The Rap Music Plug Podcast

#51 - Conway the Machine - La Maquina REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

My first main takeaway from La Maquina is that, as Griselda transitions further into the commercial space, Conway is better suited to thrive in this space than Benny the Butcher.

The reason is that Conway’s larger-than-life boss king persona fits well with the luxurious more clean sound. It's the reason why people respond differently to a Conway rapping over a beat like Grace, versus Benny... it's just a better fit.

Whereas Benny's appeal relies more on the hunger and that ‘came from the mud’ attitude, which felt much more at home on those grimy Daringer and Alchemist style productions.

So the ceiling for a Benny is still super high just like with Conway, but I think Conway’s floor is higher because he could make an album like La Maquina in his sleep.

That being said, although the results on La Maquina are better than Plugs 2... I just don't see myself coming back to this album all that much.

One way to look at the latest album from Benny and Conway is to say, "look Griselda is going commercial, and that's why these projects are falling flat".

Maybe so, but with Burden of Proof, If It Bleeds It Can Be Killed, and FKTG, those projects worked and worked REALLY well.

What I think a more interesting conversation is, and what I think the real key is, is that the Griselda business model has never been attempted or succeeded ever before. The idea that Conway in particular is maybe running out of musical ideas, may seem weak because he's only 5 years into his career.

But when you realize he has created 30-40+ projects during this span, should we really be surprised? I also don't want to knock him for putting out more good to great projects in 5 years than most rappers put out in 15.

That being said, I do think Griselda fatigue is starting to be a thing... so unless these guys really expand their subject matter, like both Conway and Benny did on Burden, FKTG, and If It Bleeds... their bread and butter style will inevitably become less and less filling as time goes by.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Blood Roses"

Listen to La Maquina here: https://conway-the-machine.bandcamp.com/album/la-maquina 

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#50 - Hus KingPin - Threesome 2: The Art of S** REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

With all of Hus' music, his poetic outside-the-box lyrical approach consistently impresses and sets him apart. It doesn't matter what he's rapping about, whether it be some street content, braggadocio, or some romance talk like on this EP. No matter what, Hus always find a way to communicate in an interesting way, through clever turns of phrase, and strong wordplay.

This latest Threesome 2 EP is a perfect example of why rap is so untouchable as an artform. A project focusing on women, infidelity, sex, romance, is nothing new to hip-hop at all. Yet, it still sounds fresh because of the WAY in which he pens these rhymes and paints these pictures. It makes what could be played out subject matter, still sound interesting to the listener.

How Hus does this is by spitting game that isn't vulgar for the sake of being vulgar like much of our over-sexualized pop culture likes to promote... instead it's through cunning flips of common tropes, and abstract illustrations of sexual tension and innuendo that is so skillful.

The other defining trait of this EP, is the production. The production is mainly handled by Prynce P, who laces this EP with a smooth late 90s east-coast sound, sampling R&B/soul hits from that era. These elements give the EP a consistently classy feel, and adds to the game aesthetic Hus embodies on this project.

The sound of this EP successfully puts you in the environment of a late-night joyride with a pretty woman in the passenger seat... who may or may not be married to another ma... a very relatable situation for us all.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Tell Me"

Listen to Threesome 2 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/15xFFA0azvVFU7xeO2r0Rj 

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#49 - Lukah INTERVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

Episode 49 welcomes Lukah, Memphis MC, producer, and current rising star in the game. Lukah is responsible for When the Black Hand Touches You, one of the best albums to come out in 2021 so far.

Getting hip to Lukah's music has been one of the best things to happen to me in 2021, as Lukah is wise beyond his years, giving us lots of food for thought and lyrical abilities that are absolutely A1.

I am happy to report that the same knowledgeable high-character man that we heard on wax, joined me for this interview.

We start this interview by discussing Lukah's beginnings as an artist, and key inspirations to his art (2:25).

As someone who has enjoyed a string of recent successes, Lukah describes how he has been able to cultivate a devoted fanbase (7:25).

Lukah describes his relationship with the highly creative Cities Aviv, and the early days in the 'The Attic Sessions' (11:33).

We discuss Lukah's affinity for the soulful sound that underpins much of his music (15:24).

