The Rap Music Plug Podcast

#34 - Conway the Machine & Big Ghost Ltd. - If It Bleeds It Can Be Killed REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

After coming out the gate in his career as the most respected member of Griselda, with two strong projects in G.O.A.T. and Reject 2, in the couple years prior to 2020, Conway was starting to fade... seemingly moving into third place in terms of popularity and respect in the Griselda crew, through the emergence of Benny as an elite level spitter, and Westside Gunn's continued excellence in creating decadent slices of street rap luxury.

Conway was at a crossroads in 2020... and proved his doubters his wrong. His full-length album From a King to a God was finally the fulsome and mature effort that many of us were looking for, serving as maybe the best album of Conway's career.

Now fast forward only a few months... If It Bleeds It Can Be Killed shows that Conway's growth displayed on FKTG wasn’t just a fluke. Conway sticks to his guns, pun intended, but continues to expand his subject matter to more personal territory. He gives us new information that I only just learnt 5 years into listening to the guy.

So for me, Conway continues to show growth lyrically, but also from an album construction standpoint. The key reason this album stands out in Conway's vast catalog is due to him and Big Ghost Ltd. creating a well-rounded album that satisfies in multiple ways, featuring songs that are as luxurious as they are murderous.

The beats here are the best I've heard from Big Ghost to-date, with crunchy percussion, nicely placed soul samples and flashes of sinister sounds that all come together really nicely.

The flow of this album too is much improved from No One Mourns the Wicked, because there is no unnecessary lulls or wastes of space this time around.

Instead, we get 30 minutes of Conway in peak form, with production that matches his talent... all in a neat and trim package. All killer, no filler.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "Lessons to Blessings"

Stream/Buy If It Bleeds It Can Be Killed here: https://bigghostlimited.bandcamp.com/album/if-it-bleeds-it-can-be-killed 

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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

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#33 - YUNGMORPHEUS - States of Precarity REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

YUNGMORPHEUS is a LA rapper and producer who is in the same wave as Pink Siifu and Fly Anakin, both from a sound and subject matter perspective.

States of Precarity exemplifies what YUNGMORPHEUS and his contemporaries have shown in this space, time and time again... smooth and jazzy production mixed with fiery anti-establishment lyricism can be a great combination.

This album is another strong addition to this movement of thoughtful and socially conscious rappers, who opt for a more laid back and less explicitly 'on the nose' lyrical approach... along with a significant emphasis and attention to the aesthetics of the music.

It is a detour from the Talib Kweli and Immortal Techniques of the world that made their message the central focus of their songs, whereas the sound of the music took a backseat and was lesser emphasized. It makes for YUNGMORPHEUS' brand of music to be more versatile, due to the fact that it’s more musically engaging and can be listened to on multiple levels

States of Precarity was created with a distinct purpose in mind; you can hear a sense of very palpable disdain and vitriol towards law enforcement and the US American capitalist society that is powerful, and adds a lot of urgency to the record.

YUNGMORPHEUS does a great job of creating an atmosphere that is smoky, wavy, which fits in with the thoughtful smoked out subject matter. There is a great sense of cohesion between tracks, with nice subtle sound effects and relevant skits that I really liked.

YUNGMORPHEUS showed a strong command on the boards, and on the mic that makes this a colourful and entertaining listen, with a lot of substance in the equation that elevates the album experience.

RMPP Preferred Cut: "1993 GQ Covershoot"

Stream/Buy States of Precarity here: https://rawsh-t.bandcamp.com/album/states-of-precarity 

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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/ 

Bonus - Portishus, th1rt3en, & NYCK Caution Discussion w/ Freemusicempire

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In a special bonus episode, I joined the Freemusicempire's #stateofthegame series as a guest to discuss the new Portishus, th1rt3en, and NYCK Caution albums.

Our particular focus in this discussion was to discuss how these artists' bold decisions on these projects panned out, and how it positions them for the future.

This was a fun, hilarious, and insightful discussion that will give you some fresh perspectives on some of the most interesting albums to come out in 2021.

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

Stream Portishus here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0LTMV81J20Dghm20iMOx1z?si=FVqrqcAISLaTyINVyMDsqg 

Stream Magnificent Day for an Exorcism here: https://open.spotify.com/album/03KhAuhVy2MWoQuHh7w29m?si=Q5RSqvCsQj-tSdKWJ6C-IA 

Stream Anywhere but Here here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2BzBkJKGJa85HT4ECrIC7F?si=cC9xt-R1Rz2h0pyPXoX6pA 

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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/ 

#32 - Rick Chyme INTERVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

Insight into the major label experience, and how to take action and overcome hardship is what Episode 32 offers, as we are joined with special guest, Rick Chyme. Rick is a rapper, radio/podcast creator, and creative coach from Michigan, US. 

