Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks (private feed for [email protected])

New episode out now on Spotify, YouTube, and Substack!

Well, we finally got the one and only Joey the Jerk (of LA Symphony) to sit down with me and Nomadik Vagabond. If you were bumping underground hip-hop in the late 90s and early 2000s, you already know the vibe. LAS wasn't just a crew; they were a supergroup that bridged the gap between the Los Angeles underground scene and the Christian hip-hop world in a way nobody else could.But the road wasn't all Pete Rock beats and sold-out tours. In this episode, Joey opens up about the "shipwrecks"—the record deals that turned into shackles, the cease-and-desist letters for their own music, and the frustration of having a masterpiece (*Call It What You Want*) locked in a vault for years while the world moved on.We talked about the grit it took to walk into the Warner Bros. offices and demand their freedom, the reality of being "too Christian for the world and too worldly for the church," and how the brotherhood of LAS has managed to stay intact through it all.

What we're sipping on:

* Joey: Stanley cup full of water, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and protein powder (the "not trying to die" middle-age special).

* Nomadik: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and a Mango Hop Water.

* Jamey: Athletic Brewing Lemon Radler and a Blackberry Sour.

The big news:

Joey isn’t just dwelling on the past. The fire is still lit. He and Cookbook (Jason Soto) have a brand-new album, calling themselves ***OP*** dropping soon (look for it soon), and their first single released this past weekend. Make sure you go support the legends and grab that track.

This conversation was raw, honest, and reminded me why we do this. And even when the industry throws you a curveball, you keep the art moving.

Check out the full episode above. Our Podcast is currently here, on YouTube, and Spotify. We’ll be back everywhere else someday. Maybe.

Episode Notes: Joey the Jerk (LA Symphony)

Summary:Founding LA Symphony member Joey the Jerk joins Jamey and Nomadik Vagabond to discuss the rise, fall, and resurrection of one of the West Coast's most influential hip-hop collectives. From Will.i.am production to legal battles with major labels, Joey shares the "shipwreck" stories of his career and his current creative resurgence.Key Topics:* Technical Difficulties & Bloopers: The struggles of setting up a podcast studio in a closet.* The Squint/Warner Bros. Saga: How a major label acquisition shelved a finished masterpiece and sidelined the crew for years.* Mentors vs. Critics: Dealing with the "haterade" from the Christian music industry and the lack of theological depth in the early scene.* The LAS Brotherhood: Why the crew stays loyal "till the casket drops" despite different life paths.* CrossFit and Health: Jamey and Joey bond over the struggle to stay fit in middle age.Links & Mentions:* New Music: Joey the Jerk x Cookbook are OP – New single out now! Album coming soon!* Podcasts: https://www.brewsbeards.com* Community: Shoutouts to DJ Maj, Knowdaverbs, Grits, and the Shadow of the Locust crew.

And don’t miss the new music video from Joey and Cook:

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

It’s been a minute. Okay, it’s been more than a minute. July 2025 was the last time we actually dropped a proper episode of Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks. But the mics are hot again, the recording light is blinking, and I’m back with my man Nomadik Vagabond to catch up on everything we’ve missed.

We didn’t just sit around twiddling our thumbs during the hiatus. Life happened. And as we have a tendency to do on this show, we grabbed our drinks, fired up some cigars, and ping-ponged back and forth on the shipwrecks and successes of recent memory.

Here’s a taste of what went down.

The Brews & The Beards

You can’t have a show called Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks without checking in on the essentials. Nomadik was sipping a Rodenbach Classic—a sweet-tart Flanders Ale that he described as “refreshing... low ABV and super digestible.” He specifically didn’t want that American IPA vibe where you drink one and feel like you “just ate a loaf of bread.”

I’ve been sticking to my Athletic Brewing Company beers lately. I was sipping on their Free Wave, an non-alcoholic hazy IPA that hits the spot without the hangover. Nomadik brought up the genius of non-alcoholic coffee stouts. He reminded me of a brilliant morning routine: “I’ve done that before... in the morning, I had a cigar and one of those non-alcoholic coffee stouts, and it was fantastic. It’s like a cold brew [coffee], but just fizzy.”

Note to self: Buy more NA coffee stouts.

As for the beards? Nomadik is out here smelling like Church. He threw in some shea butter and frankincense oil, making him smell like he just walked out of a Paschal (Easter) liturgy.