Lukah walks us through the creation of When the Black Hand Touches You, in relation to Chickenwire, which he released in 2018 (17:38).

As a new father, Lukah details how his life and music has been forever changed by the birth of his son (19:58).

When the Black Hand Touches You is packed full of many different messages, but Lukah zeroes in on one central message that he hopes people take from the album (21:35).

The title of this latest record is quite heavy, so Lukah gives us some insight into why he chose When the Black Hand Touches You as the title (23:32).

Displaying such wisdom in his music, Lukah tells us how he was able to develop knowledge of self so early on his life (26:18).

Lukah gives some colour to some of his social commentary in his music, by providing his take on the affects that "the system" has had on impoverished communities in the US, and how it is like growing up in that environment (29:01).

Since this was recorded days after the Derek Chauvin guilty verdict, Lukah gives us his feelings on how it made him feel, and the significance of this long-term (32:11).

As someone who outlines a lot of hardship and struggle in his music, Lukah details the key aspect of his life that helped him stay positive and healthy throughout it all (37:16).

As we transition to a general discussion on the rap game, Lukah gives his thoughts on the current state of the genre, as well as some dream collaborations of his (43:42).

Finally, Lukah gives us some exclusive details on his upcoming album, mentioning some and big-time features that will be helping him tell his next story this summer (1:00:32).

Listen to When the Black Hand Touches You here: https://lukah.bandcamp.com/album/when-the-black-hand-touches-you 

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#48 - Vic Spencer & August Fanon - Psychological Cheat Sheet 2 REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

Psychological Cheat Sheet 2 feels like controlled chaos.

August Fanon created a soundscape that was maybe less diverse in terms of the variety of sounds, in comparison to Cheat Sheet 1. But I think that's for the best because the sound here is incredibly focused and consistent, yet still so remarkably textured and engaging the whole time.

August honed in on the hazy dusty jazz sound that was present on Cheat Sheet 1, and created a series of great beats in this vein.

There are less detours away from this dusty jazz sound, unlike the first album in this series, which had some more detours that sort of lost me at times, or were a bit too stark in contrast with the rest of the album. On Cheat Sheet 2, Fanon pushed all the right buttons.

This added focus in the production was similarly found in the lyricism. Surely Vic's colourful multi-faceted personality is still on full display, but I think, especially in comparison with Cheat Sheet 1, Vic's performance strikes a more consistent tone on this latest album.

The tone he strikes here is dark but dry in its humour that makes this album a bit hard to grasp... you don’t necessarily realize at first the real deep honesty he’s giving you. The clever wordplay and punchlines, and even his voice to an extent, add to this idea that his music is light and fun.

He gives me an almost a class clown feeling, where I expect him to just kick dope rhymes and make me laugh. But past the humourous veneer, Vic is very open about the demons he has faced through his life, related to drug abuse and facing mental health challenges head-on.

So moral of the story, don't let the personality and confidence fool you... there are a considerable amount of thought-provoking nuggets of lyricism to be consumed on this album.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Reciprocate the Love"

Listen to Psychological Cheat Sheet 2 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2am9gNSyIZs6UEhvmAeIqT?si=yD0UlKqjS3a6Uyz_BkyZDQ 

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#47 - amani - A CONSTANT CONDENSATION REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

A CONSTANT CONDENSATION goes inward into amani's mind, and features some gorgeously intimate raps that feel like you’re reading his journal on wax.

Production handled by amani himself, is very soulful and adds to the intimacy of the record. It features this consistent analog feel that makes the record sound very warm.

After being introduced to amani on An Unknown Infinite, it was nice to see amani's raps over these brighter soulful instrumentals.

The way this album was put together is certainly one of the key reasons that makes it so unlike everything else that is out there. After a more straightforward first half of the album, with mostly rapped songs, the back half unravels into an odd but ultimately compelling sequence of ideas that give me a tangible feeling of hope.

The attention to detail in how the album was constructed, really impressed me... and made what could have been a sort of messy album towards the back half, still come together and make sense when it's all said and done.

