upcoming projects to look out for (59:58).

Support Cities Aviv's music here: https://citiesaviv.bandcamp.com 

Follow Cities Aviv on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/CitiesAviv?s=20 

Follow Cities Aviv on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/citiesaviv/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In this bonus episode, I give you my rough thoughts on what I feel we truly learned, and/or didn't learn, about Kanye from the incredibly popular documentary, jean-yuhs.

If you’d like access to monthly bonus episode, and much more exclusive content… become an RMPP Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Watch jean-yuhs here: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81426972

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 100 (wow, we hit a century mark of episodes!), I was joined by the lovely folks at The Next Movement Podcast to discuss the remarkably creative MAN PLAYS THE HORN, created by Memphis virtuoso, Cities Aviv.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "SUBTERRANEAN STAIRCASE"

Buy/Stream MAN PLAYS THE HORN here: https://citiesaviv.bandcamp.com/album/man-plays-the-horn 

Support The Next Movement Podcast here: https://linktr.ee/thenextmovementpod  

Follow The Next Movement Podcast on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/nextmovementpod 

Follow The Next Movement Podcast on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thenextmovementpod/ 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

It’s rare that you find an artist that truly sounds like nothing else you’ve heard before. In Episode 99, not only was able to find such an artist, but I was blessed to speak to one of them.

Philly’s andrew is a unique artist whose music features a blend of melody and eclectic tastes that are infuse into a brand of hip-hop that is irresistibly catchy, and remarkably honest.

andrew discusses the origins of his eclectic influences (2:25).

andrew describes how he learnt how to write raps, and make beats (6:15).

andrew speaks to the influence that blog era hip-hop has had on his music (10:48).

andrew explains the experience of being so open and honest in his art, and a public forum (15:17).

andrew illustrates how producing his own music unlocked new potential in his artistry (19:35).

andrew details his progression as an artist over the past few years, and his feelings towards the acclaim The Rain Knows What It’s Doing has received (26:37).

andrew explains how the more lush and grand production of The Rain Knows What It’s Doing came to be (32:24).

andrew explains what his mindset was while creating The Rain Knows What It’s Doing, and the primary message he was trying to convey (38:12).

andrew talks about his experience releasing his latest album under Zilla Rocca’s Three Dollar Pistol label, and the impact Zilla had on this album’s rollout (42:59).

andrew details a slew of upcoming projects in 2022 that you should be excited about (54:57).

Support andrew's music here: https://rapperandrew.bandcamp.com/music 

Cop andrew's latest album here: https://threedollarpistol.com/album/the-rain-knows-what-its-doing 

Follow andrew on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/andrewwwdotnet 

Follow andrew on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/searchableandrew/ 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 98, I was joined by one of the most fascinating artists in the underground, DMV's Rahiem Supreme. This is an artist whose buzz has never been bigger, having just signed to a label, and recently dropping countless quality projects with the likes of Ohbliv, Al.divino, and more.

He’s also a car enthusiast, and generally cool dude who made this a fun and entertaining conversation!

Rahiem gives us details on the new label he signed with (2:32).

Rahiem discusses how he cultivated his eccentric artistic style (6:36).

Rahiem discusses why he has such an affinity for the vintage sound, and the importance he places on the performance aspect of rapping (14:10).

Rahiem explains why he pays attention to his creativity outside of just the music (21:26).

Rahiem details how him and Ohbliv approached the creation of Black Keys wit Melodies (28:34).

Rahiem illustrates why he’s so drawn to this old school funk vibe (33:52).

Rahiem explains why Black Keys wit Melodies could’ve only been made now in his career, after a decade plus of mastering his craft, and accumulating different life experiences (37:47).

Rahiem speaks on the making of the wild and nutty Splash Bandicoot, and what makes an Al.divino beat so special (40:40).

Rahiem discusses his latest album, Dogon Sirius, and his relationship with producer axpuzzles (48:14).

Rahiem details how involved he gets in the sound of his albums (54:06).

Rahiem details what upcoming projects to expect from him in 2022 (58:20).

Support Rahiem Supreme's music here: https://rahiemsupreme.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Rahiem Supreme on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/rahiemsupreme?s=20 

Follow Rahiem Supreme on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/godzillasupreme/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

SICK! still works in typically depressive content that Earl’s music has been synonymous with over the years, but there is a clarity and acceptance that reigns supreme with the mindstate Earl communicates on this album.

No longer is he seemingly drowning in an ocean of sorrow and confusion, like he was on Some Rap Songs. Instead he sounds more self-assured, and triumphant... like he has successfully made it through those dark times he had dealt with in the past. And now has a more mature and positive outlook on life, influenced heavily by his new son that entered his life, and the COVID pandemic.

This isn’t cheap vapid “I love my wife” positivity from the likes of a Chance the Rapper let’s say, it’s far from it. Instead, there is a dynamic that makes this optimism of sorts from Earl on SICK! feel authentic and earned, where the listener can easily feel the depth behind this hope, and know it’s been derived from real life experiences.

The way Earl communicates all of this is with his trademark brand of succinct poetry that allows him to jam so much impact into each and every bar. It’s this dense style of writing that has always made Earl’s music have such high replay value, and SICK! is no exception.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Fire in the Hole"

Stream SICK! here: https://open.spotify.com/album/51heTwkSfb4Z5dRIgwU2bd?si=mQrEouNAQqmjtdYOm_cJTA 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 96, I was joined by PremRock who is a prolific artist with a catalog that includes an album full of Tom Waits re-interpretations, a collaborative album with Curly Castro as ShrapKnel, and his latest truly incredible body of work, Load Bearing Crow’s Feet.

