Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:57).

So I’m kind of annoying when it comes to certain things with music.

Albums where the last verse isn’t from the main artist? It just doesn’t feel right. Remixes? I’m oddly wed to the original. And finally, producer albums with a bunch of different rappers on it are another type of record, where I don't usually gravitate towards. I’m just such a concept and theme guy I guess.

But I am a fair man... Today’s guest on the show, New York-based producer Blockhead, recently dropped an album that was so good it overcame my annoying biases with The Aux, released on Backwoodz Studioz.

I caught up with the very talented and very funny and personable producer to understand how he’s approached collaboration with some of the genre’s finest lyricists in Aesop Rock and billy woods, discuss his perspectives on the current production landscape, and the makings of his terrific new album.

How the production process differs on instrumental albums vs. working with rappers (3:31).

Most important traits as a producer (8:02).

How the act of creating music unlocks emotion (12:03).

What Blockhead looks for in a rap collaborator (18:38).

Blockhead’s take on the current hip-hop production landscape (21:40).

How Blockhead’s relationship with woods came to be (30:52).

The sound direction of The Aux (34:29).

How the billy woods executive production hand guided the creation of The Aux (41:23).

Blockhead on “challenging fans” with The Aux (46:12).

The making of the electric RXKNephew feature on The Aux (53:49).

Collaborations that surprised Blockhead the most - RMPP patron q from Jarvis (57:44).

Blockhead’s favourite songs off The Aux (59:49).

Upcoming music / tour dates / merch (1:01:28).

Support Blockhead's music here: https://blockheadnyc.bandcamp.com/

Follow Blockhead on Twitter here: https://x.com/BlockheadNYC?s=20

Follow Blockhead on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/blockheadnyc/?hl=en 

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:49).

To me, one of the things that impresses me the most about music is its ability to make me care about life experiences, perspectives, and topics that I either don’t know anything about, or have no relation to my current day-to-day life.

Today’s guest, rapper-producer Pink Navel from Massachusetts, is a prime example of being so good at what they do, that they make me care about something I normally could care less about. This thing in question being video games, because on Pink Navel’s latest album fully produced by Kenny Segal, How to Capture Playful, the whimsical passion, lyrical and musical brilliance all combine to create one of the strongest albums of 2023 with video games as its core foundational subject.

In this episode, Pink Navel dives into their expressive style of rap, Ruby Yacht, and the makings of their terrific brand-new album.

Accessibility in Pink Navel’s music and speaking to different audiences in their music (2:28).

The emotional experience creating rap music (5:32).

The Ruby Yacht ethos (7:28).

How R.A.P. Ferreira inspires Pink Navel (11:38).

Pink Navel’s close relationship with their fans (14:54).

Pink Navel’s perspective on internet culture (18:45).

Centering How to Capture Playful around gaming (27:32).

Making connections between video games and real-life (32:30).

Kenny Segal’s production on How to Capture Playful (38:33).

Pink Navel’s rapping performance on How to Capture Playful (43:03).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (45:30).

Support Pink Navel's music here: https://pinknavel.bandcamp.com/music 

Buy physicals of How to Capture Playful here: https://kennysegal.bandcamp.com/album/how-to-capture-playful-vinyl-tapes-preorder 

Follow Pink Navel on Twitter here: https://x.com/pinknavelonline?s=20 

Follow Pink Navel on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dotdev_/?hl=en 

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:48).

The ability to be authentically yourself is a superpower. It makes people feel more comfortable around you, and gravitate towards you because there is a certain solidness or realness about you that people can latch on to.

This is a concept that 100% applies to music, and in particular rap, which is a type of music that is heavily based on the listener caring about the artist’s personality and character - not just their technical skill.

Although it certainly is nice when both the skill and the authenticity are present, which is precisely the case with Portland rapper, Milc. Milc is one of the most talented and genuinely funny rappers out right now, who is making an increasingly large mark on the game.

His recent run is punctuated by a string of collaborative records with talented producers, such as Televangel and goldenbeets.

Milc joins the show today to talk about how he injects his personality into his music, his key influences, and the makings of his two most recent records from 2023, Horseradish and The Fish That Saved Portland.

