Some people are just born to be in front of a mic, blessed with such charisma, cultural intellect, and communication prowess. That immediately makes listeners hang on their every word.

That’s the kind of guy who is joining us for the 200th episode of The Rap Music Plug Podcast, none other than Richmond Virginia’s own, $ilkMoney.

$ilk’s commanding mic presence, impossibly malleable flow, and artistic vision has made him one of rap’s rising stars from the moment he burst on to the scene as a member of Divine Council. Now firmly in the spotlight as a solo artist, he’s given such dense rewarding work, album after album, and has outdone himself with his latest opus, WHO WATERS THE WILTED GIVING TREE.

In this episode, we discuss recent comments he’s made about Tyler, the Creator and André 3000 that have caught some attention, his free-form psychedelic approach to rap, and the inspiration behind his electric and deeply thoughtful new album.

Also, I’d be remiss not to share a quick thought about this milestone of 200 episodes. Because as much as I’ve run this thing as a one-man show… I did not get here alone.

I wouldn’t be here without the patrons whose kind support and engagement in the RMPP community have powered me through many nights burning the midnight oil brainstorming or editing an episode. I wouldn’t be here without all the artists who trusted me to discuss their work and points of view. And I wouldn’t be here without everyone who’s ever listened to even one episode of this show.

I’ve had the opportunity to have real conversations with people who I feel make some of the greatest art I’ve ever heard. It’s been an unexpected journey so far, and a legitimate dream come true.

This is my baby, and I’m blessed to share their 200th day of existence with $ilkMoney, who made for one of the most entertaining episodes ever on the RMPP.

I hope you enjoy. Thank you so much.

The Plug (0:41).

The Interview (3:09).

$ilkMoney’s non-music interests (4:22).

The inspiration behind $ilk’s unique song / album titles (9:37).

$ilkMoney on his recent comments towards Tyler, The Creator and André 3000 (16:17).

How rap gave $ilkMoney gave him a sense of purpose (25:22).

Maintaining creative freedom and authenticity in the music industry (29:35).

$ilk’s desire to be ‘as free-form as possible’ in rap (34:35).

Psychedelia in $ilk’s art (38:30).

$ilkMoney’s viscerally elastic flow and songwriting (44:54).

How the idea of ‘the giving tree’ inspired $ilkMoney on his new album (53:31).

The degree of vulnerability from $ilkMoney on WWTWGT (1:00:17).

The sonic world of WWTWGT (1:08:45).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from $ilkMoney (1:11:31).

Buy/stream WWTWGT here: https://silkmoney.bandcamp.com/album/who-waters-the-wilting-giving-tree-once-the-leaves-dry-up-and-fruits-no-longer-bear 

Follow $ilkMoney on Twitter here: https://x.com/CUUMMONEY 

Follow $ilkMoney on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/silkbooty/?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/

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

In a society as broken as today’s, where the power gap between regular working people and the ruling class is expanding on a daily, finding a way to navigate your life and career is challenging. Particularly, when you aim to live your life according to your moral compass, in a way that shows solidarity with those in need, and combats oppressive systems. That’s one of the reasons why artists like today’s guest, DJ Haram, are important… because they pave a different path that takes the power back.

This is the kind of impact that would be vital on its own, but is amplified when in the hands of an artist as skilled as Haram, who blends club, dance, hip-hop, electronic, and noise into a uniquely electrifying mixture.

She’s been responsible for some of the most cutting-edge music in recent years, as 1/2 of 700 Bliss with Moor Mother, lacing experimental rappers like E L U C I D and billy woods with wildly creative beats, and is now fully coming into the spotlight as a solo artist with her fantastic debut solo album on Hyperdub, titled Beside Myself.

This was a very fascinating and fun conversation that hopefully demystifies one of the most interesting figures in all of music.

The Plug (1:17).

The Interview (3:25).

The initial response to Beside Myself (5:47).

DJ Haram’s affinity for defying convention and norms (10:03).

How Haram engages in ‘media manipulation’ (19:25).

The role of an artist (27:41).

