Some people are just born to be in front of a mic, blessed with such charisma, cultural intellect, and communication prowess. That immediately makes listeners hang on their every word. That’s the kind of guy who is joining us for the 200th episode of The Rap Music Plug Podcast, none other than Richmond Virginia’s own, $ilkMoney. $ilk’s commanding mic presence, impossibly malleable flow, and artistic vision has made him one of rap’s rising stars from the moment he burst on to the scene as a member of Divine Council. Now firmly in the spotlight as a solo artist, he’s given such dense rewarding work, album after album, and has outdone himself with his latest opus, WHO WATERS THE WILTED GIVING TREE. In this episode, we discuss recent comments he’s made about Tyler, the Creator and André 3000 that have caught some attention, his free-form psychedelic approach to rap, and the inspiration behind his electric and deeply thoughtful new album. Also, I’d be remiss not to share a quick thought about this milestone of 200 episodes. Because as much as I’ve run this thing as a one-man show… I did not get here alone. I wouldn’t be here without the patrons whose kind support and engagement in the RMPP community have powered me through many nights burning the midnight oil brainstorming or editing an episode. I wouldn’t be here without all the artists who trusted me to discuss their work and points of view. And I wouldn’t be here without everyone who’s ever listened to even one episode of this show. I’ve had the opportunity to have real conversations with people who I feel make some of the greatest art I’ve ever heard. It’s been an unexpected journey so far, and a legitimate dream come true. This is my baby, and I’m blessed to share their 200th day of existence with $ilkMoney, who made for one of the most entertaining episodes ever on the RMPP. I hope you enjoy. Thank you so much. The Plug (0:41). The Interview (3:09). $ilkMoney’s non-music interests (4:22). The inspiration behind $ilk’s unique song / album titles (9:37). $ilkMoney on his recent comments towards Tyler, The Creator and André 3000 (16:17). How rap gave $ilkMoney gave him a sense of purpose (25:22). Maintaining creative freedom and authenticity in the music industry (29:35). $ilk’s desire to be ‘as free-form as possible’ in rap (34:35). Psychedelia in $ilk’s art (38:30). $ilkMoney’s viscerally elastic flow and songwriting (44:54). How the idea of ‘the giving tree’ inspired $ilkMoney on his new album (53:31). The degree of vulnerability from $ilkMoney on WWTWGT (1:00:17). The sonic world of WWTWGT (1:08:45). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch from $ilkMoney (1:11:31). Buy/stream WWTWGT here: https://silkmoney.bandcamp.com/album/who-waters-the-wilting-giving-tree-once-the-leaves-dry-up-and-fruits-no-longer-bear  Follow $ilkMoney on Twitter here: https://x.com/CUUMMONEY  Follow $ilkMoney on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/silkbooty/?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 qlctv.podcast@gmail.com