Prem is the latest artist to join and add to the recent Backwoodz Studioz and Wrecking Crew invasion of guests that have come on the show. We were very happy to have him!

PremRock dives into his key artistic influences (2:05).

PremRock gives insight into his writing process (9:55).

PremRock details when he realized that there was a true career for him in hip-hop (16:19).

PremRock explains why the dynamic between him and Castro, as ShrapKnel, is so special (25:38).

PremRock previews the upcoming follow-up record from ShrapKnel (30:44).

PremRock gives his take on what he believes the legacy of Backwoodz Studioz will be, when it’s all said and done (34:11).

PremRock illustrates how his past life experience impacted the lyricism on Load Bearing Crow’s Feet (39:29).

PremRock explains how he approached the creation of Load Bearing Crow’s Feet differently than past albums (47:17).

PremRock speaks to the important role that Willie Green played on Load Bearing Crow’s Feet (54:42).

PremRock details the meaning of the Load Bearing Crow’s Feet title (56:24).

PremRock details what new projects we can expect from him in 2022 (1:01:43).

Support PremRock's music here: https://planetpremrock.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow PremRock on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/PlanetPremRock?s=20 

Follow PremRock on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/premrock/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 95, I was joined by a very special guest with me who has authored two entries into my best of 2021 list, in Never at Peace and Vegas Vic, and is a member of the Wrecking Crew, and a host of the Call Out Culture podcast.

He hails from the home of the cheesesteak, and Nick Foles... this man is Philly’s own Zilla Rocca.

Zilla delves into how he first got into hip-hop as a fan when he was younger (2:10).

Zilla explains how Philly influenced his music and his career (6:08).

Zilla describes the meaning behind the Vegas Vic album title (12:31).

Zilla illustrates Disco Vietnam’s influence on the creation of Vegas Vic (19:47).

Zilla discusses the art of the hook game in hip-hop (26:58).

Zilla discusses how his fellow Wrecking Crew members impact his creative process (33:59).

Zilla details the meaning behind the Career Crooks group name, and the importance of a group name generally (38:15).

Zilla details how he got connected to Small Pro (43:43).

Zilla explains why exactly Small Pro beats resonate with him so much (47:12).

Zilla gives his take on the self-sufficient DIY movement that is developing in the indie scene (49:11).

Zilla discusses why the 1 rapper-1 producer model has taken off over the past decade in hip-hop (57:19).

Zilla details what he has learnt through hosting the Call Out Culture Podcast (1:06:10).

Zilla outlines what projects he has upcoming in 2022 (1:13:11).

Support Zilla Rocca's music here: https://threedollarpistol.com/music 

Follow Zilla Rocca on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ZillaRocca?s=20 

Follow Zilla Rocca on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/zillarocca/?hl=en 

--

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast 

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

When it comes to Nas, I feel rap fans are constantly in a state of trying to diagnose his career... figuring out what’s the best situation and collaborators to yield the best results from one of rap’s inarguable brightest talents.

So in Episode 94 I was joined by the ever-insightful SonRaw to do continue this long-lasting hip-hop tradition, by discussing Nas' latest album Magic. SonRaw is - writer, DJ, producer who has written for Complex, Passion of the Weiss, FactMag, and more!

Our conversation spanned multiple topics that exceeded the bounds of just this single album, or even Nas, so you will surely want to tune in!

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Meet Joe Black"

Stream Magic here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1tiCHRx9AI11hfcLmkGEXT?si=hYar0YDBRm2XgEaDhNDHig 

Support SonRaw's music here: https://son-raw.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow SonRaw on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SonRaw?s=20 

Check out SonRaw's various written work and projects here: https://linktr.ee/sonraw 

--

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

In Episode 93, I was joined by a very special guest with me who has had a particularly affect on me as a brown hip-hop head growing up: Big Baby Gandhi.

Hailing from Flushing, Queens, formerly of Heems of Das Racist’s Greedhead label, you may have heard him on his solo work through well-received projects such as, Big F****** Baby, No1 2 Look Up 2, or We Live in a Society... or on a track with the Das Racist crew. He is thoughtful, charismatic, and funny as hell, and is also currently a practicing medical writer.

Hear a sneak peak at the outspoken nature of Big Baby Gandhi, as I began recording prior to us even legitimately beginning the interview like normal (0:49).

An introduction to Big Baby Gandhi (7:08).

Gandhi speaks on his upbringing and exposure to hip-hop as a Bangladeshi immigrant, growing up in New York (8:42).

Gandhi breaks down the fantasy that lies in rapper finances (17:37).

Gandhi dives deep into the increasingly standardized methods in which much of music is created these days (26:24).

Gandhi discusses changes in how people consume music (29:52).

Gandhi details his belief that music and culture generally is stuck in a loop, leading to nonsensical “culture wars” that distract the common man (particularly minorities) from the real issues (33:58).

Gandhi discusses his views on brown representation in hip-hop, and generally finding a way to being authentic as brown person in American society (50:35).

Gandhi describes how he came up with the moniker of “Big Baby Gandhi” as a rapper name (1:03:40).

Gandhi describes how it felt to release his first project, Big Fucking Baby, to critical acclaim (1:06:21).

Gandhi describes his relationship with Heems and Das Racist (1:11:08).

Gandhi discusses his recent NFT drops, and his thoughts on NFTs as a general concept (1:17:25).

Gandhi gifts us with a dope FREESTYLE (1:21:45).

Support Big Baby Gandhi's music here: https://bigbabygandhi.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Big Baby Gandhi on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/BIGBABYGANDHI?s=20 

--

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

In Episode 92, we are pleased to present to you the 2nd Annual Rap Music Plug Podcast Awards!

Note: This is a personal view of my favourite music to come out of 2021. There is no implied objectivity with any of the following discussion. 

