Lydia Asrat • R&B MONEY Podcast • Ep.097

The Authority On All Things R&B !
This week on The R&B Money Podcast, Tank and J Valentine welcome the multi-hyphenate Lydia Asrat. From her early beginnings in the Bay Area to her rise as a force in the music industry, Lydia shares her inspiring journey of perseverance and passion.
Growing up in an Ethiopian household, Lydia's love for music was evident from a young age. She recounts the pivotal moments that shaped her path, from declining a life-changing opportunity at 14 to navigating her way through college at LMU while pursuing her dreams.
Lydia takes us behind the scenes of her internships and work with high-profile artists, sharing the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. She also emphasizes the importance of representation and empowering the next generation of Black women in the music industry, drawing inspiration from mentors like Ethiopia Habtemariam.
Tank and J Valentine celebrate Lydia's achievements and the impact she continues to make in the industry. They also take a moment to recognize the countless Black women who have paved the way and continue to be the backbone of the music business. Lydia Asrat is Now on The R&B Money Podcast!
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Tank: @TheRealTank
therealtank...
J Valentine: @JValentine
jvalentine...
Director: @jacobhuizarofficial
jacobhuizar...
Podcast Producer: Ruben Rivera
/ @knowyourstudio
Podcast IG: @RnBMoneyPodcast
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#tank #jvalentine #rnbmoneypodcast
0:00 Intro
1:54:00 Top 5 R&B Singers
2:00:43 Top 5 R&B Songs
2:08:58 R&B Voltron
2:13:14 I Aint Saying No Names
2:25:32 Outro

[@keithupchurch7928]

Based off this interview alone, Tank and J Valentine need 2 start having industry round table discussions on the R&B Money Podcast, I think that would be dope!👍🔥

[@timothyburke3971]

I second this! Great idea😎🙌🏽⬆️

[@sheischic77]

That's a great idea !

[@Theelitebeautylounge]

Agreed

[@JetCarter]

Amen

[@dawnqueenbeemarie445]

Awesome idea! I hope they see this and do it

[@LoveHal0]

I know people really want certain singers (I do too) but these type of interviews are also important. An artist isnt just an artist sometimes. They are a brand. Having the right management and development can also make or break you too.

[@jam7749]

Luv this😂

[@2LadyDi]

Speak

[@Honeywater75]

Salute to ALL THE BLACK WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY!!!!!!! This was so empowering. Thank you Tank + J!!!!!! You guys are so uplifting + supportive. I love ya'll. What was so dope about this episode - was the moment where Lydia said - "we both can exist in the same room," we need the women in the room. Talk yo shit - All of it!

[@celinahurt1472]

Salute

[@clariseharrington8252]

Facts! ❤

[@davonnamw]

Wow! Her story in "I'm not saying no names" was scary 😮 to know the doorman was in on it too... crazy...I'm so happy they got out...🙌🏾

[@clariseharrington8252]

Ikr, damn that was wild! 🙏🏿

[@DesiLu4Life]

Ethiopians definitely have a distinctive look. So beautiful!! 💗

[@JustUdoro]

This was a GOOD ONE!! When God writes your story (whether you realize it or not) it includes levels of protection and provision YOU COULD NEVER DESIGN FOR YOURSELF. The fact her internship came back for her as experience to do what she already knows how to do…that preparation was so needed! Her father shielding her from God-knows-what at that early age…❤️🙏🏾. Thank you both, J and Tank for having her!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@M0PERKS]

All of this!!

[@ajayyy_3]

Normani is in great hands 🙌🏽

[@kamyaarnold3116]

Her talking about Chris Brown on the tilted stage singing “TAKE YOU DOWN!!” We lost our MINDS ❤❤❤

[@clariseharrington8252]

😅 Facts

[@AllthingsOSK]

Her I ain't saying no names is the absolute best! Her story is incredible and well deserved. I love when people know what and who they want to be as children and then do what is necessary to achieve that dream.

[@jaythehumblekeys128]

That story was hella wild....wowww🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️😂😂😂😂

[@AllthingsOSK]

@@jaythehumblekeys128 facts

[@jason15212]

Her being a B2K fan makes sense because I remember hearing Doja Cat song “Streetz” and it’s a sample of B2K- Streets is Callin. Lydia wrote the Doja cat version of the song. My older sisters were huge B2K fans and by extension I was forced into being a fan and knowing all their music 😂

[@2LadyDi]

The DoorDash reference is hitting me different - today. Chills I chose to watch this today for a reason. I didn't know her before this couch conversation but I so glad at this oldHER to have found her. She's magical to me in her journey and her sharing. Thank you JV and Tank for bringing another woman who is more of a creative than the actual front person. Blown away!! Looking forward to listening and watching more industry representation that's not an artist or no longer an artist that decided to go work in the executive {writing, production, assistant, etc) side.

