The Real Reason Tommy Richman Blew Up

[@Dodong716]

Bro every single underground artist that has a huge hit is automatically called an “industry plant” 😂😂😂

[@sxvxgx5891]

Not all of them, slow down buddy

[@PatCc]

people believe it too!

[@abyjoy4843]

Fr

[@aiden8834]

Fr💀 It's not their fault people decided to listen to their song🤣

[@ARTPUNK1]

Facts

[@livingincreation]

I think Tommy Richman is more funk than hip hop 🤷‍♂️

[@AidenKai-qm1mz]

Facts I always said the sounded groovy like '70s inna club full of tye dye type groovy lol

[@theshowdown9355]

He actually has an eclectic sound. Check some of his older work totally different vibe.

[@bagektheaimineer]

@@AidenKai-qm1mz this guy has never ONCE listened to 70s funk

[@CaapriceTube1]

He's a ONE-HIT WONDER, that's what he'll be. Just like last year with Paul Russell's "Lil Boo Thing" and aaaaaall those who came before from the beginning of time.

[@cel987]

g funk exist

[@normharr]

All of the stuff he’s dropped recently has been sick, definitely earned his fame and not at all an industry plant

[@chase5298]

the music being good or not isn't what makes an industry plant lol

[@samuelgood4978]

@@chase5298 That's why they said "And not at all an industry plant rather than" "So he's not at all an industry plant"

[@johnstone2234]

cap his songs are ass

[@ronndobandss2051]

Stfu you ain’t even heard of him before til tiktok 💀💀

[@stellviahohenheim]

He's an independent plant

[@brendolbreadwar2671]

People do crave new sounds, that's the reason things go viral in the first place, even if it's only a little different. The difference is still what makes you. But the similarities also make you. It's a balancing act.

[@reedtheinfinite]

Fuck wit this

[@abubakerssalim644]

W take tbh💙

[@subtlememe]

Well said homie

[@johnstone2234]

his songs are ass tho

[@tocide]

It's a subconscious desire indeed

[@2120musiclover]

He didn’t create his own sound, but he polished the old skool funk/soul sound

[@urmamasmamasmama]

Yes!

[@9395gb]

He didn't polish old school funk. This is a rip of Nelly, Chingy and Pharrells sounds.

[@Marshal-2093V2]

@@9395gb🕺🏿

[@DukesMusic84]

Everything you're saying about consumer culture and people craving familiarity is FACTS. Well said bro

[@kidmico]

im thirsty cause you didn't remind me to drink water

[@spikeboy101]

Drink piss

[@raheem-t8u]

😂😂

[@poopyfeast]

underrated comment

[@DIGITAL27]

💧

[@twin_b2]

💦

[@finnabuss0303]

tommy richman is truly a breathe of fresh air. million dollar baby and devil is a lie are both fire and deserving of their attention, but he was releasing genuinely good music way before those. great discography

[@FourFour2theFloor]

His sound isn't exactly original but very retro. But it is different from what many pop artist are putting out so it's been refreshing, I see the appeal.

[@YvonThriftyRich]

yes...and much needed and appreciated

[@maunochromatic]

The thing about Tommy Richman is that he’s actually making good music, both singles we’ve heard are absolute bops. Can’t wait for COYOTE !!!! 🐺

[@ValueVictory]

I just hope he has the whole package Artist performer singer etc.

[@maunochromatic]

@@ValueVictory same here !!

[@u.b.o.n.g]

Idc if he’s an industry plant. But “Devil is a liar” and “last nite” are the best things to hit my ears this summer!

[@king-ew2jl]

I don’t think people want something new / underground, they want the glory of discovering an underground artist and putting their friend on. I’ve been a big fan of a metal group for awhile, and then they blew up on TikTok. Now, people who know I listen to metal try and put me on to the group I already know. I appreciate the sentiment of it, but it seems like it’s like clock work for everyone. (4batz, Tommy Richman, David Kushner, etc)

[@sNIXerBars2009]

Uhh what?? Just say you want the glory of discovering an underground artist and putting your friend on. I just like new sounds. You just oddly specific for ‘sum

[@king-ew2jl]

@@sNIXerBars2009 I did not ask

[@jvc541]

Metal band? I want to guess either Ghost, Sleep Token, or Bad Omens since they blew up. Even though there’s so many great bands out there outside of TikTok 🔥

[@king-ew2jl]

@@jvc541 Yep, it was Ghost.

[@sNIXerBars2009]

@@king-ew2jl Nigga I don’t care if you didnt ask. Lame ass shit bruh. This is KZbin I can reply to someone if I want… saying I didn’t ask is mad childish like tf does that even mean? No way you over 13 years old bruh 🤣

[@jwizdum2103]

Honestly think the beat choice was a HUGE part of why people like it. The snare and the overall bounce is on point.

[@hands_media]

Yessir, and that Moog bass. FIRE. The tresillo pattern on the keyboard? Fire.

[@Mindonicon]

@@hands_mediafacts bro

[@ManishShrestha-x9j]

I started listening to Tommy Richmann few months back, his Alligator album is one of my favourites. He been grinding since forever so I feel he deserves all of the attention.

[@creechr_]

Over here from your main channel. You're hands down my favorite KZbinr. Even on this channel that has topics I don't have a lot of interest in, I still find myself entertained with your delivery and detailed portrayal. Keep up the great work!

[@8oone]

been listening to Tommy for two years and is def not an industry plant. Just an example of staying consistent to a unique sound until people notice. Games, Penelope Terrel, IJUSTWANNASEETHEWORLD, ELECTRIFY TONIGHT (first song that got some traction for him) some of my fave early ones for ppl to peep.

[@LILGHETTI]

Label marketing is on another level

[@stellviahohenheim]

No labels gatekeep who gets airplay with payola

[@laurenharris9832]

No

[@stalwartzero7001]

There’s thousands upon thousands of bedroom pop artists in NY that are wildly talented and being over looked

[@JayEazyWhat]

Show me them

[@shanelarue8162]

U make a great point about the recources of labels. It is still a big way to get heard

[@werkfriend]

His sound is very Brent Faiyaz…

[@Spades20XX]

I disagree, Tommy Richman has a distinct sound that pairs well with Brent but their sound is noticeably different

[@iStillHaveAVCR]

VERY. they are homies and both VA.

[@symdollak9924]

He's signed by him too

[@spliffyspliffs9053]

You’re spot on

[@okok-uc8hi]

@@iStillHaveAVCR Brent is from MD

[@KobeyEBeats]

It’s really annoying how people have completely forgotten what an industry plant actually is. Like these days if you have any ties to somebody in the industry, (eg, baby keem and Kendrick) you’re an industry plant.

[@Conquered]

I saw someone try to say lil tracy was an industry plant because both his parents are famous...

[@Danny_Does_Music]

Hey there. Big fan here. I’m also a professional audio engineer in the LA recording scene. Just wanted to say this was a really spot on video dude. My good friend records and mixes everything for Brent and his artists so I can verify that you pretty much nailed all the info. You really did your research. Keep up the good work!

[@0hthr33]

Great video Patrick. I'm a long time fan, been watching since before the pandemic. A lot of great info here, I'm loving the progress you're making in music marketing and if you eventually go into that lane more heavily I think you could end up managing or being A&R for a real hitmaker. With how technology, the entertainment industry, and our culture as a whole are steadily evolving, I can't wait to see what you make happen man.

[@guillaumepreudhomme4800]

As someone who listened to Tommy before he blew up, he’s not at all a plant.

[@NOEL5480]

True talent, work ethics and passion cannot be stopped he was going to blow up either way

[@JayTgoatLive]

I’m so happy he went viral he’s representing Woodbridge and the dmv

[@rodleypumpkins4174]

He sounds different and people like it. That’s why he blew up.

