The Rap Music Plug Podcast | presented by QLC TV

Today's guest, Fly Anakin, is no stranger to delivering albums that leave a distinct imprint on the listener. As seen on past records like Frank that envelop you in dusty old soul records and introspection, and FlySiifu's that welcomed you into this record shop concept with two homies who enjoy trading bars over some sick jazz rap instrumentals. But on his latest album, (The) Forever Dream, Fly Anakin takes a noticeably different approach. Opting not to follow a distinct concept or theme, Frank traded pre-meditated forethought for a more free-wheeling approach, allowing for the album to reveal itself through fun studio sessions with the album's executive producer, Detroit legend Quelle Chris. The results of this approach were terrific, as this new album sees Fly Anakin operate with so much freedom, embracing new sounds and collaborators, resulting in an incredibly loose and dynamic album that manages to push all the right buttons, balancing spontaneity with expertly crafted cohesion. In this episode, we dive into how Frank's relationship with Quelle was formed, the effortlessly natural collaborative process creating this new album, and much more! The Plug (0:45). The Interview (2:44). Frank's feelings towards the release of (The) Forever Dream (4:58). Frank touring with his partner, bbymutha (7:09). The formation of Fly Anakin and Quelle Chris' relationship (11:48). What makes Quelle special as an artist and collaborator (16:50). How Quelle and Fly Anakin are ‘opposites' (22:27). Creative decision-making responsibilities between Fly Anakin and Quelle (24:13). The musical direction of (The) Forever Dream (26:30). Fly Anakin's mindset when creating (The) Forever Dream (30:42). The heartfelt and open nature of (The) Forever Dream (35:00). Why Fly Anakin feels his latest album is his best (39:54). The key collaborations on (The) Forever Dream (43:18). The thinking behind Quelle executive producing (The) Forever Dream (45:22). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch, including a project with Real Bad Man (49:23). Buy/stream (The) Forever Dream here: https://flyanakin.bandcamp.com/album/the-forever-dream  Follow Fly Anakin on Twitter here: https://x.com/flyanakin  Follow Fly Anakin on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/flyanakin/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Few artists epitomise the word, ‘prolific', quite like today's guest, Blu. Hailing from Los Angeles, this West Coast legend has truly done it all, delivering countless records that span the sounds of soulful boom bap, lo-fi, avant-garde electronic hip-hop, and more. And in 2025, Blu is not letting up… expecting to drop another 3 albums this year. The first of which is titled, Forty, and is fully produced by the great August Fanon. This new album dropped April 18th, and Blu joins me today to discuss the making of what he dubs his 'grown man' album, along with covering other key aspects of his legendary career, such as delving into experimental cutting-edge sounds, his strong lasting relationship with Exile, and much more. Blu is a legend, listen to this episode… what more do you need me to say?! The Plug (0:41). The Interview (2:35). The most essential Blu releases (3:54). Blu's approach to collaborating with producers (8:20). How Blu maintains consistent creative inspiration (14:21). Blu's affinity to the lo-fi hip-hop sound (18:14). Blu's bold experimental risk-taking appetite (22:06). Blu's long-lasting relationship with Exile - RMPP patron q from Jorden (25:25). The correct pronunciation of August Fanon's name (29:29). The lyrical focus of Forty (30:56). How August Fanon and Blu built the sound for Forty (33:19). The collaboration-heavy approach to Forty (40:35). 3-4 new projects to expect from Blu in 2025 (43:02). Blu's shift away from production in recent years (44:43). Buy/stream Forty here: https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/forty  Follow Blu on Twitter here: https://x.com/HerFavColor  Follow Blu on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bluherfavcolor/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The fiery no hold-barred spirit that today's guests, Infinity Knives and Brian Ennals, showcase in each and every track of theirs, is something that you can expect to hear in this conversation. As fierce truth-tellers and creators of bold clashes of sound, we had a sprawling conversation that covered everything from bad faith criticism, their ambitious sound and unique group dynamic, the difficult process involved in making their new album, A City Drowned in God's Black Tears, and much more. ... And as a reminder, if you're in Toronto on April 17th, PremRock + friends will be performing at BSMT 254 with some DJ support from yours truly!! Tickets found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/premrock-friends-live-tickets-1279555287309?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl  The Plug (0:49). The Interview (2:14). The Ennals family history (2:52). Being throttled by the algorithm, and their political subject matter (9:03). Bad faith criticism (12:09). The dark place that A City Drowned in God's Black Tears (17:52). How the creation of ACDIGBT intertwined with King Cobra (22:53). Brian's unfiltered approach to rap (28:37). Knives' composer-led approach to production (35:45). The non-rap songs on ACDIGBT (45:20). The background behind the USSR-inspired track, “Тревога/Trevoga” (50:58). When Infinity Knives will be moving back to South Africa - patron q from rap man gavin (52:42). The background behind a specific eyebrow-raising line off of King Cobra - patron q from Fick (54:29). Examining the 87% statistic claimed on ACDIGBT (1:04:41). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:06:59). Buy/stream A City Drowned in God's Tears here: https://infinityknives666.bandcamp.com/album/a-city-drowned-in-gods-black-tears  Follow Infinity Knives on Twitter here: https://x.com/infinitykniives  Follow Brian Ennals on Twitter here: https://x.com/BrianEnnals  Follow Infinity Knives on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/infinityknives/  Follow Brian Ennals on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/brianennals/  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Listening to the latest album of today's guest, PremRock, is more than just a great experience. It feels like spending time with an old friend. That saying, coined by the great Dan-O of Freemusicempire, couldn't be more spot on a descriptor for PremRock's latest opus, Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…? PremRock's lyrics are immaculately written, treating the listener with melancholic existential reflections that have a way of grounding you in a lucid state of calm, On top of that, the guest list is an all-star cast of collaborators we've grown to know and love in the Backwoodz universe, who provide the canvasses and guest verses to elevate this album to indelible heights. Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…? is one of the best albums of the decade. So it's of course an honour to have the man of the hour, PremRock, here to speak on his mindset creating this latest album, how vulnerability is his superpower, and much more! Andddd… if you're in Toronto on April 17th, join us at BSMT254 to see him and friends perform this album live! Your boy might also be making his DJ debut that night too, so it'll be a night to remember! Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/premrock-friends-live-tickets-1279555287309?aff=oddtdtcreator  The Plug (0:51). The Interview (3:08). The backstory of the album title, Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…? (4:58). PremRock's mindset when creating DYEYTH (8:11). The making of “Receipts” with billy woods (16:24). The initial spark that inspired PremRock's love for writing - patron q from Joshua Davis (36:13). How PremRock carves out brain space to create, while also balancing a day job - patron q from Ryan aka LEVITATOR (40:13). The musical tone and focus of DYEYTH (44:18). The key producers / beats that set the foundation for the sound of DYEYTH (49:46). Areas of artistic growth PremRock is most proud of (58:34). PremRock's upcoming show in Toronto + other tour dates, and projects to look out for (1:05:23). Buy/stream Did You Enjoy Your Time Here...? here: https://planetpremrock.bandcamp.com/album/did-you-enjoy-your-time-here    Follow PremRock on Twitter here: https://x.com/PlanetPremRock  Follow PremRock on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/premrock/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Fat Ray is a true Detroit hip-hop OG, who embodies everything that makes this scene so special. The grit, distinct style, and appreciation of hip-hop is always on display when you put a Fat Ray track on. Having created music for multiple decades now, Fat Ray has been a mainstay in Detroit's scene dropping certified heat, collaborating with the likes of Elzhi, Dilla, his fellow Bruiser Brigade brethren, and Black Milk... who collaborated with Ray on his new AOTY-contender of a record, Food from the Gods. In today's episode, Fat Ray drops jewels on how he stays so effortlessly authentic as a man and an artist, the beautiful ugly of Detroit hip-hop, his strong relationship with Black Milk, and the inspired creation of Food from the Gods. The Plug (0:58). The Interview (2:19). The evolution of Detroit's hip-hop scene (8:27). How Detroit influences Fat Ray's art (16:47). Fat Ray's writing process (19:25). Fat Ray's experience with Bruiser Brigade (22:02). How Black Milk and Fat Ray initially linked up (25:47). Black Milk's special level of “cool” (28:17). What Fat Ray wanted to get off his chest and show listeners on Food from the Gods (35:07). The sonic approach of Food from the Gods (39:24). Why now was right time to get back with Black Milk and create Food from the Gods (46:11). What Fat Ray has grown as an artist throughout his career (49:15). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from Fat Ray (54:46). Buy/stream Food from the Gods here: https://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/album/food-from-the-gods  Follow Fat Ray on Twitter here: https://x.com/fatraymotorboy?lang=mr  Follow Fat Ray on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fatray1/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Pink Siifu has been on a mission to create some of the most forward-thinking art in all of music. His eclectic ear had led him down some incredibly fruitful rabbit holes. And on his latest record, BLACK'!ANTIQUE, his latest masterstroke pushes his GUMBO'! genre-fluid ethos to new extremes. With another terrific album under his belt, Siifu's legacy is on a special trajectory. In today's episode, the Birmingham native speaks on how he'd like to be remembered, the unique energy of BLACK'!ANTIQUE and why he's so proud of it, and much more. Pink Siifu is everything you want in an artist, so listen on and learn more about a legend in the making. The Plug (0:37). The Interview (1:50). Initial reception of BLACK'!ANTIQUE (2:08). The unique sonic identity of BLACK'!ANTIQUE (12:00). The significance of how the ‘black antique' idea inspires the creation of Siifu's latest album (16:29). The importance of family in Pink Siifu's music (32:01). How Pink Siifu views his legacy (36:12). The deep collaboration process on BLACK'!ANTIQUE (37:52). Why experimenting with sound and collaboration inspires Siifu (44:00). Future sounds Siifu wants to explore (49:20). Upcoming projects to look out for from Pink Siifu (55:29). Buy/stream BLACK'!ANTIQUE here: https://ronee.bandcamp.com/album/black-antique  Follow Pink Siifu on Twitter here: https://x.com/PinkSiifu  Follow Pink Siifu on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/pinksiifu/  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Few artists embody the full spectrum of rap, quite like today's guest on the show - Ghais Guevara. Through breakout records in Black Bolshevik and There Will Be No Super-Slave, Ghais has made a name for himself with fiercely political lyricism, and a bold left-field sound. On his latest album Goyard Ibn Said, Ghais expands his scope, incorporating sounds of trap music and drill, flexing his songwriting muscles that leads to legitimate hits as a result, while staying true to his political worldview and creative expression. In today's episode, Ghais speaks on how he and other politically-minded rappers are perceived and treated by rap listeners, what inspired the musical direction for Goyard Ibn Said, and expands on the commentary on the pitfalls of the entertainment industry explored within the album, and much more. Ghais is a rising star in the making, you do not wanna miss this! The Plug (0:50). The Interview (2:27). Ghais' recent signing to Fat Possum and the initial reception Goyard Ibn Said (3:03). Ghais' perspectives on how politically-minded rappers are perceived and treated by rap fans (6:52). What inspired the musical direction of Goyard Ibn Said (16:12). The impact of producing the bulk of Goyard Ibn Said with little to no samples (21:45). The thinking behind the two-act structure of Goyard Ibn Said (25:20). Key messages Ghais wanted to get across to the listener on Goyard Ibn Said (27:20). Diving into “Critical Acclaim” and the recent string of events exposing the entertainment industry (29:49). How Ghais navigates an inherently oppressive industry while maintaining his integrity (36:04). Ghais' evolution as a songwriter (38:03). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (42:13). Buy/stream Goyard Ibn Said here: https://ghais.bandcamp.com/album/goyard-ibn-said  Follow Ghais Guevara on Twitter here: https://x.com/GhaisGuevara  Follow Ghais Guevara on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ghaisguevaraobligatory/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

