The Break: Episode 1

The DMV's Logic, PA's Lil Dicky and Def Jam VP of Marketing Rob Caiaffa talk indie v. major. Here they explain what it means to be signed to a major label as a new artist or how to go about it yourself on the independent tip, plus the pros and cons of each avenue. Listen to the 10th episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

The Big Apple's A$AP Ferg, A-Town's Rich Homie Quan and Duck Down Records founder Dru Ha explain the importance of building lasting relationships in hip-hop, networking and dealing with people the right away. Listen here to the eighth episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

Kansas City's Tech N9ne, Mississippi's Big K.R.I.T. and VP of Talent at AEG, Adam Lublin, detail what it takes to put on a good live show how. Learn what's important to an audience, why rehearsal is essential and how hip-hop shows, touring and festivals really work. Find out here on the seventh episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

Jonny Shipes, the CEO of Cinematic Music Group, DMV rapper Wale and Detroit rapper DeJ Loaf talk networking and the best ways to get to know the right people. Here they breakdown how to make new contacts and keep them plus discuss why it's essential to get to know all different types of people in the industry you want to be a part. Find out here on the seventh episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

Famed manager Cortez Bryant and the talented Ty Dolla $ign offer advice on how to build your team. Learn what to do and to avoid when hiring staff and picking the right management. Find out here on the fifth episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

Rookie-of-the-year Fetty Wap, queen of social media Karen Civil and Brooklyn's Joey Bada$$ break down the act of promoting yourself. Here they give you the best methods to focus on and the correct way to use them in order to get the most out of the technology and alternative outlets that are available for the marketing and promotions of a new aritst. Find out here on the fourth episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

Cali rapper Kid Ink, Riggs Morales, VP of A&R at Atlantic Records and Zach Quillen, manager of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, explain how to be the king of your city and beyond. Learn how to avoid the big fish small pond syndrome or complete rap obscurity and make the most of where you're from and where you're going. Find out here on the third episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

Rap stars A$AP Rocky and Vic Mensa plus SVP of A&R at RCA Records, J. Grand, breakdown what new artists should focus on. What are the most important aspects to pay attention to in the early stages of you career? Find out here on the second episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

Lyricists Joey Bada$$ and Wale plus Mike Caren, the President of Worldwide A&R for all of Warner Music Group, offer their expertise on one of the earliest steps an aspiring hip-hop star makes in their career...building their identity as an artist. This is the first episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.

The famed Kevin Liles, NYC's A$AP Ferg and Epic's Vice President of Publicity, Courtney Lowery, offer new artists advice on their presentation. Learn the importance of looking people in the eye when meeting and greeting them, and carrying yourself with confidence, charisma and pride. Listen to the ninth episode of XXL's The Break podcast. Where new artists come first.