Few artists epitomise the word, ‘prolific’, quite like today’s guest, Blu. Hailing from Los Angeles, this West Coast legend has truly done it all, delivering countless records that span the sounds of soulful boom bap, lo-fi, avant-garde electronic hip-hop, and more.

And in 2025, Blu is not letting up… expecting to drop another 3 albums this year. The first of which is titled, Forty, and is fully produced by the great August Fanon.

This new album dropped April 18th, and Blu joins me today to discuss the making of what he dubs his 'grown man' album, along with covering other key aspects of his legendary career, such as delving into experimental cutting-edge sounds, his strong lasting relationship with Exile, and much more.

Blu is a legend, listen to this episode… what more do you need me to say?!

The Plug (0:41).

The Interview (2:35).

The most essential Blu releases (3:54).

Blu’s approach to collaborating with producers (8:20).

How Blu maintains consistent creative inspiration (14:21).

Blu’s affinity to the lo-fi hip-hop sound (18:14).

Blu’s bold experimental risk-taking appetite (22:06).

Blu’s long-lasting relationship with Exile - RMPP patron q from Jorden (25:25).

The correct pronunciation of August Fanon’s name (29:29).

The lyrical focus of Forty (30:56).

How August Fanon and Blu built the sound for Forty (33:19).

The collaboration-heavy approach to Forty (40:35).

3-4 new projects to expect from Blu in 2025 (43:02).

Blu’s shift away from production in recent years (44:43).

Buy/stream Forty here: https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/forty

Follow Blu on Twitter here: https://x.com/HerFavColor

Follow Blu on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bluherfavcolor/?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

The fiery no hold-barred spirit that today’s guests, Infinity Knives and Brian Ennals, showcase in each and every track of theirs, is something that you can expect to hear in this conversation.

As fierce truth-tellers and creators of bold clashes of sound, we had a sprawling conversation that covered everything from bad faith criticism, their ambitious sound and unique group dynamic, the difficult process involved in making their new album, A City Drowned in God’s Black Tears, and much more.

... And as a reminder, if you’re in Toronto on April 17th, PremRock + friends will be performing at BSMT 254 with some DJ support from yours truly!! Tickets found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/premrock-friends-live-tickets-1279555287309?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

The Plug (0:49).

The Interview (2:14).

The Ennals family history (2:52).

Being throttled by the algorithm, and their political subject matter (9:03).

Bad faith criticism (12:09).

The dark place that A City Drowned in God’s Black Tears (17:52).

How the creation of ACDIGBT intertwined with King Cobra (22:53).

Brian’s unfiltered approach to rap (28:37).

Knives’ composer-led approach to production (35:45).

The non-rap songs on ACDIGBT (45:20).

The background behind the USSR-inspired track, “Тревога/Trevoga” (50:58).

When Infinity Knives will be moving back to South Africa - patron q from rap man gavin (52:42).

The background behind a specific eyebrow-raising line off of King Cobra - patron q from Fick (54:29).

Examining the 87% statistic claimed on ACDIGBT (1:04:41).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:06:59).

Buy/stream A City Drowned in God's Tears here: https://infinityknives666.bandcamp.com/album/a-city-drowned-in-gods-black-tears

Follow Infinity Knives on Twitter here: https://x.com/infinitykniives

Follow Brian Ennals on Twitter here: https://x.com/BrianEnnals

Follow Infinity Knives on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/infinityknives/

Follow Brian Ennals on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/brianennals/

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

Listening to the latest album of today’s guest, PremRock, is more than just a great experience. It feels like spending time with an old friend. That saying, coined by the great Dan-O of Freemusicempire, couldn't be more spot on a descriptor for PremRock’s latest opus, Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…?

PremRock’s lyrics are immaculately written, treating the listener with melancholic existential reflections that have a way of grounding you in a lucid state of calm, On top of that, the guest list is an all-star cast of collaborators we’ve grown to know and love in the Backwoodz universe, who provide the canvasses and guest verses to elevate this album to indelible heights.

Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…? is one of the best albums of the decade.

So it’s of course an honour to have the man of the hour, PremRock, here to speak on his mindset creating this latest album, how vulnerability is his superpower, and much more!

Andddd… if you’re in Toronto on April 17th, join us at BSMT254 to see him and friends perform this album live! Your boy might also be making his DJ debut that night too, so it’ll be a night to remember!

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/premrock-friends-live-tickets-1279555287309?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Plug (0:51).

The Interview (3:08).

The backstory of the album title, Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…? (4:58).

PremRock’s mindset when creating DYEYTH (8:11).

The making of “Receipts” with billy woods (16:24).

