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 Nov 23, 2022
#127 - AKAI SOLO INTERVIEW
Wednesday Nov 23, 2022
Wednesday Nov 23, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Plug (0:21).
The Interview (2:10).
Not only are topics like philosophy, spirituality, knowledge of self, difficult things to learn in and of itself... it’s an entirely different challenge to be able to communicate these topics with clarity. Not to mention with grace and humility to boot. Today’s guest, AKAI SOLO, does just that.
Something I told AKAI, and what bares repeating, is that an idea sounds simple when it is presented in his music. He’s that special.
With a fresh, and raw rap style that is reminiscent of Vordul Mega, and that’s not my words… that comes from the Backwoodz Studioz head honcho himself.
On the topic of Backwoodz, this artist joins the growing list of amazing artists dropping their best projects to-date. Since AKAI just released the beautiful Spirit Roaming just a couple of weeks ago, ne of the absolute best projects of the year, period.
This conversation was as insightful as you’d expect it would be with an artist like AKAI. Enjoy!
AKAI’s writing process (4:59).
How AKAI characterizes his style of rap (16:13).
What AKAI’s music stands for (20:17).
AKAI’s creative connection with Navy Blue on True Sky (28:26).
AKAI’s mentality that he employs when approaching his career (31:49).
AKAI on being mindful of not alienating the audience (37:07).
The key inspiration behind the creation of Spirit Roaming (42:40).
The sound of Spirit Roaming (51:02).
The importance of woods executive producing Spirit Roaming (54:38).
How it feels being part of the Backwoodz Studioz run (1:00:47).
AKAI’s new album coming soon (1:05:36).
Support AKAI's music here: https://akaisolo.bandcamp.com/music
Follow AKAI on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/shinlonered?s=20&t=ShYlpWtroe-E2kxSzfflag
Follow AKAI on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/shinlonered/?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 Nov 09, 2022
#126 - ewonee INTERVIEW
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
The Interview (1:42).
The Mutant Academy collective has been the launching point for many of rap’s most innovative creators over the past half decade. With uber-talented spitters such as Fly Anakin, and Koncept Jack$on, and captivating beatmakers such as ohbliv, Tuamie, Foisey, and our guest on today’s show... ewonee.
ewonee has fueled the sound for not only Mutant Academy releases, but has also worked with the brightest stars in the game right now. From Mach-Hommy to Estee Nack, to YUNGMORPHEUS, crafting beats for their outstanding collaborative album, Thumbing Thru Foliage.
If you’re interested in hearing how one of the finest producers in the game approaches their craft, make sure you check this out.
ewonee’s initial inspirations to make beats (3:30).
How coding is similar to producing (7:42).
Putting the “ewonee sound” in his own words (9:30).
How ewonee approaches a sample when considering it for a beat (11:24).
ewonee’s perspective on the drumless beats trend emerging in hip-hop (13:02).
ewonee speaks on what makes Mutant Academy special (16:42).
ewonee speaks on his favourite beats that he’s produced (22:31).
The difference in process when creating an instrumental album (23:54).
What makes YUNGMORPHEUS an inspiring artist to work with (26:33).
ewonee’s upcoming jazz album, and other projects to look out for (33:09).
Support ewonee's music here: https://ewonee.bandcamp.com/music
Follow ewonee on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ewonee_
Follow ewonee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ewonee_/?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 Nov 02, 2022
#125 - billy woods & Messiah Musik - Church REVIEW
Wednesday Nov 02, 2022
Wednesday Nov 02, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
Main Body of Review (2:13).
Vulnerability is an interesting concept. The more vulnerable you get, the likelihood of you achieving true happiness and connection rises... just as the likelihood you get deeply hurt and traumatized rises as well.
In other words, vulnerability is a double-edged sword.
This is precisely why I gravitate so strongly to music that is personal. It’s because that’s where the magic happens, both in life and in music.
My home base has and will always be music that plays with that double-edged sword.
Since, as I just said at the beginning, vulnerability is what truly enables connection... connection between an artist and a listener surely, but more importantly, connection between a person and their true self.
Vulnerability is the only true path to acceptance, healing, and growth.
This is the path that we find billy woods on in his latest album Church, in collaboration with producer phenom Messiah Musik.
Listen on to see where this path took us…
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Pollo Rico"
Buy/stream Church here: https://billywoods.bandcamp.com/album/church
--
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 26, 2022
#124 - Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire INTERVIEW
Wednesday Oct 26, 2022
Wednesday Oct 26, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
The Interview (2:27).
When I first heard today's guest on the show on El-P's "Oh Hail No" off of Cancer 4 Cure… I was sold immediately.
Even if it was just one feature, without me being aware of who this guy was and what projects he had under his belt, his flows, his bars, and his charisma were off the charts.
The talent of Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire was undeniable.
And luckily for me, he also had a catalog to back up this strong first impression by the time I tapped in around the year 2012, since eXquire had already dropped a fun and rugged mixtape in Lost in Translation, and then soon after would drop the terrifically thoughtful Kismet.
From then on I was a fan for life.
