The Music and Makeup Podcast

What does it take to build a lasting career in hip-hop without compromising who you are?On this episode of Music & Makeup: Behind the Beat, I’m sitting down with Rasheed Chappell, the New Jersey MC known for his vivid storytelling, and commitment to independent hip-hop.Rasheed and I talk about his journey into hip-hop, growing up in Passaic, the influence of artists like New Edition and the experiences that helped shape his voice as an MC.We also get into his impressive catalog and collaborations with some of hip-hop’s most respected producers and artists, including Kenny Dope, Buckwild, O.C., 38 Spesh, Apollo Brown, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Statik Selektah.Rasheed breaks down the importance of staying independent, what he's learned about navigating the business of music, and why longevity means more than simply staying relevant.We also talk about his latest project, No Era for Margins, the inspiration behind the title, the process behind the album, and why some of the music had been sitting in the vault for years before finally seeing the light of day.Plus, we get into The Chappell Show...Lost Episodes III and the importance of preserving the history of your own work.

What happens when the person making the beat is also helping create the visual world around the music?This week on Music & Makeup: Behind the Beat, I’m sitting down with producer and visual artist Hi_Post for a conversation about his creative process, influences, collaborations, and the art behind the music.Hi_Post takes us back to his early musical influences, including discovering the records that ultimately pushed him toward production. We also get into the SP-404, sample chopping, texture, and what makes a Hi_Post production sound like a Hi_Post production.And if you've been following Behind the Beat, you know I had to bring PEP57 into the conversation. We talk about their creative relationship, working together on projects like Stromile Shift and Good N' the Rucker, and Hi_Post's production on Rasheed Wallace from PEP57 and Bloo Azul's "Boreaga".But there's another side of Hi_Post that deserves the spotlight: his visual work.We talk album artwork, art direction, illustration, visual storytelling, and how he translates the feeling of a record into an image. What does a producer hear when they're looking at a visual? And what does a visual artist see when they're listening to a beat?We get into all of that and more.

What happens when a love for 90s basketball, hip-hop, lyricism and storytelling becomes the foundation for an entire rap catalog?In this episode of Music & Makeup: Behind the Beat, I’m sitting down with the Guru Elam Award winning MC Ullnevano to talk about his journey, his career and the catalog he’s built over the years.We get into his early days in battle rap, ciphers, the influence of 90s basketball, and how he eventually developed his signature approach to making music.We also go deep into his catalog from The Ghost of Len Bias to his latest project, STEPHON BARBURY.

Bloo Azul joins Behind the Beat on the Music and Makeup Podcast for an in-depth conversation about his journey as an independent hip-hop artist.We discuss his creative process, how he approaches writing and recording, and the collaborative chemistry behind Boreaga with Pep57 and 83rd Strike with Passport Rav. Bloo also reflects on his solo album Bloo Velvet, staying consistent in today's underground rap scene, and what's next in his career.

This week on Behind the Beat, I'm joined by acclaimed underground hip-hop producer Wavy Da Ghawd for an in-depth conversation about his orgins as a producer, his sample-based creative process, and the production behind projects like Victim of My Success and Twelve 24: The Nightmare.If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more interviews, album reviews, and hip-hop discussions.

Action Figure 973 joins me on this episode of Behind the Beat for an in-depth conversation about his latest music, creative process, and the inspirations that continue to shape his sound.We discuss his extensive catalog, his creative process and the influence of professional wrestling on his artistry.If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more interviews, album reviews, and hip-hop discussions.

In this episode, I'm reviewing two new hip hop releases: Monday Night and Evidence's "Football" and Navy Blue's "Sir Render" Both albums showcase unique approaches to modern underground rap, one pairing Monday Night's sharp lyricism with production from Evidence, while the other finds Navy Blue delivering another introspective, soulful body of work.Join me as I break down the production, standout tracks, and overall listening experience while getting ready on camera.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:13 Review of Football by Monday Night and Evidence05:21 Review of Sir Render by Navy Blue

This week on Behind the Beat, I'm joined by rapper Degree to discuss his latest single "Censori," produced by BHRAMABULL.We dive into the inspiration behind the record, how the collaboration came together, his songwriting process, the importance of lyricism, and the mindset that's helped him continue building his career as an independent artist.

