The Real Report - Millyz on Jadakiss co-sign, Eminem inspiration, & almost being ABDUCTED in Haiti for $6,000
Digest
This podcast features an artist reflecting on their career journey, from early struggles and Jada Kiss's co-sign to the release of their EP "Rhythm and Pain," showcasing an evolution in their sound. They discuss the mixtape era, the vibrant Boston music scene, and the impact of viral freestyles. The conversation delves into building a fanbase, international success, and early motivations for rapping, influenced by battle rap. Challenges in accessing studio time and gaining industry recognition are highlighted, alongside the pivotal role of the pandemic in fostering independence and monetization. The artist shares personal preferences for companionship and a shift in lyrical themes towards love and heartbreak. Decisions regarding independent versus major label paths are explored, with a focus on the significance of the East Coast hip-hop track "Risk Takers." Street credibility, mentorship, and the distinct regional hip-hop scenes are discussed, along with the inspiration behind the song "My Realest Friend." A significant portion of the podcast recounts a trip to Haiti, detailing initial impressions, dangerous encounters, a near-kidnapping, and a club experience, contrasted with reflections on Haitian culture, family upbringing, resilience, and historical significance. The artist also touches upon their unique rap style, influenced by Dominican and Haitian cultures, and offers relationship advice. Promotional segments for various iHeart podcasts are interspersed. Later, the discussion shifts to music release strategies, the impact of unsuccessful releases on artist confidence, and the unpredictable nature of identifying hit songs. The role of online hate in driving algorithms and the public scrutiny that accompanies success are examined. The enduring relevance of lyrical skill in hip-hop is emphasized, with discussions on Eminem's impact and the merging of his and 50 Cent's worlds, including vivid memories of the Anger Management tour. The value of studio experiences with legends like Dr. Dre and Eminem is highlighted, alongside critiques of music opinions and definitions of the greatest rappers. The significance of Hot 97 freestyles and the pressure of performing on Funk Flex are recalled, with a lament for the loss of such adrenaline-fueled moments in modern hip-hop. The importance of covering all bases in the industry and Sway Calloway's integrity are noted. The legacy of Hot 97, New York's critical hip-hop market, and nostalgic times in the '90s and early 2000s are discussed, along with the impact of early hip-hop DVDs and tributes to Chris Lighty and Violator Management. The evolution of fashion choices due to social media, the distinction between true wealth and material displays, and jewelry as an investment for rappers are explored. The perks and paradoxes of fame, the joy of global travel, and the international appreciation for hip-hop are highlighted. The longevity of classic hip-hop, the elite circle of Live Nation tours, and the global recognition of hip-hop icons are discussed. The speaker expresses gratitude for life experiences and reflects on personal growth amidst the accelerated pace of the music industry. Finally, the podcast identifies top lyricists, discusses the Philly rap scene, recommends artists like Lil' Bucks and No Cap, and names Cardi B, Touré, No Cap, and Pooh Shiesty as "Artists of the Week," concluding with commentary on music industry trends and a humorous take on the football offseason.
Outlines
Introduction and Podcast Promotions
The podcast opens with promotional snippets for other iHeart podcasts, including "The Girlfriends," "No Grip," and "Mostly Human," featuring an interview with Sam Altman.
Early Career, Jada Kiss Co-sign, and Artistic Evolution
The artist discusses early career challenges, the pivotal co-sign from Jada Kiss, and the introduction of their EP "Rhythm and Pain," marking a shift towards melodic singing and artistic growth beyond rapping.
Mixtape Era, Boston's Scene, and Viral Freestyles
The conversation delves into the mixtape era, the artist's affinity for Boston's music scene, and the impact of viral freestyles, noting validation from the New York music scene.
Fanbase, European Market, and Early Motivations
Discussion centers on building a dedicated fanbase, the artist's career trajectory, popularity in Europe, and early motivations for rapping influenced by battle rap.
Industry Challenges, Pandemic Impact, and Independence
The artist recounts struggles with studio access and industry recognition, highlighting perseverance and how the pandemic enabled monetization and independence.
Personal Preferences and Thematic Shifts in Music
The artist shares their preference for female companionship as an energy balancer and discusses a conscious shift from street narratives to themes of love and heartbreak in their music.
Independent vs. Major Label Decisions and "Risk Takers"
The artist details their journey to independence, opting out of major label deals, and highlights the song "Risk Takers" as a significant, organically successful East Coast hip-hop track.
Street Credibility, Mentorship, and Regional Hip-Hop
Emphasis is placed on street credibility and mentorship, with discussions on regional hip-hop scenes in Philly, New York, and Boston, and their collaborative spirit.
