The Rap Music Plug Podcast

Speaking to today’s guest genuinely moved me. I was feeling burnt out and uninspired, running on fumes as I hopped on the mic and pressed record, set to speak with the LA-based, Koreatown Oddity.

But after hearing fascinating insight, as he guided me through the hallways of his mind with humour and remarkable perspective, spending 2+ hours with me, smiling through constant technical difficulties we were experiencing throughout... his foundational sense of faith, and positive energy was genuinely contagious.

I couldn’t help but feel pumped up, and grateful for getting to speak to such talented and interesting artists on this show, such as The Koreatown Oddity.

In this episode, we discussed his affinity for gritty lo-fi music, where his unshakeable sense of belief comes from, general life philosophies, the making of THAI TAPE and his latest record on Stones Throw, Purdy, and much, much more.

If you’re a fan of Koreatown Oddity’s wildly strange and unique art, or are simply curious to learn more, then this sprawling and genuinely deep conversation is an absolute MUST-listen.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (1:23).

The Interview (3:36).

KTO’s affinity for gritty, lo-fi music (9:22).

The Koreatown influence on KTO’s artistic trajectory (20:30).

KTO’s unflinching sense of faith (29:38).

The Thai influence of THAI TAPE (40:07).

The deeply reflective messaging of Purdy (50:00).

How KTO’s mind state influenced the making of Purdy (57:48).

Advice on how to stay driven to pursue your craft, despite lack of recognition (1:14:44).

The dreamy, contemplative sound of Purdy (1:21:34).

Support Purdy here: https://www.stonesthrow.com/store/purdy/ 

Follow The Koreatown Oddity on Twitter here: https://x.com/KoreatownOddity 

Follow The Koreatown Oddity on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ktownodd/?hl=en 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot us an email at [email protected] 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

Few albums pack in as much musical and lyrical diversity as Yaphet does, the latest Curly Castro album fully produced by Locust, released on Backwoodz Studioz.

Castro is as dynamic as ever on this new album, slicing through Locust’s electric, drum-forward production with impassioned energy, delivering one of, not only his most dynamic albums yet, but his most personal.

Delving into topics like his recent health issues, challenges with the birth of his daughter, in such a raw and unfiltered way - Castro and Locust created something that feels both futuristic, and indebted to the past, all at the same time. This is one of the strongest releases of the year.

In this episode, we delve into their creative relationship, the vulnerablity displayed on Yaphet and its eclectic sound, the greatness found in the new generation of rappers coming up, and much more.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (1:23).

The Interview (2:50).

Castro and Locust’s creative relationship (5:31).

Locust’s production style (11:03).

Castro’s dynamic MC style (16:40).

Locust’s musical background (18:02).

The vulnerability found on Yaphet (24:53).

Castro reflects on his ability to create art, despite his recent health issues (36:47).

B-boy essence on Yaphet (44:41).

The greatness of the young generation of rappers, aka ‘new mutants’ (47:15).

The sonic vision and chronological progression of Yaphet (52:52).

The creative process behind Yaphet’s intro and lead single (1:01:18).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:06:58).

Buy Yaphet here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/yaphet?srsltid=AfmBOopi20q1_xiFyM9mjidgY57MRPUltlcXf843XYH1eXiNV0MI8xj3

Follow Curly Castro on Twitter here: https://x.com/Curly_Castro 

Follow Locust on Twitter here: https://x.com/and_Locust 

Follow Curly Castro on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/curlycastro/ 

Follow Locust on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/plain_old_mike_and_locust_/ 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot us an email at [email protected] 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

For all of my life, art that touches on relationships, and existentialism in general, have always been up my cup of tea. So I’m always heavily biased towards music that focuses on these subjects.

This is why the latest album by today’s guests, Open Mike Eagle and Kenny Segal, titled DOOMED, contrary to what the title may suggest, was destined to be an album that would impact me greatly... and impact me greatly it did.

