Realer Than Most Podcast

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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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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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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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When trap music's unmistakable 808s and bass lines became the soundtrack to a generation, Drummer Boy was crafting those sounds in real-time. From his early days in Memphis to becoming a cornerstone of Atlanta's music scene, this legendary producer takes us behind the curtain of some of hip-hop's most defining moments.

The conversation flows through Atlanta's cultural significance as "the major league" for Black artists—a city where people from across the South converged to create something revolutionary. Drummer Boy describes watching Yo Gotti secure his first record deal, working with Jeezy on the platinum-selling "Standing Ovation," and the diamond-certified "No Hands" with Wale and Roscoe Dash. These aren't just beats; they're timestamps marking cultural shifts.

What stands out is Drummer Boy's producer philosophy—rather than trying to replicate formulas, he reads artists and delivers what they're missing. "If you eating oatmeal later today, why I'm gonna feed you oatmeal?" he quips, explaining how he convinced street artists to make records that moved the ladies. This intuition for what audiences need, not just what artists think they want, separates hitmakers from beat-makers.

Beyond the music, there's a spiritual thread running through Drummer Boy's approach. Raised in the church with musical parents, he brings a "brother and sister" mentality to collaboration rather than cutthroat competition. He speaks proudly of mentoring young talent rather than exploiting them, introducing promising artists to industry figures who could help them succeed.

Ready to hear the stories behind your favorite trap anthems from the man who created them? Dive into this essential conversation about music, mentorship, and the cultural movement that changed hip-hop forever.

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Few conversations capture the raw reality of the music industry like this candid discussion with Baltimore's own Bandle Hunter Izzy. From the moment he walks into the studio, Izzy brings an authenticity that cuts through the typical industry talk, delivering straight truth about his journey through the music business.

The story of how Izzy landed his Republic Records deal reads like a movie script – accompanying another artist to a meeting, executives mistaking him for the main talent, and walking away with a contract himself. But what followed reveals the darker side of major label politics. With remarkable honesty, Izzy details how a cultural misunderstanding led to being blackballed, effectively shelved despite his potential. "They wanted me to shy away from that shit," he explains, describing the pressure to abandon his authentic style for more mainstream appeal.

Beyond career challenges, the conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Izzy opens up about losing his brother in December 2023. The emotion is palpable as he describes how this profound loss affected both his personal life and creative process. "Seeing my brother on that ground... that fucked my mind up a lot," he shares, giving listeners rare insight into how artists navigate creating music while processing grief. His struggle to balance making honest music without letting sadness define his entire catalog speaks to the complex relationship between art and personal experience.

Throughout the episode, Izzy champions Baltimore's underrecognized hip-hop scene, passionately listing talents like Tate, YG Tech, and Skola who haven't received deserved national attention. His perspective on legacy reveals a wisdom beyond the music itself: "Baltimore made me who I was, but it won't define who I become." This philosophy – focusing on genuine connections rather than broad validation – offers a powerful takeaway for anyone pursuing their passions against challenging odds.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, music industry professional, or simply appreciate authentic storytelling, this episode delivers invaluable insights about resilience, creative integrity, and finding your path despite unexpected obstacles. Subscribe now and join the conversation about what it really takes to navigate today's complex music landscape.

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The energy in the room shifts as J Money enters the studio, bringing decades of Atlanta music history with him. This isn't just another interview—it's a masterclass in authenticity from someone who witnessed the birth of cultural movements that defined a generation.

J Money takes us deep into the origins of Black Migo Gang, revealing how what began as street terminology ("we black Mexican cuz we got bags like Mexicans") evolved into a cultural phenomenon that spawned countless imitators. With remarkable candor, he shares stories about his brotherhood with Scooter, Future's right-hand man, painting a picture of loyalty that transcends the typical industry relationship. "These are great guys," he emphasizes repeatedly, making it clear that beyond the fame, these were people who genuinely cared for each other.

The conversation shifts to personal resilience as J Money opens up about surviving cancer, losing his mother, and being shot in Los Angeles—all within a three-year span. Rather than breaking him, these experiences transformed his approach to life and business. "Everything I went through made me stronger where I'm at today," he reflects, explaining how tragedy prepared him for current opportunities, including a forthcoming album with Metro Boomin.

What truly distinguishes this episode is J Money's philosophical approach to street wisdom. He introduces the concept of the "Gang God"—the universal force that rewards those who operate with integrity, even in the streets. "If you live right, do right, the Gang God will bless you," he explains, challenging conventional narratives about success in hip-hop.