2024 was a year of maintenance and solidifying the foundation. While the show didn't 5x in year over year growth, as it did from 2022 to 2023, the arrow has still been pointing up with some big artists joining the show, increased viewership and positive feedback. In particular, the RMPP patron group has grown to the largest its ever been, which has honestly been the biggest one of my most proudest achievements of my life. The community has progressed to a point where it's become a staple of my life, and hopefully the patrons of this show feel the same way. 2024 was proof that this show is here to stay, and will be a fixture in indie rap media for years to come. To the RMPP patrons, as well as the rest of you listeners who support the show with your time and attention... thank you for entrusting me with this privilege to rap music plug podcast for you. You are greatly appreciated. So now, without further ado... let's talk about what music defined my 2024, and hand out some awards along the way. Welcome to the 5th Annual RMPP Awards. Share your feedback on what you'd like to see on the RMPP in the future! Complete this 2-minute survey here: https://forms.gle/ApTNot34UZtAfwE36  The Plug (0:21) The 4th Annual RMPP Awards intro (3:15). Best Rap in a Supporting Role (4:42). Hook of the Year (6:38). Beat of the Year (8:07). Song of the Year (9:28). Producer of the Year (11:41). Rapper of the Year (13:10). Top Albums of the Year structure (15:17). The RMPP 25: my top 25 albums, inclusive of all genres (15:52). The full categorized list of the RMPP's Top 100 Albums of 2024 can be found here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/episodes/186-5th-annual-rmpps  Listen to my piece on Why Lawd? here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/episodes/cp-why-lawd-a-cautionary-tale-of-f-up-a-good-thing   Final reflection (23:53). Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Earnestness is a hard thing to pull off in music. As much as listeners like to think we know the artists we listen to as actual people, we don't. Most of the time, we're simply left to whatever we hear in the music, to get a feel for if someone is being honest and authentic with how they think and feel. In the social media and AI age, it's getting harder and harder to have trust in the media we consume, and take things at face value. However, with today's guest, NAHreally… it's actually quite easy. It's clear to me that NAHreally is as honest and personable a rapper, as they come. NAHreally, Massachusetts-native now living in Jersey City, first came on my radar through some nice features before really making an imprint on my mind with his collaborative album with Irish-producer, The Expert, on BLIP, one of the best albums of the year He's back with a self-produced new album, Secret Pancake, and joins us today to discuss the seamless creative process for this new album, how it differed from the creation of BLIP, his uniquely down-to-earth approach to rap, distinct flow, and much, much more. The Plug (0:38). The Interview (2:17). The creation of the Secret Pancake album artwork (2:57). Top 5 rapper hands - RMPP patron q from Dan-O of Freemusicempire (7:47). NAHreally's creative process - RMPP patron q from Rhino (11:44). Major influences on NAHreally's rap style (17:32). The creative chemistry between NAHreally and The Expert on BLIP (19:48). NAHreally's approach to social commentary in music (23:47). The importance of being ”relatable” to NAHreally (29:35). The approach to creating Secret Pancake (34:20). NAHreally's mindstate when creating Secret Pancake (38:01). The production direction on Secret Pancake (43:10). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (47:32). NAHreally's thoughts on the upcoming NFL playoffs (51:07). Buy/stream Secret Pancake here: https://nahreally.bandcamp.com/album/secret-pancake  Follow NAHreally on Twitter here: https://x.com/_nahreally_  Follow NAHreally on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_nahreally_/  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

In the 11th 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, we discuss what I'm calling 'pure creative inspiration'. This is the precise feeling I got when I recently first listened to Da Devil's Playground, and discovered the alchemy of Memphis rap. This discovery catalyzed an ensuing series of events that steered me in a more positive direction in life, as I approached the end of 2024, which showed me that even the smallest doses of creative inspiration can make a world of difference. The Plug (0:21). The Conversation (2:38). Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING Stream Da Devil's Playground here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4LlnC8CVKG3hpOqOd1Bwmi?si=FTrJZ_5vTRSrQqXg6vHNbA  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

As soon as you press play on Genuine Dexterity, the new album by k-the-i??? and Kenny Segal, released on Backwoodz Studioz, you immediately hear why this album was indeed called what it was called. k-the-i???'s raw technical skill was put on full display, as he delivered crazy rhyme schemes, intricate flows, and strong moments of personal reflection. On the production side of the coin, Kenny Segal crafted an immensely impressive soundscape that features his trademark hard drums, bass, alongside splashes of dissonant noise, and other experimental weirdness. Through today's conversation with our guests, k-the-i?? and Kenny Segal though, you come to learn that this album title of Genuine Dexterity extends to the album's creation as well. In this episode, we learn more about the immediate connection and effortlessly natural creative process of Genuine Dexterity, what prompted k-the-i??? to return to the rap scene with his first full-length rap album in a long while, the key influences that guided the album's direction, and much more. The Plug (0:44). The Interview (2:39). RMPP Listening party reaction (2:49). What prompted k-the-i??? to make Genuine Dexterity first full-length rap release in over a decade (3:50) - patron q from TreDoes. Kenny's first experience with k-the-i???'s music (12:12). Why Backwoodz Studioz felt like the right home for Genuine Dexterity (17:40). Kenny Segal's thinking behind the noisy dissonant sound direction for Genuine Dexterity (20:51). Kenny Segal's signature sound (23:55). k-the-i???'s rhyming approach on Genuine Dexterity, and the LA influence on his style (34:09). k-the-i??? and Kenny Segal reminiscing about living in Boyle Heights (54:03). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:01:46). Buy Genuine Dexterity here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/genuine-dexterity-by-kenny-segal-k-the-i  Follow k-the-i??? on Twitter here: https://x.com/kthei  Follow Kenny Segal on Twitter here: https://x.com/kennysegal   Follow k-the-i??? on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/applesauce9mm/?hl=en  Follow Kenny Segal on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kennysegal/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