Enjoy!

Year-end thoughts (0:49).

Favourite musical discoveries of the year (7:25).

Best Rap in a Supporting Role (12:18).

Beat of the Year (14:15).

Song of the Year (15:54).

Producer of the Year (17:16).

Rapper of the Year (19:04).

Top 125 Albums of the Year structure (21:07).

Honourable Mentions (24:33).

Sub-15 (25:11).

The Majors (29:15).

Entertainment (33:29).

Butter (38:18).

For the Soul (41:33).

Grown Man Raps (46:43).

Grimy Shit (52:07).

Lyrical Wizardry (58:15).

Mind Activation (1:03:41).

• Note: I mistakenly said the wrong title for WOLFOXE's Naked Machines album, which appears at #11 in this tier. Also while you're here, check out the ‘3 Keys’ piece on this album, in collaboration with jouquin fox and Virgil Wolfe here.

Final thoughts (1:10:18).

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 91, I had the utmost pleasure to speak with JWords. She is the producer of Double Down with Nappy Nina, one half of the H31R duo with maassai, who is an artist whose sound spans many styles, from hip-hop, electronic, and drum and bass.

JWords is a trailblazer whose style is a taste of the future. I am absolutely certain of it. I hope this interview helps you get acclimated to the next wave.

JWords describes her feelings towards the thriving underground movement currently taking place in the greater New York area (2:45).

JWords details her musical upbringing (5:16).

JWords speaks on the connections she sees between the various styles of art that she explores in her music, and how she’s been able to synthesize it into one cohesive style (7:26).

JWords explains why she is so passionate towards understanding the nitty-gritty nuts and bolts of the technical side of musical production (10:24).

JWords depicts how the pandemic may have influenced her music-making process (17:29).

JWords details why maassai was such a good fit for her unique sound, as her partner in H31R, and what skills a rapper needs to possess to thrive over this sound (20:25).

JWords shouts out some other rappers she would love to work with in the future (26:50).

JWords explains the significance behind the H31R name, and their upcoming project (29:07).

JWords explains why Nappy Nina have such a great connection (30:51).

JWords gives insight into the creation of Double Down and the reasoning behind the shorter song structure of the album (35:07).

JWords gives us a look into her future musical exploration, discussing if she will continue working with multiple styles of music in the future (37:32).

JWords gives her thoughts on the very glowing reception that she her music has received in recent years (41:04).

JWords details what to expect from her in this upcoming year (43:30).

Support JWords's music here: https://jwords.bandcamp.com/ 

Cop a Double Down vinyl here: https://nappynina.bandcamp.com/album/double-down 

Follow JWords on Twitter here: https://www.instagram.com/_jwords/?hl=en 

Follow JWords on Instagram here: https://twitter.com/_jwords?lang=en 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Balens Cho showcases that Mach’s album-making skills have really improved here in 2021, which I definitely think can be attributed to him reuniting with Westside Gunn.

This influence was clearly felt on Pray for Haiti, and I believe that influence is found here on Balens Cho too, as the album’s flow, consistency, and lyrical focus is on point.

Balens Cho is the result of someone who put their 10 000 hours in. Mach sounds so remarkably comfortable and in control of what he wants to accomplish, where he can now effectively execute his ideas into music form with ease.

As listeners, we are reaping the benefits of a master at work. 

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Self Luh"

Stream Balens Cho here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3lYDlFILOCtV39ompt2uRs 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

After a stellar 2019 and 2020 that saw Your Old Droog drop his magnum opus, Dump YOD: Krutoy Edition, Droog’s music has been on the decline since then.

Thankfully, Space Bar corrects just about every issue I’ve had with Droog’s recent output, through better production, rapping, and guest features.

Space Bar’s beats, although not as captivating as Dump YOD or what was on Jewelry for sure, are much more up my alley.

Droog also tweaked his approach lyrically, showing improvement in this respect as well on Space Bar. 

There’s a fun braggadocios looseness that is more present here, that Droog has always thrived in, allowing him to up the bar quality in comparison with his last couple of projects.

He’s less personal on this album, and instead is more aggressive, airing out some grievances that he has with the rap game, and wack collaborators as well. Above all, YOD gives us punchlines on punchlines on punchlines.

Space Bar doesn’t try to do too much, and is better off for it.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Meteor Man"

Buy/stream Space Bar here: https://yourolddroog.bandcamp.com/album/space-bar 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Although I wasn't a huge fan of The Circus, I think Mick really learnt something from creating that album, as it relates to being more concise.

Elephant in the Room doesn't overstay its welcome. The songs are refined as hell, with no wasted space, showing his most finely tuned blend of melodic soul singing, and rap.

There's a great seamless flow to this album that is accentuated beautifully by the wonderful smoothness in the melodies and hooks. These hooks are all so well put-together, even by Mick's standards, which are high as this has always been a key strength in his artistic arsenal.

At its fundamental level, Mick is COMFORTABLE on Elephant in the Room.

What was a bit of a drawback on previous projects like Pieces of a Man, where I felt he didn't push himself as much stylistically, on this album he keeps certain elements like the production mostly familiar, while giving himself the room to be more natural and less forced, ditching the rigid themes and concepts found in his past records.

While not a project I think that reaches the highs of THC or The Water(s), Elephant in the Room is an album that manages to say more and do more, with less.

If Mick can find a way to marry this more looser approach with some more musical experimentation, I believe that he can still deliver the true classic album that I've always felt he's been capable of delivering.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Reflection"

Buy/stream Elephant in the Room here: https://themickjenkins.bandcamp.com/album/elephant-in-the-room 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

On All My Heroes are Cornballs there was such an irresistible earworm effect to me, where so many of the glitches, weird transitions, and short bursts of melody did a great job of creating variety and maintaining my deep engagement. It made for a highly entertaining and colourful listen.

