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The conversation opens with a content warning and a quick, raw intro that sets an honest tone for what follows: a life told without polish. Sy Yola traces his roots to Kensington and Allegheny, one of the roughest corners of Philadelphia, and explains how his earliest influences weren’t celebrities but brothers and old heads who set standards, protected him, and showed him what “thorough” meant before he could articulate it. Those neighborhood lessons formed a code that outlasted trends—fight when you must, show up for family, respect the ones who pulled you off the block when things got hot. It’s a blueprint of survival that doesn’t glamorize the street but recognizes that a working moral compass often starts on the corner.

Then the story sharpens into the placement chapter—the roof, the fire truck, the crowd of cops waiting—and a revelation he’s never shared publicly: his mom told the system to keep him. That decision stung, but it saved him. Placement gave him structure, time management, tidiness, and the humility to sit in a reading class in the middle of the school where everyone could see, then prove he could read when tested. He explains how discipline—sleeping hours, workouts, making the bed—became the scaffolding for adulthood and how faith kept him from catching the cases his peers did. Instead of spinning that experience as trauma alone, he reframes it as a reset button that taught him to analyze, process, redirect, proceed, and repeat. It’s a method he still uses to make decisions under pressure.

Coming home turned that discipline into hustle. He returned to nothing—flip-flops, missing clothes—and refused to sell hard drugs after seeing what it did to his brother. Weed felt different in a house where it was normalized, and he paired that with construction, McDonald’s shifts, and culinary arts in school. He learned to bag his own product, doubled small packs into larger margins, and used consistent work to build a flexible income stack. The throughline wasn’t the grind for its own sake; it was responsibility to a younger brother, to a household, and to a future where he wasn’t removed from the people who needed him. He speaks to juggling two lives—keeping danger away from home, hiding stress from the young bulls in his living room, and protecting a relationship that couldn’t bear the truth of proximity to risk.

Art arrived early through poems in 1999 and matured into raps, performances, and mentorship. He converted his downstairs into a studio, vouched with parents, and fed young artists while he worked. He wasn’t chasing clout; he wanted to watch them take a stage and hear the room yell their words back. He tells a story about filming in La Salle’s library by asking a guard respectfully and being let in, proof that initiative and honesty still open doors when polish and budget don’t. That same mindset guided him through the politics of Philly content: he respects repost strategies for algorithm health, but he wants creators to ship their own work, meet people outside, and earn loyalty face to face. He pushes for a citywide coalition of platforms that coordinates rollouts like other media hubs do—one call that pings every “yard,” so artists hit multiple interviews, features, and stages without chaos.

Integrity anchors his take on gatekeeping. He’s blunt: talent gets you in, character keeps you in. If a guest wants to pay for a seat but has no project or plan, that’s a disservice. Build your LLC, fix your credit, organize assets, then buy promotion you can leverage. Otherwise, brands risk selling placement with no value and burning trust. He’s not anti-money; he’s pro-readiness. The nuance matters for SEO-savvy creators and entrepreneurs searching for terms like how to bui

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The raw streets of Philadelphia have birthed countless stories, but few are told with the honesty and perspective offered by Easy Money Teef and FS Bender. In this gripping conversation, these two rising artists—often called "the leaders of the YNs"—open up about their journey from neighborhood conflicts to music careers while carrying the weight of lost friends and opportunities.

Growing up in North Philly's project housing shaped their worldview, with influential grandmothers who taught them early hustle and survival. "My grandma was the first person that passed me my first brown paper bag full of money," Teef reveals, highlighting how family dynamics in their communities often defied conventional expectations.

What sets this discussion apart is its focus on growth and responsibility. Rather than glorifying their pasts, both artists speak candidly about wanting better for the generation coming up behind them. "We want to get the youngest to the part of life where they get to start enjoying life," they emphasize, acknowledging that their own paths were marked by losses that could have been avoided.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when addressing "survivor's remorse"—the complex emotions that come with achieving success while watching peers fall to violence or incarceration. FS Bender, who describes himself as "one of the last men standing," shares the emotional burden of moving forward while honoring those who didn't make it.

