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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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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Plug (0:46).

The Interview (3:03).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Mike Eagle’s legacy (1:02:32).

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

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

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

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

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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

Want to support and help us grow? Become a RMPP Patron, and gain access to exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/therapmusicplugpodcast

Looking to connect? DM me @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com