Me? Well, I recently broke my beard oil bottle and haven’t replaced it. So, naturally, I reached for the tallow skin cream. It warms up nicely in the hands and goes into the beard great, but as I confessed on the show: “For the first few minutes of the day, I smell a little beefy. There is a slight beefy odor.”

Nomadik’s immediate response? “Is that Lenten?” (It was not).

Flavor Fest 25: A Christian Hip-Hop Family Reunion

I finally made it out to Tampa for Flavor Fest, hosted by Urban D and Crossover Church. It was the 25th anniversary of the Christian hip-hop conference, and 12-year-old Jamey would have peed himself.

There were absolute legends in the building. PID. Mike Peace. KJ-52. Watching PID rock the mic was incredible. They aren’t just coasting on nostalgia; they proved they still have the bars and the energy to move a crowd.

But another real highlight was the networking. I met Urban D (Tommy Kyllonen) for the first time. As an Orthodox guy walking into a hip-hop church, I felt a little out of my element at first. But in a wild twist, I found out Urban D has a Greek Orthodox background in his family tree. (I totally failed to mention I was Orthodox at the time—opportunity missed!)

I was also down there promoting the new Royal Ruckus record, Let’s Be Together Today. It was a stark reminder of how the industry has changed. I didn’t have CDs of the new album to hand out. I brought old CDs and T-shirts, but telling people to “go stream it” just feels different. As Nomadik pointed out, “For me, half the thing I love going to concerts is getting the concert merch... if I go to a show now and there’s no merch, I’m like, what’s going on?”

Fatherhood, Fitness, and Dropping 60 Pounds

Nomadik and I are at opposite ends of the parenting spectrum right now. He’s navigating life with a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old, trying to balance guiding young adults who are working and navigating college. Meanwhile, the Bennett family expanded two months ago with a new baby girl.

The sleep deprivation is real. My coffee is stronger, my beard is wilder, and the perspective shift is real. Which brings me to my health update.

Over the last six months, I dropped 60 pounds. It wasn’t just about aesthetics this time. I had some health scares, some hospital visits, and some new medicines that forced the issue. As I put it on the show, my motivation changed: “I’m about to have two children under five. I know what it’s like to lose a dad when you’re little, and I don’t want to create a situation if I can help it.”

I’m lifting heavy, skipping the marathon training (which weirdly made me gain weight), and feeling better than I have in a long time.

The Locust and The Future

Nomadik dropped some heat of his own. He’s stepping into a new space job-wise, and on the music front, the Shadow of the Locust crew is grinding on Mighty Army Cometh Volume 3. It’s about 75% done, featuring the whole squad, plus a new member, Ilmerillion.

I’m actually featured on a Locust track for the first time ever, and I got to record it in the studio with Jeremiah Dirt producing me on the vocals.

As we look ahead, we’re planning to bring Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks back more consistently. We want more guests, more stories, and more insights into living well.

Until next time: Keep your glass full, keep your beard oiled, and keep navigating those shipwrecks. Peace.

Thanks for reading Jamey Bennett's Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

Greetings y'all!

On this episode we are running an interview Chunjay did on a podcast called Indie Music Live! They discuss the Summer of the Cicadas album and play a few songs as well. This gives Chunjay a chance to talk about the writing process of the album as well as the history of Royal Ruckus. This was originally 2 episodes of Indie Live but we smashed it into to one dope Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks episode. For those not familiar with the Summer of the Cicadas album, this is a time to get familiar. For those who are, this is a time to get reacquainted with a trust fantastic piece of art. If you like what you hear make sure to like and subscribe as well as share any and all episodes you found impactful to you.

 

Follow us on IG:

@brewbeards

@nomadikvagabond

@royalruckusofficial

@justjamey

and be sure to check out IndieMusicLive on IG @indiemusicplus

Also make sure to check out summerofthecicadas.com the cat caught up on anything Cicadas related as well as royalruckus.bandcamp.com and buymeacoffee.com/royalruckus to help support the recording of the new EP's. Thanks for tuning in!!

Nomadik Vagabond

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

On this episode of BBS Podcast, we link up with Q-Unique, a true underground hip-hop legend straight outta Brooklyn. From his days rippin mics with the Arsonists to droppin solo joints and exploring spiritual vibes, Q’s story is a masterclass in staying rooted while branching out. We dig into his journey through the gritty Brooklyn scene, his evolution as an artist, and how faith and family keep his bars grounded. With a nod to his genre-bending style and collabs with heavyweights like Ill Bill, this episode’s got that raw, unfiltered energy you don’t wanna miss.

