The Rap Music Plug Podcast is the remedy to the “I don’t have anything good to listen to” problem. Through in-depth artist interviews, album reviews, and general rap commentary on the best that the underground rap scene has to offer, this is your one-stop shop to knowing what to add to your queue, play next, or pop into your record player. Are you a rap music fan? And not just any fan... but a true rap music fan that wants to move past the surface level discussion, and get into the nitty-gritty of what makes rap music so great? Are you someone who loves the feeling of discovering new music, but find it hard to navigate through the thousands upon thousands of new albums that get released every single day? If any of this applies to you, this show is EXACTLY what you need. My absolute PASSION is music. So I gladly do the dirty work of virtual crate digging, searching for the next great rap album... so you don’t have to. My name is Rohan. I am The Rap Music Plug, at your service. -- 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
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
After a stellar 2019 and 2020 that saw Your Old Droog drop his magnum opus, Dump YOD: Krutoy Edition, Droog’s music has been on the decline since then.
Thankfully, Space Bar corrects just about every issue I’ve had with Droog’s recent output, through better production, rapping, and guest features.
Space Bar’s beats, although not as captivating as Dump YOD or what was on Jewelry for sure, are much more up my alley.
Droog also tweaked his approach lyrically, showing improvement in this respect as well on Space Bar.
There’s a fun braggadocios looseness that is more present here, that Droog has always thrived in, allowing him to up the bar quality in comparison with his last couple of projects.
He’s less personal on this album, and instead is more aggressive, airing out some grievances that he has with the rap game, and wack collaborators as well. Above all, YOD gives us punchlines on punchlines on punchlines.
Space Bar doesn’t try to do too much, and is better off for it.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Meteor Man"
Buy/stream Space Bar here: https://yourolddroog.bandcamp.com/album/space-bar
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Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
Although I wasn't a huge fan of The Circus, I think Mick really learnt something from creating that album, as it relates to being more concise.
Elephant in the Room doesn't overstay its welcome. The songs are refined as hell, with no wasted space, showing his most finely tuned blend of melodic soul singing, and rap.
There's a great seamless flow to this album that is accentuated beautifully by the wonderful smoothness in the melodies and hooks. These hooks are all so well put-together, even by Mick's standards, which are high as this has always been a key strength in his artistic arsenal.
At its fundamental level, Mick is COMFORTABLE on Elephant in the Room.
What was a bit of a drawback on previous projects like Pieces of a Man, where I felt he didn't push himself as much stylistically, on this album he keeps certain elements like the production mostly familiar, while giving himself the room to be more natural and less forced, ditching the rigid themes and concepts found in his past records.
While not a project I think that reaches the highs of THC or The Water(s), Elephant in the Room is an album that manages to say more and do more, with less.
If Mick can find a way to marry this more looser approach with some more musical experimentation, I believe that he can still deliver the true classic album that I've always felt he's been capable of delivering.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Reflection"
Buy/stream Elephant in the Room here: https://themickjenkins.bandcamp.com/album/elephant-in-the-room
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Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
On All My Heroes are Cornballs there was such an irresistible earworm effect to me, where so many of the glitches, weird transitions, and short bursts of melody did a great job of creating variety and maintaining my deep engagement. It made for a highly entertaining and colourful listen.
But LP! feels significantly more plain and bland by comparison.
There is a more live and organic feeling in these instrumentals on LP! though, which is pretty cool for the most part. There is significant usage of live drums and true basslines that elevate the size of this sound, making it fit for a stadium.
However, it's precisely this move away from less glitchiness and noise that makes this album feel much more tame than I would've liked.
Lyricism and pure rapping have never been JPEGMAFIA's selling point. He's always been a capable rapper, with fiery and often militant lyricism that was engaging. However, on this album, these songs are more dependent on this dimension of his music more than ever before.
LP! is an album that doesn't play its best hand, it's an album that doesn't put JPEG in the best position to succeed. It lacks the explosive aggression of Veteran, as well as the sugary sweetness of the melodies on Cornballs.
LP! mixes all of his previous styles, and adds some new live musical elements into the blender too, but unfortunately it lacks the charms of his previous work, and instead comes off a bit dry.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "TIRED, NERVOUS & BROKE!"
Buy/stream LP! (offline version) here: https://jpegmafia.bandcamp.com/album/lp
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
In Episode 86, we are joined by a true lyrical tactician, teacher, and newest signee of the ever-impressive Backwoodz Studioz label, Defcee.
Defcee discusses being embraced by the Chicago hip-hop community as an outsider, and what he appreciates about the Chicago scene (4:01).
Defcee opens up about the reasoning behind taking a break from music, following 2015's Damn Near Grown (26:30).
Defcee details how he's been able to consistently improve his craft into his middle-age, and gives his take on the health of rap game currently, given the fact that so many other rappers have been producing quality music well into their "senior" years (31:52).
