In this episode of Indie Unplug, B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea dive deep into the tension between faith and the culture of hip-hop. They explore how artists navigate spiritual convictions—especially those who've shifted identities, like Malice returning from “No Malice.” The trio discusses personal transformations, the struggle of balancing authenticity with career choices, and whether it’s hypocritical to return to a scene once labeled “the house of the devil.” Through thoughtful anecdotes—ranging from rock‑and‑roll nostalgia to biblical reflections—they challenge listeners to define their own moral boundaries without compromising their beliefs.

They also break down current culture-highlights, including Nicki Minaj’s public clash with SZA and the rise of Velvet Sundown, an all‑AI music project stirring controversy about authenticity in art. Packed with reflections on hypocrisy, accountability, and the evolving landscape of independent creators in an AI-driven world, this episode is a compelling conversation on staying true to your faith, your art, and your integrity in an ever‑complicating industry.

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged, the hosts dive headfirst into controversy and cultural accountability, unpacking the recent legal conviction of Sean “Diddy” Combs under the Mann Act. The discussion explores whether Diddy is truly “canceled,” how the court of public opinion impacts legacy, and what this means for his music, business, and publishing catalog. They also debate the ethics of streaming artists with criminal convictions, and whether platforms like Spotify should suppress or promote their music. The episode raises pointed questions about whether separating the art from the artist is still possible in today’s climate.

Beyond Diddy, the crew explores the evolution of the indie artist grind compared to major label advantages, shining a light on the pressure to go viral and the strategic difference between mainstream surprise drops and independent rollouts. They also get into the current state of hip-hop, dissecting the “legend” label and where artists like Kendrick, Drake, TI, and Tyler teh Creator fit in today’s rap hierarchy. With humor, honesty, and real industry insight, the hosts challenge conventional thinking on fame, forgiveness, and the future of independent music.

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In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged Podcast, we sit down with Travis Hall—a genre-defying artist blending opera, gospel, and R&B with raw emotion and spiritual depth. Travis opens up about his early musical influences, how he fuses classical training with soulful vocals, and what it means to stay authentic in an industry chasing trends.

We explore his struggles, faith, and mission to tell stories that uplift and challenge. Travis shares real gems for independent artists on creative ownership, navigating labels, and the importance of keeping God at the center of your work. Whether you're a music lover or a creator on the rise, this conversation is for you.

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In this explosive episode of The Indie Unplugged Podcast, we tackle the heated controversy between Timbaland and producer KFRESH over alleged beat theft using the Suno AI platform. Was it inspiration or infringement? We unpack the legal and ethical implications for music producers in the age of AI. Then we dig into Jim Jones’ bold claim that his catalog is stronger than Nas’, backed by hard Billboard stats and cultural comparisons.

The crew debates what independence really means in the music industry, whether TikTok or DJs are breaking more records in 2025, and how artists should balance exposure vs. ownership. Finally, we tear into Billboard’s Top 75 R&B Artists list—why was Tank ranked so low at #67, and where does Brandy stand next to Aaliyah? This one is unfiltered, layered, and vital for every independent artist navigating today’s music landscape.

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On this episode of The Indie Unplugged Podcast, B. Vaughan, Tye Huntley, and Brian Onrea dive deep into the chaos, controversy, and creativity shaping today’s music scene.

They unpack the shocking BET Awards win where GloRilla took home the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for her song with Kirk Franklin—raising serious questions about genre boundaries, faith, and authenticity. The crew debates whether this was a well-deserved honor or a calculated industry consolation prize.

Also on deck: Coca-Cola enters the record label business. What does this mean for indie artists, branding, and the future of corporate-backed music? The Recording Academy announces a Traditional Country Album Grammy category following Beyoncé’s win—coincidence or gatekeeping? The crew also breaks down Kendrick Lamar's blocked verse due to Def Jam, and what Drake’s lawsuit means for the future of diss tracks in the streaming era.

This episode is loaded with game, laughs, and sharp cultural commentary.

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This week on The Indie Unplugged Podcast, we dive deep into a series of conversations every creative entrepreneur needs to hear.

First up, we unpack the shocking moment when music executive Ray Daniels’ live podcast was interrupted by a woman accusing a staff member of killing her grandmother—all while cameras were rolling. What unfolded wasn’t just bizarre—it was a wake-up call about mental health, physical safety, and leadership responsibility in creative spaces. The team explores what indie creators can learn from the situation and how to protect themselves while still building open, collaborative communities.

Then, we shift gears to dissect Timbaland’s bold move into AI music with the launch of Stage Zero and its first AI artist, “TaTa.” Is this the future of music—or a dangerous erosion of human creativity? We tackle the ethical dilemmas, opportunities, and what it means for indie artists trying to stay competitive in a changing landscape.

Lastly, we round out the episode by talking teamwork. In a world where “Teams Win,” how can independent artists, labels, and producers adopt a winning mindset without selling out their independence? Who should be on your team—and why building alone might not be the flex it used to be.

If you're an indie creative, this episode gives you a raw, necessary conversation about safety, strategy, and the future of your craft.

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan, Brian Onrea, and Tye Huntley unpack the week’s biggest headlines and ask deeper questions about the culture, the industry, and what it all means for independent artists.