Now a decade later Brooklyn’s eXquire has released his most mature and reflective album yet, and is here today to discuss that and much, much more.
eXquire illustrates how he presents himself in his music vs. how he is in his regular life (3:58).
eXquire speaks on the influence of later 2000s era rappers on his musical style (7:51).
eXquire details the influence that artists such as El-P and the Definitive Jux crew had on his artistic development (12:00).
eXquire speaks on the differences between making music now (15:31).
eXquire speaks on some lessons that he learnt throughout his career (17:23).
eXquire illustrates the inspiration behind his latest album I Love Y.O.U Cus Y.O.U Ugly Vol. 1 (22:31).
eXquire opens up about how his daughter and uncle has inspired his music (25:48).
eXquire dives into the concept of Y.O.U, and why he is so proud of his latest album (28:23).
eXquire illustrates the musical direction of I Love Y.O.U (32:59).
eXquire speaks on some current active artists that inspire him (40:57).
eXquire answers a RMPP Patron question from Dan-O on the most heinous s*** talker in hip-hop (45:29).
Stream Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Sq6VkcHqHAuFvURbH3sXQ?si=I7672d0jR16qXsmKyRg5Ew
Follow Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/mrmfnexquire
Follow Mr. Muthaf*****’ eXquire on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mynameishughie/
--
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 19, 2022
#123 - Ghais Guevara INTERVIEW
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
The Interview (1:30).
In today’s political climate, music that speaks to real issues is something I gravitate to more than ever. If you add on wildly creative music to back said real issues, you’ve got me hooked. That’s exactly what we have with today’s guest on the show, Ghais Guevara.
Ghais is a Philly rapper who is unapologetic about his strong communist beliefs, who’s music has quickly achieved strong critical acclaim this year (from the likes of NPR, The Needle Drop, and more), with the release of his impressive new album There Will Be No Super-Slave.
Listen on and get to know an artist you will surely be hearing about for years to come.
Ghais speaks to how it’s felt receiving such widespread critical acclaim from his latest album, There Will Be No Super-Slave (1:59).
Ghais explains how he developed his political consciousness growing up (4:30).
Ghais speaks on if the label of “communist rapper” bothers him, or pigeonholes him in his career (10:09).
Ghais elaborates on his critiques of the Nordic political model, as it relates to his track off of BlackBolshevik, “F*** the Nordic Model“ (12:58).
Ghais gives his thoughts on the growing trend of pretentious leftists and academics that often alienate folks with their flowery vocabulary and narcissism (16:50).
Ghais illustrates how he developed his lyrical craft (22:31).
Ghais details what the main purpose was for his fiercely political There Will Be No Super-Slave (26:30).
Ghais describes his key musical influences, and the sound he was going for on There Will Be No Super-Slave (28:44).
Ghais elaborates on a compromising and settling, as it relates to the creation of There Will Be No Super-Slave (34:37).
Ghais details what to expect with his new FBFC mixtape (39:46).
Ghais gives a sneak peak to what we can expect with his next album (44:43).
Ghais names some dream collaborations of his (48:43).
Support Ghais Guevera's music here: https://ghais.bandcamp.com/music
Follow Ghais Guevera on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/GhaisGuevara?s=20&t=_YYrNe2FcHmAT3Ng_ac_KQ
Follow Ghais Guevera on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ghaisguevara/
--
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 12, 2022
#122 - Album Alchemy - Raw Extractions (w/ Lukah & Hollow Sol)
Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
Main Body of Discussion (2:12).
When I started this Album Alchemy series, I wanted to get laser-focused on the intricacies found in some of the best rap albums being made, with the artists themselves.
So I feel like a series like this was tailor-made for the pair of artists we have featured in today’s episode.
Lukah, Memphis MC, has been on a tear in the past couple of years, who’s approach to music is as well-thought out as it comes.
He is joined by his right-hand man, Hollow Sol, who is the primary engineer for Lukah that mixes all of his music.
Together they joined forced to create one of the hardest and biggest sounding rap albums of the year, titled Raw Extractions.
If you wanna know about the incredibly intricate concept for this album, and how it ended up sounding so grand and ambitious... this is the episode for you.
Buy/Stream Raw Extractions here: https://lukah.bandcamp.com/album/raw-extractions
Follow Lukah on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/biglukah?lang=en
Follow Lukah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/biglukah/?hl=en
Follow Hollow Sol on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hollowsollogansun/?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 Oct 05, 2022
Bonus - RMPP x FME Senior Class w/ Freemusicempire
Wednesday Oct 05, 2022
Wednesday Oct 05, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
Beginning of Episode (0:49).
The XXL Freshman Class is an annual collection of some of the most mediocre young (ish) rappers coming up in the game. Instead of re-hashing a tired idea, I collaborated with cool guys at Freemusicempire to have a different conversation.
We flipped the conversation and discussed our favourite veterans in the game, in order to compile the first iteration of the RMPP x FME Senior Class.
I hope you enjoy this bonus episode while I'm taking a week off to focus on non-pod activities.