On paper, the combination of Cavalier and Child Actor felt like a match made in heaven. Child Actor's dynamic psychedelic production is a natural fit for Cavalier's malleable rap delivery and cerebral lyrical approach. But for a collaboration to really work, and be something that is special, more than just the measurables have to align. There needs to be a like-minded musical philosophy and innate chemistry for truly great music to manifest. This certainly was the case with these two, as they put together a stellar body of work in CINE, which is absolutely one of the best albums of 2024. Cavalier and Child Actor are here with me today to talk about why their creative relationship was so fruitful, the backstory to some of CINE's most intriguing songs, and much more! The Plug (1:27). The Interview (2:46). Initial reaction to CINE's release so far (2:54). The initial vision for CINE (6:38). Cavalier and Child Actor's creative chemistry (15:14). Cavalier's prolific 2024 (22:28). How the close collaborative experience aided Child Actor's production process (29:06). The challenge of rapping on Child Actor's beats (36:19). Primary themes and messages of CINE (44:04). The story Child Actor aimed to tell on CINE (50:10). The concept of masculinity and romance in Cavalier's music (1:04:45). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:14:38). Buy CINE here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/cine  Support Cavalier here: https://cavwins.com/  Follow Cavalier on Twitter here: https://x.com/Cavwins  Follow Child Actor on Twitter here: https://x.com/chldactr  Follow Cavalier on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cavwins/?hl=en  Follow Child Actor on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chldactr/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

In the wake of the recent passing of Brownsville's Ka, I've decided to go against my policy and publicly share what was previously a RMPP patron-only review that I recorded for the last album within his storied career, The Thief Next to Jesus. It only feels right to share this with the world, with the hope that Ka's wonderful art becomes essential listening to any and all hip-hop lovers. Since he's passed, I've had a hard time collecting my thoughts to describe what this man's impact was on me. What I landed on was speaking to what was always underneath Ka's impressive artistic craftsmanship, which is what really made him standout. What made him special was the kind soul that animated all of his work. Ka represented humanity, compassion, and understanding to the fullest extent So while his loss feels immense, Ka really left it all on the field... leaving behind a massive catalog of beautiful art for us to sit with forever. Now, what I feel we must do as lovers of hip-hop is ensure that Ka will never be forgotten, so that he can continue to serve as a spiritual and artistic North Star for generations to come. Rest in Peace Ka. Reflecting on Ka's passing (0:00). The Plug (3:22). The Full Review (5:21). Stream The Thief Next to Jesus here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4fmC67uHti9BxWUNAUb6wy  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

One of the best things about starting this podcast has been the genuine connections I've been able to make with the artists that soundtrack so much of my life. A most recent example of this is can be found in my most recent trip to Chicago, where I had the pleasure of spending time with today's guest, Frankie Jax No Mad. The warm and thoughtful personality that I witnessed in my time with Frankie Jax No Mad translates directly through his music. His extremely unorthodox production style and stream of consciousness rhymes are key markers of his style, which I feel have come together in its most complete package yet, on his latest album THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING. In this episode, we discuss his journey from Kenya to the UK to finally LA, what inspires his distinct approach to rap, and the creation of his new album. If you're unfamiliar with Frankie, get hip now!! The Plug (0:35). The Interview (2:04). My recent trip to Chicago with Rich Jones and Frankie Jax No Mad (3:16). Frankie's journey from Kenya, to the UK, and finally to America (8:18). Key influences throughout Frankie's musical journey (14:29). Frankie's writing process (18:16). Frankie's uniquely unorthodox production style (23:26). How off-kilter production influences Frankie's rap style (28:10). How THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING stands out amongst Frankie's discography (29:07). What listeners can takeaway from THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING (32:21). Frankie's future musical direction (36:17). Buy/stream THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING here: https://nomadjax.bandcamp.com/album/thanks-for-understanding  Follow Frankie Jax No Mad on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/frankiejaxnomad  Follow Frankie Jax No Mad on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/frankiejaxnomad/  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

On the heels of their first Euro trip, today's guests, phiik and Lungs/LoneSword, have seen their brand of innovative one-of-one rap garner its most success yet. They have impressed new crops of listeners with each and every passing day, who are spellbound by their lyrical wizardry, sharp sense of humour, and unique production choices. On their latest album Carrot Season, the phiik & Lungs world of rap expands to incorporate wrinkles of more traditional boom bap drums, but still with a contemporary twist, and still with the alien-level rap acrobatics we've come to know and love from the New York-based duo. In today's episode, we discuss their thoughts behind their polarizing style of rap, working with producer savant OLASEGUN on Carrot Season, how the shift in sound from the Another Planet series to Carrot Season influenced their approach to their raps, and much more! The Plug (0:56). The Interview (2:26). The recent BIGGER THREE TOUR phiik & Lungs completed in Europe (2:34). phiik & Lungs' perspective on polarizing audiences, and the infamous Top Shelf Premium freestyle (10:59). The heightened accessibility of Carrot Season (16:51). How important the value of doing something new and fresh is for phiik & Lungs' creative process (20:39). Partnering with OLASEGUN on Carrot Season (25:18). The thought process behind the consistent beat switches on Carrot Season (29:57). How the drums and beat switches influenced phiik & Lungs' rapping approach on Carrot Season (46:08). Upcoming projects from phiik & Lungs (57:19). Buy/stream Carrot Season here: https://powrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/carrot-season  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/phiiik_/?hl=en  Follow Lungs/LoneSword on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/big_dead_lung/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

