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 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
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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 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (2:32).
As a listener of hip-hop, the best rappers always have a way of drawing you in. This can be achieved through aesthetics, found in a cool flow or voice. It can also be achieved through the content of what someone is saying, found in slick wordplay, or interesting subject matter.
Today’s guest, YUNGMORPHEUS, is a rapper who grabs my attention in both of the aforementioned ways. His voice is smooth, and his delivery is calm and even-keel, in a way that makes him unmistakably unique. On top of that, he really raps about stuff that matters, boasting fierce conviction, worldly perspective, and clever lyrical ability to boot.
MORPH has quickly turned into one of my absolute favourite rappers in the game. He has recently hit a new level of prolific excellence, with a slew of fantastic releases, collaborating with the likes of Eyedress, ThERAVADA, ewonee, and more.
Now, he has his latest upcoming album set to drop on April 28th, From Whence It Came, and I can promise you... this is one of his absolute best pieces of work yet, that continues the upward trajectory of quality we’ve been blessed with in recent years.
So I’m very pleased to welcome YUNGMORPHEUS on the show to discuss his distinct approach to rapping, his fiery brand of political commentary, and the makings of this upcoming album.
Along with some fun talk on white rap listeners and crackers... you won't wanna miss this!!
YUNGMORPHEUS’ music upbringing (3:36).
The moment YUNGMORPHEUS felt he was indeed, “dumb nice” (6:27).
Key influences of YUNGMORPHEUS’ eccentric writing (9:36).
YUNGMORPHEUS describes his writing style (13:30).
YUNGMORPHEUS’ recording process (22:51).
Approach to political commentary and white fan responses (25:16).
YUNGMORPRHEUS’ trademark flow (31:10).
The impact of MORPH’s previous collaborations (36:04).
The main inspiration for From Whence It Came (40:09).
How From Whence It Came stands out in the YUNGMORPHEUS canon (44:50).
Why YUNGMORPHEUS moved away from the one-producer formula on the new album (46:03).
Upcoming projects/merch (52:08).
Support YUNGMORPHEUS' music here: https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/music
Buy/stream From Whence It Came here: https://yungmorpheus.bandcamp.com/album/from-whence-it-came
Follow YUNGMORPHEUS on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/yungmorpheus44?lang=en
Follow YUNGMORPHEUS on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yungmorpheus/?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 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (1:05).
“Close the door on what I tore apart, my heart is broken/Ball was in your court, I can't believe I left you open”
This was the line in Navy Blue’s song “Alignment”, that first stopped me dead in my tracks, and made me have the thought... "I need to pay attention to this… this song was written for me”.
Found on Navy Blue’s excellent personal classic of a record from 2020, Song of Sage: Post Panic!, "Alignment" is not only a shining star of a track on an album full of them, but the best relationship song I’ve ever heard in my time listening to rap music.
Stream/buy "Alignment" here: https://navybluethetruest.bandcamp.com/track/alignment
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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 Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
Main Body of Discussion (1:51).
Hip-hop has been ripe with New York lore since the genesis of this art form. Albums like Illmatic, and The Cold Vein are shining examples of albums that encapsulate NYC life, from their own unique perspectives.
King Vision Ultra’s SHOOK WORLD is the latest album to accomplish a similar feat, building a world that captures the raw grit and rich history of the city like no other. It embodies the spirit of collective action, through its deep guest list of New York artists, and the foundational collaboration with post-punk band Algiers’s latest album Shook.
GENG PTP aka King Vision Ultra, is a man of many hats, founder of the revered PTP collective, and creator of this dense epic of an album, SHOOK WORLD.
He joined the show to deep-dive into the creation of this album, in the latest installment of the Album Alchemy series. You won’t wanna miss this.
How SHOOK WORLD was created and its key inspiration, in relation to Algiers’ Shook (4:25).
How SHOOK WORLD and Shook are connected to each other (11:14).
The context and significance of the samples used on SHOOK WORLD - RMPP patron q from Fatmantomb (15:47).
What SHOOK WORLD says about New York life (26:42).
Why GENG PTP loves New York (38:42).
The SHOOK WORLD model, as a potential alternative to the traditional sampling process (50:22).
How the sound of SHOOK WORLD was created (58:59).
Showcasing varying degrees of NY collaborators on SHOOK WORLD (1:07:25).
Upcoming projects from King Vision Ultra (1:14:54).
