One of the best things to come out of rap’s rising global influence over the few decades is the proliferation of the art form in different cultures across the globe. Where artists can infuse their own influences into their take on the genre.

Today’s guest, mary sue, is a Singapore-native who has thoroughly impressed me in recent years with a wicked degree of musical diversity, working on any kind of soundscape under the sun, with the likes of bloomcycle, pyschedelic ensemble, The Clementi Sound Appreciation Club, along with a calm lyrical delivery that is ripe with thoughtful perspective.

mary sue had a big 2025, first by dropping the stellar Porcelain Shield Paper Sword, and then finishing the year off with a collaborative EP with bloomcycle.

In this episode, we discuss the Singapore hip-hop scene, his unique sound, and the creative approach behind his two impressive records of 2025.

This guest is one of the brightest, rising stars in the indie rap space right now… you do not want to miss this.

The Plug (0:49).

The Interview (2:26)

Singapore’s hip-hop scene (4:29).

The Mary Sue sound (17:51).

The writing approach for Porcelain Shield, Paper Sword (24:20).

The live instrumentation sound of Porcelain Shield, Paper Sword (38:10).

The theme of Unintended Self Expressions from Selling Reflections on the Internet (43:12).

The psychedelic sound of USESRI from bloomcycle (51:25).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (54:42).

Buy/stream USESRI here: https://sweetmarysue.bandcamp.com/album/unintended-self-expressions-from-selling-reflections-on-the-internet 

Follow mary sue on Twitter here: https://x.com/marysueraps 

Follow mary sue on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sweetmarysue/ 

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 is one of rap’s youngest rising stars. Atlanta-native FearDorian, has quickly established himself as a true innovator in the space of trap and cloud rap. Bridging the gap between Atlanta trap, cloud rap… and indie pop, alternative music through his eclectic sample choices into this gumbo of groovy, melodically catchy, moody, ethereal rap that is so one of one. It’s a whole lot of fun, and at just 19 years old… the sky’s the limit.

In this conversation, Dorian’s youthful exuberance and creative mind is on full display, as we dive into what inspired his fresh sound and sampling approach, the unique Atlanta music scene, working with POLO PERKS <3 <3 <3 and ayooLii on A Dog’s Chance, and how he and quinn created their impressive new album, Before You Press Play.

The Plug (0:41).

The Interview (2:13).

FearDorian’s foundational influences (6:44).

FearDorian’s eclectic sound (9:44).

The Atlanta music scene (13:18).

FearDorian’s unique sampling approach (15:59).

FearDorian’s decision to pursue music full-time (27:35).

Managing imposter syndrome (38:02).

Whimsy, and creating A Dog’s Chance (44:33).

FearDorian and quinn’s creative connection (54:52).

The long-term vision for Before You Press Play (1:00:28).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:04:41).

Buy/stream Before You Press Play here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7Hup1Ag3QCioejoNKTmJh0?si=0nMKaIq1TwaMkxHjxRpo4w 

Follow FearDorian on Twitter here: https://x.com/1feardorian?s=20  

Follow FearDorian on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/feardorian/ 

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]

Around this time last year, the show was continuing to grow… but at a lesser pace than the super strong growth trajectory it had been on a few years prior.

I was more than ok with this. At least the past hadn’t been a fluke. I established myself, and had some modest growth - I was grateful.

But then in 2025, that big year-over-year growth came back, and I was so pleasantly surprised.

I know this niche of experimentally-tinged rap is a small one, so the numbers would never reflect the impact... but 2025 taught me that this little niche may not be so little. Maybe there’s more that can be done with this platform, than I could have ever imagined.

In 2026, my goal is to the accelerator and do even bigger things. That means bigger live events, bigger guests, and more collaborations with the many interesting journalists in this space that do good work.

So now, without further ado... let’s talk about what music defined my 2025. Welcome to the 6th Annual RMPP Awards.

The Plug (0:21).

Award show structure (5:03).

Beat of the Year (5:39).

Hook of the Year (7:20).

Live Performance of the Year (9:25).

Best Rap Performance in a Supporting Role (11:37).

Rap Performance of the Year (13:33).

Song of the Year (15:04).

Producer of the Year (16:11).

Rapper of the Year (18:39).

The RMPP 25: Top 25 Albums of the Year (20:36).

RMPP Patron Choices for Album of the Year (32:40).

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 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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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]

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

--

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]