In this episode, I sit down with Brooklyn-based rapper, producer, and engineer Jake Palumbo — a true architect of hip hop music. Originally from Tennessee, Jake carved his lane in New York’s rap scene through raw consistency and independence, founding his label SpaceLAB Recordings — a platform that’s been pushing authentic, no-compromise hip hop since the early 2000s. With production credits and collaborations alongside some of rap’s greats, his résumé speaks for itself — but it’s his approach that really sets him apart. On the mic, Jake blends sharp lyricism, dry humor, and self-aware storytelling — never forcing it, always calculated. Behind the boards, his sound is rooted in gritty boom-bap: hard drums, soulful samples, and that raw East Coast energy with a slightly offbeat twist that keeps it fresh. We talk about building a career on your own terms, staying independent in a major-label world, and how he’s created a full ecosystem through his label — producing, engineering, and releasing music without compromising the art. This one is for anyone who respects the grind, the craft, and real hip hop culture. IG @jakepalumbo @forecastedpodcast @memphreigns
