Hit-Boy stops by the new studio to talk about his next chapter. He gets real about his career and why his work ethic is the main reason for his success. He also discusses getting out of his 18-year deal and the freedom he has now. Hit-Boy breaks down his plan to release four new projects, including a tape with Spank Nitti, an album with The Alchemist, and two solo albums. He shares serious advice for new #producers about reading their contracts. He also talks about the current state of hip hop and why he thinks it's wide open for new artists.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ray Vaughn joins the show for a really open conversation. He talks about his life before TDE and what it was like getting that first call from Top Dawg. Ray also gets into the details of his beef with Joey Badass, including the advice he received from Kendrick Lamar. He breaks down why his latest project is a mixtape and what TDE's artist development is really like. Plus, he shares his thoughts on competition, being vulnerable in his music, and AI.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sherie stops by to talk about her journey from classical violinist to R&B artist and hit songwriter. She shares the crazy story of how she ended up co-writing Ariana Grande's "positions" just by being in the studio as a string player. We talk about her work with huge names like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and even K-pop group Twice. Sherie gets real about the challenges of writing for yourself versus other artists and why being independent gives her creative freedom. She also talks about her latest project "Yours Deeply" and how she's building her fanbase from the ground up. Plus, she gives some solid advice for anyone trying to make it in the music industry.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Naomi Sharon sits down to talk about the moment when Drake slid into her DMs while she was shopping at Zara. She opens up about being the first woman signed to #OVO, transitioning from musical theater to R&B, and why she's moving away from the vibey sound of her debut album Obsidian. We dive into her thoughts on comparisons to Sade, her plans for stadium shows, and how she's learning to stay present instead of obsessing over future goals. Plus she talks about horseback riding as therapy, wanting to work with SZA and Justin Bieber, and why she thinks R&B is having a renaissance right now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sit down with #Wale on Off The Record as he gets real about wrapping up 10 years of #WaleMania speaking about the emotional journey behind the wrestling meets music event and how much the community around it means to him. He breaks down the story of his new single "Blanco," spills the tea on leaving his label, and opens up about juggling family, business, and staying creative. Wale doesn’t hold back on his love for Nigerian culture, how he’s mixing Afrobeats vibes with hip hop, and even hints at collabs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this intimate conversation, artist Dua Saleh opens up about their transformative journey from poet to musician and actor. They dive deep into their debut album "I Should Call Them," discussing its apocalyptic themes and the vulnerable songwriting process that shaped it. Saleh reveals how their collaboration with artists like Serpent With Feet and Gallant influenced their unique sound, while also creating a new genre called Black R&B. The conversation explores their role in Netflix's Sex Education and how acting has enhanced their artistic expression.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising star Amindi sits down to discuss her journey from Hannah Montana-inspired performances to becoming one of R&B's most distinctive voices. The "Luvr" artist opens up about her unique songwriting process, which involves creating a cozy cocoon in the studio while staying true to her authentic self. She shares stories behind collaborations, reflects on balancing artistry with social media demands, and explains why keeping her day job helps maintain her creative freedom.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply personal chat, South Central LA artist Duckwrth talks about his upcoming album that’s all about his real-life struggles. He talks about battling alcohol addiction and facing his fear of commitment because of family trauma. He opens up about the deep emotions behind his new alt-rock sound. The talented musician also shares his honest thoughts on how social media and dating apps have turned human connection into a commodity. He also talks about his ongoing journey to focus on inner peace over fleeting happiness. Despite facing health challenges that have kept him from touring, Duckwrth is still determined to make music that makes people think and celebrates being true to yourself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising artist #SamaraCyn opens up about her remarkable journey from college rap to becoming one of music's most promising new voices. She discusses how an armed home invasion changed her artistic direction, transitioning from corporate life to pursuing music full time, and finding her way with new attention in the industry. She shares details about her EP 'The Drive Home', her creative process, dealing with comparisons, and staying authentic while receiving cosigns from legends like Erykah Badu and Alicia Keys.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Off The Record, host Elsie sits down with rapper #Rapsody to discuss her latest album, "Please Don't Cry." Rapsody opens up about the personal experiences and emotions that shaped the project, revealing how she used the creative process as a form of therapy and self-discovery. She shares insights on the importance of authenticity in music, the influence of artists like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu on her work, and offers advice for the new generation of female MCs. Rapsody also dives into her beat selection process and the sense of freedom and peace she found while creating the album.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices