In this episode, Ern & Iso pull the curtain back on the music business scam nobody wants to fully own — bad contracts, 360 deals, and how artists keep signing paperwork that was never designed for them to win.
They break down why labels now want everything: albums, tours, merch, appearances, branding — and why that shift didn’t happen by accident. The conversation flips the mirror back on the audience too, questioning how fans loudly debate “real hip-hop” but rarely buy music, vinyl, or merch.
The episode also dives into:
Why streaming devalued music
How desperation leads artists to sign terrible deals
The myth of “direct-to-consumer” in a platform-controlled world
Why being able to walk away is real leverage
How social media makes people feel famous without being paid
Why the industry adapted — and who forced their hand
This isn’t about defending labels. It’s about understanding the system, accountability on both sides, and why so many artists end up trapped chasing fame instead of freedom.
🎧 Tap in and decide for yourself —
Are artists being robbed… or are we all part of Rapeing You Records?
00:00 – Intro & 2026 mindset
04:30 – New Year motivation & self-discipline
09:45 – Music business vs art
15:20 – Why beats matter more than purists admit
22:10 – Jay-Z vs Nas: business vs purity
30:00 – Fans argue but don’t support
38:40 – Streaming killed album sales
46:15 – Why 360 deals exist
55:30 – Desperation & bad contracts
1:05:10 – “Direct to consumer” myth
1:16:00 – Social media, fame, and false influence
1:27:45 – Why labels want merch, tours, everything
1:38:20 – Accountability: fans, artists, industry
1:52:00 – Final thoughts: Rapeing You Records explained
⏱️ Timestamps