The Next Movement

It’s been several years since the unexpected death of Stepa J. Groggs, and the remaining members of Injury Reserve have now reformed as By Storm and released a stunning new album called "My Ghosts Go Ghost". We talked with RiTchie and Parker about the creative process behind this new project and the challenge of confronting outside interpretations and narratives connected to the music. Then we discussed their album pick for this episode - "A Quiet Farewell, 2016-2018" by Slauson Malone 1 - a project that deeply influenced the creative direction of both Injury Reserve (particularly "By The Time I Get to Phoenix") and By Storm. Purchase "My Ghosts Go Ghost" here:https://deadair.store/collections/by-storm

We're bringing 2025 to close with a special episode. We invited several friends of the pod to share some words about three of their favorite hip hop albums from the past year. You'll hear from a variety of voices about a wide range of albums, including favorites from Rob and E.

Philadelphia’s own Wiles Martyr joins us! His most recent project is called “Circa Wealth 2” and was created with Krouse. While five years have elapsed since the first installment, “Circa Wealth 2” maintains the creative spirit that the two artists found back in 2020 and Wiles has been intentional about paying tribute to his Philly roots and influences. Whether it’s the packaging design, the subject of the songs or his flow itself, Philly is front and center and we talked with Wiles about how all of it came together. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - “Reasonable Doubt” by Jay-Z. Purchase "Circa Wealth 2" here:https://wilesworldweb.com

Merkeba’s latest project “a Metal Snake” is the product of years of transformation, intentional study and an artist challenging himself as a producer. He spoke with us about the many influences that led to the album, the layers of symbolism it involves and the ways in which it is, in some sense, neverending. Then we talked about his album pick for this episode - the breakout “In a Major Way” by E-40. Purchase "a Metal Snake" here:https://merkebaworld.bandcamp.com/album/a-metal-snake

The crew from Chicago has come together again to launch a verbal assault! Tomorrow Kings are back with their first new album since 2013's "N.R.T.M." and while much has changed over the past 12 years, their ability to verbally de-construct systems and weak minded emcees is as brutal and blunt as ever. We talked with Tomorrow Kings members SKECH185, Gilead7, Collasoul Structure, and I.B. Fokuz about how the new album was created and much more. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - Illogic's "Celestial Clockwork". Purchase the new Tomorrow Kings album "SALT" here:https://tomorrowkings.bandcamp.com/album/salt

In this throwback episode we go all the way back to September of 2020. At that time we linked with beat smith Kenny Segal who was coming off of an incredible run of releases with Serengeti, R.A.P. Ferreira, and billy woods. We talked with Kenny about his early work with folks from Project Blowed and Team Supreme and explored the process behind the creation of his intricate soundscapes. Then we discussed his album pick for this episode - the Omid produced Project Blowed comp “Beneath the Surface”.

The multi-talented Tony Bontana joins us from Birmingham (UK) to chat about his prolific and diverse 2025 output. Whether he's self-producing his own rap projects ("Sunday Service" and "TUMPET") or collaborating with Psychedelic Ensemble ("The Beautiful Maliase") or playing with one of his bands (Spew and Pay the Stranger), Tony finds a way to channel feeling into powerful lyrics and tunes. We touch on a number of subjects connected to the music mentioned above and then discuss his album pick for this episode - "LIVE.LOVE.A$AP" by A$AP Rocky. ListenSupport Tony's music here:https://tonybontana.bandcamp.com/

In this throwback episode we're joined by Max Heath of Child Actor. At this point its almost a given that you will see Child Actor's name in the credits on many of the most anticipated rap releases of the year. Take Earl Sweatshirt's new "Live, Laugh, Love" for example, where Child Actor contributes production alongside Theravada, Navy Blue, Black Noise and Earl himself. At the time of our interview with Max in October of 2022 he had crafted production for artists such as Armand Hammer (billy woods and E L U C I D), AKAI SOLO, ShrapKnel, Open Mike Eagle and Serengeti. Max joined us for a thoughtful conversation about the art of beat making and shared some of the stories behind songs like "Charms" (Armand Hammer), "Sun 2 Moon" (AKAI SOLO), and "Old Magic" (E L U C I D). Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - the 2005 release from Count Bass D - "BEGBORROWSTEEL".

