In this episode of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, legendary producer Amadeus takes listeners on a powerful journey from his humble beginnings in the Bronx to becoming one of the most respected architects in modern music. He reflects on grinding without resources, breakthrough moments that led to gold plaques and Bad Boy Records, and the importance of staying grounded while navigating fame, conflict, and cultural responsibility in the industry. Amadeus opens up about longevity, legacy, and what it truly means to be in the music industry without being consumed by it, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories from decades of producing for icons like Foxy Brown, Dipset, G-Unit, Trey Songz, and Chris Brown. The conversation closes with a forward-looking message about inspiring the next generation, evolving creatively, and leaving a legacy that extends beyond music.

About Today’s Guest

Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson Sr., Ph.D, is a multi-platinum record producer, musician, and CEO of Platinum Boy Music, best known for shaping the sound of global stars, including Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, and 50 Cent, to name a few. A Bronx-born drummer turned industry heavyweight, he’s built a career that spans chart-topping records, music direction, touring, and high-energy residencies, while also inspiring the next generation through mentorship, education, and motivational speaking.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Amadeus.

• 1:41 Amadeus shares his Bronx upbringing and early grind from borrowing equipment to building his own production space

• 5:25 Amadeus recounts his breakthrough meeting with Anton Marchand, connecting with Foxy Brown, landing a Cradle 2 the Grave placement, and earning his first gold plaque

• 16:25 Working with Cheri Dennis leads to Puff (P. Diddy) noticing his talent and joining Bad Boy as part of The Hitmen

• 22:30 Exploring how cultural icons can complicate their legacies when personal actions overshadow creative contributions, making mention of Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, and others.

• 29:13 Amadeus’ philosophy of being in the music industry without being of the music industry.

• 32:20 Producing for Dipset and G-Unit, while shedding light on the financial realities of the mixtape era.

• 39:30 Touring with Trey Songz for 18 years and sustaining a production career spanning more than 25 years

• 45:00 Longevity and legacy discussion about Dame Dash and signing a pivotal publishing deal with Damon Dash, Jay Brown, and Cherry Lane.

• 1:00:55 Amadeus’ calling for inspiring young people, including his own children, to exceed his success while continuing to evolve creatively.

• 1:10:30 Behind-the-scenes insight into recording over 50 songs with Chris Brown without being in the studio together, and untold stories on Chris’s unique creative process.

Mentioned on the Show

• Connect with Amadeus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amadeuspbm/

• Amadeus’ Website: https://www.iamkingamadeus.com/

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on X: https://x.com/the_pllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepllrs.bsky.social

🏛️ Connect with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🏛️ Connect with Won of One Host, Reg Calixte: https://www.instagram.com/LTLENG

🏛️ Connect with Keith Nelson, Jr.: https://www.instagram.com/keithnelsonjr

🏛️ Connect with Rose Mercado, MA.Ed.: https://www.instagram.com/photo_bombshell

🏛️ Manhattan Neighborhood Network: https://www.instagram.com/mnnnyc

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In episode 9 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, Executive Marketing Leader JD Anderson, whose 15+ year career includes driving record-breaking campaigns for artists like Buju Banton, Swizz Beatz, and Future, explores how social media and AI have reshaped music marketing, the renewed importance of in-person fan connection and physical products, and the creative challenges of working with today’s socially driven artists. He reflects on career-defining moments with Future, DJ Khaled, and Kanye West, unpacks the role of gatekeeping in the modern music landscape, and explains how powerful creative ideation can drive major impact regardless of budget, while highlighting his recent projects with Rick Ross, Slick Rick, Buju Banton, and Max B.

About Today’s Guest

Jaldaire (JD) Anderson-Watkins is an Executive Marketing Leader with 15+ years of experience driving brand ideation, strategic digital marketing, and revenue growth within the music and entertainment industry. He is known for building high-performance teams and delivering impactful creative and content strategies, with career highlights that include leading marketing for artists such as Buju Banton, Swizz Beatz, and a forthcoming collaboration with LL Cool J, overseeing digital marketing strategy and P&L for 76 artists, and launching Future’s High Off Life, which debuted to record-breaking sales, surpassed 1.6B streams, and achieved RIAA Platinum status.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Jaldaire (JD) Anderson-Watkins

• 1:03 How we consume content in the last decade and the impacts of social media and AI on the music business

• 8:50 Cardi B’s Am I The Drama? rollout, power reconnecting with fans in person and with physical products, and working on Slick Rick’s most recent rollout 

• 14:20 Working with new artists who have social traction and a skewed perception of marketing, the current state is driving more creativity

• 19:15 Working with Future and DJ Khaled, crediting work ethic and creativity on career longevity, and maintaining relevance 

• 21:40 Working with Kanye West, experiencing the Kanye documentary, the challenges of separating the creative genius from other aspects of the man

• 34:27 The pros and cons of gatekeeping, the current music landscape with less gatekeeping, and is gatekeeping quality control?