But LP! feels significantly more plain and bland by comparison.

There is a more live and organic feeling in these instrumentals on LP! though, which is pretty cool for the most part. There is significant usage of live drums and true basslines that elevate the size of this sound, making it fit for a stadium.

However, it's precisely this move away from less glitchiness and noise that makes this album feel much more tame than I would've liked.

Lyricism and pure rapping have never been JPEGMAFIA's selling point. He's always been a capable rapper, with fiery and often militant lyricism that was engaging. However, on this album, these songs are more dependent on this dimension of his music more than ever before.

LP! is an album that doesn't play its best hand, it's an album that doesn't put JPEG in the best position to succeed. It lacks the explosive aggression of Veteran, as well as the sugary sweetness of the melodies on Cornballs.

LP! mixes all of his previous styles, and adds some new live musical elements into the blender too, but unfortunately it lacks the charms of his previous work, and instead comes off a bit dry.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "TIRED, NERVOUS & BROKE!"

Buy/stream LP! (offline version) here: https://jpegmafia.bandcamp.com/album/lp 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 86, we are joined by a true lyrical tactician, teacher, and newest signee of the ever-impressive Backwoodz Studioz label, Defcee. 

Defcee discusses being embraced by the Chicago hip-hop community as an outsider, and what he appreciates about the Chicago scene (4:01).

Defcee opens up about the reasoning behind taking a break from music, following 2015's Damn Near Grown (26:30).

Defcee details how he's been able to consistently improve his craft into his middle-age, and gives his take on the health of rap game currently, given the fact that so many other rappers have been producing quality music well into their "senior" years (31:52).

Defcee discusses how he sees competitiveness in hip-hop, and when that competitive spirit can turn destructive (39:38).

Defcee speaks on how vital graffiti is to the overall hip-hop culture, and how he tried to approach We Dressed the City with Our Names (44:38).

Defcee explains the influence of Backwoodz Studioz on his first album as a new signee of this groundbreaking label (51:05).

Defcee details the significance of the Trapdoor album title, and the overall intention behind the record (56:37).

Defcee reflects on the therapeutic nature of creating Trapdoor (1:01:36).

Defcee speaks on the importance of teaching the youth, and drops knowledge of some of the ills afflicting the modern education system (1:06:00).

Defcee gives his take on the complementary soundscape of Trapdoor, created by Messiah Musik, and why Messiah is such a great producer (1:19:03).

Defcee gives props to Nick Arcade and August Fanon's amazing talents, and waxes poetic about Messiah Musik once again (1:24:49).

Defcee gives a sneak peak to upcoming projects he has in store for us (1:29:03).

Support Defcee's music here: https://defcee.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Defcee on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/defcee?s=20 

Follow Defcee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/defcee/?hl=en 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 85, we are joined by Virginia's effortlessly funny, multi-talented, rapper, producer, skater, and model, DøøF. On the heels of his tremendously dope new album with NCL-TM, SWAMP PHONK, he has dropped straight heat for the past year. His work includes his previous collaboration with NCL-TM, Hoodrat Noir, as well as Radioactive Spinach with none other than the talented Graymatter.

Getting to know DøøF's style and story is a must, if you want to stay updated on one of the underground's brightest stars. 

DøøF details the catalyst that led to him pursuing his music career more seriously in 2020 (7:43).

DøøF breaks down how he developed his one-of-a-kind rapping style (12:37).

DøøF gives his take on what defines the Virginia rap scene (26:19).

DøøF breaks down why he gravitates towards the warm, dusty, and warped sound that his beats feature (32:13).

DøøF details what he needs to see in another producer, in order for him to relinquish beat-making duties for a project (35:43).

DøøF explains why he messes with Graymatter's production style, as well as the backstory behind the lengthy recording process for Radioactive Spinach (39:25).

DøøF details what he learnt from working with NCL-TM on Hoodrat Noir, and how he applied any learnings to their latest album, SWAMP PHONK (43:37).

DøøF explains why SWAMP PHONK ended up being double the length of Hoodrat Noir (50:25).

DøøF gives a peak at what he has in store for fans in the near future (1:15:39).

Support DøøF's music here: https://safdoofus.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow DøøF on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/757doofus 

Follow DøøF on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/safdoofus/ 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Speaking with GENG PTP, aka King Vision Ultra, was a deeply rich and knowledgeable journey into hip-hop culture, and the coalition of hip-hop that he builds with, from a man who clearly treats the art form with the utmost respect that it deserves. There is a lot to learn and engage with in this conversation, so sit back and enjoy!

GENG breaks down the reasoning behind his strong affinity towards hip-hop culture, and how he grew up embedded in the community (3:08).

Why GENG feels a sense of duty to give back to the hip-hop community, in a myriad of different ways (18:11).

GENG gives his perspective on the foundational traits that underpin the PTP umbrella (26:20).

GENG provides the backstory of the genesis of PTP, and its overall mission (34:25).

GENG walks us through his key inspiration behind his unique visual design work (41:45).

GENG expands on this idea of the importance of language, as it relates to to the way we consume and discuss music (57:18).

GENG gives his perspective on how recent underground waves have developed over the years (1:10:22).

GENG details the process of collaborating with AMANI, and executing the complex ideas they cultivated on An Unknown Infinite (1:27:08).

GENG discuses the reception and high praise An Unknown infinite received, from the likes of Ka and more (1:38:15).

GENG talks about his FOUND SOUND art of sampling course, and the importance of this concept to music generally (1:45:28).

GENG details what he has in store for us in the near future (1:56:29).

