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 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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In this explosive episode of The Indie Unplugged, we’re pulling back the curtain on some of the most urgent conversations happening in hip-hop right now.

We kick things off by addressing the latest controversy surrounding Kanye West—not just the headlines, but the impact. We explore how Ye’s unpredictable moves and public rants are no longer just entertainment—they’re fueling a bigger debate about media accountability, mental health, and how Black artists are used for clicks and controversy.

From there, we get into the current state of hip-hop journalism and how it’s evolved—or devolved—into clickbait exploitation. What responsibility does media have when covering hip-hop culture? Why are certain platforms capitalizing on pain, beef, and trauma for engagement?

In the second half, we take a hard look at the loyalty triangle between Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. Where do these titans stand with each other? Has Kendrick’s critically acclaimed “Not Like Us” drawn a line in the sand? Is Cole’s neutrality hurting or helping his legacy? And is Drake being strategic… or simply disconnected from the culture?

We also examine the rising violence in hip-hop, the growing tension between entertainment and ethics, and how younger artists are inheriting a culture with little protection or guidance.

To close the episode, we talk about the Wu-Tang Clan’s final tour and what it symbolizes for hip-hop as a whole. Is this the last generation of unity and authenticity? What does it mean when the originators bow out while the new wave battles for identity?

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In Episode 21 of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan is joined by Tye Huntley, Jay Fooley, and Yohance for an in-depth conversation about the evolving music industry. This episode explores how the rise of streamers, changes in traditional music business models, and the challenges of sustaining long-term artist success are reshaping the landscape for creators.

The discussion kicks off with "How Streamers Control the Music Industry," examining whether platforms like YouTube and Twitch have become the new gatekeepers. Are streamers the key to breaking new artists, or are they simply exploiting musicians for their own growth?

Next, the hosts tackle the controversial idea of "The Death of the Music Industry." Is the industry as we once knew it truly gone, or is it evolving into something entirely new? From the rise of DIY artists to declining album sales, they explore what these shifts mean for indie creators and whether streaming platforms are helping or hurting the industry.

The conversation moves to "Why Don’t New Artists Last Anymore?" They analyze why so many rising stars struggle to sustain their success. Are streaming algorithms and social media prioritizing virality over artistry? Are labels and audiences to blame, or is it simply a new era of short-term gratification?

Finally, they explore the role of tech moguls like Spotify’s Daniel Ek in shaping the industry with "How Spotify’s Daniel Ek Cashed In on the Music Industry." While Spotify transformed how we consume music, artists often struggle to earn a living. The guests discuss the implications of Ek’s massive earnings and whether the platform’s business model can ever be fair to creators.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, sharp critiques, and engaging discussions perfect for indie artists, producers, and music enthusiasts.

In Episode 20 of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea dive into some of the most pressing issues and debates shaping the music and entertainment landscape today.

The episode begins with an in-depth discussion inspired by the Joe Budden Podcast segment, "Explaining Why the Music Industry is DYING." They explore how streaming platforms and the rise of playlist-friendly singles have transformed the music industry, leading to declining album sales and a focus on short-term hits over long-term artistry. The hosts reflect on how independent artists can navigate this environment, stand out, and create lasting legacies amidst a rapidly changing landscape.

Next, the spotlight turns to Elliott Wilson’s critique of Cam’ron and Ma$e’s “It Is What It Is” podcast, as discussed on the New Rory & Mal podcast. Wilson argues that celebrity-led podcasts often lack journalistic rigor, raising questions about how media is evolving and what this means for credibility in content creation. B. Vaughan and Brian analyze the implications for indie creators and the lessons artists can learn from these platforms.

The conversation shifts to the controversial copyright policies of Teenage Engineering, which some argue set a dangerous precedent for fair use and creative freedom. The hosts delve into how restrictive licensing can stifle innovation and what musicians and creators can do to protect their rights while pushing back against corporate overreach.

Finally, the episode concludes with The Game’s reflections on being excluded from West Coast hip-hop discussions. They explore why influential artists sometimes get overlooked, how media narratives shape legacies, and how the industry can better honor underappreciated contributions.

Packed with insights and actionable advice, Episode 20 provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing artists in today’s complex music and media landscape.

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In Episode 19 of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea tackle the most controversial and impactful topics shaping the music industry and hip-hop culture today. The episode opens with a conversation on the best albums of 2024, examining why hip-hop and R&B often fall short on mainstream lists despite being the dominant genres. They unpack issues like streaming dynamics, accessibility, and cultural bias, offering tips for independent artists looking to break into these conversations and build lasting careers.

Next is a reflection on Ice Cube’s legendary diss tracks, revisiting his bold claims of taking on his entire crew and discussing how these feuds shaped hip-hop’s golden era. They explore the evolution of lyrical beefs, Ice Cube’s enduring legacy, and what today’s artists can learn from his fearless approach to authenticity and competition.

B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea analyze the fallout from Drake’s appearance on Adin Ross’ stream, diving into debates about cultural loyalty and the importance of supporting Black platforms. They question whether Drake’s actions reflect a broader shift in artist priorities and what independent artists can learn about balancing cultural integrity with career expansion.

The episode also explores Muni Long’s controversial remarks about refusing to write soulful songs for non-Black artists. Is this a step toward protecting Black culture, or does it risk unnecessary gatekeeping? B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea discuss the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation in an industry where authenticity often clashes with commercial success.

Finally, they tackle the ongoing streaming versus buying debate, dissecting how these dynamics impact artist revenue and fan engagement. With insights into building loyal fanbases, navigating certifications, and creating sustainable careers, this episode is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking commentary for music creators and fans alike.

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