• 41:00 The creative process in marketing that you can’t buy, ideation on marketing for artists, working on the DS2 album rollout with Future, and favorite creative moments

• 48:28 Making an impact for artists using the budget in your favor

• 50:41 Discussion of great campaigns and JD’s current projects with Rick Ross, Slick Rick, Buju Banton, a Supreme collaboration with Max B, and bringing his talents into fashion and podcasting

Mentioned on the Show

• On Impact Podcast 005: Branding & Marketing Expert, JD Anderson: https://youtu.be/eZyJgmXeQY4?si=zspDReNSMwXgiKM5

• Follow JD Anderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jd_dapper/

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on X: https://x.com/the_pllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepllrs.bsky.social

🏛️ Connect with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🏛️ Connect with Won of One Host, Reg Calixte: https://www.instagram.com/LTLENG

🏛️ Connect with Keith Nelson, Jr.: https://www.instagram.com/keithnelsonjr

🏛️ Connect with Rose Mercado, MA.Ed.: https://www.instagram.com/photo_bombshell

🏛️ Manhattan Neighborhood Network: https://www.instagram.com/mnnnyc

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In this episode of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, host Reg Calixte sits down with legendary media executive and cultural architect Datwon Thomas for a conversation tracing his journey through hip-hop, journalism, and media evolution. Datwon reflects on early experiences abroad shaping his worldview, his unlikely entry into journalism as a VIBE intern, his early rise at XXL Magazine powered by networking, instinct, and timing, and the importance of building authentic relationships with artists. The conversation highlights the cultural impact of creating XXL’s Freshman Edition and navigating rewarding and difficult moments as a critic. Datwon recounts founding KING Magazine and its role in elevating stars like Gabrielle Union, Ashanti, Kelis, Melyssa Ford, and more, before his return to VIBE as a strategic advisor guiding the Rolling Stone/VIBE merger while honoring Quincy Jones’ legacy.

About Today’s Guest

Datwon Thomas is a veteran media executive and journalist whose career has been instrumental in shaping hip-hop, R&B, and urban culture across print, digital, and broadcast media. Thomas is a founder of influential platforms, including KING Magazine and RIDES Magazine, and has served as Editor-in-Chief of XXL Magazine, Global Grind, and others. Thomas rose through the ranks at VIBE, from intern to Editor-in-Chief, and continues to support the brand, guiding strategy following VIBE’s acquisition by Rolling Stone. Beyond publishing, Thomas is CEO of Daylight Media Inc., a company focused on digital media, content creation, and amplifying diverse voices.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Datwon Thomas

• 2:00 Childhood years spent in Tokyo, and culture shock in returning to New York in the crack era

• 8:01 Datwon’s journalist career, starting as an intern at VIBE

• 12:16 Moving to XXL Magazine through the power of networking and luck

• 19:18 Developing relationships with artists while on the rise and connecting with people authentically 

• 24:57 Stand out moments with Kanye West and being a visionary for talent for the early careers of Kanye West, Ja Rule, Beanie Sigel, Solange, T.I., and missing Jeezy’s rise

• 35:35 Witnessing the development and transformation of hip hop

• 38:40 Creating the Freshmen Edition of XXL Magazine

• 41:51 Negative experiences as a journalist and unexpected interactions with artists

• 48:28 Founding KING Magazine, careers boosted by KING, including Gabrielle Union, Ki Toy Johnson, Buffie the Body, Ashanti, Kelis, Melyssa Ford, and support from Tyra Banks

• 1:00:12 Returning to VIBE as a strategic advisor guiding the Rolling Stone/VIBE merger, honoring Quincy Jones

• 1:06:37 The democratization of journalism with Drink Champs and Joe Budden Podcast as examples

