The Rap Music Plug Podcast

#79 - Steel Tipped Dove INTERVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In a very special Episode 79, we host our first Backwoodz Studioz member, producer/engineer/mixer/masterer, sound mastermind Steel Tipped Dove. Dove is a phenomenal artist, who has graced the best works in hip-hop, from Haram and BRASS, to his own work in 2021's great Call Me When You're Here LP.

De-mystifying what audio engineering, mixing, and mastering actually means (2:49).

Steel Tipped Dove's views on the emergence of more care and attention being put on engineering and mixing in recent years (11:23).

The role an audio engineer, mixer, or masterer, plays in the creative decisions of a record (14:58).

How Dove's deep passion for music begin, and how his work evolved from beat-making to post-production work (19:30).

How Dove initially linked up with Heems, Big Baby Gandhi, and Lakutis, which jumpstarted his career and garnered him an initial buzz (22:21).

The importance that his home studio in Brooklyn played in Dove's career (25:06).

The meaning behind the Steel Tipped Dove moniker (29:26).

Steel Tipped Dove recounts how his relationship with Backwoodz Studioz first began (32:57).

What about the Backwoodz Studioz camp inspires Dove (36:57).

Dove explains the unique vision and structure behind his 2021 instrumental album, inside.outside.inside.outside (41:23). +57

The conception of Dove's new album, Call Me When You're Outside (49:36).

Dove describes the sound that he attempted to create on his latest LP (54:16).

What Dove looks for in potential collaborators (58:40).

Why Dove is content with being in the background, and why he felt it was time to put out an album like Call Me When You're Outside (59:52).

Dove's favourite record to be a part of (1:04:43).

What Dove has in store in the near future (1:08:15).

Support Steel Tipped Dove's music here: https://steeltippeddove.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Steel Tipped Dove on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/steeltippeddove?s=20  

Follow Steel Tipped Dove on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/steeltippeddove/ 

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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

#78 - Lukah - Why Look Up, God‘s in the Mirror REVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

It would've been easy for Lukah to rest on his laurels after a very successful When the Black Hand Touches You, and just make another version of that album... but this isn’t When the Black Hand Touches You Part 2, or Chickenwire Part 2 either.

If Black Hand sounded like soul food, Why Look Up literally sounds like the absence of food. On this album, there is nothing but pure hunger.

Unlike the more wide-spanning subject matter on Black Hand, which spoke from a contemplative or reflective perspective that applied generally to Lukah's life, and acted as an educational document for his newborn son… the lyricism on Why Look Up is more laser-focused to specific moments, putting you in the heat of the action of some really dark and trying situations.

It creates this visceral hair-raising feeling that is downright intoxicating.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "IMMACULATE CONCEPTION"

Buy/stream Why Look Up, God‘s in the Mirror here: https://lukah.bandcamp.com/album/why-look-up-gods-in-the-mirror 

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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

#77 - Little Simz - Sometimes I Might Be Introvert REVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

UK's Little Simz released the GREY Area back in 2019, which was a very thoughtful album. However, her perspective felt, as the title would suggest, not fully realized and fleshed out… like she was still working things out, and was more combustible as a result.

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert on the other hand, sounds like someone who has gone through those mental struggles, and came out the other side.

I basically see this album playing out like a coming of age story for Simz, seeing her embrace her womanhood, understanding who she is, her introversion, and being comfortable with it, and feeling herself a little bit now as a result.

The thoughtful subject matter though is supported by an even more ambitious soundscape provided mainly by Sault producer, Inflo.

This album is the closest to baroque rap we’ve gotten since Kanye West's Late Registration. Except in the presentation of this album, it’s even more grand and ambitious in scope, with different styles being explored incorporating Simz's Nigerian roots.

The production is so beautifully mixed, organic, and big in feel, with a really natural energy that doesn’t sound forced.

