Indie Artist Music Hustle

What happens when a psychology major discovers the power of her creative voice? In our latest episode of Indie Artist Music Hustle, we meet Tyra Johnson—known professionally as "Tyra No Banks"—a Southern University senior who embodies the multifaceted nature of modern creativity.

From penning her first poem at age six following her grandmother's passing to winning the President's Award for writing in elementary school, Tyra's journey as a wordsmith began early. Now, her debut collection "Poetry for Colored Folks" represents a fresh, contemporary voice in Black literature. "I wanted to create a body of work that...

Welcome to this week's Blonde Intelligence, I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. What happens when commercial interests collide with cultural authenticity? The recent Drake-Kendrick Lamar rap beef and Young Thug's leaked jail calls have sparked crucial conversations about hip-hop's soul as the genre marks its 50th anniversary.

Diving deep into this cultural moment, we explore how Kendrick's pointed lyrics in "The Heart Part 4" serve as a critical response to perceived inauthenticity in contemporary hip-hop. When Mos Def famously dismissed Drake's music as "Target shopping music," he highlighted...

Welcome to this week's Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. What's the difference between a true friend and someone who's just using you? Can authentic friendships exist in the cutthroat world of entertainment? These questions drive our unflinching exploration of friendship dynamics across both everyday life and the high-stakes entertainment industry.

We dive deep into the "frenemy" phenomenon—that peculiar relationship marked by public camaraderie and private rivalry. Think about those reality TV personalities who smile in your face while talking behind your back, or in...

Welcome to this week's Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Seattle-born indie pop artist Longboat brings a refreshingly unique approach to music creation that defies conventional expectations. With a voice that evokes comparisons to Duran Duran and a creative spirit that embraces the unconventional, Longboat crafts narrative-driven compositions that deliberately avoid the typical love songs dominating the pop landscape.

"I don't write love songs," he explains during our candid conversation. "I write songs about things that have stories behind them."...

Welcome to Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Karma works in mysterious ways. When Rashida Frost publicly dismissed K Michelle's domestic violence allegations on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta years ago, she couldn't have known that her own family would face a similar tragedy. The universe's scales of justice sometimes balance in unexpected and painful ways.

This episode explores the complex intersection of reality TV drama and real-world consequences through the lens of the Frost family's current situation. We dive deep...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire Drake's spectacular fall from grace offers a masterclass in how quickly an artist can squander years of goodwill. What happens when one of hip-hop's most influential figures loses the respect of both peers and fans? The answer isn't pretty.

The recent spectacle of Drake screaming at his own audience to form mosh pits, only to have water bottles hurled back at him, signals a troubling shift in his career tr...

Ever wondered what it really takes to make it as an independent artist in today's music landscape? Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence pulls back the curtain on the real stories behind the music.

We bring you authentic conversations with rising talents like Caribbean Rap Artist Rl Pemz, East Coast Canadian rocker Brian Doucette, and performers who've graced prestigious stages including Cirque du Soleil. These aren't manufactured pop stars—they're passionate musicians building careers on their own terms, sharing insights you won't hear anywhere else.

Beyond artist interviews, we dive deep into music industry tr...

Welcome to this week's Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Growing up as a drummer in Houston's diverse music scene, John Lacey's path to becoming an innovative producer and MPC DJ reflects the evolution many musicians must navigate in today's digital landscape.

From his early resistance to technology ("I don't like things crashing on me, I like just hitting just drums") to his current mastery of the MPC, John shares candid insights about the different skillsets required for acoustic versus...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host, Ms. Roni, and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Dreaming of homeownership while pursuing your creative career? This eye-opening conversation with real estate agent Katina Harper demolishes the myth that artists and independent professionals can't qualify for mortgages.

"I am passionate about African Americans achieving the American dream through home ownership," shares Harper, who specializes in helping first-time homebuyers navigate the process. She explains how artists with inconsistent income can document their earnings through royalty payments, digital publishing, an...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni, and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Have you ever wondered what really drives celebrity feuds in the music industry? The recent clash between Nicki Minaj and SZA offers a fascinating case study of how seemingly minor comments can trigger major conflicts when underlying tensions exist.

