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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:20 – Planning Interviews: Editing, Deadlines & Team Dynamics 00:03:50 – AI in the Creative Process: Elsie & Adam’s Honest Take 00:05:20 – Why This Might Be a Legendary Year for Hip-Hop 00:06:50 – JID’s $1 Show & Elsie’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience 00:09:35 – What Makes JID One of the Best Live Performers 00:11:20 – The Strategy Behind Dreamville’s Fan-First Shows 00:13:00 – JID's Tracklist Roulette: Fans Pick the Setlist 00:14:25 – Alfredo 2 vs. Alfredo 1: Expectations vs. Reality 00:16:40 – Breaking Down Tyler’s Surprise Drop 00:19:20 – Is Tyler Singing Too Much? The Kanye Comparison 00:21:50 – The Case for Chromakopia: Elsie’s Favorite Tyler Moments 00:24:20 – Clipse Are Back! New Album Breakdown 00:26:40 – Minimalist Beats, Maximal Bars: Pharrell’s Production Choices 00:28:20 – Why Clipse Should Win Rap Album of the Year 00:30:20 – Rollouts That Work: Short and Loud vs. Long and Layered 00:34:05 – The Problem with Album Teases in 2025 00:35:50 – Where Are the New Stars? Why the New Guard Isn’t Breaking Through 00:37:20 – Building Stars: Performance, Worldbuilding, & Visuals 00:39:20 – Hooks Matter: The Secret to Mainstream Success 00:41:20 – The Power of Great Choruses in Hip-Hop 00:43:35 – Rising Artists to Watch: Q, Suave, Marco Plus & More 00:46:20 – Female Artists Leading the Charge: Sailorrr, Samara, Doechii 00:48:20 – Jordan Ward’s Breakout Potential 00:50:05 – Mount Rushmore of Studio Sessions We Wish We Saw 00:53:05 – Mac Miller, Kendrick, Anderson .Paak & Frank Ocean Moments 00:57:20 – Final Reflections: The Magic of Rap Nerds in the Studio 00:58:35 – Elsie’s Outro & What’s Next for Her

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.

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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

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

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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

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.

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Podcast: https://www.soundcentricmusic.com

00:00:00 Intro Video 00:00:45 Intro + Meet Kay Anthony: Rapper & Designer 00:02:04 Clipse Comeback & Pusha T’s Biggie Influence 00:03:50 Breaking Down Music Video Aesthetics 00:05:55 Kendrick Tour Fashion + Marc Jacobs Fits 00:06:59 Design Origins: Tumblr, Snapbacks, & Glue Guns 00:10:06 effPerfection: The Origin Story 00:11:22 NikeID & ASAP Rocky’s Fashion Influence 00:14:59 Tyler, The Creator’s Style Evolution 00:17:12 Growing Up in Flatbush: Caribbean Influence on Music & Style 00:21:13 Fashion as a Marketing Tool in Hip-Hop 00:21:59 Lyrics Breakdown: 'Insecurities' & Materialism 00:22:49 Designing for Kai Cenat & Grappling With Image 00:28:54 From Pandemic Pivot to Running Kai’s Brand 00:36:23 How Social Media Put effPerfection on the Map 00:39:02 Kendrick Wearing the Jacket: The Full Story 00:46:09 To Pimp a Butterfly Inspired Life-Altering Decision 00:48:23 The Power of Showing Up & Shooting Your Shot 00:50:32 What's Next: Westside Boogie, New Music, and Deluxe Album