[@tishairvin6507]

This has been a great interview from a manager's standpoint. Her Top 5 was amazing and her "I aint saying no names" story was soooo good😂😂😂😂

[@shannadavis5456]

I'm only about 30 min andso loving this episodes. This young lady is so relatable, smart and beautiful. Im African American living ATL but she reminds me of one of my BFFS who is also Ethiopian. I love the culture, the focus on family and the food is amazingly delicious. They are some of the most beautiful people in the world. Of course our roots began in the motherland. Shout out to my BFF Debora who absolutely loves R&B music. Im going to share this episode with her to watch. Shout out to Lydia for representing Ethiopia and young women in the music industry properly. And last but not least, as always shout out to Tank and J for continuing to showcase musically talented individuals and emprower our people with R&B Money Podcast. Keep shinning bright gentleman and I for one will definitely keep on watching💥⭐️🌞🤩🥰🤩❤

[@deborafikremariam2721]

Thank you my BFF Shanna Davis. You are beautiful inside and out an amazing friend. Soon we will get together to eat ethiopian food, drink tig, and dance when I am done fasting. Love you my dear.❤❤❤

[@peontrypronouncedbeyonce2860]

You can not mention r&b with mentioning the GOAT that is BRANDY ❤❤❤

[@OrIgInAlMan1914]

Blessings to Lydia Asrat; wishing her continued SUCCESS! As ALWAYS, SALUTE to my guys Tank, and J Valentine!🫡

[@antoinettesingh9755]

The stairs vs the elevator! The grind

[@imaniebone8903]

Great Episode! She's so stunning. 😍I could barely take my eyes off her. It was also refreshing to hear she identifies as Black. Clearly I know Ethiopia is in Africa, but most of the Ethiopians and Egyptians I have met identified as Middle Eastern and have gotten mad if someone referred to them as African 🤔🙄

[@kayla_deja26]

Her daddy was standing on bidness!! I would have cried if my daddy break my B2K CD😢. But her interview was amazing. I love her work. She is so dope and talented 🔥🔥

[@essenceare9622]

Thank you J. Valentines for putting Janet in the conversation.

[@sheischic77]

Agreed !

[@clariseharrington8252]

Period ❤

[@justtwizzey2429]

This might be the best I ain’t saying no names. I for sure heard rope

[@haekalfathindarmesta9037]

NORMANI managers 🖤🙏🏽✨

[@OfficiallyEvita]

My heart was racing listening to her “IASNN” wow! It’s so beautiful to see J & Tank support people, genuinely support not just the words. I love it

[@sandrahudson1950]

I am so thankful that she’s working with Normani

[@khileemyers3059]

I agree

[@dontwaitup06]

Has any artist been mentioned more than Brandy for Top 5 R&B singers? Sheesh 🐐

[@TASHIHILL]

Great lessons in perseverance in this interview. Determination followed by putting in the work.

[@waltbetheone]

First time learning about her, but she’s dope AF!

[@rcc3music]

Although I wasn't familiar with her I knew this was going to be a good one based on the length of the video. Loved her grind and her personality and how you guys interacted with her. Great energy and information and cool and funny at the same time. Great job Tank and J Valentine.

[@HighPriestess76]

The face that J makes when Tank starts playing the keys, is epic. So much honor and gratitude. Love it. 😊

[@JakWitDaLocs]

Her running from that door first literally saved their lives 😭 omgggg

[@deespeaks_401]

One of my favorite episodes! Her I Ain’t Saying No Names story was wild!!! 😮😱

[@OfficiallyEvita]

I loved meeting Lydia via the podcast. Definitely need more women to feel safe coming to the podcast. J & Tank have your backs ladies

[@ShauneWilliams]

This was one of the interviews that make yall show stand out...a conversation that pulls one in to want to know someone that I didn't know...with some laughs and perspective...appreciate yall brothas

[@GonzC01]

I love this! GM Ladies and Gents

[@deborafikremariam2721]

Thank you for sharing this my beautiful friend Shanna Davis. Love the show. So proud to see Lidya Asrat talking about Ethiopia and R&B. I am ethiopian and I love music and when you talk about singing you remind me myself I was in a band in high-school back in Ethiopia and my main play was maxi priest but I also loved Whitney Houston. Unlike you I didn't continue my passion when I came to America but still love music. Oh you are an amazing person lidya awwwww❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ronaldboone309]

I’m loving this episode because I was her. Unfortunately after 10-12 years of the music grind I had to give it up for family/kids. I interned at Motown NY during college. Had the same experience out of college when a job didn’t come out of it but at that point the industry was in my blood. Eventually I started managing an artist I met while doing some work for a new clothing brand. This artist ended up getting signed to Grass Roots Entertainment/Dwayne Wiggins at the same time he had Destiny’s Child. He and all other artists signed were dropped after DC blew up. But man we grinded for years. This was late 90’s to 2008 for me. I even met Tank in the Lenox Mall in Atlanta with a female artist I was managing at the time. I wouldn’t take back my experiences for nothing in the world. They are dreams of a life around people that were unimaginable to me before it happened.

