18. The Business of Bars: Publishing, Branding & the Power of Consistency with Scholito

This one’s bigger than bars. In this episode, I reconnect with Philly artist, writer, and producer Scholito, a true force in the independent music world. We talk about everything from publishing deals to post-traumatic growth, and how he’s turned his pain into luxury-level art. Whether it’s his Everything Plush fashion line, upcoming TV series, or high-energy live shows, Scholito’s building an empire: brick by brick, beat by beat. This convo touches on faith, fatherhood, Philly, and the fire it takes to keep showing up for your dream.We Chat About:How he secured a co-publishing deal with Sony by producing 8 tracks for FreewayThe creative intention behind his evolving album story arcsHis decision to never write down lyrics—and how he still delivers cohesive, concept-driven projectsThe origins of Everything Plush and why quality is non-negotiableLosing family to violence and incarceration—and rising above it through musicUsing music, fashion, and storytelling to build “Free World” as both a movement and mindsetHis advice for young artists: stop waiting for permission, and drop the damn musicWhy elevating your partner elevates your lifeBalancing darkness with light, and staying grounded through prayer, healthy living, and purposeUpcoming projects: new album, new TV show They Call Me Saint, and moreAbout Scholito:This “Philly Bred” artist/writer/producer has an organic approach at selling lifestyle through his music/content. While most individuals focus on building a brand outside themselves, Scholito realizes “He” is the Brand. Scholito a.k.a Ricardo Crawfioni is a perfect balance of street and sophistication, simultaneously catering to the women. Scholito has built “Free World” over the last 4 years which he is the founder and CEO of. Scholito is on his way to becoming a household name internationally. Scholito has not only graced stages all over the US but in Europe as well. His live show is just as captivating as his music. Scholito performed at the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Made in America, The Brooklyn Fest, Webster Hall, Powerhouse, SXSW, just to name a few. This performer has also been on multiple city tours with Freeway, Wu Tang, sharing stages with Beanie Sigel, G Eazy, Pusha T, Asap Ferg, YG, even performed at Beyonce’s after party at Club Mansion in Miami with Jay z and Beyoncé, Scott Storch and DJ Khaled in attendance. This innovative artist is no stranger to pushing the envelope and creating original content. Mid 2022 up until now, Scholito has birthed a series called “Breakfast Bars”. The artist/writer/producer has production/writing credits with Lil Wayne, Raheem Devaughn, Gloria Velez, Kool G rap, and Jadakiss… the list goes on.Connect with Scholito:Instagram: @scholitoenvoyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/scholitoenvoyFacebook: Scholito on FacebookOther Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:Ball Drop – Scholito feat. FreewayBeatty Paoli – ScholitoMother in Love – ScholitoPanther Party – ScholitoMake the Walls Echo – L&SWade Fresher – L&SFly Money Fly – L&SAlbums/Projects:Mafio SoulThe CycleCroffioni Collections 1 & 2Mother in LoveUpcoming project (Croffioni gets “made”)Artists & Bands:FreewayWu-Tang ClanJay-ZBeyoncéG-EazyBeanie SigelPusha TA$AP FergYGLil WayneJadakissKool G RapRaheem DeVaughn