It's no surprise that Simz remarks in a recent NME interview, that her chemistry with Inflo is unmatched. The beats and rhymes are in lockstep, seeing Simz and Inflo perfectly working together on SIMBI.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "I See You"

Stream Sometimes I Might Be Introvert here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0DBoWQ52XUHtrZQdfAqOVj?si=SGT8FragSlqEnrkTLIkprQ 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

#76 - Teller Bank$ INTERVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 76, the remarkably honest and talented Teller Bank$ joined the show for a conversation that will surely make it clear why this Iowa artist is worth checking out.

How Teller developed his voice and recognized that this unique delivery could work (2:47). 

Why Teller gravitates towards Ed Glorious' production (18:25).

How Teller crafted the concept and narratives in The Grotesque & Beautiful (25:40).

Teller details the importance of spirituality in his music (32:47).

How Teller has grown as a man in recent years (38:57).

Teller explains how his creative process differs when he handles production duties on one of his albums (45:47).

Teller details how The Part & Parcel differs from the first Ed Glorious produced album, explaining how it is Part 2 of a trilogy (51:11).

Teller explains why he believes his rapping is better than ever on The Part & Parcel (58:17).

Teller's future plans (1:08:03).

Support Teller Bank$' music here: https://tellerbanks.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Teller Bank$ on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Teller_Banks?s=20 

Follow Teller Bank$ on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/teller_banks/feed/?hl=en 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

#75 - Kanye West - Donda ”REVIEW”

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of my personal diatribe (0:49).

Beginning of the core review (16:00).

I was close to not even reviewing Donda, given the recent nonsense surrounding DaBaby and Manson's involvement with the album.

But I couldn’t get over that it would be so incredibly inauthentic, if I actually didn't talk about a brand new full-length Kanye album... because Kanye’s music has played a huge part in my life.

And so, if I was going to talk about Donda, I wanted to do something special with it.

Therefore, I did discuss the music on Donda, as you'd expect from me. More importantly though, I wanted to share a piece of myself… through the lens of Kanye West.

I hope that this episode will successfully show how Kanye is stitched into my life, and how that allowed me to come to the conclusions related to Donda that you can't find anywhere else.

This won't be like anything I have ever created before.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Hurricane"

Stream Donda here: https://open.spotify.com/album/340MjPcVdiQRnMigrPybZA?si=dKYFYO3xTfaJ2n8y6vqBXw&dl_branch=1 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

#74 - Lync Lone INTERVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 74, we were joined by talented rapper, producer, visual artist, and rolling paper creator, Lync Lone.

Lync first discussed the aspirational aspects of Lync's music, and how being a rapper was his dream since day 1 (2:07).

The key influences that helped Lync develop his style (2:58).

Lync talks about how his distinctly cool and chill rapping style developed over the years (12:13).

Lync details how he maintains such a positive outlook on life, and why he finds it important to promote that perspective in his music (17:18).

Lync explains why his number 1 goal in music is to synthesize his own thoughts and feelings, so that he can better understand them (22:36).

Hear the hilariously natural way Lync and BLOODBLIXING created Decibelz, one of my personal favourite Lync project (25:40).

Lync discusses his Iceberg Theory collaboration in Acid Jazz, and how Guru's Jazzmatazz inspired that project (31:33).

Lync dives into the concept behind his latest and greatest project to-date, Lost & Found: In Paradise! (35:41).

Lync talks about his visual art design work, and the importance of being self-sufficient as an artist in 2021 (49:40).

Lync talks about his new line of rolling papers, GONZO (55:25).

Support Lync Lone's music here: https://lynclone.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow Lync Lone on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/lynclone 

Follow Lync Lone on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lynclone/?hl=en 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

#73 - greenSLLIME INTERVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

In Episode 73, we had the pleasure to welcome Chicago's own rapper, producer, DJ, TV host, greenSLLIME to the show.

How SLLIME's magnetic personality of sorts developed over the years (3:51).

What inspired greenSLLIME to get into hip-hop when he was younger (7:01).

SLLIME details partnering with SolarFive to open the 406 studio in Chicago, and the thought-process behind taking this bold move (12:26).

