Reel Notes w/ CineMasai
Reel Notes is a space for conversations about the relationship between rap and film with rappers, producers, journalists, directors, and more. Intro track via JWords (follow her @_jwords on Instagram & Twitter) Logo & art direction via Big Flowers (Instagram/Twitter: @bigflowersguy)
Episodes

24 hours ago
24 hours ago
1hr 40 min
Reel Talk #12 w special guests Fatboi Sharif and Child Actor is going down on Saturday, July 25th at Loudmouth in Brooklyn. We’ll be screening David Lynch’s 1977 directorial debut Eraserhead, followed by an interview and audience Q&A revolving around it and the duo's great new album Crayola Circles, out now via Backwoodz Studioz. Doors open at 6PM, film starts at 7PM. Tickets are $15 online via Posh (or you can pay me directly via Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, or Apple Pay if you know me like that) and $20 the day of, at the door. Sharif and Child Actor will also have merch for sale, so come ready to support the artists. Reel Talk operates on sliding scale admission, which means this event is pay what you can. I want these movie nights to be accessible to everyone, but please pay what you’re able. If you're in the tri-state, hope to see y'all there!
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guest this week is Richmond, VA rapper, producer, and founder of Trick Dice Records, Nickelus F. We spoke about House of The Dragon, Absolute Batman and our favorite comics of the moment, Boyz N The Hood, South Central, growing up in a military family, how Wu-Tang, Busta Rhymes, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony inspired him as a kid, his Unsigned Hype cosign and working with Nottz, why he feels his comic book concept album The Specimen is slept on, wanting his credit as a rapper-producer, and the creative process behind his latest album The Undisputed. Come fuck with us.
The Undisputed is available wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen. Consider copping directly from F's Bandcamp page. His next album, The Championship Rounds, is coming very soon. Follow F on Instagram and Twitter (@NickelusF) and TikTok (@nickelusf_). Follow Trick Dice Records on Instagram (@trickdicemusic) and check out the website to tap in with all things Nickelus F.
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
1hr 40 min
Reel Talk #12 w special guests Fatboi Sharif and Child Actor is going down on Saturday, July 25th at Loudmouth in Brooklyn. We’ll be screening David Lynch’s 1977 directorial debut Eraserhead, followed by an interview and audience Q&A revolving around it and the duo's great new album Crayola Circles, out now via Backwoodz Studioz. Doors open at 6PM, film starts at 7PM. Tickets are $15 online via Posh (or you can pay me directly via Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, or Apple Pay if you know me like that) and $20 the day of, at the door. Sharif and Child Actor will also have merch for sale, so come ready to support the artists. Reel Talk operates on sliding scale admission, which means this event is pay what you can. I want these movie nights to be accessible to everyone, but please pay what you’re able. If you're in the tri-state, hope to see y'all there!
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guest this week is Brooklyn rapper Jonathan UniteUs. We spoke about The Running Man, Leviticus, Bring Her Back, horror, Armageddon, the value of going to the movies as a kid, his first experiences rapping and performing, transitioning from a group to a solo artist, discovering new things about himself in Chicago, the power of positive affirmations, and the creative process behind his latest project No Time Like The Present. Come fuck with us.
No Time Like The Present is available now exclusively on Bandcamp. Consider copping the album from Johnny's page and supporting a dope indie artist. Follow Johnny on Instagram (@johnny_uniteus) and Twitter (@JohnNY_UniteUs).
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
2hr 20 min
Reel Talk #12 w special guests Fatboi Sharif and Child Actor is going down on Saturday, July 25th at Loudmouth in Brooklyn. We’ll be screening David Lynch’s 1977 directorial debut Eraserhead, followed by an interview and audience Q&A revolving around it and the duo's great new album Crayola Circles, out now via Backwoodz Studioz. Doors open at 6PM, film starts at 7PM. Tickets are $15 online via Posh (or you can pay me directly via Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, or Apple Pay if you know me like that) and $20 the day of, at the door. Sharif and Child Actor will also have merch for sale, so come ready to support the artists. Reel Talk operates on sliding scale admission, which means this event is pay what you can. I want these movie nights to be accessible to everyone, but please pay what you’re able. If you're in the tri-state, hope to see y'all there!
