(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) This is a podcast on hip-hop... a genre of musical expression that has always been intertwined with the culture and politics that surround it. Therefore, understanding the artists that make the music, naturally means diving into their thoughts and opinions both directly, and indirectly related to their music. So with Adé Hakim in Episode 38, this is certainly one of those times when the conversation went deep into some topics that some may find uncomfortable and po...
Mar 08, 2021•2 hr 17 min•Ep. 38
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) While Wolf on Wall St. felt like a Fahim album in terms of how straight forward it was, I feel like the more varied production, and the fact that there are solo Droog songs on this album, makes Tha YOD Fahim feel like Droog took the lead creatively... and I think it's better for it, because this album is more dynamic than its predecessor. Right off the bat, what stood out to me was how much more interesting this album was instrumentally. These beats are more dynami...
Mar 03, 2021•13 min•Ep. 37
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) With TYRON , slowthai took an interesting approach as he split the album up into two distinct sides. The first side being more aggressive and high-energy, whereas the second side being much more introspective and lowkey. What I find this album fails to do in the first half, is make the connection between the more hedonistic party animal lyrical content, and the underlying elements of destructive behaviour, and defence mechanisms that these lyrics are supposed to re...
Mar 02, 2021•11 min•Ep. 36
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) When I saw this JET Magazine poofing album cover, along with the text on the cover describing this project as 'marriage music' mixed with important social issues... I was sold. So how did Koncept Jack$on and Ohbliv create an album of marriage music and important social issues? Well, starting with the production, Ohbliv successfully created a tapestry of the brightest and most gorgeous old-school soul and funk. And what's even more special about these beats is the t...
Mar 01, 2021•12 min•Ep. 35
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) After coming out the gate in his career as the most respected member of Griselda, with two strong projects in G.O.A.T. and Reject 2 , in the couple years prior to 2020, Conway was starting to fade... seemingly moving into third place in terms of popularity and respect in the Griselda crew, through the emergence of Benny as an elite level spitter, and Westside Gunn's continued excellence in creating decadent slices of street rap luxury. Conway was at a crossroads in...
Feb 23, 2021•12 min•Ep. 34
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) YUNGMORPHEUS is a LA rapper and producer who is in the same wave as Pink Siifu and Fly Anakin, both from a sound and subject matter perspective. States of Precarity exemplifies what YUNGMORPHEUS and his contemporaries have shown in this space, time and time again... smooth and jazzy production mixed with fiery anti-establishment lyricism can be a great combination. This album is another strong addition to this movement of thoughtful and socially conscious rappers, ...
Feb 22, 2021•13 min•Ep. 33
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) In a special bonus episode, I joined the Freemusicempire's #stateofthegame series as a guest to discuss the new Portishus , th1rt3en, and NYCK Caution albums. Our particular focus in this discussion was to discuss how these artists' bold decisions on these projects panned out, and how it positions them for the future. This was a fun, hilarious, and insightful discussion that will give you some fresh perspectives on some of the most interesting albums to come out in...
Feb 17, 2021•1 hr 34 min
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) Insight into the major label experience, and how to take action and overcome hardship is what Episode 32 offers, as we are joined with special guest, Rick Chyme. Rick is a rapper, radio/podcast creator, and creative coach from Michigan, US. We first dive into a pivotal time in Rick's life, which forever changed the trajectory of his life journey (4:44). Next, Rick discusses one of the key protective factors for him growing up and coping with trauma, as we talk abou...
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 32
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) In Episode 31, we are joined by special guests hailing from New Jersey, Fatboi Sharif and Roper Williams, who both experienced a very successful 2020. In 2020, Roper dropped a dope beat tape titled save my line , nailed some big placements on some of my favourite albums of the year in Navy Blue's Song of Sage, and Your Old Droog's Dump YOD . Sharif's 2020 saw him deliver some nice features, as well as some crazy visuals for the "Church Tower" and "Smithsonian" sing...
Feb 08, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 31
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) ROUTES explores themes of choice, the consequences of one's actions, and growing from harsh conditions and experiences to be a better man for it. He describes his triumphs and his ability to overcome the hardships he vividly details on this album to be genuinely special and difficult to accomplish for a normal person to do... this nuance is important as it treats overcoming one's situation with the appropriate care and understanding that comes from really living it...
Feb 02, 2021•17 min•Ep. 30
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) Embodying the late Bob Kaufman, R.A.P. Ferreira continues his evolution of artistry into a charming freewheeling jazz rapper on bob's son , creating music that can go into seemingly any lyrical or musical direction at the drop of a dime. Lyrically he is in top form, with such a palpable confidence and presence on the mic. It's truly a far cry from the albeit still great, but significantly more awkward and less refined style that he exhibited under his milo moniker,...