The backstory behind is simple, but dope rap name (4:13).

Portland hip-hop scene (5:38).

Injecting personality in Milc’s music (10:28).

Sean Price, and other key influences for Milc (17:35).

The warm welcome Milc has received from the current indie rap scene (22:16).

The making of Horseradish with goldenbeets (23:49).

The importance of shining a light on his hometown on The Fish That Saved Portland (27:39).

Milc’s experience working with Televangel (33:33).

How Milc has grown from Neutral Milc Motel to The Fish That Saved Portland (36:10).

Upcoming projects / merch / tour dates (40:12).

Buy/stream The Fish That Saved Portland here: https://televangel.bandcamp.com/album/the-fish-that-saved-portland  

Follow Milc on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MILCMANE 

Follow Milc on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/milcmane/?hl=en 

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:46).

For those who heard the last bonus episode I released, or follow me on Twitter, it should come to you as no surprise that I absolutely adore Leather Blvd., an album created by Pink Siifu and Ahwlee, as B. Cool-Aid.

This was a record that did so much good to my spirit, helping me get through some really tough times this year. Therefore, I’m sure you can imagine how honoured I feel to welcome Pink Siifu to the show to not only dive into the creation of this masterpiece, but also discuss what he’s learnt from legendary musicians, his chameleon-like versatility as an artist, and how he approaches collaboration.

We also get some insight into his brand new surprise album, that just dropped a day ago on Halloween, IT'S TOO QUIET…'!!, a collaborative record with Cincinnati's-own Turich Benjy, who also makes a special appearance towards the end of this conversation.

So it goes without saying that you certainly won’t wanna miss this!

How Siifu maintains his identity no matter what style of music he makes (2:14).

Siifu’s trademark voice (5:05).

The influence of D’Angelo and Erykah Badu on Siifu (8:37).

The role Siifu hopes his music plays in helping those in need (13:19).

Siifu’s mastery of collaboration (17:11).

The feeling Siifu wanted listeners to takeaway from Leather Blvd. (19:53).

The importance of expressing a diverse take on romance in Siifu’s music (26:00).

The greatness of Ahwlee (27:51).

The recording process of Leather Blvd. (29:28).

Introducing Turich Benjy (32:54).

Turich’s primary musical influences (34:15).

The making of Ultrasound (35:51).

What drew Turich and Siifu together (37:47).

The musical experience of IT'S TOO QUIET…'!! (40:20).

The chemistry between Siifu and Turich (46:09).

Shout outs and upcoming work to look out for (50:21).

Stream IT'S TOO QUIET…'!! here: https://open.spotify.com/album/17hUD5VessLUxX5pqBi2Av?si=Dc0eyUSkSf6mpiXk9234Zg 

Follow Pink Siifu on Twitter here: https://x.com/PinkSiifu?s=20 

Follow Turich Benjy on Twitter here: https://x.com/turichbenjy?s=20 

Follow Pink Siifu on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/pinksiifu/?hl=en 

Follow Turich Benjy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/turichbenjy/?hl=en 

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (2:05).

As a 28 year-old hip-hop head, I’d like to say that I’m still somewhat young. So given this youth of mine, I haven’t been able to witness many of the greatest movements or waves in hip-hop history firsthand. I wasn’t even alive when Wu first jumped onto the scene. I could barely form sentences when Company Flow’s debut album dropped

But that thankfully has not been the case with what Backwoodz Studioz, and in particular what today’s guests in billy woods and E L U C I D, have blessed listeners with so far in their careers. For over a decade now, I’ve been able to follow these two refine their craft and expand on their brand of phenomenally rich, creative, and thoughtful hip-hop music that scratches all of the itches I have in music. All of which is funneled into this style of rap that makes the term “one-of-a-kind”, feel somehow too generic of a descriptor for what these two really do.

I’m pleased to have Armand Hammer on the show to discuss what makes their creative connection so special, the makings of one of the best albums I’ve ever heard (no hyperbole) in We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, and much, much more! Enjoy!

Perspective on recent successes and acclaim (2:27).

Perception of Armand Hammer’s growing fanbase (9:16).

How woods and E L U C I D complement each other’s artistry (16:49).

