Earnestness is a hard thing to pull off in music. As much as listeners like to think we know the artists we listen to as actual people, we don’t. Most of the time, we’re simply left to whatever we hear in the music, to get a feel for if someone is being honest and authentic with how they think and feel.

In the social media and AI age, it’s getting harder and harder to have trust in the media we consume, and take things at face value. However, with today’s guest, NAHreally… it’s actually quite easy. It’s clear to me that NAHreally is as honest and personable a rapper, as they come.

NAHreally, Massachusetts-native now living in Jersey City, first came on my radar through some nice features before really making an imprint on my mind with his collaborative album with Irish-producer, The Expert, on BLIP, one of the best albums of the year

He’s back with a self-produced new album, Secret Pancake, and joins us today to discuss the seamless creative process for this new album, how it differed from the creation of BLIP, his uniquely down-to-earth approach to rap, distinct flow, and much, much more.

The Plug (0:38).

The Interview (2:17).

The creation of the Secret Pancake album artwork (2:57).

Top 5 rapper hands - RMPP patron q from Dan-O of Freemusicempire (7:47).

NAHreally’s creative process - RMPP patron q from Rhino (11:44).

Major influences on NAHreally’s rap style (17:32).

The creative chemistry between NAHreally and The Expert on BLIP (19:48).

NAHreally’s approach to social commentary in music (23:47).

The importance of being ”relatable” to NAHreally (29:35).

The approach to creating Secret Pancake (34:20).

NAHreally’s mindstate when creating Secret Pancake (38:01).

The production direction on Secret Pancake (43:10).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (47:32).

NAHreally’s thoughts on the upcoming NFL playoffs (51:07).

Buy/stream Secret Pancake here: https://nahreally.bandcamp.com/album/secret-pancake 

Follow NAHreally on Twitter here: https://x.com/_nahreally_ 

Follow NAHreally on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_nahreally_/ 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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In the 11th edition of the Conversation Pieces series, which aims to shine a light on some inspired gems of creativity in hip-hop that I’ve encountered, we discuss what I'm calling 'pure creative inspiration'. This is the precise feeling I got when I recently first listened to Da Devil's Playground, and discovered the alchemy of Memphis rap.

This discovery catalyzed an ensuing series of events that steered me in a more positive direction in life, as I approached the end of 2024, which showed me that even the smallest doses of creative inspiration can make a world of difference.

The Plug (0:21).

The Conversation (2:38).

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Stream Da Devil's Playground here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4LlnC8CVKG3hpOqOd1Bwmi?si=FTrJZ_5vTRSrQqXg6vHNbA 

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Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at [email protected]

As soon as you press play on Genuine Dexterity, the new album by k-the-i??? and Kenny Segal, released on Backwoodz Studioz, you immediately hear why this album was indeed called what it was called.

k-the-i???’s raw technical skill was put on full display, as he delivered crazy rhyme schemes, intricate flows, and strong moments of personal reflection. On the production side of the coin, Kenny Segal crafted an immensely impressive soundscape that features his trademark hard drums, bass, alongside splashes of dissonant noise, and other experimental weirdness.

Through today’s conversation with our guests, k-the-i?? and Kenny Segal though, you come to learn that this album title of Genuine Dexterity extends to the album’s creation as well.

In this episode, we learn more about the immediate connection and effortlessly natural creative process of Genuine Dexterity, what prompted k-the-i??? to return to the rap scene with his first full-length rap album in a long while, the key influences that guided the album’s direction, and much more.

The Plug (0:44).

The Interview (2:39).

RMPP Listening party reaction (2:49).

What prompted k-the-i??? to make Genuine Dexterity first full-length rap release in over a decade (3:50) - patron q from TreDoes.

Kenny’s first experience with k-the-i???’s music (12:12).

Why Backwoodz Studioz felt like the right home for Genuine Dexterity (17:40).

Kenny Segal’s thinking behind the noisy dissonant sound direction for Genuine Dexterity (20:51).

Kenny Segal’s signature sound (23:55).

k-the-i???’s rhyming approach on Genuine Dexterity, and the LA influence on his style (34:09).

k-the-i??? and Kenny Segal reminiscing about living in Boyle Heights (54:03).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:01:46).

