#222 - Brian Ennals & Blockhead breakdown 'Boatshoes' - Album Alchemy

Another day, another incredible duo dropping inspired rap music in 2026. The last two episodes of the RMPP highlighted great rap duos, and today’s episode is just another example of collaborative heat, provided by Brian Ennals and Blockhead. Blockhead’s layered melodic production has blessed many great MCs in the past, such as Aesop Rock and billy woods. But up until now, I don’t think he’s worked with a rapper as brash an energy as Ennals. And likewise with Brian, he’s made a name for himself atop the highly experimental production from Infinity Knives, which was its own unique beast entirely. So on both ends, this collaboration put both Blockhead and Brian in a unique spot for a change of pace... and boy were the results terrific on their collaborative album, *Boatshoes*. In this episode, we seek to understand their creative and personal bond, the dark and personal inspiration behind the subject matter of *Boatshoes*, and its dramatic and dynamic production… which all came together to make it one of the absolute standout releases of 2026. Intro (0:00). The Plug (1:10). The Interview (2:55). Favourite Blockhead-produced album (3:46). Brian Ennals’ special sauce (6:26). Brian and Blockhead’s personal bond (11:47). The raw personal lyricism on *Boatshoes* (15:36). The drama-filled, dark production on *Boatshoes* (23:29). Taking risks on *Boatshoes* (37:30). Expected audience response to *Boatshoes* (41:50). Song most proud of creating on *Boatshoes* (44:30). Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (47:01). Buy/stream Boatshoes here: https://blockheadnyc.bandcamp.com/album/boatshoes  Follow Brian Ennals on Twitter here: https://x.com/BrianEnnals?lang=en  Follow Blockhead on Twitter here: https://x.com/blockheadnyc  Follow Brian Ennals on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/brianennals/?hl=en  Follow Blockhead on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/blockheadnyc  Edited by: Alyssa Rodriguez 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](mailto:qlctv.podcast@gmail.com)