Mike’s witty humour combined with lived-in authentic experience surrounding a significant breakup, led to some of his greatest writing to-date. This excellent writing was all layered atop a bed of wonderfully lush, and atmospheric production from Kenny Segal.

DOOMED is my current album of the year.

In this episode, we discuss why the time was right for the first OME x Kenny Segal full-length collaboration, how the relationship-focused subject matter animated the beats and the rhymes, and much more!

DOOMED sees Mike and Kenny at the peak of their powers. This episode is an essential listen to learn and appreciate how they pulled off this landmark achievement.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (1:16).

The Interview (2:55).

Kenny’s recent experience on Tiny Desk (3:25).

The recording process and timing of DOOMED (11:33).

What Mike learnt through creating DOOMED (19:27).

The sense of acceptance displayed on DOOMED (22:06).

The non-linear through-line of DOOMED (25:06).

What listeners may take away from DOOMED (37:35).

The sonic direction of DOOMED (43:19). 

The songwriting excellence on DOOMED (52:19).

The creative process differences between ATD and DOOMED (1:00:19).

Lyrical breakdown of “Watching a Movie called Freedom by Myself” (1:03:20).

Extended musical outro to conclude DOOMED - patron q from Kosey (1:07:53).

The GOAT relationship rappers, and woods’ feature on “She Swear I’m Colorblind” (1:12:48).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:17:59).

Mike and Kenny tour dates here: https://mikeeaglestinks.tumblr.com/post/89666128320/dates-locations-rap-shows  

Buy/stream DOOMED! here: https://openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com/album/doomed 

Follow Open Mike Eagle on Twitter here: https://x.com/Mike_Eagle 

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

Follow Open Mike Eagle on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/open_mike_eagle/?hl=en 

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

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot us an email at [email protected] 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

With today’s guest, from the moment his signature vinyl needle drops and the crackle is heard… you know you’re in for some hard, gritty, soulful, hip-hop s***.

Apollo Brown is a Detroit producer extraordinaire who has caught my ear for over a decade, with amazing collaborations with the likes of Planet Asia, Westside Gunn, Skyzoo, Ghostface and more. Additionally, he has crafted incredible instrumental albums that are rich with emotion and introspective beauty.

Personally, Apollo’s instrumental works have been what excited me the most with his art, as he's consistently put together sonic experiences that make me think and make me feel.

From the moment I heard Clouds over a decade ago, and right now with his brand new, outstanding instrumental album, No Pressure, No Diamond.

In today’s episode, we discuss his signature sound, his affinity for music that is emotional and introspective, and the inspiration behind his new instrumental album, No Pressure, No Diamond.

Apollo is one of the absolute best producers out. You do not want to miss this.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (0:50).

The Interview (2:28).

DJ Premier and other formative music (6:38).

Apollo’s choice to become a producer (13:35).

Apollo’s “I’ve arrived” moment (18:46).

Apollo’s signature sound (21:28).

Production workflow (30:29).

The emotionality of Apollo’s art (36:16).

Apollo’s journey to becoming a ‘diamond’ (53:43).

The sonic vision of No Pressure, No Diamond (1:03:29).

What Apollo hopes listeners take away from No Pressure, No Diamond (1:09:01).

What brings Apollo pride with No Pressure, No Diamond (1:13:30).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:18:26).

Buy/stream No Pressure, No Diamond here: https://apollobrown.bandcamp.com/album/no-pressure-no-diamond 

Follow Apollo Brown on Twitter here: https://x.com/ApolloBrown 

Follow Apollo Brown on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/apollobrown/?hl=en 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot us an email at [email protected] 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

Another day, another incredible duo dropping inspired rap music in 2026. The last two episodes of the RMPP highlighted great rap duos, and today’s episode is just another example of collaborative heat, provided by Brian Ennals and Blockhead.

Blockhead’s layered melodic production has blessed many great MCs in the past, such as Aesop Rock and billy woods. But up until now, I don’t think he’s worked with a rapper as brash an energy as Ennals.