Buy Genuine Dexterity here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/genuine-dexterity-by-kenny-segal-k-the-i 

Follow k-the-i??? on Twitter here: https://x.com/kthei 

Follow Kenny Segal on Twitter here: https://x.com/kennysegal  

Follow k-the-i??? on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/applesauce9mm/?hl=en 

Follow Kenny Segal on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kennysegal/?hl=en 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]

On paper, the combination of Cavalier and Child Actor felt like a match made in heaven. Child Actor’s dynamic psychedelic production is a natural fit for Cavalier’s malleable rap delivery and cerebral lyrical approach. But for a collaboration to really work, and be something that is special, more than just the measurables have to align.

There needs to be a like-minded musical philosophy and innate chemistry for truly great music to manifest. This certainly was the case with these two, as they put together a stellar body of work in CINE, which is absolutely one of the best albums of 2024.

Cavalier and Child Actor are here with me today to talk about why their creative relationship was so fruitful, the backstory to some of CINE’s most intriguing songs, and much more!

The Plug (1:27).

The Interview (2:46).

Initial reaction to CINE’s release so far (2:54).

The initial vision for CINE (6:38).

Cavalier and Child Actor’s creative chemistry (15:14).

Cavalier’s prolific 2024 (22:28).

How the close collaborative experience aided Child Actor’s production process (29:06).

The challenge of rapping on Child Actor’s beats (36:19).

Primary themes and messages of CINE (44:04).

The story Child Actor aimed to tell on CINE (50:10).

The concept of masculinity and romance in Cavalier’s music (1:04:45).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:14:38).

Buy CINE here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/cine 

Support Cavalier here: https://cavwins.com/ 

Follow Cavalier on Twitter here: https://x.com/Cavwins 

Follow Child Actor on Twitter here: https://x.com/chldactr 

Follow Cavalier on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cavwins/?hl=en 

Follow Child Actor on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chldactr/?hl=en 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]

In the wake of the recent passing of Brownsville’s Ka, I’ve decided to go against my policy and publicly share what was previously a RMPP patron-only review that I recorded for the last album within his storied career, The Thief Next to Jesus. It only feels right to share this with the world, with the hope that Ka’s wonderful art becomes essential listening to any and all hip-hop lovers.

Since he’s passed, I’ve had a hard time collecting my thoughts to describe what this man’s impact was on me. What I landed on was speaking to what was always underneath Ka's impressive artistic craftsmanship, which is what really made him standout.

What made him special was the kind soul that animated all of his work. Ka represented humanity, compassion, and understanding to the fullest extent

So while his loss feels immense, Ka really left it all on the field... leaving behind a massive catalog of beautiful art for us to sit with forever.

Now, what I feel we must do as lovers of hip-hop is ensure that Ka will never be forgotten, so that he can continue to serve as a spiritual and artistic North Star for generations to come.

Rest in Peace Ka.

Reflecting on Ka's passing (0:00).

The Plug (3:22).

The Full Review (5:21).

Stream The Thief Next to Jesus here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4fmC67uHti9BxWUNAUb6wy 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]

One of the best things about starting this podcast has been the genuine connections I’ve been able to make with the artists that soundtrack so much of my life. A most recent example of this is can be found in my most recent trip to Chicago, where I had the pleasure of spending time with today’s guest, Frankie Jax No Mad.

The warm and thoughtful personality that I witnessed in my time with Frankie Jax No Mad translates directly through his music. His extremely unorthodox production style and stream of consciousness rhymes are key markers of his style, which I feel have come together in its most complete package yet, on his latest album THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING.

In this episode, we discuss his journey from Kenya to the UK to finally LA, what inspires his distinct approach to rap, and the creation of his new album. If you're unfamiliar with Frankie, get hip now!!

The Plug (0:35).

The Interview (2:04).

My recent trip to Chicago with Rich Jones and Frankie Jax No Mad (3:16).

Frankie’s journey from Kenya, to the UK, and finally to America (8:18).

Key influences throughout Frankie’s musical journey (14:29).

Frankie’s writing process (18:16).

Frankie’s uniquely unorthodox production style (23:26).

How off-kilter production influences Frankie’s rap style (28:10).

How THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING stands out amongst Frankie’s discography (29:07).

What listeners can takeaway from THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING (32:21).

Frankie’s future musical direction (36:17).