We’ve got Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P. the Hellcat AKA Abstract Mindstate joining us to talk about their new album with Young RJ of Slum Village called “The Art Project”. We’ll hear about the process of creating the album, their approach to addressing a new generation of rappers and much more. Then we have an energetic discussion about their album pick for this episode - “One For All” by Brand Nubian, which includes a never before told story about Abstract Mindstate opening a show for Grand Puba and 2Pac at Tougaloo College in the early '90s.Purchase "The Art Project" here:https://abstractmindstate.bandcamp.com/album/the-art-project

We've got Devine Carama and Amadeus360 talking about their new album "Guardians of the Boom Bap" and the importance of preserving the culture. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - "It Was Written" by Nas.Stream and purchase "Guardians of the Boom Bap" here:https://soulspazm.bandcamp.com/album/guardians-of-the-boom-bap

In this throwback episode featuring Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire we spoke to the Brooklyn native in September of 2022 as he was getting ready to drop “VOL 1: I Love Y.O.U. Cuz Y.O.U. Ugly”. At that time he was experiencing something of an awakening and it was apparent in the music that he had found a new perspective. Your Own Understanding. It’s become a mantra of sorts. And “Vol. 2: The Y.O.Uprint” just dropped on July 11th. We’ll revisit our conversation about volume one and hear eXquire’s compelling case as for LL Cool J as the greatest of all time.

We’re joined by journalist, author and curator Vikki Tobak. From her time at Payday Records in the early ‘90s to her days as a music journalist with published work in Vibe, ego trip, Paper, Rolling Stone and Mass Appeal, Vikki has been immersed in hip hop culture. That wealth of experience made it possible for her to publish landmark books “Contact High: A Visual History of Hip Hop” and “Ice Cold: A Hip Hop Jewelry History” (not to mention her book with LL Cool J “The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip Hop Greatness”). Our conversation with Vikki focuses mainly on Contact High and its background but we also touch on some of the other work she has accomplished in her impressive career. Then we discuss her album pick for this episode - an album she reviewed for Vibe when it was released in 1994 - “My Life” by Mary J. Blige.

Sunmundi and Sasco join us to talk about their new project "Contacting" (coming 7/11/25). The emcee and producer talked with us about the thematic elements of the project as well as their creative partnership. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - “Church” by billy woods.Purchase "Contacting here:https://sasco.bandcamp.com/album/contacting

Cymarshall Law is a fiery emcee based in NJ and he has a new with U.K. based producer Slimline Mutha called “The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression”. We talked with Cy about this project, his emphasis on personal growth and positive self-expression, and how being himself has led to artistic freedom. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - “Black Star” by Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Purchase "The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression" here:https://cyvision.online/

In this throwback episode we speak with Baltimore based artists Infinity Knives and Brian Ennals - the duo behind the powerful new album "A City Drowned in God's Black Tears". When we spoke to them in Sept. of 2022 they had just released their album "King Cobra," an equally relevant and politically charged statement about life in the U.S. which utilized instrumental arrangements in a way that has come to define their sound. We talked with them about he creation of that record as well as their album pick for this episode - Outkast's "Stankonia".

McKinley Dixon wants to make rapping fun again. On his new album "Magic! Alive!" he accomplishes this through live instrumentation, a different approach to storytelling, and the childlike innocence of the characters he's written. He spoke with us about how all of this came together with the help of his hometown team and longtime collaborators. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "The Ecstatic" by Mos Def."Magic! Alive!" is available everywhere on 6/6/25

