Akademiks gets Russ on Stream to discuss his post about Artists being blackballed! Who right Chat?

[@youngking1435]

Russ is 100% correct. A lot of these people don’t have real fans. They are just what I like to call “Social Media Characters”. People know of them and are entertained by their social media antics. When Da baby was knocking people out, getting arrested and getting in shootouts that was the main thing being promoted about him on social media so he had peoples attention. Not for his music but for the “antics”. So once he had to stay out of trouble and calm down he lost everyone’s attention. No one has debates about how great Da Baby’s lyrics are and how great the music is. No one says “I can wait for Da baby to go on tour”, no one gets in the car and say put that new da baby album on lol.

[@vi2935]

They do have real fans. But everyone besides independent artist have majority Casual listeners

[@youngking1435]

@@vi2935 exactly what Russ is saying. For example if I’m listening to Apple Music and a Da baby song comes on I might just let it play. But Im not actively searching up Da baby songs and listening to his music by choice because I’m not a fan of his music. So once the label turns off the machine and stops pumping you in playlist and making your songs come up for the casual listeners your finished cause you never really had a genuine fan base it was all artificially pumped. Russ doesn’t have any baby mama antics, any beef antics, shaderoom drama, tmz. He’s not on icebox episodes buying stupid shit. And he still goes platinum without doing goofy shit

[@xRinzlar]

Russ is making a good point, if Dababy is selling 86% less due to him not being on playlists it means only 14% of his fan base are his actual core fans. I have never personally met a “dababy fan”. Russ is in a unique and commendable position where the vast majority of his fans are from his core dan base which is why he’s making this point.

[@bruceleeds7988]

It means DaBaby depends on his label to market him, he does nothing independently

[@vi2935]

Thats most rappers tho. Let them not put drake on others on playlist there numbers go down 80%

[@malikwilliams8643]

if there multiple platforms that are colluding to stifle his success how is that not blackballing?

[@trace891]

@@vi2935 Da baby made those comments about aids in the gay community, and kicked his baby mother out on Ig live. He lost half his fans in his own. The playlist situation just makes Da baby numbers worst.

[@Lie4whatt]

Even if he doesn’t have “real” fans….that still means he blackballed. Period.

[@Clarkadoodledoo.]

I like Russ, Russ takes accountability he doesn’t blame ppl for his failure…. Ppl should be more like Russ.

[@damegulley]

That McDonalds "you get what we give you" analogy was GOLDEN. People just accept whats easily available!!!

[@popedonking]

They literally manipulate how the Algorithm works. If you're on a major playlist you get more streams. If you Collab with major artists you get more streams. More streams means a higher AI score.

[@Filmking_Tx]

This was single handily the best most informative show- spitting future game - BIG AK - and I liked Russ’s points as well.

[@SpectrumTheOriginator]

Back then when an artist got black balled they wouldn't play their music on the radio, which was essentially the only way to get your music out to people who don't know you. Now that streaming has taken over radio, as long as your music can be found on DSPs you are NOT black balled. You can still promote your music, tell fans to go listen etc. I agree with Russ.

[@JM-qn3tf]

Still missing the point. You guys are rolling in being ok with fascism

[@kinganzu]

@@OBsurdityTV That's a different argument, not everyone will go platinum. The argument Russ is making is as long as you have access to make money you can't be blackballed, you just aren't favoured which is a different thing altogether

[@samkellogg2805]

@@OBsurdityTV work harder, be better.

[@sethbrolsma516]

There’s a difference between fans and having the general public.

[@TAZS]

this is partly the consequence of people like Akademiks and this new generation of music fans being obsessed with "first week sales" and playlists in the first place to justify their fandom of certain artists. no-one really speaks about the importance of making good songs, constructing a cohesive album or putting on a good live show. its all about numbers, views, engagement and those metrics which can EASILY be manipulated. but the real kicker is... that stuff never lasts long term.

[@Darryldesiderium]

N that's why Russ has more success than 95% of these musicians more so rappers..He makes awesome quality music that 90% of these rappers avoid n don't do because of the excessive drugs they use n laziness because they feel entitled

[@flyinglow7218]

Age of consumption. I blame the ease of internet use

[@mialar]

Russ made a great point. Playlist provide a lot of fluff to the artist(passive listens). His music is not marketed as heavy as artists backed by major labels and he still sells and tours. If he can do it artists like da baby have no excuse. AK is jaded by his beef with ebro. IF you have real fans they dont need a playlist to find your content.