Q-Unique takes us back to his Bed-Stuy beginnings, where the pulse of Brooklyn’s hip-hop history—think Big Daddy Kane, Jay-Z, and the Beastie Boys—shaped his flow. He drops knowledge on the Arsonists rise, talking about their organic blend of breakdance, graffiti, and lyricism that set them apart in the ‘90s golden era.

From 12-inch singles to European tours, Q breaks down how the crew carved their lane. We also get into his solo hustle, the rebrand with the “Legacy Series,” and how personal tracks like “Father’s Day” still hit hard. Plus, Q opens up about weavin’ spirituality into his music, from “Come to Jesus” to his rock ventures with Stillwell, and what’s next with new tracks and a heavier sound. Q also lets us peek behind the curtain on what's going on with Stillwell, his other rock projects, as well some tracks with Sonny from P.O.D.

Tune in for a convo that’s straight-up Brooklyn—raw, real, and layered with wisdom. Whether you’re bumpin this for the bars or the bigger picture, Q-Unique’s got the mic, and we’re riding the beat with him.

 

This one’s for the heads who love real hip-hop and real talk—don’t sleep on Q-Unique’s story.

Connect:

Plug in and vibe with us on http://instagram.com/brewsbeards or at http://brewsbeards.com. 

Follow Q-Unique on @mr_q_unique on the socials as well as      q-unique.com for the latest on his music and moves. Hit us up on @brewsbeards to chop it up about the episode!

Thank you for tuning in!!

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

Hey lil homies!
 
This week on the BBS Podcast, we chop it up with the one and only Braille, a hip-hop heavyweight who’s been holdin it down in the game for years. From his early days crafting high-octane bars to his current role as a pastor, Braille’s journey is a testament to staying true to your roots while evolving with purpose.
 
We explore into his creative process, unpacking how he weaves raw lyricism with spiritual fire. Braille shares stories from the studio, the stage, and the pulpit, droppin’ gems about balancing his love for hip-hop with his call to ministry.
 
Expect real talk about the hustle, the faith, and the drive to keep pushingforward in a world that’s always spinning....
 
Tune in for a convo as Braille brings the heat with insights that hit like a perfectly timed 808. Whether you’re here for the bars or the bigger message, this episode’s got something for your mind and your playlist.
 
Key Moments:

• 
  Braille breaks down his come-up in hip-hop and the moments that shaped his sound.
  


• 
  How faith flipped the script on his life and led him to the pulpit.
  


• 
  Balancin’ the mic with the mission: stories of juggling artistry and ministry, in the midst of life transitions!
  


• 
  What’s next for Braille—new music, new sermons, and keeping it 100, as the kids say..
  

Listen Now: Grab your headphones and vibe with us on Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, and basically everywhere else.. Don’t sleep on this one—Braille’s bringing that raw energy, and we’re matching it bar for bar.
 
Peace,
Jamey aka Chunjay

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

Whaddup party people!

We have our first ever hybrid episode! We had the pleasure of chopping it up with Cookbook of the legendary L.A. Symphony and producer extraordinaire Surebert! Combined they make the team of Portlangeles. While Cook was in Texas and Jamey was in Florida, Nomadik And Surebert were huddled up in an undisclosed location in Portland, Oregon fighting wi-fi issues.  The main thing discussed was the recording and performing of their latest effort "PortLangeles 2" We had a blast recording and talking with people who we consider homies. They took us in to the recording processes of both albums as well their history as a duo and how it felt performing live together for the first time.

 

Connect with us:

@brewsbeards

@justjamey

@nomadikvagabond

and check Cookbook and Surebert on IG:

@surebert

@cookbookthepr

 

We hope y'all enjoy!

 

Nomadik

 

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

Pioneer Christian hip-hop artist Fred Lynch (of Preachas, also known as Preachas in Disguise) joined Jamey for an illuminating conversation about the evolution of Christian rap and his groundbreaking work in the genre. Lynch reflected on his early days mixing hard-hitting beats with Christ-centered lyrics, while sharing insights about the importance of authenticity and theological understanding in Christian hip-hop. The discussion explored the delicate balance between engaging with culture and maintaining gospel integrity, as well as the challenges faced by artists navigating both secular and Christian music scenes.