How the creative direction for an Armand Hammer album is established - RMPP patron q from TreDoes (24:52).

The origin of the We Buy Diabetic Test Strips album title (25:41).

The core themes of WBDTS (28:58).

The catalyst for the live instrumentation backbone for WBDTS (38:27).

The inspiration behind the very experimental and ambitious sound of WBDTS (43:13).

Aspects of WBDTS that Armand Hammer were most proud of / found uniquely challenging (51:39).

Armand Hammer’s favourite songs off WBDTS (1:02:00).

Prominent use of vocal manipulation on WBTDS (1:06:57).

What Armand Hammer would like their legacy to be (1:08:17).

Shoutouts to other great music and collaborators within the Armand Hammer / Backwoodz multiverse (1:09:13).

JPEGMAFIA’s pants / E L U C I D’s fashion trend forecast (1:12:36).

Buy We Buy Diabetic Test Strips here: https://fatpossum.com/products/we-buy-diabetic-test-strips

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

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

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

Follow billy woods on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backwoodzstudioz/ 

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

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

Follow Armand Hammer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/armandhammernyc/?hl=en

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

Main Body of Discussion (2:06).

The ability to have tough conversations about complex topics is an art. It requires not only a great deal of nuanced knowledge on a topic to speak thoughtfully on it, but it also requires a great deal of self-awareness and empathy.

On The Golem of Brooklyn OST, Defcee successfully has one of these tough conversations with the community of white Jewish people he is a part of. He uses Adam Mansbach’s new novel as inspiration to depict thoughtful, and funny stories related to Jewish ideals and folklore in a contemporary context. Furthermore, Defcee levies criticisms that he has for his people, delivered from a place of love and understanding.

This concept is bolstered by the mystical, tone-setting instrumentals from the one and only Messiah Musik, who joins me alongside Defcee to dig deep into the makings of one of the best albums of the year, bar none.

Vast differences in how The Golem of Brooklyn was created vs. Trapdoor (3:48).

Main themes of Adam Mansbach’s novel, and what inspired the soundtrack’s creation (8:18). 

Adam Mansbach’s involvement in the creative process of the soundtrack (15:55).

How the concept shaped Messiah’s approach to the soundtrack’s sound (18:13).

The important conversation Defcee wanted to have with the Jewish community on The Golem of Brooklyn (22:50).

The timing of sharing these perspectives related to Judaism and whiteness, given the context of the heightened attention on anti-Semitism in the current socio-political climate (30:46).

What Defcee and Messiah took away from The Golem creative process, as it relates to their experience as white Jewish people (39:19).

How much of The Golem of Brooklyn was based on the content of the book vs. personal experience (44:22).

Favourite songs (45:53).

Upcoming projects from Defcee and Messiah Musik** (54:02).

**For insight specifically related to the next Defcee and Messiah Musik project, this is available as a patron-only exclusive! Become an RMPP patron to learn about the exciting new project these two have upcoming.

Buy/Stream The Golem of Brooklyn OST here: https://defcee.bandcamp.com/album/the-golem-of-brooklyn-original-soundtrack 

Follow Defcee on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/defcee 

Follow Messiah Musik on Twitter here: https://x.com/theMessiahMusik?s=20 

Follow Defcee on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/defcee/ 

Follow Messiah Musik on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/messiah_musik/?hl=en 

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:05).

This edition of the Conversation Pieces series is the most ambitious and personal thing I've ever done. It almost felt a bit too close to home to put out publicly, but honestly... creating this was truly a prime example of that 'writing = therapy' trope.

Leather Blvd. is an album that soundtracked the happiest time of my entire life. This record was chock-full of musical brilliance. But more importantly, Leather Blvd was so impactful to me, due to its raw expression of romance.

Through the lens of a recent event in my personal life, I explore the bountiful emotional richness of this album, and how music is so intrinsically intertwined with real emotions, memories, and experiences that we have.

I already thought that Leather Blvd. was a personal classic to me. But after the other night, it holds an even more special place in my heart, because it truly helped me heal in a time of need.

This is the last bonus episode for a little while because an onslaught of big guests will be coming on the show in the next two months….