Feb 01, 2021•14 min•Ep. 29
(Go to 0:55 to skip the intro) Episode 28 welcomes special guest, Iceberg Theory, to the show. Ice is a prolific rapper and producer, who dropped 10+ densely lyrical albums in 2020. We discuss the roots of how Ice developed a love for hip-hop and decided to put pen to paper and starting rapping (3:37). Next, we uncover if Ice truly is this grounded philosophical thinker he portrays himself as is in his music, along with some insight into his previous desire to become a monk out of college and ho...
Jan 26, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 28
(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro) Playboi Carti's Whole Lotta Red was one of the most anticipated, and confusing releases in recent memory... and left many of his fans in shock, disbelief, and anger. I review the project and give you my perspective on if it lived up to the hype or not (3:23). Next, I cover two Indie Spotlights, starting with the horn-infused left-field rap record from Al Patrone & Blessedassistant, The Cosmic Calendar (25:15). Finally, we end the episode by spotlighting Garden ...
Jan 18, 2021•44 min•Ep. 27
(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro) 2020 was an incredible year for rap music. Rap in 2020 felt like the year of realized potential, best yets, and deep reflection. My main takeaways from so many albums this year was that the artists in question: - refined their craft in terms of songwriting, lyrical quality, and album construction; and - dug deeper into themselves and got more personal, showing new levels of maturity. To celebrate the end of 2020, I welcome you to tune into the 1st Annual Rap Music ...
Jan 11, 2021•57 min•Ep. 26
On Halloween 2020, MF DOOM passed away. However, the public was not made aware of this until New Year's Eve of 2020. Since then, the music world has been mourning this incredibly sad news. As a huge fan of the supervillain, I decided to say a few words about DOOM's immense impact on the genre, his best albums to check out for DOOM newcomers, as well as his impact on my life personally. Rest in peace Daniel Dumile. You inspired an entire generation of music lovers and artists in ways one could on...
Jan 07, 2021•50 min
The inaugural episode of The Rap Music Plug Podcast introduces you to your rap music plug, Rohan, and how this show focus on one thing and one thing only: rap music. Furthermore, I discuss how I was able to travel back in time to record Episode 1 of this podcast on January 5, 2021... even though 25 episodes had released prior to that date. The reality is that I took this podcast in a new direction in November 2020, roughly three months after this show first aired. Therefore, since Episode 1 is s...
Jan 06, 2021•25 min•Ep. 1
(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro) In Episode 25, we review some of the most distinct and fresh albums to come out of 2020. First, we discuss Navy Blue's Song of Sage: Post Panic! , a deeply intimate and vulnerable record that explores topics related to mental health, racism, and generational trauma (2:52). Next, we review Iceberg Theory and August Fanon's dense philosophical adventure Dispatches from the Kali Yuga (20:21) . Finally, we finish off by reviewing Fatboi Sharif and Roper Williams' wild ...
Jan 04, 2021•50 min•Ep. 25
(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro) All of the albums discussed in this episode have one thing in common. They all tackle important topics, such as mental health, racism, and our crumbling society in their own unique ways. I first discuss Moor Mother and billy woods' sprawling and dark epic, BRASS (3:10). Next, we visit the Man on the Moon and talk about Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon III: Chosen One 's exploration into Scott Mescudi's mind (22:45). Finally, we continue the Indie Spotlight Series through...
Dec 28, 2020•45 min•Ep. 24
(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro) In an episode centred around BARS and strong lyricism, we discuss Your Old Droog’s lyrically impressive and personal exploration into his Eastern European heritage on Dump YOD: Krutoy Edition . We then end the episode by discussing the introspective Beautiful Payne 2 , from Philly-rapper RJ Payne. -- For music submissions and/or private feedback, DM me @rohview on Twitter and Instagram, or shoot me an email at qlctv.podcast@gmail.com Let's stay connected! Find me h...
Dec 15, 2020•33 min•Ep. 23
My name is Rohan. I am The Rap Music Plug, at your service. The Rap Music Plug Podcast, presented by QLC TV, is the remedy to the “I don't have anything good to listen to” problem. This show is your one-stop shop to knowing what to add to your queue, play next, or pop into your record player. Are you a rap music fan? And not just any fan... but a true rap music fan that wants to move past the surface level discussion, and get into the nitty-gritty of what makes rap music so great? Are you someon...
Dec 15, 2020•49 sec
(Go to 2:14 to skip the intro) Roc Marciano's impact on the hip-hop landscape has been second to none. In this episode, we dive into Roc's latest album, Mt. Marci , and discuss how Roc shaped the rap game over the past decade (2:46). Next, we talk "Mixtape Wayne" and see if the New Orleans rapper was able to re-capture some of the magic from his prime on No Ceilings 3 (15:16). Finally, in the first instalment of the Indie Spotlight Series on The Rap Music Plug Podcast, we cover Maryland rapper K...