The initial spark that inspired PremRock’s love for writing - patron q from Joshua Davis (36:13).

How PremRock carves out brain space to create, while also balancing a day job - patron q from Ryan aka LEVITATOR (40:13).

The musical tone and focus of DYEYTH (44:18).

The key producers / beats that set the foundation for the sound of DYEYTH (49:46).

Areas of artistic growth PremRock is most proud of (58:34).

PremRock’s upcoming show in Toronto + other tour dates, and projects to look out for (1:05:23).

Buy/stream Did You Enjoy Your Time Here...? here: https://planetpremrock.bandcamp.com/album/did-you-enjoy-your-time-here

Follow PremRock on Twitter here: https://x.com/PlanetPremRock

Follow PremRock on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/premrock/?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

Fat Ray is a true Detroit hip-hop OG, who embodies everything that makes this scene so special. The grit, distinct style, and appreciation of hip-hop is always on display when you put a Fat Ray track on.

Having created music for multiple decades now, Fat Ray has been a mainstay in Detroit’s scene dropping certified heat, collaborating with the likes of Elzhi, Dilla, his fellow Bruiser Brigade brethren, and Black Milk... who collaborated with Ray on his new AOTY-contender of a record, Food from the Gods.

In today's episode, Fat Ray drops jewels on how he stays so effortlessly authentic as a man and an artist, the beautiful ugly of Detroit hip-hop, his strong relationship with Black Milk, and the inspired creation of Food from the Gods.

The Plug (0:58).

The Interview (2:19).

The evolution of Detroit’s hip-hop scene (8:27).

How Detroit influences Fat Ray’s art (16:47).

Fat Ray’s writing process (19:25).

Fat Ray’s experience with Bruiser Brigade (22:02).

How Black Milk and Fat Ray initially linked up (25:47).

Black Milk’s special level of “cool” (28:17).

What Fat Ray wanted to get off his chest and show listeners on Food from the Gods (35:07).

The sonic approach of Food from the Gods (39:24).

Why now was right time to get back with Black Milk and create Food from the Gods (46:11).

What Fat Ray has grown as an artist throughout his career (49:15).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from Fat Ray (54:46).

Buy/stream Food from the Gods here: https://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/album/food-from-the-gods

Follow Fat Ray on Twitter here: https://x.com/fatraymotorboy?lang=mr

Follow Fat Ray on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fatray1/?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

Pink Siifu has been on a mission to create some of the most forward-thinking art in all of music. His eclectic ear had led him down some incredibly fruitful rabbit holes. And on his latest record, BLACK’!ANTIQUE, his latest masterstroke pushes his GUMBO'! genre-fluid ethos to new extremes. With another terrific album under his belt, Siifu’s legacy is on a special trajectory.

In today’s episode, the Birmingham native speaks on how he’d like to be remembered, the unique energy of BLACK’!ANTIQUE and why he’s so proud of it, and much more.

Pink Siifu is everything you want in an artist, so listen on and learn more about a legend in the making.

The Plug (0:37).

The Interview (1:50).

Initial reception of BLACK’!ANTIQUE (2:08).

The unique sonic identity of BLACK’!ANTIQUE (12:00).

The significance of how the ‘black antique’ idea inspires the creation of Siifu’s latest album (16:29).

The importance of family in Pink Siifu’s music (32:01).

How Pink Siifu views his legacy (36:12).

The deep collaboration process on BLACK’!ANTIQUE (37:52).

Why experimenting with sound and collaboration inspires Siifu (44:00).

Future sounds Siifu wants to explore (49:20).

Upcoming projects to look out for from Pink Siifu (55:29).

Buy/stream BLACK’!ANTIQUE here: https://ronee.bandcamp.com/album/black-antique

Follow Pink Siifu on Twitter here: https://x.com/PinkSiifu

Follow Pink Siifu on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/pinksiifu/

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

Few artists embody the full spectrum of rap, quite like today’s guest on the show - Ghais Guevara. Through breakout records in Black Bolshevik and There Will Be No Super-Slave, Ghais has made a name for himself with fiercely political lyricism, and a bold left-field sound.

On his latest album Goyard Ibn Said, Ghais expands his scope, incorporating sounds of trap music and drill, flexing his songwriting muscles that leads to legitimate hits as a result, while staying true to his political worldview and creative expression.

In today’s episode, Ghais speaks on how he and other politically-minded rappers are perceived and treated by rap listeners, what inspired the musical direction for Goyard Ibn Said, and expands on the commentary on the pitfalls of the entertainment industry explored within the album, and much more.

Ghais is a rising star in the making, you do not wanna miss this!