If I had to think of one word to describe today's guest, E L U C I D, and his latest album, REVELATOR, it would be “fearless” in every sense of the word. Fearless in its sonic direction that infuses industrial noise, South Asian / Middle Eastern instrumentation and more, into this one-of-a-kind take on hip-hop. Fearless in its boundaryless, ultra-poetic vocal stylings. And also fearless in its subject matter that processes all of the darkness happening in this world, while never ceasing to lose faith in love and a better tomorrow. With REVELATOR, E L U C I D achieved something rare - total creative realization, where the lyrical messaging, the sound, the tone, the songwriting, all feel perfectly in tune with one and other... all building towards this overarching artistic vision that is so powerful and affecting. Just two days before the new album dropped, E L U C I D gives us an in-depth look into the making of REVELATOR, the genesis of its bold sonic direction, how the state of affairs in our world feed into this art, and so much more. After hearing this album 30, maybe 40 times now, as of the time of recording, I'm 100% comfortable saying that REVELATOR is my Album of the Year. And honestly, it is a contender for being one of the very best albums of the entire decade. This album and this artist are just that special, so you do not wanna miss this! The Plug (1:04). The Interview (3:09). Partnering with Fat Possum Records for such an experimental record (3:53). The philosophy behind the sound of REVELATOR (9:50). The distinct Indian Classical / Middle Eastern influence on the production of REVELATOR (16:30). The collaborative recording process of REVELATOR (18:01). How We Buy Diabetic Test Strips influenced the creation of REVELATOR (20:35). The key inspirations behind the poignant lyricism of REVELATOR (26:50). The sense of more direct and clear lyrical messaging on REVELATOR (29:54). What inspires E L U C I D to take risks and experiment in his art (40:00). What E L U C I D is most proud of, regarding the creation of REVELATOR (46:52). The upcoming E L U C I D x Sebb Bash album (52:04). Upcoming merch / tour dates from E L U C I D (54:00). Why E L U C I D always has that s*** on - RMPP patron q from TreDoes (56:48). Support REVELATOR here: https://fatpossum.com/products/revelator  Follow E L U C I D on Twitter here: https://x.com/elucidwho  Follow E L U C I D on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cobratoof/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

When thinking about today's guest, it reminds me of that famous Shakespearian saying, “what's in a name?” Since for certain artists, their name can be completely meaningless, having no bearing on the kind of music they make, or has no insightful backstory for how the name came about. But for ØKSE, our guest in today's episode, their name actually says a lot about their art, and what they stand for. ØKSE means Axe in Danish, which is also Ashe; the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It's a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. This is beautifully symbolic name perfectly encapsulates what makes this experimental jazz group so damn great. Throughout their self-titled debut album, released on Backwoodz Studioz, there's a special energy that is bottled up in each song that makes the listening experience truly invigorating. ØKSE is a 4-person group, comprised of NYC based drummer Savannah Harris, Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, Haitian electronic musician Val Jeanty, and Swede Petter Eldh on bass, synths and sampler. This worldwide supergroup of musicians brought their specific influences to the table, creating a musical vision that defies any and all convention With me today is 3 of the 4 bandmates, Savannah, Mette, and Petter. Additionally Dash Lewis, talented writer for the likes of Pitchfork, HipHopDX, The Guardian, PassionWeiss, helped me co-host this interview once again, as he did in the last episode… and just like the last episode, this is a conversation you do not want to miss! We dive into the intriguing backstory behind the band's formation, their artistic north star, the Backwoodz Studioz connection, and their unique approach to blending avant-garde jazz with hip-hop on their fantastic new album… which is absolutely one of the best records of the year. The Plug (0:44). The Interview (3:28). The band's formation (5:15). Backstory of ØKSE's connection with Backwoodz Studioz (7:53). The philosophical ‘north star' behind ØKSE's music (18:29). The recording process of ØKSE (22:01). Mixing studio and live creation on ØKSE (29:28). The thought process behind adding vocalists to ØKSE (33:19 ). Core messages from ØKSE (39:04). Follow-up ØKSE album? - RMPP patron q from Ryan aka LEVITATOR (42:08). Upcoming solo works from the band members (44:27). Support ØKSE here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/okse?srsltid=AfmBOoqyiTu1wL3FyAWbXJNT60uvA0wsplRSBi6R_2TDadZDsSCkLCYy   Follow ØKSE on Twitter here: https://x.com/OOKSEOOKSE  Follow ØKSE on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/o__kse/  Follow Dash Lewis on Twitter here: https://x.com/gardenerjams?lang=en  Follow Dash Lewis on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerjams/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The worlds of electronic and ambient music have been guests within the world of hip-hop for a long time now. Artists like Travis Scott have successfully integrated these two previously separate guests into hip-hop to great effect. Though at its core, the music of a Travis was hip-hop first, with other ambient and electronic sounds added into the mix on top of that. But with the music from today's guest, Yungwebster, the math has changed. New York's Yungwebster shows us what it sounds like when ambient music is the fundamental foundation, with hip-hop weaved as an addition. This leads to music, such as Yungwebster's latest self-titled album from 2023, which is a one-of-a kind exploration of what is being dubbed “ambient rap”. It boasts thick washed out synths, cavernous basslines, and beautiful ethereal vocals evoking some of the prettiest moments of the cloud rap era. Yungwebster's melodic auto-tuned vocals serve as an instrument, fully submerged into the beat, yet still making an impact with its songwriting pop that is reminiscent of the best work of a Future or Young Thug. To learn more about something so exciting and wholly fresh, I invited Dash Lewis, talented writer (Pitchfork, HipHopDX, The Guardian, PassionWeiss, and more) to co-host this conversation with Yungwebster, bringing his refined knowledge of electronic music to the table. Listen to this episode to familiarize yourself with an artist that is surely like nothing else you've heard before! The Plug (0:53). The Interview (3:03). The intersection between ambient and rap in Yungwebster's music (5:47). How Yungwebster linked up with premier electronic music label, sferic (8:49). Yungwebster's key influences in the ambient space (12:33). Yungwebster's mindstate when creating Yungwebster (14:21). Yungwebster's instrument-like vocals (17:11). The inspiration behind the different time-shifted versions of songs on Yungwebster (21:40). How Yungwebster nurtured a global network of producers on his self-titled album (24:39). Yungwebster viewing himself as an ambient artist first (27:34). Other ambient rappers Yungwebster recommends (29:20). Upcoming