Mentioned on the Show

• Won of One Episode 3: Kaz Famuyide: https://youtu.be/FujY5fRnQsA?si=6qQWsWumZBD4EtCa

• KING Magazine: https://king-mag.com/

• TALK HEAVY! Inside The Black Effect’s Five-Year Reign: https://www.vibe.com/features/digital-covers/the-black-effect-podcast-network-cover-story-1235133719/

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on X: https://x.com/the_pllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🏛️ Connect with Won of One Host, Reg Calixte: https://www.instagram.com/LTLENG

🏛️ Connect with Keith Nelson, Jr.: https://www.instagram.com/keithnelsonjr

🏛️ Connect with Rose Mercado, MA.Ed.: https://www.instagram.com/photo_bombshell

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

Episode 7 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast welcomes genre-bending artist Raury for a wide-ranging conversation about evolution, independence, and building with intention. Raury reflects on the breakout moment of Indigo Child, navigating early industry attention from Kanye West, touring with OutKast, and the near-miss collaborations that shaped his journey, while shouting out supporters like B.o.B. and Joey Bada$$. He opens up about the competitive nature of hip-hop, the importance of passing the torch, and his pivotal decision to step away from LVRN to embrace independence. From launching The Woods Worldwide and exploring an autonomous lifestyle to weighing the challenges and freedoms of going indie, Raury shares how aligning core values led to his partnership with Spinach Records. The episode closes with dream collaborations, future-focused touring ideas, and a bold vision for making wellness, sustainability, and artist autonomy central to the culture.

About Today’s Guest

Raury is an American singer-songwriter and rapper whose genre-blending sound, rooted in soul, hip-hop, and folk, has made him one of the most distinctive artists of his generation. Born and raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia, he first emerged with his critically acclaimed debut mixtape Indigo Child, which led to a deal with Columbia Records and the release of his debut album All We Need, his first entry on the Billboard 200. After parting ways with the label, Raury continued forging his own path, independently releasing a series of deeply personal projects that reflect his artistic freedom and evolving perspective. A former member of the C5 Georgia Youth Foundation, Raury now continues his creative journey with Spinach Gang Records, bringing his boundary-pushing approach to a new chapter in music and culture.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Raury

• 1:40 About Indigo Child, navigating early career attention from Kanye West and touring with OutKast

• 5:47 Collaborations that almost made it with Kid Cudi; shout out B.o.B. and Joey Bada$$ for their support

• 8:30 Competitive nature of music and hip hop, and the importance of passing the torch

• 11:00 The decision to go independent after leaving LVRN

• 19:50 The Woods Worldwide and the autonomous lifestyle

• 23:21 Challenges and benefits of going independent as an artist

• 26:31 Raury’s partnership with Spinach Records, based on wellness and core value alignment

• 31:45 Dream collabs with Dijon, MK.gee, Daniel Ceasar, King Krule, Indys Blue, Kara Jackson, and more

• 34:07 On building a new creative infrastructure for touring artists and making wellness and autonomous living cool

Mentioned on the Show

• The Woods Worldwide: https://www.thewoods.world/

• Spinach Records: https://www.spinachrecordings.com/

• Connect with Bradford Watson: https://www.instagram.com/6algo/

• Connect with Won of One Host, Reg Calixte: https://www.instagram.com/LTLENG

• Connect with Keith Nelson, Jr.: https://www.instagram.com/keithnelsonjr

• Connect with Rose “Photobombshell” Mercado: https://www.instagram.com/photo_bombshell

• Manhattan Neighborhood Network: https://www.instagram.com/mnnnyc

  
  

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on X: https://x.com/the_pllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepllrs.bsky.social

🏛️ Connect with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In this episode of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, Chris “Gotti” Lorenzo takes listeners on a journey through his influential career. He shares the origins of Murder Inc., from selling beats through Top Dog Productions to the challenges of building a label, and recalls unforgettable moments, working with Michael Jackson, near-historic collaborations with Nas, a potential supergroup of Ja Rule, DMX, and Jay-Z, and Irv’s unwavering belief in DMX. Chris also breaks down creating the signature Murder Inc. sound, surviving legal battles, and launching Add Ventures Music Group to empower independent artists. He shares about expanding into film with Arc Films and building the Clash Pro League. Chris highlights how his partnership with Irv, commitment to excellence, and the power of team drive his evolution across music, film, and sports.