[@Airspider23]

“What people need to focus on is core fans & building an audience” - Russ “Not Everyone has it like you” - Akademiks That sounds like some people need to skip the line & get special treatment for anyone to ever hear of them. Then they disappear into obscurity when the “fluff” goes away. I listen to playlists for other genres. I have to hear about you through someone or discover your music by accident like an old school A&R if you rap. I don’t want someone or an algorithm curating my musical listening experience. You have choices.

[@theblacklipbastardspodcast243]

Mind you This the same ak called someone old and dusty bcz they weren’t giving out game; Russ here spilling out things they don’t want us to know but Ak has all the EXCUSES in the world

[@eski_truv]

Everybody can’t be Drake, Kendrick, or Eminem. Some people have to be Wale, somebody has to be Ja Rule, some artists are meant to have a brief moment with a bunch of casual listeners to make a bunch of money and then move on to other things when their music fades out. The very reason that a lot of artists blow up is because they’re just putting out fun music instead of trying so hard to come off as passionate or hyper focused on trying to get fans to resonate with them and it’s a breath of fresh air to see someone not talking themselves so seriously sometimes. Playlists are basically radio nowaday, so imagine if Ja Rule or someone like that couldn’t get radio play back in the day. Nobody was ever hardcore Ja Rule fans but whenever his music happens to come on the radio, people would love it and it was good music

[@bigfellamike1913]

@@eski_truv right and the guys who aren't Eminem Drake and Kendrick Lamar should try owning their music so they can profit off of it way more. Getting a deal worth millions just to be a one hit wonder who didn't make anywhere near as much as he thought he would having to pay back your label sounds a lot worse than owning your own work. But then again some people don't want to be bosses

[@EduFabolous]

The fans are for that playlist, not for the artist. And Russ is right, rappers only complaining because they realizes without playlisting their numbers look awful And if they can’t make it without playlists, it’s tells the whole truth And there are a lot of rappers with fan bases, but since the fans numbers is usually smaller than the streams they don’t give a F, without realizing the real value of said fans

[@vi2935]

Playlist are for casual listeners not fans. Russ is lookkng at it wrong.

[@YoungMannie92]

@@vi2935 you actually just confirmed Russ’s point

[@Misfit626]

@@vi2935 Duh. That's why without playlisting is shows an artists "real" fans

[@vi2935]

@@YoungMannie92 russ point is real fans. But music is more then that. For all entertainment. Casuals is what makes the money and the industry. Thats in sports, music,movies, fahsion. You think if only marvel fans watched marvel movies they make money or noise? No. The casuals matter and playlist help that

[@vi2935]

@@Misfit626 real fans is dope and important but entertainment industry is about casual enjoyers. From movies to shows to sports. Ability to reach the general public is the most important thing

[@AyooSnoop]

I agree. I do not listen to any playlist. I listen to what I want for sure

[@marksocial2890]

All Russ is sayin is that when the fluff is gone u need your core fans to keep packing shows and doing numbers on these platforms.

[@Abdullah-vg1uc]

Playlisting is a luxury. Nobody is entitled to luxury

[@vi2935]

Not a luxury its an expectation at a certain level now.

[@starfiremusicgroup5678]

there's a difference between fans and listeners

[@smokethesuperherb]

Lol this man really sat here saying his song wasn't Playlisted but failed to bring up the fact it was all over the radio 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤦‍♂️🤣

[@dsn274]

If they allow you to make money on their platform, you're not blackballed. And its some entitled shit to expect these streaming platforms to promote you for free. A good artist cultivates a passionate fanbase and doesn't rely on playlists and shuffles to get fans to listen to their newer projects. Even if spotify doesn't exist anymore, people will find a way to listen to artists they're fans of.

[@brandondixon5903]

ak said they don't make good enough music thoe lmmfao but they not as Smart as u , LMMFAO but they don't wanna do all the work . like bruh how many excuses this wack as rapper got man!!