Chicago rapper Vic Spencer joins me for this episode of Behind the Beat on the Music & Makeup Podcast.We discuss his latest album, Inspire Your Idols, his extensive catalog and his experiences working with the youth of Chicago.Vic also shares insights on collaboration, longevity in underground rap and inspiring the next generation of artists.Timestamps00:00 Intro00:45 Vic Spencer Shares His Earliest Memories of Falling in Love with HipHop01:28 When He Realized Music Could Be a Career02:25 How He Manages to Stay Consistent 03:45 How He Maintains a Fresh Sound without Compromising Who He Is04:47 The Album He’d Save if His Catalog Disappeared 06:42 The Catalyst for Inspire Your Idols08:28 Why He Chose Up and Coming Talent for Inspire Your Idols10:18 Why He Likes Working with Newer Artists 11:53 How He Curated the Production for Inspire Your Idols and His Creative Process13:29 How He’s Remained Successful without Chasing Trends 14:18 What He’s Learned Through the Years as an Independent Artist 16:20 Advice to Independent Artists 17:42 Working as an Advocate for Chicago’s Youth20:57 Lessons the Applies to Music that he Learned as an Advocate 24:33 The impact he wants to leave on his students24:54 What’s Next for Vic Spencer25:24 OutroWhere to find Vic Spencer: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicspencer/Bandcamp: https://vicspencer.bandcamp.com/Follow The Music and Makeup Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicandmakeuppodcast/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-music-and-makeup-podcast/id1809024400

In this episode of Behind the Beat, I sit down with underground hip hop artist and Umbrella Collective co-founder Pro Dillinger for a conversation centered on independence, leadership, artistic growth, and legacy.Pro Dillinger reflects on his upbringing between the Bronx and Rockland County, the origins of The Umbrella Collective, and how necessity inspired the movement’s foundation. He also discusses the importance of collaboration, working closely with producer Futurewave, and why creative chemistry matters when building timeless music.Throughout the interview, Pro Dillinger shares insight into the mindset behind his consistency, the evolution of underground hip hop, and why he appreciates seeing veteran artists finally receive recognition while still embracing the new generation of talent.

On this episode of Behind the Beat, I sit down with dB Cutlass for a conversation about starting out in production and how understanding song structure helped shape his songwriting, cadence, and overall approach to recording. He also discusses collaborating with producers including 183rd, Wavy the God, Eric G, and Bambeatz, while crafting Beneath the Concrete across sessions in New York and Miami.The conversation also explores his long-running creative chemistry with Bambeatz, including their collaborative album Shula and Marino, the importance of confidence and vocal control as an artist, and how kettlebell training influences his mindset, consistency, and discipline both inside and outside the studio.

This episode I sit down with Brooklyn rapper, storyteller, and director Illa Ghee.Illa reflects on the making of his album Psychedelic Contraband, explaining why he chose to focus more on meaningful topics and substance instead of simplifying his message to appeal to wider audiences. He also opens up about learning how to tell his story responsibly, separating street conversations from his music while still remaining authentic and transparent as an artist.The conversation also explores his experiences performing overseas, discovering his fanbase in places like Italy, and transitioning into directing with his visual series New York Minute. From music to filmmaking,

La Piri shares her journey into spoken word poetry, balancing vulnerability and privacy in her writing, and the inspiration behind her poem “Aromatico.” She also discusses how music, studio sessions, and live performances continue to shape her creative process, including her upcoming project with Retrospec, Full Circle, inspired by seeing The Weeknd live.The conversation also dives into her work as an event curator and founder of the QV Beat Battle, where she set out to recreate the old-school feeling of artists connecting through music, competition, and collaboration.

