Episodes

  • Ep. 76: The Return of the Mics: Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks is Back (And Yes, I Smell Like Beef)

    Ep. 76: The Return of the Mics: Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks is Back (And Yes, I Smell Like Beef)
    May 10 2026
    It’s been a minute. Okay, it’s been more than a minute. July 2025 was the last time we actually dropped a proper episode of Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks. But the mics are hot again, the recording light is blinking, and I’m back with my man Nomadik Vagabond to catch up on everything we’ve missed.We didn’t just sit around twiddling our thumbs during the hiatus. Life happened. And as we have a tendency to do on this show, we grabbed our drinks, fired up some cigars, and ping-ponged back and forth on the shipwrecks and successes of recent memory.Here’s a taste of what went down.The Brews & The BeardsYou can’t have a show called Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks without checking in on the essentials. Nomadik was sipping a Rodenbach Classic—a sweet-tart Flanders Ale that he described as “refreshing... low ABV and super digestible.” He specifically didn’t want that American IPA vibe where you drink one and feel like you “just ate a loaf of bread.”I’ve been sticking to my Athletic Brewing Company beers lately. I was sipping on their Free Wave, an non-alcoholic hazy IPA that hits the spot without the hangover. Nomadik brought up the genius of non-alcoholic coffee stouts. He reminded me of a brilliant morning routine: “I’ve done that before... in the morning, I had a cigar and one of those non-alcoholic coffee stouts, and it was fantastic. It’s like a cold brew [coffee], but just fizzy.”Note to self: Buy more NA coffee stouts.As for the beards? Nomadik is out here smelling like Church. He threw in some shea butter and frankincense oil, making him smell like he just walked out of a Paschal (Easter) liturgy.Me? Well, I recently broke my beard oil bottle and haven’t replaced it. So, naturally, I reached for the tallow skin cream. It warms up nicely in the hands and goes into the beard great, but as I confessed on the show: “For the first few minutes of the day, I smell a little beefy. There is a slight beefy odor.”Nomadik’s immediate response? “Is that Lenten?” (It was not).Flavor Fest 25: A Christian Hip-Hop Family ReunionI finally made it out to Tampa for Flavor Fest, hosted by Urban D and Crossover Church. It was the 25th anniversary of the Christian hip-hop conference, and 12-year-old Jamey would have peed himself.There were absolute legends in the building. PID. Mike Peace. KJ-52. Watching PID rock the mic was incredible. They aren’t just coasting on nostalgia; they proved they still have the bars and the energy to move a crowd.But another real highlight was the networking. I met Urban D (Tommy Kyllonen) for the first time. As an Orthodox guy walking into a hip-hop church, I felt a little out of my element at first. But in a wild twist, I found out Urban D has a Greek Orthodox background in his family tree. (I totally failed to mention I was Orthodox at the time—opportunity missed!)I was also down there promoting the new Royal Ruckus record, Let’s Be Together Today. It was a stark reminder of how the industry has changed. I didn’t have CDs of the new album to hand out. I brought old CDs and T-shirts, but telling people to “go stream it” just feels different. As Nomadik pointed out, “For me, half the thing I love going to concerts is getting the concert merch... if I go to a show now and there’s no merch, I’m like, what’s going on?”Fatherhood, Fitness, and Dropping 60 PoundsNomadik and I are at opposite ends of the parenting spectrum right now. He’s navigating life with a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old, trying to balance guiding young adults who are working and navigating college. Meanwhile, the Bennett family expanded two months ago with a new baby girl.The sleep deprivation is real. My coffee is stronger, my beard is wilder, and the perspective shift is real. Which brings me to my health update.Over the last six months, I dropped 60 pounds. It wasn’t just about aesthetics this time. I had some health scares, some hospital visits, and some new medicines that forced the issue. As I put it on the show, my motivation changed: “I’m about to have two children under five. I know what it’s like to lose a dad when you’re little, and I don’t want to create a situation if I can help it.”I’m lifting heavy, skipping the marathon training (which weirdly made me gain weight), and feeling better than I have in a long time.The Locust and The FutureNomadik dropped some heat of his own. He’s stepping into a new space job-wise, and on the music front, the Shadow of the Locust crew is grinding on Mighty Army Cometh Volume 3. It’s about 75% done, featuring the whole squad, plus a new member, Ilmerillion.I’m actually featured on a Locust track for the first time ever, and I got to record it in the studio with Jeremiah Dirt producing me on the vocals.As we look ahead, we’re planning to bring Brews, Beards, & Shipwrecks back more consistently. We want more guests, more stories, and more insights into living well.Until next time: Keep your glass ...
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    59 mins
  • Ep. 75: Jamey Bennett: Summer of the Cicadas Revisit on Indie Music Live with Chunjay

    Ep. 75: Jamey Bennett: Summer of the Cicadas Revisit on Indie Music Live with Chunjay
    Jul 31 2025

    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



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    23 mins
  • Ep. 74: Q-Unique: Brooklyn Bars, Arsonist Anthems, and Spiritual Rhymes

    Ep. 74: Q-Unique: Brooklyn Bars, Arsonist Anthems, and Spiritual Rhymes
    Jul 7 2025

    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!!



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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 73: Braille: Spitting Truth in Hip-Hop & Answering the Calling of a Pastor (Even When It Hurts)

    Ep. 73: Braille: Spitting Truth in Hip-Hop & Answering the Calling of a Pastor (Even When It Hurts)
    Jun 4 2025
    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

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Ep. 72: Cookbook & Surebert: Mapping the Underground Between Two Cities—Portlangeles To The World!

    Ep. 72: Cookbook & Surebert: Mapping the Underground Between Two Cities—Portlangeles To The World!
    May 15 2025

    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




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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep. 71: Fred Lynch: Born with the Gift—to Rhyme to the Glory of God

    Ep. 71: Fred Lynch: Born with the Gift—to Rhyme to the Glory of God
    Mar 25 2025

    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



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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Ep. 70: J.Rawls & Cas Metah: Rocking Studios, Stages and Classrooms

    Ep. 70: J.Rawls & Cas Metah: Rocking Studios, Stages and Classrooms
    Nov 18 2024

    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




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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Ep. 69: Ohmega Watts: Beats, Rhymes, and (hope amidst the trials of) Life.

    Ep. 69: Ohmega Watts: Beats, Rhymes, and (hope amidst the trials of) Life.
    Jul 4 2024

    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






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    1 hr and 21 mins