We cover his early beginnings in graffiti and breakdancing, discovering the difference between rappers and MCs, and his evolution into a celebrated lyricist. Cappo breaks down how solitude shaped his writing process, the tension between competition and vulnerability in the studio, and his lifelong pursuit of emotionally moving music. The conversation dives deep into his academic path – from a BA, MA, and eventually a PhD in rap lyricism – and how studying hip-hop through a scholarly lens transformed his creative output. He explains how his trilogy of albums (Starve, Houses, and Eto) blends autobiography, philosophy, and social critique, and how performance art, gallery installations, and experimental rollouts have redefined his approach to music. We also explore: Cappo’s influences from Tim Westwood shows to Mr. 45, NAS, Kendrick Lamar, and Chester P. His reflections on solitude vs. collaboration in writing and recording. The inspiration behind translating rap into immersive performance art and gallery exhibitions. How academic study, teaching, and feminist critical perspectives now shape his lyricism. Fatherhood, writing for his children, and using hip-hop as a way to bridge personal and social realities. His philosophy on validation, growth, and stepping outside comfort zones to truly evolve as an artist. This is more than an interview – it’s a masterclass in artistry, hip-hop culture, and the endless possibilities of rap as both music and literature.

Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction to Cappo

2:00 – Rappers vs. MCs: identity and terminology

3:30 – Discovering hip-hop through graffiti, breaking & grassroots zines

4:30 – Early inspirations, freestyling, and first moments of recognition

7:00 – Writing in solitude vs. studio competition 11:00 – Searching for emotional depth & imagery in lyrics

16:00 – The subconscious, automatic writing & creative flow

18:00 – Studying towards a PhD in rap lyricism 22:00 – Creative writing, novelists, and the crossover with rap

26:00 – Teaching, lecturing, and learning from students

29:00 – Critical analysis, research, and the trilogy of albums

33:00 – Writing for his daughter & exploring feminist perspectives

37:00 – Cappo’s artistic rebirth and renaissance 40:00 – Transforming albums into performance art & exhibitions

52:00 – The Houses gallery installation and immersive soundscape

57:00 – Hip-hop as open-source culture and stepping into new artistic spaces

1:02:00 – Growth through discomfort and pushing boundaries

1:04:00 – Upcoming projects: Eto, collaborations, and future releases