Greetings y'all! On this episode we are running an interview Chunjay did on a podcast called Indie Music Live! They discuss the Summer of the Cicadas album and play a few songs as well. This gives Chunjay a chance to talk about the writing process of the album as well as the history of Royal Ruckus. This was originally 2 episodes of Indie Live but we smashed it into to one dope Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks episode. For those not familiar with the Summer of the Cicadas album, this is a time to get familiar. For those who are, this is a time to get reacquainted with a trust fantastic piece of art. If you like what you hear make sure to like and subscribe as well as share any and all episodes you found impactful to you.   Follow us on IG: @brewbeards @nomadikvagabond @royalruckusofficial @justjamey and be sure to check out IndieMusicLive on IG @indiemusicplus Also make sure to check out summerofthecicadas.com the cat caught up on anything Cicadas related as well as royalruckus.bandcamp.com and buymeacoffee.com/royalruckus to help support the recording of the new EP's. Thanks for tuning in!! Nomadik Vagabond

On this episode of BBS Podcast, we link up with Q-Unique, a true underground hip-hop legend straight outta Brooklyn. From his days rippin mics with the Arsonists to droppin solo joints and exploring spiritual vibes, Q’s story is a masterclass in staying rooted while branching out. We dig into his journey through the gritty Brooklyn scene, his evolution as an artist, and how faith and family keep his bars grounded. With a nod to his genre-bending style and collabs with heavyweights like Ill Bill, this episode’s got that raw, unfiltered energy you don’t wanna miss. Q-Unique takes us back to his Bed-Stuy beginnings, where the pulse of Brooklyn’s hip-hop history—think Big Daddy Kane, Jay-Z, and the Beastie Boys—shaped his flow. He drops knowledge on the Arsonists rise, talking about their organic blend of breakdance, graffiti, and lyricism that set them apart in the ‘90s golden era. From 12-inch singles to European tours, Q breaks down how the crew carved their lane. We also get into his solo hustle, the rebrand with the “Legacy Series,” and how personal tracks like “Father’s Day” still hit hard. Plus, Q opens up about weavin’ spirituality into his music, from “Come to Jesus” to his rock ventures with Stillwell, and what’s next with new tracks and a heavier sound. Q also lets us peek behind the curtain on what's going on with Stillwell, his other rock projects, as well some tracks with Sonny from P.O.D. Tune in for a convo that’s straight-up Brooklyn—raw, real, and layered with wisdom. Whether you’re bumpin this for the bars or the bigger picture, Q-Unique’s got the mic, and we’re riding the beat with him.   This one’s for the heads who love real hip-hop and real talk—don’t sleep on Q-Unique’s story. Connect: Plug in and vibe with us on http://instagram.com/brewsbeards or at http://brewsbeards.com.  Follow Q-Unique on @mr_q_unique on the socials as well as      q-unique.com for the latest on his music and moves. Hit us up on @brewsbeards to chop it up about the episode! Thank you for tuning in!!

Hey lil homies!   This week on the BBS Podcast, we chop it up with the one and only Braille, a hip-hop heavyweight who’s been holdin it down in the game for years. From his early days crafting high-octane bars to his current role as a pastor, Braille’s journey is a testament to staying true to your roots while evolving with purpose.   We explore into his creative process, unpacking how he weaves raw lyricism with spiritual fire. Braille shares stories from the studio, the stage, and the pulpit, droppin’ gems about balancing his love for hip-hop with his call to ministry.   Expect real talk about the hustle, the faith, and the drive to keep pushingforward in a world that’s always spinning....   Tune in for a convo as Braille brings the heat with insights that hit like a perfectly timed 808. Whether you’re here for the bars or the bigger message, this episode’s got something for your mind and your playlist.   Key Moments: Braille breaks down his come-up in hip-hop and the moments that shaped his sound. How faith flipped the script on his life and led him to the pulpit. Balancin’ the mic with the mission: stories of juggling artistry and ministry, in the midst of life transitions! What’s next for Braille—new music, new sermons, and keeping it 100, as the kids say.. Listen Now: Grab your headphones and vibe with us on Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, and basically everywhere else.. Don’t sleep on this one—Braille’s bringing that raw energy, and we’re matching it bar for bar.   Peace, Jamey aka Chunjay

Whaddup party people! We have our first ever hybrid episode! We had the pleasure of chopping it up with Cookbook of the legendary L.A. Symphony and producer extraordinaire Surebert! Combined they make the team of Portlangeles. While Cook was in Texas and Jamey was in Florida, Nomadik And Surebert were huddled up in an undisclosed location in Portland, Oregon fighting wi-fi issues.  The main thing discussed was the recording and performing of their latest effort "PortLangeles 2" We had a blast recording and talking with people who we consider homies. They took us in to the recording processes of both albums as well their history as a duo and how it felt performing live together for the first time.   Connect with us: @brewsbeards @justjamey @nomadikvagabond and check Cookbook and Surebert on IG: @surebert @cookbookthepr   We hope y'all enjoy!   Nomadik

