How Label Politics Almost Killed Kendrick Lamar and Clipse Record

In this exclusive from We Sound Crazy, Clipse break down the behind-the-scenes tension around Kendrick Lamar being featured on “Chains & Whips.” They explain how label “optics” became a real issue, why they were pressured to make changes, and what that moment revealed about ownership, respect, and standing firm in your art. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Michael Johnson, Bryan Williams, Aaron Kirkland, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Aaron Kirkland Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City. Special thanks to Clipse! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #Clipse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful clip from We Sound Crazy, Clipse reflect on the unexpected impact of their album. Fans calling it a reset for hip-hop and saying it brought healing. They open up about “Birds Don’t Sing,” grief, and how telling the truth gave people language for emotions they couldn’t explain. This is more than a comeback, this is testimony. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Michael Johnson, Bryan Williams, Aaron Kirkland, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Aaron Kirkland Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City. Special thanks to Clipse! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #Clipse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the one note that can turn a good song into an undeniable one? According to Pusha T and Malice, Pharrell Williams had the answer: “Stick to the pattern.” This clip breaks down the creative discipline, structure, and pattern-based approach that defined Clipse’s album and why it felt like solving a Rubik’s Cube when it finally clicked. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Michael Johnson, Bryan Williams, Aaron Kirkland, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Aaron Kirkland   Graphic Design: Ivan Rattliff Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Clipse! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #Clipse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After more than a decade apart, Clipse reveal the real conversations that led to their reunion. In this exclusive moment from We Sound Crazy (interviewed by Phil Thornton), Pusha T and Malice open up about hesitation, faith, creative chemistry, and why this album had to happen now. From early “breadcrumbs” to a title rooted in meaning, this is the story behind one of hip-hop’s most intentional comebacks. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Michael Johnson, Bryan Williams, Aaron Kirkland, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Aaron Kirkland   Graphics: Ivan Ratliff Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Clipse! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #Clipse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz PJ Morton is finally in the building! The one and only "Genius Himself" joins the panel to talk about going from a "Fly Nerd" to one of the most respected musicians in the game. PJ breaks down the serious work behind the fun, sharing the mindset that allowed him to protect his authenticity and build his audience brick by brick. Get the wild details on his A-list friendships and career pivots. PJ recounts the unbelievable story of how Stevie Wonder bought his own ticket  and walked in the front door to see his LA show. He also reveals the surprising lesson he learned while playing in Maroon 5, which gave him a perspective that "nobody gets" and helped him figure out what success truly looks like for him. From leaving a major label deal with Young Money/Cash Money because he needed to be nimble to the moment he felt truly free by embracing the church sounds on his Gumbo album, this episode is a masterclass in independence. Hear the details about his recent collaborative projects, including a tape with New Orleans rapper La Reezy Pardon Me, I'm Different, and the Heart of Mine with singer Darrell Wall, and a tease of the upcoming remixes featuring Kim Burrell, The Walls Group, Zachardi Cortez, and Kiera Sheard!  PJ also drops his list of legendary "live show killers" who still make him nervous—it's the realest backstage pass you can get! So with that said, stop waiting and hit that play button! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Mike Johnson, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Aaron Kirkland   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to PJ Morton! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #PJMorton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz PJ Morton is finally in the building! The one and only "Genius Himself" joins the panel to talk about going from a "Fly Nerd" to one of the most respected musicians in the game. PJ breaks down the serious work behind the fun, sharing the mindset that allowed him to protect his authenticity and build his audience brick by brick. Get the wild details on his A-list friendships and career pivots. PJ recounts the unbelievable story of how Stevie Wonder bought his own ticket  and walked in the front door to see his LA show. He also reveals the surprising lesson he learned while playing in Maroon 5, which gave him a perspective that "nobody gets" and helped him figure out what success truly looks like for him. From leaving a major label deal with Young Money/Cash Money because he needed to be nimble to the moment he felt truly free by embracing the church sounds on his Gumbo album, this episode is a masterclass in independence. Hear the details about his recent collaborative projects, including a tape with New Orleans rapper La Reezy Pardon Me, I'm Different, and the Heart of Mine with singer Darrell Wall, and a tease of the upcoming remixes featuring Kim Burrell, The Walls Group, Zachardi Cortez, and Kiera Sheard!  PJ also drops his list of legendary "live show killers" who still make him nervous—it's the realest backstage pass you can get! So with that said, stop waiting and hit that play button! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: Aaron Walton Camera Op: Mike Johnson, Aaron Walton Editing: Lamont Baldwin Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Show Producer/Remixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Assistant: Brittany Guydon Photography: Aaron Kirkland   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to PJ Morton! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #PJMorton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz In this episode of We Sound Crazy, we sit down with the multi-hyphenate actor-singer-songwriter, Terrell Carter!  While his name may not be a household one, you've definitely heard his work, from his film debut in Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman performing the song "Father Can You Hear Me," to his roles in the hit TV series Beauty in Black and FOX's EMPIRE. You also might know him from Perry-produced plays like Think Like a Man Too, Madea's Class Reunion, and Meet the Browns. In a candid conversation, Terrell shares his journey from touring with gospel great Fred Hammond's Radical for Christ to signing a GREAT music publishing deal with Quincy Jones and working with legends like Pattie LaBelle, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and Christina Aguilera. He also reveals how reconnecting with childhood friend Stevie J led to him working with P. Diddy and the iconic Bad Boy Records. Terrell shares a story of an East Coast vs West Coast beef encounter between hip-hop group Outlawz and Bad Boy Records associated Stevie J while working in a Los Angeles recording studio that happened to have Brandy, Tamia, and Grant Hill in adjacent studio rooms!  