The SoundCentric Podcast

Epizódy

• 
  Episode 120 | le'Roy Benros talks legendary bookings at SOBs, Building Big.Ass.Kids, and the Future of Music Monetization + More 29.04.2026 54min

  In this episode of the Sound Centric Podcast, Adam Dash sits down with music executive and creative strategist le’Roy Benros for a deep dive into the evolution of the music industry from the blog era to today’s digital-first landscape. le’Roy reflects on his time at SOBs, where some of hip-hop’s biggest names including Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West passed through early in their careers, and breaks down what it takes to spot and develop talent at the ground level. The conversation explores the founding and growth of Big Ass Kids, a creative platform and ecosystem built to help artists and music professionals bring ambitious ideas to life through marketing activations, storytelling, and community building. le’Roy shares behind the scenes stories from standout campaigns with artists like Smino and Meek Mill, and explains how world building has become a core part of modern music rollouts. They also discuss the future of the industry, including how artists are monetizing beyond streaming, the rise of superfans, and why financial literacy including Bitcoin and new digital asset models is becoming increasingly important for creatives navigating their careers. This episode blends music history, business strategy, and forward thinking insight into where the industry is headed next.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00 Introduction to the Soundcentric Podcast 02:35 The Blog Era and Its Impact on Music 04:51 Modern Marketing Strategies for Artists 09:27 The Role of Industry Plants in Music 11:40 The Importance of Live Performances 19:31 Booking Artists: Behind the Scenes 22:57 Monetizing Music in the Digital Age 26:14 The Birth of Big Ass Kids 28:00 Collaborative Projects and Artist Experiences 30:32 Innovative Campaigns and Activations 33:28 Navigating the Music Industry as an Entrepreneur 36:28 Building a Supportive Community for Artists 40:30 Addressing Industry Challenges and Future Predictions 44:19 Financial Literacy and the Role of Bitcoin 51:53 Upcoming Events and Opportunities
• 
  EPISODE 119 | LIFEOFTHOM TALKS VIRAL FREESTYLE WITH NYC MAYOR, WORKING WITH PLAIN PAT & BREAKING INTO THE RAP INDUSTRY 11.03.2026 44min

    In Episode 119, Adam sits down with Washington Heights rapper LIFEOFTHOM to break down his journey through New York City’s rap scene and how he’s building a career in today’s independent music landscape.   Thom talks about the viral Washington Square Park freestyle moment where he ended up rapping in front of the NYC mayor, how moments like that can translate into real fans, and why artists need to learn how to leverage attention in the modern music industry.   He also shares the story behind connecting with legendary producer Plain Pat (Kid Cudi, Kanye West) and what he learned from working with someone who has helped shape some of hip-hop’s most iconic records.   Throughout the conversation, Thom gives insight into building a team, opening for artists like Conway the Machine and IDK, life on tour, and how independent rappers are navigating tech, direct-to-fan models, and the changing business of music. Whether you’re a hip-hop fan or someone interested in the music industry, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build a rap career today.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:50 Washington Heights Rapper “LifeofThom” on His Rise + New Plain Pat Project00:02:50 La Russell’s packed calendar as an indie artist00:05:51 Inside NYC’s New Rap Scene: Building Community Like Pro Era & Brockhampton00:11:05 Rapping for NYC’s Mayor: How a Viral Washington Square Freestyle Changed Everything00:15:59 When Do Artists Need a Manager? Building a Real Team in the Rap Game00:18:31 Opening for Conway, IDK & Taylor Bennett: How Rap Show Opportunities Actually Happen00:22:11 Life on Rap Tour: The Real Experience vs. What Fans See on YouTube00:23:41 Why Rappers Should Pay Attention to Tech, NFTs & Music Platforms00:26:24 The Future of Rap Money: Direct-to-Fan Music, No Labels Needed00:29:20 Working with Legendary Producer Plain Pat (Kid Cudi, Kanye)00:33:07 How Great Rappers Write: Freestyling vs. Crafting Bars for Days00:37:38 Rap Influences: Pro Era, ASAP Rocky, Blog Era Mixtapes & J. Cole00:41:22 Mount Rushmore of NYC Rappers (Debate Gets Heated)00:45:24 New Music with Kota the Friend, CJ Fly + What’s Next
• 
  Episode 118 | Don Chenz Talks New J. Cole “The Fall Off” Album, Tyler’s Grammy Run, Producer GOAT Debate + More & Is Rap Too Polished? 18.02.2026 55min

