The Next Movement

McKinley Dixon wants to make rapping fun again. On his new album "Magic! Alive!" he accomplishes this through live instrumentation, a different approach to storytelling, and the childlike innocence of the characters he's written. He spoke with us about how all of this came together with the help of his hometown team and longtime collaborators. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "The Ecstatic" by Mos Def."Magic! Alive!" is available everywhere on 6/6/25

Neil Drumming is a man of many talents. He has worked as a journalist, radio/podcast producer, and writer/director. And now he can add "rapper" to that list. Sorta. Neil joined us to explain why he doesn't really think of himself as a rapper, despite having recently released his debut rap album "Writing on Airplanes". We discussed the ideas and process behind the album and then talk about Neil's album pick for this episode - "A Book of Human Language" by Aceyalone. Purchase "Writing on Airplanes" here:https://neildrumming.bandcamp.com/album/writing-on-airplanes

In a soulful celebration of midlife Blu and August Fanon have teamed up to bring us "Forty". We talked with them both about the process of working on the album, aging with hip hop, legacy, and much more. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - "Death Certificate" by Ice Cube.Purchase "Forty" here:naturesoundsmusic.com/products/forty

miles cooke has a new record out right now called “ceci n'est pas un portrait” which is French. Don't ask us how to pronounce it. But it means “This is not a portrait” and we try to unpack that with miles in addition to talking about his album pick for this episode, "Fantastic Damage" by El-P. Purchase "ceci n'est pas un portrait" here:milescooke.bandcamp.com/album/ceci-nest-pas-un-portrait

In this throwback episode featuring PremRock we spoke with the Wrecking Crew member and Backwoodz veteran in June of 2022 about his collaborative project with Ockham's Blazer, a jazz heavy genre bender. We also discussed his previous solo project “Load Bearing Crow's Feet”. Then we talked about his album pick for this episode - “As the World Burns” from the Arsonists.Purchase Prem's new album "Did You Enjoy Your Time Here...?" at this link: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/premrock-did-you-enjoy-your-time-here

Damon Locks joins us to talk about his new album “List of Demands,” a project that blurs the lines between poetry, hip hop, jazz, and experimental music. We'll talk about the work that went into this project, the optimism and beauty it demands, and much more. Then we'll talk about Damon's album pick for this episode - Mixmaster Mike's deluxe release “Return of the Cyklops”. Stream and purchase "List of Demands" here:https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/list-of-demands

DJ/activist/educator/Philly ambassador Cosmo Baker joins us to talk about life as a DJ in 2025, his recent Book Club gatherings (featuring authors such as Marcus J. Moore and Dan Charnas), the history of The Remedy (a joint venture with Rich Medina) and much more. Then we'll discuss his album pick for this episode - the Soulquarian era classic “Voodoo” by D'Angelo.Find all things Cosmo Baker related here: cosmobaker.com

Queen Herawin of the Juggaknots is about to drop her first solo project since 2019's "The Space Between Us". The album is called "Awaken the Sleeping Giant" and has been years in the making. It finds Herawin confronting the many emotions she has experienced in bringing these songs to life. She candidly spoke with us about mental health, creativity in its various forms and much more. Then we get into her album pick for this episode - “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick”.Stream and purchase "Awaken the Sleeping Giant" here:https://queenherawin.bandcamp.com/album/awaken-the-sleeping-giant

Hester Valentine joins us to talk about his 2024 output, which includes the projects "Valenta" and "make me, make me". Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "N***a Please" by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Stream and purchase Hester's music here: https://blackval.bandcamp.com/ https://mimizuizuru.bandcamp.com/album/valenta https://wearethekarmakids.bandcamp.com/album/i-cant-cut-your-hair

We're joined by director Jacob Rosenberg whose work you've likely seen without even knowing it. His new book is called “RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES” and is “an immersive, decade long journey capturing the vibrancy of skate and hip hop culture from ‘88 to ‘98”. It documents much of Rosenberg's work in film, photography, and journalism during this key period of his career and features notable names such as Chuck D, the Hieroglyphics Crew, De La Soul, Mike Carroll, Sean Sheffey, Sal Barbier and many more. We'll talk with Jacob about this book and the stories associated with it, as well as his album pick for this episode - “No Need for Alarm” by Del the Funky Homosapien. Purchase "RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES" here: https://www.jacobrosenberg.tv/shop