About Today’s Guest

Chris “Gotti” Lorenzo is a visionary entrepreneur and architect of opportunities whose career has been defined by transforming raw talent into global success. Known for co-founding Murder Inc. Records and helping to revolutionize hip-hop, Gotti now channels that same disruptive spirit into sports as the founder of the Clash Pro League, a professional basketball ecosystem where urban culture meets real opportunity. Driven by the belief that greatness isn’t limited to traditional pipelines, he has built the CPL to spotlight electrifying, undiscovered talent from concrete courts around the world and provide the exposure, resources, and infrastructure needed to elevate them into professional athletes and cultural icons.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Chris “Gotti” Lorenzo

• 1:20 The impact, quality, and consumption of music today vs. the early 2000s

• 4:08 Gatekeeping in the music industry and the rise of AI in music and entertainment

• 13:32 How selling beats through Top Dog Productions turned into a record label, Murder Inc., and the challenges in building Murder Inc.

• 19:09 Working with Michael Jackson

• 22:20 How Chris’s relationship to Irv serves as motivation for athletes and entertainers, the mentality of being excellent at one thing vs. everything, and the power of team

• 30:07 Moments in music that almost happened, a deal with Nas, a rap supergroup with Ja Rule, DMX, and Jay-Z

• 39:15 DMX’s rise in the music industry, Irv “Gotti” risking his career for DMX

• 43:38 On Ja Rule and creating the Murder Inc. sound

• 50:36 Legal problems and post-trial realities for Murder Inc.

• 55:16 Creating Add Ventures Music Group as a platform for independent artists 

• 1:03:16 Independence vs. major label deals

• 1:06:52 Arc Films and the progression from music to film professionally

• 1:11:51 Clash Pro League and raising money for the league

Mentioned on the Show

• Murder Inc. Records: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_Inc._Records

• Connect with Chris Gotti Lorenzo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgotti187/

• About Add Ventures Music: https://addventuresmusic.com/

• Watch Ballin on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100040839/ballin

• Watch The Supreme Truth: https://www.princemillernyc.com/

• Listen to Ballin (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): https://open.spotify.com/album/5Gtw83LRD19B7udKY4HXQR?si=B6GReaXfQTq0OiDHNr8org

• Clash Pro League: https://clsh.tv/cpl

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on X: https://x.com/the_pllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepllrs.bsky.social

🏛️ Connect with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In Episode 5 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, Reuben Vincent sits down to share the journey behind his latest album, Welcome Home, and his experiences navigating the music industry as a Roc Nation artist during a time of transition. He opens up about being a first-generation American, balancing parental and label expectations, and the creative decisions that shaped his work. Reuben recounts leaving home with nothing to pursue his dream, his early connection to 9th Wonder that led to a record deal at just 16, and his pivot during COVID, recording hundreds of songs in a home studio while collaborating with Young Guru. He also reflects on keeping his Roc Nation offer a secret, the lessons learned from working with industry legends, memorable moments living with Young Guru, and a life-changing encounter with Jay Z. Finally, Reuben shares his vision for giving back to his communities and manifesting success with Welcome Home.

About Today’s Guest

From Charlotte, NC, hip-hop prodigy Reuben Vincent has consistently demonstrated a depth of skill beyond his years. Signed to 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records in 2016 and Roc Nation in 2021, Reuben honed his craft with the Jamla family, releasing two acclaimed projects, Myers Park (2017) and Boy Meets World (2020), which earned praise from industry heavyweights like Swizz Beatz, Young Guru, and Busta Rhymes. Known for his vulnerability, sharp wordplay, dynamic cadence, and distinctive sound, Reuben continues to evolve as an artist. 

Key Points from this Episode

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Reuben Vincent

•  0:36 About Reuben’s album, Welcome Home, and the experience of being an artist with Roc Nation during a period of transition

• 6:13 On being a first-generation American, parental and label expectations, and creative choices behind Welcome Home

• 10:01 Choosing to leave home with no money and fight for his dream 

• 12:50 Reuben Vincent’s connection to 9th Wonder and signing a deal at 16 years old

• 18:18 Pivoting during COVID and recording 200-300 songs in his home-based studio and rapping for Young Guru

