The Rap Music Plug Podcast

• #204 - THERAVADA INTERVIEW

  Today’s guest, THERAVADA, has experienced a huge 2025 so far. Releasing his latest solo album, THE YEARS WE HAVE, producing half of Earl Sweatshirt’s Live Laugh Love, contributing a guest verse to Evidence’s Unlearning Vol. 2, and producing a bonus track off billy woods’ new album. You’d think, given the build-up of features and production credits that were released before his new album, that THERAVADA meticulously calculated this expertly crafted roll-out. But on the contrary, it was simply a serendipitous coincidence, made possible by years and years of dedication to his craft, a true love for the art, and a genuine desire to build authentic connections with those in the community. In this episode, we discuss the importance of hip-hop and New York on his upbringing, working with Earl on Live Laugh Love, the signature sound of THERAVADA, and the creative process behind his deeply personal new album, THE YEARS WE HAVE. Listen on to learn more about one of the best dual-threat rappers and producers in the game. Finally, for folks in Toronto, I have a special treat for you... I will be hosting an evening of amazing hip-hop and experimental music featuring cross-country acts that include: Wave Generators, jesse the Tree, NAHreally, GhostboyRJ, and bridge of sand. Join us on October 16th at BSMT 254 - tickets on sale now, buy here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rmpp-presents-wave-generators-jesse-the-tree-nahreally-live-in-toronto-tickets-1672174632339?aff=oddtdtcreator  The Plug (0:41). The Interview (2:45). The response to recent releases (3:36). The importance of New York in THERAVADA’s career (9:34). The importance of hip-hop on THERAVADA’s upbringing (15:09). THERAVADA’s relationship with Earl (21:28). The “THERAVADA sound” (36:19). Key influences to THERAVADA’s style (43:24). Primary inspirations to the introspective THE YEARS WE HAVE (50:31). The spiritual / mental impact of creating TYWH (56:16). Instrumental direction of TYWH (1:04:29). Points of pride from creating TYWH (1:09:17). TYWH pop-up event and future Animoss album (1:12:35). Buy/stream THE YEARS WE HAVE here: https://its2000.bandcamp.com/album/the-years-we-have  Follow THERAVADA on Twitter here: https://x.com/THERAVADA  Follow THERAVADA on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thrvd/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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]

  --------  

  1:19:45

  --------

  1:19:45
• #203 - Teller Bank$, q no rap name, Philth Spector & Killer Kane break down 'DRUG$$$' - Album Alchemy

  Today’s episode highlights the beauty in artistic collaboration - creating something greater than the sum of its parts, as well as the beauty of art as a means to process emotion and get through life’s challenges. The quartet of rapper Teller Bank$, and producers Killer Kane, q no rap name, and Philth Spector joined forces to create one of the best albums of the year, DRUG$$$. They joined the show to deep-dive into the jazz-like improvisational creative process for the album, the therapeutic effect it had on Teller Bank$ in soundtracking his own personal story of triumph through adversity, and the serendipitous nature of the entire creative journey. Some wise words from some incredibly talented minds, you will not want to miss this. Finally, for folks in Toronto, I have a special treat for you... I will be hosting an evening of amazing hip-hop and experimental music featuring cross-country acts that include: Wave Generators, jesse the Tree, NAHreally, GhostboyRJ, and bridge of sand. Join us on October 16th at BSMT 254 - tickets on sale now, buy here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rmpp-presents-wave-generators-jesse-the-tree-nahreally-live-in-toronto-tickets-1672174632339?aff=oddtdtcreator  The Plug (1:05). The Interview (2:50). The highly positive reception to DRUG$$$ (3:16). The genesis of the collaboration (8:00). The Flip a Beat Club between the DRUG$$$ producers (13:23). The recording process for the production of DRUG$$$ (17:34). Executing the musical vision of DRUG$$$ (21:47). The overarching narrative behind DRUG$$$ (27:38). The sound signature of DRUG$$$ (32:56). Teller’s emotional mindstate while recording DRUG$$$ (38:44). Short song structure of DRUG$$$ (57:28). The freedom that the DRUG$$$ instrumentals afforded to Teller (1:03:22). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:15:27). The impact DRUG$$$ had on Teller’s life (1:24:51). Buy/stream DRUG$$$ here: https://tellerbanks.bandcamp.com/album/drug  Follow Teller Bank$ on Twitter here: https://x.com/Teller_Banks357  Follow q no rap name on Twitter here: https://x.com/qnorapname_  Follow Philth Spector on Twitter here: https://x.com/Philth_Spector  Follow Killer Kane on Twitter here: https://x.com/killerkanebeats  Follow Teller Bank$ on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/teller_banks/  Follow q no rap name on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/qnorapname/  Follow Philth Spector on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/philth_spector/  Follow Killer Kane on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ourleaderkane/  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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]

  --------  

  1:35:46

  --------

  1:35:46
• #202 - Gabe 'Nandez & Preservation breakdown 'Sortilège' - Album Alchemy

  What makes a rap duo special is more than just the quality of beats and rhymes. It’s more than even the stylistic fit between the two elements. The secret sauce lies in a personal bond that extends beyond the music That’s what today’s guests, New York-based duo Gabe ‘Nandez and Preservation, have in common. With Gabe’s track record of sharp lyricism and a distinct voice, I knew that pairing him with a musical savant like Preservation would yield strong results (said producer has created masterpieces with yasiin bey, billy woods, Ka, Marci, and more). But even with that said, they completely blew me away, exceeding the lofty expectations I had for them on their new collaborative album, Sortilège. In this episode, we dive into their personal relationship, their musical chemistry, the magic of the late great Ka, myth-making through rap, and the creative process behind their stellar new record. Finally, for folks in Toronto, I have a special treat for you... I will be hosting an evening of amazing hip-hop and experimental music featuring cross-country acts that include: Wave Generators, jesse the Tree, NAHreally, GhostboyRJ, and bridge of sand. Join us on October 16th at BSMT 254 - tickets on sale now, buy here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rmpp-presents-wave-generators-jesse-the-tree-nahreally-live-in-toronto-tickets-1672174632339?aff=oddtdtcreator  The Plug (1:11). The Interview (3:05). The genesis of the Gabe x Preservation collaboration (4:50). The spiritual connection between Sortilège & Aethiopes (8:04). What made Ka special (12:23). The recording process for Sortilège (17:50). The influence of mythology on Gabe’s writing (22:58). The idea of transformation explored on Sortilège (29:48). Gabe’s ‘surfer dude’ vibe (34:00). The stylistic fit between Gabe & Preservation (38:48). Specific musical choices Preservation made to complement Gabe’s style (43:07). Importance of current events on war-focused lyrics on Sortilège (47:18). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (52:18). Buy Sortilège and merch here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/preservation-gabe-nandez-present-sortilege  Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Twitter here: https://x.com/GabeNandez  Follow Preservation on Twitter here: https://x.com/mondieumusic  Follow Gabe 'Nandez on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/champiyawn/  Follow Preservation on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mondieumusic/  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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]