Beyond the serious moments, their personalities shine through during playful debates about hip-hop legends and music preferences, revealing the cultural knowledge that informs their artistry. They also push back against being labeled simply as "drill rappers," insisting on defining their own sound: "I'm from Philly, I rep 234. I ain't no fucking drill rapper, that's some Chicago shit."

Share, like, subscribe, and comment on this episode that bridges generations, offering wisdom for anyone navigating difficult circumstances while pursuing their dreams. The real ones always find a way forward.

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Hood Tally steps into the Rilla the Most studio for a refreshingly candid conversation that shatters expectations. The Philadelphia artist – typically known for his energetic street presence – reveals himself as a calculated strategist with business acumen that belies his years.

"I'm going to do it, but I'm doing it how I want to do it," Tally declares, summarizing his philosophy toward building a music career that serves him rather than the other way around. This approach becomes evident as he shares how he recorded approximately 50 songs before ever dropping his first video, demonstrating a patient quality-over-quantity mindset rarely associated with emerging artists. His background growing up between West Philly and Germantown, with early education at the discipline-focused Harambee Institute, clearly shaped this methodical approach.

What truly captivates is Tally's shrewd navigation of the music business. Despite his rising profile, he reveals he's largely avoided entertaining label offers, understanding that leverage is everything in negotiations. "I ain't even really allow nobody to offer me no bread for real, for real," he explains, showcasing remarkable restraint in an industry where many artists rush into potentially restrictive deals. Meanwhile, he's quietly expanded his reach beyond Philadelphia, building a substantial fanbase in Chicago – a city he casually mentions living in, much to his interviewers' surprise.

Beyond the business talk, we get glimpses of the person behind the persona – from his close relationship with his mother who raised him young while introducing him to artists like Amerie and Mary J. Blige, to his plans for a more melodic EP showcasing his versatility. Hood Tally emerges not as the impulsive figure some might expect, but as a thoughtful artist building infrastructure and positioning himself for sustainable success while proudly representing Philadelphia.

Ready to see the calculated mind behind one of Philly's most magnetic new voices? This episode pulls back the curtain on an artist determined to succeed on his own terms. Subscribe now and join the conversation.

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Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of cosmetic procedures? Dr. Aaron Fletcher pulls back the curtain on plastic surgery in the Black community with a candid conversation that goes far beyond before-and-after photos.

What makes this discussion unique is Dr. Fletcher's unexpected journey—from an English major at Morehouse College with dreams of becoming the next Spike Lee to receiving what he describes as a spiritual calling to become a surgeon. His perspective bridges medical expertise with cultural understanding, offering insights rarely shared in mainstream discussions about body modification.

The conversation tackles psychological aspects of cosmetic surgery head-on, with Dr. Fletcher revealing why he turns down more patients than he accepts. "If you just came out of a bad relationship or domestic abuse situation and you're looking for revenge surgery, that's not the time to make a life-altering decision," he explains. This ethical approach stands in stark contrast to surgeons who prioritize profit over patient wellbeing.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Fletcher addresses the dangerous trend of pursuing body modifications without basic health screenings. Many patients lack primary care physicians, attempting major surgeries while managing undiagnosed conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. He describes the recovery process rarely shown on social media—the bleeding, the painful healing, and the months spent unable to sit normally after procedures like BBLs.

Cultural influences receive thoughtful analysis too, from the Kardashian effect on beauty standards to how Michael Jackson's surgeries created lasting misconceptions about rhinoplasty results for Black patients. Dr. Fletcher emphasizes his commitment to natural-looking results that enhance rather than fundamentally alter appearance, especially for clients who may have been historically underserved by conventional plastic surgery approaches.

Whether you're considering a cosmetic procedure, concerned about a loved one's choices, or simply interested in the complex relationship between beauty standards and self-image, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who understands both the scalpel and the soul behind the transformation decision.