projects from Yungwebster (30:34). Buy/stream Yungwebster here: https://sferic.bandcamp.com/album/yungwebster  Follow Yungwebster on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yungwebster_/    Follow Dash Lewis on Twitter here: https://x.com/gardenerjams?lang=en  Follow Dash Lewis on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerjams/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Bruiser Brigade has been slowly but surely building a killer crew and catalogue of work - with us today are two of its rising stars. J.U.S is an entertaining and distinctly unique lyricist, producer, and engineer. Squadda B, formerly of Main Attrakionz fame, helped shaped the dominating 2010s psychedelic cloud rap scene, and is still innovating and pushing his craft to new places as a solo rapper and producer. Together they've created one of 2024's most wildly fun and entertaining records in 3rd Shift, an album that demands that you play it back to back to back... In this episode, they discuss life in the Bruiser Brigade, their strong synergy as a duo, and their approach to creating their fantastic new album, 3rd Shift. The Plug (0:57). The Interview (2:21). What prompted J.U.S' focus on rapping (3:21). Squadda B's ambitions in the latest chapter of his career (5:52). What inspired Squadda B's recent move to joining Bruiser Brigade (9:43). J.U.S' perspective on the success and growth of Bruiser Brigade (11:10). The special sauce that J.U.S and Squadda B bring to the Bruiser Brigade collective (15:11). The creative synergy between J.U.S and Squadda B (17:27). How J.U.S and Squadda B levelled up on 3rd Shift (20:16). Sonic experience of 3rd Shift and the Oakland-Detroit connection (23:03). How Squadda B's production pushed J.U.S' pen to new heights (35:01). Squadda B's beatmaking process (38:18). Key takeaways from 3rd Shift (42:16). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (45:41). Stream 3rd Shift here: https://open.spotify.com/album/09pLRBbz0UprwveJpmImPT?si=sd6vuOPoQOGzJLnZZ7syAw  Follow J.U.S on Twitter here: https://x.com/i_am_j_u_s  Follow Squadda B on Twitter here: https://x.com/SquaddaB  Follow J.U.S on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/J_U_S/  Follow Squadda B on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/squaddab/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

As I get closer and closer to my 30s, mortality, the future outlook of society. and my fading youth are consistently ideas that are occupying my mind. So art that speaks to these topics in a thoughtful and insightful way have been especially appreciated as of late. But unlike other genres out there, rap is still quite young. Therefore, there isn't necessarily a ton of artists out there who are even old enough to provide such an aged perspective. And among those who are, many of whom are the likes of Jay-Z, Nas... who's primary wisdom seems focused more on wealth-building and respectability politics. That's why the album we will be spotlighting in today's episode, Reverberations of a Dead Man's Ego, is such a breath of fresh air. The mature perspectives we get from Alaska on this album are thoughtful, provocative, and remarkably honest. And they are accompanied by some of the best production we've heard from producer steel tipped dove to-date. Listen on to learn about the making of this new album, the generational divide between Gen X and Gen Z, maturing with age, a sober outlook on the future of our society, and much more. The Plug (0:45). The Interview (3:10). Aaron Rodgers' broken COVID brain (5:01). How Alaska and steel tipped dove's relationship first formed, and what inspired it (7:58). The shared worldviews between Alaska and dove (15:59). Alaska breaks down a poignant line on “I Don't Care No More” (19:46). The overarching sentiment of the heavy subject matter on ROADME (26:09). The future outlook for younger generations (31:16). The inspiration of the Reverberations of a Dead Man's Ego title (38:13). Alaska and dove go back and forth on if ROADME is improvement on their debut (40:19). Favourite songs on ROADME (51:29). Upcoming projects / merch from Alaska and steel tipped dove (54:04). Buy Reverberations of a Dead Man's Ego here: https://thatrapperalaska.bandcamp.com/album/reverberations-of-a-dead-mans-ego  Follow Alaska on Twitter here: https://x.com/Alaska_Atoms  Follow steel tipped dove on Twitter here: https://x.com/steeltippeddove  Follow steel tipped on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/steeltippeddove/?hl=en   Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The Plug (0:21). The Conversation (2:01). NxWorries' Why Lawd came to me at the perfect time in my life. A time where I find myself in the best most healthy and rewarding relationship I've ever had with a remarkably beautiful and smart woman, who is sweeter than [insert sweet substance]. So the thought of it ever coming to an end feels mortifying. It's for all these reasons that Why Lawd has had a profound impactful on me. It is an ode to appreciating the special person I have in my life… that is masquerading as one of the most beautifully crafted, most gorgeous-sounding albums I've heard in a long long time. -- Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Music and art in general is special because it can't be quantified, calculated, explained, or re-created through algorithms. Surely, through the rise of AI you can create technically accurate facsimiles of music. But that special IT factor that turns music from simply aesthetically pleasing to special, cannot be replicated by robots, and is often impossible to put into words. With today's guest though, Seafood Sam, a word does in fact come to mind to describe the IT factor that makes this Long Beach MC's music connect so strongly. That word is cool. Blended into his sharp songwriting, smooth and confident raps, there's a cool, calm confidence that draws you into his music. This special sauce made his latest album, Standing on Giant Shoulders, one of the absolute best records of 2024. In today's episode we try to uncover how Sam developed this cool that makes his music so damn good, and we dig into the making of the beautifully collaborative creation of his new album, and much, much, more... The Plug (0:53). The Interview (2:38). Sam's unique journey as a rapper and model (3:24). Seafood Sam's ideal listener (11:30). The “cool” factor in music (17:05). The clash between the old and the new in Seafood Sam's art (20:07). The Long Beach ethos within Sam (22:39). The live instrumentation sound direction on Standing on Giant Shoulders, in collaboration with Tom Kendall (26:44). How Sam guided the creation of the instrumentals on Standing on Giant Shoulders (32:49). The songwriting and melodies on Standing on Giant Shoulders (38:41). The cues Sam has taken from the legends, such as James Brown, Bobby Brown, and Miles Davis (44:21). The “grown” messaging on Standing on Giant Shoulders (50:02). The next sound for Seafood Sam (52:06). Stream/buy Standing on Giant Shoulders here: https://seafood4sam.bandcamp.com/album/standing-on-giant-shoulders  