Oliver Rothstein is an MC from Philadelphia who embodies the city's grit, struggle, and determination. He has a new album called "The Philadelphian" that captures the struggle and beauty that exists in Philly and he joined us to talk about this project. Then we discuss the project that he picked for this episode - the first mixtape chosen on our show - "The Ghost in the Shell" by Styles P.

Stream and purchase "The Philadelphian" here:

oliverrothstein.bandcamp.com/album/the-philadelphian

DJ Haram has pushed the boundaries of traditional dance, noise, and hip hop music her entire career. Whether as a part of 700 Bliss (with Moor Mother) or producing tracks for Armand Hammer, or creating and releasing music as a solo artist, Haram has always given us something dynamic and powerful to stretch our ears. She joins us as she anticipates the release of a two track EP in December called "Handplay" and talks with us about the perspective behind this music, her work with Armand Hammer, and one of her favorite albums - 2016's "Fetish Bones" by Moor Mother.

You can stream and purchase "Handplay," the new EP from DJ Haram here: djharam.bandcamp.com/album/handplay-ep

Kipp Stone has a new project called "66689 Blvd Prequel" that is as raw and emotionally vulnerable as they come. He joined us to talk about the process of freestyling, writing, and recording this album as well as giving some insight into the album's themes. Then we discuss Kipp's album pick for this episode - "Fantastic Vol. 2" from Slum Village.

To stream and purchase "66689 Blvd Prequel" go here: closedsessions.bandcamp.com/album/66689-blvd-prequel

Roper Williams is the NJ based production duo who has worked with artists such as Your Old Droog, Navy Blue, YL, AKAI SOLO, and Fatboi Sharif. They've got a new project out called "Infinite Victory Loop" and it features the previously mentioned YL, AKAI SOLO, and Fatboi Sharif along with Pootie. We talked with Roper about this project, his process, his relationships with these artists and his album pick for this episode - Snoop Doggy Dogg's debut album "Doggystyle".

You can stream and purchase "Infinite Victory Loop" here: roperwilliams.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-victory-loop

John Morrison is a writer, DJ, sample flipper, podcast/radio host, and deeply passionate about music history, specifically as it concerns his native Philadelphia. We talked with John about his career as a writer, how it has been informed by his experiences growing up in Philly, and how his own music impacts the way he articulates what he hears from others. Then we get into John's album pick for this episode - "Illadelph Halflife" by The Roots.

The instrumental music you hear in this episode was made by John Morrison and can be found here: johnmorrison215.bandcamp.com

Defcee joined us to talk about his upcoming project with Messiah Musik called The Golem of Brooklyn. The album is the soundtrack and companion to the book of the same name by Adam Mansbach. Defcee talked with us about working with Adam and Messiah to craft the songs and the meaning that they hold for him as a white Jewish American. This episode really ended up feeling like an intimate conversation about a completely unique and relevant project. The book drops 9/26/23. The album drops 9/29/23. But the episode is available right now!

Cise Greeny is a prolific rapper/producer from Corona, Queens. So far this year he has released two full length albums and two beat tapes. We talked with Greeny about these projects, the way he thinks about his prospective audience, and his consistent attempts to keep his childhood alive through his music. Then we discuss Greeny's album pick for this episode - the debut from fellow Queen's natives Lost Boyz - "Legal Drug Money".

Stream and purchase music from Cise Greeny here: garmentrygreeny.bandcamp.com

We're talking a lot about singular artists and sounds! Fatboi Sharif and Steel Tipped Dove recently released their collaborative album "Decay" on Backwoodz Studioz. We spoke with them about the creative teamwork that went into the album, the personal aspects of Sharif's writing, and the importance of incorporating sounds from a wide variety of genres. Then we shatter all expectations for our second segment and find ourselves talking about a non-hip hop album for the first time in our history. System of a Down's flawless 2001 album "Toxicity" is the album that Dove and Sharif picked for this episode.

Buy "Decay" directly from Backwoodz Studioz at this link.

Chop The Head is an artist and designer from Philadelphia who has worked on designs for some of today's most interesting independent rappers. His detailed drawings have covered releases from Fatboi Sharif, phiik + Lungs, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, and Jay NiCe. He's got a design coming as a part of Pink Siifu's re-release of "GUMBO'!" and on top of all that he makes his own beats. We talked with Chop about his history as a designer, the process behind some of his covers and his album pick for this episode - Armand Hammer's collaboration with The Alchemist - "Haram".

Purchase originals and prints from Chop The Head here: chopthehead.myshopify.com

Stream and purchase Chop The Head's beats here: chopthehead.bandcamp.com

Stik Figa and The Expert released their collaborative album “Ritual” in June. It is a well crafted project that both artists believed was going to be Stik Figa’s last as they were working on it. We talked with them about the creative perspectives they took while writing/producing the album, the dynamics of their working relationship, and what might be lie ahead for Stik. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - Common’s sixth studio album “Be”.

You can stream and purchase “Ritual” here: https://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/ritual