If you’re a fan of the modern scene of indie rap, chances are you listen to artists that either have respect for, have collaborated with, or have been inspired directly by today’s guests, Tomorrow Kings.

Ever since their inception in the mid-to late 2000s in Chicago, Tomorrow Kings - a rap supergroup comprised of SKECH185, Collasoul Structure and I.B. Fokuz of Jyroscope, Malakh El, Gilead7, and IL. Subliminal - have garnered immense acclaim and adoration for their dense, thoughtful, and forward-thinking brand of hip-hop.

In 2013, as parts of Chicago’s hip-hop scene were making mainstream waves, N***** Rigged Time Machine dropped and stood out as an entirely different beast. And now, a full 12 years later, the group has returned with their follow-up album, SALT, which is, in my opinion, their strongest work yet, and one of the best albums of the year.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by half of the group, SKECH185, IL. Subliminal and I.B. Fokuz, as we dive into the Tomorrow Kings sound and guiding vision, the creative process behind SALT, and the group’s lasting influence and legacy.

The Plug (0:38).

The Interview (2:19).

Tomorrow Kings’ formation and special qualities (3:09).

The Tomorrow Kings sound (12:15).

The TK recording process (25:08).

The genesis of SALT (32:38).

The gratifying feeling of releasing SALT (40:51).

SALT’s emotional North Star (46:04).

Aoi’s production fit for TK (1:04:22).

The legacy of Tomorrow Kings (1:16:14).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:20:55).

Buy/stream SALT here: https://tomorrowkings.bandcamp.com/album/salt 

Follow Tomorrow Kings on Twitter here: https://x.com/tomorrowkings 

Follow Tomorrow Kings on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tomorrowkings/ 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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

Simply put, today’s guests have been on a run for the ages. Ever since their debut album in 2013’s Race Music, Armand Hammer, NY-based duo of E L U C I D and billy woods, have been on an absolute tear.

With every passing release, their chemistry has gotten tighter, and their artistic scope has expanded. In 2021, the duo elevated to another level of critical and commercial success, teaming up with The legendary Alchemist for Haram - an album that has elevated the stock of woods and E L U C I D, with no sign of letting up.

Next, they delivered the amazing We Buy Diabetic Test Strips in 2023, and incredible solo records in '24 and '25 respectively.

Now in 2025, they joined forces with The Alchemist once again, with their latest album Mercy.

In this episode, we discuss the lean, scaled-back creative approach to Mercy, the key themes that emerged, Al’s superpowers as a producer, and much more.

The Plug (0:49).

The Interview (2:17).

The cover art for “Super Nintendo” (2:45).

The genesis of Mercy (4:35).

The recording process of Mercy (10:08).

The unspoken creative chemistry of Armand Hammer (17:00).

The thematic direction and symbolism of Mercy (23:17).

The emotional tension of Mercy (35:40).

Breaking down woods’ verse on “Laraaji” (37:47).

The sonic design of Mercy (44:30).

The Alchemist’s superpowers (49:45).

How Al tailors his sound for Armand Hammer (58:10).

The feature choices on Mercy (1:01:24).

Key future milestones for Armand Hammer - patron q from Robert Rau (1:04:52).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:09:49).

Buy Mercy here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/armand-hammer-the-alchemist-mercy 

Follow Armand Hammer on Twitter here: https://x.com/ArmandHammerNYC 

Follow Armand Hammer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/armandhammernyc/ 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

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]

I’ve been listening to the music of today’s guest for over a decade now. I have vivid memories of telling anyone that would listen, some variation of “Mick Jenkins is the TRUTH”.

Ever since I first heard The Water(s), I was sold. So it’s such a full circle moment to welcome him on the show.

Mick Jenkins is an artist who’s matured both on and off the mic. On the mic, he’s chiselled away at his craft with each passing album, with recent highwater marks in 2023’s The Patience, and his brand new album with EMIL, A MURDER OF CROWS. Off the mic, he’s worked hard to maintain his autonomy and independence as an artist.

In this episode, we discuss how he’s evolved as an artist, the ways he and other fellow artists can seize their power and circumvent the fruitless industry structure, and the creative process behind the brilliantly dark new collaborative album with EMIL, A MURDER OF CROWS.

The Plug (1:05).

The Interview (2:43).

Mick’s love for writing (4:36).

Mick’s artistic growth throughout his career (8:57).

Mick’s mature perspective (28:16).

How artists can take back the power (33:44).

The lyrical inspirations behind A MURDER OF CROWS (56:27).

The greatness of EMIL’s production on A MURDER OF CROWS (1:04:22).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:11:43).

Buy/stream A MURDER OF CROWS here: https://www.even.biz/r/a-murder-of-crows 

Follow Mick Jenkins on Twitter here: https://x.com/mickjenkins?lang=en 

Follow Mick Jenkins on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mickjenkins/?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]

With most artists that I have on the show, I’m more concerned with the “why” and the “what”. Why did they take their music in this emotional direction? What inspired their style?