We talked with the Chicago based producer Spectacular Diagnostics about the three projects he released in 2024 - the instrumental album “If You Feel Like a Lost Soul”, the guest heavy “Appetites” and his latest collaboration with Kid Acne “TOTEMIC TEMPLATE (Edna & Friends Vol. 1)”. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - DJ Shadow's undisputed classic “Endtroducing”. Stream and purchase Spectacular Diagnostic's music here: https://spectacular-diagnostics.bandcamp.com

In this throwback episode from Feb. 2023, Open Mike Eagle joins us following the release his album “Component System With The Auto Reverse”. We started our conversation with some discussion about his live performances since the album's release. Then we used elements from the album to discuss larger themes - The importance of his relationships with his peers and his admiration of their skills. The overarching goal of his writing as being present to his own thoughts and experiences. The inherent value he sees in everyone as individuals and how that contributes to his creative endeavors. And we wrapped our conversation by discussing Busta Rhymes' solo debut and the impact it had on Mike as a fan. You can stream and purchase "Component System With The Auto Reverse" here: openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com

Donwill, host of The Almanac of Rap and one half of Tanya Morgan, joins us to talk about some of our favorite albums of 2024. We each picked three albums to focus on and we discussed what made them our favorites. Nothing fancy. All things Donwill can be found here: https://www.donwill.me

In this throwback episode from November of 2022, Nebraska native Sleep Sinatra joined us to talk about his release, the Ohbliv produced album "Shadow Self". Sleep discussed the concept behind "Shadow Self" and gave us the story behind his collaboration with Ohbliv. He also talked about the production that he contributed to the debut self-titled album from ManDaMyth and offered some insight into the history of the Black arts in Nebraska. Then we discussed his album pick for this episode - the 1998 debut album from Big Pun,  "Capital Punishment". Listen and purchase Sleep Sinatra's "Shadow Self" as well as the rest of his catalogue at ⁠sleepsinatra1.bandcamp.com/album/shadow-self⁠ Listen and purchase ManDaMyth's album at : ⁠damn-that-noise.bandcamp.com/album/mandamyth

In this throwback episode from April of 2021 we're talking with Nappy Nina about her latest project "Double Down" which was fully produced by JWords. Nina also shares some of her early influences and talks about her relocation from Oakland to Brooklyn. Then she helps us dive into one her favorite albums - Isaiah Rashad's sophomore effort "The Sun's Tirade".

E L U C I D joins us to talk about his latest project "REVELATOR". We discuss some of the unlikely sources of inspiration for the album including the Japanese art of flower arrangement and a negligent Zionist landlord. We talk about the powerful effects of chanting, the specific quality of live instrumentation, and how recording in a room full of strangers provides new challenges. Then we chat about the first album from Kool G Rap and DJ Polo - "Road to the Riches" Purchase "REVELATOR" here: fatpossum.com/collections/featured/products/revelator

Rapper/poet/producer shemar joins us to talk about his recent work with Money For Water on “Traveling Light”, his collaboration with Child Actor earlier this year on “sunscreen” and his album pick for this episode, “Flower Boy” by Tyler, the Creator. Stream and purchase "sunscreen" here: https://shemar1.bandcamp.com/album/sunscreen

Wahid joins us to talk about his new project "THEY ALL GO MAD!" The Orlando based artist opens up about the energy and emotion that went into a project that he freely admits was an outlet for his anger. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - and an album we've been waiting for a guest to pick for a long time - "Things Fall Apart" by The Roots. Stream and purchase "THEY ALL GO MAD!" here: ⁠https://wahid.bandcamp.com/album/they-all-go-mad⁠