Blending Middle Eastern sonics with experimental dance, electronic, hip-hop music (40:33).

DJ Haram’s inspiration to use her voice more on Beside Myself (46:45).

The central statement behind Beside Myself (53:37).

The dynamic sound of Beside Myself (1:02:11).

The connection between Armand Hammer and DJ Haram (1:07:41).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:11:25).

A recent sign of hope for DJ Haram (1:12:30).

Buy/stream Beside Myself here: https://djharam.bandcamp.com/album/beside-myself 

Read DJ Haram's Substack here: https://substack.com/@punchlinemaiden 

Follow DJ Haram on Twitter here: https://x.com/premiumharam 

Follow DJ Haram on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/djharam/ 

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]

Today’s guest, Open Mike Eagle, is the most multi multi-hyphenate you will ever come across.

The Chicago native, now LA-based rapper has compiled a legendary catalogue of uniquely idiosyncratic rap and has followed his passion to other mediums as well. TV, YouTube, Twitch streaming, and podcasting are all forms of expression Mike knows well. 

His career has been deeply inspiring to myself and other creatives, showing what you can accomplish if you empower yourself to pursue your passions to the fullest extent.

In this episode, you will learn about Mike’s take on making a living as a creator and the mission statement that has informed his artistic journey, authenticity in rap music, the ambitious idea inspiring his new album, Neighborhood Gods Unlimited, and much much more.

All of these interesting thoughts will be shared by one of the art form’s most clear and insightful thinkers. So it goes without saying that this episode is a must-listen for any fan of Open Mike Eagle, and any fan of rap music, period.

This was a true honour to be a part of, so stay tuned for one of the most fascinating conversations hosted on the RMPP to date.

The Plug (0:46).

The Interview (3:03).

The mission perspective for Open Mike Eagle as an artist (3:42).

The most challenging obstacles to making a living as a creator (10:01).

The most ‘successful’ moments of Mike’s career (16:30).

The emotional closeness of Mike’s music (19:50).

Mike’s affinity for vulnerability in his art (23:44).

How Mike found himself as an artist (27:22).

The concept behind Neighborhood Gods Unlimited (32:00).

The personal nature of NGU’s subject matter (36:33).

The intersection of humour and discomfort in Mike’s music (40:38).

The responsibility of contextualizing your own work as an indie artist (46:52).

The songwriting and melodic focus on Neighborhood Gods Unlimited (50:48).

The tranquil soundscape of Neighborhood Gods Unlimited (55:33).

The influence of Mike’s work in Previous Industries on NGU (57:51).

Upcoming creative projects / tour dates / merch (59:46).

Future Cavanaugh music - RMPP patron q from Ajay (1:01:49).

Open Mike Eagle’s legacy (1:02:32).

Buy/stream Neighborhood Gods Unlimited here: https://openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com/album/neighborhood-gods-unlimited 

Support all things Open Mike Eagle here: https://linktr.ee/openmikeeagle 

Follow Open Mike Eagle on Twitter here: https://x.com/mike_eagle?lang=en 

Follow Open Mike Eagle on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/open_mike_eagle/?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 recent years, the Canadian hip-hop scene, particularly in Montreal, has been growing in size and quality. Backxwash, today’s guest, may be the scene’s most captivating act.

Sporting an eclectic sound that pulls from metal, industrial noise, trap, horrorcore conscious hip-hop, and pop... Backxwash can, and really has done it all.

Her latest record, Only Dust Remains, showcases the latest evolution of Backxwash’s artistry, featuring boldly melodic songwriting, climactic hooks, and a lucid meditation on death.

In this episode, we walk through her artistic journey, key influences on her musical style, the importance of identity in her music, and the making of her magnum opus, Only Dust Remains.

The Plug (0:46).

The Interview (2:00).

Her musical journey from Zambia to Montreal (3:36).

The creative community in Montreal (7:26).

Trans representation in hip-hop (12:46).

Blending rap with heavier styles of music (18:42).

Production inspirations for Backxwash’s genre-bending style (21:54).

The extended break between Only Dust Remains and His Happiness (29:39).