Defcee discusses how he sees competitiveness in hip-hop, and when that competitive spirit can turn destructive (39:38).
Defcee speaks on how vital graffiti is to the overall hip-hop culture, and how he tried to approach We Dressed the City with Our Names (44:38).
Defcee explains the influence of Backwoodz Studioz on his first album as a new signee of this groundbreaking label (51:05).
Defcee details the significance of the Trapdoor album title, and the overall intention behind the record (56:37).
Defcee reflects on the therapeutic nature of creating Trapdoor (1:01:36).
Defcee speaks on the importance of teaching the youth, and drops knowledge of some of the ills afflicting the modern education system (1:06:00).
Defcee gives his take on the complementary soundscape of Trapdoor, created by Messiah Musik, and why Messiah is such a great producer (1:19:03).
Defcee gives props to Nick Arcade and August Fanon's amazing talents, and waxes poetic about Messiah Musik once again (1:24:49).
Defcee gives a sneak peak to upcoming projects he has in store for us (1:29:03).
Support Defcee's music here: https://defcee.bandcamp.com/
Follow Defcee on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/defcee?s=20
Follow Defcee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/defcee/?hl=en
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast
Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
In Episode 85, we are joined by Virginia's effortlessly funny, multi-talented, rapper, producer, skater, and model, DøøF. On the heels of his tremendously dope new album with NCL-TM, SWAMP PHONK, he has dropped straight heat for the past year. His work includes his previous collaboration with NCL-TM, Hoodrat Noir, as well as Radioactive Spinach with none other than the talented Graymatter.
Getting to know DøøF's style and story is a must, if you want to stay updated on one of the underground's brightest stars.
DøøF details the catalyst that led to him pursuing his music career more seriously in 2020 (7:43).
DøøF breaks down how he developed his one-of-a-kind rapping style (12:37).
DøøF gives his take on what defines the Virginia rap scene (26:19).
DøøF breaks down why he gravitates towards the warm, dusty, and warped sound that his beats feature (32:13).
DøøF details what he needs to see in another producer, in order for him to relinquish beat-making duties for a project (35:43).
DøøF explains why he messes with Graymatter's production style, as well as the backstory behind the lengthy recording process for Radioactive Spinach (39:25).
DøøF details what he learnt from working with NCL-TM on Hoodrat Noir, and how he applied any learnings to their latest album, SWAMP PHONK (43:37).
DøøF explains why SWAMP PHONK ended up being double the length of Hoodrat Noir (50:25).
DøøF gives a peak at what he has in store for fans in the near future (1:15:39).
Support DøøF's music here: https://safdoofus.bandcamp.com/music
Follow DøøF on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/757doofus
Follow DøøF on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/safdoofus/
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast
Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
Speaking with GENG PTP, aka King Vision Ultra, was a deeply rich and knowledgeable journey into hip-hop culture, and the coalition of hip-hop that he builds with, from a man who clearly treats the art form with the utmost respect that it deserves. There is a lot to learn and engage with in this conversation, so sit back and enjoy!
GENG breaks down the reasoning behind his strong affinity towards hip-hop culture, and how he grew up embedded in the community (3:08).
Why GENG feels a sense of duty to give back to the hip-hop community, in a myriad of different ways (18:11).
GENG gives his perspective on the foundational traits that underpin the PTP umbrella (26:20).
GENG provides the backstory of the genesis of PTP, and its overall mission (34:25).
GENG walks us through his key inspiration behind his unique visual design work (41:45).
GENG expands on this idea of the importance of language, as it relates to to the way we consume and discuss music (57:18).
GENG gives his perspective on how recent underground waves have developed over the years (1:10:22).
GENG details the process of collaborating with AMANI, and executing the complex ideas they cultivated on An Unknown Infinite (1:27:08).
GENG discuses the reception and high praise An Unknown infinite received, from the likes of Ka and more (1:38:15).
GENG talks about his FOUND SOUND art of sampling course, and the importance of this concept to music generally (1:45:28).
GENG details what he has in store for us in the near future (1:56:29).
Support GENG's music, and PTP label here: https://purpletapepedigree.bandcamp.com/artists
Follow GENG on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/purpicide
Follow GENG on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/genggrizzly/
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast
Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
In a myriad of different ways, Half God explores Wiki's home of New York through multiple angles, giving the listener a consistent thematic backdrop to discuss every way the city influenced and shaped the man he is today.
By discussing New York's deep hip-hop roots, gentrification, and growing up as a child in such a busy and often chaotic city.
All in all, giving us his most focused and developed lyrical performance of his entire career.
Wik has always been a better than average storyteller. But on Half God, Wiki doesn't just paint you a picture... he teleports you into his shoes to roam the NY city streets in his place.
