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
Tuesday Apr 20, 2021
Tuesday Apr 20, 2021
(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/
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
(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/
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
(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/
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
(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/
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Monday Apr 05, 2021
(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/
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
(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/
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
(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/
Monday Mar 22, 2021
Monday Mar 22, 2021
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)
*DISCLAIMER: Apologies to Morph and ewonee for saying Thumbing Thru THE Foliage throughout this review. My bad!
LA-based YUNGMORPHEUS teamed up with talented producer ewonee, to drop Thumbing Thru Foliage, a project I was anticipating since I wanted to see if Morph displayed the artistic growth I was hoping for, since his very recent album in States of Precarity.
As a great producer himself, I was curious to see how a YUNGMORPHEUS album would sound without him touching the production, instead leaving it to ewonee.
I think the end result of their collaboration was very good, as ewonee's groove-heavy sound and sample choices fit Morph's sound very well. This album is littered with funky beefy baselines, soulful sample choices, and great drums that give the whole album a real effortless sense of pace.
I'm not sure if it's as a result of Morph solely focusing on the rapping, or if its just a natural progression in his artistic development, but I think Morph's rapping here is the best it ever has been. Morph finds himself in a pocket on these beats, feeding off of the groove-heavy production.
I think the styles of ewonee and YUNGMORPHEUS were a great pairing on Thumbing Thru Foliage, which I feel is bit of a step up from States of Precarity, and a few tweaks and away from being something truly amazing.
Morph is clearly on the right path though, having improved on each of his past releases, from Bag Talk to this, establishing himself as one of the stronger voices in the underground, with a knack for bottling up the anger and disdain that many folks feel towards our fucked up society.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Middle Passage"
Stream/Buy Thumbing Thru Foliage here: https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/album/thumbing-thru-foliage
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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/
Tuesday Mar 16, 2021
Tuesday Mar 16, 2021
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)
The Canadian phenom, the 6 God himself dropped a 3-track EP titled Scary Hours 2, which understandably caught the attention of the rap world instantly.
So I will first give you my thoughts on this 3-pack in Scary Hours 2, but then I will tackle a much larger thought, which was sparked by the release and success of this latest Drake EP.
In this episode, I discuss how I think Drake has been able to sustain this incredible run of success that he has been on for the past 10+ years, and come to the conclusion as to whether this current Drake run is indeed the most successful run in hip-hop history.
Drake's sometimes vulture-like tendency to hop on trends has kept his sound evolving, without having to necessarily branch outside of the mainstream. That distinction is important to make because it’s not the same way another A-lister, like Kanye West, had historically stayed relevant.
Kanye, an artist known for staying ahead of the curve and making cutting-edge music at his peak, melted genre lines and experimented in bold ways that genuinely made him appeal to people outside the mainstream hip-hop crowd
Drake on the other hand, has played a delicate dance in making slight adjustments to his core sound with machine-like precision, moulding himself from a sad boy sometimes crooner, to a Jamaican mob boss that has a soft centre, to an unapologetically confident rap king that also sings.... who may sing over a dancehall beat from time to time.
All the while keeping the fundamentals of his sound and persona still firmly rooted in the mainstream. Because Drake at his core is still the guy who will rap and sing over beats that are hot for the time, with a persona based on relationships, toxicity, and superiority.
Add in an amazing knack for catchy songwriting, and a downright spiritual connection with the Instagram caption, consistently pumping out quotable lines ready-made for social media like “On Valentine’s Day I had sex" from this EP.
... and you have what could be the most successful run in hip-hop history.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "What's Next"
Stream Scary Hours 2 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5LuoozUhs2pl3glZeAJl89?si=Ng1TBVC3QoOi1Tz96K8azg
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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/
Monday Mar 15, 2021
Monday Mar 15, 2021
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)
Legendary producer DJ Muggs linked up with up and coming MC Rome Streetz, for a collaborative album that has been buzzing in the hip-hop world ever since its release.
The production from Muggs on Death & The Magician was solid as hell, but we all expected that. What we wanted to see is how this latest partner of Muggs, Rome Streetz, would be able to do with the Muggs pack.
I am happy to say that Rome Streetz accomplished exactly what he set out to do on Death & The Magician.
Hunger is what Rome Streetz possesses in spades on this album. He possesses a young and infectious hunger that comes across really nicely in the music. This hunger gives these songs a strong sense of energy and urgency that keeps me engaged throughout the whole record.
It also helps that he has a strong fundamentally sound flow that allows him to pack in some nice wordplay, and an aesthetically pleasing and smooth flow.
Rome has great breath control, allowing him to put the proper emphasis on certain words and syllables that allows for his bars to be clearly understood by the listener. Every verse here is rapped like it's the last verse he'll ever be able to spit.
You can clearly tell that Rome understood the moment that was Death & The Magician, and made sure that the lasting impression people got from this album is that this guy Rome can RAP... and rap at a level that keeps up with the strong production of a legend, such as Muggs.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Zig Zag Zig"
Stream Death & The Magician here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5DufTGQ0fIS3cJ6HOFCbbx?si=O16yNDwXQCe_OP171T6Kyw
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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/