Rob Cave has a new project out right now called "God Dose" that was produced in large part by 88-Keys. Rob joined us to talk about how this project came together, the art of writing motivational music, and how an MC from Brooklyn managed to make one of the most Philly songs of all time. Then we discuss Rob's album pick for this episode - the solo debut from Pharoahe Monch - "Internal Affairs". Stream and purchase "God Dose" here: https://robcavejr.bandcamp.com/album/god-dose

Algernon Cornelius and CLYDE join us to talk about their new collaborative effort "STICK A FORK IN IT". The UK-based artists break down their writing and beat making process and discuss some of the inspiration behind the album. Then we talk about their album pick for this episode - Injury Reserve's "By the Time I Get to Phoenix". Stream and purchase "STICK A FORK IN IT" here: https://algernoncornelius.bandcamp.com/album/stick-a-fork-in-it

August Fanon and blackchai have joined forces on the recently released "OTHERWISE A BLUR". We spoke with the duo about how the project came together, the inspiration for blackchai's flows, and the energy that has gone into August Fanon's production. Then we talked about their album pick for this episode - "Vaudeville Villain" by DOOM's alter ego Viktor Vaughn. Stream and purchase "OTHERWISE A BLUR" here: https://augustfanon.bandcamp.com/album/otherwise-a-blur

Bruiser Brigade's J.U.S recently dropped "3rd Shift" produced entirely by Squadda B. We talked with J.U.S about how the album came together, his progression as a writer, the inspiration behind his previous project "Lord of the Streams Pt. 1: Greed in the Kingdom" and his album pick for this episode - "XXX" by Danny Brown. Download "3rd Shift" here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/3rd-shift/1760963511

"No Options: Hip Hop in Appalachia" is a new compilation of original music by artists specifically from Appalachia. The project aims to break the stereotypes typically associated with an overlooked and misunderstood region of the country while also shedding a light on some of its rising and veteran artists. Producers Ted Olson and William H. Turner, executive producer JK Turner, and rapper/producer Monstalung talked with us about putting this project together, the history of Black music in the region and their album pick for this episode - "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" by A Tribe Called Quest. Stream and purchase "No Options" here: https://juneappalrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/no-options-hip-hop-in-appalachia-2

Rich Jones has a new album out called "Sour Dub". It's fully produced by SINAI (aka Sleep Sinatra) and it's not the weed smoking album that you might assume it to be. We talked with Rich about how the album's laid back sound makes it's "dripping" with "venom" somewhat sneaky. Then we talk about Rich's album pick for this episode - "Big Shots" by Charizma and Peanut Butter Wolf. Stream and purchase "Sour Dub" here: https://5oclockshadowboxers.bandcamp.com/album/sour-dub

RJD2 is a dynamic producer with a legendary history. His newest project continues to build on his reputation for blending genres. "Visions Out of Limelight" feels like a culmination of all of RJ's influences whether its Funkadelic or Redman, 70's TV theme songs or the Bomb Squad, the album invites the listener to join in the celebration throughout. We talked with RJ about the making of this album and then we discuss one of his favorite albums of all time - Common's "Resurrection". Stream and purchase "Visions Out of Limelight" here: ⁠https://officialrjd2.bandcamp.com/album/visions-out-of-limelight⁠

Legendary production team Da Beatminerz are back with their first full length album in 20 years! The album is called “Stifled Creativity” and it features iconic artists such as De La Soul, KRS-One, Pharoahe Monch and Ras Kass alongside folks like Rasheed Chappell, Mickey Factz, Stahhr, and Bishop Lamont. We talked with Mr. Walt and DJ Evil Dee about their approach to making this album, some of the stories behind the collaborations, and how their history in the game has brought them this far. Then we discuss, in the kind of heated debate that can only exist between brothers, Public Enemy's “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”. Stream and purchase "Stifled Creativity" here: https://soulspazm.bandcamp.com/album/stifled-creativity

Stas THEE Boss is a producer and a rapper and a radio host and a DJ and some other things that we're probably missing. Most recently she is the composer of the music featured in dream hampton's latest documentary film "It Was All a Dream". Stas joined us to talk about this assignment along with a bunch of other rap related things including her album pick for this episode - "Supa Dupa Fly" by Missy Elliott. Stream and purchase Stas THEE Boss music here: https://stastheeboss.bandcamp.com