SLLIME's unique relationship with Mick Jenkins, and how it helped develop his craft (20:54).

His relationship with Qari, collaborator on the 2019 project Operation Hennessy, and how that album helped "kill the doubt" for greenSLLIME (25:40).

His creative process (32:09).

The importance of Chicago to SLLIME's artistic journey (36:51).

SLLIME on the vision behind his Broke Ass Low Budget Show, as well as some upcoming visual ventures for greenSLLIME (40:53).

How SLLIME navigates some interesting combinations of vibes in both his lyrics, and his production (58:14).

Meaning behind the title of his latest project, and how greenSLLIME entered 'monk mode' to create it (1:13:07).

What the future has in store for greenSLLIME (1:18:22).

Support greenSLLIME's music here (including monk.'s deluxe vinyl set to release on September 24, 2021): https://sllime64.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow greenSLLIME on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/sllime64?lang=en 

Follow greenSLLIME on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sllime64/ 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

#72 - Drake - Certified Lover Boy REVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Drake's Certified Lover Boy reeks of stagnation.

Stagnation in the tired song topics and formulas, where the listener has heard different versions of just about every single song here.

And although more of a good thing can be... a good thing... the 6 God is doing the same thing with some of the least inspired performances of his entire career.

This stagnation is all but validated by the fact that many of these songs were leaked a year ago, and appeared on this album more or less in that same state

This shows that the lack of fresh ideas are not some hater fabrication I am concocting unfairly. The truth is plainly obvious.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Champagne Poetry"

Stream Certified Lover Boy here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3SpBlxme9WbeQdI9kx7KAV?si=Ab1KghVeQs-Kb5-Tl3FEww&dl_branch=1 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

#71 - Ka - A Martyr‘s Reward REVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Ka is one-of-one, and is easily one of the best lyricists in the game.

With Ka albums, the commonality to them all is that Ka is consistently committed to giving the listener true wisdom that come from a place of tried and true lived experience... with A1 level wordplay, with clever turns of phrase in almost every line.

The lyrical detail he brings makes every situation he paints feel remarkably surreal and urgent, where the gravity of a single decision, or thought of a character in a Ka song, feels like life or death.

This lyrical picture he paints is devoid of hyperbole, devoid of any romanticism... its the cold hard truth.

Yet, with most or all of his albums... the wisdom in learning and the concept of growth is always present in his music, which never makes any of Ka's albums come off as cynical.

This brings us to Martyr's Reward, which I think communicated this complex idea of hope better than any of his previous work.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Subtle"

Stream A Martyr's Reward here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5MOODX5ZNXcbIyMLSluNbw?si=k4Z5aXwDQLaaPdjunH0xUQ&dl_branch=1 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here:

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ 

#70 - Boldy James & The Alchemist - Bo Jackson REVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (0:49).

Boldy James continues on his hot streak with his latest Bo Jackson album, which features production from the legendary Alchemist once again. 

Boldy is in top-form, blending his blunt and cold delivery with evocative imagery in his street tales that give Bo a strong sense of surrealism. 

However, it is the legend in this case, The Alchemist, that doesn't hold up his end of the bargain to the best of his abilities.

Alc left earth on Haram, brought exotic textures and decadence to Fetti, but on Bo Jackson he keeps things to one relatively formulaic lane.

I have no problem with straight to the point, more simplistic production... but these beats are all super clean, and don't have that rugged grit that an album like this could've benefitted from.

I think Boldy improved on all fronts from A Price of Tea in China from a rapping perspective.

However, although I think Alc brought some good production to this album, the sound was too tame for my liking and didn't leave enough of an impression on me.

There just lacked an instrumental bite that makes me wanna go back to this album.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Fake Flowers"

Stream Bo Jackson here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1KHFw3hsKvNGGCkXKQMrbT?si=h-WGm0BIR7SfWuoSZR_Ipg&dl_branch=1 

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For artist development/writing services, DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com 

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/