Buy/Stream SHOOK WORLD here: https://algierstheband.bandcamp.com/album/shook-world-hosted-by-algiers
Support GENG's music, and PTP label here: https://purpletapepedigree.bandcamp.com/artists
Follow GENG on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/purpicide
Follow GENG on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/genggrizzly/
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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 Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (1:53).
With most success stories in life, it often comes as a result of remarkable talent, passion, and fortunate circumstances that align one’s innate gifts with the right environment to thrive.
That’s precisely the situation that surrounds Child Actor. Child Actor is an artist that cut their teeth in the indie pop world, before transitioning to the world of rap through organic relationships with the likes of Ceschi, Serengeti, and billy woods.
Child Actor now sports a trademark cutting-edge sound that has become a staple amongst underground’s finest, through fantastic work on Backwoodz Studioz, Open Mike Eagle, and Serengeti projects to name a few.
Listen on to hear how this undeniably talented producer made it to where he is today, and how he approaches his craft with the kind of ingenuity you’d expect from someone who produced that f***** up Armand Hammer track, "Charms".
Who is Child Actor? (3:10).
Child Actor’s artistic origins, and indie pop past (5:59).
Child Actor’s transition to hip-hop (16:59).
The trademark Child Actor sound (24:10).
Type of rapper that works best with Child Actor beats (33:30).
How indie pop background influenced Child Actor’s rap beats - RMPP patron q from Jarvis (37:18).
Why Child Actor has found a home with Backwoodz Studioz (40:22).
The appeal of Serengeti and the character of Ajai on Ajai II (45:21).
Upcoming Child Actor work that should intrigue you (58:59).
Support Child Actor's music here: https://chldactr.bandcamp.com/
Buy/stream Ajai II here: https://kennydennis.bandcamp.com/album/ajai-ii
Visit Child Actor's website here: http://www.childactor.net/
Follow Child Actor on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ChldActr
Follow Child Actor on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chldactr/?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
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
Main Body of Discussion (2:40).
Rappers that are known for quote unquote “rapping fast” have almost developed a bit of an odd reputation in some underground circles. Where something that could be seen as an undeniably good thing, has instead been seen as a marker of potentially corny music, devoid of real substance. The downfall of later era Eminem, as well as artists like Logic, have played a big role in this.
However, like with most things, it’s always to avoid generalization and approach things with an open mind… especially when it comes to something as subjective as music. phiik and Lungs are two MCs that have comfortably defied these negative connotations, sporting flows that are not only fast, but take the art of rapping to entirely new places. They have create pockets in beats that would not even be accessible 99% of other rappers out in the game.
Add on to the fact that this duo’s sound, provided Lungs under his producer moniker LoneSword, is similarly cutting-edge... what these guys have created is a world of rap that is entirely their own.
Their work has increased in mastery with each and every project, culminating with their best project yet, early AOTY of contender, Another Planet 4.
I am so pleased to have these two on the show, as part of the Album Alchemy series, where we dive deep into how they’ve developed their craft, and created such a unique record in Another Planet 4.
How phiik and Lungs approach writing their hyper-verbose raps (4:28).
Primary lyrical inspirations (11:47).
The distinct sound of AP4, and the overall Another Planet experience (24:41).
How AP4 was an improvement on the Another Planet formula (44:41).
“The Plug” series of bars (52:53).
Another Planet 4 physicals, and streaming (57:03).
Buy/Stream Another Planet 4 here: https://open.spotify.com/album/53nKCpRA9pldZP5qmjOsyd?si=aNhcdHbUQOubCTt62l7usg
Follow phiik on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/phiik_
Follow Lungs/LoneSword on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/big_dead_lung
Follow phiik on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/phiik_/?hl=en
Follow Lungs/LoneSword on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/big_dead_lung/?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 Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (2:00).
One of the primary reasons I decided to move to Toronto last summer, was the vibrant music scene in the city. So going to many shows was the extent of what I expected. However, what I was pleasantly surprised to see though was a solid community of underground rap fans that I kept seeing at many different rap events. Many of which were hosted by none other than the pride of Toronto’s hip-hop underground, Raz Fresco.
Raz is an artist who’s career spans over a decade, featuring co-signs and collaborations with true OGs such as Raekwon, and a prolific run of creativity in recent years. Punctuated by his fantastic Magneto Was Right series and other great records in recent years, such as Marvelous Right Wrist and Secret Wars with DIBIA$E.