The Plug (0:50).

The Interview (2:27).

Ghais’ recent signing to Fat Possum and the initial reception Goyard Ibn Said (3:03).

Ghais’ perspectives on how politically-minded rappers are perceived and treated by rap fans (6:52).

What inspired the musical direction of Goyard Ibn Said (16:12).

The impact of producing the bulk of Goyard Ibn Said with little to no samples (21:45).

The thinking behind the two-act structure of Goyard Ibn Said (25:20).

Key messages Ghais wanted to get across to the listener on Goyard Ibn Said (27:20).

Diving into “Critical Acclaim” and the recent string of events exposing the entertainment industry (29:49).

How Ghais navigates an inherently oppressive industry while maintaining his integrity (36:04).

Ghais’ evolution as a songwriter (38:03).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (42:13).

Buy/stream Goyard Ibn Said here: https://ghais.bandcamp.com/album/goyard-ibn-said

Follow Ghais Guevara on Twitter here: https://x.com/GhaisGuevara

Follow Ghais Guevara on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ghaisguevaraobligatory/?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

2024 was a year of maintenance and solidifying the foundation. While the show didn’t 5x in year over year growth, as it did from 2022 to 2023, the arrow has still been pointing up with some big artists joining the show, increased viewership and positive feedback. In particular, the RMPP patron group has grown to the largest its ever been, which has honestly been the biggest one of my most proudest achievements of my life. The community has progressed to a point where it’s become a staple of my life, and hopefully the patrons of this show feel the same way.

2024 was proof that this show is here to stay, and will be a fixture in indie rap media for years to come. To the RMPP patrons, as well as the rest of you listeners who support the show with your time and attention... thank you for entrusting me with this privilege to rap music plug podcast for you. You are greatly appreciated.

So now, without further ado... let’s talk about what music defined my 2024, and hand out some awards along the way.

Welcome to the 5th Annual RMPP Awards.

Share your feedback on what you’d like to see on the RMPP in the future! Complete this 2-minute survey here: https://forms.gle/ApTNot34UZtAfwE36

The Plug (0:21)

The 4th Annual RMPP Awards intro (3:15).

Best Rap in a Supporting Role (4:42).

Hook of the Year (6:38).

Beat of the Year (8:07).

Song of the Year (9:28).

Producer of the Year (11:41).

Rapper of the Year (13:10).

Top Albums of the Year structure (15:17).

The RMPP 25: my top 25 albums, inclusive of all genres (15:52).

• The full categorized list of the RMPP's Top 100 Albums of 2024 can be found here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/episodes/186-5th-annual-rmpps
• Listen to my piece on Why Lawd? here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/episodes/cp-why-lawd-a-cautionary-tale-of-f-up-a-good-thing

Final reflection (23:53).

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

Earnestness is a hard thing to pull off in music. As much as listeners like to think we know the artists we listen to as actual people, we don’t. Most of the time, we’re simply left to whatever we hear in the music, to get a feel for if someone is being honest and authentic with how they think and feel.

In the social media and AI age, it’s getting harder and harder to have trust in the media we consume, and take things at face value. However, with today’s guest, NAHreally… it’s actually quite easy. It’s clear to me that NAHreally is as honest and personable a rapper, as they come.

NAHreally, Massachusetts-native now living in Jersey City, first came on my radar through some nice features before really making an imprint on my mind with his collaborative album with Irish-producer, The Expert, on BLIP, one of the best albums of the year

He’s back with a self-produced new album, Secret Pancake, and joins us today to discuss the seamless creative process for this new album, how it differed from the creation of BLIP, his uniquely down-to-earth approach to rap, distinct flow, and much, much more.

The Plug (0:38).

The Interview (2:17).

The creation of the Secret Pancake album artwork (2:57).

Top 5 rapper hands - RMPP patron q from Dan-O of Freemusicempire (7:47).

NAHreally’s creative process - RMPP patron q from Rhino (11:44).

Major influences on NAHreally’s rap style (17:32).

The creative chemistry between NAHreally and The Expert on BLIP (19:48).

NAHreally’s approach to social commentary in music (23:47).

The importance of being ”relatable” to NAHreally (29:35).

The approach to creating Secret Pancake (34:20).

NAHreally’s mindstate when creating Secret Pancake (38:01).

The production direction on Secret Pancake (43:10).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (47:32).

NAHreally’s thoughts on the upcoming NFL playoffs (51:07).

Buy/stream Secret Pancake here: https://nahreally.bandcamp.com/album/secret-pancake

Follow NAHreally on Twitter here: https://x.com/_nahreally_

Follow NAHreally on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_nahreally_/

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