[@CFOGraylineryt]

He sounds more like Pharrell than anyone else to be honest

[@forestvvv]

both from VA too

[@GFlight.916]

Hell nah. It's Great Value Brent Faiyaz

[@jertellpalmer8819]

@@GFlight.916guess that’s why he signed him ig

[@Crucifixprefix]

You barely heard is his discography then ​@@GFlight.916

[@johnappleseed8146]

All of the artist y'all naming are either from the same state or metropolitan area as him lmao

[@Starloww]

unrelated but MAVI is extremely underrated lmao let the sun talk was def best of 2019

[@nkegoaekokobe1866]

Mavi is definitely underrated

[@jerseygetsherwetter345]

that song hard fashoo

[@frogsnott5284]

Mavi? I'm fucking sleep 😴 💤

[@Starloww]

@@frogsnott5284 you must be real fun at parties

[@frogsnott5284]

@@Starloww the life of each and every one

[@Josceppi]

U really r the goat bro. Your videos r so interesting and enjoyable to watch while also being very informative and good for smaller artists like myself. I truly appreciate your content.

[@FangMania9898]

Spotify n youtube reels were shoving down my throat....with 'i ain't represent baby' 😂

[@noahzylstra4365]

I ain’t rep a set baby, I do no wrong *

[@LLusion]

man, this video was great! THESE are the vids that made me subscribe to you 5 or 6 years ago. felt good to hear you talk about music again man this was dope! keep killing it Patrick!

[@malachite9071]

Been listening to his albums the past few days, it’s all 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Japyiartz]

1:58 I love that you said Gabber I LOVE Gabber. Gabber got me interested in making music, and I love to try making different sounds, but sometimes I have to go back to my roots.

[@LivingNomad]

Canceling spotify and paying for youtube music has been the best change finding more original artist and not so mainstream music.

[@elidragom]

“chill abstract hip-hop” 💀

[@ra1shan]

Good points, well said.

[@jakewinter2]

Tunecore literally lets you choose what Spotify genre each of your songs categorizes into

[@imnotarob0t1984]

true but once artists get to a bigger level the labels are gonna pigeon hole them into genres to try to push on the charts... Like how they used to label black artists "urban" no matter what kind of music they make

[@PatCc]

Spotify has almost 7,000 “genres.” Distributors like tune core do not give you 7,000 options to choose from.

[@jakewinter2]

@@PatCc I think it’s pretty reasonable to categorize a song into 3 broad genres

[@MicahBeatz]

the beat give off that lofi memphis vibe plus it’s bumping 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ynk-ike]

Found Tommy from upset when it dropped on Brent’s album and I messed with his sh. It’s cool to see him get the success he deserves

[@Thipe]

this video is absolutely insane, when I read in your newsletter that an artist doesn't need to be original I didn't want to believe it but this vid made me open my eyes.

[@ThePerfectBalls]

Weird you’re not at a mil yet. You’re one of the best

[@Spades20XX]

Seriously though, Redveil, MAVI, MIKE, Navy Blue, Maxo, Fly Anakin, Pink Siifu, AKAI SOLO, Billy woods/elucid are some solid ass “chill abstract hip hop” artists yall should listen to, and definitely NOT a sound Tommy Richman specializes in so I see how hard it was to break out. Abstract is a huge focus for the last two artists

[@danielwhitingjr2854]

It's Too Quiet was such a great record plus the fly anime tape they got.

[@Frèshh]

There's something soothing about soothing about Pat voice and cadence. Obviously the content is top notch as well but Kan I could literally listen to bro read instructions on how to make a cake. Lol

[@djcj]

LOVE content like this from you. Thanks Pat!

[@dtyson540]

By "originality" you mean impression of The Neptunes

[@dawnhewitt1]

I absolutely luv tTommy Richmonds music, his songs are unique yet full of familiar ckassic vibes. After hearing a clip of Million Dillar Baby earlier in the year i immediately subscribed to his KZbin channel and notuced the description 'evertthing is punk ' which made me like him even more as an artist, for some odd reason.

[@215death1]

It’s funny because I heard of Tommy around 2021 or 2022 because of this song called star girl and alligator dropped around that time I don’t see him as a industry plant but he definitely blew up quicker than expected I think with the co-signs he got from other artists and the feature from Brent Faiyaz also helped too because while he already had a smaller buzz that feature from upset started to have people check for him

[@haisaimache]

I helped him write star girl ☺️🎉

[@84Canaan]

It also helped that when he released M$B big artists had removed their songs from TikTok due to licensing issues. Small artists like him took advantage of this removal to have their music take the spotlight.

