The Music and Makeup Podcast

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...

Asheville, North Carolina rapper Rique Wit Da Wickz joins Music & Makeup for an all-new episode of Behind the Beat. In this conversation, Rique discusses his latest album, Cold Grits You Can't Eat, the meaning behind the title, his creative process, working with multiple producers, and navigating the challenges of being an independent artist. We also talk about his roots in Asheville, his...

In this episode, I'm reviewing two new hip hop releases: Action Bronson's highly anticipated album Planet Frog and Errol Holden's latest project Supreme Magnetic 2.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 Action Bronson’s “Planet Frog10:45 Review of Errol Holden’s Supre...

Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:42 How Tye Got His Start in Hip Hop Media01:55 The Moment He Realized His Work was Connecting with the Public03:08 What Inspired the Name “HipHop Gems TV”03:55 The Early Days of Hip Hop Gems TV05:50 How He’s Stayed Consistent 07:59 What Sets His Platform Apart 09:24 What Catches His Attention When Listening to Music13:11 Past HipHop Gems Guests Trajectories 14:45 The Retur...

This week I’m joined by Breeze Mantana as we discuss his journey from Mount Vernon, New York to building his name in underground hip hop. We get into the making of Breakfast at Christie’s with Chase N. Cashe, the chemistry behind creating a full collaborative project, and what this album says about where he is creatively right now. Breeze also talks about recently wrapping the Dinner at Belmore To...

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 disc...

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....

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...

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 wo...

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 continu...

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.insta...

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 writin...

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/ Spot...

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 aud...

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...

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...

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 Follo...

I’m doing a full track-by-track breakdown of Joe Frog 2 by Errol Holden and I'm covering everything from production choices to standout moments, and how the album flows. Whether this is your first time hearing Errol Holden or you’ve been tapped in, this episode is all about listening deeper and catching what you might’ve missed on the first spin. Listen to Joe Frog 2 and let me know which track st...

This episode I'm joined by rapper MylestheRed and producer StraidWTF, the creative duo behind the album Chef’s Knife and the minds building at Damascus Steel Studios. We get into the story behind Chef’s Knife, how their rapper-producer chemistry came together, and what it really looks like creating a focused, no-filler project from the ground up. Myles breaks down his writing process, lyrical infl...

This week on Behind the Beat, I sit down with Queens rapper Stargiela to talk about his incredible journey, from attending Juilliard as a child to building his own app while pushing the sound of South Jamaica forward. We get into his early performing arts training, the discipline that shaped his artistry, his latest music, and the entrepreneurial vision behind his new tech venture. CONNECT WITH ME...

On this episode of Music and Makeup, I'm back with a triple-threat review! In this episode, I’m tapping into three fresh drops that have been running up my rotation lately: Chyna Streetz & 183rd’s new EP Room Service, Errol Holden’s Fever, and the long-awaited new album from Boldy James and Nicholas Craven, Criminally Attached. CONNECT WITH ME: IG : https://www.instagram.com/musicandmakeuppodc...

Buffalo rapper Pretty Bulli sits down with Behind the Beat to break down her new EP Set It Off, the stories behind her most powerful songs, working with PA Dre, and what’s really happening in the Buffalo hip hop scene. We also get into her life as an entrepreneur , balancing music, motherhood, and her growing baking business, plus how she stays motivated, creative, and authentic while building her...

This week on Behind the Beat, I sit down with German jazz/R&B/neo-soul artist Myriam-Catharina to talk about her new single “Guest”, her creative journey, and how she blends vintage jazz influences with modern soul. CONNECT WITH ME: IG : https://www.instagram.com/musicandmakeuppodcast/ TikTok: pistolsnpalosanto For collabs and features: info@musicandmakeuppodcast.

This week on Behind the Beat, I sit down with Chicago’s own IAMGAWD, as he breaks down his journey as a Chicago hip-hop artist, how he sharpened his skills as a lyricist, and what “Getting Ahead Without Devolving” truly means in his life and music. CONNECT WITH ME: IG : https://www.instagram.com/musicandmakeuppodcast/ TikTok: pistolsnpalosanto For collabs and features: info@musicandmakeuppodcast.

Harlem’s own Nym Lo joins Behind the Beat to talk about his journey from Uptown to the world, building his name through clever lyricism, luxury aesthetic, and that “get fly” energy he’s known for. In this episode, Nym breaks down how he and Bronx producer 183rd built Money Ink into a lifestyle brand, not just a record label, and how aspirational rap became his signature sound. CONNECT WITH ME: IG...