Breaking EVEN

The first-ever female winner of The Rap Game UK, Layyah, joins the Breaking Even Podcast to discuss her historic win and the reality of navigating the UK music scene in 2026. From being labeled a "generational artist" by Krept and Konan to the financial hurdles of representation, Layyah breaks down what it truly takes to stay multifaceted. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Layyah: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/layyah Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/layyah2000/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4dPLaOXT8fXdg8X0KSIMXF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LayyahsTV TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@layyah_2000  00:00 – Performance Intro & DJ AG Shoutout 02:26 – Grime Confidence: Snatching the Mic from the Mandem 02:48 – First Ever Female Winner of The Rap Game 03:17 – Working Under Pressure & Dealing with Loss 04:14 – Reality TV Secrets: Is The Rap Game Scripted? 05:07 – Handling the "Generational Artist" Label 06:10 – Performing at Leeds Festival with the Guys 06:51 – Why Numbers Lie: Monthly Listeners vs. Live Shows 08:04 – Musical Lore: Adele, Beyoncé, and Lauryn Hill 08:52 – The Father's Day Diss Track & Healing 10:56 – Is Real Rap Struggling in the UK? 12:36 – Sierra Leonean & South African Roots 14:06 – Melodies and the Songwriting Process 15:39 – Industry Frustrations: Jay Had a Dream & Cut Sets 17:22 – The Women in Music Fund & Financing 18:42 – The Financial Cost of Being a Female Artist 19:47 – Managing the Relationship: Mum as Manager 21:14 – 2026 Plans: New Music & May Collaborations 22:51 – "Layers to Layyah" EP Concept 23:28 – Being a Feature on Miss Banks’ Album 25:27 – Bucket List: Wireless Festival & New Collabs 26:15 – Meeting Heroes: The Kojey Radical Collaboration 27:35 – Dream Collaborations: Little Simz & Dave 29:31 – The Advantages of a Multidisciplinary Approach 30:36 – Scorcher: From DM to Feature 31:49 – First MOBO Awards Experience 33:15 – Scorcher as an Unofficial Mentor  #Layyah #TheRapGameUK #BreakingEvenPodcast #UKRap #WomenInMusic #Grime #MissBanks #KojeyRadical #MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #LeedsFestival #LayersToLayyah

"If you want it easy, then it’s not going to last long." Mobi1 joins the Breaking Even Podcast for a deep dive into one of the most eclectic journeys in the UK scene. In this episode, we explore the transition from reality TV production to the music studio, why Mobi1 uses "velocity" and fast rapping as a form of therapy, and the experience of performing in Tokyo as a Black artist. Mobi1 also breaks down why he believes the traditional music industry infrastructure, from promo pages to A&Rs, is fundamentally changing. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Mobi1: Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/mobi1music/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5VpJyFjXLUygP94DVbHgUw?si=O1R5tPqxRK-gwsXzt_ciFg YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Mobi1-music TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mobi1music 00:00 – Intro 01:06 – Routine, Discipline & Overcoming Depression 02:30 – Behind the Scenes of a Reality Dating Show 03:30 – The Debate: Do You Write Your Own Lyrics? 04:51 – The Skill of Songwriting & Structure 06:27 – Why Grime MCs are the World's Most Versatile Artists 07:24 – Storytelling vs. Packaging for the World 08:34 – Is Promoting Music on TikTok Just Gambling? 10:13 – Personal Branding as the New Advertising 11:03 – The Death of Traditional Instagram Promo Pages 13:41 – Chasing Trends vs. Organic World Building 15:32 – The Struggle of Being a DIY Content Creator 17:21 – Engineering & The Importance of Energy in the Room 18:59 – Perfectionism & Artist-Engineer Standards 21:17 – Vocal Mixing: Intentional Roughness vs. Bad Mixes 22:43 – The Mystery of Out-of-Key 808s 24:36 – The Role of an A&R: A Changing or Dying Craft? 26:17 – When Music Stops Being for "The Experience" 27:50 – Nick D Influence: No Budget Growth Strategies 28:46 – Drawing Inspiration from Society & Communities 31:33 – Steering Society: Social Media is Real 32:55 – Old Solutions: Selling Music on iPod Shuffles 34:36 – Velocity vs. Volume: Fast Rapping as Energy Therapy 38:01 – Love Never Dies Peacefully: Relationship Recovery & Codependency 41:33 – Accountability, Remorse & Over-Dwelling on Regret 43:02 – Happy Accidents: Making "Viral" Hits 44:43 – Performing in Greece & Zero-Budget Opportunities 46:20 – The "Drill Karaoke" Era of 2022 48:41 – Collaborative Content: Working with Leo Snow 51:20 – UK Competitiveness vs. Global Collaboration 52:44 – Recording Mixtapes on Discord Servers 53:44 – Tokyo: Cultural Shocks & Performing in Japan 55:50 – Exploring Edo Villages & Minority Visibility in Japan 57:19 – World Record Ambitions & The 16-Track Project #UKRap #MusicMarketing #TikTokArtist #IndependentArtist #MusicBusiness