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From the heart of South Philly emerges a voice that refuses to be contained by convention. Kyle Roberts—known to many as "The Baby Goat"—joins us for a raw, unfiltered conversation about artistic authenticity, entrepreneurial spirit, and the relentless drive that separates talkers from doers.

Kyle's story begins with a cousin who saw his potential before he did, growing up in a household where his mother's bold fashion choices shaped his own willingness to stand out. What unfolds is a masterclass in artistic evolution, as Kyle takes us through his journey from freestyling on South Philly DVDs as a child to crafting complete projects when many of his peers were still struggling to record singles.

What sets Kyle apart isn't just his music—it's his approach to building a sustainable career. While others waited for opportunity, Kyle invested in himself, learning to record in his basement and studying the business side of music distribution. "I didn't want to wait on nobody," he reveals, demonstrating a self-reliance that would become his hallmark.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Kyle shares how he launched Faces Global during the pandemic, initially selling masks before expanding into radiation-blocking hats—products designed with purpose beyond profit. This entrepreneurial mindset illustrates Kyle's ability to adapt and thrive even during challenging times.

Perhaps most compelling is Kyle's candid reflection on his lowest moments—sleeping on his grandmother's couch after setbacks, rebuilding from zero, and finding strength in that struggle. "When you get it easy, you ain't going to keep it," he observes, a testament to the value he places on earning success through discipline rather than luck.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone navigating life's challenges, Kyle's journey offers valuable insights on authenticity, resilience, and the power of disciplined action. As he puts it, "This ain't our year if we ain't accomplishing nothing"—a challenge to listeners to move beyond talk and into meaningful action.

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D Jones sits down with the Real of the Most podcast to deliver a masterclass in hip-hop longevity and street authenticity that's as rare as it is valuable in today's industry landscape.

The Philadelphia legend takes us deep into his journey from North Philly's Delhond Dolphin neighborhood, where he started as a young T-shirt runner observing the block's dynamics before finding his voice through rap. With remarkable candor, he reconstructs the electric energy of Philly's DVD era – a pivotal moment when raw talent was captured on camera and distributed throughout the city, creating a breeding ground for some of hip-hop's most distinctive voices.

What sets this conversation apart is Jones' profound understanding of his own place in the ecosystem. "I couldn't rap as good as Had," he admits about another Philly legend. "So I had to find what I do. It don't got to be better than what nobody do. It just got to be what I do." This philosophy of authentic self-expression rather than imitation has been the cornerstone of his remarkable staying power in an industry that regularly discards artists after their fifteen minutes.

The most riveting moments come when Jones recounts how his music transcended entertainment to become a genuine force in his community. When Jadakiss came to film a video in his neighborhood, rival factions declared a ceasefire: "The nigga pulled up on me, said yo bro, that shit is off tonight. This is your hood Jones, it's off." Such stories illuminate the real-world impact that authentic artists can have beyond streams and views.

Whether you're a die-hard hip-hop head, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who appreciates stories of perseverance, this conversation offers genuine wisdom about defining success on your own terms. Follow D Jones on all platforms and check out his latest project "Still Counting Blessings" to experience the evolution of a true Philadelphia hip-hop original.

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From cutting hair at Florida State University to landing a coveted spot on Wild'N Out, Fats The Barber's journey proves that authenticity is the ultimate currency in entertainment. 

With disarming honesty and natural charisma, Fats reveals how his barbering career created unexpected pathways to comedy stardom. "I never thought I was funny," he admits, despite his viral videos amassing millions of views. This refreshing self-awareness permeates our conversation as he shares the pivotal moments that transformed his life—from cutting Jalen Ramsey's hair for free to becoming one-half of Wild'N Out's first-ever comedy duo.

What truly distinguishes Fats is his unwavering humility despite rubbing shoulders with celebrities. "I be so humble though, it's niggas that not cutting celebrities charge more than me," he explains, revealing how he prioritizes genuine connections over status. This approach paid dividends when his "Big Boy On The Roof" video exploded during pandemic lockdowns, eventually catching the attention of Shaquille O'Neal and being featured during NBA broadcasts.

