157. Rap Music: the Problem and the Cure?

A former pastor for 10 years and now COO of Drive Planning, David Bradford specializes in coaching entrepreneurs and real estate investors with creative and comprehensive financial strategies. 
David opens up about his journey through the heartbreak and career uncertainty that led him to meeting Todd Burkhalter, founder of Drive Planning.

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

This week we sat with Grammy-winning engineer and producer, Matt Still. 
Based in greater Atlanta, Matt has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including TLC (CrazySexyCool), Outkast (Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik), and the legendary Elton John.

We listen to Matt tell his journey of how the power of relationships, making yourself invaluable, mastering your craft and a little sheer "luck" let him to spin decades working with one of the music's is most iconic figures.

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

In this episode on-air personality Neiko Flowers (HOT 103.9 and WPZE Praise 102.5) shares his journey into radio and how the progression of popular music played a role in his transition from secular to gospel radio.  Neiko's is a journey of self-doubt, uncertainty and faith and redemption.

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

While the world had its eyes on Inter Miami, Taylor Swift , Eminem and the Kansas City Chiefs, Rob Hardy was giving serious insight on the ins and outs of being a TV/Film director. 
Take a listen as he drops gems on hustling for Lil Jon, Black culture, the power of the show runner and Stone's bad acting!  

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

The music industry has changed dramatically in recent years, and the role of major record labels has been forever changed. Once beheld as the gatekeepers to stardom, 
the rise of  streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have irrevocably changed to landscape of music. 
In response, labels went from being gatekeepers to talent partners, focusing on offering  marketing, promotion, and distribution in exchange for a share of the artist's revenue.  Artist development and the art of A&R has been all but completely abandoned.
And with the balance of power shifting towards artists,  they can negotiate better deals and retain greater creative control.

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

It used to be that access to celebrities was virtually unobtainable which made celebrities and their lifestyles that much more enviable. You rarely knew about the behind-the-scenes struggles or chaos. And if a celebrity started slipping through the cracks, then they got undressed in front of the camera or engaged in some kind of drama to refocus attention to themselves, often time to promote something they have coming up. 

Has this spotlight chasing become the new entertainment?

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

The major labels, angel investors, venture capital execs and more that are putting their money behind the innovative ideas that could move the music industry forward.

Whether they’re angel investors offering startups tens of thousands or venture capital power players with hundreds of millions, some of the shrewdest minds in and around the music business are using their expertise to reinvest in the tools of its future.
With generative artificial intelligence, virtual reality and advancements in live-music technology on the horizon, these thought leaders see the industry at a “tipping point” — and the next generation of companies may fundamentally change the way the music business works.

~ Billboard  10/20/23

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

Often times, we think just because some people have money and power then they are virtually unstoppable. But try telling that to people like Tyler Perry, Byron Allen. 

From entertainment, to corporate America, to politics, there is  a hierarchy to everything.  And the higher up the control ladder you climb, the bigger the obstacles and often the more obscure they are

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

Rap music. Hip Hop.  What started out as an art form to report, through lament, what was going on in underprivileged America, has turned into a celebration of the worst of us.  

Controversial music is nothing new and exists in all genres, but no other music has had the impact on pop-culture as much as rap/hip-hop has in the past three decades. 
So when some of the biggest names in rap are spewing forth some of the most toxic content to date, when do we sound the alarm? Is this the new norm? Is this the new black culture?

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos

Terri J. Vaughn is an actress, producer and director best know for her role as Lavita Alizay Jenkins-Robinson n the Steve Harvey Show.
The NAACP Image Award winner didn't always plan this path of success and shares her insight, wisdom  advice on her career and life.

https://www.youtube.com/@lifeonpodcast/videos