[@echakamonjok]

Listennnn love Lydia. Yeah please have more people like Lydia on. She knows good music based off her top 5, and her top 5 songs 🔥❤️

[@immanuelfisher5041]

I love this! Ironically I’m DoorDashing now due to injuries from a car accident causing me to not be able to return to my very physical job. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m also an Artist/ Musician in the rise. Again thank you all for this platform!

[@falicitylane]

I wholeheartedly felt this message. As a black women painter, we are under represented in a male drive industry but also we get left out of a lot of industry… we neeeed help and I feel just like her wanting to be a light for future black visual artists on this path

[@Regkam2]

R n B money should be required class for middle school and high school students wanting to enter the music business. Also, Unsung TV series and the book, Everything You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman.

[@larhondamurray2208]

Good morning everyone!! This is why I enjoy this Podcast! The information that I get from viewing is amazing but this one today!! My goodness The sensitivity, compassion for allowing women to be seen in a this industry needs to be applauded! There is no intimidation. Loving the support. And I also thank God that you two men have survived in this industry (RESPECTFULLY) Love you much.

[@marcusbearr]

Whenever I need to leave a situation from now on I’m gonna say “ I heard rope”

[@bjackson1904]

I enjoyed this interview! She seems so down to earth & personable. Her story at the end was one of the best ones told. Thanks for the smiles!!

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

Yes we want to see more women on R&B Money Podcast...with that said which R&B female should come on this platform?

[@beautifulandd__]

Brandy

[@beautifulandd__]

Ashanti

[@beautifulandd__]

Keke Wyatt or Mya

[@Nikki_alterego]

Chante moore

[@MizzNee796]

Teedra Moses

[@SavageNoShow]

This episode deserves more views. There is so much that goes into artist and their development. So many people behind the scenes that people need to know.

[@Theelitebeautylounge]

Correct me if I’m wrong, the Voltron she. created is Teyana Taylor

[@tjcole9174]

😮 yeaaah.. I can see that

[@DesiLu4Life]

10 nos = 1 yes. The one yes is all you need! Great interview on perseverance ❤️

[@dianeenaid7207]

I am no way in the music industry but this story really resonated with me, and brought a tear to my eye. Truly motivated me to keep pushing. Thank you

[@youalreadyknow2001]

People need to wake up the industry is dark

[@anniem.670]

One of the wildest I aint saying no names stories 😮😂

[@mr.k801]

I love soul's like hers. Reminds me a lot of my close friends that I have. Simply beautiful and relentless.

[@MrDudley175]

Brothers, you all uplift the people who deserve the shine....Ladies are the heart of R&B music. Lydia is a growing beast in the industry...

[@JTAITSINGER]

Tank song the heck out of that “I ain’t saying no names” song, I renamed it “he ain’t playin no games” 😂 !! Also, the story Lydia told was classic!

[@clariseharrington8252]

This was a beautiful, powerful episode! Love you amazing Kings for highlighting the behind the scenes Queens in a "somewhat" lol, safe space! 🙏🏿❤️

[@tangiesingsssss]

Her story telling is immaculate !

[@canwejustloveeachother2550]

This show introduces me to SO MANY people. Thank you guys for this labor of love. This Lydia is SUCH a ray of light. Her energy is through the roof ❤❤❤❤

[@grooove2]

She is a wealth of information.

[@PrincipalForTheDay]

All these episodes connect

[@heyerikan]

“Let’s wait a while”…went over her head

[@dken1149]

No matter who if you know the guess or not ya really make ppl fans of those guess and the episode are great. Thank you

[@DesiLu4Life]

Fantasia is anointed AND she is also related to K-Ci and JoJo (her cousins)

[@latriviasbrown4472]

I love this podcast it's so good to hear the UPS and downs of the industry not just from the artists standpoint Tank & J always pour into each guest giving straight flowers 💐💐💐💐

[@DesiLu4Life]

Rodney and Brandy and Daniels are a great musical combo! 🌟❤️ Definitely magic! Someone can disagree with you, J!! This is Ms. Asrat's list

[@reanastallworth948]

If shes talking about Fantasia when she accepted her award at the NAACP ceremony when Idris and his wife gave her the award for the color Purple 💜!!! She had that whole Audience of Folks about to start Shouting!!! Ive watched that Soooooo many times!! It was nothing But GOD!! She is Anointed Amen 🙌🏽

[@eclectikgirl]

This podcast never misses! I love hearing all of these backstories and appreciate how giving these artists are with industry knowledge. Great episode!