Support GENG's music, and PTP label here: https://purpletapepedigree.bandcamp.com/artists 

Follow GENG on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/purpicide 

Follow GENG on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/genggrizzly/ 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In a myriad of different ways, Half God explores Wiki's home of New York through multiple angles, giving the listener a consistent thematic backdrop to discuss every way the city influenced and shaped the man he is today.

By discussing New York's deep hip-hop roots, gentrification, and growing up as a child in such a busy and often chaotic city.

All in all, giving us his most focused and developed lyrical performance of his entire career.

Wik has always been a better than average storyteller. But on Half God, Wiki doesn't just paint you a picture... he teleports you into his shoes to roam the NY city streets in his place.

His growth as a lyricist allows him to accomplish so many different things on a given track.

The song Roof is a vivid personal peek into Wiki’s childhood home. Throughout this track, it's incredible how great he’s become at one, giving you pieces of himself, amidst a flurry of sometimes, funny, dark, and harsh pictures that his almost stream of consciousness style provides.

It’s a style of lyricism that flexes how loose he can get rapping, while not actually falling off track. The subject matter seems so organic and spur of the moment, while still maintaining a focus that is incredibly sharp.

More than anything, Half God is intentional. It knows exactly what it wants to be, which I believe positively affected Wiki's ability to stay focused, while not losing the loose flair he's been known for.

Wiki always had this consistent North Star on the record to guide him... home.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Grape Soda"

Buy/stream Half God here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/album/half-god 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

As he has done on many Westside Gunn albums in the past, AA Rashid provides some words of wisdom at the beginning of both sides, but I want to key in on what he did on Side B.

This was probably my favourite contribution of his to-date, because it applied so well to Westside Gunn as an artist.

Rashid speaks about revolutionizing, shifting the paradigm... and what has Westside Gunn, BUT shift the paradigm? Two key waves I believe Gunn has spearheaded over the years are the following.

The first being that Gunn has shifted large factions of the rap game to not only accept, but celebrate the "curator" role that he has now settled so comfortably in.

Before him, the idea that an artist could have this many features, and not always be the focal point of his own album, would be a negative to many.

Now it is revered as one of the most admirable traits of Gunn's music, taking what I think an artist like Kanye West has historically been great at, in selecting the best collaborators and getting the best out of them... and taking it even further in this direction, where Gunn's presence doesn't always need to be on one of the songs if it doesn't need to.

The second wave he has led is popularizing the minimal dusty boom bap and drumless beat movement, which is now incredibly popular in the underground.

Again there are others who helped push this style to prominence... but part of being influential is being able to successfully make a certain level of impact. Gunn as the mastermind behind Griselda, certainly did that.

H***** Wears Hermes 8 was a fitting curtain call for Westside Gunn, and properly showcased all that has made his artistry so impactful to the art form.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Free Kutter"

Stream H***** Wears Hermes here:

Side A - https://open.spotify.com/album/0M5cyXHBV0en8q02019vaC?si=GayzT-xiR4KMibj_rJO9og 

Side B - https://open.spotify.com/album/0KtFP56RU7bd32pcvdeWOU?si=F9OROMjJRQWG3ZNuvcBsvQ 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

After their self-titled studio album debut, with features from the likes of Freddie Gibbs, Rico Nasty, JPEGMAFIA... the sky was seemingly the limit for Injury Reserve.

But then during a chaotic June 2020 for us all, tragedy hit the group as Groggs passed away for unknown reasons.

When this happened, I like many I assume, thought this was the end of the group's run. No more music was to come from Injury Reserve.

However, surprisingly they had an album coming out in September of 2021, titled By the Time I Get to Phoenix.

On top of that, it was not just a money grab posthumous album. Instead it was a fully-fledged left-field put all the chips on the table-type album, which thankfully was largely created while Groggs was still with us.

It's safe to say that the album we got was NOT what I expected.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Knees"

Stream By the Time I Get to Phoenix here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7L7oMPboBCeyGLJVsHSWM2 

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

The Backwoodz Studioz invaision continues in Episode 80, as we are joined by fiery lyricist, Curly Castro. Castro has been on a tremendous run in recent years, from his collaborative LP with PremRock, ShrapKnel, his scorching-hot feature on Armand Hammer's Haram, to his powerful Bobby Hutton-inspired record, Little Robert Hutton. 

Curly's perspective on how it feels being part of the impactful Backwoodz Studioz movement (2:26).

Curly discusses how working with greats like ELUCID, Prem, woods, helps him hone his craft, and sets an unspoken standard of excellence (9:10).

Exploring the crew dynamics of The Wrecking Crew (11:35).

How the idea of ShrapKnel materialized (20:58).

Castro speaks on his bold outspokenness in his music, and not being afraid to say how he feels (27:23).

What Castro aimed to achieve with his Black Panther, Bobby Hutton-inspired album in Little Robert Hutton (31:46).

The vision behind this boldly explosive sound for Little Robert Hutton (41:40).

How Castro manages to weave in many guest verses into his lyrically-heavy albums (49:57).

The inspiration behind the Call Out Culture podcast (56:52).

Castro gives his take on the health of indie artist scene in our current music landscape (1:01:31).

Curly's future plans (1:06:22).

Support Curly Castro's music here: https://curlycastro.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Curly Castro on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/curly_castro?lang=en  

Follow Curly Castro on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/curlycastro/?hl=en 

--

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In a very special Episode 79, we host our first Backwoodz Studioz member, producer/engineer/mixer/masterer, sound mastermind Steel Tipped Dove. Dove is a phenomenal artist, who has graced the best works in hip-hop, from Haram and BRASS, to his own work in 2021's great Call Me When You're Here LP.

De-mystifying what audio engineering, mixing, and mastering actually means (2:49).