"My Realest Friend" Genesis and Haiti Trip Experiences
The inspiration behind "My Realest Friend" is explained, followed by a detailed account of a trip to Haiti, including initial impressions, dangerous encounters, a near-kidnapping, and a club experience.
Haitian Culture, Resilience, and Heritage
The discussion shifts to Haitian culture, family upbringing, parental influence, the resilience and unique power of Haitian people, and their history and potential.
Unique Rap Style, Life Lessons, and Podcast Promotions
The artist highlights their unique rap style, influenced by Dominican and Haitian communities, offers life and relationship advice, and promotional segments for various podcasts are featured.
Creative Process, Output Strategy, and Hit Song Identification
The speaker discusses their high-volume music release strategy, likening it to a factory, and explores the challenges of identifying hit songs and the impact on artist confidence.
Strategic Investment, 50 Cent's Reaction, and Hip-Hop Dynamics
The discussion covers strategic investment in music based on organic reactions, 50 Cent's unpredictable reaction to a hit song, and the concept of "pistols" and perceived support in rap relationships.
Preference for Female Companionship and Navigating Online Hate
The speaker reiterates a preference for being around women and discusses dealing with online hate as a driver of the algorithm and a sign of success.
Public Scrutiny, Fear of Success, and Lyrical Relevance
The inevitability of public scrutiny with success is discussed, along with the fear some have of it, and the enduring relevance of lyrical skill in hip-hop.
Eminem's Impact, G-Unit Deal, and Tour Experiences
Eminem's appeal and relatability are discussed, along with his G-Unit deal and vivid memories of the monumental Anger Management tour with 50 Cent.
Studio Legends and "Mad Scientist" Approach
The speaker shares experiences in the studio with legends like Dr. Dre and Eminem, describing their meticulous, "mad scientist" approach to music creation.
Critiquing Opinions, Defining Greatness, and Storytelling
The speaker critiques DJ Self's music opinions, distinguishes between the "greatest rapper" and "best rap artist," and praises character development in hip-hop storytelling.
Hot 97 Freestyles, Funk Flex Pressure, and Modern Hip-Hop
The significance of Hot 97 freestyles and the pressure of performing on Funk Flex are highlighted, with a lament for the missing adrenaline rush in modern hip-hop.
Industry Engagement, Sway's Integrity, and Hot 97's Legacy
The importance of engaging with various industry platforms and figures is discussed, alongside Sway Calloway's integrity and the historical significance of Hot 97's freestyles.
New York's Criticism and Nostalgic Hip-Hop Times
The demanding nature of the New York hip-hop market and the nostalgic era of '90s and early 2000s hip-hop are discussed.
Big Pun's Diss, Early DVDs, and Chris Lighty Tribute
Big Pun's diss track against 50 Cent, the impact of early hip-hop DVDs, and a tribute to the influential manager Chris Lighty are discussed.
The "Dream Team" of Management and Industry Connections
The formidable team of managers at Violator Management, including the Lighty brothers, is discussed, along with personal anecdotes of connecting with industry professionals.
Lighty Brothers' Management Power and Record Deal Decisions
The effectiveness of Chris and Mike Lighty's management is emphasized, alongside the process of navigating record deals and the desire to sign with Jay-Z.
Fashion Evolution and Social Media Scrutiny
The speaker reflects on pre-social media fashion choices and the intense scrutiny of outfits in the current social media age.
True Wealth vs. Material Displays and Jewelry Investment
The distinction between genuine wealth and material displays is explored, along with jewelry as a potential investment for rappers.
Perks of Fame and the Catch-22 of Celebrity
The significant benefits of receiving free items as a rapper are highlighted, alongside the paradox of fame, where perks are balanced by a lack of privacy.
Global Travel Experiences and International Hip-Hop Appreciation
The speaker expresses a preference for global travel experiences and notes the significant international appreciation for hip-hop artists and culture.
Longevity of Classic Hip-Hop and Elite Tours
The enduring appeal of classic hip-hop is emphasized, and the exclusivity of Live Nation tours is discussed, highlighting the global recognition of hip-hop icons.
Gratitude, Accelerated Career Pace, and Personal Growth
The speaker expresses gratitude for life experiences and reflects on their accelerated career since 2021, considering the past few years the best of their life.
Top Lyricists, Music Engagement, and Philly Rap Scene
Leaf War is declared the best lyricist under 30, the importance of staying engaged with new music is stressed, and the Philly rap scene's prolific output is discussed.
Recommended Artists and "Artist of the Week" Features
Lil' Bucks and No Cap are recommended, with No Cap, Cardi B, Touré, and Pooh Shiesty/Poo Shiesty named "Artist of the Week" for their lyrical skills and current impact.