[@shawn4ever77]

This was another one for the books. Lots of good information. Lydia is definitely one to be celebrated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@OnAirWithDavid]

Now you ATE that intro up Tank 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@marneabeauty]

Yes the take you down set on the tour was epic!!!

[@julieajamison]

This episode was AMAZING! That I ain’t saying no names story….lorddd😅

[@OnAirWithDavid]

We love to see it !!!!!!!

[@PUNKIN7714]

I love Lydia! Her top 5 🔥🔥

[@bvshh]

This was a great episode! Real deep dive into how creating and building an artist works, real life experiences of having to hustle and grind for your passion and then just the jokes and laughs that went along with this episode sent it over the top.

[@lisabassyoung772]

Absolutely incredible.

[@dana2345]

This is awesome! I love seeing us as woman win. So empowering! Some girl/ or woman is going to be so inspired by her drive.

[@AdrinaMonet]

Easily one of my fave episodes! It's always a pleasure getting to know the various people behind-the-scenes in the music/entertainment biz (raises hand since I'm one of 'em) b/c we really do help make A LOT happen. I feel soooooooo seen not only as a BTS Asset that I am, but also being an African Babe/African child like our Good Sis Lydia! I see myself in Lydia soooooo much! Amazing: Stories, Insight, Wisdom, etc. shared as always! Love Y'all! ❤❤❤❤

[@LaKae444]

How did I NOT know about this queen? I'm so inspired ✨️

[@Queenofsole100]

Great job fellas, as usual 🔥

[@tweetyqt05]

Podcast was amazing!!!

[@GonzC01]

My Daddy and all my Uncles was the same way.

[@loyalty83]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@Lovingmemore512]

Can we put a jasmine sullivan and brandy colab in the Universe👀👀👀

[@alltajb]

beyond inspired! thank you for this!!

[@OnAirWithDavid]

Let’s go Lydia 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Westcocoa]

Amazing woman, and great interview.

[@youngsoulmusic4614]

You gotta respect this giving the future of Rnb the 411 on things ,,Lydia is awesome 👏🏾

[@kiashade93]

I'm starting to love these ones more than the artists! Another incredible conversation 🔥🔥🔥

[@elstonwoodward5440]

Another great episode, she tells great stories.

[@TheDosesofJay]

I gotta agree with J now I do like Brandy love her but 😅 I don’t gravitate to her like I do Janet and Jimmy, Toni Michele and The Babyface, MJ baby I cried when they took him from me and haven’t let up off them albums since and I’m only 30! Those duos are unmatched!

[@__Selamgirmay__]

We are so proud of her 🇪🇹🇪🇷💞

[@kcheatum37]

It's so nice to know the industry from all angles. I love all of it, every interview is an inside to the world of music.

[@tamardavisjackson]

This is an absolutely great interview ... from beginning to the very end!!! Always learning something new of the industry. Thank You!

[@sheischic77]

That Voltron whoowee!!

[@faithdobson3983]

Great episode!!!🤌🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@ashlispringer2044]

Had to pause just to go watch the moo video 😂

[@shantayporter5977]

May God continue to bless & keep u is my prayer ur a huge blessing to women of all ages and dimmocrficks

[@creamycazz1]

Great interview! Learned so much and so happy to see women like Lydia making waves in this very male-dominated industry, so S/O to her and her hard work! Also possibly the best Voltron everrrrr. Also I’m convinced that the story at the end was Diddy & his ppl 👀.. Bel Air/Brentwood? & No one can tell me different.

[@bencromwell707]

Another Great Podcast Episode You Guys Keep Up The Great Work #RnB #Money

[@PrincessTee1]

Such an Amazing episode! Lydia your story is so relatable and inspiring 💗✨ That B2K Pandemonium Album was everything!

[@melissawhite5688]

This was a great interview!! Such a pretty, intelligent lady 😊 I ❤ hearing & learning about who they bring on this show!!

[@akeallahblair6756]

Excellent episode. So inspiring! She’s young & gettin to it plus she is funny asl

[@kd8541]

😂Tank & J introducing themselves to J’s daughter like they did on bad boys