On this episode of Music and Makeup, I’m diving into Roc Marciano’s latest album, 656.Named after the apartment where he grew up on Long Island, 656 finds Roc returning to his roots by producing the project entirely himself , a callback to the spirit of Marcberg. In this review, I break down the album’s cinematic production, layered wordplay, standout moments, and the storytelling that continues to make Roc Marciano one of the most influential voices in underground hip hop.We also discuss standout tracks like “Childish Things,” “Hate Is Love,” and “Trapeze” featuring Errol Holden, plus the subtle references, luxury rap energy, and details that reward repeat listens.

Hailing from Long Island, Pillz opens up about stepping away from rap, rediscovering his passion for creating, and approaching songwriting with intention. He shares how he views music like a rollercoaster experience for listeners, why he’s always creating even without a beat, and his goal of becoming part of the soundtrack to people’s everyday lives.Follow Pillz Bury: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p_fresko/ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/pillz-bury/1798202347

Brooklyn lyricist Skyzoo joins Music & Makeup for a thoughtful conversation about hip hop, storytelling, and creative growth. In this episode, we dive into his latest album, Views of a Lifetime, and discuss how the project reflects the lessons, adjustments, and perspective that come with experience and longevity.Skyzoo also opens up about his career as a ghostwriter, the discipline of writing in another artist’s voice, and how that process sharpened his own pen.Follow Skyzoo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyzoothewriter/ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/skyzoo/159718073

On this episode of Music and Makeup, Jennifer sits down with producer Act Wonder for a conversation about the craft behind the music. From his early inspiration to developing his own production style, Act Wonder shares insight into what it takes to create beats with purpose and navigate today’s music industry as a producer.Follow Act Won: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodbyactwon77/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mvIZg5SttbEl7SBXKskBh

Queens rapper Pep57 joins Behind the Beat and he breaks down his latest project, THE REVOLUTION WILL BE SOCIAL MEDIALIZED!, fully produced by Sir Kingston, and explains the meaning behind the album’s powerful title and commentary on internet culture, ragebait, and social media.We also discuss his experience performing overseas during the Battle for Japan tour, the energy of Japanese hip hop audiences, and how traveling internationally expanded his outlook as an artist.Follow Pep57: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pep57 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/pep57/1269248656 Bandcamp: https://pep57.bandcamp.com/

Virginia Beach rapper Gee$ joins Behind the Beat to discuss his newest project, This Wasn’t Planned. In this episode, we talk about the creative process behind the album, how an impromptu photoshoot inspired the title, and the challenges he faced while creating the project, including overcoming writer’s block after quitting smoking weed.We also get into his Virginia Beach roots, the local music scene, physical media nostalgia, and memories of Lynnhaven Mall back when it had two floors!Follow Gee$: Online: www.itsallaboutgees.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealgees/ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gee%24/1321559999 Everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/AllAboutGeeS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b2879b56-ccdb-4c07-95bc-3fb888c3891d

In this episode of Behind the Beat, I sit down with Passport Rav for a reflective conversation about his career, creative growth, and his latest album, Eh…Such is Life, produced by Showalter!Rav shares how real-life experiences shaped the direction of the project, the organic way he and Showalter came together to create the album, and why authenticity continues to guide his music. He also opens up about his lifelong connection to martial arts, how it started at a young age alongside hip hop, and the role it plays in his mental health, discipline, and mindset as an artist.Follow Passport Rav: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passport_rav Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/passport-rav/1232879738 Bandcamp: https://passportrav.bandcamp.com/

Billboard-recognized producer Cartune Beatz joins Behind the Beat for a real conversation about his beginnings in music, staying versatile as a producer, and navigating the music industry with intention. #CartuneBeatz #hiphopproducer #producerinterview #behindthebeats #HipHopPodcast #undergroundhiphop #musicindustry #beatmakers #hiphopculture #producerlife #indiehiphop #nychiphop #rappodcast Follow Cartune: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartunebeatz/ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cartune-beatz/1766809684 X: https://x.com/cartunebeatz?lang=en