"You can tell in the music when it’s not intentional." The sibling trio Obara (luchï, CSUFF2R, and Lanyi/Chika) joins the podcast to discuss their journey from Brentwood private schools to becoming a powerhouse creative family in the UK underground. In this episode, we dive into the comparison to the Adenuga family (Skepta, Jme, and Julie), the reality of being a female artist facing backhanded cosigns, and why the scene is currently flooded with "lifestyle rappers" who care more about the greenroom than the music. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Chika/Lanyi: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelanyi/  CSUFF2R Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/csuff2r/ Luchï Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pinkstarsfly/ 00:00 – Intentionality: Music vs. The Rapper Lifestyle 00:46 – Meet Boro: The Sibling Dynamics & Family Hierarchy 02:32 – African Parents: Licks, TikTok Myths vs. Reality 03:29 – The "Adenuga" Comparison: Who is the Beyoncé/Skepta? 05:19 – Private School Beef & Being the "Only Black Kid" 07:29 – Essex Roots: Brentwood, Horses & Multiculturalism 08:29 – The 400 Collective: From Podcasting to Music 10:13 – See Safa’s Musical Outlet: Rapping to Express 11:16 – Early Bars: Stolen Lyrics & Parodying "The Box" 12:27 – Lani’s Influence: YouTube, Nella Rose & Branding 13:45 – The Travis Scott Moment: Music Saving Lives 14:41 – DJing: Curating Experiences over Button-Pushing 16:30 – Family Therapy? Navigating Management & Siblings 18:56 – Frank Ocean & Kendrick: The Cousins who Pushed Us 22:08 – Navigating the Underground: Infancy vs. Saturation 25:12 – Underestimated: Being Taken Seriously as a Teen Artist 26:07 – Sexism in the Scene: The "Cosign" Erasure 27:40 – Vultures & Weirdos: The Importance of Safe Studio Spaces 29:45 – The "Underground Bop" Joke & sexual Undertones 31:44 – Growth: Looking Back at the Person You Were Last Year 34:24 – Lagos Recording: Putting the Duvet Over the Head 35:54 – Nigeria Connection: Knowing Your Address in the Village 37:29 – Project Rollouts: "All I know is pink" & Concept Talk 40:21 – "Bouncy Trust" EP: Musical Utility & Recession Pop 44:15 – The Craft of DJing: Why Selectors Deserve Respect 46:12 – DJ Pet Peeves: Short Songs & 50 BPM Requests 50:30 – American Underground: Favoring the UK for Creative Direction 54:35 – The Lyrical Minimum: Why Everyone in the UK Can Spit 56:41 – Final Words: Real Groupies & Intentional Music #Obara #UKUnderground #BreakingEvenPodcast #EssexRap #FemaleRappers #MusicBusiness #400Collective #UKMusicScene