• 19:43 Getting the offer from Roc Nation and keeping it a secret

• 25:17 Key takeaways from working with 9th Wonder and Young Guru 

• 28:00 Top moments from time spent living with Young Guru

• 31:04 A key moment with Jay Z that changed Reuben Vincent’s life

• 35:21 Reuben’s plans to give back to his communities and manifest success for Welcome Home

Mentioned on the Show

• PLLRS Co-Creator, Keith Nelson, Jr.: https://www.instagram.com/keithnelsonjr/

• Connect with Reuben Vincent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reubenvincent

• Connect with Reuben Vincent on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reubenvincent704/

• Connect with Reuben Vincent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuben-vincent-437899345/

• Connect with Reuben Vincent on Twitter/X:  https://x.com/ReubenVincent_

• Connect with Reuben Vincent on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reubenvincent_

• Watch more from Reuben Vincent on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx9wgYUmTc31zL-yLhrBhiA

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on X: https://x.com/the_pllrs

🏛️ Connect with us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepllrs.bsky.social

🏛️ Connect with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In episode 4 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, Steven “Steve-O” Carless takes listeners on a powerful journey through his evolution from a first-generation Jamaican-American music lover to one of the most influential executives in hip-hop. Reflecting on early experiences at Star Trak Entertainment, where he learned the value of opportunity and purpose, Carless shares how pivotal connections, from Pharrell Williams to Jay Z, Benny Pough, and Nipsey Hussle, shaped his approach to leadership and legacy. He opens up about the lessons behind setbacks, the art of relationship-building, and the cultural shifts he witnessed across Def Jam and Atlantic Records along the way. From helping launch Jay-Z’s comeback and earning an executive producer credit on "Brown Skin Girl" with Beyoncé to serving as a mentor and friend to Nipsey Hussle, Carless reveals the mindset behind staying grounded while shaping history, and why gratitude remains his greatest success.

About Today’s Guest

Steven “Steve-O” Carless is a visionary music executive and entrepreneur whose influence spans across A&R, artist development, and brand strategy. Carless has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of today’s most impactful artists, from Nipsey Hussle to Polo G. With a career rooted in authenticity and cultural integrity, Steve-O brings a deep understanding of how art, business, and community intersect. On Episode 4 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, he shares rare insight into leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to build something that lasts beyond the music.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Steven “Steve-O” Carless

• 1:43 Carless on his upbringing as a first-generation Jamaican-American and music as a constant

• 3:00 From listening to music with his parents, to starting at Star Trak Entertainment

• 11:50 Why Star Trak over Sony Urban Music?

• 14:00 How learning about the music industry as a way to make opportunities for others led to finding purpose

• 18:09 Balancing a career in the music industry with the stress of external relationships

• 23:00 The Pharell experience and learning to network in the music business

• 24:52 Getting fired from Star Trak, working with Cipha Sounds, and moving to Def Jam

• 30:40 Connecting with Jay Z and meeting one of his first mentors, Benny Pough, at Def Jam

• 36:19 Connecting with Nipsey Hussle, becoming best friends, bonding over books, and lessons learned from Crenshaw, the $100 mixtape

• 56:15 Becoming an A&R at Atlantic Records, working with Nipsey Hussle

• 1:04:12 Reconnecting with Jeezy at Atlantic through A&R and becoming the president of his label

• 1:10:47 No I.D. recruits Steve-O to come back to Def Jam as an A&R after successful projects with Jeezy and YG, while finishing Nipsey’s album, Victory Lap

• 1:13:47 How knowing all of the roles inside the record label contributed to Steve’s success

• 1:14:06 Game-changing moments that Steve Carless was responsible for, and being part of Jay Z’s American Gangster video trailer going viral

• 1:17:54 Working with Beyonce and how Brown Skin Girl landed on The Lion King: The Gift, with Steve Carless named as an executive producer

• 1:29:00 On being a pillar to monumental moments and the power of gratitude

Mentioned on the Show

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thepllrs/

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In Episode 3 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, Kazeem “Kaz” Famuyide walks through a layered journey shaped by media, culture, and evolution. Kaz reflects on the rise of talent-led platforms like 7PM in Brooklyn, the shifting landscape of journalism and podcasting, and his early work with Steve Stoute building TheStashed.com into a magazine, podcast network, and sneaker store. He shares memories from the blog era and The Source, the beginnings of his own podcasting path inspired by Brilliant Idiots and the launch of FLAGRANT, and the cultural impact of events like Dussé Palooza. Kaz also opens up about representing wrestling culture through Walemania, why it ended after a decade, and how he ultimately connected with Carmelo Anthony to join 7PM in Brooklyn. From a high school matchup with Kevin Durant that nudged him toward media to his message of gratitude and future ambitions, Kaz offers an intimate look at the moments, relationships, and risks that defined his rise.