Dec 08, 2020•38 min•Ep. 22
(Go to 1:43 to skip the intro) Talking about sexuality in music is a delicate dance. Some ways of doing this are more interesting than others. This is precisely what we address in a review of the debut studio album by Meg thee Stallion titled, Good News (2:45). Next, we talk about what makes experimental music good, through a review of the new project by rap group Small Bills titled, Don’t Play It Straight (15:59). Finally, we end this episode by discussing the latest round of controversial nomi...
Dec 01, 2020•41 min•Ep. 21
(Go to 1:39 to skip the intro) What makes a great rap duo? Is it being stylistically similar, or stylistically different but complementary? We investigate that question through a review of the new Pink Siifu and Fly Anakin album, FlySiifu’s (2:43). Next, we discuss the oft-maligned genre of hip-hop, trap music, and what makes it so hated on by discussing the new 2 Chainz album, So Help Me God (17:52). -- For music submissions and/or private feedback, DM me @rohview on Twitter and Instagram, or s...
Nov 24, 2020•30 min•Ep. 20
(Go to 1:24 to skip the intro) In an all-music episode, I start by covering the intensely personal album by Homeboy Sandman, Don’t Feed the Monster , which is fully produced by Detroit legend Quelle Chris (2:16). Next, I move to discussing an album that looks outward instead of inward, with the debut Black Thought solo album, Streams of Thought Vol. 3: Cane & Abel (24:48). Finally, I finish by covering another very personal album by art rap stalwart Open Mike Eagle, who returned with Anime, ...
Nov 17, 2020•47 min•Ep. 19
(Go to 1:24 to skip the intro) The 2020 US Presidential Election has [sort of] reached its conclusion, with Joseph R. Biden being crowned as the winner. I speak about what this nail-biter of an election means for how the Democrats performed (2:43), as well as what will/should happen as it relates to addressing potential claims of fraud in the voting process (14:09). Next, I discuss some actually good news that came from the election, stemming from decriminalizing/legalizing drugs (23:41). Finall...
Nov 10, 2020•48 min•Ep. 18
(Go to 1:24 to skip the intro) In the most provocative episode of QLC TV yet, I am joined by Jean-Luc, or Jay El, creator of The Blog About Nothing , where we speak about a few hot topics that affect the Black community. To start off, we discuss the recent n-word controversy that took place at the University of Ottawa (4:36). Next, Jay El, as a Black man, gives his reasoning as to why he would vote for Trump in the 2020 election. I try to understand this point of view as we debate the validity o...
Nov 03, 2020•59 min•Ep. 17
(Go to 1:24 to skip the intro) October 16th, 2020 saw the release of many big releases in hip-hop. I review my most anticipated to come out that day, in Benny the Butcher’s Burden of Proof, the Buffalo MC’s debut studio album that features executive production from 2020’s producer MVP, Hit-Boy (2:04). Finally, I shift gears to an album that should have come out years ago, and discuss Jay Electronica’s long-awaited 2012 debut album, Act II: The Patents of Nobility (The Turn), which recently leake...
Oct 28, 2020•44 min•Ep. 16
(Go to 1:24 to skip the intro) The featured guest for this episode of the show is Evan Sansom-Gill. He is a 25-year-old who is the Co-Founder of an exciting new app, Offbrand , which aims to help creators find their audience. As he progressed into adulthood, Evan, like many of us at this age, felt like he needed a change. How that change manifested and where it brought him though, did not go as planned. We discuss the ins and outs of the Offbrand platform, as well as how he balanced this busines...
Oct 21, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 15
(Go to 1:24 to skip the intro) 21 Savage and Metro Boomin have returned with their long-awaited sequel collaboration, SAVAGE MODE II. I give you my thoughts on this surprisingly good album, along with how 21 and Metro have grown as artists over the years (2:16). Next, I review two street rap albums in the new Westside Gunn album, Who Made the Sunshine (21:02), and Willie the Kid's Capital Gains (29:10). Finally, I discuss the first and only Vice Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and Mike...
Oct 14, 2020•49 min•Ep. 14
(Go to 1:24 to skip the intro) On September 29th, 2020, Donald J. Trump and Joseph Biden got together for a “debate” that proceeded to embarrass the entire country, regardless of political affiliation. I provide my thoughts on this train wreck, as well as my controversial take on the “… stand back, and stand by…” comment that Trump made related to the far-right group, the “Proud Boys” (1:53). Lastly, I review the highly lyrical new album from Detroit MC Elzhi, titled Seven Times Down Eight Times...
Oct 08, 2020•47 min•Ep. 13
