The Rap Music Plug Podcast

#208 - Tomorrow Kings INTERVIEW

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 [https://tomorrowkings.bandcamp.com/album/salt]  Follow Tomorrow Kings on Twitter here: https://x.com/tomorrowkings [https://x.com/tomorrowkings]  Follow Tomorrow Kings on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tomorrowkings/ [https://www.instagram.com/tomorrowkings/]  Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ [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 [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 [qlctv.podcast@gmail.com]

#207 - Armand Hammer break down 'Mercy' - Album Alchemy

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 [https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/armand-hammer-the-alchemist-mercy]  Follow Armand Hammer on Twitter here: https://x.com/ArmandHammerNYC [https://x.com/ArmandHammerNYC]  Follow Armand Hammer on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/armandhammernyc/ [https://www.instagram.com/armandhammernyc/]  Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ [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 [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 [qlctv.podcast@gmail.com]

#206 - Mick Jenkins INTERVIEW

I’ve been listening to the music of today’s guest for over a decade now. I have vivid memories of telling anyone that would listen, some variation of “Mick Jenkins is the TRUTH”. Ever since I first heard The Water(s), I was sold. So it’s such a full circle moment to welcome him on the show. Mick Jenkins is an artist who’s matured both on and off the mic. On the mic, he’s chiselled away at his craft with each passing album, with recent highwater marks in 2023’s The Patience, and his brand new album with EMIL, A MURDER OF CROWS. Off the mic, he’s worked hard to maintain his autonomy and independence as an artist. In this episode, we discuss how he’s evolved as an artist, the ways he and other fellow artists can seize their power and circumvent the fruitless industry structure, and the creative process behind the brilliantly dark new collaborative album with EMIL, A MURDER OF CROWS. The Plug (1:05). The Interview (2:43). Mick’s love for writing (4:36). Mick’s artistic growth throughout his career (8:57). Mick’s mature perspective (28:16). How artists can take back the power (33:44). The lyrical inspirations behind A MURDER OF CROWS (56:27). The greatness of EMIL’s production on A MURDER OF CROWS (1:04:22). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:11:43). Buy/stream A MURDER OF CROWS here: https://www.even.biz/r/a-murder-of-crows [https://www.even.biz/r/a-murder-of-crows]  Follow Mick Jenkins on Twitter here: https://x.com/mickjenkins?lang=en [https://x.com/mickjenkins?lang=en]  Follow Mick Jenkins on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mickjenkins/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/mickjenkins/?hl=en]  Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ [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 [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 [qlctv.podcast@gmail.com]

#205 - HUMAN ERROR CLUB INTERVIEW

With most artists that I have on the show, I’m more concerned with the “why” and the “what”. Why did they take their music in this emotional direction? What inspired their style? But with today’s guests, HUMAN ERROR CLUB, I found myself often asking “how”? HUMAN ERROR CLUB is a LA-based band comprised of drummer, Mekala Sessions, and two keyboardists in Diego Gaeta and Jesse Justice, who come together to create music that can be loosely described as free jazz, with elements of hip-hop infused inside of it too. They create music through improvisational methods that genuinely amaze me. In this conversation, I sought to understand what this improvisational process looks like, some of their creative touchstones, and working with Kenny Segal on their new album on Backwoodz Studioz, HUMAN ERROR CLUB AT KENNY’S HOUSE. The Plug (0:55). The Interview (2:34). HEC’s musical background (5:20). How HEC was formed (9:18). The HEC sound (13:58). HEC’s improvisational creative process (16:40). The fun of improvisational music (19:33). HEC’s chemistry (25:22). HEC’s songwriting process (27:30). The creative process of their new album, HECAKH (30:40). The making of “Dislocated” (35:59). The impact of Kenny on HECAKH (41:40). The emotional arc of HECAKH (47:45). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (51:30). Buy HUMAN ERROR CLUB AT KENNY'S HOUSE here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/human-error-club-at-kennys-house?srsltid=AfmBOorMXAyLZ8kO-TgpETF_3dUnnXrmz6P_NmmGm_oCZYuqWbX8Wj6U [https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/human-error-club-at-kennys-house?srsltid=AfmBOorMXAyLZ8kO-TgpETF_3dUnnXrmz6P_NmmGm_oCZYuqWbX8Wj6U]  Follow HUMAN ERROR CLUB on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/humanerrorclubla/ [https://www.instagram.com/humanerrorclubla/]  Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://rmpp.squarespace.com/ [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 [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 [qlctv.podcast@gmail.com]

#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 [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 [https://its2000.bandcamp.com/album/the-years-we-have]  Follow THERAVADA on Twitter here: https://x.com/THERAVADA [https://x.com/THERAVADA]  Follow THERAVADA on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thrvd/?hl=en [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/ [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 [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 [qlctv.podcast@gmail.com]