But that's not all, Terrell gets up close and personal as he shares the story of his new book, Problem Child, opening up about overcoming the significant childhood adversities that shaped him into the resilient artist he is today. This episode is a must-listen and watch for anyone who appreciates a raw, honest story and an inside look at the journey of a true creative powerhouse.  With that said, press play ASAP! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: James Hart, Josh Sowemimo, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Terrell Carter! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #TerrellCarter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz On the We Sound Crazy podcast, KevOnStage and Mark JP Hood discuss their BET+ hit series, Churchy, and its significant evolution from a self-funded, "guerrilla-style" production to a major network show. We get the behind the scenes story on how the first season was funded by KevOnStage and his wife Melissa, leading to them handling everything from wardrobe to continuity. For the second season, they got a full production budget and crew, allowing them to expand the show's scope and make it funnier and more authentic, with new storylines for every character. Kev and Mark highlight how the show is a workplace comedy for all audiences, even non-churchgoers, with humor that's universally relatable while still containing inside jokes for "church kids" like themselves. This episode is definitely loaded with many crazy stories and also industry insights. Mark JP Hood recalls his first time fully activating his talents when he tap-danced to Kirk Franklin in his church on a dry-erase board. KevOnStage shares the show's humble beginnings on the KevOnStage Studios app (Shout out to the GOAT), and how a mutual friend led to a bidding war for the series, with BET having the winning offer. They explain that the fame and attention can be jarring, but his slow, organic rise helped him adapt. Kev also talks about his intentionality in hiring Black women, a lesson he learned from a pivotal job interview early in his career. Lastly, listen and watch to find out who Kev and Mark's dream cameos would be for the next season of Churcy.  This is truly an episode that you don't want to miss.  So with that said, go ahead and press that play button now!! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: James Hart, Josh Sowemimo, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to KevOnStage and Mark JP Hood! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #KevOnStage #MarkJPHood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This week, we're joined by Grammy-winning powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and producer Isaac Carree. With a career spanning over three decades, Isaac’s journey is a masterclass in musical evolution and unwavering faith.  From his beginnings as a teenage prodigy with gospel legend John P. Kee, to his time as a member of the trailblazing group Men of Standard, Isaac shares the stories behind his rise to stardom. He opens up about the challenges and triumphs of his solo career, his eye-opening experiences touring with mainstream icons like Tim McGraw & Faith Hill and the Bad Boy Reunion Tour, and the valuable lessons he learned about the business of music.  Isaac recounts working on the remix to "Clean This House" with R&B legend R. Kelly — sharing a behind-the-scenes story of how the collaboration came to be and the profound compliment Kelly paid him, saying Isaac has a "flute in his throat."  Isaac also talks about the incredible, mutual admiration between his group, Men of Standard, and the legendary R&B group 112, revealing how they were huge fans of each other's music and even took inspiration from one another.  He gets candid about the struggles of stepping out as a solo artist after years of being in a group, battling fear and anxiety, and how the support of his mentor and friend, Kirk Franklin, was instrumental in his success. Kirk's belief in him, allowing him to open for major tours and celebrating his achievements, provided a crucial "layup" for his solo career.  Join us for a deep conversation that covers everything from the golden era of 90s R&B to the power of authentic relationships.  Press play now! Stream "Better" by Isaac Carree available now on all streaming services! We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: James Hart, Josh Sowemimo, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael "Roux" Johnson Producer: Aaron Walton Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Isaac Carree! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #IsaacCarree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen on your favorite podcast service: https://pods.to/wesoundcrazy Join our We Sound Crazy email list: https://ffm.link/wsc-signup Stream songs from the episode on our official We Sound Crazy playlists: https://lnkfi.re/8I8Drkfz This week on We Sound Crazy, hip-hop legend Da Brat and her wife, Jesseca Harris-Dupart (a.k.a. Judy), talk about their hit reality show, Brat Loves Judy, and their upcoming book, The Way Love Goes. In a raw and open discussion, they share everything from the joys of co-parenting their son, True, to the challenges of navigating their different work styles. That’s not all, Da Brat shares incredible stories about growing up in Chicago. She reveals how Gospel music has been a lifelong passion, taking her back to a simpler time. You'll hear how her early experiences playing drums and directing her church choir led to her love for artists like The Winans and Yolanda Adams. Da Brat also gives us a peek into some unforgettable encounters, including meeting her idols, Prince, MC Lyte, and Sheila E.  Tune in as Da Brat’s raw honesty and genuine spirit shine, reminding us why she remains one of the most influential and beloved voices in music. Press that play button ASAP and dive into the episode. We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture. Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! Director: John Dierre Camera Op: James Hart, Josh Sowemimo, John Dierre Editing: Lamont Baldwin Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Sbarina Cedeno Producer: Aaron Walton Assistant: Brittany Guydon Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III Photography: Ah'meer Holt   PA: Kaye Brasley, Tony Cole   Thank you to all of our listeners, as well as our partners at Visit Music City.   Special thanks to Da Brat & Jesseca Harris-Dupart! Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get your favorite podcast.  Follow We Sound Crazy on Social Media: ~ Facebook: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscfacebook ~ Instagram: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscinstagram ~ Twitter: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctwitter ~ TikTok: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wsctiktok Subscribe to We Sound Crazy on YouTube: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/wscyoutube-subscribe Visit the official We Sound Crazy website: https://wesoundcrazy.ffm.to/officialwebsite #WeSoundCrazy #DaBrat #JessecaHarris-Dupart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices