Episode #286: Mainard Larkin

Episode #286: Mainard Larkin

In Episode #286, Mainard Larkin sits down with Osi to discuss his latest album Rattlesnake Boy. Their conversation moves through Mainard’s shift from rap into a more storytelling driven songwriting approach, and how identity, vulnerability, and character building shaped both the record and a new creative chapter. Along the way, they discuss reinvention, aging, and the challenge of finding a voice that feels honest, even when it means starting over.

Episode #285: PJ

In Episode #285, singer-songwriter PJ sits down with Osi to discuss her latest EP, Why Do Feelings Matter Anyway. They discuss the challenges of navigating the music industry while remaining true to her artistic vision, and how experiences with both major labels and independence have strengthened her confidence as a creator. Their conversation also touches on resilience, self-trust, and the mindset required to build a lasting career, as well as the importance of emotional discipline, Black creativity, and creating music that feels authentic above all else. PJ reflects on turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and why focusing on the work itself continues to guide her forward.

Episode #284: Nickelus F

In Episode #284, rapper Nickelus F sits down with Osi to discuss his latest album The Undisputed. They discuss the shift from pursuing recognition to embracing creative freedom, and how years of experience have shaped a quieter but more grounded confidence in Nickelus' work. Their conversation also touches on Richmond’s cultural imprint, the lasting influence of the blog era, and the balance between artistic independence, legacy, and the simple act of continuing to create.

Episode #283: Yaya Bey

In Episode #283, Yaya Bey sits down with Osi to discuss her latest album, Fidelity. Their conversation focuses on the emotional cost of chasing success, the importance of protecting your peace in an industry built on constant motion, and how vulnerability has become central to both Yaya’s life and music. They also discuss the making of Fidelity, from its blend of jazz, hip hop, soul, and dance music to the deeper questions of devotion, burnout, gratitude, and what it means to keep creating without losing yourself in the process.

Episode #282: Tiwayo

In Episode #282, Tiwayo sits down with Osi to discuss their latest album, Outsider. Their conversation focuses on Tiwayo’s path from the Paris suburbs to a sound shaped by blues, gospel, and Memphis soul, as they discuss how loss, family history, and lived experience show up in his music. They also discuss his return to live instrumentation, the role of performance in soul, and what it means to make work that stays rooted in tradition while still feeling personal and current.