  --------  

  56:50

  --------

  56:50
• #201 - Sunmundi & Sasco INTERVIEW

  How I’d describe my tastes in music would be such that, I don’t care too much about what emotion is conveyed, I just care that there IS an emotion being shared to begin with. Whether it be portrayals of depression, bliss, and everything in between, I want my music to make me feel something. On top of that, I’m partial to more intense displays of emotion, because I’m a dramatic emotional guy, what can I say? That’s why the music of today’s guests, Sunmundi and Sasco, really speaks to me, because what they created on their latest album is a wondrous achievement in putting true heartfelt passion on to wax. The young and talented New York-based duo joined the show to discuss how their relationship formed, their natural creative chemistry, and the artistic approach behind their incredible new collaborative album, Contacting. I was pleased to co-host this conversation with friend of the show, an accomplished journalist with pieces in Pitchfork, The Guardian, Bandcamp, and more. So listen on to hear about how one of 2025’s essential records was created, and why you need to have Sunmundi and Sasco firmly on your listening radar from here on out. The Plug (0:38). The Interview (2:30). Reactions to the strong positive response to Contacting (4:20). How Sunmundi and Sasco connected (7:49). How Contacting came to be (9:31). The musical direction for Contacting (13:18). Sunmundi & Sasco’s shared intuition that conceptualized Contacting (17:46). Sunmundi’s hyper-expressive rap style (21:27). Creating music as ‘a vessel’ (28:49). Future music from Sunmundi & Sasco (33:00). The post-production work for Contacting (35:54). The core statement Contacting is communicating (38:33). Buy/stream Contacting here: https://sasco.bandcamp.com/album/contacting  Follow Sunmundi on Twitter here: https://x.com/sunmundi  Follow Sasco on Twitter here: https://x.com/sascomusic  Follow Sunmundi on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sunmundimusic/  Follow Sasco on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sascomusic/  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING Photo credit used in episode artwork by @suchi__mane on Instagram -- 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]

  --------  

  45:03

  --------

  45:03
• #200 - $ilkMoney INTERVIEW

  Some people are just born to be in front of a mic, blessed with such charisma, cultural intellect, and communication prowess. That immediately makes listeners hang on their every word. That’s the kind of guy who is joining us for the 200th episode of The Rap Music Plug Podcast, none other than Richmond Virginia’s own, $ilkMoney. $ilk’s commanding mic presence, impossibly malleable flow, and artistic vision has made him one of rap’s rising stars from the moment he burst on to the scene as a member of Divine Council. Now firmly in the spotlight as a solo artist, he’s given such dense rewarding work, album after album, and has outdone himself with his latest opus, WHO WATERS THE WILTED GIVING TREE. In this episode, we discuss recent comments he’s made about Tyler, the Creator and André 3000 that have caught some attention, his free-form psychedelic approach to rap, and the inspiration behind his electric and deeply thoughtful new album. Also, I’d be remiss not to share a quick thought about this milestone of 200 episodes. Because as much as I’ve run this thing as a one-man show… I did not get here alone. I wouldn’t be here without the patrons whose kind support and engagement in the RMPP community have powered me through many nights burning the midnight oil brainstorming or editing an episode. I wouldn’t be here without all the artists who trusted me to discuss their work and points of view. And I wouldn’t be here without everyone who’s ever listened to even one episode of this show. I’ve had the opportunity to have real conversations with people who I feel make some of the greatest art I’ve ever heard. It’s been an unexpected journey so far, and a legitimate dream come true. This is my baby, and I’m blessed to share their 200th day of existence with $ilkMoney, who made for one of the most entertaining episodes ever on the RMPP. I hope you enjoy. Thank you so much. The Plug (0:41). The Interview (3:09). $ilkMoney’s non-music interests (4:22). The inspiration behind $ilk’s unique song / album titles (9:37). $ilkMoney on his recent comments towards Tyler, The Creator and André 3000 (16:17). How rap gave $ilkMoney gave him a sense of purpose (25:22). Maintaining creative freedom and authenticity in the music industry (29:35). $ilk’s desire to be ‘as free-form as possible’ in rap (34:35). Psychedelia in $ilk’s art (38:30). $ilkMoney’s viscerally elastic flow and songwriting (44:54). How the idea of ‘the giving tree’ inspired $ilkMoney on his new album (53:31). The degree of vulnerability from $ilkMoney on WWTWGT (1:00:17). The sonic world of WWTWGT (1:08:45). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from $ilkMoney (1:11:31). Buy/stream WWTWGT here: https://silkmoney.bandcamp.com/album/who-waters-the-wilting-giving-tree-once-the-leaves-dry-up-and-fruits-no-longer-bear  Follow $ilkMoney on Twitter here: https://x.com/CUUMMONEY  Follow $ilkMoney on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/silkbooty/?hl=en  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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]

  --------  

  1:20:23

  --------

  1:20:23

More Music podcasts

Trending Music podcasts

About The Rap Music Plug Podcast