But with today’s guests, HUMAN ERROR CLUB, I found myself often asking “how”? HUMAN ERROR CLUB is a LA-based band comprised of drummer, Mekala Sessions, and two keyboardists in Diego Gaeta and Jesse Justice, who come together to create music that can be loosely described as free jazz, with elements of hip-hop infused inside of it too. They create music through improvisational methods that genuinely amaze me.

In this conversation, I sought to understand what this improvisational process looks like, some of their creative touchstones, and working with Kenny Segal on their new album on Backwoodz Studioz, HUMAN ERROR CLUB AT KENNY’S HOUSE.

The Plug (0:55).

The Interview (2:34).

HEC’s musical background (5:20).

How HEC was formed (9:18).

The HEC sound (13:58).

HEC’s improvisational creative process (16:40).

The fun of improvisational music (19:33).

HEC’s chemistry (25:22).

HEC’s songwriting process (27:30).

The creative process of their new album, HECAKH (30:40).

The making of “Dislocated” (35:59).

The impact of Kenny on HECAKH (41:40).

The emotional arc of HECAKH (47:45).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (51:30).

Buy HUMAN ERROR CLUB AT KENNY'S HOUSE here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/human-error-club-at-kennys-house?srsltid=AfmBOorMXAyLZ8kO-TgpETF_3dUnnXrmz6P_NmmGm_oCZYuqWbX8Wj6U 

Follow HUMAN ERROR CLUB on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/humanerrorclubla/ 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

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, THERAVADA, has experienced a huge 2025 so far. Releasing his latest solo album, THE YEARS WE HAVE, producing half of Earl Sweatshirt’s Live Laugh Love, contributing a guest verse to Evidence’s Unlearning Vol. 2, and producing a bonus track off billy woods’ new album.

You’d think, given the build-up of features and production credits that were released before his new album, that THERAVADA meticulously calculated this expertly crafted roll-out. But on the contrary, it was simply a serendipitous coincidence, made possible by years and years of dedication to his craft, a true love for the art, and a genuine desire to build authentic connections with those in the community.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of hip-hop and New York on his upbringing, working with Earl on Live Laugh Love, the signature sound of THERAVADA, and the creative process behind his deeply personal new album, THE YEARS WE HAVE.

Listen on to learn more about one of the best dual-threat rappers and producers in the game.

Finally, for folks in Toronto, I have a special treat for you... I will be hosting an evening of amazing hip-hop and experimental music featuring cross-country acts that include: Wave Generators, jesse the Tree, NAHreally, GhostboyRJ, and bridge of sand.

Join us on October 16th at BSMT 254 - tickets on sale now, buy here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rmpp-presents-wave-generators-jesse-the-tree-nahreally-live-in-toronto-tickets-1672174632339?aff=oddtdtcreator 

The Plug (0:41).

The Interview (2:45).

The response to recent releases (3:36).

The importance of New York in THERAVADA’s career (9:34).

The importance of hip-hop on THERAVADA’s upbringing (15:09).

THERAVADA’s relationship with Earl (21:28).

The “THERAVADA sound” (36:19).

Key influences to THERAVADA’s style (43:24).

Primary inspirations to the introspective THE YEARS WE HAVE (50:31).

The spiritual / mental impact of creating TYWH (56:16).

Instrumental direction of TYWH (1:04:29).

Points of pride from creating TYWH (1:09:17).

TYWH pop-up event and future Animoss album (1:12:35).

Buy/stream THE YEARS WE HAVE here: https://its2000.bandcamp.com/album/the-years-we-have 

Follow THERAVADA on Twitter here: https://x.com/THERAVADA 

Follow THERAVADA on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thrvd/?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 episode highlights the beauty in artistic collaboration - creating something greater than the sum of its parts, as well as the beauty of art as a means to process emotion and get through life’s challenges.

The quartet of rapper Teller Bank$, and producers Killer Kane, q no rap name, and Philth Spector joined forces to create one of the best albums of the year, DRUG$$$.

They joined the show to deep-dive into the jazz-like improvisational creative process for the album, the therapeutic effect it had on Teller Bank$ in soundtracking his own personal story of triumph through adversity, and the serendipitous nature of the entire creative journey.

Some wise words from some incredibly talented minds, you will not want to miss this.

Finally, for folks in Toronto, I have a special treat for you... I will be hosting an evening of amazing hip-hop and experimental music featuring cross-country acts that include: Wave Generators, jesse the Tree, NAHreally, GhostboyRJ, and bridge of sand.

Join us on October 16th at BSMT 254 - tickets on sale now, buy here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rmpp-presents-wave-generators-jesse-the-tree-nahreally-live-in-toronto-tickets-1672174632339?aff=oddtdtcreator 

The Plug (1:05).

The Interview (2:50).

The highly positive reception to DRUG$$$ (3:16).

The genesis of the collaboration (8:00).

The Flip a Beat Club between the DRUG$$$ producers (13:23).

The recording process for the production of DRUG$$$ (17:34).

Executing the musical vision of DRUG$$$ (21:47).

The overarching narrative behind DRUG$$$ (27:38).

