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
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (1:31).
Within about 10 seconds of hearing Fly Anakin for the first time, I knew this guy was born to rap. Immediately, his raspy voice caught my attention, sounding like he had a built-in plug-in in his vocal chords… making his dazzling bars sound so special.
In this episode, Richmond-born Frank, otherwise known as rapper-producer Fly Anakin joins the show. We discuss how he found his voice, established his vision for the almighty Mutant Academy, his recent achievements in FlySiifu’s and Frank, and the impressive world-building that went into creating his cheeky and romantic new album, Skinemaxxx.
The strain of hip-hop Frank likes to create, and making “mindless music” (1:39).
How Frank developed his voice - RMPP patron q from nogod (8:27).
The Richmond, Virgina music scene and its influence on Frank’s musical tastes (12:51).
The moment Frank realized music could be a real career path (15:54).
The vision that Mutant Academy was founded on (18:27).
FlySiifu’s and the creative chemistry with Pink Siifu (23:57).
The importance of Frank, and overcoming insecurity (28:35).
Why Foisey is the jelly to Frank’s peanut butter (34:35).
The thinking behind separating the release of Side A and B of Skinemaxxx (38:34)
The concept and sound of Skinemaxxx (40:45).
The artistic growth Frank experienced creating Skinemaxxx (46:36).
Upcoming work and shows from Fly Anakin, and Mutant Academy (51:05).
Frank overcoming his hatred of jeans (54:34).
Support Fly Anakin's music here: https://flyanakin.bandcamp.com/music
Buy/stream Skinemaxxx here: https://flyanakin.bandcamp.com/album/skinemaxxx-side-a-side-b
Follow Fly Anakin on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/flyanakin?s=20
Follow Fly Anakin on Instagram here: https://instagram.com/flyanakin?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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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
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
Main Body of Discussion (2:23).
On rare occasion, we get two artists that come together at a moment where their skillsets and mindsets align in sublime harmony. That is what I see with Fatboi Sharif and steel tipped dove’s latest album released on Backwoodz Studioz, titled Decay.
Sharif’s been progressively growing as a vocalist and lyricist… who’s unique gifts mesh perfectly with the vast, atmospheric, and cutting-edge brand of experimentation found in steel tipped dove’s production.
Decay is a soundtrack for the times. Not necessarily the times that are upon us at this very moment, but what may soon be our reality in just a few decades from now.
Decay is a psychedelic masterpiece - a result of two creative minds joining forces at the exact right time in their careers.
Sharif and Dove are here today to breakdown how this excellent new album was created, in the latest installment of the 'Album Alchemy' series.
The sonic landscape of Decay (4:03).
Lyrical themes and inspirations of Decay (8:29).
The heavily gothic and creepy sound of Decay (13:40).
Sharif’s continued evolution as a vocalist (16:00).
The thinking behind having no features on Decay (21:37).
Releasing the album on Backwoodz Studioz, and the label’s influence on the final product (24:38).
The structure of shorter songs - longer tracklist of Decay (28:50).
Favourite songs (32:48).
Upcoming projects (38:31).
Buy/Stream Decay here: https://fatboisharif.bandcamp.com/album/decay
Follow Fatboi Sharif on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/fatboyprospect?s=20
Follow steel tipped dove on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/steeltippeddove?s=20
Follow Fatboi Sharif on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fatboi_sharif/?hl=en
Follow steel tipped dove on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/steeltippeddove/?hl=en
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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
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (2:53).
If you weren’t already aware, hip-hop is in a great place. One of the biggest reasons why I feel this way is because the genre has become like a Republican’s nightmare… it’s borderless.
It has become second nature for a rap album to feature countless different influences, incorporating multiple subsets of music within the hip-hop realm, and outside it as well.
Richmond, Virginia-based McKinley Dixon is an artist who folks throughout the years would attempt to classify, as the "conscious rapper", and then after the "jazz rapper".
But with artists like McKlinley Dixon, and his new album Beloved Paradise Jazz?!, whether the music is technically jazz rap, pop rap, big band rap is irrelevant. The mixture of these varying styles of music is so seamless, which makes the end-product defy previous formulas and classifications that your mind may want to tack on to it.