Whether discussing the dangers of substance abuse in today's music scene, the importance of image, or delivering brutally honest comparisons between hip-hop legends, J Money speaks with the authority of someone who's lived every word. You'll walk away with not just entertainment, but wisdom from someone who's navigated both the streets and the industry while keeping his soul intact.

Listen now and follow J Money's latest project "Serving Everybody" on all platforms. This isn't just another episode—it's a document of hip-hop history from someone who helped write it.

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What does it take to survive 15 years in the cutthroat music industry? Houston's own Just Brittany pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey from Fifth Ward to music stardom in this captivating conversation.

From her early days as a valedictorian who became a dancer, to getting discovered at a beauty supply store, Brittany's path to success has been anything but conventional. She candidly shares the story of her Cash Money Records signing that went sideways when she was shelved for two years while the label focused on Young Money's emerging stars. Rather than remain stuck in contractual limbo, Brittany made the bold move to request her release—demonstrating the business acumen that's kept her career thriving for over a decade.

The most powerful moment comes when Brittany reveals how a simple Instagram comment noting she shared a birthday with Kodak Black evolved into genuine friendship and musical collaboration—without a dollar changing hands. "Relationships will get you through doors that money can't get you through," she explains, offering a masterclass in authentic networking that aspiring artists should study carefully.

Brittany also opens up about personal transformations, including how relocating to Atlanta saved her from destructive patterns and gave her career new life. She discusses the tragedy of having her clothing store firebombed in Houston and how these setbacks only strengthened her resolve. Her upcoming album "Round Trip" showcases both her singing and rapping talents, reflecting her refusal to be pigeonholed by industry expectations.

Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply someone who appreciates stories of resilience, Just Brittany's journey will inspire you to keep planting seeds even when the soil seems unforgiving. Subscribe now and join the conversation about persistence, authenticity, and the unstoppable power of building genuine relationships in your path to success.

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The struggles of Philadelphia artists trying to break through the city's "fake politics" takes center stage as Lee Mazin joins Rilla and Moose for a deeply personal conversation about resilience in the face of industry obstacles.

Lee Mazin's story is one of extraordinary promise and painful setbacks. From freestyling on trolleys as a teenager to signing with Meek Mill's Dream Chasers within a year of seriously pursuing rap, her explosive rise was followed by a series of devastating roadblocks. "I've been through a lot with this music shit," she confesses with striking candor. "This shit really drove me suicidal." Her revelation speaks volumes about the mental health toll that industry politics can take on artists, particularly those from cities where hometown support remains elusive.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Lee's analysis of Philadelphia's support system compared to other hip-hop hubs. "New York niggas, Trina, all of them throwing it up on the story," she explains about her viral Timberland freestyle, "Nobody from here posted it." This pattern of hometown indifference contrasted with outsider appreciation becomes a recurring theme as she recounts her experiences in Atlanta and LA, where strangers showed her more love than many in her own city.

Beyond music, Lee's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as she discusses diversifying her income through a printing company, luxury vehicle rentals, and her Chosen One Records label. Her business acumen has allowed her to maintain independence while navigating industry challenges – a testament to her adaptability and determination to succeed on her own terms.

As she prepares for her musical comeback with what she describes as a "loaded" arsenal of new music, Lee's passion remains undimmed despite everything she's faced. Follow her journey at @LeeMazin across platforms – this is one Philadelphia comeback story you won't want to miss.

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Join us on the Realla then Most Podcast as we welcome Albee Al Back, a true gem from Jersey City's Marion Projects. Al shares his inspiring story of evolving from a local influencer to a recognized voice in the music industry, all while staying grounded in his roots. With raw honesty, he reflects on how the streets and cultural icons like Cash Money have shaped his artistic journey. This episode is rich with discussions about the importance of authenticity, loyalty, and the profound connection to one's community, which are key themes that resonate throughout our conversation.

Explore Al's personal history as he opens up about the complex legacy left by his late father. Growing up with mixed emotions of pride and resentment, Al's quest to honor his father's street reputation becomes a powerful narrative. His time in incarceration adds another layer to his story, fueling his passion for rap and serving as a turning point in his life. Al's candid reflections offer listeners a glimpse into how personal experiences and artistic pursuits intertwine, driving him to assert his identity against societal stereotypes.

As the episode unfolds, we touch on the trials and triumphs of navigating the music industry's highs and lows. From exciting collaborations with artists like Arsenal and Fetty Wap to navigating label politics and booking challenges, Al's experiences reveal the gritty reality of the music scene. Our discussions bring humor and personal anecdotes to the forefront, especially as we engage in light-hearted debates about influential figures in the industry. Embrace the essence of resilience and authenticity as we celebrate those who stay true to themselves in the ever-changing landscape of music.

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