#220 - SHA RAY & DJ Haram breakdown 'Critical Thot' - Album Alchemy

As today’s guest and I discussed in this episode, sometimes we throw around superlatives too easily in rap. Crowning certain lyricists as elite, when they’re respectable, but nothing close to great. Grouping the Matt Ryans of the world, with the Dan Marinos. Not every ball player, or rapper, is a true Hall of Fame, gold jacket type of guy. When it comes to lyrics and putting intricate rhymes together, Skyzoo is one of those minted, elite pens. In this episode, we discuss Skyzoo’s love for writing, lessons he’s learnt as a successful independent artist over the past two decades, and the making of his thoughtful new album with Apollo Brown, Luxury Tax.

Speaking to today’s guest genuinely moved me. I was feeling burnt out and uninspired, running on fumes as I hopped on the mic and pressed record, set to speak with the LA-based, Koreatown Oddity. But after hearing fascinating insight, as he guided me through the hallways of his mind with humour and remarkable perspective, spending 2+ hours with me, smiling through constant technical difficulties we were experiencing throughout... his foundational sense of faith, and positive energy was genuinely contagious. I couldn’t help but feel pumped up, and grateful for getting to speak to such talented and interesting artists on this show, such as The Koreatown Oddity. In this episode, we discussed his affinity for gritty lo-fi music, where his unshakeable sense of belief comes from, general life philosophies, the making of THAI TAPE and his latest record on Stones Throw, Purdy, and much, much more. If you’re a fan of Koreatown Oddity’s wildly strange and unique art, or are simply curious to learn more, then this sprawling and genuinely deep conversation is an absolute MUST-listen. Intro (0:00). The Plug (1:23). The Interview (3:36). KTO’s affinity for gritty, lo-fi music (9:22). The Koreatown influence on KTO’s artistic trajectory (20:30). KTO’s unflinching sense of faith (29:38). The Thai influence of THAI TAPE (40:07). The deeply reflective messaging of Purdy (50:00). How KTO’s mind state influenced the making of Purdy (57:48). Advice on how to stay driven to pursue your craft, despite lack of recognition (1:14:44). The dreamy, contemplative sound of Purdy (1:21:34). Support Purdy here: https://www.stonesthrow.com/store/purdy/ Follow The Koreatown Oddity on Twitter here: https://x.com/KoreatownOddity Follow The Koreatown Oddity on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ktownodd/?hl=en Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot us an email at [email protected] Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

Few albums pack in as much musical and lyrical diversity as Yaphet does, the latest Curly Castro album fully produced by Locust, released on Backwoodz Studioz. Castro is as dynamic as ever on this new album, slicing through Locust’s electric, drum-forward production with impassioned energy, delivering one of, not only his most dynamic albums yet, but his most personal. Delving into topics like his recent health issues, challenges with the birth of his daughter, in such a raw and unfiltered way - Castro and Locust created something that feels both futuristic, and indebted to the past, all at the same time. This is one of the strongest releases of the year. In this episode, we delve into their creative relationship, the vulnerablity displayed on Yaphet and its eclectic sound, the greatness found in the new generation of rappers coming up, and much more. Intro (0:00). The Plug (1:23). The Interview (2:50). Castro and Locust’s creative relationship (5:31). Locust’s production style (11:03). Castro’s dynamic MC style (16:40). Locust’s musical background (18:02). The vulnerability found on Yaphet (24:53). Castro reflects on his ability to create art, despite his recent health issues (36:47). B-boy essence on Yaphet (44:41). The greatness of the young generation of rappers, aka ‘new mutants’ (47:15). The sonic vision and chronological progression of Yaphet (52:52). The creative process behind Yaphet’s intro and lead single (1:01:18). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:06:58).

For all of my life, art that touches on relationships, and existentialism in general, have always been up my cup of tea. So I’m always heavily biased towards music that focuses on these subjects. This is why the latest album by today’s guests, Open Mike Eagle and Kenny Segal, titled DOOMED, contrary to what the title may suggest, was destined to be an album that would impact me greatly... and impact me greatly it did. Mike’s witty humour combined with lived-in authentic experience surrounding a significant breakup, led to some of his greatest writing to-date. This excellent writing was all layered atop a bed of wonderfully lush, and atmospheric production from Kenny Segal. DOOMED is my current album of the year. In this episode, we discuss why the time was right for the first OME x Kenny Segal full-length collaboration, how the relationship-focused subject matter animated the beats and the rhymes, and much more! DOOMED sees Mike and Kenny at the peak of their powers. This episode is an essential listen to learn and appreciate how they pulled off this landmark achievement. Intro (0:00). The Plug (1:16). The Interview (2:55). Kenny’s recent experience on Tiny Desk (3:25). The recording process and timing of DOOMED (11:33). What Mike learnt through creating DOOMED (19:27). The sense of acceptance displayed on DOOMED (22:06). The non-linear through-line of DOOMED (25:06). What listeners may take away from DOOMED (37:35). The sonic direction of DOOMED (43:19). The songwriting excellence on DOOMED (52:19). The creative process differences between ATD and DOOMED (1:00:19). Lyrical breakdown of “Watching a Movie called Freedom by Myself” (1:03:20). Extended musical outro to conclude DOOMED - patron q from Kosey (1:07:53). The GOAT relationship rappers, and woods’ feature on “She Swear I’m Colorblind” (1:12:48). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:17:59). Mike and Kenny tour dates here: https://mikeeaglestinks.tumblr.com/post/89666128320/dates-locations-rap-shows

With today’s guest, from the moment his signature vinyl needle drops and the crackle is heard… you know you’re in for some hard, gritty, soulful, hip-hop s***. Apollo Brown is a Detroit producer extraordinaire who has caught my ear for over a decade, with amazing collaborations with the likes of Planet Asia, Westside Gunn, Skyzoo, Ghostface and more. Additionally, he has crafted incredible instrumental albums that are rich with emotion and introspective beauty. Personally, Apollo’s instrumental works have been what excited me the most with his art, as he's consistently put together sonic experiences that make me think and make me feel. From the moment I heard Clouds over a decade ago, and right now with his brand new, outstanding instrumental album, No Pressure, No Diamond. In today’s episode, we discuss his signature sound, his affinity for music that is emotional and introspective, and the inspiration behind his new instrumental album, No Pressure, No Diamond. Apollo is one of the absolute best producers out. You do not want to miss this. Intro (0:00). The Plug (0:50). The Interview (2:28). DJ Premier and other formative music (6:38). Apollo’s choice to become a producer (13:35). Apollo’s “I’ve arrived” moment (18:46). Apollo’s signature sound (21:28). Production workflow (30:29). The emotionality of Apollo’s art (36:16). Apollo’s journey to becoming a ‘diamond’ (53:43). The sonic vision of No Pressure, No Diamond (1:03:29). What Apollo hopes listeners take away from No Pressure, No Diamond (1:09:01). What brings Apollo pride with No Pressure, No Diamond (1:13:30). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:18:26). Buy/stream No Pressure, No Diamond here: https://apollobrown.bandcamp.com/album/no-pressure-no-diamond Follow Apollo Brown on Twitter here: https://x.com/ApolloBrown Follow Apollo Brown on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/apollobrown/?hl=en Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING -- 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 @rapmusicplugpod on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot us an email at [email protected] Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/