McKinley simply makes good music, following his ambitious artistic vision wherever it takes him. So I am honoured to welcome McKinley Dixon to the show to speak about how he creates such rich eclectic music, his take on music’s ability to inspire change in the world, and the making of his fantastic new album, Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?
McKinley’s passion for making holistic, narrative-driven albums (4:27).
McKinley’s musical background and love for jazz (9:04).
The role music can play in inspiring change (14:16).
The musical vision for Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (22:38).
The concise nature of Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (25:21).
The key lyrical themes of Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (30:16).
How to support McKinley Dixon (35:54).
Support McKinley Dixon here: https://www.mckinleydixon.com/
Buy Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? here: https://shop.cityslang.com/collections/mckinley-dixon
Follow McKinley Dixon on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/McKinleyDixon?s=20
Follow McKinley Dixon on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/freemckinley/?hl=en
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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
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
Main Body of Discussion (1:52).
Music that strikes an emotional nerve is always my cup of tea, whether that emotion is fueled by the production, or the vocals.
In the case of the album Incorruptible Saints, we don’t have to choose. The emotional impact is supplied in equal parts through rhyme, and instrumental.
Honest introspection in the lyrics come from Nebraska rapper Sleep Sinatra, which were placed atop gorgeous, warm, abstract soundscapes created by Portland producer Televangel. Televangel is formerly known as Young God, and previously served as one half of the critically acclaimed production duo, Blue Sky Black Death.
Televangel’s creative musical brushstrokes did wonders to bring out Sleep Sinatra’s thoughtful perspectives and vulnerability.
These two joined forces to make music that truly does its beautiful artwork justice, and they joined the show to dig into the making of Incorruptible Saints, in the latest instalment of the 'Album Alchemy' series.
What sparked the collaboration between Sleep and Televangel (3:54).
The musical palette of Incorruptible Saints (7:54).
The lyrical direction of Incorruptible Saints (13:16).
How Televangel’s Blue Sky Black Death past influenced his emotionally-affecting sound (18:54).
How Televangel’s recent foray into hip-hop production has grown his artistry (22:30).
Sleep’s singing on Incorruptible Saints (26:14).
The album’s guest collaborations (29:35).
Favourite songs (35:06).
Upcoming projects from Sleep and Televangel (38:55).
Buy/Stream Incorruptible Saints here: https://televangel.bandcamp.com/album/incorruptible-saints
Follow Sleep Sinatra on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SleepSinai?s=20
Follow Televangel on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/TELEVANGEL_?s=20
Follow Sleep Sinatra on Instagram here: https://instagram.com/northsidesleep?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Follow Televangel on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/televangel/?hl=en
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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
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (2:06).
In 2022, roughly 49K songs were uploaded to Spotify each and every day. Therefore, amidst a flurry of music releasing to listeners on a daily, being able to command the attention of a listener in this day and age is tough.
The way today's guest, Kenny Segal, acquires this attention is through creating music that simply cannot be found anywhere else.
Kenny’s one-of-one style has enchanted listeners for over a decade, creating soundscapes for some of rap’s most interesting voices in R.A.P. Ferreira, Self-Jupiter, Serengeti, and most recently, billy woods.
The LA-based producer joined the show to provide insight into his eclectic production style, his collaboration style, key learnings he’s gathered from his illustrious career, and the creation of his latest masterpiece with billy woods, Maps.
Kenny’s musical journey to becoming a producer (4:50).
Kenny’s production process (12:26).
The elements of music Kenny is primarily focused on (16:32).
The role of improvisation in Kenny’s workflow - RMPP patron q from André (26:12).
Traits Kenny is looking for a rapper to collaborate with (29:07).
How Kenny’s past work taught him important lessons, and helped him grow as an artist (34:20).
Instrumental records vs. collaborative records (42:48).
The positive press and fan reaction of Maps (47:46).
The musical blueprint of Maps (52:41).
What makes billy woods unique (1:01:14).
How working with woods impacts how Kenny produces (1:07:35).
How Maps differs from Hiding Places musically (1:11:14).
Kenny’s dream collaborators (1:12:45).