S!LENCE is from Brooklyn (actually from there) and he has a new project called "Aguadura". He describes it as the spiritual sequel to his 2021 release "mutatis mutandis" and we talked with him about some of the themes from the album. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "The Mouse and The Mask" from DANGERDOOM. Purchase "Aguardura" here: https://www.breakallrecords.world/product/aguadura

Hip hop and jazz music have an intimate relationship. That's been true since the beginning. Our next guest is Shabaka Hutchings and while he might be a jazz musician, he is also a hip hop head who thoughtfully integrates his preferences into his most recent project “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace”. The album is also his first as a flute player, an instrument he went to exceptional lengths to become familiar with. He is joined on the project by incredible artists such as Saul Williams, Carlos Niño, Laraaji, Esperanza Spalding, Brandee Younger and Floating Points. It's also the only place where you'll find both Andre 3000 and E L U C I D as featured guests. We talked with Shabaka about all of the above and we discussed his album pick for this episode - “Doris” by Earl Sweatshirt. Purchase "Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace" directly from Impulse Records

Ronesh (rapper/producer) recently released a project featuring 25 different emcees including artists like Open Mike Eagle, Che Noir, Defcee, Big $ilky, and Myka 9. The album is called "Lead the Orchestra" and Ronesh produced all 12 tracks while contributing vocals to the song "Galaxy Brain". We spoke with Ronesh about the task of assembling this project and then we discussed his album pick for this episode - "To Tha X-Treme" from Devin the Dude. Stream and purchase "Lead the Orchestra" here: https://ronesh.bandcamp.com/album/lead-the-orchestra

L.A.'s Rhys Langston joins us to talk about his new project entitled "Polyglot on Chloroform". It's produced entirely by Steel Tipped Dove, who also engineered and mixed the project, taking control of aspects of the album creation process that Rhys typically prefers to handle himself. We talked to Rhys about giving over this control, the album's loose concept, and loads more. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "Labcabincalifornia" from The Pharcyde. Stream and purchase "Polyglot on Chloroform" here: https://rhyslangston.bandcamp.com/album/polyglot-on-chloroform

We're joined by Cakes Da Killa to talk about his new project “Black Sheep” which features Cakes rhyming over a diverse array of sound. We asked Cakes about the influence and inspiration that house music provided for the album, the freedom that he's found in not giving a fuck, the comfortable creative relationship he has with producer Sam Katz and much more. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - “Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front” by Busta Rhymes. Stream and purchase "Black Sheep" here: ⁠https://cakesdakilla.bandcamp.com/album/black-sheep

Oslo based producer Ol' Burger Beats released "74:Out of Time" in February on Coalmine Records. Each track on the project was produced at 74 beats per minute and is deeply inspired by the jazz records of 1974. It's a unique concept with an impressive list of guest emcee's including lojii, Ill Camille, Vic Spencer, billy woods, Pink Siifu, YUNGMORPHEUS, Quelle Chris, Gabe 'Nandez, and Fly Anakin. We spoke with Ol' Burger Beats about the inspiration for this project and his approach to working with his collaborators. Then we talked about his album pick for this episode - "Welcome 2 Detroit" by J Dilla. Stream and purchas "74:Out of Time" here: https://coalminerecords.bandcamp.com/

NAHreally and The Expert have teamed up for an album called "BLIP" that is set to be released by Rucksack Records on March 29th. We spoke to them about the simple yet powerful lyrics/sounds on this project and discussed the process they used to create one of the most relatable albums we have heard in recent memory. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - "6 Feet Deep" from Gravediggaz. Purchase "BLIP" here: https://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/blip

Cavalier joins us as he prepares to release his new full length album "Different Type Time" on Backwoodz Studioz. It's been five years since his previous solo release and Cav talked with us about what has contributed to the time between projects, how he came to partner with Backwoodz on the new release, some of the collaborators we can expect to hear on the album, and the unique nature of this particular project. Plus, we talked about his joint project with Quelle Chris "Black Cottonwood", his "Bring Back Weed Spots" line of hoodies, and much more. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - Wu-Tang Clan's third group album "The W".