Beyond the laughs, our conversation takes unexpectedly poignant turns as Fats shares how comedy became his mechanism for processing trauma. "I don't know, I have to turn shit to that, that's how I deal with my pain," he reveals, offering a glimpse into the emotional depth behind his comedic persona. This vulnerability creates a powerful contrast to his lighthearted stories about giving Boosie a "Boosie fade" or navigating celebrity gambling parties with $100,000 bets flying around.

Whether you're hustling toward your own dreams or simply appreciate unfiltered conversations with extraordinary personalities, Fats' story reminds us that success doesn't happen overnight—but staying true to yourself creates opportunities you never could have imagined. Follow Fats on social media to keep up with his latest videos, comedy appearances, and yes, his exceptional haircuts for both celebrities and regular folks alike.

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When Sean Garrett steps into a room, the air shifts. Known throughout the industry as "The Pen," Garrett holds the distinction as Billboard's fastest hitmaker in history, accumulating more #1 singles in a shorter timespan than anyone else. His fingerprints are on some of the most iconic songs of our generation – the anthems you've cried to, the tracks you've screamed along with in your car, the soundtracks to countless memories.

During this raw, unfiltered conversation, Garrett opens up about the duality of his musical journey. Despite crafting hits for superstars like Beyoncé, Usher, Nicki Minaj, and Ludacris, he reveals the persistent undercurrent of industry hate he's faced throughout his career. "They've been hating on me my whole career," he admits, speaking to the competitive nature of the music business that often tries to diminish even its most successful contributors. Yet that same competitive spirit fuels his excellence – as evidenced by his memorable (and somewhat controversial) Verzuz battle with fellow hitmaker The-Dream.

The conversation takes us around the world, from Atlanta's profound influence on music culture to Garrett's recent musical expeditions across Africa and South Korea. He shares his philosophy on staying relevant: "Being current is just being yourself really. A lot of times, people don't know themselves, and not knowing yourself can date your ass." This authenticity has kept him at the forefront of sound evolution for decades. As we wrap up, Garrett exclusively announces his upcoming single "Girlfriend Me" featuring Quavo and Plies, proving once again that his ability to create and collaborate across genres remains unmatched.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a music industry professional, or simply a fan of the songs that define our culture, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and staying true to yourself. Share, subscribe, and join the conversation – because as Garrett demonstrates, real recognizes real.

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Rico Havoc sits down for one of his most revealing conversations yet, taking us through the extraordinary journey that transformed him from a young dancer in Philadelphia's Dollar Boys movement to a musical innovator who changed the city's sound. 

Born while his mother was incarcerated and with his father behind bars, Rico's early life under his grandmother's care in Southwest Philadelphia established the foundation for his resilience. When he emerged as a standout talent in the Dollar Boys—a youth dance movement centered around Jams skating rink—Rico was already building cultural capital without realizing it. These weekend dance battles weren't just entertainment; they were the breeding ground for an entire aesthetic movement that would eventually reshape Philadelphia's musical identity.

What makes Rico's story particularly powerful is how personal tragedy became the catalyst for his musical evolution. After experiencing violence on the streets, coping with his mother's dementia, and serving time in juvenile detention, Rico found his voice in the recording booth. His breakthrough hit "Lucas" wasn't just a song with a dance—it was the blueprint that opened doors for countless Philadelphia artists who followed.

Throughout our conversation, Rico draws important distinctions between his "derp" style and drill music, emphasizing that his art comes from processing trauma rather than glorifying it. "I don't make music to make people want to do stuff," he explains. "I make music to escape what I'm going through and to touch people." This philosophy has allowed him to continuously reinvent himself while maintaining an authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners.

Listen now to understand how one artist's journey through grief, incarceration, and creative evolution created ripple effects that continue to shape an entire city's musical landscape. As Rico himself puts it: "It's never over for me"—words that speak to the resilience that defines both his life and his art.

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