    In this episode of the Soundcentric Podcast, Adam sits down with Don Chenz for a wide ranging and unfiltered conversation about the current state of hip hop. They break down J. Cole’s long awaited album after an eight year tease, debating Disc 1 versus Disc 2, KOD versus Might Delete Later, and whether Cole’s technical brilliance sometimes works against him. The discussion expands into the Grammys conversation, including Kendrick Lamar’s dominance and whether Tyler, The Creator has become the Academy’s new favorite. From there, they dive into producer GOAT debates featuring Alchemist and DJ Premier, the evolving sound of the 2020s, and whether modern rap has become too polished. They also explore marketing in the streaming era, mysterious artist branding, snippet culture, short form versus long form content, and the thrill of discovering artists early like Trevor Spitta, Doechii, and Jack Harlow. It is a passionate and layered discussion about rap nostalgia, algorithms, artistry, and where hip hop is headed next.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 NYC Apartment Studio Setup, Audio Horror Stories & Podcast Production Talk  00:00:50 Welcome to the Soundcentric Podcast + John Wall Dougie Intro  00:02:00 J. Cole “The Fall Off” Expectations After 8-Year Tease  00:03:00 “This Might Be My Favorite Album Ever” – First Reactions to J. Cole  00:05:30 Disc 1 vs Disc 2 Debate – Burna Boy Feature & Red Velvet Cake Line  00:08:30 Hip-Hop Interpolations – Nas, Common & Storytelling Comparisons  00:09:50 High School Nostalgia, Blog Era Rap & Jersey Shore Memories  00:12:30 JID, Ab-Soul & Meeting Rappers Stories  00:15:00 Best Songs Breakdown – Bun B Road, Alchemist Beat & Future Feature  00:18:00 6-Minute Songs vs TikTok Brain – Attention Spans in 2026  00:20:00 Concert Volume, Headphone Culture & “I Can’t Hear the Person I’m Talking To”  00:22:30 Album Rollouts & Marketing Strategy – Teasing vs Dropping Immediately  00:24:30 Mysterious Artist Era – Playboi Carti, Snippet Culture & Fan Hype  00:27:00 KOD vs Might Delete Later – Ranking J. Cole Albums  00:28:37 Grammys Debate – Kendrick Lamar, Drake Line & Rap Album of the Year  00:30:00 Tyler, The Creator Early Era – “Nobody Knew Who He Was”  00:32:00 Tyler’s Grammy Run – IGOR, Chromakopia & Don’t Tap The Glass Debate  00:34:00 Clipse vs Tyler vs Kendrick – Who Really Deserved the Grammy?  00:35:50 What Is the “2020s Sound”? Rage Beats, Distorted Vocals & Genre Blending  00:38:30 Late 2000s Rap vs Blog Era – Why Some Music Doesn’t Age Well  00:40:30 Is Rap Too Perfect Now? Nas, Eminem & Technical Rapping Debate  00:41:00 Producer GOAT Debate – Alchemist, DJ Premier & Schoolboy Q  00:43:30 Tyler as Producer – Should He Produce a Lil Wayne Album?  00:45:00 Long Form vs Short Form Content – Podcast Growth in 2026  00:46:10 “Would I Even Watch My Own Content?” – Creator Self-Awareness  00:48:30 Building a Recognizable Brand in Music Media  00:50:00 Jack Harlow Doesn’t Get the Love – Baby Keem & Next Rap Star Debate 00:52:00 Brent Faiyaz, The Weeknd & Modern R&B Sound  00:54:00 Discovering New Artists – PR Emails, Music Submissions & Gatekeeping 00:56:00 Being Early on Trevor Spitta & Doechii  00:58:00 Why Discovering Music Feels Elite in Hip-Hop Culture  01:00:00 Final Thoughts on Rap, Algorithms & The Future of Music
• 
  Episode 117 | RJ Powell of IBreatheMusicAllDay Talks Turning Music Discovery Into a Career, Building a Platform, Why Rap Isn’t Dead + More 28.01.2026 44min

  This episode of the Soundcentric Podcast dives deep into the mind of RJ Powell, the creator behind IBreatheMusicAllDay, one of today’s most trusted music discovery platforms. RJ breaks down how curiosity, community, and genuine love for music helped him build a following of hundreds of thousands, discover artists before they blow up, and turn content creation into a real career, all without chasing clout or trends. From dropping out of school and finding his purpose, to explaining why music is not dead (you just are not looking hard enough), to opening up about making his own music and navigating the business side of the industry, this conversation is packed with insight for artists, creators, and true music fans. If you care about underground music, creative authenticity, and how culture really moves behind the scenes, this is a must-listen   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 - intro 00:01:25 - What makes RJ want to discover new music 00:04:00 - The artist RJ is most proud of finding early 00:05:00 - A preview of J. Cole’s new album “The Fall-Off” and our expectations for it 00:09:00 - What rappers and producers we want on “The Fall-Off” 00:13:10 - Our thoughts on the A$AP Rocky album 00:15:00 - The music we are most excited for in 2026 00:20:00 - How RJ built up his page to over 300k followers 00:29:35 - How does RJ find artists and what stands out to him 00:34:00 - Pages RJ goes to find new music 00:36:00 - How RJ started making music  
• 
  Episode 116 | Gabe P Talks Creating On The Radar, Finding Artists, the Power of Freestyles + More 14.01.2026 57min

  In this episode of Soundcentric, host Adam Dash sits down with Gabe P, the founder of On The Radar, to break down how one freestyle platform grew into a global cultural force. Gabe dives into the importance of freestyles as hip-hop education, how artists are actually discovered and selected, and what separates those who capitalize on their moment from those who waste it. The conversation explores the business behind viral freestyles, the role of the internet and memes in breaking artists, and how On The Radar built trust with artists while expanding worldwide. A must-listen for rap fans, creators, and anyone curious about how culture, creativity, and strategy intersect in today’s music industry.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 - intro 00:02:15 - How Gabe feels having made a new cultural landmark within hip-hop 00:04:45 - Using the color green in all OTR branding and other people copying it    00:05:45 - How Gabe decided to format OTR to differentiate from Sway, Funk Flex, and other freestyle shows 00:07:45 - Some of the hardest OTR’s to record 00:09:20 - The importance of freestyles for hip-hop 00:16:00 - Do people pay to get on OTR? 00:17:45 - Why Gabe decided to release the freestyles on DSPs? 00:21:00 - Why Gabe has more than just rap artists and American artists on OTR 00:23:00 - How artists can capitalize on their moment after appearing on OTR 00:29:45 - Does OTR allow artists to rap on famous beats 00:31:20 - The OTR X Kai Cenat linkup 00:38:00 - How artists get on OTR and the importance of artists being visible online 00:42:40 - Tips for artists  00:45:00 -  Gabe’s dream freestyle cypher 00:49:00 -How Gabe has time to listen to new artists 00:52:00 - Who we are listening to right now 00:54:00 - Closing thoughts      
• 
  Episode 115 | Trent Josiah Talks Importance of Concerts, Best Rap Voices Ever, the Return of Freestyles + More 05.11.2025 41min

  In this SoundCentric episode, Adam and Trent Josiah dive into the nuts and bolts of booking shows—from organic connections and managers to why timing and having your “ducks in a row” matters—then geek out on live performance, swapping best-ever concert memories (J. Cole, Kendrick, Little Brother) and why leaving everything on stage beats being too cool to perform; they also debate the greatest rap voices (ODB, 2Pac, Chance, JAY-Z, J. Cole), celebrate the comeback of freestyles (On The Radar, Hot 97, Funk Flex moments), and unpack the power of tight artist-producer chemistry in building a signature sound.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - How do rising artists actually get shows booked 00:02:45 - Making connections with other artists 00:04:30 - How Trent found his manager and built his team 00:06:30 - Making the decision to move from North Carolina to LA for music 00:12:30 - What is the LA scene actually like 00:15:45 - the important of concerts, live events, and making a community 00:18:30 - Our favorite concerts ever 00:23:20 - Why Outkast means more to people in the south 00:27:00 - The greatest rap voices ever 00:30:50 - The resurgence of freestyles in hip-hop with Kai x OTR 00:33:40 - Best freestyles of all time 00:37:00 - the benefit of linking up with one producer  
• 
  Episode 114 | Hadji Gaviota Talks the Realities of Touring, Best Openers Ever, Rapping on On the Radar + More 08.10.2025 53min

  In this episode of the SoundCentric Podcast, Adam sits down with Hadji Gaviota for a deep dive into the realities of touring as an independent artist. Fresh off his cross-country run on “The Blind Tour” with Damag3 and Rob Apollo, Hadji breaks down the grind behind the scenes — from sleeping on couches and eating gas-station meals to discovering how to actually make money on the road. The two unpack the economics of merch, the creative strategies behind tour budgeting, and the lessons learned from performing 13 shows in three weeks. Beyond the financials, Hadji reflects on the emotional highs of meeting fans in person and the importance of building an authentic live presence. This conversation paints a full picture of the unglamorous but rewarding hustle of modern touring — a must-listen for any rising artist trying to hit the road the right way.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:30 - What it’s actually ike to be an opener on a nation wide tour 00:06:00 - How artists make money on touring and the importance of having good merch 00:12:00 - A quick Kanye tangent and the importance of humor in hip-hop 00:17:15 - The reality of touring 00:20:30 - Hadji’s pre-show ritual 00:25:15 - Our favorite openers of all time and what makes a great opener 00:29:30 - The issue with artists who don’t have easy to search names 00:37:00 - What its like rapping on On the Radar and how artists can standout in their marketing 00:43:15 - How Hadji formed Elmjack and why they decided to have their dads act as the lead artists 00:51:00 - Closing thoughts  
• 
  Episode 113 | Quadry Talks Getting Advice From Frank Ocean, Why Humor is Essential In Rap, Our Favorite First Listens Ever + More 24.09.2025 50min

  In this episode, I hosted my very first live SoundCentric podcast out of a secret New York City location with none other than Baton Rouge’s own Quadry. We dove deep into his project Ask A Magnolia and the new “Complete Series” expansion, unpacking how the leftover tracks still help tell the full story. We talked about album length, cover art, and what it means to compete for people’s attention in today’s music landscape. From there, the conversation expanded into creativity and taste—why confidence and quick decision-making separate great artists, how interpolation pays homage to hip-hop’s roots, and the responsibility of passing down culture to the next generation. Quadry also broke down his use of symbolism, like painting the American flag on his face, and shared his perspective on making political statements through art. We explored everything from fan bases and industry narratives, to J. Cole vs. Kendrick debates, to whether rappers should need a “license” to make music. Quadry even told a wild story about meeting Frank Ocean and the advice he got on performing. Toward the end, we swapped our personal “Mount Rushmore” of first-listen album experiences, celebrated the humor that makes the best MCs stand out, and teased what’s next from Quadry as he gears up for season two of his series. Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:00 - The release of new tape “A Magnolia: The Complete Series” and inspiration to drop unreleased music from “Ask A Magnolia” 00:04:00 - Competing for attention on social media timelines and our ideal album run times 00:06:00 - The importance of artists being confident in their taste 00:08:40 - The importance of sampling and interpolating in hip-hop and how it educates the youth 00:15:00 - Quadry’s use of the American flag throughout his visuals and lyrics 00:18:50 - Artists who have mastered songs that have deeper meanings that are catchy 00:20:20 - The difference between surface level artists and one’s with a real  point of view 00:21:50 - Quadry’s love for storytelling in rap 00:24:40 - Artitsts who are mad about who their fanbases are 00:30:00 - Excitement that the Drake and Kendrick beef actually happened 00:31:20 - What it means to really love hip-hop 00:36:50 - Quadry’s story of meeting Frank Ocean and getting performance advice 00:42:20 - Our favorite first listening experiences ever? 00:46:00 - Closing thoughts 00:47:30 - Why the best rappers are funny
• 
  Episode 112 | Elsie Talks Interviewing JID, Clipse, Freddie Gibbs, and Tyler's Return, Mount Rushmore of Songs We Wish We Saw Made + More 20.08.2025 1h 1min

  This week, I sat down with Elsie for her third appearance on the pod—one of my favorite recurring guests and one of the most thoughtful voices in music journalism. We dive deep into the state of hip-hop right now, breaking down albums from JID, Freddie Gibbs, Clipse, and Tyler, the Creator. We talk about what makes a live performance unforgettable, how rollouts have evolved in the streaming era, and the difference between artists who rap and artists who build worlds. Toward the end, we share our Mount Rushmore of songs we wish we could’ve been in the studio for while they were being made. If you're a rap nerd like us, this one's for you.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 - Intro  00:01:20 – Planning Interviews: Editing, Deadlines & Team Dynamics00:03:50 – AI in the Creative Process: Elsie & Adam’s Honest Take00:05:20 – Why This Might Be a Legendary Year for Hip-Hop00:06:50 – JID’s $1 Show & Elsie’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience00:09:35 – What Makes JID One of the Best Live Performers00:11:20 – The Strategy Behind Dreamville’s Fan-First Shows00:13:00 – JID's Tracklist Roulette: Fans Pick the Setlist00:14:25 – Alfredo 2 vs. Alfredo 1: Expectations vs. Reality00:16:40 – Breaking Down Tyler’s Surprise Drop00:19:20 – Is Tyler Singing Too Much? The Kanye Comparison00:21:50 – The Case for Chromakopia: Elsie’s Favorite Tyler Moments00:24:20 – Clipse Are Back! New Album Breakdown00:26:40 – Minimalist Beats, Maximal Bars: Pharrell’s Production Choices00:28:20 – Why Clipse Should Win Rap Album of the Year00:30:20 – Rollouts That Work: Short and Loud vs. Long and Layered00:34:05 – The Problem with Album Teases in 202500:35:50 – Where Are the New Stars? Why the New Guard Isn’t Breaking Through00:37:20 – Building Stars: Performance, Worldbuilding, & Visuals00:39:20 – Hooks Matter: The Secret to Mainstream Success00:41:20 – The Power of Great Choruses in Hip-Hop00:43:35 – Rising Artists to Watch: Q, Suave, Marco Plus & More00:46:20 – Female Artists Leading the Charge: Sailorrr, Samara, Doechii00:48:20 – Jordan Ward’s Breakout Potential00:50:05 – Mount Rushmore of Studio Sessions We Wish We Saw00:53:05 – Mac Miller, Kendrick, Anderson .Paak & Frank Ocean Moments00:57:20 – Final Reflections: The Magic of Rap Nerds in the Studio00:58:35 – Elsie’s Outro & What’s Next for Her
• 
  Episode 111 | Oblé Reed Talks Seattle Rap Scene, New "Line Leaders Album," Why Rollouts Still Matter + More 06.08.2025 55min