Neil Drumming is a man of many talents. He has worked as a journalist, radio/podcast producer, and writer/director. And now he can add "rapper" to that list. Sorta. Neil joined us to explain why he doesn't really think of himself as a rapper, despite having recently released his debut rap album "Writing on Airplanes". We discussed the ideas and process behind the album and then talk about Neil's album pick for this episode - "A Book of Human Language" by Aceyalone. Purchase "Writing on Airplanes" here:https://neildrumming.bandcamp.com/album/writing-on-airplanes

In a soulful celebration of midlife Blu and August Fanon have teamed up to bring us "Forty". We talked with them both about the process of working on the album, aging with hip hop, legacy, and much more. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - "Death Certificate" by Ice Cube.Purchase "Forty" here:naturesoundsmusic.com/products/forty

miles cooke has a new record out right now called “ceci n’est pas un portrait” which is French. Don’t ask us how to pronounce it. But it means “This is not a portrait” and we try to unpack that with miles in addition to talking about his album pick for this episode, "Fantastic Damage" by El-P. Purchase "ceci n'est pas un portrait" here:milescooke.bandcamp.com/album/ceci-nest-pas-un-portrait

In this throwback episode featuring PremRock we spoke with the Wrecking Crew member and Backwoodz veteran in June of 2022 about his collaborative project with Ockham’s Blazer, a jazz heavy genre bender. We also discussed his previous solo project “Load Bearing Crow’s Feet”. Then we talked about his album pick for this episode - “As the World Burns” from the Arsonists.Purchase Prem's new album "Did You Enjoy Your Time Here...?" at this link: https://backwoodzstudioz.com/collections/premrock-did-you-enjoy-your-time-here

Damon Locks joins us to talk about his new album “List of Demands,” a project that blurs the lines between poetry, hip hop, jazz, and experimental music. We’ll talk about the work that went into this project, the optimism and beauty it demands, and much more. Then we’ll talk about Damon’s album pick for this episode - Mixmaster Mike’s deluxe release “Return of the Cyklops”. Stream and purchase "List of Demands" here:https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/list-of-demands

DJ/activist/educator/Philly ambassador Cosmo Baker joins us to talk about life as a DJ in 2025, his recent Book Club gatherings (featuring authors such as Marcus J. Moore and Dan Charnas), the history of The Remedy (a joint venture with Rich Medina) and much more. Then we’ll discuss his album pick for this episode - the Soulquarian era classic “Voodoo” by D’Angelo.Find all things Cosmo Baker related here: cosmobaker.com

Queen Herawin of the Juggaknots is about to drop her first solo project since 2019's "The Space Between Us". The album is called "Awaken the Sleeping Giant" and has been years in the making. It finds Herawin confronting the many emotions she has experienced in bringing these songs to life. She candidly spoke with us about mental health, creativity in its various forms and much more. Then we get into her album pick for this episode - “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick”.Stream and purchase "Awaken the Sleeping Giant" here:https://queenherawin.bandcamp.com/album/awaken-the-sleeping-giant

Hester Valentine joins us to talk about his 2024 output, which includes the projects "Valenta" and "make me, make me". Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "N***a Please" by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Stream and purchase Hester's music here: https://blackval.bandcamp.com/ https://mimizuizuru.bandcamp.com/album/valenta https://wearethekarmakids.bandcamp.com/album/i-cant-cut-your-hair

We're joined by director Jacob Rosenberg whose work you’ve likely seen without even knowing it. His new book is called “RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES” and is “an immersive, decade long journey capturing the vibrancy of skate and hip hop culture from ‘88 to ‘98”. It documents much of Rosenberg’s work in film, photography, and journalism during this key period of his career and features notable names such as Chuck D, the Hieroglyphics Crew, De La Soul, Mike Carroll, Sean Sheffey, Sal Barbier and many more. We’ll talk with Jacob about this book and the stories associated with it, as well as his album pick for this episode - “No Need for Alarm” by Del the Funky Homosapien. Purchase "RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES" here: https://www.jacobrosenberg.tv/shop