This episode peels back the layers of the headline-making Twitter tirade, examining not just what happened, but why it happened. Drawing on insights about Sagittarius personality traits, I explore how Ni...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. The dark underbelly of online commentary takes center stage as we examine the vicious attacks against content creator Tisa Tales. What begins as criticism of her P. Diddy coverage reveals something far more troubling - male commentators using intimidation tactics fueled by jealousy rather than legitimate grievances. When we discover one attacker's history of violence against women while on probation, the pattern becomes clear: this represents a broader societal issue of me...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host, Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Have you ever noticed how quickly we rush to criticize those who find success? The strange phenomenon of creator-on-creator criticism has become increasingly prevalent in online spaces, and this week we're unpacking exactly what's behind it.

The spotlight falls on Tisa Tells, a content creator whose meteoric rise has culminated in mainstream media recognition during the Sean Diddy Combs trial coverage. What makes her story fascinating isn't just the su...

Welcome to Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. What happens when you finally unveil a talent you've hidden your entire life? Singer-songwriter Chelsea Klein takes us through her remarkable transformation from closeted vocalist to emerging pop artist on this episode of Blonde Intelligence.

Chelsea reveals the personal journey that kept her musical ambitions hidden from nearly everyone except close family until just five years ago. Her candid discussion about finding confidence through vocal coaching with Nick Cooper illuminates how technical...

Welcome to this episode of Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni, and I lays seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Ray Barnard joins Blonde Intelligence to unpack his remarkable 30-year musical journey and the evolution of his distinctive sound—a personal fusion of roots, soul, and reggae that defies traditional genre boundaries. With candid reflection, Ray reveals how his approach mirrors a growing trend among independent artists who create their own musical categories and cultivate dedicated audiences outside mainstream expectations.

The conversation explores how musicians adapt and grow with ag...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host, Ms. Roni, and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Maxx Osama takes us behind the curtain of his dual life as both a culinary creator and musical artist in this captivating episode of Indie Artist Music Hustle. The Tennessee-based independent musician opens up about how his early passion for poetry evolved into hip-hop artistry, creating a foundation for authentic storytelling that defines his sound today.

"I cook on beats and I cook in restaurants," Maxx shares with refreshing ca...

Welcome to Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host, Ms. Roni, and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. What happens when you finally stop trying to fit in and embrace your true calling? Gospel artist Miss Lady Michelle's powerful testimony on this week's Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence reveals the freedom that comes with authentic expression.

Michelle's debut album "Misfit" chronicles her journey from outsider to empowered artist who found her voice after surrendering to her true purpose. "The music that comes through me is God-breathed," she explains...

Welcome to this week's Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host, Ms. Roni, and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Ever wondered what happens when musical passion meets life's unexpected turns? Lindsey Ferguson's story captivates as she reveals the winding path that led to her debut album "Being a Girl" on this episode of Indie Artist Music Hustle.

Lindsey takes us from her early songwriting days at age 11 through her music business education at NYU, where she gained crucial knowledge about distribution, royalties, and promotion strategies that many independent artists...

Celebrity relationships often live and die in the public eye, but what happens when love and business are deeply intertwined? On this episode of Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence, we dive into the fascinating intersection of personal relationships and professional careers in the entertainment industry.

The spotlight falls on three high-profile Black celebrity couples experiencing public breakups: Cardi B and Offset, Remy Ma and Papoose, and Teyana Taylor and her husband. Each relationship represents a different dynamic in how couples market themselves and how their personal disputes affect their professional lives. Cardi's explosive reactions to...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence.  Am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. What drives celebrities to air their personal grievances on social media? The recent public drama between married rap couple Remy Ma and Papoose offers a fascinating window into this modern phenomenon.

Behind the carefully cultivated "Black Love" image they've presented for years lies a more complex reality now playing out across social platforms. The episode dives deep into the psychology behind these public disputes, examining how insecurities, financial motivations, and the...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence,.  I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Dive into the dark side of the music industry as we examine the far-reaching implications of the Sean P. Diddy Combs trial. This pivotal case forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, abuse, and accountability that have long lurked beneath the glamorous surface of the entertainment business.

We explore how disturbing testimony regarding physical and psychological abuse highlights pervasive power imbalances that silence victims and perpetuate cycles of har...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. The rhythm of innovation pulses through every moment of our conversation with Houston-based producer and DJ John Lacey. Beginning as a traditional drummer under the guidance of respected jazz musicians, Lacey's musical journey represents the fascinating evolution many modern musicians experience—the dance between acoustic foundations and digital possibilities.

Lacey takes us through his transition from acoustic drums to the MPC, explaining how his initial reluctance toward technology eventually blos...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Race play allegations involving Shannon Sharpe have sparked crucial conversations about racial fetishization, consent, and accountability. Sharpe's case exemplifies how public personas can mask troubling private behaviors, creating cognitive dissonance for fans who struggle to reconcile the beloved "Unc" with someone engaging in activities that dehumanize and commodify racial identity.