Tay Jordan joins the podcast to break down the sophisticated bridge between UK rap and the New York underground. In this episode, Tay dives into the "legal theory" that didn't work out, why he’s finally fully independent, and the reality of being a rapper in 2026 . We talk about Max B’s release, the "protectionist" nature of the UK music scene, and why we need more collaborative projects like the ones seen in the US underground. 01:09 – The Return of Max B: Dream Collabs & Sound Direction 04:09 – London & NYC: Barbershop DVDs & The Cultural Bridge 06:07 – Why Contrived Rap Battles are "Corny" 07:07 – UK "Protectionism" vs. US Underground Output 11:37 – Independent Strategy: Ditching Rollouts for Consistency 14:26 – The Struggle of Being a Frank Ocean & Rihanna Fan 15:36 – Redefining Success: Cultural Capital vs. Streams 19:25 – The NYC Influence on UK Rap Rhyme Schemes 21:52 – Production Secrets: The Hardware Era & "The Virus" Synth 24:31 – Concept Building: Video Games, WWE, & "Outrun" 27:25 – Building the Independent Team: No More Labels 28:43 – The Trunk Strategy: Sonny Jim, MF DOOM, & Merch 31:19 – Lore: Recording with Sugababes & Leona Lewis 32:32 – School Struggles: Stolen Bars & The Racial Divide 34:53 – Croydon College & Radical Activism 38:10 – Rappers as Sociologists: Using a Politics Degree 40:32 – Arrogance & Petty Beef: 50 Cent vs. Mamdani 41:51 – The Sport of Lying: The Game, Fat Joe, & Barbecue Stories 45:04 – The "Tiny Askie" Barbecue Fight 46:18 – Moral of the Story: Specs Gonzalez & Closing Words Follow us on all platforms Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Tay Jordan: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tayjordan_pc/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tayjordanmusic Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/13WFAXpgT5EchE1bdPG8ct?si=tCqR1m_US9-oyNKW6NsiVg TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tayjordan_pc #TayJordan #MaxB #UKRap #NewYorkRap #IndependentArtist #MusicBusiness #BreakingEvenPodcast #GFunk #LondonMusic #RapStrateg

"I’m clickbait with the truth." Cadell sits down for a long-overdue conversation on his role as the musical right hand and "conduit" for Lancey Foux. In this episode, we break down the real meaning behind the track "Eagle Eye," the alleged £30 million offers floating around the scene, and why SD Kid is family regardless of the internet narrative. Cadell doesn't hold back on the state of Grime, calling it a "retirement home" for artists who refuse to innovate or release actual albums. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Cadell: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realcadell YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfgVtkHZaeeExNdJhS0nuyA Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pxyL7DwUOwN9Hd8rb77k4?si=_6vi5azJTJyaHBHb44uoSQ  #Cadell #LanceyFoux #EagleEye #Grime #UKUnderground #BreakingEvenPodcast #MusicBusiness #SDKid #LondonScene #IndependentArtist

"If you don’t grow, you get left in the past." In this episode of the Breaking Even Podcast, we sit down with Antzz and 3re6ix to discuss the raw reality of the UK underground in 2026. From recording hits on BandLab with gaming headphones to the "dark" reality of the 2016 nostalgia wave, we explore how the next generation of South London talent is building a cohesive movement without the need for a major label backend. The crew gets brutally honest about the "creative economy" that relies on draining independent musicians. Find out why even "crazy numbers" don't always mean you're making a profit, how to avoid the "clone" trap, and the truth about those "mysterious" artist gimmicks. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Antzz: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3re6ix_/ https://www.instagram.com/whereisantzzz/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YvdVSgOLrxlMmbIwfdR6H  #BreakingEven #Antzz #3re6ix #UTL #UKUnderground #BandLab #RootsManuva #SouthLondonRap #MusicPodcast #2016Nostalgia #IndependentArtist #MusicProduction #PunchingIn #MasterPlan

Welcome back to another episode of the Breaking Even Podcast. Today, we’re joined by BBM (Bad Bitch Music), an underground duo navigating the chaotic intersection of corporate day jobs, PhD research, and the "financially terrible" reality of the music industry. From the "Golden Age of Piracy" to the decline of radio and the politics of Afro-fusion, we dive deep into how to survive as an artist in 2026 without losing your mind, or your bank account. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants BBM: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/badbitchmusicc?igsh=OXdhZnY4YTN3cmRp https://www.instagram.com/xt1ana?igsh=MXVodTZlaWp5cW10ag== https://www.instagram.com/kel4r?igsh=MWUyMmRhZTN5ZmdpNQ== Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Qr87LuabXjROtUkjyn0kW?si=5t8EkqsPRGGbEnh9OJMKGQ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHD1EnLPU4BMTbs6dGyqNKg #BBM #BadBitchMusic #MusicIndustryTruths #UndergroundRap #AfroFusion #IndependentArtist #MusicFinances #PhDLife #BreakingEvenPodcast #BeatLeasing

We’re back with a raw look at the business of being an artist. This week, Reptile B joins us to pull back the curtain on the reality of navigating the industry as an independent artist today. This isn't your typical "how to get famous" interview. We get into the messy reality of the "outrage economy" and how a sudden YouTube ban forced a massive shift in perspective. We also dive into the "Simulation”, that weird feeling that the music industry is just a high-school-style hierarchy where everyone is chasing the next gimmick instead of making something real. Reptile B opens up about the pressure to "sanitize" personal trauma for public consumption and explains why they decided to lean into a "Horror" aesthetic instead. If you've ever felt like you're fighting the algorithm just to stay authentic, this conversation is for you. We’re breaking down why live shows are the main revenue driver, how to build a community that sticks, and why you have to stop caring about "following fashion" if you want to survive. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Reptile B: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/onlyreptileb/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4f1IbuWYXHRxQMPvD6GFWi YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcsxd6UuJw5tIRHkkRP89_g TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@onlyreptileb #MusicBusiness #ArtistManagement #IndependentArtist #MusicExecutive #MusicRevenue #LivePerformance #MusicStrategy #ReptileB #QueerRap #YouTubeBan #OutrageEconomy #IndustrySecrets #MusicHorror #BreakingEven #HustlingBackwards

Welcome to the Breaking Even: Business Edition. In this episode, we sit down with Kameron from BW, a 26-year-old record executive and artist manager with experience at Universal Music Group, Mixtape Madness, and a current role at a major investment company. Cameron gives a raw, introspective look into the music industry, exposing why chasing streams as a primary measure of success is "hustling backwards" in 2025. He reveals the true revenue drivers for artists, live performance and direct-to-consumer services and shares the strategies he uses to develop artists like LA Slim and Commercial Sites. This is a must-watch for any independent artist or manager looking to understand the mechanics of building leverage, securing shows, and navigating the often-cutthroat industry landscape. 00:00 Intro: Why Chasing Streams is Hustling Backwards in 2025 01:22 Cameron's Journey: From South London to Universal, Mixtape Madness & Executive Role 04:17 Finding Your Lane: Why Articulation & Business Acumen Matter More Than Performing 08:46 Relationships Are Everything: How to Leverage Major Label Contacts Organically 12:24 Intentionality in Rollouts: Building Catalog & Community vs. Chasing Advance 14:17 Signals for Management: The Music Has to MOVE Me & I Must Believe in the Person 16:07 The Label Strategy: Working Backwards & Using Interest to Build Leverage 22:56 Underutilized Revenue: Why Artists Need to Focus on Merch & Superfans 24:19 The True Money Maker: Why Streams Are Dead and Live Shows Are King in 2025 27:51 Booking Shows: The Combination of Hustle, Relationships & Persistence 29:56 Biggest Learning: You Are Not As Important As You Think You Are (Decentering Yourself) 34:57 Management is the Purest Form: Why It's the Most Challenging But Rewarding Role 38:31 Quickfire Round: Adaptability, Biggest Misconception & Investing in Yourself Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Kameron Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kameronesii  #MusicBusiness #ArtistManagement #MusicExecutive #MajorLabel #UniversalMusicGroup #MusicRevenue #LivePerformance #Superfans #IndependentArtist #UKMusic #BreakingEven #StreamsAreDead #Adaptability