[@triberedeyetv5971]

This is a much needed convo

[@triberedeyetv5971]

@Sean Jones discussing the climate of the industry all yo friends, lovers, brothers,sisters, neices, n nephews listen to n look up. Same ppl who own the industry own the policies/bills that directly affect our communities. N to restrict the voices/upward mobility for our ppl in said industry is tied to privatized prisons, state laws, & employment. Surface level perception gets surface level feedback. Expand your assessments, sir

[@triberedeyetv5971]

@CH thats the whole premise of Akademiks statement: Workers using their position of power within a company for personal reasons to negatively affect their clients way of living. Like if regional managers of a utility company are discriminating on utility trained applicants to influence WHO gets jobs that affect the city/county. Music is culturally influential for all ages and demographics plus influence a lot of societys "way of thinking".

[@77self_made77]

@@triberedeyetv5971 well said

[@ThUnfilteredGamer_]

Russ is just that one dude that likes to argue just to argue. He knew what blackballed meant and just wanted to take it personal because he had no support. He even agreed with the definition. Bro is just a very emotional and vengeful artist.

[@Tar-Von]

Disagreeable personality.

[@JaeKidd17]

Its not blackballed. Blackballed is when you feel privileged and they not giving it to you. Dababy still getting paid off them avenues that aren’t promoting him as they once was. So lets get this straight. I own apple, you as a artist rape a little girl and put out a album. Am i suppose to still push ya music as i once did ? One uses the other. I want streams and people to use apple so i was selling the hottest artist and giving him money for it. Now he contaminated im not supporting his music on my streaming service ad i once did. Simple. Whatever fans go out they way and download it cool. That’s not blackballed,

[@bruceleeds7988]

Your comment makes no sense. Akademiks LITERALLY invited Russ on his show because he WANTED to argue with him

[@ThUnfilteredGamer_]

@@bruceleeds7988 at a point in time the debate turned into Russ just wanting to disagree just because. He was too embarrassed to admit that he took a L on the main discussion point. It stoped being a debate after that and was just him talking. Which AK and the others was hinting at

[@victorogbuehi3198]

He’s a little emotional but his point is legitimate

[@jordan0183]

Rappers like Dababy are bigger on social media than their music. Them not selling records is not a coincidence. It’s not that complicated lol

[@Isaiah0018]

Russ spittin tho. Tbh I look up most of my tunes I wanna hear. It barely shuffles. N when it does, I’m skipping. So Russ got a point. Wheeee these Niggas fans at?

[@vi2935]

Most casual fans which is most rappers fanbase, dont. I dont know if est gee or big30 dropping unless its on a playlist

[@bRenegadez]

Tory got 17 million monthly listeners while independent, his albums grow over time. Alone At Prom sold 17k first week but the album now has over 200+ million streams on Spotify alone so he definitely has fans

[@JuMoolah]

I agree with Russ, I understand what AK is saying though

[@YettisBack]

russ is right. i cant listen to the apple music playlist. too much atlanta music in there. i search my artists. we have to stop being lazy and start adding our favorite songs to a mega playlist. mines currently has over 1000 but the shuffle goes crazy.

[@vi2935]

Yeah you an actual music fans. The argument is for the majority of listeners which are casual listeners

[@4kttrollgoat38]

I get what Russ is saying. But for this mainstream artist who used to get big opportunities and playlisting, when the industry stops providing those opportunities they are technically black balled. That’s doesn’t mean they are incapable of still doing numbers. I think Russ is looking at black balled as “unable to do numbers”. That’s why he says it’s “imposible” to be blackballed.

[@bruceleeds7988]

Blackballed is an industrial lockout. Its when you label doesn't answer your calls, you can't get resigned, you have no cosign, you get no major tour dates and mainstream network is impossible. The difference is, before KZbin was prevalent, those tactics would completely disconnect you from fans and consumers. If you have a loyal fan base you can Continue to do business.

[@WiseMenProfit]

No they are not. The entitlement in this conversation is crazy 😂

[@vi2935]

@@bruceleeds7988 nah you will flop. Bad bunny would flop with no playlisting or promo

[@Ushaat]

That's the issue these guys never earned the light it was given to them and that's why it can be taken away from them.

[@WiseMenProfit]

@@Ushaat big facts. Don’t get me wrong if the machine is giving you the promotion that’s cool. But if in the event they take that promotion away you better have a plan. It’s a privilege to get mainstream promotion, not a right.

[@skateroren]

Eminem is never on these playlist and he gets millions of streams, it’s about having real fans😂

[@vi2935]

Stop it em was on of the most promoted artist every. Many cuz he was white and in rap

[@vi2935]

Ever*

[@utah.b.6257]

Horrible example.