My guest this week is Chicago-based video game developer, activist, founder of NuChallenger, and creator and director of beat-em-up game Treachery In Beatdown City, and its recent sequel, Beatdown City Survivors, Shawn Alexander Allen. We spoke about Sinners, I Love Boosters, Tim Burton’s Batman movies, video game movies taking themselves too seriously, a brief history of their time working at Rockstar Games, founding NuChallenger, incorporating rap culture into video games, and the process behind incorporating Backwoodz Studioz rappers into Beatdown City Survivors, available now on Steam and Game Pass. Come fuck with us.
Beatdown City Survivors is available on Steam and Xbox Game Pass. Follow Shawn on Instagram and Twitter: @shawndoublea. Follow NuChallenger on Instagram (@nuchallengerinc) and Twitter (@nuchallenger) and check out their website to keep up with all things NC.
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
1hr 47 min
Reel Talk #12 w special guests Fatboi Sharif and Child Actor is going down on Saturday, July 25th at Loudmouth in Brooklyn. We’ll be screening David Lynch’s 1977 directorial debut Eraserhead, followed by an interview and audience Q&A revolving around it and the duo's great new album Crayola Circles, out now via Backwoodz Studioz. Doors open at 6PM, film starts at 7PM. Tickets are $15 online via Posh (or you can pay me directly via Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, or Apple Pay if you know me like that) and $20 the day of, at the door. Sharif and Child Actor will also have merch for sale, so come ready to support the artists. Reel Talk operates on sliding scale admission, which means this event is pay what you can. I want these movie nights to be accessible to everyone, but please pay what you’re able. If you're in the tri-state, hope to see y'all there!
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guest this week is Georgia rapper Deante’ Hitchcock. We spoke about Scary Movie, Obsession, Euphoria, From, his love for How High, his musical journey from independence to the majors to going back independent, the pros and cons of live-band hip-hop, the challenges and rewards that come with independence, and the creative process behind his latest album Junkie in the Sun. Come fuck with us.
Junkie in the Sun is available now wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen. Consider buying the deluxe edition of the album directly from Deante' via Lutely, starting at $10. Follow Deante' on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @DeanteVH
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
2hr 41 min
Reel Talk #12 w special guests Fatboi Sharif and Child Actor is going down on Saturday, July 25th at Loudmouth in Brooklyn. We’ll be screening David Lynch’s 1977 directorial debut Eraserhead, followed by an interview and audience Q&A revolving around it and the duo's great new album Crayola Circles, out now via Backwoodz Studioz. Doors open at 6PM, film starts at 7PM. Tickets are $15 online via Posh (or you can pay me directly via Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, or Apple Pay if you know me like that) and $20 the day of, at the door. Sharif and Child Actor will also have merch for sale, so come ready to support the artists. Reel Talk operates on sliding scale admission, which means this event is pay what you can. I want these movie nights to be accessible to everyone, but please pay what you’re able. If you're in the tri-state, hope to see y'all there!
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guests this week are New York-via-New Jersey producer and DJ, DJ Haram, and California-via-Indiana rapper and violinist Sha Ray. We spoke about Obsession, Backrooms, feminist horror, the legacy of David Lynch, The Neverending Story, The Last Unicorn, making music for the common folk that speaks to the times, unpacking the use of sexuality in rap music, and the creative process behind making their new album Critical Thot for Backwoodz Studioz. Come fuck with us.
Critical Thot is available now wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen. Consider copping merch directly from Bandcamp the Backwoodz website. Follow sha ray on Instagram and Twitter: @kanekalonia. Follow DJ Haram on Instagram (@djharam) and Twitter (@premiumharam). Follow Backwoodz on Instagram (@backwoodzstudioz) and Twitter (@backwoodzhiphop).
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
32 min
My guest for Reel Talk #11 is Iowa-via-Colorado rapper, producer, and engineer Teller Bank$. We screened Nicholas Winding Refn’s Drive and spoke about it and the creation of his latest album, Hate Island.
THIS IS A PREVIEW OF A LONGER CONVERSATION EXCLUSIVE TO MY PATREON. TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE, BECOME A PATRON STARTING AT THE HOMIE ($5/MONTH) TIER OR HIGHER, OR PAY A ONE TIME $10 FEE AT PATREON.COM/REELNOTES. IF YOU'RE PURCHASING ON AN IPHONE OR OTHER APPLE DEVICE, MAKE THE PURCHASE THROUGH A WEB BROWSER AND NOT VIA THE PATREON APP. YOU'LL BE CHARGED AN EXTRA FEE IF YOU PURCHASE THROUGH THE APP, AND THE MONEY WILL TAKE LONGER TO GET TO ME.
