The OutKast Edge

For the first part of this episode, I do a live reading of an essay that I wrote about the rap duo OutKast and a theory that I’ve named after their journey. I explain how different phases of technology and platforms have played a role in OutKast, Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, and Tyler, the Creator’s trajectories to success. After that, I weigh in on some of my readers’ suggestions for people—in hip-hop and in other industries—who they think have the OutKast Edge. And to wrap it all up, I talk about a few names from my own personal list.

Tune in to this episode to learn how slept-on trends can become popular and how artists can sustain their unique edge to succeed!

Episode Highlights

[01:32] About OutKast

[03:43] The OutKast Edge theory

[04:40] Create content for like-minded outsiders

[05:07] Build an audience on independent platforms 

[05:45] Play the long game: persevere and push through

[06:17] Who else has the OutKast Edge

[11:11] The OutKast Edge evolves with phases of technology

[14:00] You can lose your OutKast Edge

[16:48] My thoughts on Doja Cat, Anderson .Paak, and The Weeknd

[21:54] On Elon Musk’s Tesla and David Portnoy’s Barstool Sports

[24:27] Why Frank Ocean is popular but does not have the OutKast Edge

[25:48] My personal picks: Ziwe Fumudoh, Griselda, Lil Dicky, and Nadeshot

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSS

Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co

Links:

•  The OutKast Edge
• Public.com (code: trapital)

Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.