Steel Tipped Dove's views on the emergence of more care and attention being put on engineering and mixing in recent years (11:23).

The role an audio engineer, mixer, or masterer, plays in the creative decisions of a record (14:58).

How Dove's deep passion for music begin, and how his work evolved from beat-making to post-production work (19:30).

How Dove initially linked up with Heems, Big Baby Gandhi, and Lakutis, which jumpstarted his career and garnered him an initial buzz (22:21).

The importance that his home studio in Brooklyn played in Dove's career (25:06).

The meaning behind the Steel Tipped Dove moniker (29:26).

Steel Tipped Dove recounts how his relationship with Backwoodz Studioz first began (32:57).

What about the Backwoodz Studioz camp inspires Dove (36:57).

Dove explains the unique vision and structure behind his 2021 instrumental album, inside.outside.inside.outside (41:23). +57

The conception of Dove's new album, Call Me When You're Outside (49:36).

Dove describes the sound that he attempted to create on his latest LP (54:16).

What Dove looks for in potential collaborators (58:40).

Why Dove is content with being in the background, and why he felt it was time to put out an album like Call Me When You're Outside (59:52).

Dove's favourite record to be a part of (1:04:43).

What Dove has in store in the near future (1:08:15).

Support Steel Tipped Dove's music here: https://steeltippeddove.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Steel Tipped Dove on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/steeltippeddove?s=20  

Follow Steel Tipped Dove on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/steeltippeddove/ 

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

It would've been easy for Lukah to rest on his laurels after a very successful When the Black Hand Touches You, and just make another version of that album... but this isn’t When the Black Hand Touches You Part 2, or Chickenwire Part 2 either.

If Black Hand sounded like soul food, Why Look Up literally sounds like the absence of food. On this album, there is nothing but pure hunger.

Unlike the more wide-spanning subject matter on Black Hand, which spoke from a contemplative or reflective perspective that applied generally to Lukah's life, and acted as an educational document for his newborn son… the lyricism on Why Look Up is more laser-focused to specific moments, putting you in the heat of the action of some really dark and trying situations.

It creates this visceral hair-raising feeling that is downright intoxicating.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "IMMACULATE CONCEPTION"

Buy/stream Why Look Up, God‘s in the Mirror here: https://lukah.bandcamp.com/album/why-look-up-gods-in-the-mirror 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

UK's Little Simz released the GREY Area back in 2019, which was a very thoughtful album. However, her perspective felt, as the title would suggest, not fully realized and fleshed out… like she was still working things out, and was more combustible as a result.

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert on the other hand, sounds like someone who has gone through those mental struggles, and came out the other side.

I basically see this album playing out like a coming of age story for Simz, seeing her embrace her womanhood, understanding who she is, her introversion, and being comfortable with it, and feeling herself a little bit now as a result.

The thoughtful subject matter though is supported by an even more ambitious soundscape provided mainly by Sault producer, Inflo.

This album is the closest to baroque rap we’ve gotten since Kanye West's Late Registration. Except in the presentation of this album, it’s even more grand and ambitious in scope, with different styles being explored incorporating Simz's Nigerian roots.

The production is so beautifully mixed, organic, and big in feel, with a really natural energy that doesn’t sound forced.

It's no surprise that Simz remarks in a recent NME interview, that her chemistry with Inflo is unmatched. The beats and rhymes are in lockstep, seeing Simz and Inflo perfectly working together on SIMBI.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "I See You"

Stream Sometimes I Might Be Introvert here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0DBoWQ52XUHtrZQdfAqOVj?si=SGT8FragSlqEnrkTLIkprQ 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 76, the remarkably honest and talented Teller Bank$ joined the show for a conversation that will surely make it clear why this Iowa artist is worth checking out.

How Teller developed his voice and recognized that this unique delivery could work (2:47). 

Why Teller gravitates towards Ed Glorious' production (18:25).

How Teller crafted the concept and narratives in The Grotesque & Beautiful (25:40).

Teller details the importance of spirituality in his music (32:47).

How Teller has grown as a man in recent years (38:57).

Teller explains how his creative process differs when he handles production duties on one of his albums (45:47).

Teller details how The Part & Parcel differs from the first Ed Glorious produced album, explaining how it is Part 2 of a trilogy (51:11).

Teller explains why he believes his rapping is better than ever on The Part & Parcel (58:17).

Teller's future plans (1:08:03).

Support Teller Bank$' music here: https://tellerbanks.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Teller Bank$ on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Teller_Banks?s=20 

Follow Teller Bank$ on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/teller_banks/feed/?hl=en 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of my personal diatribe (0:49).

Beginning of the core review (16:00).

I was close to not even reviewing Donda, given the recent nonsense surrounding DaBaby and Manson's involvement with the album.

But I couldn’t get over that it would be so incredibly inauthentic, if I actually didn't talk about a brand new full-length Kanye album... because Kanye’s music has played a huge part in my life.

And so, if I was going to talk about Donda, I wanted to do something special with it.

Therefore, I did discuss the music on Donda, as you'd expect from me. More importantly though, I wanted to share a piece of myself… through the lens of Kanye West.

I hope that this episode will successfully show how Kanye is stitched into my life, and how that allowed me to come to the conclusions related to Donda that you can't find anywhere else.

This won't be like anything I have ever created before.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Hurricane"

Stream Donda here: https://open.spotify.com/album/340MjPcVdiQRnMigrPybZA?si=dKYFYO3xTfaJ2n8y6vqBXw&dl_branch=1 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 74, we were joined by talented rapper, producer, visual artist, and rolling paper creator, Lync Lone.

Lync first discussed the aspirational aspects of Lync's music, and how being a rapper was his dream since day 1 (2:07).