LBL Tape, Music Industry Commentary, and Artist Appreciation
Discussion covers the LBL tape, recent recordings, commentary on record labels, and the importance of showing genuine, real-time appreciation to artists.
Guest Introduction, Football Offseason, and Advertisements
A guest is introduced with a new project, a humorous take on the football offseason is shared, and advertisements for Hard Rock Bet and various podcasts are featured.
Keywords
Jada Kiss
Jada Kiss, a prominent rapper and actor, is known for his influential career in hip-hop and film. His co-sign is highly valued in the music industry, often signifying an artist's legitimacy and potential.
Rhythm and Pain (EP)
An Extended Play (EP) by the artist, showcasing a musical evolution towards melodic singing and a broader artistic expression beyond traditional rapping.
East Coast Hip-Hop
Refers to the hip-hop music originating from the East Coast of the United States, characterized by lyrical prowess, storytelling, and diverse regional styles.
Viral Freestyles
Short, improvisational rap performances that gain widespread popularity online, often shared across social media platforms, boosting an artist's visibility.
Independent Music Career
An artist's career path pursued without the backing of a major record label, allowing for greater creative control and ownership of their music.
Haitian Culture
Encompasses the rich history, traditions, music, and resilience of the Haitian people, known for their strong sense of community and unique cultural identity.
Risk Takers (Song)
A highly acclaimed East Coast hip-hop track celebrated for its raw energy, lack of a hook, and significant streaming numbers achieved organically.
Street Credibility
The authenticity and respect an artist garners within urban communities, often earned through genuine experiences and relatable narratives in their music.
Haitian Power
A term signifying the inherent strength, resilience, and unique spirit of the Haitian people, rooted in their history of overcoming adversity and fighting for freedom.
Zoes
Refers to individuals, often of Dominican or Haitian descent, who are part of a close-knit community or crew, known for their strong bonds and cultural influence.
Q&A
How did the artist's co-sign from Jada Kiss impact their career?
The co-sign from Jada Kiss provided significant validation and opened doors in the music industry, signaling the artist's legitimacy and potential to a wider audience.
What is the significance of the EP "Rhythm and Pain"?
"Rhythm and Pain" marks a musical evolution for the artist, showcasing a shift towards melodic singing and a broader artistic expression beyond traditional rapping.
How does the artist describe the experience of visiting Haiti?
The artist describes Haiti as a place of both intense beauty and significant danger, recounting aggressive encounters at the airport and a near-kidnapping incident, while also praising the food and the resilience of its people.
What is "Haitian Power"?
"Haitian Power" refers to the inherent strength, resilience, and unique spirit of the Haitian people, stemming from their history of overcoming adversity and fighting for independence.
What role did the pandemic play in the artist's career?
The pandemic was a turning point, enabling the artist to monetize their music effectively and embrace an independent career path, leading to significant growth and control over their work.
How does the artist view their transition from rapping to singing?
The artist sees the shift towards singing as a natural progression and a spiritual calling, allowing them to express a wider range of emotions and connect with listeners on a different level.
What is the significance of the song "Risk Takers"?
"Risk Takers" is considered a landmark East Coast hip-hop track, lauded for its raw energy and organic success, achieving millions of streams without a traditional hook or significant promotional investment.
How does the artist describe their upbringing and Haitian parental influence?
The artist describes a strict upbringing with Haitian parents who showed love through tough love and discipline, emphasizing hard work and high expectations, such as pursuing careers in medicine or law.
What is the significance of Cape Verdean presence in Boston compared to New York?
The conversation highlights a notable concentration of Cape Verdean individuals in Boston, contrasting it with a lesser presence in New York, sparking curiosity about regional demographics and community distribution.
How does an artist's strategy of releasing music impact their career?
Releasing music consistently, even if not every song is a hit, is crucial. The speaker likens it to a factory, emphasizing volume and continuous output to maintain momentum and audience engagement.
Show Notes
Millyz pulls up to The Real Report with Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda for a raw, unfiltered conversation covering his come-up from Cambridge to earning a major co-sign from Jadakiss, building real business with The Lox legend, and dropping his melodic R&P project. He breaks down going from freestyles to international stages, navigating independent vs. major label decisions, and staying consistent with new music while expanding his sound. The episode takes a wild turn as Millyz and Yayo recount a tense trip to Haiti that escalated into a real-life kidnapping scare involving cash demands and a high-speed escape, before diving into industry talk on Eminem, 50 Cent, freestyle culture with Funk Flex and Sway Calloway, and how hate, pressure, and experience shape an artist’s grind.
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