About Today's Guest

Kazeem Famuyide is an Emmy Award-winning host, journalist, and cultural commentator best known as the co-host of 7PM in Brooklyn alongside Carmelo Anthony. A dynamic voice at the intersection of sports, music, and culture, Kazeem has built a reputation for blending sharp insight with humor and authenticity. Whether breaking down the latest NBA headlines or diving into the stories shaping hip-hop culture, Kazeem’s deep-rooted passion for storytelling has made him one of today’s most engaging media personalities.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, Kazeem “Kaz” Famuyide

• 1:09 On 7PM in Brooklyn and the Katt Williams episode

•  3:06 Kaz speaks on the evolution of journalism and podcasting to talent-led content using Joe and Jada and 7PM in Brooklyn as examples

• 13:17 Working with Steve Stoute and the creation and evolution of TheStashed.com from online entity to physical magazine, podcast network, and sneaker store

• 20:00 Media shifts and New York culture during the blog era, and developing relationships with artists while working at The Source

• 29:46 Kaz’s start in podcasting inspired by Brilliant Idiots, the creation of FLAGRANT and the decision to move in another direction

• 40:19 Being part of cultural moments like Dussé Palooza and lessons learned in experiential events

• 45:49 Cultural wins and validation built from successful endeavors

• 48:00 Serving as an ambassador for wrestling and the resurgence of wrestling in conjunction with hip hop while working on Walemania with Wale

• 54:00 Why end Walemania after 10 years?

• 56:40 Getting connected with Carmelo Anthony and becoming part of 7PM in Brooklyn

• 1:02:00 Kaz shares future plans and a message of gratitude to key players in his career

• 1:07:25 How a high school basketball game against Kevin Durant sparked Kaz’s media career

  
  

Mentioned on the Show

• Watch 7PM in Brooklyn: https://www.youtube.com/@7PMinBrooklyn

• Connect with Kaz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kazeem/

• Connect with Kaz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazeemf/

• Follow Kaz on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kazeemfamuyide

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

🔊🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2s9g8w2Sodz3sPaIme69vp?si=38638cebe1314e81

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In episode 2 of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, host Reg Calixte sits down with Grammy-nominated rapper, songwriter, and actor D Smoke for a conversation that spans his journey from teaching to music and the cultural shifts shaping Inglewood. D Smoke reflects on his early beginnings in Park Circle with his friend Chiz, his experiences in acting, including developing the character Raphael in Mayor of Kingstown and working alongside Jeremy Renner, and his aspirations to one day step into the Marvel universe. He opens up about his first album as a Death Row artist, what it means to carry that legacy, and the importance of navigating the business side of music with integrity. From potential collaborations with artists like G Perico, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, to his interest in screenwriting and adapting his work Vivid Isaiah for film, D Smoke shares how he continues to balance artistry, business, and storytelling. The episode closes with a look at his love for television favorites like Martin, a nod to K Pop Demon Hunters, and his excitement about reuniting with Snoop Dogg for future Death Row projects.

About Today’s Guest

Daniel “D Smoke” Farris, the Inglewood-born rapper, musician, actor, and cultural storyteller, joins Won of One to share his journey from classical piano prodigy to Grammy-nominated artist and activist. Rooted in a rich family legacy of music and sharpened by his studies in Spanish literature at UCLA, D Smoke has built a career that bridges worlds, whether through his bilingual lyricism, his role as champion of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, or his acclaimed projects Inglewood High and Black Habits. Beyond accolades and chart success, Smoke embodies the balance of artistry, education, and advocacy, using his platform to uplift his community and unite cultures through music with purpose.