This is a great album for when you want to reflect, and just get lost in your thoughts.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "The Cravings"

Listen to A CONSTANT CONDENSATION here: https://amani.bandcamp.com/ 

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#46 - Armand Hammer & The Alchemist - Haram REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) 

Famed underground hip-hop duo Armand Hammer, comprised of billy woods and ELUCID, teamed up with hip-hop producer heavyweight, The Alchemist, for the highly anticipated Haram collaborative album.

On Haram, Alc blended all of the Alchemist eras of sound into one. There are pieces of his more traditional hardcore hip-hop sound from the 90s/2000s, as well as hints of his exotic and more experimental approach that he has thrived doing during the 2010s

In my opinion, this is the best produced Alchemist album front-to-back, within his entire illustrious career. He was just so locked in and razor-sharp in every single musical decision he made on this project.

The psychedelic production and lyricism makes Haram an album that you truly will find yourself getting lost in.... but that's only if you submit to the Haram world and listen as a blank slate.

That is because, contrary to popular beliefs held by publications such as NPR, this album is not accessible... and certainly not the most accessible Armand Hammer record to-date.

ELUCID and woods get more even abstract, impressionistic, and free-form than ever before, even by their standards... in both the actual lyrics, and the overall way they communicate their messages and themes.

This less than concrete and direct approach to lyricism contributes to Haram feeling like the most obtuse, and deceptively odd album in the Armand Hammer catalogue... and an almost impenetrable first listen.

On my first listen, I felt like that Doc Rivers gif (if you know you know). I felt amazed, but not entirely sure what I just witnessed. However, many many listens later... Haram finally started to make sense, and I absolutely fell in love.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Aubergine"

Listen to Haram here: https://armandhammer.bandcamp.com/album/haram 

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#45 - Westside Gunn & Mach-Hommy Reunite / Hus KingPin Diss and Response

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) 

Westside Gunn and Mach-Hommy, two underground hip-hop heavyweights that have attained widespread acclaim in recent years, have officially ended their feud and dropped "Easter Gunday 4. Easter Gunday 4 being the 4th instalment of the Easter Gunday series of tracks West has put out.

In Ep. 45, we discuss the reasoning behind how their feud manifested, what this newly formed relationship means for both of their careers, as well as my thoughts on the new song.

Additionally, due to the Hus KingPin diss in the track, we discuss the beef between this newly formed duo and Hus, as well as Hus' response track, "EASTER WAVE NIGHT".

Listen to "Easter Gunday 4" here: https://soundcloud.com/gxfr/westside-gunn-eastergunn-day-4-freestyle 

Listen to "EASTER WAVE NIGHT" here: https://soundcloud.com/hus-kingpin/huskingpin-easter-wave-night  

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#44 - 2 Dolla Will INTERVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) 

In Episode 44, we are joined by a special guest, the hilarious and clever 2 Dolla Will who is a member of The Blicky Boyz, and is legitimately one of the funniest artists I have ever heard.

With a prolific work ethic boasting many projects under his belt... most notably Red Snow 5, an album that was released on March 26th, 2021... co-starring the Blicky Boyz and Iceberg Theory (friend of the show, who I interviewed earlier this year in Ep. 28).

We first dive into 2 Dolla's origin story, and the key influences that shaped the artist's comedic rap stylings (2:49).

Next, we discuss why 2 Dolla Will and 'soccer moms' have such a special connection (14:34).

Will gives some insight into how his lyrical approach evolved into the stream of consciousness hilarity that it is today (17:05).

2 Dolla then discusses what the overall intention or objective he has in mind when creating his music (21:04).

Hailing from Butte, Montana, Will speaks on his hometown and why he feels it's important to properly represent where he's from (23:59).

Next, we discuss 2 Dolla's recent album, Red Snow 5, and how his approach to this album was different than his previous work (28:07).

We then go on a tangent related to wack rap fans who are stuck in the past... who may or may not be fans of R.A. The Rugged Man (32:48).

2 Dolla discusses how his relationship with the other Blicky Boyz members and Iceberg Theory developed, as they play co-starring roles on Red Snow 5 (40:22).

Will gives us more insight into his stream of consciousness rap recording process (49:56).

We then discuss Will's choice to distribute his music mainly on Bandcamp, and why other independent artists should consider making the most of this platform (51:58).