The podcast delves deep into what race play actually entails - sexual fantasies emphasizing racial stereotypes that strip away di...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite crainial repertoire. What does it really take to make it as an independent artist in today's music landscape? Killer D joins us to share his raw, unfiltered journey from the projects of Louisiana to the competitive Houston music scene.

Born with natural artistic talent but initially too shy to showcase it, Killer D reveals how he transformed from writing poetry in closets with egg cartons on the walls to commanding stages wi...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host, Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Producer and artist 705 takes us on a fascinating journey through his musical evolution, from his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria to becoming a rising star in London's vibrant music scene. With a sound he describes as "Afrofusion," 705 seamlessly blends hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats to create something uniquely personal yet universally appealing.

"It's a fusion of everything," he explains, detailing how Western influences like Biggie Smalls and 112 mesh with African ic...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. What happens when media representation collides with the lived reality of Black women in America? In this powerful exploration, we dive deep into the damaging disconnect between how Black women are portrayed and who they truly are.

The recent controversies surrounding Tyler Perry's comments about relationship standards and the shocking use of monkey imagery on Love & Hip Hop serve as our starting points. We unpack why these incidents matter de...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I am your host Ms. Roni and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. What happens when artistic influence crosses into imitation? This week's episode dives deep into the controversy surrounding Drake's "Nokia" release and the allegations that he borrowed concepts from another Canadian artist without proper credit. The timing couldn't be more ironic as Drake battles Universal Music Group over his own artistic rights while potentially undermining those of others.

We explore the fascinating contrast between Drake's approach and DaBaby's recent freestyle, wh...

When celebrities clash at a funeral, who gets hurt the most? Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence. I’m your host Ms. Roni, where I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. The recent passing of R&B legend Angie Stone should have been a moment for unified grief and celebration of her artistic legacy. Instead, it became the backdrop for yet another chapter in the ongoing Tyler Perry and Monique saga that has left many fans questioning what happened to basic funeral etiquette.

Tyler Perry's decision to highlight Angie's disp...

Welcome to this week’s Indie Artist Music Hustle with me, Blonde Intelligence, where I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire . What happens when a software engineer from India decides to follow his musical passion to Los Angeles? For Atul, it meant creating a unique blend of electronic pop that defies traditional genre boundaries.

This week, we dive deep into Atul's fascinating ten-year journey since relocating to LA, where he's been performing along the Sunset Strip and developing what he calls "ecoustic electronic pop" – a distinctive fusion of acoustic instruments, electronic production, and catchy pop sens...

The hip-hop landscape is shifting beneath Drake's feet. What happens when one of music's biggest commercial stars finds himself increasingly at odds with the culture that helped elevate him? This episode of Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence pulls no punches as we dissect the fascinating tensions between Drake and the hip-hop community.

At the heart of this cultural conversation lies authenticity—that precious currency in hip-hop circles. Drake's tendency to "cosplay" different identities, switching accents and styles depending on who he's around, has many questioning his artistic core. We explore how this chameleon-like quality, while sh...

Trade wars have far-reaching consequences beyond what makes headlines, and the music industry stands particularly vulnerable when international relations sour. Looking at potential tensions between the United States and its neighbors Canada and Mexico, this episode examines how independent musicians and the broader music ecosystem could face serious challenges from trade disruptions.

For independent artists already funding their careers out-of-pocket, tariffs on imported instruments and equipment would immediately squeeze already tight budgets. The recording gear many musicians rely on crosses borders multiple times during manufacturing, with each crossing potentially adding costs that ultimately land on creators. Beyond...

In this compelling episode of Indie Artist Music Hustle, which has been previously aired,  we delve deep into the stark contrasts between how society views Black women and their authentic selves.  We were inspired by the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Performance and how he depicted and showed respect for the Black woman. Our host, Ms. Roni, leads an enlightening discussion about the concept of "Black Girl Magic" and the need to dismantle harmful stereotypes that persist in the media. We explore narratives surrounding Black women's strength, intelligence, and resilience while unpacking recent controversies that highlight the challenges they face.