We talked with the Chicago based producer Spectacular Diagnostics about the three projects he released in 2024 - the instrumental album “If You Feel Like a Lost Soul”, the guest heavy “Appetites” and his latest collaboration with Kid Acne “TOTEMIC TEMPLATE (Edna & Friends Vol. 1)”. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - DJ Shadow’s undisputed classic “Endtroducing”. Stream and purchase Spectacular Diagnostic's music here: https://spectacular-diagnostics.bandcamp.com

In this throwback episode from Feb. 2023, Open Mike Eagle joins us following the release his album “Component System With The Auto Reverse”. We started our conversation with some discussion about his live performances since the album’s release. Then we used elements from the album to discuss larger themes - The importance of his relationships with his peers and his admiration of their skills. The overarching goal of his writing as being present to his own thoughts and experiences. The inherent value he sees in everyone as individuals and how that contributes to his creative endeavors. And we wrapped our conversation by discussing Busta Rhymes’ solo debut and the impact it had on Mike as a fan. You can stream and purchase "Component System With The Auto Reverse" here: openmikeeagle.bandcamp.com

Donwill, host of The Almanac of Rap and one half of Tanya Morgan, joins us to talk about some of our favorite albums of 2024. We each picked three albums to focus on and we discussed what made them our favorites. Nothing fancy. All things Donwill can be found here: https://www.donwill.me

In this throwback episode from November of 2022, Nebraska native Sleep Sinatra joined us to talk about his release, the Ohbliv produced album "Shadow Self". Sleep discussed the concept behind "Shadow Self" and gave us the story behind his collaboration with Ohbliv. He also talked about the production that he contributed to the debut self-titled album from ManDaMyth and offered some insight into the history of the Black arts in Nebraska. Then we discussed his album pick for this episode - the 1998 debut album from Big Pun,  "Capital Punishment". Listen and purchase Sleep Sinatra's "Shadow Self" as well as the rest of his catalogue at ⁠sleepsinatra1.bandcamp.com/album/shadow-self⁠ Listen and purchase ManDaMyth's album at : ⁠damn-that-noise.bandcamp.com/album/mandamyth

In this throwback episode from April of 2021 we're talking with Nappy Nina about her latest project "Double Down" which was fully produced by JWords. Nina also shares some of her early influences and talks about her relocation from Oakland to Brooklyn. Then she helps us dive into one her favorite albums - Isaiah Rashad’s sophomore effort "The Sun’s Tirade".

E L U C I D joins us to talk about his latest project "REVELATOR". We discuss some of the unlikely sources of inspiration for the album including the Japanese art of flower arrangement and a negligent Zionist landlord. We talk about the powerful effects of chanting, the specific quality of live instrumentation, and how recording in a room full of strangers provides new challenges. Then we chat about the first album from Kool G Rap and DJ Polo - "Road to the Riches" Purchase "REVELATOR" here: fatpossum.com/collections/featured/products/revelator

Rapper/poet/producer shemar joins us to talk about his recent work with Money For Water on “Traveling Light”, his collaboration with Child Actor earlier this year on “sunscreen” and his album pick for this episode, “Flower Boy” by Tyler, the Creator. Stream and purchase "sunscreen" here: https://shemar1.bandcamp.com/album/sunscreen

Wahid joins us to talk about his new project "THEY ALL GO MAD!" The Orlando based artist opens up about the energy and emotion that went into a project that he freely admits was an outlet for his anger. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - and an album we've been waiting for a guest to pick for a long time - "Things Fall Apart" by The Roots. Stream and purchase "THEY ALL GO MAD!" here: ⁠https://wahid.bandcamp.com/album/they-all-go-mad⁠

Rob Cave has a new project out right now called "God Dose" that was produced in large part by 88-Keys. Rob joined us to talk about how this project came together, the art of writing motivational music, and how an MC from Brooklyn managed to make one of the most Philly songs of all time. Then we discuss Rob's album pick for this episode - the solo debut from Pharoahe Monch - "Internal Affairs". Stream and purchase "God Dose" here: https://robcavejr.bandcamp.com/album/god-dose