[@skateroren]

@@vi2935 his new albums? No! His old songs yeah

[@skateroren]

@@vi2935 I’m talking about his new albums, the point is to build real fans and stop depending on playlists.

[@marvturner7390]

I rarely agree with Russ but he’s right. If you have real fans, your numbers will be decent regardless of playlist

[@Rl-jd8lh]

Of course, but that doesn't deny that fact he said blackballing doesn't exist. You can be blackballed by streaming services, but your fans buy and sell out your shows

[@utah.b.6257]

Doesn’t mean blackballing doesn’t exist

[@vi2935]

We not talking about real fans we talking limiting the casual listener. They are what make up most streams not fans

[@JM-qn3tf]

Yea but I don’t agree with him acting like it’s fine to be biased. It’s not cool they pick & choose based on politics & social media cancel culture. Sick of it.

[@nicholaswest3974]

@@JM-qn3tf no he’s not saying it’s fair he’s saying it is what it is, there’s consequences for actions so if you said some flagrant shit about Ebro why do you expect that human to put his ego aside and give you a look by putting you on his playlist??

[@lennymontana8787]

Russ was right on this. Especially with the platinum part.

[@fatou8011]

I actually agree with Russ If you have dedicated fans then playlisting wouldn’t matter. There are too many active independent artists that are poppin today. Also Ak bringing up Da baby and tory was odd because they got Major placements on several playlists last week

[@Rl-jd8lh]

Tory had no playlisting for Spotify. And as for Apple, ak had to call out Ebro to get Tory added. Tory has been blackballed for 2 years

[@أسامة-ب1ن]

does playlisting matter for drake?

[@thekreatorr]

These ppl don't get it unfortunately and a majority of the ppl arguing against Russ, are most likely rappers trying to make it in the industry of illusion . They are actually DEFENDING the illusion because they want to be a part of it. They don't hear the logic AT ALL... Of course Ak is going to debate with Russ because AK makes his living off if the illusion as well!! 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@demaraigray5286]

this conversation was never about core fans. it was about blackballing. notice how russ changed the subject to push forward his agenda. he has a bruised ego & a chip on his shoulder.

[@thekreatorr]

@@demaraigray5286 HOW CAN YOU BE BLACKBALLED IF YOU HAVE CORE FANS SIR!!?...That's the point!! YOU CAN ONLY BE BLACKBALLED IF THE TOOLS USED TO FUEL THE ILLUSION ARE TAKEN AWAY..and you can no longer benefit from them... If your numbers and engagement drop over 50% because you can longer use those tools.... THEN ARE YOU TRULY POPPIN?? ARE YOU TRULY LIT!? OR ARE YOU JUST BEING MARKETED BETTER with the tools of illusion!? Come on my guy this isn't rocket science and it's not that deep of a topic.... IF YOU WERE TRULY LIT YOU WOULDNT "NEED" PLAYLIST TO STILL BE RELEVANT

[@GavisDean]

Russ should change the narrative, its not that Artists aren't getting blackballed, its rather RUSS is getting blackballed too and still putting up MAJOR numbers and thats fax

[@didiko.2422]

you‘re right actually

[@kiaralolaa2317]

truee

[@SunnyRosalia]

It's perspective at the end of the day Russ and Ak both have valid points. Nobody can blackball you in a way that you cant make a honest living for yourself. But hitting certain plateaus within the mainstream Hip Hop industy is dependent on you staying within the good graces of the Old boys club that someone like Ebro is a part of.

[@HonestHeartsClub]

Facts people forget Joey badass and pro era were blackballed wasn’t even getting promoted on ny radio. Then ebro bumass gonna say they are “minor league”

[@culturehub2628]

@@HonestHeartsClub why they get black balled tf ?

[@vi2935]

@@culturehub2628 cuz ebro was a wierdo and ruined ny music

[@MB-es9ft]

Russ album Chomp 2 which was his first independent album after the label sold less than all of Tory's album, even Dababy's. Chomp 1 sold even fewer copies

[@shorty1471]

But he sells out staples centre 20k as the sole act and labelled head liner. DaBaby sold a lot but only sells 500 tickets 😂

[@psalms83]

Streaming is like personalized radio. You pick the type of songs and the Streaming app plays everything closely related.

[@kreigerbailey3550]

Portland, JAMAICA in the Building!!!!

