A growing number of independent artists are weighing whether to remove their music from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music in favor of direct to fan monetization. In a recent episode of No Labels Necessary , Brandman Kory broke down the pros and cons of artists exiting traditional digital streaming platforms, highlighting examples from creators like LaRussell and Jack Harlow and analyzing commentary from other influencers like Tom Dupree III. The Arguments for Leaving DSP

Apple Music's latest Rap Life Review  episode covered multiple developments in the hip hop world, including Grammy nominations, G Herbo's latest project, Max B’s release, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions for Outkast and Salt-N-Pepa. G Herbo, Mental Health, and the Evolving Legacy of a Street Poet The hosts opened by discussing G Herbo’s new album, which they described as possibly the strongest release of his career. While the rapper has long faced criticism for rapp

During his recent sit down with the One More Time Podcast, LaRussell offered a wide ranging and transparent look into what it truly means to be an independent artist operating at scale. Early in the interview, he broke down the increasing demands of growth, saying, "The larger you get as an indie, the more you need." He likened the difference between early and current stages in his career to feeding a Chihuahua versus feeding a bear. When you’re operating at a higher level,

A major shift in music charts sparked one of the episode’s most focused discussions. For the first time in decades, no rap song appeared in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40. That statistic came just after Kendrick and SZA’s “Luther” fell off the charts, marking a rare moment where hip hop’s presence had disappeared from a key space in popular music. Jeremy, Elliot, and DJ Hed explored the reasons behind the shift. DJ Hed revisited an earlier post he had written, where he calle

When Top Dawg Entertainment co-president Terrence “Punch” Henderson sat down with Elsie Not Elise , it felt like a full-circle moment. Nearly three decades after TDE quietly began inside a South Central garage, Punch spoke about those early days with the same clarity and humility that shaped the label’s run. He remembered the mid-90s origins vividly, when Top Dawg, still finding his way through the streets, built a small studio with dreams bigger than his block. “The studio l

When Joey Bada$$ joined Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap on Blackout , the Brooklyn rapper brought his usual poise and introspection to the conversation. The appearance turned into a deep dive on growth, relationships, and shadow work before he broke down why his anticipated tour with Ab Soul and Rapsody was canceled. Throughout the conversation, Joey was steady and reflective, offering a glimpse into his mindset as both an artist and a man evolving past his twenties. The Blackou

Jacob York rarely chases the spotlight, yet when he sat with Ray Daniels on The GAUDS Show he spoke with the kind of clarity that makes...

Los Angeles native Bino Rideaux sat down with Bootleg Kev for a wide ranging interview that pulled back the curtain on his evolution as...

On a recent episode of the One More Time podcast, Venice Music’s VP of Marketing, Shawna "Peezy" Spears, sat down to talk about...

In the latest episode of No Labels Necessary, the conversation leaned into the nuanced, often misunderstood world of singing. The...

In his first appearance on the show Effective Immediately  with DJ Hed and Gina Views, Kalan.FrFr gave an unfiltered look into the...

When listeners think of management, they often picture tour schedules, marketing, and public appearances. Dan Gonzalez made it clear in...

The Bigger Picture’s sixtieth episode moved with pace, energy, and plenty of audience participation. The hosts opened the lines and...

Joey Bada$$ stopped by The Breakfast Club  to give a clear-eyed take on where he stands in his career more than ten years after his...

Hit Boy, one of hip hop's most prolific producers, is entering a new chapter in his career after freeing himself from a restrictive 18...

Before Los Angeles knew him as the hit-making artist behind some of the city’s most undeniable records, TeeFLii was a church kid whose...

Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon are two of Los Angeles’ most respected musical exports, but their latest project together shows that...

In a recent episode of Apple Music's Rap Life Review, Ebro Darden, LowKey, and Eddie Francis offered more than the usual industry recap....

Few names carry the weight in the studio like Tricky Stewart. With over three decades in the game and a string of era defining classics...

Atlanta rapper Anycia is stepping into a new era with her latest mixtape, “Grady Baby,” and she is doing it on her terms. From...

For Maryland rapper Premo Rice, everything begins with authenticity. In a music industry often dominated by viral trends and quick...

Ray Vaughn returned to “Effective Immediately” with DJ Hed and Gina Views for a raw, revealing interview that peeled back layers of...

Tab Nkhereanye isn’t just another name behind the boards — he’s a seasoned creative force who’s shaped the careers of major artists like...

On an episode of Effective Immediately  with DJ Hed and Gina Views, the Clipse made it clear: their return isn’t about riding a wave or...

In a wide-ranging conversation on The Manager’s Playbook  podcast, YouTube’s Director of Music Culture and Partnerships, Tuma Basa,...

Little Simz is no stranger to introspection, but in a new interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the British rapper and actress opened...

During the latest installment of The Bigger Picture Podcast , hosts Elliott Wilson, DJ Hed, and Jeremy Hecht recapped a monumental week...

There’s a quiet power in watching someone speak truth without performative pain. When SiR sat down with Big Boy for a recent interview,...

When Temple University announced a new course centered on Kendrick Lamar, the internet lit up with curiosity and celebration. The man...

As 2024 marks 10 years since Dave East signed his first record deal, the Harlem rapper finds himself in a new season of control....

Episode 17 of This Week in R&B  kicked off with Jay Valentine and Bobby setting the tone in a brand new studio setup, drawing mixed...

In a music industry dominated by streaming numbers and algorithmic playlists, EVEN has emerged as a genuine alternative for artists...

Kennedy Ryon’s journey into the music industry isn’t one shaped by convenience or tradition. Instead, it’s a story of resilience,...

On episode 55 of The Bigger Picture Podcast , co-hosts Elliott Wilson, DJ Hed, and Jeremy Hecht dive deep into one of the most highly...

As news spreads about a new $150,000 tax break for musicians, entertainment attorney and artist Miss Krystle wants indie artists to pump...

Apple Music’s Rap Life Review  recently welcomed Ivie Ani and Rob Markman to join Nadeska, Lowkey, and Eddie for an episode packed with...

In a live interview at the Elliott Wilson Experience, legendary hip-hop duo Clipse spoke at length about their long-awaited reunion,...

In an interview on "Effective Immediately," Wale discussed the trajectory of his music career, his place in hip-hop, and his personal...

While R&B continues to evolve sonically, it’s the conversation around the music—where it lands, who’s pushing the genre forward, and who...

For independent artists looking to protect their music and establish legal proof of ownership, copyright registration is an essential—and...

Andrew Southworth didn’t plan to become one of the most trusted resources for independent artists navigating the digital music space—but...

On a recent episode of Rap Life Review , the energy was celebratory but grounded, as the team reflected on Apple Music’s 10-year...

When RJ, known to many as RJMrLA, pulled up to DJ Hed and Gina Views' show Effective Immediately , it wasn’t just another press stop—it...

In a revealing episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Ray Daniels shared a blueprint for building an impactful music career—one rooted not...

Before she was tour managing for French Montana or curating one of Toronto’s most impactful hip-hop blogs, Lola Plaku was just a...

Joey Bada$$ has always been something of an outlier—an artist deeply rooted in lyricism, integrity and independence. From breaking onto...

In a city long known for talent and tension, Zillionaire Doe and Montana 700 are helping usher in something new. The Dallas rappers, both...

On Episode 51 of Effective Immediately,  DJ Hed and Gina Views brought their signature blend of music exclusives, insider stories, and...

Top music attorney Miss Krystle is sounding the alarm on CapCut’s newly updated terms of service. In a recent video, the Arizona-based...