The musical vision for Only Dust Remains (32:56).

The narrative arc of Only Dust Remains (35:34).

The inspiration behind the melodic sound of Only Dust Remains (40:54).

The core message behind Only Dust Remains (45:18).

What Backxwash learnt by creating her new album (48:40).

The philosophy behind this new chapter of Backxwash’s career (52:12).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from Backxwash (55:55).

Future sound Backxwash would like to explore (57:26).

Buy/stream Only Dust Remains here: https://backxwash.bandcamp.com/album/only-dust-remains 

Follow Backxwash on Twitter here: https://x.com/backxwash 

Follow Backxwash on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backxwash/?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]

Nothing gets me more psyched than an artist maximizing their potential, fulfilling the promise of their talent. A notable thing about this dynamic is that, in the vast majority of times, these times when I get amped that an artist finally delivered the project they were capable of, typically comes years and years into an artist’s career.

This is precisely what separates today’s guest, shemar, from the pack, as the Brooklyn rapper-producer, still in his early 20s with only a few full projects under his belt, delivered what I feel will go down as not only a defining record of 2025, but a seminal record within this current youth movement of boundary-pushing hip-hop in the New York underground scene.

In today’s episode, we discuss shemar’s poetry background, E L U C I D's influence on his artistic development, and the lyrical and musical inspirations found within his excellent new album, emerge "n" see.

The Plug (1:09).

The Interview (3:05).

The relationship between shemar and Child Actor (4:25).

The importance of this current scene of underground hip-hop (7:53).

shemar’s approach as a rapper (9:57).

The influence of shemar’s poetry background on his rap style (14:40).

E L U C I D’s influence on shemar’s artistic development (19:34).

The personal subject matter of emerge “n” see (26:23).

The mutually beneficial relationship between producing beats and creating raps (28:58).

The development of shemar’s political understanding (31:57).

The inspiration of shemar’s political messaging on emerge “n” see (37:30).

The experimental sound direction of emerge “n” see (41:16).

The challenge of rapping to the experimental beats on emerge “n” see (45:11).

shemar’s consistent boundary-pushing appetite - RMPP patron q from Evan (50:44).

The exploration of gender identity on emerge “n” see - RMPP patron q from Kosey (54:06).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from shemar (58:17).

A shemar x Hester Valentine collab project coming soon? (1:00:34).

Buy/stream emerge "n" see here: https://shemar1.bandcamp.com/album/emerge-n-see

Follow shemar on Twitter here: https://x.com/shemar_aa 

Follow shemar on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/shemar.alexander/?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]

Today’s guest Real Bad Man, is an artist who has caught my attention in recent years because he checks two important boxes for what I typically gravitate to in music.

The first box is that I’m an album guy. And when it comes to the type of albums I prefer, I’m a cohesiveness whore. I love it when an album has a consistent musical identity, with thoughtful sequencing and transitions that make the experience flow seamlessly from top to bottom.

It’s for these reasons that Real Bad Man has impressed me because his respect for the album format is clear, creating cohesive full-length musical experiences with the likes of Boldy James, ZelooperZ, Pink Siifu, Lukah, Willie the Kid, and more. But as you will soon find out if you listen on, there’s more to Real Bad Man’s creative arc than meets the eye.

In today’s episode, the LA-based producer enigma delves into his unique multi-disciplinary journey from art director at Stüssy to prolific producer, his love for the album format, the trademark RBM sound, working with Boldy James, and more!

The Plug (0:55).

The Interview (2:45).

The genesis of the multi-media Real Bad Man creative project (2:52).

How Real Bad Man returned to music with Real Bad Boldy (14:04).

The cross-pollination within fashion design and music (21:16).

Real Bad Man’s love for the album format (27:15).

The trademark Real Bad Man sound (30:12).

Producing the musically-rich, Temple Needs Water., with Lukah (35:41).

The ideal collaborator for Real Bad Man (42:56).

The special chemistry between Boldy James and Real Bad Man (47:32).

What differentiates Conversational Pieces from past Boldy x RBM collabs (55:15).

Upcoming projects / merch (59:59).