Pioneer Christian hip-hop artist Fred Lynch (of Preachas, also known as Preachas in Disguise) joined Jamey for an illuminating conversation about the evolution of Christian rap and his groundbreaking work in the genre. Lynch reflected on his early days mixing hard-hitting beats with Christ-centered lyrics, while sharing insights about the importance of authenticity and theological understanding in Christian hip-hop. The discussion explored the delicate balance between engaging with culture and maintaining gospel integrity, as well as the challenges faced by artists navigating both secular and Christian music scenes. Lynch shared exciting details about his current projects, including a new album with his group PID, and his innovative "The Script" project, which translates Bible books into rap verse. He's also working on "All Skills No Frills Part 2" and continues to organize collaborations between Christian and secular MCs to create Scripture-based rap that elevates hip-hop's vocabulary through sacred texts. The conversation culminated with the announcement of Lynch's forthcoming "Proverbs Daily Blitz" app, scheduled for release in March 2025. This digital tool will help users engage with the book of Proverbs daily, building on Lynch's successful social media initiative of the same name. He also discussed his solo single "The Crucible," which explores the transformative nature of spiritual trials, and shared how his experiences as a minister, mentor, and artist continue to shape his approach to creating Christ-centered hip-hop.  https://preachas.com/ http://royalruckus.bandcamp.com http://brewsbeards.com

Ah yeah!! Back like we never left! On this episode we have an in depth discussion with Ohio mainstays J. Rawls and Cas Metah. We'd be lyin' to say we weren't geeked to talk to these dudes. I believe they set the bar when it comes to hustle and work ethic. So when we found they did an EP together ("Criminal Blinded" out on Fat Beats) we had to get them on to talk about it. On the first half of the show we discuss the recording process and the inspiration behind the concept of the EP, as well as other projects from both J. and Cas. We all know J. Rawls as an producer and MC, but many don't know he is an educator as well and he shares with us how he uses music to relate to and teach his students. Edutainment at it's finest!   The second half of the show Cas Metah talks about how he stays so productive as well as his thoughts on the different scenes within hip-hop. He shares his experience on trying to break free of being typecast as a certain type of emcee.   We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it!!   Cop "Criminal Blinded" by J.Rawls and Cas Metah: Digital  https://polarentllc.bandcamp.com/album/criminal-blinded         https://killacasmetah.bandcamp.com/album/criminal-blinded Vinyl https://www.fatbeats.com/products/j-rawls-cas-metah-criminally-blinded-ep Also be sure to sure to check out other music by Cas Metah at his bandcamp: https://killacasmetah.bandcamp.com And to get other projects by J. Rawls check his bandcamp: https://polarentllc.bandcamp.com   We are truly appreciative of theses dudes for taking time to chop it up with us. And of course be sure to check us out on Instagram  @brewsbeards @royalruckusofficial @nomadikvagabond and to keep up with Cas Metah and J. Rawls you can peep their IG's: @real_cas_metah @jrawls82   Peace!! Nomadik

Greetings beautiful people of planet earth! Ya boys are back at it with a heater of an episode! We were blessed to have the opportunity to chop it up with the multidisciplined homie Omega Watts. Many know of him as a producer, MC, and DJ. In addition to these talents he is also and independent art-director, graphic designer, photographer and of course avid record collector. Ohmega and Nomadik crossed paths in the early 2000's when they both lived in Portland, Oregon. Well as you'd suspect things have changed since then and we get to discuss what's going on with him and what he's up to these days. He takes us on his journey through music, graphic design,the loss of his father, marriage, fatherhood, friendship, and life! This dude is seriously oner of the most genuine human beings! We hope you are as blessed by the conversation as we were.   IG: @brewsbeards @royalruckusofficial @justjamey @nomadikvagabond and you can find Ohmega on IG @brokinnglish(music) and @brokin_nglish (design) Also be sure to hit up ohmegawatts.bandcamp.com for music as well as mix cloud.com/ohmegawatts for music. Last but not least ohmegawatts.com for all things Ohmega Watts related. Remember to share and subscribe and hit up brews beards.com and royalruckus.com and royal ruckus.bandcamp.com for all the fresh tunes!   Nomadik Vagabond

This is an interview I did with my mother's mother, Grandma Colleen Pitts (O'Farrell) in 6 or 7 years ago. She died on February 14, 2024, and so now I'm releasing this episode in her honor. We discuss a variety of things—losing her husband to cancer, difficulties in families, depression, losing my dad in a car wreck, and even the blackouts of World War II. She was a gem of a woman, and I'm excited to share a little bit of her perspective with you. I love you, Grandma. Jamey Bennett BrewsBeards.com

