The Rap Music Plug Podcast

In the 11th edition of the Conversation Pieces series, which aims to shine a light on some inspired gems of creativity in hip-hop that I’ve encountered, we discuss what I'm calling 'pure creative inspiration'. This is the precise feeling I got when I recently first listened to Da Devil's Playground, and discovered the alchemy of Memphis rap. This discovery catalyzed an ensuing series of events that steered me in a more positive direction in life, as I approached the end of 2024, which showed me that even the smallest doses of creative inspiration can make a world of difference. The Plug (0:21). The Conversation (2:38). Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING Stream Da Devil's Playground here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4LlnC8CVKG3hpOqOd1Bwmi?si=FTrJZ_5vTRSrQqXg6vHNbA  -- 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]

As soon as you press play on Genuine Dexterity, the new album by k-the-i??? and Kenny Segal, released on Backwoodz Studioz, you immediately hear why this album was indeed called what it was called. k-the-i???’s raw technical skill was put on full display, as he delivered crazy rhyme schemes, intricate flows, and strong moments of personal reflection. On the production side of the coin, Kenny Segal crafted an immensely impressive soundscape that features his trademark hard drums, bass, alongside splashes of dissonant noise, and other experimental weirdness. Through today’s conversation with our guests, k-the-i?? and Kenny Segal though, you come to learn that this album title of Genuine Dexterity extends to the album’s creation as well. 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. The Plug (0:44). The Interview (2:39). RMPP Listening party reaction (2:49). What prompted k-the-i??? to make Genuine Dexterity first full-length rap release in over a decade (3:50) - patron q from TreDoes. Kenny’s first experience with k-the-i???’s music (12:12). Why Backwoodz Studioz felt like the right home for Genuine Dexterity (17:40). Kenny Segal’s thinking behind the noisy dissonant sound direction for Genuine Dexterity (20:51). Kenny Segal’s signature sound (23:55). k-the-i???’s rhyming approach on Genuine Dexterity, and the LA influence on his style (34:09). k-the-i??? and Kenny Segal reminiscing about living in Boyle Heights (54:03). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:01:46). Buy Genuine Dexterity here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/genuine-dexterity-by-kenny-segal-k-the-i  Follow k-the-i??? on Twitter here: https://x.com/kthei  Follow Kenny Segal on Twitter here: https://x.com/kennysegal   Follow k-the-i??? on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/applesauce9mm/?hl=en  Follow Kenny Segal on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kennysegal/?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]

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! The Plug (1:27). The Interview (2:46). Initial reaction to CINE’s release so far (2:54). The initial vision for CINE (6:38). Cavalier and Child Actor’s creative chemistry (15:14). Cavalier’s prolific 2024 (22:28). How the close collaborative experience aided Child Actor’s production process (29:06). The challenge of rapping on Child Actor’s beats (36:19). Primary themes and messages of CINE (44:04). The story Child Actor aimed to tell on CINE (50:10). The concept of masculinity and romance in Cavalier’s music (1:04:45). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:14:38). Buy CINE here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/cine  Support Cavalier here: https://cavwins.com/  Follow Cavalier on Twitter here: https://x.com/Cavwins  Follow Child Actor on Twitter here: https://x.com/chldactr  Follow Cavalier on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cavwins/?hl=en  Follow Child Actor on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chldactr/?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]

In the wake of the recent passing of Brownsville’s Ka, I’ve decided to go against my policy and publicly share what was previously a RMPP patron-only review that I recorded for the last album within his storied career, The Thief Next to Jesus. It only feels right to share this with the world, with the hope that Ka’s wonderful art becomes essential listening to any and all hip-hop lovers. Since he’s passed, I’ve had a hard time collecting my thoughts to describe what this man’s impact was on me. What I landed on was speaking to what was always underneath Ka's impressive artistic craftsmanship, which is what really made him standout. What made him special was the kind soul that animated all of his work. Ka represented humanity, compassion, and understanding to the fullest extent So while his loss feels immense, Ka really left it all on the field... leaving behind a massive catalog of beautiful art for us to sit with forever. Now, what I feel we must do as lovers of hip-hop is ensure that Ka will never be forgotten, so that he can continue to serve as a spiritual and artistic North Star for generations to come. Rest in Peace Ka. Reflecting on Ka's passing (0:00). The Plug (3:22). The Full Review (5:21). Stream The Thief Next to Jesus here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4fmC67uHti9BxWUNAUb6wy  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]