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 Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (2:05).
As a 28 year-old hip-hop head, I’d like to say that I’m still somewhat young. So given this youth of mine, I haven’t been able to witness many of the greatest movements or waves in hip-hop history firsthand. I wasn’t even alive when Wu first jumped onto the scene. I could barely form sentences when Company Flow’s debut album dropped
But that thankfully has not been the case with what Backwoodz Studioz, and in particular what today’s guests in billy woods and E L U C I D, have blessed listeners with so far in their careers. For over a decade now, I’ve been able to follow these two refine their craft and expand on their brand of phenomenally rich, creative, and thoughtful hip-hop music that scratches all of the itches I have in music. All of which is funneled into this style of rap that makes the term “one-of-a-kind”, feel somehow too generic of a descriptor for what these two really do.
I’m pleased to have Armand Hammer on the show to discuss what makes their creative connection so special, the makings of one of the best albums I’ve ever heard (no hyperbole) in We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, and much, much more! Enjoy!
Perspective on recent successes and acclaim (2:27).
Perception of Armand Hammer’s growing fanbase (9:16).
How woods and E L U C I D complement each other’s artistry (16:49).
How the creative direction for an Armand Hammer album is established - RMPP patron q from TreDoes (24:52).
The origin of the We Buy Diabetic Test Strips album title (25:41).
The core themes of WBDTS (28:58).
The catalyst for the live instrumentation backbone for WBDTS (38:27).
The inspiration behind the very experimental and ambitious sound of WBDTS (43:13).
Aspects of WBDTS that Armand Hammer were most proud of / found uniquely challenging (51:39).
Armand Hammer’s favourite songs off WBDTS (1:02:00).
Prominent use of vocal manipulation on WBTDS (1:06:57).
What Armand Hammer would like their legacy to be (1:08:17).
Shoutouts to other great music and collaborators within the Armand Hammer / Backwoodz multiverse (1:09:13).
JPEGMAFIA’s pants / E L U C I D’s fashion trend forecast (1:12:36).
Buy We Buy Diabetic Test Strips here: https://fatpossum.com/products/we-buy-diabetic-test-strips
Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/
Follow billy woods on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/BackwoodzHipHop
Follow E L U C I D on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/elucidwho
Follow billy woods on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backwoodzstudioz/
Follow E L U C I D on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cobratoof/?hl=en
Follow Armand Hammer on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ArmandHammerNYC
Follow Armand Hammer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/armandhammernyc/?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 Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
Main Body of Discussion (2:06).
The ability to have tough conversations about complex topics is an art. It requires not only a great deal of nuanced knowledge on a topic to speak thoughtfully on it, but it also requires a great deal of self-awareness and empathy.
On The Golem of Brooklyn OST, Defcee successfully has one of these tough conversations with the community of white Jewish people he is a part of. He uses Adam Mansbach’s new novel as inspiration to depict thoughtful, and funny stories related to Jewish ideals and folklore in a contemporary context. Furthermore, Defcee levies criticisms that he has for his people, delivered from a place of love and understanding.
This concept is bolstered by the mystical, tone-setting instrumentals from the one and only Messiah Musik, who joins me alongside Defcee to dig deep into the makings of one of the best albums of the year, bar none.
Vast differences in how The Golem of Brooklyn was created vs. Trapdoor (3:48).
Main themes of Adam Mansbach’s novel, and what inspired the soundtrack’s creation (8:18).
Adam Mansbach’s involvement in the creative process of the soundtrack (15:55).
How the concept shaped Messiah’s approach to the soundtrack’s sound (18:13).
The important conversation Defcee wanted to have with the Jewish community on The Golem of Brooklyn (22:50).
The timing of sharing these perspectives related to Judaism and whiteness, given the context of the heightened attention on anti-Semitism in the current socio-political climate (30:46).
What Defcee and Messiah took away from The Golem creative process, as it relates to their experience as white Jewish people (39:19).
How much of The Golem of Brooklyn was based on the content of the book vs. personal experience (44:22).
Favourite songs (45:53).
Upcoming projects from Defcee and Messiah Musik** (54:02).
**For insight specifically related to the next Defcee and Messiah Musik project, this is available as a patron-only exclusive! Become an RMPP patron to learn about the exciting new project these two have upcoming.
Buy/Stream The Golem of Brooklyn OST here: https://defcee.bandcamp.com/album/the-golem-of-brooklyn-original-soundtrack
Follow Defcee on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/defcee
Follow Messiah Musik on Twitter here: https://x.com/theMessiahMusik?s=20
Follow Defcee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/defcee/
Follow Messiah Musik on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/messiah_musik/?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 Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (1:05).
This edition of the Conversation Pieces series is the most ambitious and personal thing I've ever done. It almost felt a bit too close to home to put out publicly, but honestly... creating this was truly a prime example of that 'writing = therapy' trope.
Leather Blvd. is an album that soundtracked the happiest time of my entire life. This record was chock-full of musical brilliance. But more importantly, Leather Blvd was so impactful to me, due to its raw expression of romance.
Through the lens of a recent event in my personal life, I explore the bountiful emotional richness of this album, and how music is so intrinsically intertwined with real emotions, memories, and experiences that we have.
I already thought that Leather Blvd. was a personal classic to me. But after the other night, it holds an even more special place in my heart, because it truly helped me heal in a time of need.
This is the last bonus episode for a little while because an onslaught of big guests will be coming on the show in the next two months….
Buy/stream Leather Blvd. here: https://bcoolaid.bandcamp.com/album/leather-blvd
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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 Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (1:49).
There’s a reason why people say that traveling and seeing the world is good for you. It naturally expands your worldview and exposes you to different ways of living, and thinking. In other words, it makes you smarter and more interesting. Both things apply to today’s guest, NY-based rapper Gabe ‘Nandez.
Gabe has spent much of his childhood and early adulthood living cross-continent, which has fueled his music with worldly perspective, and colourful multilingual elements.
With one of the most rapper voice rapper voices you’ll ever hear, Gabe has delivered some of my favourite albums of the year. Pangea dropped months ago, fully produced by the electric Tony Seltzer. H.T. III, his latest album fully produced by argov, which just released today (September 20, 2023).
Listen on to hear how Gabe crafted these recent albums, and the inspiring story about how music quite literally saved his life.
How Gabe’s cross-continent childhood influenced his music (2:10).
Incorporating French into Gabe’s music (7:14).
Gabe priding himself on being unique (12:38).
How it felt being featured on billy woods’ Aethiopes track, “Sauvages” (13:43).
How Gabe cultivates confidence within himself (17:32).
What inspired Gabe to pursue rap (21:12).
How rap saved Gabe’s life (23:46).
Working with Tony Seltzer on Pangea (27:48).
The idea of “collective unconsciousness”, as it relates to the making of Pangea (31:25).
The significance of H.T. III serving as the follow-up to Gabe’s debut album from 2014 (35:15).
What inspired Gabe to link up with argov to produce the entirety of H.T. III (37:18).
Lyrical themes on H.T. III (38:41).
Upcoming / current work from Gabe (44:22).
Support Gabe Nandez's music here: https://gabenandez.bandcamp.com/music
Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Twitter here: https://x.com/GabeNandez?s=20
Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7KKxDBEgK/
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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 Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (1:05).
This edition of the Conversation Pieces series is a little different, and music-adjacent at best to be honest.
In what was mostly a therapeutic exercise, I explored how my love for music was borne out of a dark place, and what that made me realize about myself.
It may sound like a depressing listen, but I promise that it ends on a happy note.
If you end up checking out this super rap music focused bonus episode…
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Don’t worry, we’ll be back to regularly scheduled programming with some amazing guests soon enough, I promise
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Thanks for listening to me publicly vent when no one asked; and
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I invite you to reflect on how music first became a major component in your life, maybe you’ll learn something new about yourself like I did.
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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 Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (1:32).
Few embody a true DIY ethos, and a genuine appetite to be bold and different quite like today’s guest, Fat Tony.
Tony is a Houston-native, who’s charisma and eccentric tastes have led him down a highly unique artistic journey, making waves in the rap game with his diverse-sounding albums, and a wide array of collaborations with the likes of Paul Wall, A$AP Rocky, and more. His impact was not limited to just music though, as he’s hosted TV shows on VICE as well.
Fat Tony is a multimedia star, who joins the show to discuss the key lessons he’s learnt as an artist, the importance of following your authentic North Star, and his latest album with Taydex, I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy.
Key lessons Fat Tony as learnt throughout this career (1:44).
How working in non-music artistic mediums impacted Tony’s growth (12:45).
The influence of Houston on Tony’s tastes and artistic development (22:52).
Fat Tony’s “north star” when making music (27:26).
What inspires Tony’s strong risk-taking appetite (40:44).
Key pieces of wisdom Tony wanted to share on IWMBTDE (45:00).
Why Tony’s desire to be a father has grown since the pandemic (54:05).
The sound Tony and Taydex set out to create on IWMBTDE (58:10).
The significance of ending IWMBTDE with the heavy “Jasper, TX” (1:01:47).
Upcoming / current work to check out from Fat Tony (1:10:18).
Support Fat Tony's music here: https://fattonyrap.bandcamp.com/music
Check out Found Me Magazine here: http://foundmemag.com
Check out Fat Tony's tour dates here: https://www.fattonyrap.net/tour
Follow Fat Tony on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/fattonyrap?s=20
Follow Fat Tony on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fattonyrap/
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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 Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (1:29).
When you unveil the cloak of darkness that shrouds much of Chester Watson’s music and his public persona, you are presented with a personable, inviting, and highly creative artistic soul.
In today’s conversation, Chester’s thoughtful observations add colour to his typically murky grey-sounding music. Chester illustrates how his art helps him tap into his spirituality, his attraction to all things unknown, his distinct rapping style, and his excellent new album fish don’t climb trees.
Influence of Japanese culture (2:17).
Chester’s experience achieving notoriety as a young teenager, growing as an artist under the spotlight (5:10).
Chester’s distinct style of rap (12:32).
What attracts Chester to dark and hazy sounds (16:50).
The exploration of spirituality and mindfulness in Chester’s music (24:10).
How Chester harnesses creative inspiration (26:08).
Influence of Chester’s musician-father (29:01).
Key inspirations for the deeply emotional and honest fish don’t climb trees (33:05).
The musical world of fish don’t climb trees (40:18).
How Chester’s artistic growth manifested on his latest album (43:35).
Upcoming projects / work (48:45).
Support Chester Watson's music here: https://chesterwatson.bandcamp.com/music
Buy/stream fish don't climb trees here: https://chesterwatson.bandcamp.com/album/fish-dont-climb-trees-2
Follow Chester Watson on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/chstrwtsn?s=20
Follow Chester Watson on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chesterwatson/
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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 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