[@EduFabolous]

AK is really fight for dudes who don’t want to build a fan base and just want streams, and then years later they will complain they made ishh

[@vi2935]

Tory building tho. Dababy just ass and want a excuse

[@klutchkage8840]

Wdym Tory had album of the year but most don't know bc they never even heard of his music being blackballed effects you too the point you can't advance or reach new ppl come on stuff is not rocket science

[@EduFabolous]

@@klutchkage8840 I'm a Tory fan, and even with this blackballing I got his albums like nothing changed, thats the problem, most rappers don't have real fans who listen to their music, the people listening to their music via playlists are not their fans and to be real, there are alot of artists who deserve to be on the playlist way more than most of those guys, but they only complain when its done to them, and if you wanna go there, why were these rappers in those playlists the first place ? I'm sure it was not because of mainly their music, but their hype and connections, so they have no merit being there ahead of alot of more deserving ones, and in those moments when it was all good no one complained, but as soon as reality came they all crying

[@vi2935]

@@EduFabolous they do but music about reach of music not fans. Always been

[@tonyanthony824]

Russ got ak stuttering like flakko 🤣🥴

[@goldmouthguru6134]

Russ won this debate Ak I know u don't like losing tongue wrestling matches but he got u

[@ourplat4mmedia246]

Talk that shit Russ💯💯💯💯

[@therealdjshok]

Russ and Ak both made great points. DSP's are just like old school distributors and retail stores combined as one and playlists have replaced radio. The game is the same and hasn't changed. Russ is the guy from texas who moved 100k out of his trunk in 98. The only difference is it's all online now. Yes, you can be blackballed from playlists, "new music section" and whatever else. Russ is fighting back against the people in the comment section and AK tried his best to feed Russ ego so he could really have a good honest discussion but Russ is also playing Chess and can't back down fom his marketing plan of "So how are they bigger artists than me" to use this moment to grow as a brand. Great stuff. I really enjoyed this clip.

[@Yinkv]

Well said!

[@MakaveliG17C]

All Tory's projects since the Meg incident outsold Russ. Just go compare Tory sales and streams on Spotify from his last few projects to Russ's last album he put out independently. Tory Lanez has a solid core fanbase just like Russ claims he himself has. Tory claiming he's blackballed doesn't mean he can't sell. He would just be selling ALOT more if it was an equal playing field. Russ even gets playlisting and gets posted on the homepage when he drops. Acting like industry execs didnt make the call to blackball Tory and strip him of opportunities and support is idiotic. Playlists exist for a reason

[@Knowledge-vs6ti]

Russ tight it’s your fans not the industry

[@jayroel27]

Russ was right. Dababy is not blackballed he just stopped being an industry darling

[@AGZisMe]

If I want to listen to my favorite artist(s) I’ll go wherever their music is at. I don’t need for it to be plastered in the forefront of an app/playlist to find it

[@d.omoneychaser5112]

Thatsvery true but thats your favorite artist cool but if u also like other artist that u still listen Casually and u dont even know is droppin u aint goin to Search him u keepin movin, Manu Fanbase As excepcion maybe Yb Billie ellish fans are really Casual listening like do you really think Drake got 59 milion listeners fans

[@vi2935]

Thats ak point. Your favorite artist or top 10 of course. But that artist you heard but never really bump but would give it a chance nah. Playlisting belps non fans see new music

[@AGZisMe]

@@vi2935 yeah playlists help put you on to new artists but to Russ’ point you don’t have to rely on it to keep up with a certain artist. I (occasionally) listen to Rap Cavier and other playlists when I want to hear new shit and discover new artists but I follow the artists who catalog I end up liking on social media to keep up with their new music.

[@vi2935]

@@AGZisMe yeah many albums i wouldnt stream normally i did cuz of new music friday

[@IWearShaqs]

Russ is 100% correct

[@Misfit626]

Russ is correct. No playlisting just shows how many people are actually checking for your album. If you sell over 100k but 60 to 80% of that comes from playlistings aka casual listeners are you actually popping?

[@NinaBabyTV]

Talk that shit Russ!

[@taebanks7893]

Russ just wanna flex 😂😂😂he wanna make sure it known he selling records

[@johnhargrove7744]

We acting like artists don't fall off anymore and everyone is being blackballed.