And likewise with Brian, he’s made a name for himself atop the highly experimental production from Infinity Knives, which was its own unique beast entirely.

So on both ends, this collaboration put both Blockhead and Brian in a unique spot for a change of pace... and boy were the results terrific on their collaborative album, Boatshoes.

In this episode, we seek to understand their creative and personal bond, the dark and personal inspiration behind the subject matter of Boatshoes, and its dramatic and dynamic production… which all came together to make it one of the absolute standout releases of 2026.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (1:10).

The Interview (2:55).

Favourite Blockhead-produced album (3:46).

Brian Ennals’ special sauce (6:26).

Brian and Blockhead’s personal bond (11:47).

The raw personal lyricism on Boatshoes (15:36).

The drama-filled, dark production on Boatshoes (23:29).

Taking risks on Boatshoes (37:30).

Expected audience response to Boatshoes (41:50).

Song most proud of creating on Boatshoes (44:30).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (47:01).

Buy/stream Boatshoes here: https://blockheadnyc.bandcamp.com/album/boatshoes 

Follow Brian Ennals on Twitter here: https://x.com/BrianEnnals?lang=en 

Follow Blockhead on Twitter here: https://x.com/blockheadnyc 

Follow Brian Ennals on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/brianennals/?hl=en 

Follow Blockhead on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/blockheadnyc 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot us an email at [email protected] 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

Musical collaborations can be successful for a myriad of reasons. The artists in question can have similar life experiences, musical influences, styles, or differ tremendously within those same categories, and complement each other in unique ways.

But with today’s guests, Nappy Nina and Swarvy, their secret sauce revolves around their friendship, mutual trust, and a shared versatility that allows them to make remarkably fresh music from track to track, album to album.

In this episode, we explore their musical chemistry, the LA beat scene, the making of their 2nd collaborative album, Sow & So, and much more.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (0:52).

The Interview (2:02).

Genesis of Nina and Swarvy’s creative relationship (2:32).

Match between Swarvy’s production and Nina’s raps (3:53).

Impact of the LA beat scene on Swarvy (9:45).

Swarvy’s formal musical education and multi-instrumentalist background (13:31).

Nina’s take on the current scene of femme rap (18:30).

Nina and Swarvy teaming up for a 2nd time on Sow & So (23:30).

The refreshed sound of Sow & So (24:47).

Lyrical focus of Sow & So (29:27).

Notable differences between Sow & So and its predecessor (33:42).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (40:23).

Buy Sow & So here: https://nappyninaswarvy.bandcamp.com/album/sow-so 

Follow Nappy Nina on Twitter here: https://x.com/Nappy_Nina 

Follow Swarvy on Twitter here: https://x.com/Swrvy 

Follow Nappy Nina on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nappy_nina/?hl=en 

Follow Swarvy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/swarvy/?hl=en 

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]

From the music, to the politics, to the bold aesthetic presentation that accompanies the music... Brooklyn-based producer/electronic musician DJ Haram and San Francisco MC SHA RAY were a match made in heaven. Their shared love for experimental, boundary-pushing sound, and radical political messaging coalesce beautifully in their amazing new album, Critical Thot, released on Backwoodz Studioz.

In this episode, we dig into the creative process and bold sound of Critical Thot, the strange discourse surrounding femme rap, the power of feminine sexuality explored through their album, and much more that will make you think, and laugh along the way as well.

Critical Thot is a serious AOTY contender for 2026. Make sure you stay tuned to learn more about it.

The Plug (0:45).

The Interview (2:10).

Haram and SHA RAY’s relationship beginnings (2:38).

Initial musical impressions of Haram and SHA RAY's music (4:16).

Expectations for the listener's reception of Critical Thot (9:03).

Experience of working together as two femme musicians (13:10).

Similarities between Haram and SHA RAY as artists and people (20:09).

SHA RAY’s artistic development (26:37).

The creative process of Critical Thot (32:30).

Feminine power and sexuality in Critical Thot (39:13).

Femme rap and misogyny (46:50).

