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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