Advertise on podcast: L.A. Rap Radar

DJ Crash D aka Big Trap breaks down one of the biggest conversations in the music industry right now: artists getting scammed, artists calling everything a scam, and the truth about why so many independent artists lose money chasing shortcuts. In this episode, DJ Crash D gives a real perspective from inside the rap media, promo, and artist development world. He talks about why some artists try to skip the process, why untested records should not get full rollouts, why paying for a post is not the same as paying for a hit, and why no amount of money can force people to like your music. He also breaks down the difference between real promo, record testing, showcases, pay-to-play opportunities, fake celebrity features, A&R scams, and investing in the actual song before investing in marketing. This is game for independent artists, managers, promoters, DJs, platforms, and anybody trying to understand how the music business really works before wasting money. Subscribe for more real music industry game from DJ Crash D and trapLA.

LA Rap Radar taps in with Willy Beeman Gomez for a conversation about fashion, creativity, custom one-of-one pieces, and why real design work deserves real money. In this interview, Willy breaks down how he stepped into fashion, why looking good has always been part of the culture, and how his creative path moved from music into custom clothing. He also talks about the legacy of Desto Dub, Calmatic, Overdose, and the creative family tree that helped shape parts of L.A. culture. This one is about more than clothes — it’s about taking risks, creating value, paying artists for their time, and building something that can’t be copied. Tap in with LA Rap Radar / trapLA for more conversations with the people shaping the culture.

trapLA caught up with rap artist Slim Rose on the set of her music video shoot for “Mackin Since 1998.” In this quick interview, Slim Rose breaks down the meaning behind the record, calling it a player-cool West Coast song about being born to win. She talks about wanting fans to feel like they’re riding down the 405 or the 110, tapped into that real West Coast energy, having the time of their lives. She also speaks on her fashion and music influences, her relaxed G-funk-inspired style, artists she’s listening to, women rappers she wants to work with, and her plan to stay consistent, stay outside, drop more music, get booked, and keep building her campaign. Watch the full interview now on trapLA. Follow trapLA for more interviews, performances, music video shoots, cyphers, and West Coast culture.

Luna Vibes caught up with two-time world champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter at the celebrity baseball game for Trap LA — but instead of talking boxing, she put his baseball knowledge to the test. From guessing how many bases are on the field to naming the infield shape, the umpire, the pitcher, and how many innings are in a pro game, Shawn Porter had to survive Luna’s quick baseball quiz on the spot. Watch the full moment now on Trap LA

Luna Marley of trapLA sits down with Franco Vega at the Team Watson celebrity match to talk about mental health, childhood trauma, foster care, and why sports can be more than just a game for young people who are going through real-life struggles. Franco opens up about how fitness helps relieve stress, how working with kids who have experienced trauma can sometimes reopen his own wounds, and the daily habits he uses to keep his own mental health intact — from working out and meditation to feeding his mind with positive messages. This conversation is a reminder that sports, mentorship, and community can give kids an outlet before the streets, depression, or life circumstances take over. Watch the full interview and tap in with trapLA for more real conversations from the culture. Presented by trapLA.

Cam Carter pulled up to Content & Connect with PoonDaga for LA Rap Radar / trapLA / What’s Hot L.A. and brought a whole Memphis conversation with him. In this interview, Cam talks about being from Memphis, growing up on Three 6 Mafia, Prophet Posse, 8Ball & MJG, and the culture that shaped his sound. But this conversation goes deeper than music. Cam explains why he calls himself an artist instead of just a rapper, how he blends multiple genres, and why his mission is about capturing moments and making them live forever. 0929(1Cam Carter He also breaks down his new single “Mark By The MUD,” the meaning behind standing in the struggle, and why he feels responsible for helping push Memphis culture forward. 0929(1Cam Carter Tap in with Cam Carter and keep it locked with trapLA, LA Rap Radar, and What’s Hot L.A.