Upcoming projects (1:13:53).
Support Kenny Segal's music here: https://kennysegal.bandcamp.com/music
Buy Maps here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/billy-woods-x-kenny-segal-maps
Follow Kenny Segal on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/KennySegal?s=20
Follow Kenny Segal on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kennysegal/?hl=en
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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
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
Main Body of Discussion (2:29).
Styles of music such as jazz, R&B, soul, and funk, have all been inseparable elements in the fabric of hip-hop production since its inception.
One particular form of music that has not played nearly as much of a significant role though, is rock music.
That brings us to the subject of today's episode, Ritual, an album by Topeka Kansas rapper Stik Figa, and producer The Expert based in Dublin, Ireland, who’s production features a healthy dose of psychedelic rock samples that are executed brilliantly. The Expert puts those sounds into a blender with traditional golden-age and jazz sounds that rap purists will surely appreciate.
The sound, however, is not all that makes Ritual notable since it is a project that may have ended up being the last album hip-hop veteran Stik Figa would ever create.
To learn more about Ritual, Stik Figa and The Expert join the show to dive deep into how this album was made, as the next instalment of the Album Alchemy series.
Stik Figa and The Expert created Ritual without ever even seeing each other’s faces (2:46).
The collaborative process used for Ritual (9:31).
Ritual was originally supposed to be Stik Figa’s last album (18:33).
The musical landscape of Ritual (24:04).
What drew Stik towards these unconventional beats (34:52).
The challenge of rapping over The Expert’s beats (39:36).
Key themes in Ritual (43:04).
Ritual’s noteworthy features (49:53).
Upcoming work to expect from Stik Figa and The Expert (57:53).
Buy/Stream Ritual here: https://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/ritual
Follow Stik Figa on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/STIK_FIGA
Follow The Expert on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/itstheexpert
Follow Stik Figa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stik_figa/?hl=en
Follow The Expert on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/itstheexpert/
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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
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (1:05).
Affable with Pointed Teeth, by YUNGMORPHEUS and eyedress, is an album I liked quite a bit, and loved in moments for years now. But then out of nowhere, as I prepped for my recent interview with YUNGMORPHEUS himself, the album completely hit a new level for me.
There is a profound beauty that comes from instances like this, where months sometimes years later, a piece of music finally clicks. Since in this moment with Affable with Pointed Teeth, not only have I discovered another great album to listen to for the rest of my life, which is something I never take for granted...
... but more importantly, it serves as a reminder that patience is everything in life.
Stream/buy Affable with Pointed Teeth here: https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/album/affable-with-pointed-teeth
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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
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (1:57).
If you’re like me, and have found yourself marveling at how great a Backwoodz Studioz record is sounding, it is all but guaranteed that sound God Willie Green was behind the boards... fine tuning the sound to perfection.
That standard of quality you’ve come to expect from a Backwoodz album has been cultivated by the sure hands of beatmaker and audio engineer, Willie Green.
This is a man who’s contributions to the genre’s most impactful movement of the last decade plus, cannot be understated. Decades from now when they tell the story of Backwoodz, Willie Green should, and will be at the forefront of this discussion.
Therefore, I am absolutely honoured to have Green on the show, where he opened up on the value of audio engineering work, and how he approaches his craft, along with his perspectives on notable musical trends, and the continued rise of Backwoodz Studioz.
Green's journey to audio engineering (4:09).
What a having a “good ear” really means, as it relates to music (20:17).
What makes a mix “good” (26:46).
The collaborative element in Green’s artistic process (34:15).
Green’s take on the current state of hip-hop - RMPP patron q from DarkCow (40:53). ***We love DarkCow over here... and this was a great question!
Green’s relationship with Backwoodz Studioz (48:57).
The Backwoodz Studioz sound (1:05:50).
The GreenHouse Recording Co. (1:18:27).
Upcoming work on the horizon from Green (1:20:55).
Work with The GreenHouse Recording Co. here: https://www.williegreenmusic.com/greenhouse
Follow Willie Green on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/WillieGreen1?s=20
Follow Willie Green on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/williegreen1/?hl=en
Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/
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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
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (3:14).