Angry Blackmen is a duo from Chicago who released their latest project "The Legend of ABM" in late January. The project has a unique industrial sound, equally inspired by Nine Inch Nails as it was by the Bomb Squad, over which Brian and Quinten spit urgent bars about their personal lives and larger social struggles. We spoke with the duo about the process of writing this project, their success in balancing the political and the personal, and much more. Then we'll talk about a project from another Chicago native - Kanye West's debut album "The College Dropout". Stream and purchase 'The Legend of ABM" here:

Reef the Lost Cauze has a new album called "The Triumphant" and he says that it is the album that he has been trying to make for years. He joined us to talk about the intentional approach he took towards writing and recording it. He described the sometimes painful process he went through to write it and the emphasis that he placed on giving his audience a variety of narratives and perspectives. And he discusses the resilience and hope that is woven throughout the project. We're gonna talk about all that and Reef's album pick for this episode - the third LP from another Philly legend - Beanie Sigel's "The B.Coming".

H31R (maassai and JWords) have teamed up for two innovative and original projects, the most recent being "HeadSpace" which was released in November of last year. It's a genre bending reflection on a transitional period in both of their lives and the duo was kind enough to join us to talk about the album. An Aquarius and Gemini themselves, H31R also chat with us about their album pick for this episode - "Aquemini" from Outkast. Stream and purchase "HeadSpace" here: https://h31r.bandcamp.com/album/headspace

Q No Rap Name and Philth Spector are two beat makers based in Philadelphia who also co-host the Philly chapter of Flipabeatclub (FABC) which holds monthly meet ups at ⁠Cratediggaz Records⁠ at 711 S. 4th St. FABC has become a nationwide movement with chapters in Sacramento, Toronto, L.A., Washington D.C., Bay Area, Austin, Chicago, and Dallas. Q and Philth talked with us about how the Philly chapter got started and shared some of their experiences in building knowledge and networks. We also talked with Q and Philth about their recent collaborative beat tape called "Color Sound Experiment". Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - "The Unseen" from Quasimoto. Music featured in this episode comes from Q No Rap Name, Philth Spector, Onitram, and Gozo the DJ. Find music from Q No Rap Name here: ⁠https://qnorapname.bandcamp.com⁠ Find music from Philth Spector here: ⁠https://philthspectorxphilly.bandcamp.com⁠ Find music from Flipabeatclub here: ⁠https://flipabeatclub.bandcamp.com

CineMasai (Dyaln Green), host of the Reel Notes podcast, joins us to talk about some of our favorite albums of 2023. We each picked three albums to focus on and discussed what made them our favorites. Pretty straightforward. For all things related to Reel Notes and Dylan's writing follow this link: https://linktr.ee/CineMasai

lojii has been outside doing this rap thing for years and yet he feels like he's just getting started. That's the essential message that runs through his latest project "$TARTER_PACK" produced entirely by Alexander Spit. lojii joined us to explain why he's looking to the past just as much as he's looking toward to the future. Along the way he shares stories from the projects creation (including a great story about Pink Siifu's involvement). Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "Tical" the 1994 solo debut from Method Man. Stream and purchase "$tarter Pack" here: https://starterpack.bandcamp.com/album/tarter-pack

Oliver Rothstein is an MC from Philadelphia who embodies the city's grit, struggle, and determination. He has a new album called "The Philadelphian" that captures the struggle and beauty that exists in Philly and he joined us to talk about this project. Then we discuss the project that he picked for this episode - the first mixtape chosen on our show - "The Ghost in the Shell" by Styles P. Stream and purchase "The Philadelphian" here: oliverrothstein.bandcamp.com/album/the-philadelphian

DJ Haram has pushed the boundaries of traditional dance, noise, and hip hop music her entire career. Whether as a part of 700 Bliss (with Moor Mother) or producing tracks for Armand Hammer, or creating and releasing music as a solo artist, Haram has always given us something dynamic and powerful to stretch our ears. She joins us as she anticipates the release of a two track EP in December called "Handplay" and talks with us about the perspective behind this music, her work with Armand Hammer, and one of her favorite albums - 2016's "Fetish Bones" by Moor Mother. You can stream and purchase "Handplay," the new EP from DJ Haram here: djharam.bandcamp.com/album/handplay-ep