His growth as a lyricist allows him to accomplish so many different things on a given track.
The song Roof is a vivid personal peek into Wiki’s childhood home. Throughout this track, it's incredible how great he’s become at one, giving you pieces of himself, amidst a flurry of sometimes, funny, dark, and harsh pictures that his almost stream of consciousness style provides.
It’s a style of lyricism that flexes how loose he can get rapping, while not actually falling off track. The subject matter seems so organic and spur of the moment, while still maintaining a focus that is incredibly sharp.
More than anything, Half God is intentional. It knows exactly what it wants to be, which I believe positively affected Wiki's ability to stay focused, while not losing the loose flair he's been known for.
Wiki always had this consistent North Star on the record to guide him... home.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Grape Soda"
Buy/stream Half God here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/album/half-god
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast
Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
As he has done on many Westside Gunn albums in the past, AA Rashid provides some words of wisdom at the beginning of both sides, but I want to key in on what he did on Side B.
This was probably my favourite contribution of his to-date, because it applied so well to Westside Gunn as an artist.
Rashid speaks about revolutionizing, shifting the paradigm... and what has Westside Gunn, BUT shift the paradigm? Two key waves I believe Gunn has spearheaded over the years are the following.
The first being that Gunn has shifted large factions of the rap game to not only accept, but celebrate the "curator" role that he has now settled so comfortably in.
Before him, the idea that an artist could have this many features, and not always be the focal point of his own album, would be a negative to many.
Now it is revered as one of the most admirable traits of Gunn's music, taking what I think an artist like Kanye West has historically been great at, in selecting the best collaborators and getting the best out of them... and taking it even further in this direction, where Gunn's presence doesn't always need to be on one of the songs if it doesn't need to.
The second wave he has led is popularizing the minimal dusty boom bap and drumless beat movement, which is now incredibly popular in the underground.
Again there are others who helped push this style to prominence... but part of being influential is being able to successfully make a certain level of impact. Gunn as the mastermind behind Griselda, certainly did that.
H***** Wears Hermes 8 was a fitting curtain call for Westside Gunn, and properly showcased all that has made his artistry so impactful to the art form.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Free Kutter"
Stream H***** Wears Hermes here:
Side A - https://open.spotify.com/album/0M5cyXHBV0en8q02019vaC?si=GayzT-xiR4KMibj_rJO9og
Side B - https://open.spotify.com/album/0KtFP56RU7bd32pcvdeWOU?si=F9OROMjJRQWG3ZNuvcBsvQ
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast
Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
After their self-titled studio album debut, with features from the likes of Freddie Gibbs, Rico Nasty, JPEGMAFIA... the sky was seemingly the limit for Injury Reserve.
But then during a chaotic June 2020 for us all, tragedy hit the group as Groggs passed away for unknown reasons.
When this happened, I like many I assume, thought this was the end of the group's run. No more music was to come from Injury Reserve.
However, surprisingly they had an album coming out in September of 2021, titled By the Time I Get to Phoenix.
On top of that, it was not just a money grab posthumous album. Instead it was a fully-fledged left-field put all the chips on the table-type album, which thankfully was largely created while Groggs was still with us.
It's safe to say that the album we got was NOT what I expected.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Knees"
Stream By the Time I Get to Phoenix here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7L7oMPboBCeyGLJVsHSWM2
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast
Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
The Backwoodz Studioz invaision continues in Episode 80, as we are joined by fiery lyricist, Curly Castro. Castro has been on a tremendous run in recent years, from his collaborative LP with PremRock, ShrapKnel, his scorching-hot feature on Armand Hammer's Haram, to his powerful Bobby Hutton-inspired record, Little Robert Hutton.
Curly's perspective on how it feels being part of the impactful Backwoodz Studioz movement (2:26).
Curly discusses how working with greats like ELUCID, Prem, woods, helps him hone his craft, and sets an unspoken standard of excellence (9:10).
Exploring the crew dynamics of The Wrecking Crew (11:35).
How the idea of ShrapKnel materialized (20:58).
Castro speaks on his bold outspokenness in his music, and not being afraid to say how he feels (27:23).
What Castro aimed to achieve with his Black Panther, Bobby Hutton-inspired album in Little Robert Hutton (31:46).
The vision behind this boldly explosive sound for Little Robert Hutton (41:40).
How Castro manages to weave in many guest verses into his lyrically-heavy albums (49:57).
The inspiration behind the Call Out Culture podcast (56:52).
Castro gives his take on the health of indie artist scene in our current music landscape (1:01:31).
Curly's future plans (1:06:22).
Support Curly Castro's music here: https://curlycastro.bandcamp.com/
Follow Curly Castro on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/curly_castro?lang=en
Follow Curly Castro on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/curlycastro/?hl=en
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Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/
Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patreon, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast
Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com