The sound signature of DRUG$$$ (32:56).

Teller’s emotional mindstate while recording DRUG$$$ (38:44).

Short song structure of DRUG$$$ (57:28).

The freedom that the DRUG$$$ instrumentals afforded to Teller (1:03:22).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:15:27).

The impact DRUG$$$ had on Teller’s life (1:24:51).

Buy/stream DRUG$$$ here: https://tellerbanks.bandcamp.com/album/drug 

Follow Teller Bank$ on Twitter here: https://x.com/Teller_Banks357 

Follow q no rap name on Twitter here: https://x.com/qnorapname_ 

Follow Philth Spector on Twitter here: https://x.com/Philth_Spector 

Follow Killer Kane on Twitter here: https://x.com/killerkanebeats 

Follow Teller Bank$ on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/teller_banks/ 

Follow q no rap name on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/qnorapname/ 

Follow Philth Spector on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/philth_spector/ 

Follow Killer Kane on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ourleaderkane/ 

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]

What makes a rap duo special is more than just the quality of beats and rhymes. It’s more than even the stylistic fit between the two elements. The secret sauce lies in a personal bond that extends beyond the music

That’s what today’s guests, New York-based duo Gabe ‘Nandez and Preservation, have in common.

With Gabe’s track record of sharp lyricism and a distinct voice, I knew that pairing him with a musical savant like Preservation would yield strong results (said producer has created masterpieces with yasiin bey, billy woods, Ka, Marci, and more). But even with that said, they completely blew me away, exceeding the lofty expectations I had for them on their new collaborative album, Sortilège.

In this episode, we dive into their personal relationship, their musical chemistry, the magic of the late great Ka, myth-making through rap, and the creative process behind their stellar new record.

Finally, for folks in Toronto, I have a special treat for you... I will be hosting an evening of amazing hip-hop and experimental music featuring cross-country acts that include: Wave Generators, jesse the Tree, NAHreally, GhostboyRJ, and bridge of sand.

Join us on October 16th at BSMT 254 - tickets on sale now, buy here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rmpp-presents-wave-generators-jesse-the-tree-nahreally-live-in-toronto-tickets-1672174632339?aff=oddtdtcreator 

The Plug (1:11).

The Interview (3:05).

The genesis of the Gabe x Preservation collaboration (4:50).

The spiritual connection between Sortilège & Aethiopes (8:04).

What made Ka special (12:23).

The recording process for Sortilège (17:50).

The influence of mythology on Gabe’s writing (22:58).

The idea of transformation explored on Sortilège (29:48).

Gabe’s ‘surfer dude’ vibe (34:00).

The stylistic fit between Gabe & Preservation (38:48).

Specific musical choices Preservation made to complement Gabe’s style (43:07).

Importance of current events on war-focused lyrics on Sortilège (47:18).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (52:18).

Buy Sortilège and merch here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/preservation-gabe-nandez-present-sortilege 

Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Twitter here: https://x.com/GabeNandez 

Follow Preservation on Twitter here: https://x.com/mondieumusic 

Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/champiyawn/ 

Follow Preservation on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mondieumusic/ 

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]

How I’d describe my tastes in music would be such that, I don’t care too much about what emotion is conveyed, I just care that there IS an emotion being shared to begin with.

Whether it be portrayals of depression, bliss, and everything in between, I want my music to make me feel something. On top of that, I’m partial to more intense displays of emotion, because I’m a dramatic emotional guy, what can I say?

That’s why the music of today’s guests, Sunmundi and Sasco, really speaks to me, because what they created on their latest album is a wondrous achievement in putting true heartfelt passion on to wax.

The young and talented New York-based duo joined the show to discuss how their relationship formed, their natural creative chemistry, and the artistic approach behind their incredible new collaborative album, Contacting.

I was pleased to co-host this conversation with friend of the show, an accomplished journalist with pieces in Pitchfork, The Guardian, Bandcamp, and more.

So listen on to hear about how one of 2025’s essential records was created, and why you need to have Sunmundi and Sasco firmly on your listening radar from here on out.

The Plug (0:38).

The Interview (2:30).

Reactions to the strong positive response to Contacting (4:20).

How Sunmundi and Sasco connected (7:49).

How Contacting came to be (9:31).

The musical direction for Contacting (13:18).

Sunmundi & Sasco’s shared intuition that conceptualized Contacting (17:46).

Sunmundi’s hyper-expressive rap style (21:27).

Creating music as ‘a vessel’ (28:49).

Future music from Sunmundi & Sasco (33:00).

The post-production work for Contacting (35:54).

The core statement Contacting is communicating (38:33).

Buy/stream Contacting here: https://sasco.bandcamp.com/album/contacting 

Follow Sunmundi on Twitter here: https://x.com/sunmundi 

Follow Sasco on Twitter here: https://x.com/sascomusic 

Follow Sunmundi on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sunmundimusic/ 

Follow Sasco on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sascomusic/ 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Photo credit used in episode artwork by @suchi__mane on Instagram

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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]

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/

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 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]