[@CorrieDouse]

Russ talking facts I make my own playlist I rarely use editorial playlist

[@vi2935]

That means your not the common casual listener. You an actual music fan

[@CorrieDouse]

@@vi2935do you?

[@Keynels]

Search>Random. Russ is 100% correct! AK is playing stupid for some reason.

[@sorethumbs379]

Ak is so focused on making a response that he’s not hearing the cold hard facts… it’s really not rocket science, feed your core audience… These manipulated numbers are finally catching up with some of these artists that doesn’t have a TRUE core following.

[@DEEprogram]

I saw DaBaby’s album under Spotify’s ‘New Releases’ tab. A lot of artists I listen to don’t even show up under that tab or anything so I have to put in their name to get to their music. I follow them on their social media accounts to keep up with their releases and videos.

[@jayroel27]

Great point

[@vi2935]

Yeah dababy ahit just ass. He was all over Spotify and got outsold by a underground legend

[@GoldenBusinessSolutions]

Russ is making a great point AK. In the opposite extreme Curren$y does not get mainstream play but he has a huge organic fanbase. Coi Leray gets a lot of industry push but nobody listens to her music. You will not get as much play you should but I don’t think artists can be blackballed if they aren’t taken off the platform.

[@MichaelWilliams-gr9ze]

Back when you only had radio so called blackbalking was more effective but with social media it's hard to totally BB a artist dababy has access to FB, IG, KZbin, Apple, Spotify, Tidal, NWA had none of that but to Russ point they had a genuine Fan Base like Beyonce or Eminem

[@opinionatedright7068]

i dont like russ but he has a point

[@Cool-ge2db]

this is some real valuable convo

[@THESMOKERSHUT]

Russ also has many core fans because he is a LITERAL unicorn. He’s a minority in his genre so many of his fans love him for literally beating the odds and growing in that genre. They will never leave his side because of that but Russ still gets heavy promo cuz personally I didn’t know who Russ was until I saw him in the top charts so he was already getting HEAVY push. But like I said he is a rare underdog example who has support because he’s beating the exact system we’re talking about😂

[@THESMOKERSHUT]

@CH facts I’m not discredited his work at all. He does a lot in the music industry even beyond music which I appreciate. I’m just listing another element that’s working for him in his genre.

[@shorty1471]

Russ just bodying Ak and Booms points lmao

[@sabreewowweeanderson9205]

( Going Platinum in 8 Months) Russ made a good point... Sometimes AK moves the Goal post in making certain points 🤔

[@T1C3]

I haven't looked up artist until AK said look at the top type they name and and listen to the 3 songs they stated on off the record. Normally I just listen to Caviar and then if I here sumtn I might go follow the artist or add a song to a playlist. However I am a super fan of some artist, so naturally i check on em every now and then to see if they have sumtn new out.

[@ShaqTown]

If you could get blackballed that means you never had a core fan base that's simple... if an artist had a big enough core fan base it won't matter...

[@TomikaKelly]

Exactly. Imagine if the entire industry decided to blackball Drake, Kendrick Lamar, or J. Cole; you think they're selling 16k the 1st week like da baby did?

[@ShaqTown]

@@TomikaKelly Drake blackballed to highest effect still does 100 easy

[@Keynels]

Russ kicking AK ass!

[@MrLeadPro]

No he wasn’t Ak point out the true. Russ built his audience on his own shows todays artist go to too much “rolling out” etc. Artist should start doing more self hosted shows.

[@nigel1412]

We can even use Beyonce as a great example! Shes the only one left from the 90’s still performing statistically at her level because of a dedicated fanbase

[@MichaelWilliams-gr9ze]

If you totally dependant on a Playlist you ain't got fans NBA Youngboy don't need a Playlist

[@vi2935]

Facts and yb has the biggest fanbase but he will sell less then a lil baby or uzi cuz he has less casual listeners. Thats what brings the numbers

[@MichaelWilliams-gr9ze]

@@vi2935 point well taken💯

[@lindenantwone575]

@@vi2935 that's not the reason he sell low YB never Market his shit if YB go missing for 1 year right now he going sell over 200k can do that when he drop 3-4 projects a year

[@vi2935]

@@lindenantwone575 he wouldnt be yb if he went ghost. He built his base off dropping alot but dropping alot turns off casuals as well thats the problem

[@lindenantwone575]

@@vi2935 that's what am saying it's not like he's not big enough to do it

[@smoovlo4373]

So he arguing that he survived being black black balled but saying getting black balled ain't real cuz someone else didn't survive lol

[@yesthejets3377]

He was never blackballed Russ audience ain’t even American it’s Canadian and euro

[@smoovlo4373]

@CH Amazing, cuz white men are the only independent artists in the industry, leave it to a black woman to make shit racist. and he wasn't promoted because the industry stopped fucking with him after comments he made. same shit. They're both making different arguments.

