August Fanon and blackchai have joined forces on the recently released "OTHERWISE A BLUR". We spoke with the duo about how the project came together, the inspiration for blackchai's flows, and the energy that has gone into August Fanon's production. Then we talked about their album pick for this episode - "Vaudeville Villain" by DOOM's alter ego Viktor Vaughn.

Stream and purchase "OTHERWISE A BLUR" here:

https://augustfanon.bandcamp.com/album/otherwise-a-blur

Bruiser Brigade's J.U.S recently dropped "3rd Shift" produced entirely by Squadda B. We talked with J.U.S about how the album came together, his progression as a writer, the inspiration behind his previous project "Lord of the Streams Pt. 1: Greed in the Kingdom" and his album pick for this episode - "XXX" by Danny Brown.

Download "3rd Shift" here:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/3rd-shift/1760963511

"No Options: Hip Hop in Appalachia" is a new compilation of original music by artists specifically from Appalachia. The project aims to break the stereotypes typically associated with an overlooked and misunderstood region of the country while also shedding a light on some of its rising and veteran artists. Producers Ted Olson and William H. Turner, executive producer JK Turner, and rapper/producer Monstalung talked with us about putting this project together, the history of Black music in the region and their album pick for this episode - "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" by A Tribe Called Quest.

Stream and purchase "No Options" here:

https://juneappalrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/no-options-hip-hop-in-appalachia-2

Rich Jones has a new album out called "Sour Dub". It's fully produced by SINAI (aka Sleep Sinatra) and it's not the weed smoking album that you might assume it to be. We talked with Rich about how the album's laid back sound makes it's "dripping" with "venom" somewhat sneaky. Then we talk about Rich's album pick for this episode - "Big Shots" by Charizma and Peanut Butter Wolf.

Stream and purchase "Sour Dub" here:

https://5oclockshadowboxers.bandcamp.com/album/sour-dub

RJD2 is a dynamic producer with a legendary history. His newest project continues to build on his reputation for blending genres. "Visions Out of Limelight" feels like a culmination of all of RJ's influences whether its Funkadelic or Redman, 70's TV theme songs or the Bomb Squad, the album invites the listener to join in the celebration throughout. We talked with RJ about the making of this album and then we discuss one of his favorite albums of all time - Common's "Resurrection".

Stream and purchase "Visions Out of Limelight" here:

⁠https://officialrjd2.bandcamp.com/album/visions-out-of-limelight⁠

Legendary production team Da Beatminerz are back with their first full length album in 20 years! The album is called “Stifled Creativity” and it features iconic artists such as De La Soul, KRS-One, Pharoahe Monch and Ras Kass alongside folks like Rasheed Chappell, Mickey Factz, Stahhr, and Bishop Lamont. We talked with Mr. Walt and DJ Evil Dee about their approach to making this album, some of the stories behind the collaborations, and how their history in the game has brought them this far. Then we discuss, in the kind of heated debate that can only exist between brothers, Public Enemy's “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”.

Stream and purchase "Stifled Creativity" here:

https://soulspazm.bandcamp.com/album/stifled-creativity

Stas THEE Boss is a producer and a rapper and a radio host and a DJ and some other things that we're probably missing. Most recently she is the composer of the music featured in dream hampton's latest documentary film "It Was All a Dream". Stas joined us to talk about this assignment along with a bunch of other rap related things including her album pick for this episode - "Supa Dupa Fly" by Missy Elliott.

Stream and purchase Stas THEE Boss music here:

https://stastheeboss.bandcamp.com

S!LENCE is from Brooklyn (actually from there) and he has a new project called "Aguadura". He describes it as the spiritual sequel to his 2021 release "mutatis mutandis" and we talked with him about some of the themes from the album. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "The Mouse and The Mask" from DANGERDOOM.

Purchase "Aguardura" here:

https://www.breakallrecords.world/product/aguadura

Hip hop and jazz music have an intimate relationship. That’s been true since the beginning. Our next guest is Shabaka Hutchings and while he might be a jazz musician, he is also a hip hop head who thoughtfully integrates his preferences into his most recent project “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace”. The album is also his first as a flute player, an instrument he went to exceptional lengths to become familiar with. He is joined on the project by incredible artists such as Saul Williams, Carlos Niño, Laraaji, Esperanza Spalding, Brandee Younger and Floating Points. It’s also the only place where you’ll find both Andre 3000 and E L U C I D as featured guests. We talked with Shabaka about all of the above and we discussed his album pick for this episode - “Doris” by Earl Sweatshirt.

Purchase "Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace" directly from Impulse Records