[@M9Red]

Me literally 3 seconds after this video ended: “Hey siri, play Million Dollar Baby”

[@blueguy5588]

Tommy was doing features for unknown rappers and releasing music to no fanfare for almost a decade. Luv Bitez with stupidbrain was on my playlist for years. His come-up is well deserved.

[@Calebe428]

Basically if an unknown artist makes an absolute banger and blows up they are a plant nowadays... people dont even remember what that means at this point

[@chan_martin]

His unique blend of modern and contemporary sounds is refreshing even if it feels more vibey than anything else.

[@lndividualizm]

INDIVIDUALITY IS UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATING WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS, AND HAVING THE CONFIDENCE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF AUTHENTICALLY

[@okok-uc8hi]

You love finding similar artists to what you like. Not all of us are like you and we value novelty.

[@G4g7743]

Patrick you sounded like you've been itching to tell thr world how similar we think and act whilst we tell ourselves "we are special" 😅

[@makinoutmakinout2056]

This is true most people say they like originality but they really don’t I’ve said this many times . Even running ads you need a bigger budget the less you make gangster music

[@DannyGunners]

I was lucky enough to find him on Spotify. Replay multiple Times Million Dollar Baby at the gym. Really deserving and I hope he keeps that momentum

[@thecoolperson2967]

bro got bad taste in music 😭😭

[@salamandress]

Most of my fellow gym goers got the worst music taste imaginable.

[@DannyGunners]

@@salamandress my music goes from different genres when I’m at the gym

[@cuteypatootie]

I found him thru Spotify recommended a while back and I listen to hip hop. Good vid tho dude.

[@MrDBcooper77]

The song is catchy + Tik Tok = overnight sensation…not a plant..😂

[@daxxx9366]

I saw him in dc opening for someone else. He came into the crowd after and was a super cool dude. Def not a industry plant

[@lucasstaudinger1717]

Remind me to hydrate

[@tonytooshort]

His music is straight hip hop

[@ihaveakirbyobessesion2617]

not rly

[@metro4768]

i’ve been listening to him for years, he’s a fantastic singer

[@Mindonicon]

No u didnt. U discovered him through million dollar baby on TikTok last month.

[@metro4768]

No, I discovered him after he preformed at a club in DC (where I live). He also has multiple songs with one of my favorite artists mynameisntjmack. Shut your mouth dumbass nga

[@GrayHuska]

I feel like he’s the replacement for Jack Harlow 😂

[@monyem651]

??????

[@monyem651]

Jack Harlow is a rapper

[@BaxsStudios]

He can sing and has a unique sound though. Jack Harlow is just a whiter drake

[@captaincozy4523]

He’s not a rapper 🤣

[@BlippiHarlemShake]

nah tommy is nothing like harlow, they're just both white. Tommy made his own sound and jack harlow is boringly familiar

[@chanabeni]

honestly i feel like tommy richman is here to stay, he's unique and brings something new to the table of mainstream

[@nicholasvillegas]

Nah

[@Mindonicon]

@@nicholasvillegasWatch ur mouth.

[@taxevasion4870]

I saw ads for million dollar baby in my city so i assumed it was some industry plant stuff. But it's nice to see that he's been doing this for years and just got a big label marketing boost

[@metanoiia_]

hey hey hey. witchhouse has to be one of my favorite genres

[@governmentnameunknown8960]

You know how long I’ve been waiting for this? Ooo I’m about to make a name for myself!

[@arcto5159]

Hey Pat can u please make a video about the rise of THE MMA GURU . look in to it! love your videos!!

