Steven & Darrell Discuss Kendrick Lamar, TikTok Artists, and the Art of Marketing

In episode 3, Steven Almeida and Darrell Reese Jr. dive into a variety of topics, starting with their morning routines and the significance of availability in the coffee industry. They break down coffee culture and its impact on their day-to-day lives.

The conversation then shifts to the recent Kendrick Lamar "Pop Out" performance, with the hosts expressing their excitement about the "Pop Out" sets and highlighting their favorite moments from the event. They address the criticism towards Kendrick Lamar, particularly the misconception that he's using the Drake diss record to stay relevant, and set the record straight on that narrative.

Steven and Darrell tackle the perception of artists labeled as TikTok artists, discussing the negative connotations and the role of TikTok in the music industry. They emphasize the platform's value for gaining exposure and creating trends, and explore the benefits and drawbacks of being branded as a 'TikTok artist.'

The hosts also delve into the importance of taking care of songwriters, ensuring they receive proper credit and compensation. They stress the need for record labels to support and invest in their songwriters to foster a healthier music ecosystem.

Filmmaker John Singleton's influence on storytelling in film becomes a focal point, with Steven and Darrell examining how his work has shaped the industry. They discuss the importance of style in filmmaking and music videos, noting how a unique style can elevate a project even when other aspects are lacking. The process of editing and developing an editing style is also explored.

The episode continues with a discussion about Jay-Z's dual love for hip-hop and business. The hosts compare Jay-Z's business acumen to Nas's passion for music and culture, highlighting Jay-Z's various ventures and his cultural impact.

Finally, the conversation wraps up with a mention of Nick Grant's album 'Sunday Dinner,' appreciating his storytelling and personal journey. Steven and Darrell emphasize the importance of marketing and audience engagement in the music industry. They offer tips on understanding and catering to your target audience, engaging with fans, building an email list, and developing a comprehensive marketing plan. They highlight the significance of content marketing, optimizing your website, and utilizing the marketing mix, concluding with industry tips of the week focused on marketing and audience engagement.

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In Episode 2 of the "I Hate This Industry Podcast," hosts Steven Almeida and Darrell Reese JR. delve deep into the multifaceted and often brutal realities of the music industry. Steven starts the episode by sharing a poignant story about a recent conversation with a close friend, a talented musician grappling with severe mental health issues. This heartfelt narrative sets the stage for a broader exploration of the challenges artists face in discovering and maintaining their true voice and identity amidst the pressures of a demanding and often unforgiving industry.

As the discussion progresses, Steven and Darrell dive into the controversial and complex world of industry accusations and scandals. They examine the delicate balance between believing victims and recognizing potential money grabs, referencing high-profile cases such as Cassie and Diddy. The conversation navigates the blurred lines between truth and opportunism, providing a nuanced perspective on the subject. They also dissect the aftermath of various scandals involving prominent artists like Kanye West, Sean Kingston, and G Herbo, highlighting the critical importance of integrity and the need for diversified income streams to sustain a career in music.

Through their unfiltered dialogue, Steven and Darrell emphasize the value of having a robust support system and the pitfalls of ego and lack of integrity that can sabotage one's career. Drawing from their own business experiences, they offer valuable insights into the trials and triumphs of navigating the creative industry, sharing lessons learned and practical advice for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.

INDUSTRY TIPS OF THE WEEK:

💡Build a Strong Network: Cultivate relationships with industry professionals, including producers, managers, promoters, and fellow artists.

💡Develop a Unique Brand: Establish a distinct identity that sets you apart from others.

💡Understand Music Licensing and Royalties: Learn about the different types of music licenses and how royalties work.

💡Invest in Quality Production: High-quality recordings and productions are crucial for standing out.

💡Diversify Your Income Streams: Relying solely on album sales is not sustainable. Explore various revenue sources such as merchandise, live performances, sync deals, crowdfunding, and patronage platforms like Patreon.

💡Protect Your Rights and Work: Ensure your music is legally protected by registering your works with the appropriate organizations, such as the Copyright Office and performance rights organizations (PROs). Understand contracts and seek legal advice when necessary.

💡Develop a Solid Business Plan: Treat your music career like a business. Create a detailed plan outlining your goals, target audience, marketing strategies, budget, and revenue projections. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed.

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In this episode of "I Hate This Industry Podcast," we delve into the recent allegations against music mogul Diddy and the broader implications for how we perceive and idolize public figures. Join us as we discuss the shocking revelations and the subsequent impact on Diddy's legacy. Our hosts share their personal reflections on Diddy's influence in the entertainment industry and the difficult process of reconciling admiration for his professional achievements with the disturbing personal allegations.

We'll explore the debate sparked by Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy on the importance of separating the individual's actions from their public persona. Is it possible to appreciate someone's professional contributions while condemning their personal misconduct? We examine the role of celebrity worship in our culture and how it often overshadows critical societal issues like domestic violence, patriarchy, and power dynamics.

Our discussion also touches on the broader issue of accountability, especially for those in positions of power and influence. Can, and should, we continue to support individuals who have made significant positive contributions if they are also guilty of serious wrongdoing?

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the way we view celebrities and the importance of holding everyone accountable, regardless of their status. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of fame, morality, and social justice.

Sounds Of The Week: "Please Don't Cry" by Rapsody

Darrell & Steven dive into the world of Rapsody. Darrell recounts his introduction to Rapsody through the Sojourner record with J. Cole, while Steven highlights the impact of her albums like Eve and Layla's Wisdom. We break down her artistic progressions, her jazz-inspired sounds, and the unique way she taps into the femininity of hip-hop. Drawing comparisons to Kendrick Lamar, we discuss how Rapsody carves out her own space in the industry while drawing direct correlations to her inspirations.

INDUSTRY TIPS OF THE WEEK:

💡 Build a reliable team. Hire people who want to do the job and have passion, experience and a skill set for the role!

5 important players you should have on your team:

💡Manager - Handles the inner workings of your day to day operations. Has a vested interest in the growth and success of your career.

💡Lawyer - Handles all legal matters within your operations. Looks over contracts and gives legal advice and consultation as to what’s best for your career.

💡Agent - Negotiates the best opportunities for your career.

💡Cameraman/Editor/Copy Writer - Handles all the camera work, editing and copywriting for the content creation on your team.

💡Content Creator/Social Media Specialist - Makes sure all the content is prepped, ready and aligned with your brand. Specializes in understanding how algorithms operate on different social medial platforms. Has their finger on the pulse of what’s trending and what to stay away from on social media.

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