Lynch shared exciting details about his current projects, including a new album with his group PID, and his innovative "The Script" project, which translates Bible books into rap verse. He's also working on "All Skills No Frills Part 2" and continues to organize collaborations between Christian and secular MCs to create Scripture-based rap that elevates hip-hop's vocabulary through sacred texts.

The conversation culminated with the announcement of Lynch's forthcoming "Proverbs Daily Blitz" app, scheduled for release in March 2025. This digital tool will help users engage with the book of Proverbs daily, building on Lynch's successful social media initiative of the same name. He also discussed his solo single "The Crucible," which explores the transformative nature of spiritual trials, and shared how his experiences as a minister, mentor, and artist continue to shape his approach to creating Christ-centered hip-hop. 

https://preachas.com/

http://royalruckus.bandcamp.com

http://brewsbeards.com

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

Ah yeah!! Back like we never left! On this episode we have an in depth discussion with Ohio mainstays J. Rawls and Cas Metah. We'd be lyin' to say we weren't geeked to talk to these dudes. I believe they set the bar when it comes to hustle and work ethic. So when we found they did an EP together ("Criminal Blinded" out on Fat Beats) we had to get them on to talk about it. On the first half of the show we discuss the recording process and the inspiration behind the concept of the EP, as well as other projects from both J. and Cas. We all know J. Rawls as an producer and MC, but many don't know he is an educator as well and he shares with us how he uses music to relate to and teach his students. Edutainment at it's finest!  

The second half of the show Cas Metah talks about how he stays so productive as well as his thoughts on the different scenes within hip-hop. He shares his experience on trying to break free of being typecast as a certain type of emcee.

 

We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it!!

 

Cop "Criminal Blinded" by J.Rawls and Cas Metah:

Digital  https://polarentllc.bandcamp.com/album/criminal-blinded

        https://killacasmetah.bandcamp.com/album/criminal-blinded

Vinyl https://www.fatbeats.com/products/j-rawls-cas-metah-criminally-blinded-ep

Also be sure to sure to check out other music by Cas Metah at his bandcamp: https://killacasmetah.bandcamp.com

And to get other projects by J. Rawls check his bandcamp: https://polarentllc.bandcamp.com

 

We are truly appreciative of theses dudes for taking time to chop it up with us.

And of course be sure to check us out on Instagram 

@brewsbeards

@royalruckusofficial

@nomadikvagabond

and to keep up with Cas Metah and J. Rawls you can peep their IG's:

@real_cas_metah

@jrawls82

 

Peace!!

Nomadik

 

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

Greetings beautiful people of planet earth! Ya boys are back at it with a heater of an episode! We were blessed to have the opportunity to chop it up with the multidisciplined homie Omega Watts. Many know of him as a producer, MC, and DJ. In addition to these talents he is also and independent art-director, graphic designer, photographer and of course avid record collector. Ohmega and Nomadik crossed paths in the early 2000's when they both lived in Portland, Oregon. Well as you'd suspect things have changed since then and we get to discuss what's going on with him and what he's up to these days. He takes us on his journey through music, graphic design,the loss of his father, marriage, fatherhood, friendship, and life! This dude is seriously oner of the most genuine human beings! We hope you are as blessed by the conversation as we were.

 

IG:

@brewsbeards

@royalruckusofficial

@justjamey

@nomadikvagabond

and

you can find Ohmega on IG @brokinnglish(music) and @brokin_nglish (design)

Also be sure to hit up ohmegawatts.bandcamp.com for music as well as mix cloud.com/ohmegawatts for music. Last but not least ohmegawatts.com for all things Ohmega Watts related.

Remember to share and subscribe and hit up brews beards.com and royalruckus.com and royal ruckus.bandcamp.com for all the fresh tunes!

 

Nomadik Vagabond

 

 

 

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.

This is an interview I did with my mother's mother, Grandma Colleen Pitts (O'Farrell) in 6 or 7 years ago. She died on February 14, 2024, and so now I'm releasing this episode in her honor.

We discuss a variety of things—losing her husband to cancer, difficulties in families, depression, losing my dad in a car wreck, and even the blackouts of World War II.

She was a gem of a woman, and I'm excited to share a little bit of her perspective with you.

I love you, Grandma.

Jamey Bennett

BrewsBeards.com

Thank you for subscribing. Share this episode.