[@bibby1391]

I legit always am actively listening to music, but with a movie it’s hard to pay attention because I don’t like movies in most instances.

[@justmebroC134]

Russ is 1000% right! Being black balled is what happen to Colin kaepernick , bro couldn't be in the store AT ALL. Yall crying about promo

[@mistasaloneboyofficial]

Respect To Russ

[@nigel1412]

Yes we create our own playlist

[@taebanks7893]

He got good points doe

[@spookum89]

6:00 on Russ gives us his real reason for making this statement…the jealousy an envy of the rappers that are more popular than him, but he feels like he’s better than or has more fans then 😂😂😭😭😭😭 envious lil white boy😂😂😭😭😭 HILARIOUS so upset he not a bigger rapper 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️😭😭

[@kelsopresley]

18:55 Ak made his best point here. This is Modern Day Blackballing. And Russ is certainly using an Old Version of the word "Blackball"...

[@martezbarbee8046]

THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE DOESNT DEFINE HOW THINGS WORK, THE MAJORITY DEFINES HOW THINGS WORK

[@mrdyer1006]

russ agrees and ackowleges what is happening just says its not blackballing. bro if they take you out of the algorithm thats blackballing

[@nhlanhlamala953]

Dang, Russ is making points. Pertaining to being mad about the fluff

[@vi2935]

Fluff is normal tho. Its like playing basketball with no shoes. Yes you can do it still but it puts you at a disadvantage

[@nhlanhlamala953]

@@vi2935 the flush is a push, the blackballing is preventing someone from flourishing. If he isn't being blocked, he isn't being blackballed. Not marketing someone isn't blackballing them though, yes, it does put them at a disadvantage but not blocking them.

[@nocapcappinton12th18]

Keep it a bean Russ really just wanted to flex his fan base cause what I’m hearing him say basically is that a lot of his songs don’t make it to playlists because they’re opinion based and for w/e reason they not making it and that doesn’t bother him because his fans are going to actively seek his music . But he also agrees that if he was on playlists more he’d be a bigger artist. So I’m not understanding what he’s not understanding it really jus seems like he wants to flex his fan base.

[@princediop8190]

I think he’s arguing between organic fans and inorganic fans. If the bulk of the fans you have are passive listeners are they really fans? And how can you demand a DSP to purposely bump up your numbers. I think he’s making a strong argument on how it’s selfish to assume that DSP’s owe you plays.

[@nocapcappinton12th18]

@@princediop8190 I get what your saying but if that’s the case then Russ is moving the goalposts cause the discussion is about being blackballed not organic fans, and what he himself described is essentially blackballing . And I don’t think anyone is demanding to be placed on playlists they just don’t want to be purposely left off. But if they are then that is 100% selfish and arrogant and I’d definitely agree with you on that point.

[@vi2935]

@@princediop8190 fans never were that important in music. If it was yb is the most successful artist cuz he got fans just not alot of casual listeners

[@TomikaKelly]

No. There's a difference between passive listeners and genuine hard-core fans. Remember that summer when everyone was rapping to Panda? Where is Designer now?

[@TomikaKelly]

@@nocapcappinton12th18 Then by this logic, EVERYONE should be placed on playlists equally and evenly to ensure that no one is blackballed and no one is given no additional privileges. (This is impossible, btw.) DaBaby never complains when he's placed on playlists more frequently and often than other artists.

[@Darryldesiderium]

Russ makes 100% sense..AK is just arguing for the sake of arguing..

[@ddwoo5411]

for a big artist, playlisting is a given, not a luxury. at that level it is a part of the game: you will get playlisting. so it’s no longer a privilege. it’s a given. part of the fabric of the game. so when it’s now taken away from you in order to disadvantage you, guess what that’s called? blackballing.

[@zanestarrk6891]

Nah it’s still a privilege. Nobody is entitled to that extra promo. Artist just take it for granted until shit starts slowing down for them.

