The Rap Music Plug Podcast

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).

Buy Yaphet here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/yaphet?srsltid=AfmBOopi20q1_xiFyM9mjidgY57MRPUltlcXf843XYH1eXiNV0MI8xj3

Follow Curly Castro on Twitter here: https://x.com/Curly_Castro 

Follow Locust on Twitter here: https://x.com/and_Locust 

Follow Curly Castro on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/curlycastro/ 

Follow Locust on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/plain_old_mike_and_locust_/ 

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 hello@rapmusicplugpod.com 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

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  

Buy/stream DOOMED! here: https://openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com/album/doomed 

Follow Open Mike Eagle on Twitter here: https://x.com/Mike_Eagle 

Follow Kenny Segal on Twitter here: https://x.com/KennySegal 

Follow Open Mike Eagle on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/open_mike_eagle/?hl=en 

Follow Kenny Segal on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kennysegal/?hl=en 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 hello@rapmusicplugpod.com 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

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

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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 hello@rapmusicplugpod.com 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

Another day, another incredible duo dropping inspired rap music in 2026. The last two episodes of the RMPP highlighted great rap duos, and today’s episode is just another example of collaborative heat, provided by Brian Ennals and Blockhead.

Blockhead’s layered melodic production has blessed many great MCs in the past, such as Aesop Rock and billy woods. But up until now, I don’t think he’s worked with a rapper as brash an energy as Ennals.

And likewise with Brian, he’s made a name for himself atop the highly experimental production from Infinity Knives, which was its own unique beast entirely.

So on both ends, this collaboration put both Blockhead and Brian in a unique spot for a change of pace... and boy were the results terrific on their collaborative album, Boatshoes.

In this episode, we seek to understand their creative and personal bond, the dark and personal inspiration behind the subject matter of Boatshoes, and its dramatic and dynamic production… which all came together to make it one of the absolute standout releases of 2026.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (1:10).

The Interview (2:55).

Favourite Blockhead-produced album (3:46).

Brian Ennals’ special sauce (6:26).

Brian and Blockhead’s personal bond (11:47).

The raw personal lyricism on Boatshoes (15:36).

The drama-filled, dark production on Boatshoes (23:29).

Taking risks on Boatshoes (37:30).

Expected audience response to Boatshoes (41:50).

Song most proud of creating on Boatshoes (44:30).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (47:01).

Buy/stream Boatshoes here: https://blockheadnyc.bandcamp.com/album/boatshoes 

Follow Brian Ennals on Twitter here: https://x.com/BrianEnnals?lang=en 

Follow Blockhead on Twitter here: https://x.com/blockheadnyc 

Follow Brian Ennals on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/brianennals/?hl=en 

Follow Blockhead on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/blockheadnyc 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 hello@rapmusicplugpod.com 

Fiending for some more quality rap content? Visit the RMPP website: https://www.rapmusicplugpod.com/

Musical collaborations can be successful for a myriad of reasons. The artists in question can have similar life experiences, musical influences, styles, or differ tremendously within those same categories, and complement each other in unique ways.

But with today’s guests, Nappy Nina and Swarvy, their secret sauce revolves around their friendship, mutual trust, and a shared versatility that allows them to make remarkably fresh music from track to track, album to album.

In this episode, we explore their musical chemistry, the LA beat scene, the making of their 2nd collaborative album, Sow & So, and much more.

Intro (0:00).

The Plug (0:52).

The Interview (2:02).

Genesis of Nina and Swarvy’s creative relationship (2:32).

Match between Swarvy’s production and Nina’s raps (3:53).

Impact of the LA beat scene on Swarvy (9:45).

Swarvy’s formal musical education and multi-instrumentalist background (13:31).

Nina’s take on the current scene of femme rap (18:30).

Nina and Swarvy teaming up for a 2nd time on Sow & So (23:30).

The refreshed sound of Sow & So (24:47).

Lyrical focus of Sow & So (29:27).

Notable differences between Sow & So and its predecessor (33:42).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (40:23).

Buy Sow & So here: https://nappyninaswarvy.bandcamp.com/album/sow-so 

Follow Nappy Nina on Twitter here: https://x.com/Nappy_Nina 

Follow Swarvy on Twitter here: https://x.com/Swrvy 

Follow Nappy Nina on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nappy_nina/?hl=en 

Follow Swarvy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/swarvy/?hl=en 

Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

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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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com