Your remedy to the “I don’t have anything good to listen to” problem… below.
Access all RMPP episodes here: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube.
#184 - k-the-i??? & Kenny Segal INTERVIEW
In this episode, we learn more about the immediate connection and effortlessly natural creative process of Genuine Dexterity, what prompted k-the-i??? to return to the rap scene with his first full-length rap album in a long while, the key influences that guided the album’s direction, and much more.
#183 - Cavalier & Child Actor breakdown 'CINE' - Album Alchemy
On paper, the combination of Cavalier and Child Actor felt like a match made in heaven. Child Actor’s dynamic psychedelic production is a natural fit for Cavalier’s malleable rap delivery and cerebral lyrical approach. But for a collaboration to really work, and be something that is special, more than just the measurables have to align.
There needs to be a like-minded musical philosophy and innate chemistry for truly great music to manifest. This certainly was the case with these two, as they put together a stellar body of work in CINE, which is absolutely one of the best albums of 2024.
Cavalier and Child Actor are here with me today to talk about why their creative relationship was so fruitful, the backstory to some of CINE’s most intriguing songs, and much more!
#179 - ØKSE INTERVIEW (w/ Dash Lewis)
ØKSE is a 4-person group, comprised of NYC based drummer Savannah Harris, Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, Haitian electronic musician Val Jeanty, and Swede Petter Eldh on bass, synths and sampler. This worldwide supergroup of musicians brought their specific influences to the table, creating a musical vision that defies any and all convention
With me today is 3 of the 4 bandmates, Savannah, Mette, and Petter. Additionally Dash Lewis, talented writer for the likes of Pitchfork, HipHopDX, The Guardian, PassionWeiss, helped me co-host this interview once again, as he did in the last episode… and just like the last episode, this is a conversation you do not want to miss!
#170 - Cavalier INTERVIEW
In this episode, Cavalier and I have a sprawling conversation covering the creative thinking behind the rich audio visual experience of Different Type Time, what informed his unique career path as an artist, the meaning of participating in hip-hop culture, and much much more...
#154 - Armand Hammer INTERVIEW
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!
#148 - Fatboi Sharif & steel tipped dove breakdown ‘Decay’ - Album Alchemy
Decay is a psychedelic masterpiece - a result of two creative minds joining forces at the exact right time in their careers.
Sharif and Dove are here today to breakdown how this excellent new album was created, in the latest installment of the ‘Album Alchemy’ series.
#145 - Kenny Segal INTERVIEW
Kenny Segal’s one-of-one style has enchanted listeners for over a decade, creating soundscapes for some of rap’s most interesting voices in R.A.P. Ferreira, Self-Jupiter, Serengeti, and most recently, billy woods.
The LA-based producer joined the show to provide insight into his eclectic production style, his collaboration style, key learnings he’s gathered from his illustrious career, and the creation of his latest masterpiece with billy woods, Maps.
#142 - billy woods INTERVIEW
Teaming up with Kenny Segal for a second time, woods has released his latest masterpiece, Maps... and he’s here today on the show, to talk about his experience creating this record, his writing style and the frequent themes found in his work, Armand Hammer, the legacy of Backwoodz, and so much more!
If you’re familiar with me and this show so far, you know how I feel about woods. You know I had to make the most of my opportunity speaking with the GOAT.
You won't wanna miss this...
#138 - Child Actor INTERVIEW
Child Actor is an artist that cut their teeth in the indie pop world, before transitioning to the world of rap through organic relationships with the likes of Ceschi, Serengeti, and billy woods.
Child Actor now sports a trademark cutting-edge sound that has become a staple amongst underground’s finest, through fantastic work on Backwoodz Studioz, Open Mike Eagle, and Serengeti projects to name a few.
Listen on to hear how this undeniably talented producer made it to where he is today, and how he approaches his craft with the kind of ingenuity you’d expect from someone who produced that f***** up Armand Hammer track, "Charms".
#134 - SKECH185 INTERVIEW
SKECH’s unique powers made his Backwoodz debut with Jeff Markey, He Left Nothing for the Swim Back, an absolute home run and my current album of the year.
Listen on to hear more about interesting stories related to his new album, Tomorrow Kings, Chicago rap, and how this special blend of meticulous lyrical craftsmanship and unmitigated passion came to be.
#127 - AKAI SOLO INTERVIEW
Something I told AKAI, and what bares repeating, is that an idea sounds simple when it is presented in his music. He’s that special.
With a fresh, and raw rap style that is reminiscent of Vordul Mega, and that’s not my words… that comes from the Backwoodz Studioz head honcho himself.
This conversation was as insightful as you’d expect it would be with an artist like AKAI. Enjoy!
#125 - billy woods & Messiah Musik - Church REVIEW
Vulnerability is an interesting concept. The more vulnerable you get, the likelihood of you achieving true happiness and connection rises... just as the likelihood you get deeply hurt and traumatized rises as well.
In other words, vulnerability is a double-edged sword.
Vulnerability is the only true path to acceptance, healing, and growth.
This is the path that we find billy woods on in his latest album Church, in collaboration with producer phenom Messiah Musik.
#119 - Alexander Richter INTERVIEW
Album artwork and the visual side of hip-hop has always played a key role in how music lovers engaged with the art form.
In today’s episode we are joined by someone who’s work has provided visuals for some of rap’s finest. From legends such as Prodigy, Clipse, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, and most notably as of late, many Backwoodz Studioz artists such as Armand Hammer and ShrapKnel.
I hope you enjoy today’s illuminating conversation with the incredibly talented photographer and film director, Alexander Richter.
#118 - Album Alchemy - Metal Lung (w/ ShrapKnel)
Few albums build an entirely fresh and distinct musical universe quite like ShrapKnel’s Metal Lung.
Within seconds, the duo of PremRock and Curly Castro bring you on a 40+ minute journey that features a combination of A1 lyricism, and production that is wildly psychedelic and atmospheric.
The dynamic duo of Curly Castro and PremRock joined the show to deep-dive into the creation of Metal Lung, in the 3rd installment of the Album Alchemy series.
Listen on to hear how one of the best albums of 2022 was conceived.
#115 - E L U C I D INTERVIEW
Picking the brain of the artist who created Paraffin, Save Yourself, Haram and most recently I Told Bessie, would’ve sounded like a pipe dream just a year and a half ago...
But now, off the strength of the love and support you the listener have provided me, I was able to sit down with South Jamaica Queen’s E L U C I D for an interview in Ep. 115 of the show.
We dove deep into his one-of-a-kind lyricism, his creative relationship with billy woods, his spirituality, and his latest album of the year contender, I Told Bessie.
Simply put, this was a fantastic conversation with one of the best rappers of all time.
#112 - E L U C I D - I Told Bessie REVIEW
Since the stock of Armand Hammer and the Backwoodz Studioz name has risen exponentially in recent years, this latest album from E L U C I D presented a real opportunity for him.
A prime opportunity for E L U C I D to solidify his perch in rap lore as one of the best artists of his generation, by delivering an album that amazes when the spotlight is beaming at its brightest.
I Told Bessie was not only a highly-anticipated album, but felt like one of, if not, THE most important moments in hip-hop this year.