[@traplover6357]

Russ is right. DSPs are even bigger stores. Blame artists who can't market for jackshit on new online platforms. It was even harder to get hot back in the day.

[@JohnShoez]

He’s not wrong, I def FW him for the shit outside of music 🤷‍♂️ that’s what gets me to check out the new shit

[@spooky99]

AK needs to quit the argument because Rus is right.

[@madeofdreams2832]

Yo I don’t care what no one say, Russ is someone to listen too.

[@MB-es9ft]

Russ is a clown. He aint mention how many of his "fans" first found his songs on a playlist and only added/played them from their own library after the fact. He posted misleading stats

[@TomikaKelly]

...🙃 If 10% of Da Baby's IG followers bought his album he'd be good...

[@dumisanitsotetsi2272]

Ak is not really a head. Hip Hop is really an engagement art. From listening to creating you need to be in it.

[@Rl-jd8lh]

Russ saying blackballing doesn't exist is wrong. Dababy might not be blackballed. But blackballing does exist.

[@ADEUM18]

Russ is the common day Tech N9ne . As much as they don’t give Tech main light attention he’s still top 10 artist when it comes to success weather people like admitting it or not

[@STR33TJESSUS]

Industry plants being blackballed is the topic

[@hotrodtopic1853]

Never heard of Russ until everyday struggle plus he got the Eminem effect

[@JevvyMedia]

Why would let allow any of his fans in the voice call lmao, all they did was weaken Ak's arguments and allow Russ to get momentum with his own arguments. I never wanna hear Lil Boom and the rest of them in a conversation like this again.

[@robertbaconii]

@9:55 Russ is right here.

[@thekreatorr]

Russ said it perfectly.... if your a poppin lit artist....why do you NEED playlist!? ...Why....because they don't have organic fans!! Why...because the industry is an ILLUSION!!!! Russ has REAL CORE FANS....Tory was CREATED ....the facade is an illusion!!

[@vi2935]

That is cap. If drake or bad bunny had 0 playlisting they would sell 50 less. Yall underrating how casual most music fans are. Go look at the comments russ has his fans but casuals havent even heard a song

[@thekreatorr]

@@vi2935 what's Cap? What point are you trying to make... Drake and Bad Bunny are productions of the illusion of the industry so of course they would suffer from NOT having the TOOLS that made them hot.... the point is if they are truly lit and have fans that phuck with them...THAT WOULDNT MATTER!! ITS Like trying to explain trigonometry to a first grader when it comes to this artist music industry topic...smh...

[@vi2935]

@@thekreatorr who has a big real fans? You talking little artist like russ yeah. No one mainstream is staying huge without play-listing simple. Casual listeners dont got time for that music not there priority

[@austintv4042]

Product of the algorithm

[@Mindofzereviews29]

I never thought I’d say dis but I agree 110% with Russ because it don’t seem like the fluffing these artist it seem like they creating them and when they see they real numbers from real fans it’s crazy to them

[@Polydea]

the word ak is lookin for is called "targeting" not "blackballing".. russ proved it cleary, like always ak never comprehends logic he didn't initiate.

[@KCAKEEEE]

This was an OUTSTANDING DEBATE !! Two interesting and Solid points made from the two . Two make it simple in my head i figured . Russ point is formed because he is an independent artist . The other point came because the artist being “blackballed” are not independent artist . So yes they may have a reason to say blackballed . I believe it’s an algorithm . I also believe your true fans have and always will have access to you and your music . You should have that connection with the people no matter what opinion the “higher ups” form . Great open discussion . 👍🏽

[@EnergyBrooks]

Russ is a 1 of 1 because people are challenging and disputing the knowledge and experience he is giving them. They got stockholm syndrome in more ways than one.

[@egm2266]

Tory is the only one who can claim being blackballed you literally have to search for his album. DaBaby dropped a surprise album with no prior promotion his album was on the front page of Apple and had songs on several Playlist on Apple and spotify. His sound is stagnant and he continues to be controversial and polarizing and then doubles down instead of apologizing and moving on. People are tired of the sound and the antics.

[@ImHIMSki]

Russ literally said people aren’t black balled then proceeded to explain what being black balled is which is happening💀💀

[@rellbandoo6572]

LMFAOOOOO thought I was bugging

[@zacharywick3415]

Russ served Ak up on a platter.

[@kingmemf4002]

Great conversation!!!!