  In this episode of the SoundCentric Podcast, host Adam Dash talks with Oblé Reed, a rising star in the Seattle hip-hop scene, discussing the resurgence of album rollouts, the importance of promotion, and the collaborative nature of his latest project "Line Leaders" wich featuring 18 artists. Oblé shares insights on vocal layering, the significance of visuals in music, and the challenges of being an independent artist. The conversation also highlights the importance of community and the role of manifestation in achieving creative goals.   Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:40 Intro – Welcome Oblé Reed & Album Overview  00:01:31 Rollouts Are Back: Why Narrative Matters in Hip-Hop  00:02:40 Promote Your Art Like You Mean It  00:03:19 How Jordan Ward Inspired Oblé's Live Show Philosophy  00:04:26 Why Oblé Chose Collaboration Over Competition  00:06:59 Putting Seattle and His Peers on the Map  00:09:20 Rap Like You Mean It – How Line Leaders Raised the Bar  00:10:42 Oblé’s Vocal Layering Secret Sauce  00:12:41 How Visuals Bring Oblé's Music to Life  00:16:20 The Insane Story Behind the 'Aim High' Video Shoot  00:18:56 Passing the Blunt to Himself – Hometown Hero BTS  00:21:55 Oblé’s Favorite Music Videos & Inspirations  00:28:49 Rapid-Fire Descriptions of All 18 Features on Line Leaders  00:41:36 Minivan: The Bar-Filled Track Born From Frustration  00:43:47 Defining the Seattle Sound and Why It Matters  00:47:10 Tiny Desk Audition and the Power of Musicianship  00:48:26 The Emotional Reality of Being an Independent Artist  00:50:53 Manifestation Isn’t Magic, It’s Action  00:52:49 The Importance of Going Outside & Building Community  00:54:40 Final Message: Protect the Youth, Build Unity  
• 
  Episode 110 | Record Label President Malik Wilson Talks Developing SAILORR, 4Batz’s Drake Co-Sign, Building Ian’s XXL Moment + More 23.07.2025 52min

  In this episode of SoundCentric, we sit down with Malik Wilson, President of Bu Vision, to talk about his journey from Baltimore to becoming a rising force in the music industry. Malik shares how he discovered artists like Sailorr, 4batz, and Ian, and breaks down the strategy behind their branding, TikTok presence, and fan engagement. We dive into the role of storytelling in artist development, what makes an artist stand out today, and how Bu Vision built momentum leading to moments like a Drake co-sign and a XXL Freshman nod. If you're an artist, exec, or just obsessed with how careers are built in 2025, this one's for you.   Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:10 – Intro & Guest Introduction (Malik Wilson of Bu Vision)  00:01:25 – What XXL Freshman List Still Means Today  00:03:10 – Malik’s Journey from Baltimore to the Music Industry  00:05:40 – Discovering Artists Early – Juice WRLD, Yeat, Doechii  00:07:25 – What Malik Looks for in Rising Artists  00:08:40 – First Real Marketing Experience with Shordie Shordie  00:09:25 – Starting AUC Who Got Next at Morehouse  00:11:30 – Breaking into Streamcut via TikTok Strategy  00:13:40 – Winning the Internship Challenge with Sports Page  00:17:40 – Building Saucy Santana’s TikTok Fan Page  00:20:40 – Shifting to Vertical Agency & TikTok Strategy Evolution  00:22:40 – Joining Bu vision and Meeting Boo  00:23:40 – How Bu vision Found and Developed Sailor  00:27:10 – Fan Engagement & Touring with Sailorr  00:30:10 – The Importance of Live Shows & Building a Core Fanbase   00:34:50 – Why Artists in 2025 Can't Stay Relevant As Long 00:35:45 – SAILORR & Ian’s Humor, Branding, and Superpower as Artists 00:43:20 – 4Batz & Getting the Drake Co-Sign 00:44:15 – The Role of Atlantic Records in BuVision’s Growth 00:45:00 – Advice for artists for how to separate themselves to cut through the noise 00:48:40 – Advice to Rising Artists: Music, Consistency, and Being Different 00:49:35 – What’s Next for BuVision, Ian, SAILORR, 4Batz, and Malik’s Socials
• 
  Episode 109 | Kay Anthony talks Fashion in Rap, Kendrick Wearing His Jacket, Kai Cenat Brand + more 02.07.2025 52min