Support Real Bad Man here: https://realbadman.com/ 

Buy/stream Conversational Pieces here: https://realbadman.bandcamp.com/album/conversational-pieces 

Follow Real Bad Man on Twitter here: https://x.com/realbadman208?lang=en 

Follow Real Bad Man on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/realbadman/?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 you have a catalog as deep and renowned as billy woods, finding a way to top your past work can be a difficult thing. But as has been the case with woods for many years now… the man did it again.

It’s not like woods has reinvented himself on this latest album. His wry wit, sharp storytelling, and great ear for production are still present on this record. But now these elements are funnelled through an ambitious horror-themed experience shrouded in darkness, ripe with poignant political insight and introspection. All culminating in an album that has an argument for being the best of woods’ storied career.

In today’s episode, woods provides colour to the inspiration for his new album, the horror influence, his take on being viewed as an abstract artist, pivotal moments of the album, and much more.

woods is one of the most fascinating people to talk to on many subjects, such as music, politics, and sports. So listening to this episode is a no-brainer. Make sure you lock in and get a glimpse into the mind of a living legend.

The Plug (1:10).

The Interview (2:58).

Being perceived by an increasingly large audience with different life experiences (3:18).

How the idea and album title came to be (9:16).

woods’ upbringing, and re-evaluating political perspectives of the past (11:21).

Afro-pessimism and the humanity found in woods’ music (27:06).

The unique methodology used to woods’ new album (34:34).

What horror unlocks for woods as a writer (37:05).

“Maquiladoras” and the meaning behind the concept of ‘amputation’ (49:08).

The picture painted by “Dislocated” and why it was chosen as the final track (54:50).

woods’ perspective on his music being labelled ‘abstract’ (1:00:45).

The power of storytelling (1:08:26).

Cultivating the horror surrealist atmosphere on the production / Marshawn Lynch vs. Shaun Alexander - RMPP patron q from Shaun Alexander (1:010:05).

The importance of Willie Green to the creative process of the new album (1:19:10).

woods’ trademark sports bars, Knicks playoff hopes, mobile QBs (1:21:45).

woods’ upcoming book - RMPP patron q from Cian Walker and Joshua Davis (1:26:15).

Upcoming Armand Hammer album, E L U C I D solo, and other Backwoodz work in 2025 (1:27:27).

Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/ 

Buy GOLLIWOG here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/billy-woods-golliwog 

Follow billy woods on Twitter here: https://x.com/BackwoodzHipHop 

Follow Backwoodz Studioz on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backwoodzstudioz/?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]

Today’s guest, Fly Anakin, is no stranger to delivering albums that leave a distinct imprint on the listener. As seen on past records like Frank that envelop you in dusty old soul records and introspection, and FlySiifu’s that welcomed you into this record shop concept with two homies who enjoy trading bars over some sick jazz rap instrumentals.

But on his latest album, (The) Forever Dream, Fly Anakin takes a noticeably different approach. Opting not to follow a distinct concept or theme, Frank traded pre-meditated forethought for a more free-wheeling approach, allowing for the album to reveal itself through fun studio sessions with the album’s executive producer, Detroit legend Quelle Chris.

The results of this approach were terrific, as this new album sees Fly Anakin operate with so much freedom, embracing new sounds and collaborators, resulting in an incredibly loose and dynamic album that manages to push all the right buttons, balancing spontaneity with expertly crafted cohesion.

In this episode, we dive into how Frank's relationship with Quelle was formed, the effortlessly natural collaborative process creating this new album, and much more!

The Plug (0:45).

The Interview (2:44).

Frank’s feelings towards the release of (The) Forever Dream (4:58).

Frank touring with his partner, bbymutha (7:09).

The formation of Fly Anakin and Quelle Chris’ relationship (11:48).

What makes Quelle special as an artist and collaborator (16:50).

How Quelle and Fly Anakin are ‘opposites’ (22:27).

Creative decision-making responsibilities between Fly Anakin and Quelle (24:13).

The musical direction of (The) Forever Dream (26:30).