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, D Smoke

• 0:33 On D Smoke’s early musical passions and transition from teaching to music 

• 3:03 Starting off in music in Park Circle with his friend, Chiz

• 4:02 D Smoke’s from East and West Coasts

• 9:16 Changes to the West Coast Culture and Inglewood

• 11:29 D Smoke’s history in acting 

• 15:00 Character development for Raphael from Mayor of Kingstown

• 16:30 Working with Jeremy Renner and Tobi Bantefa 

• 20:35 Playing a Marvel character and creating a world around it

• 25:33 D Smoke’s 1st album as a Death Row artist and carrying out a legacy

• 33:17 Choosing favorites: music vs. acting

• 35:07 Navigating the business part of the music business with a team, turning down a deal from DJ Khaled

• 38:13 Considerations for potential collaborations, R&B artists, G Perico, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and more

• 47:00 Types of characters D Smoke would like to play in the future

• 49:12 Exploring interest in screenwriting and adapting Vivid Isaiah for film

• 50:59 Reg and D Smoke discuss current TV picks, Martin, Severance,  and a nod to K Pop Demon Hunters

• 54:00 Releasing an album with Death Row and partnering with Snoop again in the future

  
  

Mentioned on the Show

• Connect with D Smoke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsmoke7

• More on the Novel “Vivid Isaiah” by D Smoke: https://www.instagram.com/vividisaiah

• Listen to Wake Up Supa: https://open.spotify.com/album/6aQed086YBp37b9fRgXiT1?si=hNl1dmBfQcaWoEK_PVQnmg

  
  

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️ PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

Special thanks to our partners at Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

🔊 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2s9g8w2Sodz3sPaIme69vp?si=38638cebe1314e81

🔊 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/won-of-one-a-pllrs-podcast/id1840643899

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]

In this episode of Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast, Bronx-born rapper ScarLip joins us to talk about her breakout mixtape Scarred B4 Fame and the energy of her standout collaboration with Lil Wayne. She opens up about her dream collabs with Doechii, JT, Cardi B, and even Billie Eilish, while also sharing her desire to explore sounds outside of rap. ScarLip reflects on what it means to stay true to yourself in the music business, the importance of trusting and building with a team, and how she balances authenticity online with protecting her mental health. From working with Swizz Beatz to learning the ins and outs of the industry, she gives us a look at her growth as both an artist and entrepreneur, her vision for ventures beyond music, and what the future holds. Closing with reflections on success, a playful request for 50 Cent to make her biopic, and one key piece of advice, be consistent, ScarLip leaves listeners with insight, inspiration, and her unmistakable fire.

About Today’s Guest:

ScarLip is a rising powerhouse in hip-hop, born and bred in the Bronx, whose fierce lyrical energy has earned her a spot in XXL’s 2024 Freshman Class and the endorsement of icons like Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Cardi B, and Swizz Beatz. Drawing on a turbulent childhood, ScarLip turned adversity into art, first grabbing attention with viral “food raps” filmed in parking lots and cemented her place with “This is New York” a homage to her hometown that resonated across hip-hop. ScarLip dropped her debut mixtape Scarred B4 Fame on June 20, 2025, featuring Lil Wayne, Mary J. Blige, and Anthony Hamilton. 

Key Points from this Episode:

• 0:00 Welcome to Won of One: A PLLRS Podcast with today’s guest, ScarLip

• 0:17 Scarred B4 Fame and standout feature from Lil Wayne

• 1:36 ScarLip’s dream collaborations with Doechii, JT, Cardi B, and Billie Eilish

• 3:05 Exploring other genres beyond rap

• 6:30 On staying yourself and being human in the music business

• 7:58 Where would you be without your team?

• 12:35 Learning to trust a team to build with you

• 14:45 Being authentic online while protecting your mental health

• 18:15 Working with Swizz Beatz

• 22:15 Learning about the music industry while growing and developing as an artist

• 25:19 Pursuing ventures outside of music

• 28:10 What the future holds for ScarLip

• 33:26 Reflecting on success and a request for 50 Cent to make her biopic

• 35:08 One piece of advice: be consistent

  
  

Mentioned on the Show

• Connect with ScarLip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scar_lip/

• Connect with ScarLip on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scar_lip

• Scarred B4 Fame: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9tY0BWXOZFsMPwQASqGYS7X_3whUknfj

• More Music from ScarLip: https://www.youtube.com/@ScarLipVEVO

  
  

Join the Conversation: 

🏛️ Watch more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thePLLRS

🏛️ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepllrs/

🏛️ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepllrs

🏛️PLLRS Press and more: https://linktr.ee/ThePLLRS

Special thanks to our partners at Manhattan Neighborhood Network. For more information on MNN: https://www.mnn.org/ 

✉️ For Business Inquiries, email: [email protected]