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

Jun 3, 2026
Jun 3, 2026
2hr 23 min
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guest this week is New York-via-Virginia graphic designer, creative director at Coral Studios, and founder of Madeintheurl and African American Artist, Chris Chance. We spoke about Backrooms, the legacy of Space Jam, A Bronx Tale, Inception, Paprika, fusing the worlds of hip-hop and fashion, the pros and cons of the streaming age, building a brand, and the creative process behind his work at Coral Studios, Madeintheurl, and African American Artist. Come fuck with us.
Follow Chris on Instagram (@africanamericanartist) and Twitter (@madeintheurl) and be sure to follow African American Artist on Instagram (@aaafricanamericanart) and follow Madeintheurl on Instagram or visit Madeintheurl.com to keep up on all things Chris.
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
2hr 2 min
Reel Talk #11 is happening at Loudmouth in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 30 w very special guest, Des Moines rapper Teller Bank$. We'll be watching the 2011 neo-noir thriller Drive and talking about his latest album, Hate Island. Doors at 6, film starts at 7. Tickets are $15 and are available digitally via Posh.VIP or at the door the day-of while supplies last. hope to see y'all there!
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guest this week is Brooklyn producer, DJ, and co-curator of Generator, Laron. We spoke about The Drama, From, the art of collecting mixtapes and DVDs before the internet took over, hip-hop on film, his father’s record label Familiar Faces records, his working relationships with Jay Critch, Niontay, Subjxct 5, Tony Seltzer, and Andrew Matson of Finals, a peek into his production style, and the creative process behind songs featuring Mavi, Jadasea, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, and more. Come fuck with us.
Laron's latest solo tapes, My Light Is Brilliant and Imported Goods, are available now wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen. Follow Laron on Instagram (@laron.101) and Twitter (@laron_____). Keep up with all things Generator via Laron or Andrew Matson and Finals on Instagram (@finals_finals_finals) and Twitter (@finals_blog).
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
2hr 8 min
Reel Talk #11 is happening at Loudmouth in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 30 w very special guest, Des Moines rapper Teller Bank$. We'll be watching the 2011 neo-noir thriller Drive and talking about his latest album, Hate Island. Doors at 6, film starts at 7. Tickets are $15 and are available digitally via Posh.VIP or at the door the day-of while supplies last. hope to see y'all there!
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guest this week is California skateboarder, rapper, producer, and actor Na-Kel Smith. We spoke about the pros and cons of skate trips, the Star Wars series Maul — Shadow Lord, Sinners, Ne Zha, connections between Boyz N The Hood and Menace II Society, his relationship with his father, Odd Future’s start and influence, his role in Mid 90s, treating music as a hobby, and the creative process behind his latest album Nak and his upcoming album Free Pops Still. Come fuck with us.
NAK is available wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen. Keep an eye out for Free Pops Still, coming later this year. Follow Na-Kel on Instagram (@thatsonme) and Twitter (@RevolutionNak).
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.

May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
1hr 29 min
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!
My guests this week are Brooklyn-via-Oakland rapper Nappy Nina and Philly-based producer, multi instrumentalist, and engineer, Swarvy. We spoke about The Drama, undertone, the Twilight movies, Nina's filmmaking aspirations, the works of Boots Riley, The Fugitive, Brown Sugar, Swarvy’s musical background, the crazy story behind how he and Nina first connected, international touring, government subsidies for artists, and the creative process behind their two albums—Nothing Is My Favorite Thing and their latest, Sow & So, out on Tuesday, May 12 via Nina’s label LucidHaus. Come fuck with us.
Sow & So is available now wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen (except for Spotify). Consider copping the album directly via Nina and Swarvy's Bandcamp. Follow Nappy Nina on Instagram and Twitter: @Nappy_Nina. Follow Swarvy on Instagram (@swarvy) and Twitter (@swrvy). Follow LucidHaus on Instagram and Twitter: @lucidhaus
Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.
My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.
Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped in to all things Dylan Green. Follow Hearing Things at hearingthings.co or @hearingthingsco on all social platforms.







