Our Favorite Podcast

Nov 4

Last month, we came across an article entitled “One of the Best Music Interviews of the Year” by Mike Epstein. The interview took place on the R&B Money Podcast hosted by Tank (Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and record producer) and J Valentine (multi-platinum songwriter, singer and creator of the production company Song Dynasty). They invited Punch, president of Top Dawg Entertainment, to be a guest on their show. He has worked with top artists (Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q) and wears many hats (rapper, songwriter, record producer, talent manager, and record executive). In the interview, Punch shared his knowledge of the music industry along with the changes in the business landscape. The stories Punch discussed were so captivating and very well articulated. Here are some takeaways from this amazing podcast.

Be Grateful

Tank expressed how important it is to be appreciative of all the opportunities you have. He discusses how no one asks you to be grateful but it will give you a leg up if you do. Thus, being a respectful human allows doors to open in your career. This mindset of being a kind person will help in all aspects of your career.

Connect with your Audience

Punch discussed how artists playing at venues in the A, B and C markets help strengthen a performance. These markets represent the audience size with A being the larger and C being the smallest. Punch discussed how rapper, Kendrick Lamar performed in small intimate shows before venturing onto A markets. When an artist performs at a B or C market, they play in front of an intimate crowd. In doing so they can become comfortable with the uncomfortable. Starting off in these markets allows them to build a loyal fan base and understand the art of performing.

Album Content

It is important to weigh all the options before making a big decision. When Punch was looking at record labels to get into business with he ended up going with Dr Dre. Punch discussed how he just wanted to enhance their vision and help them in any way he could instead of changing them. Top Dawg Entertainment's could create quality and honest music while not pressuring their artist to come out with music. Overall, exploring all your opinions without making a quick decision will help one become more successful.

Create Meaningful Album Content

Punch talked about his time working with SZA. He explained that while working on her SOS album, they had debates on what songs to include on the album. Her songs fell into two categories, music for herself and ones for the audiences. Punch expressed that it is better to make music that appeals to lots of different people. He also argued that there should be a balance in what is put on the album as a way for an artist to relate to their listeners. Punch discussed how creating a story in an album is very important, as evident in SZA’s SOS album which became her first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200.

This interview is a very good resource for anyone interested in getting ahead in any industry. We appreciate Tank and J.Valentine hosting the R&B Money Podcast. They have dedicated their podcast to R&B fans as they interview popular producers, songwriters, executives and artists. Overall, it provides the history, story, advice and changes in R&B as well as the soul world of music.