Knotch pulled up to Content & Connect with PoonDaga, LA Rap Radar, and trapLA for a real conversation about music, comedy, creativity, and surviving through every era of the game. In this interview, Knotch talks about his production and writing credits, working on records connected to New Boyz, Ray J, Chris Brown, Cassie, and more. He also breaks down how he got involved with Roast Me, why Pasadena has hidden talent that people overlook, his respect for comedians like Nate Jackson and Big John, and his work on projects like Shoot The Pitch / Roll The Clip. This one is bigger than just music. It’s about being talented enough to keep evolving when the industry changes, when the algorithm moves, and when even a Kendrick Lamar surprise drop can put your project in the shadows. Tap in with Knotch and watch the full interview now. Hosted by PoonDagaPresented by trapLA / LA Rap RadarShot at Content & Connect Subscribe for more interviews, performances, cyphers, and real conversations from the L.A. creative scene.

Leeky2x and Drip Crew pull up to What’s Hot L.A. for a real conversation about new music, viral records, chemistry, consistency, and the next wave coming out of L.A. In this episode, Leeky2x talks about his new single “Can You Take It,” why he’s been dropping more music this year than ever before, and how he balances trusting his gut with listening to the streets. Drip YBC breaks down his single “Trophies In The Air,” his plan to push the record, and why everybody is starting to follow the “Leeky formula.” The crew also speaks on their unreleased music, their upcoming summer records, YBC, the chemistry that comes from knowing each other for over 10 years, and why they feel like they can’t be put in one lane. From LA records to sexy drill vibes to pain music and party records, Leeky2x and Drip Crew make it clear they’re coming with range. Watch the full interview now on trapLA. Follow trapLA for more L.A. music interviews, performances, cyphers, and exclusive content. #trapLA #WhatsHotLA #Leeky2x #DripYBC #YBC #LARap #LosAngelesRap

Los Angeles artist King HXVIK pulls up to What’s Hot L.A. and talks about his journey, his latest project By Chance, the motion behind “Tamed,” and why he considers himself a multi-lane creative. HXVIK breaks down the difference between building your career through the grind versus blowing up overnight, why going viral on your first record can create its own problems, and why the L.A. underground music scene may be closer to a breakthrough than people think. He also speaks on social media becoming the new TV, the lack of diversity represented in mainstream media, artist independence, and why today’s artists don’t necessarily need a major label or big company to build an audience. Tap in with King HXVIK and watch the full conversation on What’s Hot L.A. Follow King HXVIK:Instagram: HXVIK 2.0Available on YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal and more. Subscribe to trapLA for more L.A. artist interviews, music, culture and independent entertainment.

Reddnthabuilding sits down with Crystal for another episode of What’s Hot in LA to talk growth, fatherhood, music, production, and his next chapter. In this interview, Red opens up about leaving old energy behind, preparing for his first child, selling exclusive beats, and locking in on his music career. He also breaks down his upcoming project Goated, producing the entire project himself, working with features like Airplane James, Avenue, GTA Tray, Donnie Solo, The Maestro, and more. Red also speaks on his Mic Drop record, making music for the ladies, taking a Dr. Dre-style approach to his albums, and why he feels he belongs in the Top 5 producers coming out of L.A. Tap in with Reddnthabuilding and watch the full interview now on trapLA. Follow Reddnthabuilding:@reddnthabuilding Hosted by CrystalPresented by trapLA / L.A. Rap Radar

LA Rap Radar / trapLA sits down with legendary comedian, actor, writer, and South Central LA native Alex Thomas for a real conversation about comedy, Hollywood, legacy, and how long he’s been putting points on the board. Alex breaks down 30 years in stand-up comedy, being a Soul Train dancer before the world knew him, writing on the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, working on some of the biggest Black TV shows and movies, and why real longevity matters more than internet hype. From South Central to Soul Train, Fresh Prince, Jamie Foxx, classic Black films, Netflix animation, stand-up stages across the country, and now South Central Country Club — Alex Thomas has lived multiple eras of entertainment and still sounds sharp, funny, and relevant. Tap in for the full interview and catch the stories, game, and comedy you won’t get from a short clip. Presented by trapLA / LA Rap RadarHosted by PoonDaga Subscribe to trapLA for more interviews, artist conversations, comedy, music, culture, and real LA stories.

Akon pulled up to trapLA with The Gang, featuring longtime collaborator T Money and L.A. rap veteran Eastside K-Boy, for an exclusive conversation with JessWest. Akon breaks down why he believes the West Coast has been missing a certain sound, what immediately stood out to him about K-Boy, and why now was the right time to put the pieces together. The conversation goes deeper than the music. They talk about longevity, navigating the modern music industry, the difference between being hot and building something sustainable, music industry politics, giving back to at-risk youth, Akon meeting Michael Jackson, T Money’s years behind the scenes, and the vision behind their upcoming project “We Govern Ourselves Vol. 1.” The Gang also talks about bringing that authentic West Coast feeling back without sounding dated—and why they’re focused on making good music, doing good business and building something bigger than themselves. Their single “Gangsters” featuring Akon is out now. 🎤 Interviewed by JessWest📍 Presented by trapLA Subscribe to trapLA for more exclusive interviews, West Coast hip-hop, independent artists, performances and conversations you won’t get anywhere else. Drop a comment: Is the West Coast missing that authentic sound Akon is talking about?

ason Weaver has been part of Black entertainment history for more than three decades — and in this conversation with trapLA’s Poon, he takes us behind the scenes of a career most people only know pieces of. Jason talks about getting started as a child actor, playing a young Michael Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream, becoming the singing voice of young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King, his years at Motown, and what it was really like growing up in the entertainment industry. He also remembers being in the clubs and rooms with Biggie, Jay-Z, Dame Dash, DJ Clark Kent and others while hip-hop history was unfolding in real time. The conversation goes deeper into maintaining his integrity in Hollywood, turning down roles that didn’t align with him, what today’s influencers and content creators should understand about acting, and why preparation has played such a huge role in his longevity. Jason also opens up about what’s next, including his move into directing, developing new animated content, and building a new late-night-style platform with the 85 South team. This is more than an interview — it’s a firsthand look at multiple eras of Black music, television, film and culture from somebody who actually lived through them. Hosted by PoonPresented by trapLA / trapLAxRadio ▶️ Watch the full interview.👍🏾 Like the video💬 Drop your favorite Jason Weaver role or moment in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews, throwbacks and conversations from the trapLA archives.

Everybody keeps asking why L.A. radio doesn't play more local, up-and-coming artists. The problem is, a lot of artists don't understand how commercial radio actually works — or the business behind breaking a record. Coming from radio promotion and my experience with the Hitmen DJs, I'm breaking down some of the game behind the scenes: why radio is really an advertising business, the difference between mix-show spins and rotation, how radio promoters and DJs help build records, and why REAL audience demand matters. I also talk about why L.A. artists need to support DJs like DJ Carisma who are already giving local artists opportunities. If somebody plays your record, mobilize your audience. Support the show. Support the DJ. Show up to station events. Build relationships and turn every spin into momentum. Stop waiting for radio to create your movement. Build a movement that radio can't afford to ignore. Subscribe for more conversations about the REAL business behind music, marketing, radio and breaking records.

Before the platinum moments and major recognition, trapLA caught up with East Oakland’s own Adrian Marcel for a real conversation with Neeko. In this throwback interview, Adrian talks about his project GMFU, the single “Mobin,” and linking heavy hitters like Too Short, Lil Boosie, and MCity Jr. for the record. He also breaks down his creative process, the West Coast influence behind his sound, and why he wanted to make music that brings people together instead of dividing them. This one is a real time capsule for fans of Adrian Marcel and anybody who appreciates West Coast R&B with game, soul, and purpose. Watch, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive throwback interviews, music talk, and culture from trapLA. Follow @trapxla for more exclusive content.