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with the phenomenal independent artist La Slim to dive deep into his journey. Le Slim opens up about the constant battle against genre pigeonholing, specifically, why a Black artist making clear Pop or Indie music is often automatically labeled "R&B." He discusses growing up with a love for rock music (Coldplay, Linkin Park, Block Party) fueled by FIFA soundtracks and cultural osmosis, and how he uses his platform to embrace authenticity. We also explore the darker side of the music industry: the dangerous expectation for artists to exploit their pain. Le Slim shares his powerful lyric, "Let me turn pain into a trophy," and discusses the fine line between therapeutic expression and overindulging in trauma for commercial success, referencing artists like Chester Bennington. Discover how he perfected his stripped-back acoustic sound, the value of trial-and-error over academic music theory, and why he’s choosing to build a sustainable, authentic career instead of chasing quick viral fame. Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro: Genre Stereotypes, Pop vs. R&B & The Danger of Trauma Music 00:01:11 Growing Up on Rock, Rap, & Gospel: Le Slim's Diverse Influences 00:01:48 Being a Black Indie Artist: Defying Expectations & Cultural Norms 00:03:03 Why Do Black Brits Love Coldplay & Linkin Park? The Unexpected Bonds 00:05:24 The Eradication of Black History in Guitar Music & Industry Bias 00:07:41 Musical Inspirations: Block Party, All-American Rejects & Video Game Soundtracks 00:11:55 Music Theory vs. Trial & Error: Why Formulas Stifle Creativity 00:14:22 Making Music as a Hobby: From 9-5 Life to Taking the 1-Year Challenge 00:16:17 The Power of Minimalism: Focusing on Vocals & Lyrical Empathy 00:22:35 "Turn Pain Into a Trophy": The Trap of Glorifying Trauma & Mental Health 00:32:04 Rebelling Against Fake Positivity: Finding Freedom in Bleakness 00:40:11 Not Rushing the Process: Building a Solid Foundation Over Viral Hits 00:45:22 The Genius of Coward: Beat Switches & Finding Gems in YouTube Beats 00:52:11 The Return of the 4-Minute Song: Why Shortening Music Hurts Creativity 00:55:16 The Label Trap: Owning Your Genre vs. Letting Labels Define You Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants LA Slim Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/slimorgray.la/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMEIGLiH5hI&list=RDDMEIGLiH5hI&start_radio=1 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ls7xj26Yz314SPjohihgS?si=nXlsIRFHQ1aETND9r5sEeQ ___ #LeSlim #IndieMusic #BlackArtists #GenreStereotypes #MusicIndustry #RhythmAndBlues #PopMusic #MusicInterview #BreakingEven #BlackRock #MentalHealth #AuthenticityInMusic #UKMusic #Coldplay #LinkinPark

In this episode of Breaking Even, Ed Rants sits down with Ceebo, one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists, to unpack how he’s carving his lane in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever. We dive deep into his come-up, the realities of the UK underground rap scene, the influence of drill and trap on his sound, and why authenticity and emotional honesty are at the core of his music. Ceebo opens up about vulnerability, growth, mentorship, and navigating a space where most artists and producers are teenagers building something new from scratch. We also discuss the evolution of trap, from Gucci Mane to Young Thug and how the UK found its own identity. Plus: how producers like X10 unlocked new creative levels, why type beats still matter, and why community, accessibility, and staying true to yourself are essential in 2025. If you’re an independent artist, producer, or music lover looking to understand the realities of breaking even, this episode is for you. New episodes every week, subscribe for more conversations with the artists shaping the future of music. 00:00 Intro: Who is Ceebo? Setting the stage for an honest conversation about music, growth, and the UK underground scene. 03:14 Discovering Trap & Early Influences How Gucci Mane, Young Thug, and the rise of trap shaped Ceebo’s understanding of sound. 07:45 The Evolution of Trap & UK Identity Exploring trap’s expansion, fusion with country, and how the UK created its own version. 10:56 The Underground Scene Is Young Why the UK’s underground ecosystem is both early-stage and built by teenagers. 13:49 Immaturity in the Music? Why the sound feels raw, and how age, growth, and time play a role. 16:31 Mentors & Motivation Lancy’s influence and why mentorship is becoming crucial for younger artists. 20:54 Type Beats & Finding the Right Sound Why Ceebo embraces type beats and how they help him stay versatile. 24:48 Working With X10 & Unlocking New Levels How one of drill’s greatest producers evolved creatively through new collaborations. 29:20 Vulnerability in Music Ceebo explains why he shares everything in his music and how audiences connect with honesty. 33:42 Community, Identity & Representation Why being from a place with no role models pushes him harder. 38:08 The Future of the Scene Ceebo’s hopes for the underground and why he feels driven to contribute. 41:22 Final Thoughts & Outro Closing reflections on growth, direction, and what’s coming next. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Ceebo: https://store.weareceebo.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ceebosweezy/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ceebosw Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wtelmF043mIcSEjNs7wWB?si=N0TsJiWiRW2x4kbSPcdSUg #BreakingEvenPodcast #Ceebo #UKUnderground #UKRap #MusicIndustry2025 #IndependentArtist #TrapMusic #DrillProducer #ArtistJourney #EdRants

