The Rap Music Plug Podcast

#54 - Cities Aviv - THE CRASHING SOUND OF HOW IT GOES REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

Cities Aviv is an artist that I was introduced to through my exploration into Memphis rapper Lukah's music this year, who's amazing recent record I reviewed, and who I interviewed last month.

And just like Lukah, Cities is one of the best musical discoveries I've had in a long time. From Memphis as well, Cities has been making cutting-edge hip-hop music for the past decade.

This album is like a bowl of lucky charms, with every single bite being that perfect mix of cereal and marshmallow charms... notice how I didn't say the album was consistent bites of JUST the marshmallow charms.

That's because the album has a perfect balance to it, walking the tightrope between a lot of variety of moods and textures. Never too sweet, too cold, or too abrasive.

This album is so VIBRANT, exuding colour and life, just as the beautiful album artwork would suggest. These beats truly have a life of its own.

Cities' rapping adds a great dimension of engagement to his music that really puts this album over the top. I always appreciated his lyricism, but the flows and the larger focus put on his lyrics on this album, in comparison with some of his recent work.... was an absolute highlight.

It’s not like lyrically Cities is “good for a producer rapper”... he’s legit good. His lyrics are often strikingly emotional and introspective, seeing Cities pour out his innermost thoughts and demons.

His vocals are not only sharp, but they tend to fit so snugly within these instrumental tapestries that he's built.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Talking to the Flowers"

Listen to THE CRASHING SOUND OF HOW IT GOES here: https://citiesaviv.bandcamp.com/album/the-crashing-sound-of-how-it-goes 

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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

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#53 - Wiki & NAH - Telephonebooth REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

Wiki is a New York rapper, once part of the experimental hip-hop group Ratking, who is certainly a unique voice in the game. Teaming up with experimental producer NAH seemed like a natural fit for the left-field MC.

NAH's production here is very skeletal, but by no means dry. It draws from a distinctly 80s 90s sound pallet, infusing these instrumentals with pop, electronic, and rock influences.

The structure of this album's beats feature off-kilter very left-field drum patterns, 80s-90s pop, rock, electronic tones in the instrumentals... with a very glitch-hoppy aesthetic in the rhythms, along with these consistent blasts of bright sound that give this album a beautifully psychedelic feeling.

Telephonebooth gave me a similar feeling to Earl Sweatshirt's Some Rap Songs. Strictly in the sense that the songs were very short, with many ideas coming in and out quickly.

The key drawback I see in Telephonebooth though, is the other edge of the double-edged sword related to the nature of this album's leanness.

Wiki is very focused on these very short tracks, which is very appreciated. Except, unlike Some Rap Songs, Wiki doesn’t fully captivate me lyrically at all times, with an overall message that is less clear than I’d like.

Although he is definitely very focused on a specific topic on each track, is he always presenting complete thoughts? I don't think so. Often you don't get the full scope of the ideas presented on this album. This is largely due to the fact that the songs are just so short... and is magnified by the fact that these songs manage to have hooks and/or a lot of repetitive pseudo-hooks.

This brings me to the overall narrative I got from this album, which works to alleviate the importance of these drawbacks.

Wiki tackles each song like a mini conversation with someone on the phone. He's still transparent and vulnerable on the album, but he chooses to cover a large breadth of topics, versus deep-diving on one particular one.

Surely common themes emerge, but the details aren't deeply explored. So I do see myself wanting more detail at times... but there is simultaneously something intriguing in the way he gives you so many different but related thoughts. 

The genuine and raw atmosphere that he cultivates with his lyrics is great... and makes me keep wanting to press play over and over again.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "No Work"

Listen to Telephonebooth here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/album/telephonebooth 

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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/ 

#52 - Kincee BabyFace Pearlis INTERVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

The enigmatic Kincee BabyFace Pearlis joins the show for a conversation that I hope demystifies the incredibly talented Jennings, Louisiana MC... as he gives us rare insight into his unique lyricism, artistic approach, and business model. I have been ADDICTED to Kincee's music for the last few months, so I hope you all enjoy this conversation and tap in to this man's art.

We start our conversation at the beginning, uncovering how Kincee started rhyming, and the significance of his name and signature mask that he dons (3:03).

Kincee then details his time in the military, and how it shaped his worldview (5:59).

Next, we dive into his unique writing process and the central lyrical themes of his work (9:22).

Kincee discusses why he prefers to stand out with his abstract lyrical approach, and gritty sound (12:31).

Kincee details the cosmic connection he has with legend producer, August Fanon (17:27).

We next discuss Kincee's out-of-the-ordinary business model (23:47).

Kincee describes what makes his incredible collaborative albums with August Fanon so special, including his very rare BoKoR and BGOD records (32:33).

Next, Kincee details how his style has evolved more left-field over the years (39:26).

As an incredible visual artist, explains his fantastic visuals that accompany his music (41:19).

Kincee then talks about his views on NFTs, and the future of music distribution (43:43).

Finally, Kincee highlights the vast array of projects he has coming up in the rest of 2021 (48:28).

Listen/Buy Kincee's music here: https://kincee.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

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#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/