Algernon Cornelius and CLYDE join us to talk about their new collaborative effort "STICK A FORK IN IT". The UK-based artists break down their writing and beat making process and discuss some of the inspiration behind the album. Then we talk about their album pick for this episode - Injury Reserve's "By the Time I Get to Phoenix"Stream and purchase "STICK A FORK IN IT" here:https://algernoncornelius.bandcamp.com/album/stick-a-fork-in-it

August Fanon and blackchai have joined forces on the recently released "OTHERWISE A BLUR". We spoke with the duo about how the project came together, the inspiration for blackchai's flows, and the energy that has gone into August Fanon's production. Then we talked about their album pick for this episode - "Vaudeville Villain" by DOOM's alter ego Viktor Vaughn. Stream and purchase "OTHERWISE A BLUR" here: https://augustfanon.bandcamp.com/album/otherwise-a-blur

Bruiser Brigade's J.U.S recently dropped "3rd Shift" produced entirely by Squadda B. We talked with J.U.S about how the album came together, his progression as a writer, the inspiration behind his previous project "Lord of the Streams Pt. 1: Greed in the Kingdom" and his album pick for this episode - "XXX" by Danny Brown. Download "3rd Shift" here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/3rd-shift/1760963511

"No Options: Hip Hop in Appalachia" is a new compilation of original music by artists specifically from Appalachia. The project aims to break the stereotypes typically associated with an overlooked and misunderstood region of the country while also shedding a light on some of its rising and veteran artists. Producers Ted Olson and William H. Turner, executive producer JK Turner, and rapper/producer Monstalung talked with us about putting this project together, the history of Black music in the region and their album pick for this episode - "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm" by A Tribe Called Quest. Stream and purchase "No Options" here: https://juneappalrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/no-options-hip-hop-in-appalachia-2

Rich Jones has a new album out called "Sour Dub". It's fully produced by SINAI (aka Sleep Sinatra) and it's not the weed smoking album that you might assume it to be. We talked with Rich about how the album's laid back sound makes it's "dripping" with "venom" somewhat sneaky. Then we talk about Rich's album pick for this episode - "Big Shots" by Charizma and Peanut Butter Wolf. Stream and purchase "Sour Dub" here: https://5oclockshadowboxers.bandcamp.com/album/sour-dub

RJD2 is a dynamic producer with a legendary history. His newest project continues to build on his reputation for blending genres. "Visions Out of Limelight" feels like a culmination of all of RJ's influences whether its Funkadelic or Redman, 70's TV theme songs or the Bomb Squad, the album invites the listener to join in the celebration throughout. We talked with RJ about the making of this album and then we discuss one of his favorite albums of all time - Common's "Resurrection". Stream and purchase "Visions Out of Limelight" here: ⁠https://officialrjd2.bandcamp.com/album/visions-out-of-limelight⁠

Legendary production team Da Beatminerz are back with their first full length album in 20 years! The album is called “Stifled Creativity” and it features iconic artists such as De La Soul, KRS-One, Pharoahe Monch and Ras Kass alongside folks like Rasheed Chappell, Mickey Factz, Stahhr, and Bishop Lamont. We talked with Mr. Walt and DJ Evil Dee about their approach to making this album, some of the stories behind the collaborations, and how their history in the game has brought them this far. Then we discuss, in the kind of heated debate that can only exist between brothers, Public Enemy's “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”. Stream and purchase "Stifled Creativity" here: https://soulspazm.bandcamp.com/album/stifled-creativity

Stas THEE Boss is a producer and a rapper and a radio host and a DJ and some other things that we're probably missing. Most recently she is the composer of the music featured in dream hampton's latest documentary film "It Was All a Dream". Stas joined us to talk about this assignment along with a bunch of other rap related things including her album pick for this episode - "Supa Dupa Fly" by Missy Elliott. Stream and purchase Stas THEE Boss music here: https://stastheeboss.bandcamp.com

S!LENCE is from Brooklyn (actually from there) and he has a new project called "Aguadura". He describes it as the spiritual sequel to his 2021 release "mutatis mutandis" and we talked with him about some of the themes from the album. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "The Mouse and The Mask" from DANGERDOOM. Purchase "Aguardura" here: https://www.breakallrecords.world/product/aguadura

