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 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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On this unfiltered episode of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan, Tye Huntley, and Brian Onrea take the gloves off and confront one of the most pressing issues in music today—the toxic state of hip-hop media. What begins as a discussion around Keri Hilson’s controversial Breakfast Club interview—where she finally opens up about her infamous Beyoncé diss—evolves into a fiery critique of clickbait culture, industry manipulation, and the public’s obsession with conflict over craft.

Is the media responsible for constantly feeding the culture negativity, or are the consumers to blame for always clicking? The hosts challenge both sides and reveal how this destructive cycle is hurting independent artists the most—those who are trying to make authentic art in a digital world that rewards drama and spectacle.

The crew also dives into Jermaine Dupri’s new distribution partnership between So So Def and HYBE America (home to BTS and a subsidiary of the Korean entertainment giant). They break down what this means for ownership, cultural preservation, and whether major labels—often run by non-Black companies—can truly respect or protect the legacy of Black music.

In between deep insights, the hosts also get personal. They reminisce about the era of balanced music—when R&B was soulful and safe for families—and debate whether Michael Jackson belongs on the Mount Rushmore of R&B, considering his crossover into pop. The fiery debates extend to TI vs. Joe Budden, the evolution of Tank’s music, and the cultural shift in R&B from love songs to explicit lyrics.

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