  In this episode of the SoundCentric Podcast, host Adam Dash interviews rapper and fashion designer Kay Anthony. They explore the deep connection between hip- hop and fashion, discussing Kay Anthony's journey into fashion design, his influences, and the role of social media in promoting his brand, EffPerfection. The conversation also touches on the impact of Kendrick Lamar on Kay Anthony's life and career, the importance of showing up for opportunities, and Kay Anthony's future projects and aspirations in both music and fashion.   Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 Intro Video00:00:45 Intro + Meet Kay Anthony: Rapper & Designer00:02:04 Clipse Comeback & Pusha T’s Biggie Influence00:03:50 Breaking Down Music Video Aesthetics00:05:55 Kendrick Tour Fashion + Marc Jacobs Fits00:06:59 Design Origins: Tumblr, Snapbacks, & Glue Guns00:10:06 effPerfection: The Origin Story00:11:22 NikeID & ASAP Rocky’s Fashion Influence00:14:59 Tyler, The Creator’s Style Evolution00:17:12 Growing Up in Flatbush: Caribbean Influence on Music & Style00:21:13 Fashion as a Marketing Tool in Hip-Hop00:21:59 Lyrics Breakdown: 'Insecurities' & Materialism00:22:49 Designing for Kai Cenat & Grappling With Image00:28:54 From Pandemic Pivot to Running Kai’s Brand00:36:23 How Social Media Put effPerfection on the Map00:39:02 Kendrick Wearing the Jacket: The Full Story00:46:09 To Pimp a Butterfly Inspired Life-Altering Decision00:48:23 The Power of Showing Up & Shooting Your Shot00:50:32 What's Next: Westside Boogie, New Music, and Deluxe Album  
• 
  Episode 108 | Dewey Saunders Talks Designing Anderson .Paak’s “Malibu,” Future’s “WIZRD” Cover, and the Rise of AI in Art + More 18.06.2025 57min

  In this episode of the Soundcentric Podcast, host Adam Dash engages with graphic artist Dewey Saunders, known for his iconic album covers for artists like Anderson Paak and Future. They discuss the evolution of music production, the significance of album art in shaping music culture, and the creative process behind designing memorable visuals. Dewey shares his journey from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, the challenges he faced in the music industry, and his thoughts on the impact of AI on art. The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration, the role of visuals in storytelling, and advice for aspiring artists.     Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:45 Meet Dewey Saunders: The Man Behind “Malibu”00:01:29 Inside the Malibu Cover Origins00:02:27 Early Anderson .Paak: Breezy Lovejoy Days00:03:38 Why That Tiny Desk is One of the Greatest00:05:20 Seeing Your Art on Dorm Walls & T-Shirts00:11:12 Tagging Rappers on Instagram Changed Everything00:14:16 Designing the Venice Cover With Total Freedom00:18:09 Getting the Malibu Job + Quitting His Job for Art00:22:39 The Thanksgiving Night Cover Switch00:26:36 How Album Covers Should Reflect the Music00:31:01 Is Album Art a Lost Art?00:32:28 Using AI in Art: Blessing or Curse?00:37:20 “Too Perfect” Art vs. Human Imperfection00:39:15 The Ray-Ban Campaign That Funded His LA Move00:41:25 From Anderson .Paak to Future’s “WIZRD” Cover00:46:17 How “WIZRD” Validated Dewey’s Versatility00:47:36 Dewey’s Mount Rushmore of Album Covers00:52:06 Advice to Aspiring Cover Artists & Designers00:53:46 The Power of Luck, Footwork & Visualization00:55:37 Dewey’s New Music Era as Dewey Bryan  
• 
  Episode 107 | Chad Howell Talks Tyler, The Creator's World Building, Doechii's Album Rollout, and the Label That’s Changing the Game + More 04.06.2025 56min