Join the Freemusicempire here: https://freemusicempire.com/
--
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 28, 2022
#121 - Vic Spencer INTERVIEW
Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
The Interview (1:47).
Turning nothing into something, overcoming your surroundings, exhibiting incredible perseverance, have all served as major components to the stories of hip-hop's greats throughout the years.
Today I am joined by someone who absolutely fits that bill. Someone who has succeeded with his integrity and authenticity intact.
That man is Vic Spencer, who’s 2022 has been stellar, dropping great records in Still Here with Doc da Mindbenda, Mudslide with Small Professor, and most recently, Psychological Cheat Sheet 3 with August Fanon.
If you’re interested in feeling inspired or enlightened right now, this conversation with Vic Spencer is for you!
And if you’re not into that sort of thing, that's cool too. I think DJ Akademiks has exactly what you’re looking for!
Vic speaks on how he remains so unapologetically authentic in his music (3:02).
Vic speaks on how he avoids the ‘crab in a bucket’ mentality that many other rap artists fall victim to (8:02).
Vic dives into his challenging childhood, and how he turned his group home experiences into a positive (16:30).
Vic speaks on the elevated sense of purpose in his recent records, and giving back to the youth (25:25).
Vic details why he likes the 1 producer-1 rapper structure for an album (29:05).
Vic provides insight into the unique 8-year long creative process for Still Here with Doc da Mindbenda (34:11).
Vic illustrates why he wanted to showcase more of his lighter side on Mudslide with Small Professor (40:12).
Vic details the deep connection he shares with August Fanon, and the inspiration behind the deeply personal Psychological Cheat Sheet series (43:29).
Vic details the meaning behind some of the most powerful lines on a Psychological Cheat Sheet gem, “Tear Duct Tape” (57:50).
Vis details upcoming projects to look out for (1:16:07).
Support Vic Spencer's music here: https://vicspencer.bandcamp.com/
Follow Vic Spencer on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/VicSpencer?s=20&t=bix8NLARPZ1K1frNpgudbg
Follow Vic Spencer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vicspencer/?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 Sep 21, 2022
#120 - Roc Marciano & The Alchemist - The Elephant Man’s Bones REVIEW
Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
Main Body of Review (1:42).
2022 has been a year of marquee albums coming to fruition in hip-hop. After 20+ years, we finally got another album from Black Star. billy woods and Preservation, two artists that were a match made in heaven together, blessed us with Aethiopes. Danger Mouse and Black Thought came through with their collaborative album Cheat Codes.
But no other album in 2022 captured the intrigue of hip-hop head’s more than the long-awaited collaboration between the almighty Alchemist and Roc Marciano, titled The Elephant Man’s Bones.
Expectations were sky high, so I can’t wait to give you my take on if those lofty expectations were met… or disappointingly failed to live up to the hype.
RMPP Preferred Cut: "Rubber Hand Grip"
Stream The Elephant Man's Bones here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3Kkrsa5dgEgl2fYyO51EEf?si=zNod_K2iQ_-ymGmrYB_gVw
--
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 14, 2022
#119 - Alexander Richter INTERVIEW
Wednesday Sep 14, 2022
Wednesday Sep 14, 2022
Video animation by: Big Flowers
Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING
The Hook (0:21).
The Interview (2:03).
Album artwork and the visual side of hip-hop has always played a key role in how music lovers engaged with the art form.
In today’s episode we are joined by someone who’s work has provided visuals for some of rap’s finest. From legends such as Prodigy, Clipse, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, and most notably as of late, many Backwoodz Studioz artists such as Armand Hammer and ShrapKnel.
I hope you enjoy today’s illuminating conversation with the incredibly talented photographer and film director, Alexander Richter.
Richter details how he got into photography and film growing up, and why he gravitated towards the visuals of hip-hop vs. the music creation side of the equation (3:01).
Richter provides his take on if album artwork has increased or decreased in value, in our current digital streaming era (8:54).
Richter illustrates the creative process that goes into collaborating with an artist on a visual (15:03).
Richter describes how he improves his craft as a photographer (24:04).
Richter describes how he first got actively involved in hip-hop as a photographer (28:56).
Richter gives us his craziest story shooting with a rapper, working with Action Bronson on the Saab Stories album cover (31:54).
Richter explains why he and Backwoodz Studioz connect so well, becoming a fixture in the Backwoodz Studioz universe (38:55).
Richter provides insight into the striking slaughtered pig album artwork for Haram (42:26).
Richter describes the vision of his short film Dark Brother Rise (50:12).
Richter gives his thoughts on the concept of trust in film, as it relates to the jean-yuhs documentary (59:50).
Richter answers a RMPP PATREON question from Dan-O of Freemusicempire on what stands out to him in a great photo (1:06:06).
Richter shouts out where you can find his work (1:13:38) (link below!).
Support Alexander Richter's work here: https://alexanderrichterphoto.com/
Watch Dark Brother Rise here: https://www.darkbrotherrise.com/
Follow Alexander Richter on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/AlexandeRichter?s=20&t=pLthRxEsbUAaNqhXLCXGdQ
Follow Alexander Richter on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderrichter/?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