Haram’s sonic approach to Critical Thot (57:58).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:10:49).

Rapping in a corset - patron q from Dan-O (1:14:02).

Buy Critical Thot here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/sha-ray-dj-haram-critical-thot 

Follow SHA RAY on Twitter here: https://x.com/kanekalonia 

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

Follow SHA RAY on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kanekalonia/ 

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

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]

Few artists have a career as unique and prolific as today’s guest, Richmond Virginia’s own, Nickelus F. Over multiple decades, F has dazzled listeners with his ridiculous technical skills as an MC, the authenticity and honesty in his subject matter, and his production chops that feature a degree of stylistic variety that was always impressively pulled off.

With that said, he’s recently taken aim at carving out what will eventually be known as the “Nickelus F sound”. And in this episode, he talks about this pursuit through the lens of his terrific new album, The Undisputed, dives into his artistic process as an MC and producer, and reflects on key lessons he’s learnt from previous chapters in his career.

You rarely hear such wisdom, honesty, and genuine excitement from one of rap’s OGs. Don’t miss this.

The Plug (1:01).

The Interview (2:34).

Formative hip-hop connections (2:59).

Current chapter of F’s career and lasting legacy (7:03).

Learning from earlier eras of F’s career (14:42).

Improving as an MC over time (22:00).

Writing process (26:09).

Richmond music scene (33:47).

The Undisputed as Nickelus F’s “North Star” (41:35).

Honing in on the fundamentals of rap on The Undisputed (44:57).

The “Nickelus F sound” (47:37).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (59:53).

Support Trick Dice Records here: https://www.trickdice.co/ 

Buy/stream The Undisputed here: https://nickelusf.bandcamp.com/album/the-undisputed 

Follow Nickelus F on Twitter here: https://x.com/NickelusF 

Follow Nickelus F on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nickelusf/?hl=en 

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]

Separating the art from the artist is a conversation that has bubbled up a lot lately, with the release of the Michael movie, as well as recent albums from ye, JPEGMAFIA, and the focus of this episode, Drake.

A lot of this discussion revolves around the validity of separating the art from the artist, and I’m here to say that the conversation around this is a psy-op. Especially for artists that demand investment in their personal lives to engage with their art to the degree of a Drake, your opinion on them as a person is a direct factor in the process of engaging with their art.

The world and life of an artist, in which their art exists within, is precisely what makes art special… and unlike anything else in the world. The meta of it all is fascinating.

In this episode, I’ll be exploring this dynamic through my feelings on Drake and his trifecta of new albums, primarily focusing on the main course, ICEMAN.

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, New Jersey rapper, and co-host of radio show, Strangers LIVE, '89 the Brainchild, is as distinct an artist as they come - occupying a space in rap entirely of his own making.

But despite his singular style, he embraces collaboration tremendously, bringing in different voices into his take on rap that integrates influences of jersey club, electronic, pop, and more.

This all creates a special concoction of music that we are blessed with on his latest album Not Who I Thought I was: the evil who brought us joy.

And in this episode, we dive into the long road 89 took in creating this new album, the lessons he learnt along the way, and how he developed his eclectic sound.

The Plug (1:10).

The Interview (2:23).

Releasing NWITIW after a long wait (4:06).

‘89 the Brainchild’s eclectic sound (7:20).

‘89’s songwriting process (17:43).

The recording process of Not Who I Thought I Was (24:14).

What ‘89 learnt from creating Not Who I Thought I Was (33:58).

The connection between Night Lives and NWITIW (39:31).

The sound of Not Who I Thought I Was (44:47).

The genesis of the Gangsta Boo feature (49:48).

Upcoming projects / merch / tour dates (1:00:08).

Buy/stream Not Who I Thought I Was here: https://89thebrainchild.bandcamp.com/album/not-who-i-thought-i-was-the-evil-who-brought-us-joy 

Follow '89 the Brainchild on Twitter here: https://x.com/89thebrainchild 

Follow '89 the Brainchild on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/89aintonthegram 

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]