We first dive into a pivotal time in Rick's life, which forever changed the trajectory of his life journey (4:44). 

Next, Rick discusses one of the key protective factors for him growing up and coping with trauma, as we talk about his collegiate career playing Division 1 basketball and the lessons he learnt from that experience that he still applies today (15:35).

We then move to how he realized his true calling as a creator in hip-hop (19:39), and what his time working at Def Jam Recordings taught him about the music business, along with some very noteworthy experiences he had during that time (23:57).

Related to his time at Def Jam, Rick was able to work as a Music Supervisor for Jay-Z's Fade to Black documentary and tells us about that unique time in his life (31:42).

Next, Rick talks about how his #DailyPieces365 project unfolded, and how he linked up with producer Yelnam Evad (35:46).

We get into the album creation process for Stones, the 2020 collaborative album by Rick and Yelnam (41:32), and discuss Rick's thoughts on white artists covering important socio-political topics in a black-centric genre of music, such as hip-hop (46:35). 

As a staunch advocate for mental health awareness, Rick gives his thoughts on the potential reasons for the rise of mental health problems in today's society (58:04).

Finally, Rick sends us off by giving us some true words of wisdom related to taking action and one's worth as a creator, which you will not want to miss (1:13:19)!

Check out Episode 24 of the show for a full review of Stones.

Connect with Rick, check out his music and other exciting projects here: https://linktr.ee/RickChyme 

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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/ 

#31 - Fatboi Sharif & Roper Williams INTERVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

In Episode 31, we are joined by special guests hailing from New Jersey, Fatboi Sharif and Roper Williams, who both experienced a very successful 2020.

In 2020, Roper dropped a dope beat tape titled save my line, nailed some big placements on some of my favourite albums of the year in Navy Blue's Song of Sage, and Your Old Droog's Dump YOD. Sharif's 2020 saw him deliver some nice features, as well as some crazy visuals for the "Church Tower" and "Smithsonian" singles... culminating into the provocative and wildly entertaining Gandhi Loves Children album that he released with Roper Williams.

We start off by discussing the roots of how Sharif and Roper began their careers, and when they realized that they had a special talent that could turn their passion into a career (2:39).

Next, Sharif details how he developed and employs his evocative rapping style, and the inspirations he has drawn from over the years (5:43). 

Roper and Sharif then give us some insight into how their relationship developed into the fun and fruitful connection it is today (14:18).

We then dive into how the genius album title and theme for Gandhi Loves Children was conceived, along with why Sharif prefers being subtle in his lyrics, letting the listener come up with the art's meaning on their own (18:23).

Roper illustrates how he was able to craft such dark and experimental soundscapes to match the album's twisted lyrical content (22:55).

Sharif dives into the writing process for his signature wild bars, and discusses if these lyrics are authentically him, or if it's just a character (25:20).

Roper then explains how it was like working with previous collaborators of his, such as Your Old Droog, Navy Blue, Pink Siifu, and how it contrasts with working with Fatboi Sharif. We then threw that question back to Sharif to see what differentiates a Roper beat from the rest of the pack (32:24).

Next, the duo deliberates what the most important component of a great album is in their minds (35:35), dream collaborators (43:40), and their favourite records from the east coast and 2020, along with some surprising albums you may not expect them to like (49:36)... CAUTION: Sharif reveals an unpopular opinion about a certain Lil Wayne album that will shock you!

Finally, we end the interview with Sharif and Roper detailing what they have in store for rap fans in 2021 (1:00:02).

Check out Episode 24 of the show for a full review of Gandhi Loves Children.

Stream/Buy Gandhi Loves Children here: https://fatboisharif.bandcamp.com/album/gandhi-loves-children 

Watch the "Smithsonian" music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIwbZ9kETxo&ab_channel=FatboiSharif 

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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/ 

#30 - Sleep Sinatra & August Fanon - ROUTES REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

ROUTES explores themes of choice, the consequences of one's actions, and growing from harsh conditions and experiences to be a better man for it.

He describes his triumphs and his ability to overcome the hardships he vividly details on this album to be genuinely special and difficult to accomplish for a normal person to do... this nuance is important as it treats overcoming one's situation with the appropriate care and understanding that comes from really living it.

