Connect The Dots, brainchild of St. Louis artist Riley B., first burst onto the scene in September 2020. From the get-go, the podcast aimed to carve its own niche within the Midwest hip-hop landscape, offering something fresh for both musicians and fans alike. Deeply rooted in St. Louis, the show has become a vibrant celebration of raw talent, storytelling, and creative expression.
A Platform for Expression
The concept behind Connect The Dots was deceptively simple yet powerful: provide a platform for emcees to express themselves, both musically and personally. Riley envisioned a space where artists could showcase their skills while sharing the stories that shaped them. It wasn’t just about freestyles or interviews; it was about forging a deeper connection between the music, the artist, and the audience.
Over the years, the podcast has steadily grown, evolving into a must-watch destination for anyone passionate about hip-hop. With each episode, Connect The Dots builds on its mission to highlight the richness of the Midwest music scene, proving that the region is brimming with untapped talent waiting to be discovered.
Inspiration and Mission
The spark for Connect The Dots came from legendary shows like Funk Flex Freestyles and Sway in the Morning. As an artist himself, Riley B. dreamed of being featured on such platforms. However, he soon realized that St. Louis needed its own space. The city pulsates with raw talent and compelling stories that deserve to be heard. With that realization, Connect The Dots was born – a platform to celebrate St. Louis’s creative community while proving to the world that the city’s talent can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any major music hub. The mission is straightforward: showcase the culture, amplify the voices of local artists, and provide a heartfelt, authentic space for expression.
Themes and Unforgettable Conversations
While each episode is tailored to the specific artist being interviewed, there are universal themes that weave through the conversations. Questions often delve into what drives seasoned artists to keep creating and who or what inspires their unique styles. By blending personalized inquiries with these universal themes, the show captures the essence of its guests while forging deeper connections with a broader audience.
Finding a Creative Home: Suburban Pro Studios
At the beginning of 2024, Riley B. decided to relaunch Connect The Dots with a fresh approach. While brainstorming how to revitalize the podcast, one place quickly came to mind: Suburban Pro Studios. For Riley, the studio wasn’t just a venue – it was home. Having recorded countless tracks there and collaborated with the studio’s engineers over the years, the space embodied familiarity, community, and creativity.
The partnership with Suburban Pro Studios wasn’t merely convenient; it was a strategic decision. “The vibe at Suburban Pro is unmatched,” Riley shared. “It’s a space where artists come to work hard and create magic, and that’s exactly what I wanted to capture with this new chapter of Connect The Dots.” The studio’s rich history of nurturing St. Louis talent added another layer of authenticity to the podcast’s mission.
The technical setup at Suburban Pro Studios ensured that Connect The Dots could maintain its high production standards. Equipped with industry-standard Shure SM7B microphones and Rode PodMics for additional guests, the studio provided top-notch audio quality. Episodes are recorded live straight into ProTools, preserving the raw energy of each conversation. Once recorded, sessions are sent to Nico of Ethnic Ish n More for editing and finalizing. This streamlined process keeps the focus on delivering a polished, professional product.
The collaboration between Riley B. and Suburban Pro Studios is more than just a business relationship – it’s a shared vision for showcasing the depth of talent in St. Louis. By combining Riley’s passion for hip-hop storytelling with the studio’s expertise in audio production, Connect The Dots has become a beacon for the city’s creative community. Whether capturing a captivating freestyle or diving into an artist’s journey, Suburban Pro Studios provides the perfect backdrop for the podcast’s mission.
Notable Artists and Memorable Episodes
Over the years, Connect the Dots has hosted a wide range of talented emcees, each bringing their own unique style, story, and energy to the mic. While every episode offers something special, a few standout moments have left a lasting impression.
Tef Poe’s appearance was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing his razor-sharp lyricism and unrelenting passion for the craft. His freestyle demonstrated why he’s considered one of the most impactful voices in St. Louis hip-hop. Similarly, NandoSTL brought raw emotion to his episode, blending skill with vulnerability in a way that resonated deeply with fans. It’s moments like these that remind audiences of the transformative power of music.
Another unforgettable guest was A-Game, whose hunger and dedication to his art came through in every word. His episode was a masterclass in perseverance, inspiring both fans and fellow artists to push their boundaries. These performances don’t just entertain; they serve as a powerful reminder of the talent and determination driving the Midwest hip-hop scene.
Each artist featured on Connect the Dots contributes to the larger narrative of St. Louis’s creative landscape. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the podcast provides a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. Episodes like these aren’t just content—they’re moments in hip-hop history, cementing St. Louis’s place on the map.
As Connect The Dots continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains clear: to elevate St. Louis hip-hop and connect artists with a wider audience. With exciting plans on the horizon, the future is bright for this dynamic podcast and the community it serves. Don’t miss out on what’s next:
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