"I'ma keep it real with you, it's the things you can't undo/The past, the black Rubik's cube"
"Payback always inexact but I be squinting over measuring spoons"
For most artists, lyrics like this would universally be regarded as their all-time best moments.
But for artists like billy woods though… lyrics like this are a dime a dozen… they're literally just Verse 2 off of a song called "Hangman".
The praise being thrown the way of NY-based rapper, label head of Backwoodz Studioz, and 1/2 of Armand Hammer… are plentiful, and growing in their fervor.
After a string of releases that involved high-profile names such as Moor Mother and The Alchemist in late 2020 / early 2021, billy woods rode this surging wave of acclaim surrounding his music, and delivered two legacy-defining works back to back in 2022.
This put the finishing touches on what is, in my humble opinion, the greatest 5-year run in hip-hop history.
From 2018 onward, we got Paraffin, Hiding Places, Terror Management, Shrines, BRASS, Haram, Aethiopes, WHT LBL, and finally, Church.
And if that wasn’t enough, his Backwoodz Studioz camp has added to the flurry of incredible forward-thinking art during this time period, through the emergence of E L U C I D, ShrapKnel, AKAI SOLO, SKECH185, and more.
Yet here we are, in May of 2023… and billy woods has done it again.
Teaming up with Kenny Segal for a second time, woods has released his latest masterpiece, Maps... and he’s here today on the show, to talk about his experience creating this record, his writing style and the frequent themes found in his work, Armand Hammer, the legacy of Backwoodz, and so much more!
If you’re familiar with me and this show so far, you know how I feel about woods. You know I had to make the most of my opportunity speaking with the GOAT.
You won't wanna miss this...
Staying grounded amidst growing acclaim (4:52).
The concept of ‘survivor’s guilt’ as it relates to woods’ career and life in general (9:41).
The legacy of Backwoodz Studioz (16:18).
Working with E L U C I D as Armand Hammer (19:50).
New Armand Hammer album later in 2023 (24:49).
woods’ writing process and a breakdown of “No Hard Feelings” (25:46).
The key ideas underpinning the creation of Aethiopes (33:10).
Love and relationships in woods’ music (47:44).
woods’ mind state creating Maps (53:13).
How Maps differs from Hiding Places (59:34).
Working with Kenny Segal (1:01:48).
Breakdown of the ending to Maps, and how fatherhood has impacted woods’ music (1:19:42).
Upcoming work to expect from woods and Backwoodz Studioz (1:30:07).
Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/
Buy Maps here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/billy-woods-x-kenny-segal-maps
Follow billy woods on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/BackwoodzHipHop
Follow billy woods on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backwoodzstudioz/?hl=en
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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
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (2:33).
New York's Wiki is what they call "a rapper’s rapper". Gifted as a lyricist, with a style that could exist within multiple eras of rap.
Not even having reached his 30th birthday yet, Wiki has already received mass acclaim for his work as RATKING, and as a solo artist with revered projects that showcase his exceptional penmanship, remarkable versatility, and immensely deep passion for this thing called hip-hop, which we all love dearly.
I’m honoured to welcome Wiki to the show to understand his perspectives on his success so far in his career, what rap means to him, and gain interesting insight into his latest projects.
So It Goes and experimentation in rap (3:35).
Key influences to Wiki’s melodically-rich style of rap (8:03).
Influence of NYC on Wiki‘s music (11:03).
Wiki reflects on his success to-date (15:39).
How fame and acclaim affected Wiki’s maturation process (20:41).
What aspect of Wiki’s artistry has improved the most (26:14).
Importance of rap for Wiki’s mental health (34:04).
Wiki’s writing process (39:54).
How Wiki selects beats (42:26).
Wiki leaving the label game, and going the independent route (44:57).
What makes Navy Blue special (49:19).
How Wiki’s introspective writing on Half God impacted him as a person (53:54).
The mixtape approach to Cold Cuts (56:46).
Wiki’s upcoming projects / tour (1:05:13).
Support Wiki's music here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/music
Buy/stream Cold Cuts here: https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/album/cold-cuts
Follow Wiki on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/wikset?lang=en
Follow Wiki on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/wikset/?hl=en
--
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