Buy/stream THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING here: https://nomadjax.bandcamp.com/album/thanks-for-understanding 

Follow Frankie Jax No Mad on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/frankiejaxnomad 

Follow Frankie Jax No Mad on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/frankiejaxnomad/ 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]

On the heels of their first Euro trip, today’s guests, phiik and Lungs/LoneSword, have seen their brand of innovative one-of-one rap garner its most success yet. They have impressed new crops of listeners with each and every passing day, who are spellbound by their lyrical wizardry, sharp sense of humour, and unique production choices.

On their latest album Carrot Season, the phiik & Lungs world of rap expands to incorporate wrinkles of more traditional boom bap drums, but still with a contemporary twist, and still with the alien-level rap acrobatics we’ve come to know and love from the New York-based duo.

In today’s episode, we discuss their thoughts behind their polarizing style of rap, working with producer savant OLASEGUN on Carrot Season, how the shift in sound from the Another Planet series to Carrot Season influenced their approach to their raps, and much more!

The Plug (0:56).

The Interview (2:26).

The recent BIGGER THREE TOUR phiik & Lungs completed in Europe (2:34).

phiik & Lungs’ perspective on polarizing audiences, and the infamous Top Shelf Premium freestyle (10:59).

The heightened accessibility of Carrot Season (16:51).

How important the value of doing something new and fresh is for phiik & Lungs’ creative process (20:39).

Partnering with OLASEGUN on Carrot Season (25:18).

The thought process behind the consistent beat switches on Carrot Season (29:57).

How the drums and beat switches influenced phiik & Lungs’ rapping approach on Carrot Season (46:08).

Upcoming projects from phiik & Lungs (57:19).

Buy/stream Carrot Season here: https://powrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/carrot-season 

Follow phiik on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/phiik_ 

Follow Lungs/LoneSword on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/big_dead_lung 

Follow phiik on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/phiiik_/?hl=en 

Follow Lungs/LoneSword on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/big_dead_lung/?hl=en 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]

If I had to think of one word to describe today’s guest, E L U C I D, and his latest album, REVELATOR, it would be “fearless” in every sense of the word. Fearless in its sonic direction that infuses industrial noise, South Asian / Middle Eastern instrumentation and more, into this one-of-a-kind take on hip-hop. Fearless in its boundaryless, ultra-poetic vocal stylings. And also fearless in its subject matter that processes all of the darkness happening in this world, while never ceasing to lose faith in love and a better tomorrow.

With REVELATOR, E L U C I D achieved something rare - total creative realization, where the lyrical messaging, the sound, the tone, the songwriting, all feel perfectly in tune with one and other... all building towards this overarching artistic vision that is so powerful and affecting.

Just two days before the new album dropped, E L U C I D gives us an in-depth look into the making of REVELATOR, the genesis of its bold sonic direction, how the state of affairs in our world feed into this art, and so much more.

After hearing this album 30, maybe 40 times now, as of the time of recording, I’m 100% comfortable saying that REVELATOR is my Album of the Year. And honestly, it is a contender for being one of the very best albums of the entire decade. This album and this artist are just that special, so you do not wanna miss this!

The Plug (1:04).

The Interview (3:09).

Partnering with Fat Possum Records for such an experimental record (3:53).

The philosophy behind the sound of REVELATOR (9:50).

The distinct Indian Classical / Middle Eastern influence on the production of REVELATOR (16:30).

The collaborative recording process of REVELATOR (18:01).

How We Buy Diabetic Test Strips influenced the creation of REVELATOR (20:35).

The key inspirations behind the poignant lyricism of REVELATOR (26:50).

The sense of more direct and clear lyrical messaging on REVELATOR (29:54).

What inspires E L U C I D to take risks and experiment in his art (40:00).

What E L U C I D is most proud of, regarding the creation of REVELATOR (46:52).

The upcoming E L U C I D x Sebb Bash album (52:04).

Upcoming merch / tour dates from E L U C I D (54:00).

Why E L U C I D always has that s*** on - RMPP patron q from TreDoes (56:48).

Support REVELATOR here: https://fatpossum.com/products/revelator 

Follow E L U C I D on Twitter here: https://x.com/elucidwho 

Follow E L U C I D on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cobratoof/?hl=en 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]

When thinking about today’s guest, it reminds me of that famous Shakespearian saying, “what’s in a name?” Since for certain artists, their name can be completely meaningless, having no bearing on the kind of music they make, or has no insightful backstory for how the name came about. But for ØKSE, our guest in today’s episode, their name actually says a lot about their art, and what they stand for.