Whassup good people Happy new Year!! We're back like we never left! Hopefully y'all remember a few episodes back the we had on Jeremiah Dirt and Illustrate, well you can consider this part 2 where we chop it up with Illustrate solo and get to hear more of his story and why he does what he does. We have the convo about being a rapper who's a christian vs. a Christian rapper and if there is a difference. he shares with us insights into the Colorado hip hop scene as well as what it was like linking up with Fros'T and Ahmad of 4th Ave Jones. As many of you may (or may not) know Illustrate is a member of the hip-hop collective Shadow Of The Locust (see September 2023 episode for that convo), he shares with us how he met Jeremiah Dirt and Calmplex of SOTL. This spurs Illustrate and Jamey to both share some Jeremiah Dirt stories which are worth the listen alone! Wrapping it up Illustrate lets us know what he's up to know as far as crew and solo projects.  We hope you enjoyed listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed making it!   Wanna hit us up? Peep us on Instagram: @brewsbeards @royalruckusofficial @nomadikvagabond @justjamey and you can get at Illustrate on Instagram: @illustrate1 and be sure to peep the @shadowofthelocust IG page as well Wanna hear or purchase Illustrates music? Hit up illustrate.bandcamp.com as well as locustfist.com   Peace and a Blessed New Year to all!   Nomadik Vagabond

The Life Cycle of Man and Cicada By Joshua Gibbs and Jamey Bennett The average man knows little of cicadas, thinks rarely of cicadas. And yet on the rare occasion he hears the word “cicada,” his mind invariably drifts off into those few truths about the insects which he was taught in grade school: the cicada lives underground for seventeen years, emerges briefly, dies. A certain kind of man cannot recall such claims without immediately thinking of himself, staring into the distance, and wondering if he is truly a man, or if he is, in fact, a cicada. The life cycle of a cicada appeals to a man. When I was a child, I was taught that cicadas slept for all those seventeen years. Sadly, not every naturalist is still convinced of this, though poets yet carry a torch for the truth. To sleep for seventeen years, to wake briefly, soon to die…how sweet would life seem if it had been anticipated in dreams for so long? The poet is neither convinced that nature has commanded the cicada to spend so long underground. The poet knows the cicada has chosen to stay underground all these years, and that he might emerge from the earth when he pleases. The cicada has said, “It is better this way,” though his residency with the dead, in Hades, is not obligatory and not tenured. The cicada is free and stays underground by choice. It is purely coincidental that seventeen years is the given term of these cicadas. Someday, these cicadas will have their Che Guevara, their Óscar Romero, their Picasso…and he will sleep for thirty-six years, or fifty-nine, or ninety-one years. We suspect the creature who makes company with Hades himself for seventeen years might be capable of doing so interminably. Have we numbered every cicada emerging from the ground? Have we truly kept track of their departures, their arrivals? Have we only said they sleep “seventeen years” because we tired of putting hash marks on the cell walls? “No one will count longer than this.” Who can say? The death and lust rattle you hear this summer’s eve might be a millennium in the making. The life cycle of a cicada appeals to a man. The man wants to believe that he, too, might only have been sleeping up until now, and that the emergence from the death of sleep this very morning might be the inauguration of a brief, golden age. “Will I now truly live? Has it always been a slumber and am I only now waking?” The man wants to believe this is true. He has long been underground, and no matter his activity, he recasts all his labor as nothing more than a patient biding of time. A man interprets patience into the long haul of his already-lived life. “I was always waiting.” A man longs to see the light of day as though he were a cicada, fingers emerging from the dirt, and then hoisting himself out. A man longs to see the world as a kind of egg from which he hatches after a beginning-less gestation period. “It will all end soon,” says the cicada man, although the cicada man is forever caught between the contradiction of a thing beginning and a thing ending. Is this the seventeen year slumber or the two months of waking? The question cannot be answered, and every bottle of wine might be the last before death; and every bottle of wine might be opened, poured, and break on the tongue as a revelation— not the end, but the beginning of the end. After a thousand years of sleep, what kind of death is possible for the cicada? The cicada is the resurrection creature. The chasm between life and death narrows to crossing points suddenly, unpredictably. While science has said the cicada wakes only to procreate, the poet knows the cicada wakes simply to live. Is a life of sixty days less meaningful than a life of sixty years? Meaning is not discerned in quantity; a moment in the soul is without end. The man who imagines the cicada emerging only to procreate falsely intuits sudden verve, anxiety and desperation in the cicada. How could such be true of a creature with the patience to wait forever? The