Kipp Stone has a new project called "66689 Blvd Prequel" that is as raw and emotionally vulnerable as they come. He joined us to talk about the process of freestyling, writing, and recording this album as well as giving some insight into the album's themes. Then we discuss Kipp's album pick for this episode - "Fantastic Vol. 2" from Slum Village. To stream and purchase "66689 Blvd Prequel" go here: closedsessions.bandcamp.com/album/66689-blvd-prequel

Roper Williams is the NJ based production duo who has worked with artists such as Your Old Droog, Navy Blue, YL, AKAI SOLO, and Fatboi Sharif. They've got a new project out called "Infinite Victory Loop" and it features the previously mentioned YL, AKAI SOLO, and Fatboi Sharif along with Pootie. We talked with Roper about this project, his process, his relationships with these artists and his album pick for this episode - Snoop Doggy Dogg's debut album "Doggystyle". You can stream and purchase "Infinite Victory Loop" here: roperwilliams.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-victory-loop

John Morrison is a writer, DJ, sample flipper, podcast/radio host, and deeply passionate about music history, specifically as it concerns his native Philadelphia. We talked with John about his career as a writer, how it has been informed by his experiences growing up in Philly, and how his own music impacts the way he articulates what he hears from others. Then we get into John's album pick for this episode - "Illadelph Halflife" by The Roots. The instrumental music you hear in this episode was made by John Morrison and can be found here: johnmorrison215.bandcamp.com

Defcee joined us to talk about his upcoming project with Messiah Musik called The Golem of Brooklyn. The album is the soundtrack and companion to the book of the same name by Adam Mansbach. Defcee talked with us about working with Adam and Messiah to craft the songs and the meaning that they hold for him as a white Jewish American. This episode really ended up feeling like an intimate conversation about a completely unique and relevant project. The book drops 9/26/23. The album drops 9/29/23. But the episode is available right now!

Cise Greeny is a prolific rapper/producer from Corona, Queens. So far this year he has released two full length albums and two beat tapes. We talked with Greeny about these projects, the way he thinks about his prospective audience, and his consistent attempts to keep his childhood alive through his music. Then we discuss Greeny's album pick for this episode - the debut from fellow Queen's natives Lost Boyz - "Legal Drug Money". Stream and purchase music from Cise Greeny here: garmentrygreeny.bandcamp.com

We're talking a lot about singular artists and sounds! Fatboi Sharif and Steel Tipped Dove recently released their collaborative album "Decay" on Backwoodz Studioz. We spoke with them about the creative teamwork that went into the album, the personal aspects of Sharif's writing, and the importance of incorporating sounds from a wide variety of genres. Then we shatter all expectations for our second segment and find ourselves talking about a non-hip hop album for the first time in our history. System of a Down's flawless 2001 album "Toxicity" is the album that Dove and Sharif picked for this episode.

Chop The Head is an artist and designer from Philadelphia who has worked on designs for some of today's most interesting independent rappers. His detailed drawings have covered releases from Fatboi Sharif, phiik + Lungs, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, and Jay NiCe. He's got a design coming as a part of Pink Siifu's re-release of "GUMBO'!" and on top of all that he makes his own beats. We talked with Chop about his history as a designer, the process behind some of his covers and his album pick for this episode - Armand Hammer's collaboration with The Alchemist - "Haram". Purchase originals and prints from Chop The Head here: chopthehead.myshopify.com Stream and purchase Chop The Head's beats here: chopthehead.bandcamp.com

Stik Figa and The Expert released their collaborative album “Ritual” in June. It is a well crafted project that both artists believed was going to be Stik Figa's last as they were working on it. We talked with them about the creative perspectives they took while writing/producing the album, the dynamics of their working relationship, and what might be lie ahead for Stik. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - Common's sixth studio album “Be”. You can stream and purchase “Ritual” here: https://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/ritual