What happens when YouTubers turn their cameras on each other in a game of digital courtroom drama? We tackle the complex motivations and far-reaching consequences of this growing trend. From Scruface to Danni Robertson, we uncover the layers of accountability, rivalry, and the intoxicating allure of exposure. This episode examines how this phenomenon festers a toxic environment, affecting both the mental well-being of creators and the quality of content they produce. We'll also discuss the pervasive undercurrent of cancel culture, exploring how commentators may exploit past missteps for engagement and relevance.

But it’s not all about co...

Can a Super Bowl halftime show spark a cultural revolution? Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance might just do that. With a bold use of red, white, and blue, Kendrick flips the script on traditional American symbols, turning them into a powerful commentary on the Black experience in America. By weaving in evocative lyrics and stunning visuals, he artfully challenges us to confront racial injustice and recognize the vital role of Black history within the broader American narrative. We unpack the layers of symbolism, from the commentary on unity and pride to the complex dance with figures like Uncle Sam, all of...

Asher returns to share his journey as an independent artist facing the rapid technological changes of the music industry. Discover how he balances the allure of advanced tools like AI while staying true to his artistic roots. Asher opens up about the intricacies of collaboration, revealing the necessity of producing fully-realized tracks to engage other artists meaningfully. Delve into the potential pitfalls of AI, and learn about the tightrope walk of maintaining artistic integrity amid evolving industry practices.

This episode also brings you behind the scenes of a captivating collaborative project with renowned artists like Ginny and...

DJ Akademiks finds himself at the center of a storm, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of media influencers. This week on Indie Artist Music Hustle, I, Ms. Roni, tackle a deeply unsettling incident involving Akademiks' conversation with a 15-year-old boy on Twitch. The discussion highlights a worrying disregard for appropriate boundaries and opens up a broader conversation about the potential legal repercussions, including grooming and sexual misconduct charges. In the background looms another shadow—allegations of misconduct involving his ex-girlfriend, suggesting a broader pattern of troubling behavior. The episode features insights from YouTuber Scru Face, who has firsthand ac...

Kendrick Lamar isn't just calling out Drake—he's dissecting the very foundation of his fame. Does Drake's quest for validation reveal a more fragile empire than we think? Join Ms. Roni on this week's Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence as we navigate Kendrick's lyrical deep dive into Drake's emotional landscape. From the "crown built on sand" metaphor to the transactional nature of friendships in the spotlight, Kendrick paints a vivid picture of what can happen when ambition collides with introspection. We uncover how Kendrick's astute observations challenge the authenticity of Drake's artistry, questioning whether his style is mo...

What happens when male artists go beyond lyrical battles and exploit personal lives to outmaneuver their rivals? Tune in to this week's Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blonde Intelligence, where Ms. Roni takes you on a deep exploration of the cutthroat tactics prevalent in the music industry. We unpack how figures like Drake use allusions to infidelity and personal jabs as strategic diversions, reflecting insecurities masked by toxic masculinity. Through these actions, we uncover the underlying psychological issues and societal implications, shedding light on how such behavior perpetuates cycles of disrespect and aggression.

Join us as we...

Discover the vibrant journey of the Identicals, a dynamic musical duo hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, now making waves in the U.S. music scene. Their fascinating story, marked by a record label discovery back in 2000 and their evolution into independent artists, is a testament to their dedication. Terry and Kenny, who also excel as tech operators, share how they ingeniously blend Afrobeat with American influences, drawing inspiration from their Nigerian heritage and legends like Michael Jackson. Their latest single, a refreshing narrative on love and respect, breaks away from conventional music themes and showcases their collaboration with a talented...

Curtis Murphy takes center stage on this week's Indie Artist Music Hustle with Blind Intelligence, sharing his inspiring journey from a teenager with a passion for songwriting to a budding country artist rooted in Arkansas's rich musical landscape. At just 16, Curtis began channeling his innate sense of rhythm into creating music, and now he's ready to let the world hear his unique sound. His latest track, "Arkansas Memories," paints a vivid picture of his upbringing, filled with the warmth of family and the outdoorsy charm of hunting and fishing that Arkansas life offers. We explore Curtis's shift from rock...

Imagine being 14 years old, innocently playing with a toy gun, and suddenly finding yourself in a potentially deadly encounter with law enforcement. This week on Blind Intelligence, I'm Miss Ronnie, and I invite you to listen to the profound personal stories of DJ Thinking 808 from Houston and rapper King Cooper from Memphis as they share their intense and eye-opening experiences with police during their youth. These narratives reveal the stark realities of racial bias and early police encounters that haunt many Black men. We delve into the systemic issues underscored by statistics from the National Juvenile Justice Network, highlighting...