Today’s guests, E L U C I D and Sebb Bash may come from very different backgrounds. But they share one core thing in common. Both pulling from the fundamental tenets of the past, they push the art form to places it’s never been before.

E L U C I D and Sebb were born to make music together. And luckily for us, they finally delivered their new collaborative album, I Guess U Had to Be There on Backwoodz Studioz.

In this episode, we discuss what makes their creative chemistry special, Sebb Bash’s signature sound, and the mindset underpinning their joyful and triumphant new album, and much more.

The next hour plus features two of rap’s most creative minds chopping it up, with some laughs along the way... how could you possibly not listen?

The Plug (1:07).

The Interview (2:25).

“Farmer time” (4:24).

Sebb’s entrypoint into hip-hop (12:31).

The binding agent between E L U C I D & Sebb Bash (23:55).

The signature Sebb Bash sound (29:45).

The importance of taste vs. technical skill as a producer (44:32).

The recording process for I Guess U Had to Be There (49:50).

E L U C I D’s mindstate when creating I Guess U Had to Be There (55:20).

The inspiration behind the “you just had to be there” idea (1:02:09).

The musical vision for I Guess U Had to Be There (1:07:00).

E L U C I D’s place in an evolving rap zeitgeist (1:10:01).

The unique process creating 48 HRS (1:13:55).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:20:57).

Buy I Guess U Had to Be There here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/elucid-sebb-bash-i-guess-u-had-to-be-there

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

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

Follow Sebb Bash on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sebb_bash/

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

The music of today’s guest, Birmingham, England-native, Tony Bontana, can be described in many ways: But to me, the simplest way I can describe Tony is creative… in any and every sense of the word.

Tony’s music spans multiple genres from rap, to punk, no wave, harnessing an artistic ethos that is truly like none other.

In today’s episode, we dig deeper into his creative ethos by discussing this “splayed” sound, the aggressively experimental 2025 collaborative record with psychedelic ensemble, The Beautiful Malaise, and his brand new opus, My Name, released on February 27th.

Tony Bontana is an essential voice, rising in profile with critically acclaimed works, and a killer feature on Nourished by Time’s last album.

I really can’t cosign this dude enough, so make sure you listen to this episode to learn more about a true musical visionary.

The Plug (0:55).

The Interview (2:41).

The “splayed” sound (7:17).

The aggressively experimental energy of The Beautiful Malaise (17:48).

Tony’s abstract, free-form vocal style (26:18).

The thematic inspiration for My Name (35:08).

Tony’s keen political focus (40:44).

The emotionally evocative sound of My Name (43:48).

My Name as a great Tony Bontana gateway drug (48:27).

Everything is Perfect Records (53:22).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (56:37).

Buy My Name here: https://tonybontana.bandcamp.com/album/my-name

Follow Tony Bontana on Twitter here: https://x.com/tonybontana0121

Follow Tony Bontana on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tonybontana/?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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

In the current era of music and hip-hop, there’s gotta be more rappers than at any other point in human history. And so while that leads to a ton of amazing, creative rap music being made, as an artist, it’s increasingly hard to stand out. The market has never been more saturated. This is why artists like today’s guest, have impressed by immediately carving out their own lane as a rising star.

Hailing from Charlotte, NC, LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON, he sports an electric, outlandish rap style that has made him one of the most distinct voices in all of rap. His blend of wit, sharp honesty, and sense of humour have powered some great projects, such as Beautifully Black with Navy Blue, his strong collaborative albums with Sadhugold., and now his latest record, As of Now.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of his recent signing with Lex, his unorthodox rap style, and the creative process behind his excellent new record, As of Now.

The Plug (0:50).

The Interview (2:31).

The impact of North Carolina’s rap scene (5:16).

Key turning points for Jah-Monte’s music career (8:18).

The impact of signing to Lex Records (14:43).

Jah-Monte’s unorthodox rap style (21:23).

The reflective nature of As of Now (33:51).

As of Now vs. past Jah-Monte projects (42:43).

The musical vision of As of Now (47:42).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:00:15).

Buy As of Now here: https://lexrecords.com/products/as-of-now/

Follow LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON on Twitter here: https://x.com/jahmonteogbon?lang=en

Follow LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jahmonteogbon/

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

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 full categorized list of the RMPP's Top 100 Albums of 2025, and list of nominations, can be found here: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/episodes/209-6th-annual-rmpps

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com

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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com