The Rap Music Plug Podcast

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 shape 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 dove 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  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 Cakes da Killa 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