In this episode of In My Humble Opinion, we sit down with Houston artist and producer Derryk Rhodes for a real conversation about his new album Morning to Midnight: A Weekend Requiem and the work that goes into building a lasting career in music. Derryk breaks down the creative process behind the project, the stories that shaped the sound, and why this release represents a major step forward in his evolution as both an artist and a producer.

We also talk about the behind the scenes realities of producing and developing artists, the uphill battle that comes with marketing independent music, and how strategy, consistency, and patience play a role in long term success. From navigating the business to staying grounded through challenges, Derryk shares insight on what it really takes to move forward in today’s industry.

Tap in as we discuss what’s next for him, the vision he’s building, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This is a conversation for anyone serious about music, growth, and longevity.

This week In My Humble Opinion welcomes rapper and community leader AJ McQueen for a conversation centered on growth, purpose, and what it really means to evolve. Known for his introspective approach to hip hop, AJ joins us to talk about Godbody Weekend, the Houston based experience he created to bring people together through music, wellness, service, and intentional connection.

We also dive into his latest album, *When We Evolve*, a deeply personal project that finds AJ reflecting on healing, faith, transformation, and the lessons that come with stepping into new versions of yourself. It is the kind of album that invites listeners to look inward while still knocking in the speakers.

Beyond the music, AJ speaks candidly about his decision to step away from his alkaline water brand, Hydrate Hill, and what that transition taught him about alignment, clarity, and protecting his energy. It is an honest look at entrepreneurship, knowing when to pivot, and trusting the bigger vision.

The conversation also touches on building his fanbase organically, staying independent in an industry that often rewards shortcuts, and remaining committed to making music that uplifts and challenges at the same time.

This week's guest is music producer and songwriter Mark Byrd. We get into his journey in music, how he has dealt with mental health, and what he has learned along the way in the industry. Mark talks about his move from Chicago to Houston and how that shift changed both his sound and his mindset.

He also shares stories from working with artists and producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, CyHi the Prynce, John Connor, 2 Chainz, Big K.R.I.T., and Dante Higgins, plus what it really takes to build a long career behind the scenes. We wrap things up talking about what he has coming next and where he sees himself going creatively.

On the latest episode, we sit down with Rob Gullatte and Jett I. Masstyr to talk about their new album The Nosebleed Section. We get into how the project came together, how their creative relationship developed over time, and what it looks like to still be making music after two decades in Houston’s scene. They talk about where they started, how their careers have shifted, what they are listening to right now, and how their perspective has changed with time. It is an honest conversation about growth, patience, and staying connected to the work without chasing trends.

In this episode, we sit down with singer and songwriter Peyton for a wide ranging conversation about her journey as an artist and the moments that helped shape her sound. Peyton reflects on earning music placements on Issa Rae’s Insecure and what it meant to hear her work woven into a series that reshaped television’s relationship with Black storytelling. She talks about her early foundation at Houston School of Performing and Visual Arts and how that environment sharpened both her discipline and creative instincts.The conversation also explores her collaborations with artists like The Internet, Steve Lacy, and Shafiq Husayn, and how working within those creative circles influenced her approach to songwriting, arrangement, and experimentation. Peyton opens up about her latest release, AU, breaking down the themes, the emotional palette behind the project, and where she feels she is in her artistic evolution right now. She also shares the story of how she connected with Stones Throw Records and what that partnership has meant for her career.

In this episode of In My Humble Opinion, we sit down with Houston’s own God Body Bingo for a conversation that moves from heartbreak to hustle. He opens up about losing his father and how that loss continues to influence his art and path forward. We dig into the high of being selected for a writers’ camp on Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t and what that opportunity taught him about writing for television and collaboration.

We also take a hard look at the streaming economy: after releasing what became his most streamed album ever, the numbers didn’t equate to the financial returns he expected. We explore whether putting music online is still worthwhile for independent artists, what the revenue models really look like, and what lessons he’s learned from that experience. Finally, Bingo shares what’s next — what he’s working toward, the risks he’s embracing, and the vision he has for the next phase of his career.

Tune in to hear the man behind the music, the business, and the burden — and how he’s turning everything into fuel.

On this episode of In My Humble Opinion, we sit down with Houston rapper Quiet Money Dot and producer Pugtunes to trace their journeys from South Park/Sunnyside and Mo City to the release of their new album Souf Sia 4 Lia. The duo shares how they first connected, the influences of their upbringings, and why they intentionally shifted their sound to embrace a more cultural and regional identity rooted in Houston. They discuss the city’s central role in shaping their artistry, the reception of the album, Quiet Money Dot’s reflections on navigating success, and what their creative partnership means for the future of Houston music.

On this episode of In My Humble Opinion, we sit down with Houston duo Blaze X Black to talk about their new album and the journey that brought them here. Together, Rick Blaze and Bishop Black have been carving out a lane that blends sharp lyricism, live instrumentation, and a commitment to making music on their own terms.

The conversation takes listeners back to the very beginning as Blaze and Black share how they first connected and recognized a shared vision that would eventually evolve into their group. From there, we trace their progression as artists, digging into the growth that shaped their sound and the discipline that has kept them consistent.

We also explore how Blaze X Black have built more than just music. The duo breaks down their approach to marketing, self promotion, and sustaining momentum in a city as competitive as Houston. Whether it is pushing their new project NAHIMSAYIN or standing out on stage with a full live band, both Blaze and Black show what it means to balance artistry with entrepreneurship.

Houston R&B singer Jack Freeman has built his name with a sound rooted in soul and storytelling, drawing comparisons to legends while carving his own lane. He’s opened for artists like Bilal, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, and PJ Morton, and his most recent project Nina was shaped through his collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox.

In this episode, Jack talks about how that partnership came together, what it was like touring with Jagged Edge, and the unexpected journey of selling out a tour in Russia. He also reflects on the process of creating Nina and what listeners can expect from the upcoming deluxe edition.

From Houston roots to international stages, Jack Freeman shows how independent artistry continues to grow and connect across the world.

Houston’s own Dende stops by In My Humble Opinion to talk about his journey from grassroots shows to signing with Def Jam, what listeners can expect from his upcoming album, and how real life experiences shape his music. We get into everything from the aggressive amount of roast beef in an Arby’s Number 1 to the story behind filming a video right after a fight. He also opens up about whether new love changes the sound of his work and where he’s headed next.