From Trump pardoning NBA YoungBoy to the fallout of Remy Ma and Papoose’s once-celebrated relationship, the hosts explore the fine line between public perception and personal truth. Is YoungBoy’s statement sincere—and what message does it send to a generation of fans watching artists bounce in and out of prison? Can you support someone politically if they’ve benefited your life or your heroes, even if their broader values conflict with yours?

The episode also tackles the ongoing debate around privacy in the digital age. Should artists open up about relationships, family, and hobbies—or is mystery the smarter move in 2025? And when things go south, do fans deserve an explanation?

Finally, the crew dives into the 2025 American Music Awards and the controversy surrounding Black country artists like Shaboozey. Who really created country music—and is genre-bending cultural fusion or appropriation? The trio breaks down the AMA winners list, Kendrick’s snub, Eminem’s wins, and whether awards should even matter to indie artists.

This episode is equal parts cultural critique, industry insight, and honest barbershop talk for artists trying to navigate fame, identity, and success in a shifting musical landscape.

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In Episode 25 of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan, Brian Onrea, and Tye Huntley tackle some of the most urgent and explosive issues facing the music industry today. The trio dives into Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group as the legendary duo fights for ownership of their catalog—shedding light on the ongoing battle for artist rights and legacy.

They also explore how Kesha’s newly launched SMASH app is aiming to disrupt the status quo by allowing music creators to collaborate without sacrificing ownership. The conversation takes a serious turn with Rod Wave’s recent arrest and the growing legal risks indie artists face as they navigate fame and accountability.

They weigh in on Young Thug’s public callout of Kid Cudi over “snitching” after Diddy’s explosive trial testimony, reigniting debates around street code and credibility in hip-hop. Lastly, they examine the broader question: Are Black artists being systematically targeted once they gain power or challenge the industry? From lawsuits to innovation, from legal drama to legacy defense—this episode is a raw, eye-opening look at the intersection of independence, protection, and power in today’s music business.

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In our fascinating dialogue, we venture into the dynamic and multifaceted universe of Mikey Lambo. As an accomplished producer, sound engineer, and artist, Lambo's journey is indeed a remarkable tale.

We start with his initial steps in the music industry, exploring his budding enthusiasm for the art form that grew into a lifelong passion. His interest in poetry and a consistent 14-year journey learning the violin became the foundation of his transformation into a talented rapper. He offers intriguing insights into how these experiences have honed his lyrical skills and nuanced understanding of rhythm and melody.

We explore the power of music through Lambo's lens, the impact it has had on his life, and how he perceives it as a transformative force capable of altering one's worldview. His eclectic experiences across various musical genres, from the intricacies of classical to the freedom of hip-hop, have uniquely shaped his perspective and the quality of his sound.

One of Lambo's ambitions is to perform at music festivals, as he views these events as the epitome of connecting with a global audience, showcasing the universality of his music. We discuss the motivations behind this dream, revealing his profound love for community and shared musical experience.

The conversation transitions into a riveting discussion about the role of formal music education. Lambo shares his insights about its importance in providing a solid theoretical grounding, while simultaneously acknowledging the potential of self-learning and personal exploration in the creative process.

As we delve into the evolution of his musical lexicon, Lambo highlights how his vocabulary of sound has matured over time, reflecting his personal growth and changing perspectives. He also shares his well-established habits, such as disciplined practice and mindful listening, that help maintain his focus and propel his creative energy.

Lastly, Lambo imparts some golden nuggets of advice for aspiring artists in the sound music domain. These insights, stemming from his journey and lessons learned, are sure to be a source of inspiration for those seeking to carve their own path in the world of music.

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In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Indie Unplugged podcast, B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea go deep into the week's most controversial and culture-shaking headlines. From legacy artists facing public downfall to new developments in the indie space, no topic is off-limits.

The conversation kicks off with the shocking news of a criminal investigation launched into Smokey Robinson—the Motown icon now facing serious allegations from former housekeepers. Vaughan and Onrea break down what this means for accountability, boundaries, and the ongoing reckoning with music industry legends.

They then pivot a bold discussion around Chris Brown's recent arrest in the UK, tied to a 2023 nightclub incident. Is the media trying to bring him down, or is he still making reckless decisions that jeopardize his career? The hosts examine the complicated legacy of forgiveness, public perception, and the fine line between redemption and self-destruction.

From there, they dissect Snoop Dogg's surprise album drop, “Is It a Crime?” and the strategic timing of his sudden truce with Spotify after blasting them for low payouts. Was it a calculated marketing move or a real change of heart? The duo unpacks the deeper conversation around streaming, artistic ownership, and what independent artists can learn from Snoop’s evolving strategy.

The episode also covers the disturbing story of Tory Lanez being stabbed 14 times in prison, revealing the dark side of incarceration for artists and the thin line between justice and violence. And finally, they touch on Justin Bieber’s rumored financial issues, including a $9 million debt to Scooter Braun and what this teaches indie creatives about money management, catalog ownership, and building sustainable wealth.

Closing the episode, the two reflect on United Masters' rollout of “real-time royalties”, discussing whether it's truly a breakthrough for indie artists or just another flashy feature with fine print.

This episode is a masterclass in navigating the intersection of music, media, money, and morality. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a veteran producer, or just love the culture, this is one of those episodes you’ll be thinking about long after the last word.

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