On the boards, August Fanon does his thing delivering dark and dusty instrumentals that fit the murky atmosphere that Sleep paints with his rhymes.

At the high points of ROUTES, lyrical smart-minded hip-hop doesn't get much better than this.

Stream/Buy ROUTES here: https://sleepsinatra1.bandcamp.com/album/routes 

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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/ 

#29 - R.A.P. Ferreira - bob's son REVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

Embodying the late Bob Kaufman, R.A.P. Ferreira continues his evolution of artistry into a charming freewheeling jazz rapper on bob's son, creating music that can go into seemingly any lyrical or musical direction at the drop of a dime.

Lyrically he is in top form, with such a palpable confidence and presence on the mic. It's truly a far cry from the albeit still great, but significantly more awkward and less refined style that he exhibited under his milo moniker, particularly on his first few projects in the 2012-14 timeframe.

Ferreira seems so clear in his purpose as an artist, which is to embody the role of the poet and connect the listener to their humanity and their greater purpose that extends far past the material world.

bob's son really has an effortless way of delivering thoughtful philosophical lyrical gems in a sometimes funny, but always striking manner that is really special and differentiates Ferreira from other socially conscious artists in the genre.

Stream/Buy bob's son here: https://afrolab9000.bandcamp.com/album/bobs-son-r-a-p-ferreira-in-the-garden-level-cafe-of-the-scallops-hotel 

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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/ 

#28 - Iceberg Theory INTERVIEW

(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro)

Episode 28 welcomes special guest, Iceberg Theory, to the show. Ice is a prolific rapper and producer, who dropped 10+ densely lyrical albums in 2020.

We discuss the roots of how Ice developed a love for hip-hop and decided to put pen to paper and starting rapping (3:37).

Next, we uncover if Ice truly is this grounded philosophical thinker he portrays himself as is in his music, along with some insight into his previous desire to become a monk out of college and how his religious pursuits influenced his writing.

We deep-dive into Ice's perspectives on the benefits of religion and spirituality in today's fractured, oftentimes morally-devoid society (22:15). 

We then talk about the meaning behind his artist name, "Iceberg Theory", which is based on the Ernest Hemingway writing style, and how that plays into his artistic process (37:25).

Finally, we talk about his latest opus, Dispatches form the Kali Yuga, and what separates this album from the rest of his already-impressive discography (42:44).

We then discuss his creative relationship with underground phenom, August Fanon, who has produced many albums with Ice over the past couple of years (48:19).

Following that, we dive into what Ice would hope listeners gather from his music when they listen to it (58:36).

Next, we discuss one of Ice's biggest influences, Canibus (1:01:48).

Lastly, we finish off the episode with a speed round of some quick questions to bring us home (1:07:23).

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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/ 

#27 - Whole Lotta Red REVIEW / The Cosmic Calendar, and Masongo Ogora Indie Spotlights

(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro)

Playboi Carti's Whole Lotta Red was one of the most anticipated, and confusing releases in recent memory... and left many of his fans in shock, disbelief, and anger. I review the project and give you my perspective on if it lived up to the hype or not (3:23).

Next, I cover two Indie Spotlights, starting with the horn-infused left-field rap record from Al Patrone & Blessedassistant, The Cosmic Calendar (25:15). 

Finally, we end the episode by spotlighting Garden of Gethsemane, an EP by Masongo Ogora with production from Lo-Tek (32:37). 

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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/ 

#26 - The 1st Annual Rap Music Plug Podcast Awards

(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro)

2020 was an incredible year for rap music. Rap in 2020 felt like the year of realized potential, best yets, and deep reflection.

My main takeaways from so many albums this year was that the artists in question:

- refined their craft in terms of songwriting, lyrical quality, and album construction; and

- dug deeper into themselves and got more personal, showing new levels of maturity.

To celebrate the end of 2020, I welcome you to tune into the 1st Annual Rap Music Plug Podcast Awards, where we highlight the best of what of this past year had to offer in rap. The categories include:

- Hook of the Year (7:27)

- Album Title of the Year (8:00)

- Pleasant Surprise of the Year (8:57)

- Disappointment of the Year (9:43)

- Best Rap in a Supporting Role (10:50)

- Best Production of the Year (12:23)

- Rap Song of the Year (14:19)

- Producer of the Year (15:58)

- Rapper of the Year (17:20)

- Top 41 Rap Albums of the Year (23:16)

Finally, I end the show by telling you a lesson that music taught in me in 2020 (53:15).

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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/