#194 - billy woods breaks down 'GOLLIWOG' - Album Alchemy

When you have a catalog as deep and renowned as billy woods, finding a way to top your past work can be a difficult thing. But as has been the case with woods for many years now… the man did it again. It’s not like woods has reinvented himself on this latest album. His wry wit, sharp storytelling, and great ear for production are still present on this record. But now these elements are funnelled through an ambitious horror-themed experience shrouded in darkness, ripe with poignant political insight and introspection. All culminating in an album that has an argument for being the best of woods’ storied career. In today’s episode, woods provides colour to the inspiration for his new album, the horror influence, his take on being viewed as an abstract artist, pivotal moments of the album, and much more. woods is one of the most fascinating people to talk to on many subjects, such as music, politics, and sports. So listening to this episode is a no-brainer. Make sure you lock in and get a glimpse into the mind of a living legend. The Plug (1:10). The Interview (2:58). Being perceived by an increasingly large audience with different life experiences (3:18). How the idea and album title came to be (9:16). woods’ upbringing, and re-evaluating political perspectives of the past (11:21). Afro-pessimism and the humanity found in woods’ music (27:06). The unique methodology used to woods’ new album (34:34). What horror unlocks for woods as a writer (37:05). “Maquiladoras” and the meaning behind the concept of ‘amputation’ (49:08). The picture painted by “Dislocated” and why it was chosen as the final track (54:50). woods’ perspective on his music being labelled ‘abstract’ (1:00:45). The power of storytelling (1:08:26). Cultivating the horror surrealist atmosphere on the production / Marshawn Lynch vs. Shaun Alexander - RMPP patron q from Shaun Alexander (1:010:05). The importance of Willie Green to the creative process of the new album (1:19:10). woods’ trademark sports bars, Knicks playoff hopes, mobile QBs (1:21:45). woods’ upcoming book - RMPP patron q from Cian Walker and Joshua Davis (1:26:15). Upcoming Armand Hammer album, E L U C I D solo, and other Backwoodz work in 2025 (1:27:27). Support Backwoodz Studioz here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/  Buy GOLLIWOG here: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/billy-woods-golliwog  Follow billy woods on Twitter here: https://x.com/BackwoodzHipHop  Follow Backwoodz Studioz on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/backwoodzstudioz/?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]