Fly Anakin’s mindset when creating (The) Forever Dream (30:42).

The heartfelt and open nature of (The) Forever Dream (35:00).

Why Fly Anakin feels his latest album is his best (39:54).

The key collaborations on (The) Forever Dream (43:18).

The thinking behind Quelle executive producing (The) Forever Dream (45:22).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch, including a project with Real Bad Man (49:23).

Buy/stream (The) Forever Dream here: https://flyanakin.bandcamp.com/album/the-forever-dream 

Follow Fly Anakin on Twitter here: https://x.com/flyanakin 

Follow Fly Anakin on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/flyanakin/?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]

Few artists epitomize the word, ‘prolific’, quite like today’s guest, Blu. Hailing from Los Angeles, this West Coast legend has truly done it all, delivering countless records that span the sounds of soulful boom bap, lo-fi, avant-garde electronic hip-hop, and more.

And in 2025, Blu is not letting up… expecting to drop another 3 albums this year. The first of which is titled, Forty, and is fully produced by the great August Fanon.

This new album dropped April 18th, and Blu joins me today to discuss the making of what he dubs his 'grown man' album, along with covering other key aspects of his legendary career, such as delving into experimental cutting-edge sounds, his strong lasting relationship with Exile, and much more.

Blu is a legend, listen to this episode… what more do you need me to say?!

The Plug (0:41).

The Interview (2:35).

The most essential Blu releases (3:54).

Blu’s approach to collaborating with producers (8:20).

How Blu maintains consistent creative inspiration (14:21).

Blu’s affinity to the lo-fi hip-hop sound (18:14).

Blu’s bold experimental risk-taking appetite (22:06).

Blu’s long-lasting relationship with Exile - RMPP patron q from Jorden (25:25).

The correct pronunciation of August Fanon’s name (29:29).

The lyrical focus of Forty (30:56).

How August Fanon and Blu built the sound for Forty (33:19).

The collaboration-heavy approach to Forty (40:35).

3-4 new projects to expect from Blu in 2025 (43:02).

Blu’s shift away from production in recent years (44:43).

Buy/stream Forty here: https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/forty 

Follow Blu on Twitter here: https://x.com/HerFavColor 

Follow Blu on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bluherfavcolor/?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 fiery no hold-barred spirit that today’s guests, Infinity Knives and Brian Ennals, showcase in each and every track of theirs, is something that you can expect to hear in this conversation.

As fierce truth-tellers and creators of bold clashes of sound, we had a sprawling conversation that covered everything from bad faith criticism, their ambitious sound and unique group dynamic, the difficult process involved in making their new album, A City Drowned in God’s Black Tears, and much more.

... And as a reminder, if you’re in Toronto on April 17th, PremRock + friends will be performing at BSMT 254 with some DJ support from yours truly!! Tickets found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/premrock-friends-live-tickets-1279555287309?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl 

The Plug (0:49).

The Interview (2:14).

The Ennals family history (2:52).

Being throttled by the algorithm, and their political subject matter (9:03).

Bad faith criticism (12:09).

The dark place that A City Drowned in God’s Black Tears (17:52).

How the creation of ACDIGBT intertwined with King Cobra (22:53).

Brian’s unfiltered approach to rap (28:37).

Knives’ composer-led approach to production (35:45).

The non-rap songs on ACDIGBT (45:20).

The background behind the USSR-inspired track, “Тревога/Trevoga” (50:58).

When Infinity Knives will be moving back to South Africa - patron q from rap man gavin (52:42).

The background behind a specific eyebrow-raising line off of King Cobra - patron q from Fick (54:29).

Examining the 87% statistic claimed on ACDIGBT (1:04:41).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:06:59).

Buy/stream A City Drowned in God's Tears here: https://infinityknives666.bandcamp.com/album/a-city-drowned-in-gods-black-tears 

Follow Infinity Knives on Twitter here: https://x.com/infinitykniives 

Follow Brian Ennals on Twitter here: https://x.com/BrianEnnals 

Follow Infinity Knives on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/infinityknives/ 

Follow Brian Ennals on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/brianennals/ 

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]