Not only does his catalog speak for itself, but his passion and respect for the art is energizing… and comes through loud and clear in the latest episode of this show.
Magnetic Right Wrist tour (3:42). +32
Raz’s non-existent rap origin story (9:22).
The Toronto hip-hop scene, and Raz’s deep engagement with the community (13:04).
The conception of the BKRSCLB (25:22).
The importance of knowledge of self and spirituality in Raz Fresco’s music (28:05).
The meaning behind the Magneto was Right series (32:42).
The vision behind Marvelous Right Wrist (43:49).
Working with Dibia$e on Secret Wars (48:18).
Upcoming projects (51:30).
Support Raz Fresco and BKRSCLB here: https://www.bkrsclb.com/
Follow Raz Fresco on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/RazFresco
Follow Raz Fresco on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/razfresco/?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 Feb 15, 2023
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (1:51).
“It’s important to me to be an original human being. It’s not important to me to be original or different in my music. It’s important to me to be original and different in every single thing I do.”
This is a direct quote from the upcoming interview with R.A.P. Ferreira you are about to hear, and I think that speaks for itself.
As one of the champions of smart indie underground hip-hop for over a decade, and leader of the almighty Ruby Yacht crew, R.A.P. Ferreira has firmly established himself as one of one… never to be duplicated, or replaced.
His thoughtful, coy cockiness, and unapologetically strong sense of self has made me a huge fan of his for many years. It was a true honour to pick his brain, and see that charisma and passion come through in our conversation. This is a MUST listen.
Being so open emotionally early on in a career (5:06).
Maturing as an artist and person in the public eye (7:13).
What first sparked R.A.P. Ferreira’s desire to rap (12:29).
Ferreira’s unique rapping style and rapping style - RMPP patron q from Slumber Logic (22:48).
The importance of originality in Ferreira’s music (31:43).
The reality of the independent music business (35:45).
What blues music provides that rap does not (43:26).
The special qualities of 5 to the Eye with Stars (52:09).
What to expect from G’s Us, the collaborative duo of R.A.P. Ferreira and AJ Suede (58:36).
Upcoming projects (1:03:01).
Support R.A.P. Ferreira's music here: https://afrolab9000.bandcamp.com/
Support Ruby Yacht here: https://ruby-yacht.myshopify.com/
Support soulfolks here: https://www.soulfolks.org/
Follow R.A.P. Ferreira on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/yomilo?s=20&t=P6sGl9hfirhuW8d1cgAv6Q
Follow R.A.P. Ferreira on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hipcatscience/?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 Feb 08, 2023
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (3:10).
*Internet connection was choppy, so excuse the questionable audio quality. We did our best.*
Over the years, as someone who’s obsessed with music… I’ve observed a sort of left brain-right brain dynamic with many of the artists I’ve listened to closely.
In the context of music, I feel there is a side of music-making that is left brain centered on structure, that is all about a thought-out intentional approach.
But then there’s also another side of music making that is fundamentally different, seen a right brain way of creation that is more intuitive, centered on the emotion, the soul, and the passion that underpins the order of the left brain's work.
Just like with regular humans, it’s often those artists that can harness both of these sides of their minds in such a way that leads to some of the greatest music we’ve ever heard.
That brings us to today’s guest, SKECH185. Someone who brings one of the most passionate rap deliveries you will ever hear, along with a carefully thought out approach to building rhymes and structuring his flow.
SKECH’s unique powers made his Backwoodz debut with Jeff Markey, He Left Nothing for the Swim Back, an absolute home run and my current album of the year.
Listen on to hear more about interesting stories related to his new album, Tomorrow Kings, Chicago rap, and how this special blend of meticulous lyrical craftsmanship and unmitigated passion came to be.
The Chicago and New York hip-hop scenes (5:48).
The origin story and impact of Tomorrow Kings (13:47).
SKECH185’s writing and recording process (33:08).
Key themes of SKECH185’s new album (44:56).
Jeff Markey’s progressive sound for SKECH185’s new album (1:01:39).
Context surrounding the 6-year hiatus SKECH185 took between albums - RMPP patron q from TreDoes (1:08:03).
The Backwoodz experience - RMPP patron q from Geoff Rhine (1:13:08).
Support SKECH185's music here: https://skech185.bandcamp.com/music
Follow SKECH185 on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SKECH185
Follow SKECH185 on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/skech185/?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