Finally, 2 Dolla gives us a breakdown of the many projects he has coming in the pipeline in 2021 (1:00:54).

Listen to 2 Dolla Will's music on his Bandcamp page: https://2dollawill1.bandcamp.com/music 

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

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#43 - Benny the Butcher & Harry Fraud - The Plugs I Met 2 REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) 

The Plugs I Met 2 is the sequel to 2019's highly acclaimed Plugs I Met, which to me was where Benny the Butcher went from already dope as hell lyricist to ELITE-level lyricist.

Up until Burden of Proof, this was my favourite Benny project. The magic of Plugs was in the all killer, no filler approach. At just 25 minutes, it was gritty rapping with tough as nails production that fit perfectly. So the sequel to this project was something many Benny fans were highly anticipating.

The Plugs I Met 2 serves as a continuation of the cleaner more commercial sound that Benny brought with Burden of Proof... a sound I liked, which led me to say that Burden of Proof is my FAVOURITE Benny project, even more than fan-favourites in Tana Talk 3 and The Plugs I Met.

The central problem with this latest release though, is that the 2000s Rocafella style production on Burden of Proof fit the reflective lyrical subject matter of Benny way more. Whereas with The Plugs I Met 2, I feel like this more trappy sound would've benefitted more from gritty Benny, but we didn’t get that.

In addition to the production being a continuation of Burden of Proof, Plugs I Met 2 is also a continuation from a lyrical perspective.

Benny is rapping less from the perspective of a guy right in the heat of the street drug-dealing, violent action like he showed on his pre-Burden of Proof work. Instead, he's more reflective, and attempting to speak from a perspective of heightened maturity.

On Plugs 2 though, I find Benny's lyrics are just not as insightful or precise as they needed to be.

Benny surely fits well on these beats and seems comfortable... but in my opinion, TOO comfortable.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "No Introductions"

Stream The Plugs I Met 2 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/20XfOL0gmcOQhupwC2bMDj?si=WNBU9tNZQriYdQo70zJnnA 

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For music submissions and/or private feedback, DM me @rohview on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/ 

#42 - Lukah - When the Black Hand Touches You REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) 

You know that feeling when you just KNOW you’re witnessing the start of something great? That’s how I felt with Lukah when I heard When the Black Hand Touches You.

Memphis MC Lukah has the lyrical sophistication of a seasoned veteran, and the perspective of a middle-aged man with a lot of life experience, stemming from the tough life lessons he learnt from the streets, as well as from the birth of his son.

But what makes Lukah's raps that much more impressive is that it isn't just rapping for rapping sake. There is real substance to these rhymes.

I get Scarface vibes from the subject matter, and from how wise Lukah comes off on this album.

Obviously, I’m not a street dude.... but rap at its best sheds light and connects you to a life that may be foreign to you, and that’s what Lukah successfully did on this album because I feel the high stakes life, and the related harsh consequences when listening to this. Lukah so eloquently illustrates the psyche and the realities of this life with fierce detail.

Lukah raps with so much conviction. This guy not only has a relentlessly passionate flow, but lyrically Lukah's raps are jam-packed with such clever turns of phrases, that are somehow matched by the potent subject matter.

This is the most hard-hitting lyrical performance I’ve heard in a long time. 

I really do feel like I have stumbled upon the next great rapper, because the foundation of Lukah as an artist is solid as hell. His lyrical ability is A1, he has an authentic POV on life, and his sound is already refined and aligned with his style. 

This is one of those rare times where early listeners can be the first in on true greatness. Buying this Lukah album is like buying the Gamestop stock before it blew up... except unlike Gamestop, the value of Lukah will not be pumped up artificially.

And in a just world, Lukah's stock will continue to reach the stars in the realest way possible. But in reality, I'm not in the business of trying to predict who will be the next hot star in rap...

I am simply here to tell you my opinion on the quality of the art. This artist Lukah and this album When the Black Hand Touches You... is the fucking shit!

RMPP Preferred Cut: "GHOST"

Stream/Buy When the Black Hand Touches You here: https://lukah.bandcamp.com/album/when-the-black-hand-touches-you 

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For music submissions and/or private feedback, DM me @rohview on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

Let's stay connected! Find me here: https://rmpp.carrd.co/