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In June of this year Parallel Thought dropped a sonic bomb on us that cut through the summer haze like a tomahawk missile. “The Third Allegory” is mostly instrumental but still communicates the current state of the world with clarity. Everything is not alright. It’s tense, chaotic, loud, and heavy. The tenured production duo joined us for a discussion about this project’s origins which, as it turns out, was strongly influenced by Fatboi Sharif. Despite only appearing on three of the thirteen tracks, The Garden State Gargoyle inspired Parallel Thought to venture back into a sonic landscape they thought they left behind several years ago. The result is a chilling yet cathartic album that is inspired by the past, a reflection of the present, and a vision of the future. In the second segment of the show we take a look at a deeply influential album in both the life and discography of Parallel Thought, the first solo album from the late Tame One - “When Rappers Attack”. Adam and Jeff of Parallel Thought shared some great stories about their friendship and collaboration with Tame and discussed what has made “When Rappers Attack”. Purchase "The Third Allegory" from Parallel Thought here: parallelthought1.bandcamp.com/album/the-third-allegory

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. Listen Support 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/