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with Enrique, an independent artist from Hackney who’s carving his own lane in UK rap. From the drill era of 2018 to the underground trap wave, Enrique breaks down how his sound evolved, what shaped him, and why longevity matters more than ever. We explore his influences, 50 Cent, Dipset, Gucci Mane, Joe Black, and dive into the realities of becoming a better writer, experimenting with melody, and building consistency. From early momentum to the setbacks of 2020–2022, Enrique opens up about rebuilding, developing discipline, and learning to approach music like a business. 00:00 – Trends, Longevity & the Truth About Rap A conversation on why trends fade and why longevity takes intention. 01:15 – Growing Up in Hackney Enrique reflects on early life, environment, and entering the drill era. 02:14 – Outgrowing Drill & Evolving the Sound Why he stepped away from drill and looked for something more mature. 03:24 – Early Influences & Finding His Lane 50 Cent, Dipset, Gucci Mane, Joe Black, the artists that shaped him. 05:21 – Versatile Beginnings & Early Songs How tracks like “Versatile” and “Pull Me Up For” set the tone for his direction. 06:52 – Covid, Court Case & The Reset Years The quiet period that forced him to rethink life, music, and momentum. 08:41 – Talk Is Cheap & Taking Music Seriously Dropping a more polished tape that made people finally pay attention. 10:46 – Trap, Afroswing & Sound Identity Exploring trap lyricism, sonic misinterpretations, and finding balance. 14:28 – Songwriting, Hooks & Artist Development Why melodies, structure, and craft matter more than trends. 18:23 – Chemistry with Producers & Creative Flow Working with Blanko, uni days, Hop in the V, and finding his formula. 24:12 – The UK Underground & Breaking Out Independently The challenges of breaking through without cosigns, politics, or gatekeepers. 31:38 – Longevity, Money & Building a Real Career From trend cycles and industry realism to finances, mistakes, and the long game. 36:12 – Labels, Independence & Strategy for 2024 Why independence still wins and how he’s planning rollouts for the future. 52:09 – Closing Thoughts & What’s Next Final reflections on growth, entrepreneurship, and the next chapter. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Enrique: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/enrique-official Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/enriqueofficial_/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@enriqueunofficial795 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/31WDp27AE4YF7IQsRdWFyf?si=ywEziLxLR5-VmprR6GeBzA