  In Episode 107 of the SoundCentric Podcast, we’re joined by marketing strategist and content creator Chad Howell, the mind behind the popular Instagram account @roscoemarketing. Chad brings his deep industry experience—from Sweetgreen to startups to record labels—to dissect some of the most creative and buzzworthy marketing campaigns across the music and entertainment world today. We dive into the strategic genius behind Anthony Edwards’ Adidas campaign (00:04:15), Doechii’s cinematic “Alligator Bites Never Heal” rollout (00:05:15), and Aminé’s sunny “13 Months of Summer” campaign (00:11:15). Chad breaks down how artists like Tyler, the Creator (00:13:45), J.I.D (00:21:45), and SWAVAY (00:37:20) are innovating world-building and visuals to elevate their art and brand. From the FOMO-driven tactics of Blvck Svm’s “michelin man” (00:30:30), to the experimental marketing behind Lexa Gates’ “Elite Vessel” (00:26:00), to the calculated moves by up-and-comers like Oblė Reed (00:33:20), we cover the strategies that work—and why. We also take a deep dive into Bu Vision, the label behind 4Batz and SAILORR (00:38:20), and reflect on the evolving role of artists as content creators (00:42:00). To close, Chad shares his biggest marketing advice for rising musicians (00:49:20). If you’re into music, branding, or just love smart rollouts—this episode is a masterclass.    Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com 00:00:45 - Intro 00:02:35 - Chad’s professional marketing background ranging from Sweet Green to startups to record labels 00:04:15 - Anthony Edwards Adidas campaign 00:05:15 - Doechii’s “Alligator Bites Never Heal” album rollout breakdown 00:11:15 - Aminé “13 Months of Summer” album  rollout breakdown 00:13:45 - Tyler, the Creator’s world building, marketing, and album rollouts breakdown 00:21:45 - J.I.D starts rollout for “God Does Like Ugly” 3 months early. Is that too long? 00:26:00 -  Lexa Gates glass box “Elite Vessel” rollout and marketing 00:30:30 - Blvck Svm and his fine dining rollout for his album “michelin man” 00:32:10 - The power of FOMO in marketing    00:33:20 - Oblė Reed and his terrific marketing    00:37:20 -  SWAVAY and his amazing visuals for album “Billy 2” 00:38:20 - Bu Vision: a deep dive into the record label behind 4Batz, Ian, and SAILORR and the importance of creating an image as an artist 00:42:00 - Are artists forced to be content creators today and the downsides to being a mysterious artist 00:49:20 - Our biggest marketing advice for rising artists 00:54:00 - Closing thoughts
• 
  Episode 106 | DJ Short Talks West Coast vs Joey Bada$$ Beef, Remix Culture vs TikTok, & California’s Hip-Hop Comeback 21.05.2025 1h 6min

  Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com     00:00:45 - Intro 00:01:30 - Intro to West Coast vs Joey Bada$$ beef 00:03:30 - How Pusha T changed what we expect from a rap beef 00:05:30 - Red Bull Freestyle with Big Sean, Ab-Soul, & Joey Bada$$ 00:08:20 - Ray Vaughn drops “Hoe Era” and its California vibes Joey drops “The Finals” 00:12:00 - What other appers we’d like to see enter the beef 00:14:50 - Joey drops “The Finals” 00:16:50 - Reminiscing on the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef and having an East Coast bias in the beef 00:19:20 - AZChike diss 00:22:00 - Daylyt’s first diss 00:26:55 - KayHon joins to breakdown Joey, Ray Vaughn, Daylyt, AZChike and more 00:42:40 - The return of the California hip-hop sounds and the importance of knowing its history 00:46:15 - DJ’s role in hip-hop culture and the recent rise in DJing 00:47:30 - DJ Short’s journey to start Djing 00:49:00 - How djing and remix culture is being watered down by tiktok 00:50:30 - The power of remix culture: DJ Short made a remix for HER and she ended up using it 00:51:30 - The importance of understanding cultures in DJing 00:55:20 - How DJ Short became the DJ for The Estelle Show on Apple Music 00:59:30 - DJ Short’s podcast “Liner Notes” 01:00:10 - Our favorite songs of 2025
• 
  Episode 105 | Brainorchestra talks new EP, learning from Alchemist, building a worldwide fanbase utilizing his Patron, newsletter, and Bandcamp + More 30.04.2025 49min

  Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com 00:00:45 - Intro 00:01:50 - New tape “Ethergrams” dropped 00:03:00 - How prepared should an artist be before they drop/understanding your goals for an album 00:07:00 - How Brain got playlisted with help from his distributor and the importance of playlisting 00:09:20 - The benefit of being your own producer and engineer as an artist 00:12:30 - Mount Rushmore of rapper/producers 00:14:40 - How Brain got connected with Alchemist and their friendship 00:19:20 - Alchemist’s inspiration on the business side of music for artists 00:20:00 - How Brain first started making money off of his music with cassette tapes and utilizing Band Camp 00:25:20 - The power of responding to your fans 00:28:15 - How Brain was able to do a tour overseas and how he even got the idea 00:34:45 - Creating a Patreon for fans and the power of being able to give exclusive content to your biggest fans 00:41:15 - The power of creating a newsletter and importance of collecting emails 00:44:30 - Our favorite albums of 2025 and what we’re most looking forward to
• 
  Episode 104 | Ralph Tashjian Talks Intercept Music, What It Means to be Independent in 2025 + More 09.04.2025 43min

  Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com 00:01:00 - Intro 00:01:50 - What made Ralph leave a career in promotion to start a distribution company 00:04:20 - The  feeling of finding a new favorite artist 00:06:10 - Why you can’t buy your music into popularity 00:09:00 - How artists should utilize their marketing and how AI can be helpful for organization 00:13:30 - What separates Intercept Music from other distributors utilizing technology 00:16:20 - What does it mean to be independent in 2025 00:21:10 - How can artists make a career off music and make money 00:28:45 - At what point should an artist start thinking about getting a team? 00:34:15 - The best way to get on a playlist 00:36:15 - What is the best type of content to make? Music videos? Short form content? 00:37:00 - How car artist make money outside of streams? 00:39:00 - Where does Ralph see the music industry going 00:41:50 - Closing thoughts
• 
  Episode 103 | Volksgeist Talks Playboi Carti Album, A$AP Rocky's Album Rollout, the Issue with Hip-Hop Journalists + More 26.03.2025 41min

  Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:01:00 - intro 00:02:00 - The stigma around video essays 00:03:00 - The issue with current music journalism and their issue with Volksgeist 00:07:30 - the positive sides of written journalism 00:10:00 - The goal of Volksgeist’s videos how he is educating people 00:12:40 - Our thoughts on the Playboi Carti album and its long rollout 00:13:40 - A quick detour about how awesome concerts are 00:16:00 - Back to Carti album talk 00:19:20 - Adams hot take on The Weeknd and Tyler, the Creator 00:24:30 - Our excitement level for A$AP Rocky’s “Don’t Be Dumb” and the issue with its rollout 00:31:40 - Drake and Kendrick one year later and Kendricks hypocrisy 00:39:20 - What Kendrick Lamar and hip-hop has taught us 00:41:00 - Closing thoughts
• 
  Episode 102 | Annabelle Talks Building That Good Sh*t, Mount Rushmore of Interviewers, Opening for Doechii + So Much More 19.02.2025 51min

  Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 - Our reaction to Doechii’s grammy win 00:03:15 - Artists we were “early” on (featuring Tommy Richman, Lexa Gates, and Chance the Rapper) 00:07:00 - How Annabelle goes about listening to submissions and how to stand out when submitting 00:10:00 - does Annabelle let view metrics guide her content? 00:11:00 - How That Good Sh*T started 00:14:00 - How Annabelle landed on the branding for TGS 00:16:00 - How Annabelle built her TGS team 00:19:50 - Anabelle’s research process for interviews 00:21:40 - Our Mount Rushmore of interviewed 00:25:00 - Tips for interviewing 00:27:00 - How Annabelle deals with impostor syndrome 00:31:10 - how Annabelle deals with hate 00:35:00 - How Annabelle got into DJing 00:39:00 - opening for Doechii and Teezo touchdown 00:41:00 - Our favorite concerts ever 00:45:00 - Favorite music region right now 00:47:00 - A message to people who say hiphop is dying 00:49:00 - Closing thoughts
• 
  Episode 101 | Ykmyname Recaps 2025 Grammys and Talks New Album 05.02.2025 53min

  Find us on social media for daily content and information regarding all things music industry Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundcentricmus Instagram:https://https://www.instagram.com/soundcentricmusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundcentricmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundCentricmusic Website: https://soundcentricmusic.com Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com   00:0:00 - Intro 00:03:00 - Grammys Intro 00:06:35 - The Grammys were… great? 00:08:30 - Kanye’s wife arrives naked and announces new album 00:10:30 - Kendrick sweeps Grammys wins 5 awards 00:12:30 - Is Drake going R&B a good move for his return? 00:17:40 - Doechii wins Rap Album of the Year  00:20:30 - TDE is the San Antonio Spurs of hip-hop 00:24:00 - Best debut rap albums  00:26:00 - beyonce wins her first grammy  00:28:30 - Are the Grammys anti-drake? 00:34:00 - Anderson Paak and Rapsody win awards  00:35:00 - YK drops new album "Dusta Da Vinci 00:37:50 - How YK thought of plan to drop an album every month  00:39:00 - Production on the album  00:41:00 - How to balance mastering your craft while still releasing music  00:47:40 - Making music is supposed to be fun 00:51:00 - Artists who have switched their rap names