Follow Seafood Sam on Twitter here: https://x.com/seafoodsam  Follow Seafood Sam on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/seafoodsam/?hl=en  Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Likely due to my incessant thirst for control and structure, whenever I take in a piece of art and consider how the creator approached the making of this thing I find so great, my mind immediately assumes that there was this rigid, almost scientific forethought put into every detail. And while some artists work with more of a structure than others… as you will learn in this free-wheeling conversation with ShrapKnel and Controller 7, there is a serendipitous beauty that colours much of the creation of the new album from today's guests, Nobody Planning to Leave. Where a lifetime of artistic dedication, a genuine love for hip-hop culture, and happy coincidence all combined to make Nobody Planning to Leave one of the most captivating albums of 2024, serving as ShrapKnel's most accessible, yet creatively challenging record to-date. The Plug (0:50). The Interview (2:23). The Nobody Planning to Leave initial reception and RMPP Listening Party debrief (4:11). The sense of camaraderie and connection within the current indie rap scene (6:57). The central vision of Nobody Planning to Leave (11:11). The influence of Castro's diagnosis on the Nobody Planning to Leave creative process (20:56). The dynamic sound and structure of Nobody Planning to Leave (30:17). Why Controller 7 was the right producer to steward the sound for the 3rd ShrapKnel album (42:09). How the ShrapKnel chemistry has evolved over the years (54:39). Most interesting / fun track to create on Nobody Planning to Leave (1:05:17). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:12:45). Buy Nobody Planning to Leave here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/shrapknel-nobody-planning-to-leave  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 Controller 7 on Twitter here: https://x.com/controllerseven?lang=en  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  Follow Controller 7 on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/controllerseven  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The Plug (0:58). The Interview (2:36). As purely a consumer of music, one of the most rewarding and genuinely valuable things to me is to be able articulate why a particular piece of art resonated with me. It's a big reason why I started this podcast. Even without being a creator of the music myself, I think there's a lot of insight and provocative thought that someone like me can provide, that can hopefully colour your experience with the music. But that being said, there's nothing that can replace the perspective of the artist themselves - particularly those that really live and breathe this rap s***. Nosaj of New Kingdom and Height Keech comprise the group known as Wave Generators, and they certainly fall under this category. There are many times during this interview in today's episode, where they beautifully illustrate the intrinsic beauty of the creative process, somehow putting into words such an abstract concept with ease. This was a fascinating conversation that detailed the organic connection within Wave Generators, and how they conjured such an impactful feeling with their debut record, After the End. The inspiration behind the formation of Wave Generators (3:20). What Height Keech and Nosaj admired about each other's craft (9:35). Nosaj's songwriting approach (16:13). What Height Keech learnt through his work with Hemlock Ernst on The Fall Collection (24:41). The heavy rock influence in After the End's sound (28:05). The recording process for the dynamic song structure of After the End (32:11). The desired takeaway from listening to After the End (43:45). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from Wave Generators (47:47). Stream/buy After the End here: https://wavegenerators.bandcamp.com/album/after-the-end  Follow Wave Generators on Twitter here: https://x.com/wavegenerators?s=21&t=DkPXjJ9qakGNY3urv-rL4A  Follow Wave Generators on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/wavegenerators?igsh=YjU3dTlmMWt6aXp1  Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The Plug (0:21). The Interview (2:37). In a VERY special bonus episode of the RMPP, I joined the latest installment of Freemusicempire's State of the Game series to discuss all things Mach and #RAH with the FME boys, Kam of Crate 808... AND AUGUST FREAKING FANON!!! Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING Join the Freemusicempire here: https://freemusicempire.com/%C2%A0  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The Plug (0:57). The Interview (3:12). 'Black sheep' is an idiom used to describe a member of a group who doesn't fit in with the rest. Now while this is often used with a negative connotation, I feel there's a flipside to this concept that can be a positive. Where not exactly fitting into any one group can allow you to pull from many different influences, and combine that all together into something one-of one. This is a dynamic I spoke about with today's guest, Cakes da Killa, who is a prime example of how this dynamic works as a positive. In this episode, we discuss Cakes' journey as an artist, his approach to blending different sounds together, and how he approached the creation of his super entertaining and well-executed new album, Black Sheep. Cakes da Killa's MC journey (3:36). Openness in Cakes' music (8:06). Blending dance genres with hip-hop (9:41). How Cakes' queer identity manifests in his music (14:04). Advice Cakes would give to aspiring musicians (19:29). How visuals are integrated in Cakes' creative process (24:07). Cakes da Killa's black sheep' identity (25:54). How Cakes and Sam Katz approached the sound for Black Sheep (34:32). Upcoming music / tour dates / merch from Cakes da Killa (39:23). Stream/buy Black Sheep here: https://cakesdakilla.bandcamp.com/album/black-sheep  Follow Cadence Weapon on Twitter here: https://x.com/CAKESDAKILLA  Follow Cakes da Killa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cakesdakilla/?hl=en  Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING Photo in artwork by: Matt Nelson -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The Plug (0:56). The Interview (2:40). Making a name for yourself as an artist with a unique perspective, and a unique sound is impressive in its own right. But doing so outside of a major hub for hip-hop, Edmonton, a city in Western Canada, is an even more impressive achievement. This is what today's guest, Cadence Weapon has done. Cadence Weapon is here to discuss the making of his new album, ROLLERCOASTER, and gives his take on hot-button issues surrounding Canada's unique musical and political landscape, industry plants, and much more! The health of the Canadian hip-hop scene (3:03). The unique challenge of enacting social change in Canada's political landscape (11:28). The importance of using your platform for social change (18:02). Social media use as an artist (23:13). Important lessons Cadence Weapon has learnt throughout his career (29:21). Cadence Weapon's 2023 book, Bedroom Rapper (34:22). Inspiration behind the social media age theme of ROLLERCOASTER (38:35). Will society have its “Press Eject” moment? (43:16). The cutting-edge sound of ROLLERCOASTER (55:15). “Industry plants” (59:14). Upcoming projects from Cadence Weapon (1:04:07). Stream/buy ROLLERCOASTER here: https://cadenceweapon.bandcamp.com/album/rollercoaster  Follow Cadence Weapon on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/cadenceweapon  Follow Cadence Weapon on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cadenceweapon   Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING The Plug (0:57). The Interview (2:30). Throughout my experience listening to music, one of the most important life lessons I've learnt is that of patience. I've had too many instances of an album initially not grabbing me, but then as I continued to revisit it and give it an open and curious mind… I fell in love with it months, and sometimes years after I initially heard it. Art has a way of connecting you to the present. No better example than the new album from today's guest, Cavalier, titled Different Type Time. In this episode, Cavalier and I have a sprawling conversation covering the creative thinking behind the rich audio visual experience of Different Type Time, what informed his unique career path as an artist, the meaning of participating in hip-hop culture, and much much more... You do not want to miss this!! The approach behind pricing Different Type Time vinyl (4:38). The gap between the release of Private Stock and Different Type Time (12:36). Being a “rapper's rapper” (17:43). How Cavalier views his role as an artist (24:54). Breaking down the implications of legalized weed (30:56). Impact of Quelle Chris on Cavalier's career and artistic development (42:41). Partnering with Backwoodz Studioz for Different Type Time (48:31). The main intention behind Different Type Time (56:32). Cultivating the sound for Different Type Time (1:13:35). The audio and visual experience of Different Type Time (1:19:55). The features on Different Type Time, including the Unhoused Brothers (1:26:00). Upcoming Cavalier projects with Quelle Chris & Denmark Vessey, Raz Fresco, and Child Actor (1:31:43). Stream/buy Different Type Time here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/different-type-time  Support Cavalier here: https://cavwins.com/different-type-time  Follow Cavalier on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Cavwins    Follow Cavalier on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cavwins/?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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING The Plug (0:43). The Interview (1:49). As a longstanding champion of the music from today's guest, it's been such a rewarding experience to witness the growth and incredible artistic vision found on Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace, a new collaborative album by Real Bad Man and Lukah. This highly conceptual record left a huge mark on me, providing brilliant moving lyricism, and dazzling with its wonderous musical palette. Lukah joins the show to illustrate how him and Real Bad Man crafted his magnum opus, and one of the frontrunners for Album of the Year. Knocking out Permanently Blackface on the heels of finishing Temple (2:17). The main themes of Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace. (5:47). The emotional centerpiece of Temple, “The Burial” (16:57). How Real Bad Man crafted the sound for Temple, incorporating live instrumentation (22:07). The greatness of Real Bad Man (30:44) Collaborations on Temple (32:22). The elevated songwriting and singing on Temple (37:25). Lukah's upcoming albums with Preservation and Statik Selektah (40:55). Buy Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace. here: https://realbadman.bandcamp.com/album/temple-needs-water-village-needs-peace  Follow Lukah on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/biglukah?lang=en  Follow Lukah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/biglukah/?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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING The Plug (0:40). The Interview (2:08). An iconic rap album is more than just beats and rhymes. It's the interludes, the cover artwork that set the foundation for the image we as listeners associate with the music. All of those elements combined, when done exceptionally well, are the ingredients to leaving a true lasting impact on the game. Today's guests, DøøF and NCL-TM, are determined to leave a similar level of imprint on the underground with their series of NCL​-​D​Ø​Ø​FUS albums. In this episode, we get insight into what sparked this duo to form, why they mesh so well creatively, and learn about how their new album, BULLETPROOF KUFFLINX, further builds on NCL​-​D​Ø​Ø​FUS world they have created. The spark for the NCL-DØØFUS pairing (2:53). The secret sauce that makes the NCL-DØØFUS work (8:19). The musical world of NCL-DØØFUS (13:02). How being in Barcelona impacted what DøøF (18:39). The vintage sound signature of BULLETPROOF KUFFLINX (25:16). How BULLETPROOF KUFFLINX connects to the other NCL-DØØFUS records (38:57). Upcoming projects / merch / tour (51:44). Buy BULLETPROOF KUFFLINX here: https://safdoofus.bandcamp.com/album/ncl-d-fus-3-bulletproof-kufflinx  Follow DøøF on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/757doofus  Follow NCL-TM on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/UNCLETiMband  Follow DøøF on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/757doofus/  Follow NCL-TM on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ncl_tm/  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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   -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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/  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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). -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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/  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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/ 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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  -- 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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/ 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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… Don't worry, we'll be back to regularly scheduled programming with some amazing guests soon enough, I promise Thanks for listening to me publicly vent when no one asked; and 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/ 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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/ 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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com