Hip hop and jazz music have an intimate relationship. That’s been true since the beginning. Our next guest is Shabaka Hutchings and while he might be a jazz musician, he is also a hip hop head who thoughtfully integrates his preferences into his most recent project “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace”. The album is also his first as a flute player, an instrument he went to exceptional lengths to become familiar with. He is joined on the project by incredible artists such as Saul Williams, Carlos Niño, Laraaji, Esperanza Spalding, Brandee Younger and Floating Points. It’s also the only place where you’ll find both Andre 3000 and E L U C I D as featured guests. We talked with Shabaka about all of the above and we discussed his album pick for this episode - “Doris” by Earl Sweatshirt. Purchase "Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace" directly from Impulse Records

Ronesh (rapper/producer) recently released a project featuring 25 different emcees including artists like Open Mike Eagle, Che Noir, Defcee, Big $ilky, and Myka 9. The album is called "Lead the Orchestra" and Ronesh produced all 12 tracks while contributing vocals to the song "Galaxy Brain". We spoke with Ronesh about the task of assembling this project and then we discussed his album pick for this episode - "To Tha X-Treme" from Devin the Dude. Stream and purchase "Lead the Orchestra" here: https://ronesh.bandcamp.com/album/lead-the-orchestra

L.A.'s Rhys Langston joins us to talk about his new project entitled "Polyglot on Chloroform". It's produced entirely by Steel Tipped Dove, who also engineered and mixed the project, taking control of aspects of the album creation process that Rhys typically prefers to handle himself. We talked to Rhys about giving over this control, the album's loose concept, and loads more. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - "Labcabincalifornia" from The Pharcyde. Stream and purchase "Polyglot on Chloroform" here: https://rhyslangston.bandcamp.com/album/polyglot-on-chloroform

We’re joined by Cakes Da Killa to talk about his new project “Black Sheep” which features Cakes rhyming over a diverse array of sound. We asked Cakes about the influence and inspiration that house music provided for the album, the freedom that he’s found in not giving a fuck, the comfortable creative relationship he has with producer Sam Katz and much more. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - “Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front” by Busta Rhymes. Stream and purchase "Black Sheep" here: ⁠https://cakesdakilla.bandcamp.com/album/black-sheep

Oslo based producer Ol' Burger Beats released "74:Out of Time" in February on Coalmine Records. Each track on the project was produced at 74 beats per minute and is deeply inspired by the jazz records of 1974. It's a unique concept with an impressive list of guest emcee's including lojii, Ill Camille, Vic Spencer, billy woods, Pink Siifu, YUNGMORPHEUS, Quelle Chris, Gabe 'Nandez, and Fly Anakin. We spoke with Ol' Burger Beats about the inspiration for this project and his approach to working with his collaborators. Then we talked about his album pick for this episode - "Welcome 2 Detroit" by J Dilla. Stream and purchas "74:Out of Time" here: https://coalminerecords.bandcamp.com/

NAHreally and The Expert have teamed up for an album called "BLIP" that is set to be released by Rucksack Records on March 29th. We spoke to them about the simple yet powerful lyrics/sounds on this project and discussed the process they used to create one of the most relatable albums we have heard in recent memory. Then we discuss their album pick for this episode - "6 Feet Deep" from Gravediggaz. Purchase "BLIP" here: https://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/blip

Cavalier joins us as he prepares to release his new full length album "Different Type Time" on Backwoodz Studioz. It's been five years since his previous solo release and Cav talked with us about what has contributed to the time between projects, how he came to partner with Backwoodz on the new release, some of the collaborators we can expect to hear on the album, and the unique nature of this particular project. Plus, we talked about his joint project with Quelle Chris "Black Cottonwood", his "Bring Back Weed Spots" line of hoodies, and much more. Then we discuss his album pick for this episode - Wu-Tang Clan's third group album "The W".