ØKSE means Axe in Danish, which is also Ashe; the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It’s a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. This is beautifully symbolic name perfectly encapsulates what makes this experimental jazz group so damn great. Throughout their self-titled debut album, released on Backwoodz Studioz, there’s a special energy that is bottled up in each song that makes the listening experience truly invigorating.

ØKSE is a 4-person group, comprised of NYC based drummer Savannah Harris, Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, Haitian electronic musician Val Jeanty, and Swede Petter Eldh on bass, synths and sampler. This worldwide supergroup of musicians brought their specific influences to the table, creating a musical vision that defies any and all convention

With me today is 3 of the 4 bandmates, Savannah, Mette, and Petter. Additionally Dash Lewis, talented writer for the likes of Pitchfork, HipHopDX, The Guardian, PassionWeiss, helped me co-host this interview once again, as he did in the last episode… and just like the last episode, this is a conversation you do not want to miss!

We dive into the intriguing backstory behind the band’s formation, their artistic north star, the Backwoodz Studioz connection, and their unique approach to blending avant-garde jazz with hip-hop on their fantastic new album… which is absolutely one of the best records of the year.

The Plug (0:44).

The Interview (3:28).

The band’s formation (5:15).

Backstory of ØKSE’s connection with Backwoodz Studioz (7:53).

The philosophical ‘north star’ behind ØKSE’s music (18:29).

The recording process of ØKSE (22:01).

Mixing studio and live creation on ØKSE (29:28).

The thought process behind adding vocalists to ØKSE (33:19 ).

Core messages from ØKSE (39:04).

Follow-up ØKSE album? - RMPP patron q from Ryan aka LEVITATOR (42:08).

Upcoming solo works from the band members (44:27).

Support ØKSE here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/okse?srsltid=AfmBOoqyiTu1wL3FyAWbXJNT60uvA0wsplRSBi6R_2TDadZDsSCkLCYy  

Follow ØKSE on Twitter here: https://x.com/OOKSEOOKSE 

Follow ØKSE on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/o__kse/ 

Follow Dash Lewis on Twitter here: https://x.com/gardenerjams?lang=en 

Follow Dash Lewis on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerjams/?hl=en 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]

The worlds of electronic and ambient music have been guests within the world of hip-hop for a long time now. Artists like Travis Scott have successfully integrated these two previously separate guests into hip-hop to great effect. Though at its core, the music of a Travis was hip-hop first, with other ambient and electronic sounds added into the mix on top of that. But with the music from today’s guest, Yungwebster, the math has changed.

New York’s Yungwebster shows us what it sounds like when ambient music is the fundamental foundation, with hip-hop weaved as an addition. This leads to music, such as Yungwebster’s latest self-titled album from 2023, which is a one-of-a kind exploration of what is being dubbed “ambient rap”.

It boasts thick washed out synths, cavernous basslines, and beautiful ethereal vocals evoking some of the prettiest moments of the cloud rap era. Yungwebster’s melodic auto-tuned vocals serve as an instrument, fully submerged into the beat, yet still making an impact with its songwriting pop that is reminiscent of the best work of a Future or Young Thug.

To learn more about something so exciting and wholly fresh, I invited Dash Lewis, talented writer (Pitchfork, HipHopDX, The Guardian, PassionWeiss, and more) to co-host this conversation with Yungwebster, bringing his refined knowledge of electronic music to the table.

Listen to this episode to familiarize yourself with an artist that is surely like nothing else you’ve heard before!

The Plug (0:53).

The Interview (3:03).

The intersection between ambient and rap in Yungwebster’s music (5:47).

How Yungwebster linked up with premier electronic music label, sferic (8:49).

Yungwebster’s key influences in the ambient space (12:33).

Yungwebster’s mindstate when creating Yungwebster (14:21).

Yungwebster’s instrument-like vocals (17:11).

The inspiration behind the different time-shifted versions of songs on Yungwebster (21:40).

How Yungwebster nurtured a global network of producers on his self-titled album (24:39).

Yungwebster viewing himself as an ambient artist first (27:34).

Other ambient rappers Yungwebster recommends (29:20).

Upcoming projects from Yungwebster (30:34).

Buy/stream Yungwebster here: https://sferic.bandcamp.com/album/yungwebster 

Follow Yungwebster on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/yungwebster_/   

Follow Dash Lewis on Twitter here: https://x.com/gardenerjams?lang=en 

Follow Dash Lewis on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerjams/?hl=en 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 [email protected]