Buy/stream Leather Blvd. here: https://bcoolaid.bandcamp.com/album/leather-blvd 

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:49).

There’s a reason why people say that traveling and seeing the world is good for you. It naturally expands your worldview and exposes you to different ways of living, and thinking. In other words, it makes you smarter and more interesting. Both things apply to today’s guest, NY-based rapper Gabe ‘Nandez.

Gabe has spent much of his childhood and early adulthood living cross-continent, which has fueled his music with worldly perspective, and colourful multilingual elements.

With one of the most rapper voice rapper voices you’ll ever hear, Gabe has delivered some of my favourite albums of the year. Pangea dropped months ago, fully produced by the electric Tony Seltzer. H.T. III, his latest album fully produced by argov, which just released today (September 20, 2023).

Listen on to hear how Gabe crafted these recent albums, and the inspiring story about how music quite literally saved his life.

How Gabe’s cross-continent childhood influenced his music (2:10).

Incorporating French into Gabe’s music (7:14).

Gabe priding himself on being unique (12:38).

How it felt being featured on billy woods’ Aethiopes track, “Sauvages” (13:43).

How Gabe cultivates confidence within himself (17:32).

What inspired Gabe to pursue rap (21:12).

How rap saved Gabe’s life (23:46).

Working with Tony Seltzer on Pangea (27:48).

The idea of “collective unconsciousness”, as it relates to the making of Pangea (31:25).

The significance of H.T. III serving as the follow-up to Gabe’s debut album from 2014 (35:15).

What inspired Gabe to link up with argov to produce the entirety of H.T. III (37:18).

Lyrical themes on H.T. III (38:41).

Upcoming / current work from Gabe (44:22).

Support Gabe Nandez's music here: https://gabenandez.bandcamp.com/music 

Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Twitter here: https://x.com/GabeNandez?s=20 

Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7KKxDBEgK/ 

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Beginning of Episode (1:05).

This edition of the Conversation Pieces series is a little different, and music-adjacent at best to be honest.

In what was mostly a therapeutic exercise, I explored how my love for music was borne out of a dark place, and what that made me realize about myself.

It may sound like a depressing listen, but I promise that it ends on a happy note.

If you end up checking out this super rap music focused bonus episode…

Don’t worry, we’ll be back to regularly scheduled programming with some amazing guests soon enough, I promise

Thanks for listening to me publicly vent when no one asked; and

I invite you to reflect on how music first became a major component in your life, maybe you’ll learn something new about yourself like I did.

--

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]

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:32).

Few embody a true DIY ethos, and a genuine appetite to be bold and different quite like today’s guest, Fat Tony.

Tony is a Houston-native, who’s charisma and eccentric tastes have led him down a highly unique artistic journey, making waves in the rap game with his diverse-sounding albums, and a wide array of collaborations with the likes of Paul Wall, A$AP Rocky, and more. His impact was not limited to just music though, as he’s hosted TV shows on VICE as well.

Fat Tony is a multimedia star, who joins the show to discuss the key lessons he’s learnt as an artist, the importance of following your authentic North Star, and his latest album with Taydex, I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy.

Key lessons Fat Tony as learnt throughout this career (1:44).

How working in non-music artistic mediums impacted Tony’s growth (12:45).

The influence of Houston on Tony’s tastes and artistic development (22:52).

Fat Tony’s “north star” when making music (27:26).

What inspires Tony’s strong risk-taking appetite (40:44).

Key pieces of wisdom Tony wanted to share on IWMBTDE (45:00).

Why Tony’s desire to be a father has grown since the pandemic (54:05).

The sound Tony and Taydex set out to create on IWMBTDE (58:10).

The significance of ending IWMBTDE with the heavy “Jasper, TX” (1:01:47).

Upcoming / current work to check out from Fat Tony (1:10:18).

Support Fat Tony's music here: https://fattonyrap.bandcamp.com/music 

Check out Found Me Magazine here: http://foundmemag.com

Check out Fat Tony's tour dates here: https://www.fattonyrap.net/tour

Follow Fat Tony on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/fattonyrap?s=20 

Follow Fat Tony on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fattonyrap/ 

--

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]