[@zia]

Been interested in him and his sound for a while I know that his been in the industry for a long time cause he has songs he has dropped 4 years or so Cool to see a video giving more insight on him

[@zaydagoat6952]

Not an industry plant it’s literally rare for a DMV artist to be an industry plant because are hesitant to invest in some artist. I remember seeing that snippet I knew that song was da one

[@lendalejohnson4866]

Go listen to all of this mans work and tell me he doesn’t deserve ts bro 😂 man is way more talented than most of the people we consider an industry plant

[@chonchi]

I've had Tommy in my top 5 artists for like 2 years. I found out he blew up when a friend was humming million dollar baby, 200k listeners to 50M in a week is insane, and nobody deserves it more than him. My favorites in case anyone wants to dive into Tommy, no specific order: chrono trigger, 703, wasteland, paycheck, last nite. Honestly the entire alligator album is amazing I really hope he does some limited release for vinyl one day, I go back to it constantly front to back because nothing else is like it.

[@1904jin]

GABBER MENTIONED 💯💯💯

[@dude8093]

You a Boss, Great Vid

[@rellyWrotethat]

most people do follow social norms tradition and convention precisely why unique artists like him rise to the top true trailblazer with his sound compared to the current trends

[@shanelarue8162]

Labels for art have always bothered me. I can understand the need for it for communicating to others but ppl get too exact about it. Good music is always good music.

[@hooshorn]

the spotify thing makes a ton of sense. I had tommy richman recommended to me by spotify a few years ago and some of the other "chill abstract hiphop" artists are heavy in my rotation. mike, mavi, pink siifu, redveil etc. i did like tommy though but i think he has a sound closer to whatever they are categorizing brockhampton or maybe a little bit of a smino influence.

[@imnotarob0t1984]

What I really dislike about streaming services is that they think they know what's best for you. They "curate" through algorithms but I remember when people were their own curators just by choice. It's manufactured choice now. Just like politics in America... It's like Spotify and Netflix are like "you can pick whatever you want, so long as we agree"

[@brendancraig8067]

PLEASE do a video on Eric Reprid, the development of his sound is sooo cool

[@diceland512]

insightful af

[@MyNameJeff..]

There are absolutely industry plants. A lot of them. This dude actually makes great music.

[@kingjsmooth]

Your Thumbnail Tricked Me Even Tho I Watch All Your Videos

[@doitTD]

I don’t have TikTok. I discovered this song on a random Spotify playlist and instantly loved it. Actually now that I think about, I’ve never seen the video so let me go check it out right now

[@YungAGU]

I feel the pain😂as an Artist

[@lyrikiletrife]

Nic D is an example of an artist that blew up without a label helping him out

[@b.a.n.d.o_]

Trevor Spitta causally in the video🕺🏾

[@DR.P3RKY]

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Yngdady]

He had a team with connections to help market him, not a plant but definitely had more of a push than most underground artists. Not like he's got any other music that's gonna blow up quite like million dollar baby.

[@SCOODAMcGOODA]

Bruh got bangers!!!

[@metalfacedoom10]

i appreciate this video hella lot i been on tommys shit since 2022 and it was cool to see him blow up but it sucks seeing everyone call him an “industry plant” when he been grinding his shit

[@JME1186]

Luigi vibes with the fit? I see you CC

[@c3rca]

beyond proud that i found him early- definitely not any sort of plant. the way i found him was his connection to underground alternative rap.

[@xoejade]

Tommy has some awesome producers, Jonah Roy is amazing

[@rosecity_chris]

Theres always going to be a catch 22 of blowing up on tiktok. I liked that song but when you hear it over and over all day everyday for months on end you end up hating it and its creator.

[@2kextra59]

MY BOI PATT

[@goatpepperherbaltea7895]

I like the song when the video dropped but it quickly became insufferable after becoming a background song for shorts😂 it’s completely insufferable now regardless of how good it is

[@blh2290]

Bro really nailed that speed dealer look 😂. Great song, though

[@delightschwartz2155]

Yes, he looks like a Chicano style speed dealer in East LA..

[@ikemathieu6946]

Great video bro

[@themodfather9382]

So it's not an original sound whatsoever, it's just a mashup of different '90s artists

[@manuelpalma7600]

As a mynameisntjmack fan, I’ve been following Tommy for a while now