The key influences that helped Lync develop his style (2:58).

Lync talks about how his distinctly cool and chill rapping style developed over the years (12:13).

Lync details how he maintains such a positive outlook on life, and why he finds it important to promote that perspective in his music (17:18).

Lync explains why his number 1 goal in music is to synthesize his own thoughts and feelings, so that he can better understand them (22:36).

Hear the hilariously natural way Lync and BLOODBLIXING created Decibelz, one of my personal favourite Lync project (25:40).

Lync discusses his Iceberg Theory collaboration in Acid Jazz, and how Guru's Jazzmatazz inspired that project (31:33).

Lync dives into the concept behind his latest and greatest project to-date, Lost & Found: In Paradise! (35:41).

Lync talks about his visual art design work, and the importance of being self-sufficient as an artist in 2021 (49:40).

Lync talks about his new line of rolling papers, GONZO (55:25).

Support Lync Lone's music here: https://lynclone.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow Lync Lone on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/lynclone 

Follow Lync Lone on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lynclone/?hl=en 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 73, we had the pleasure to welcome Chicago's own rapper, producer, DJ, TV host, greenSLLIME to the show.

How SLLIME's magnetic personality of sorts developed over the years (3:51).

What inspired greenSLLIME to get into hip-hop when he was younger (7:01).

SLLIME details partnering with SolarFive to open the 406 studio in Chicago, and the thought-process behind taking this bold move (12:26).

SLLIME's unique relationship with Mick Jenkins, and how it helped develop his craft (20:54).

His relationship with Qari, collaborator on the 2019 project Operation Hennessy, and how that album helped "kill the doubt" for greenSLLIME (25:40).

His creative process (32:09).

The importance of Chicago to SLLIME's artistic journey (36:51).

SLLIME on the vision behind his Broke Ass Low Budget Show, as well as some upcoming visual ventures for greenSLLIME (40:53).

How SLLIME navigates some interesting combinations of vibes in both his lyrics, and his production (58:14).

Meaning behind the title of his latest project, and how greenSLLIME entered 'monk mode' to create it (1:13:07).

What the future has in store for greenSLLIME (1:18:22).

Support greenSLLIME's music here (including monk.'s deluxe vinyl set to release on September 24, 2021): https://sllime64.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow greenSLLIME on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/sllime64?lang=en 

Follow greenSLLIME on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sllime64/ 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Drake's Certified Lover Boy reeks of stagnation.

Stagnation in the tired song topics and formulas, where the listener has heard different versions of just about every single song here.

And although more of a good thing can be... a good thing... the 6 God is doing the same thing with some of the least inspired performances of his entire career.

This stagnation is all but validated by the fact that many of these songs were leaked a year ago, and appeared on this album more or less in that same state

This shows that the lack of fresh ideas are not some hater fabrication I am concocting unfairly. The truth is plainly obvious.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Champagne Poetry"

Stream Certified Lover Boy here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3SpBlxme9WbeQdI9kx7KAV?si=Ab1KghVeQs-Kb5-Tl3FEww&dl_branch=1 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Ka is one-of-one, and is easily one of the best lyricists in the game.

With Ka albums, the commonality to them all is that Ka is consistently committed to giving the listener true wisdom that come from a place of tried and true lived experience... with A1 level wordplay, with clever turns of phrase in almost every line.

The lyrical detail he brings makes every situation he paints feel remarkably surreal and urgent, where the gravity of a single decision, or thought of a character in a Ka song, feels like life or death.

This lyrical picture he paints is devoid of hyperbole, devoid of any romanticism... its the cold hard truth.

Yet, with most or all of his albums... the wisdom in learning and the concept of growth is always present in his music, which never makes any of Ka's albums come off as cynical.

This brings us to Martyr's Reward, which I think communicated this complex idea of hope better than any of his previous work.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Subtle"

Stream A Martyr's Reward here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5MOODX5ZNXcbIyMLSluNbw?si=k4Z5aXwDQLaaPdjunH0xUQ&dl_branch=1 

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Let's stay connected! Find me here:

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Boldy James continues on his hot streak with his latest Bo Jackson album, which features production from the legendary Alchemist once again. 

Boldy is in top-form, blending his blunt and cold delivery with evocative imagery in his street tales that give Bo a strong sense of surrealism. 

However, it is the legend in this case, The Alchemist, that doesn't hold up his end of the bargain to the best of his abilities.

Alc left earth on Haram, brought exotic textures and decadence to Fetti, but on Bo Jackson he keeps things to one relatively formulaic lane.

I have no problem with straight to the point, more simplistic production... but these beats are all super clean, and don't have that rugged grit that an album like this could've benefitted from.

I think Boldy improved on all fronts from A Price of Tea in China from a rapping perspective.

However, although I think Alc brought some good production to this album, the sound was too tame for my liking and didn't leave enough of an impression on me.

There just lacked an instrumental bite that makes me wanna go back to this album.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Fake Flowers"

Stream Bo Jackson here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1KHFw3hsKvNGGCkXKQMrbT?si=h-WGm0BIR7SfWuoSZR_Ipg&dl_branch=1 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Making hip-hop music well into your 40s and 50s is an astonishing feat to accomplish on its face, especially within a genre where many of the greats have sadly passed away. Legends in Black Thought, Jay-Z and Nas are not only still breathing... but are still making music at the forefront of the hip-hop scene.

With Nas, his technical ability is still mostly intact, but with most or all of Nas records post-It Was Written... there has always been something off.

The common gripe with his music is his beat selection, but I think that's a lazy argument. Nas has picked good enough production for the most part, just not to the level that his rapping ability has demanded.

