Hip-hop might be the culture… but the industry version is still built to own you. In this episode we break down why Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit got dismissed, what “work for hire” really means, and how artists can spend decades building a legacy—only to find out the paperwork never had their name on the value. If you’re signing through a manager, a company, or a “team,” we explain how secondhand deals can leave you with no masters, no publishing, and no leverage.Then we pivot to the new warning sign for creators: AI music platforms changing terms mid-game. Suno’s updated rights language raises the question—can you monetize a song but still not own it? We connect that to the bigger media play happening right now: podcast networks moving like labels, video rights becoming the real asset, and why Joe Budden’s business model proves most creators are building “shows,” not businesses. Plus, we talk Copyright Royalty Board rate-setting (2028–2032) and why the smartest creators stop waiting on streaming checks and start building direct-to-consumer income.

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this unforgettable and emotional episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan and Tye Huntley sit down with one of the most respected but quietly powerful figures in the music business — Greggory Smith, former Regional Director of Creative Services at SESAC and the man behind stories that shaped modern R&B, pop, and songwriting culture. Greg opens up with a level of honesty rarely seen on camera: his beginnings as a PK who wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music, the accident that nearly destroyed his early music dreams, how he and his brother J. Que Smith (Usher, Beyoncé, Neyo, Marcus Houston) navigated the industry from nothing, and the real truth behind iconic records like My Boo and Confessions. He shares the hilarious, raw moment he knew Jack Harlow would be a star, the politics behind publisher rooms, why clubs still determine hits, and why some artists lose simply because their team wants it more than they do.But the episode takes a powerful turn when Greggory reveals how he battled burnout, betrayal, and broken industry relationships — and how God, two young songwriters (Bryce and Sierra), and an unexpected Christmas prayer led to the creation of Inc(k)., a collective poised to become one of the next major songwriting powerhouses. Greggory breaks down the emotional moment that moved him to tears, the record that changed everything (Santa Is Me by Coco Jones), and why he believes 2025–2026 will be their Grammy moment. This is more than an interview — it’s a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and navigating the industry without losing your soul. If you’re an independent artist, songwriter, manager, or creative, you NEED to watch this.

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this explosive segment of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan and Tye Huntley dive straight into one of the most heated debates in music culture: the public’s obsession with tearing down Chris Brown while worshipping other artists without question. From Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Michael Jackson’s legacy, the crew calls out the selective outrage, fan hypocrisy, and the weird internet religion that protects some artists while crucifying others. They break down why people act like it’s illegal to praise Chris Brown, why every conversation about his greatness triggers meltdowns, and why fans conveniently forget that even legends like Michael had allegations and controversies that didn’t stop the world from calling him the greatest to ever do it.

But this conversation goes deeper than comparisons — it’s a real examination of how fans refuse to let Chris evolve, how they punish him differently than every other superstar, and why the culture struggles with nuance. The debate asks the hard questions: Why can Beyoncé and Jay-Z do no wrong? Why can’t Chris be great without threatening MJ’s legacy? And why does the internet only allow certain artists grace, forgiveness, or growth? This is raw, honest, unfiltered music commentary that challenges the double standards we all see but rarely talk about. Tap in and drop your take — this one’s guaranteed to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.