About this episodeExhibit discusses his new album 'King Maker', emphasizing a shift from industry doubt to artistic confidence a…AI summary
Exhibit discusses his new album 'King Maker', emphasizing a shift from industry doubt to artistic confidence and authenticity. He reveals the business realities of his career, including contract disputes with Loud Records and MTV's 'Pimp My Ride', while highlighting his successful pivot to independent distribution through Conor McGregor's Greenback Records. The conversation also covers the upcoming release of the long-delayed Golden State album with Ras Kass and Safir, honoring their late member.
Key takeaways 6
Artistic Evolution: Exhibit contrasts his new album with past work, noting he previously created with 'doubt' and anxiety about acceptance, whereas the new record is made from a place of effortless skill and truth-telling, aimed at lyricism lovers rather than chasing trends.
Industry Critique: He argues that hip-hop has expanded too broadly, necessitating subdivisions like 'adult contemporary' or 'rage' hip-hop to distinguish skill-based artists from those who simply use Wi-Fi to release music.
Business Lessons: Exhibit details how he was underpaid on 'Pimp My Ride' due to fine print regarding likeness rights and how he navigated a toxic relationship with Loud Records by asserting his rights after their production company was voided for embezzlement.
Golden State Revival: The mythical Golden State album (Ras Kass, Exhibit, Safir) is finally happening because Safir's son has provided an unreleased album of Safir's vocals, which they will strip and complete as a tribute.
Independent Strategy: Exhibit partnered with Conor McGregor's Greenback Records because it offered a 'right down the middle' deal structure without the politics of major labels, allowing him to maintain creative control and reach his audience directly.
Health as Priority: He reveals that overcoming rock bottom involved addressing personal health issues (weight, drinking) and realizing that time with family is more valuable than industry accolades.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“This is about a transfer of information. Mhm. This is about the keys to my kingdom and you could do with it what you will. Um, speaking from that is is what empowers me now.”
▶ 1:44Exhibit explaining his new approach to music creation, focusing on sharing truth rather than shock value.
“They they took it. They they took And then, you know, remember if in the episodes that' be like after, yo, I miss the X to the Z exhibit. And then they would play one of my songs. Yeah. When they went to syndication around a around the planet, they edited my music out so they didn't have to so they didn't have to pay me.”
▶ 37:33Exposing how MTV/Viacom exploited his likeness on 'Pimp My Ride' to avoid paying royalties.
“They had a job. I have a career. Yeah. Big difference.”
▶ 39:52Exhibit reflecting on the people who wronged him in the industry versus his own longevity.
“You wouldn't go down to an NFL field and put on a helmet and think you can hit with the boys. You know what I'm saying? Right. Right. Put your ass Put your ass in the hospital. You know what I'm saying? What hip-hop is it? It's it's it's it's you know, we've been inclusive to a fault.”
▶ 54:57Critiquing the low barrier to entry in modern hip-hop compared to other professional fields.
“The deal structures are different. It's it's right down the middle from dollar one. Okay. Yep. Right down the middle from dollar one dollar one. Period. Point blank.”
▶ 1:08:31Describing the fair business model offered by Conor McGregor's record label.
Chapters & Sections (53)▼
0:00King Maker Discusses New Album and Confidencechapter3
0:00King Maker Discusses New Album and Confidence
1:50Artist's Passion and Authenticity in Music
3:08Authenticity in Music and Communication
5:33Hip-Hop Evolution and Genre Subdivisionschapter2
5:33Hip-Hop Evolution and Genre Subdivisions
7:54Ras and Safir's Music Industry Conflict
11:26Honoring Safir and the Liquid Crewchapter4
11:26Honoring Safir and the Liquid Crew
13:10Bay Area Rappers in LA Music Scene
14:40Rap Battles in the Early Days of Hip Hop
16:10Rappers Discuss Past Wake Up Show
17:25The Underworld of Music and Corruptionchapter2
17:25Rapper Discusses Past Music and Collaborations
19:27Nate's Early Collaboration with Dr. Dre
22:36Overcoming Adversity and Finding Successchapter3
22:36Artist Discusses Career and Personal Struggles
24:36Reflecting on Personal Growth and Priorities
26:36Artist's Confidence and Creative Freedom
28:14Artist's Frustrations with Record Labelschapter2
28:14Artist's Frustrations with Record Labels
29:56Navigating Industry Challenges and Creative Freedom
32:48Artist Discusses Career and Major Label Experiencechapter4
32:48Artist Discusses Career and Major Label Situation
35:09MTV Show Host's Contract Dispute
36:51Dispute over Merchandise and Royalties
38:20Overcoming Adversity in the Entertainment Industry
40:51First Day of Shooting on Action Movie Setchapter2
40:51First Day of Shooting on Action Movie Set
43:12Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Success
45:06The Rock's Influence on a Young MCchapter3
45:06The Rock's Influence on a Young MC
47:01Discussion on Nepotism and Group Dynamics
48:28Harmonizing with Group Dynamics
50:01Artist Reflects on Music Career and Creativitychapter4
50:01Artist Discusses New Album and Hip-Hop Legacy
52:00Artist Appreciation and Respect for Hip-Hop Culture
54:00Hip-Hop's Growth and Challenges
55:26Navigating the Music Business Challenges
56:42Celebrating Success and Overcoming Adversitychapter2
56:42Celebrating Success and Overcoming Adversity in Career
58:28Confrontational Rap with Defamation and Threats
1:01:04Hip Hop Artists Discuss Album and Culturechapter2
1:01:04Music Industry Appreciation and Support
1:02:50NFL Street 2 and Video Game Licensing
1:05:37Athletes Starting Record Labels and Music Industrychapter2
1:05:37Athletes Starting Record Labels and Music Industry
1:08:12Conor McGregor Discusses New Music Label
1:11:40Celebrity Endorsement of New Music Releasechapter4
1:11:40Music Industry Success and Collaboration
1:13:31Artist Discusses Music Distribution and Fanbase
1:14:53Celebrity Endorsement and Music Industry Discussion
1:16:22Artist Discusses New Album and Health Journey
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