For me, I think what has kept Nas' modern output at arm's length was his music's social commentary, and the inconsistencies between that and his personal life, and my personal socio-political opinions.

The core issue I have with King's Disease II, and most of Nas' later releases is that Nas merges black excellence/liberation ideas with what I call “mimosa rap”... where the end-point of all of this struggle is the accumulation of obscene levels of material wealth.

Nas makes all of this content sound super decadent and well painted lyrically, but it lacks the depth that I am looking for.

At some points, Nas does offer some solid commentary on issues in his community related to poverty, violence, etc. But then seems to make these disjointed jumps that connect his career and rise to glory, as the righteous end-result that all people in his community should have the opportunity to achieve as well.

In reality, we all know this is not true and is a gross simplification of how the world works.

But more importantly, what Nas paints on the other side of this journey to success, is just a bunch of material wealth of brunches and island getaways that lack self-awareness in the fact that he's participating greatly in the same system that is keeping his people down.

This all makes this brand of social commentary not resonate with me all that much.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Nas is Good"

Stream King's Disease II here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6CM5qhYBvpgYNek5kYwuOJ?dl_branch=1&si=jAPZLalOT76CB0nOTn6J_w 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Skip intro (0:49).

What’s wild about my feelings on GUMBO'!... is that it's the kind of album that I don’t typically like.

Yes, surely the individual parts of this are all things I love. I love soul and jazz infused hip-hop, and thoughtful lyricism.

However, more than most people, I really value cohesiveness, a sense of structure… and this album is absolutely all over the place.

But somehow some way, Pink Siifu made it all flow like water.

Whether it be through mixing choices, the transitions, skits, sequencing, Siifu managed to include autotuned melodic trap, vocal jazz, neo-soul, jazz rap and noisy rambunctious bangers all on the same album.

And through it all, Siifu is as wavy and free-form as ever from a rapping-perspective.

On paper, GUMBO'! should be a mess, but Pink Siifu really pulled off the impossible. He successfully fit a square peg in a round hole countless times.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "SMILE (wit yo Gold)"

Stream/Buy GUMBO'! here: https://ronee.bandcamp.com/album/gumbo 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Skip intro (0:49).

The title of this album initially suggested to me that this would be a very urgent and emotionally visceral album. Instead, Isaiah Rashad is like that character in the burning house meme.

Isaiah is genuinely so calm and relaxed on this album, while being enveloped in significant turmoil that is going on in his personal life.

I'm really happy for Zay. It seems like he's genuinely in such a better place mentally...

However, I feel like my issues with THIB can be summed up by that meme. I feel like we hear "this is fine" from Isaiah without the necessary reasoning that explains why.

I think Rashad was attempting to illustrate the peace he has now achieved after these years of turmoil, through a catchy and wavy rapping style. 

Unfortunately, I don't think he gets this done because I feel like there's an entire chapter of Rashad's recent years that is more or less missing, or roughly sketched at the most on THIB.

He doesn't give me enough pieces of that trauma... in order for me to understand the context surrounding this tough road he's been on, and fully connect with the music.

To top it off, generally, I don't find he's lyrically specific enough to glean a lot of feelings from this album.

This is especially disappointing considering how tumultuous his life has been recently. I feel like there was a lot of stories, and personal anecdotes he could've gotten into, but we don't get much of it.

He certainly brings a level of emotion and intimacy in his vocals that I do like, but it's not nearly evocative enough to affect me to a significant degree.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Headshots (4r Da Locals)"

Stream The House is Burning here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6TQ8nqw43uUOWu7Yqp58ko?si=Rag_Mz8rSlqOxDZgS6WGeg&dl_branch=1 

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Skip intro (0:49).

It's been a minute since I've had an interview for you guys. But after a summer of falling back, and getting things in the background taking care of, this Fall expect to see a bunch of great artists join the show.

Starting with Ep. 66, hailing from New York, I have with me an unbelievably dope rapper, producer, who is probably the most played artist of the year for me, alongside my man Kincee BabyFace Pearlis.

His name is BLOODBLIXING.

The meaning of Blix's name name (2:11).

His thought's on the underground movement that he is a part of (4:13).

Backstory behind the Mach-Hommy influence (6:32).

Blix on why it's important to pay homage (12:25).

The first R&B GANGSTA EDITION w/ WHOBEJAZZZ (21:07).

His unique rapping style (27:09).

Working w/ 2 Dolla Will and recording BUTTE BEER (34:24).

The GANGSTA EDITION series (38:19).

The essential BLOODBLIXING releases (42:18).

What's upcoming for Blix (47:47).

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Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

(Go to 0:49 to skip the intro)

In sharp contrast to the usual religious subject matter you hear in music, Iceberg Theory's perspective on this topic is NOT dogmatic. It's not a simplistic perspective that says "God will save us", or "God is perfect".

Ice either, uses these religious themes as cool motifs and poetic devices for his rhymes, or, is exploring the fundamental foundation of belief, and the complexity and contradictions that arise from this perspective. These thoughts are especially notable in light of the recent release of DONDA by Kanye West.

Having just listened to the DONDA album (2nd listening party version to be clear) prior to recording this review, it allowed me to see Horned Monk with a different lens, and develop a deeper appreciation for how it approaches the topic of religion.

Horned Monk deeply wows me lyrically, with production from August Fanon that never ceases to impress.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "(Untitled)"

Stream/Buy Horned Monk here: https://icetheoryrap.bandcamp.com/album/horned-monk  

Interview with Iceberg Theory here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/28-iceberg-theory-interview/id1527457780?i=1000506626322  

Review of Iceberg Theory & August Fanon's Dispatches from the Kali Yuga here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/25-navy-blue-iceberg-theory-august-fanon-fatboi-sharif/id1527457780?i=1000504296233 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]