The Rap Music Plug Podcast

#57 - AKAI SOLO & Navy Blue - True Sky REVIEW

(Go to 0:49 to skip the intro)

AKAI SOLO and Navy Blue joined forces to create the highly-anticipated True Sky, a record that is surely to scratch your lyrical itch.

AKAI explores themes of knowledge of self, spirituality, liberation from oppressive structures, and liberation from the ways modern society controls people mentally... which serves as the lens that AKAI uses to make observations about those around him, and society as a whole.

AKAI has an intelligent mind clearly, but most importantly knows how to get his point across in highly original ways that makes what he's saying that much more impactful.

He knows how to balance poetic word choices, with tangible clearly articulated ideas that make his lyrics digestible, even if the subject matter is heavy.

Navy laces AKAI with sample-based instrumentals that are exquisitely jazzy, glitchy, heavily incorporating horns, saxophone, which all make this album feel very grand.

That being said, what True Sky really crystallized for me in Navy's production, is the mechanical nature of it all.

The drum patterns and choice of percussion are arguably the most interesting aspects of Navy’s production for me. The mix of the modern hi hats and 808s, alongside super strange rhythms make for a very interesting combination.

This Navy Blue mix of sound gives these often repetitive looped samples of string and brass a certain knock and head-nodding rhythm, due to these intricate drums that are on just about every single track.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "No Doubt (feat. Navy Blue)"

Stream/Buy True Sky here: https://akaisolo.bandcamp.com/album/true-sky 

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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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#56 - Big Flowers INTERVIEW

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

(Go to 0:49 to skip the intro)

The wonderfully multi-talented Big Flowers (Michael) joined the show to wax poetic on a number of topics concerning the hip-hop and art scene that he contributes great work towards.

We start by discussing the conception of Big Smile, and where Big Flowers' mind has been at throughout the pandemic (1:39).

Michael then details how Big Smile was a therapeutic recording process for him. (19:37)

As a member of a burgeoning movement of thoughtful hip-hop, Michael gives his takes on what from the underground right now (35:14).

Next, Big Flowers illustrates how he was able to orchestrate the significant levels of collaboration found on Big Smile (56:00).

Michael discusses what drew him to create Memories Gro , his re-invisioning of Memories Bleed by EYESWIDESHUT & Pepper Adams (1:10:05).

Since Big Flowers is an accomplished visual artist (who created the video animation for this very show!), we discuss why his visual design work is so special (1:19:53).

Finally, we talk about what the future holds for Big Flowers in 2021 (1:30:48).

Stream/Buy Big Smile here: https://bigflowers.bandcamp.com/album/big-smile 

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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/ 

Bonus - What Makes a Compilation Successful? w/ Freemusicempire

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

In light of the recent release of Mello Music Group's Bushido, in a special bonus episode, I joined the Freemusicempire's #stateofthegame series as a guest to discuss what makes a compilation successful.

We explored this topic through conversations on Bushido, Ryde or Die Vol. 1, and Anticon Label Sampler: 1999-2004. Enjoy!

Join the Freemusicempire here: https://freemusicempire.com/ 

Listen to Bushido here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5kCNU9ouaRoRtQNJrtfavl?si=6644467f8cf54d4d 

Listen to Ryde or Die, Vol. 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1mQkCjNNs32GHM7nlEpA2N?si=4vhE68pRSn6eeBuIrI6DQg 

Listen to Anticon Label Sampler: 1999-2004 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4MZdFFnHTU91NL3IuxJxlV?si=0a633be239f849a7 

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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/ 

#55 - J. Cole - The Off-Season REVIEW (feat. Jay El of The ByTown Blog)

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

To discuss the highly polarizing J. Cole, and his latest album The Off-Season, I was joined by Jay El, the creator of The Bytown Blog, to better understand the perspectives of a true Cole Miner.

We dive into some potential misconceptions related to Cole fandom, how Cole reminds me of The Weeknd (?), and of course... discuss our thoughts on this latest album from Jermaine, which Jay El dubs his best album yet.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "let go my hand"

Listen to The Off-Season here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4JAvwK4APPArjIsOdGoJXX 

Check out Jay El's new blog: https://bytownblog.com/?fbclid=IwAR1_sin0mc29UNCA59AmbQ0surK2APRTzQ2mqSUDFGc6bktp16ZAN0_IEK8 

Check out Jay El's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy79w-sj5HyB8esfH8RllpA 

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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/ 

#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

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

#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

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

 

#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/