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with Calix, an independent artist from West London who’s redefining what it means to build a career in today’s music landscape. From freestyling in barbershops and blending trap with fashion to earning a living through TikTok Live battles, Calix proves that creativity and business can coexist. He opens up about the grind behind promotion, how he’s building community online, and what it really takes to stay independent while scaling up. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or creative hustler, this one’s packed with game. 00:00 – The TikTok Gamble Calix opens up about the struggle of promoting his upcoming single Gallery and how TikTok feels more like gambling than strategy. 01:06 – Meet Calix: From West London to the Mic Host introduces Calix, a genre-blending independent artist from West London, and dives into his musical beginnings. 01:19 – Freestyles, Friends & the Birth of a Sound Calix recalls freestyling with friends in barbershops, early influences like Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky, and discovering how fashion and rap could coexist. 04:06 – From Pop to Trap: Musical Evolution They unpack Calix’s love for 2000s pop and his transition into trap music, exploring how UK artists found their own sound within the genre. 08:24 – The Barbershop Sessions & the First Group He shares the story of forming his first rap group, early performances, and how passion — not a plan, fueled their early days. 11:16 – SoundCloud, the Underground & Early Collaborations From performing with Lancey Foux to discovering A2 and House of Pharaohs, Calix traces his entry into the UK underground scene. 17:18 – Fashion, Identity & Finding His Place Growing up around a family dry-cleaning business, fashion was always part of Calix’s DNA. He reflects on how fashion shaped his identity in the music scene. 19:14 – Learning Production & Building His Own Sound Calix explains how mentorship, self-taught mixing, and collaboration with producers like Saint Lo and X10 helped him refine his sound. 24:16 – Experimentation, Community & New Sounds A look at his singles West Indies and Money, inspired by Afro-bounce and dancehall energy, proof that he’s always experimenting and evolving. 26:15 – Collaborations, Chemistry & Creative Flow He discusses the synergy with BD and Flex, how shared energy leads to effortless songs, and the challenges of balancing collaboration with solo work. 33:41 – The Future: EPs, Rollouts & Lessons Learned Calix talks about finding the right time for an EP, learning proper rollout strategy, and realizing that music success is all about timing, consistency, and planning. 41:27 – The TikTok Hustle Explained Switching gears, Calix breaks down his TikTok strategy, going live daily, building a loyal community, and actually earning money through live gifting battles. 45:15 – Inside the TikTok Economy He explains how gifts, battles, and engagement work on the app, sharing real numbers, audience psychology, and how creators sustain themselves. 52:12 – Balancing Creativity, Energy & Business A raw reflection on burnout, community connection, and the emotional rollercoaster of earning from content, plus how he keeps it authentic. 58:04 – Building a Team & Taking Music Seriously Calix talks about scaling up: building a team, getting a personal assistant, and treating music like a real business, structure, systems, and all. 59:33 – Closing Thoughts & Future Vision Final reflections on growth, fashion collabs, and how the “UFO” mindset represents staying unique, consistent, and self-made. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw Ed Rants: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ed_rants/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ed_rants Callix: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/calllixx/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@calllixx Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7LrqqW0yCdVoyihaH3fB9k?si=HBKPEvnHTt2twHp_2fchsg

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with Sparkz CN, an independent rapper from Slough, to talk about the real side of chasing music success. From pain rap and authenticity to streaming numbers and self-investment, Sparkz opens up about his journey, creative process, and what it truly takes to break even as an artist. We dive into how grief, growth, and raw honesty shape his music, why he’s not trying to be anyone’s role model, and how he’s navigating the industry on his own terms. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a fan of real stories behind the bars, this conversation gives you an inside look at the mindset of a rapper building everything from the ground up. 00:00 – The Reality of Being a Rapper Sparkz opens the episode talking about authenticity in rap, why artists shouldn’t be expected to act like role models and how he stays true to his story. 01:30 – Growing Up in Slough & Early Influences He reflects on life in Slough, his connection to London’s music culture, and the early rappers who shaped his sound and mindset. 03:05 – Pain, Struggle & The Heart of Rap A deep dive into why “pain rap” resonates with people, how struggle builds character, and how real-life hardship fuels his lyrics. 08:00 – Inspiration, Sound & Type Beats Sparkz breaks down his creative process, using type beats to stay versatile, and the American influences that shape his UK sound. 15:30 – Creating Seasick & The Story Behind It The journey behind his project Seasick, from emotional storytelling to honouring lost friends, and what vulnerability means in his art. 24:00 – Authenticity, Judgment & Self-Belief Why he doesn’t care about public judgment, the importance of self-awareness, and what it means to compete only with yourself. 28:00 – Building From Slough: Independence & Hustle The challenges of being one of the few active artists from his hometown, investing in himself, learning the business, and creating opportunity where there isn’t any. 34:00 – Marketing, Presence & Streaming Realities Balancing authenticity with visibility online, working smart with limited resources, and why streaming income doesn’t tell the full story. 41:00 – The Business of Music & Making it Sustainable Sparkz talks monetisation, from live shows and merch to rebuilding fan connection with old-school tactics like CDs and USBs. 49:00 – What’s Next for Sparkz CN He teases new projects, reflects on growth, and shares how staying consistent and grounded is helping him move toward longevity. Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-economy  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_uk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingevenuk Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4btjfmM5oCYz9SV8Y0ZlAS?trackId=5N6UwTCRK9q6ueHn2kzisw