IDEA GENERATION
By IDEA GENERATION
We are Creatives, Innovators and Entrepreneurs on a quest to answer these questions and develop a blueprint to success in the creative space for generations to come.
Idea Generation is a 360° media platform catering to the creative class which exists to educate and inspire the mavericks of tomorrow.
IDEA GENERATIONMar 03, 2023
What Killer Mike Learned From Outkast, Being Canceled & How He Risked $500k on His Album ‘Michael’
For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/ On June 8, 2023, IDEA GENERATION and Tres Generaciones Tequila hosted a listening party with Grammy award-winning rapper Killer Mike in celebration of his latest album, 'Michael.' Killer Mike and IDEA GENERATION Founder Noah Callahan-Bever sat down together in Atlanta in front of a live audience to listen to the album, discuss Mike's career, and hear stories about how the legendary rapper constantly persevered throughout his entire career. The room was packed with fans sipping on Tres Generaciones Tequila, and the after party was popping as Mike once again performed records from the album. Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this experience to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
How Mike Amiri Built a Luxury Fashion House From a 30k Investment in Himself
For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, designer Mike Amiri takes us on a journey from his early days growing up in Hollywood, to releasing his first capsule collection, to launching his flagship brand, AMIRI. From handcrafting clothes for musicians, to reaching over $300 million in annual revenue, Mike Amiri's journey is truly remarkable... and it all started with one idea.
Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
How Sacha Jenkins Went from Self-Publishing Zines as a Teen to an Acclaimed Filmmaker
For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, writer and filmmaker Sacha Jenkins takes us on a journey from his childhood in Queens launching his own underground rap and graffiti zines, to pioneering the culture-defining magazine EgoTrip. Eventually Sacha would move into the world of filmmaking, directing the critically acclaimed documentaries 'Fresh Dressed,' 'Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,' and his latest work, 'Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues.' And it all started with one idea.
Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
Marc Eckō Built A Creative Empire, Almost Lost It All, + Came Out On Top
For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, designer, artist, and entrepreneur Marc Ecko takes us on a journey from his days as a young airbrush artist in New Jersey, to launching a $500 million brand in Ecko Unlimited, to creating the culture-defining Complex Magazine, to becoming a best-selling author and philanthropist. And it all started with one idea.
Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
How Rapsody Turned A Decade In the Underground + A Feature With Kendrick Into A Grammy Nomination
For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, rapper Rapsody takes us on a journey from her early days in a hip hop collective in college, to rising through the underground rap scene and landing major collaborations with Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar, to the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, 'Laila's Wisdom.' From rapping for fun to signing to Jay-Z's Roc Nation and getting nominated for Grammy's, Rapsody's career is an incredible story... and it all started with one idea.
Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
Gabrielle Union on Building Multi-Million Dollar Brands, 50/50 Finances, Family, Activism + Advocacy
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, actor, entrepreneur and activist Gabrielle Union takes us on a journey from her early days as a struggling actor in Los Angeles, to becoming a blockbuster movie star, film producer, and author... all while building a portfolio of her own brands and being a present mother in her family. And it all started with one idea.
The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila. The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres! @TresGenTequila
How Tay Keith Blew Up From Local Teen Beatmaker to Producing Global Hits for Drake and Travis Scott
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, producer Tay Keith takes us on a journey from his early days taking piano lessons, to meeting BlocBoy JB and building their careers together, to producing smash hits for artists like Beyonce, Drake, and Travis Scott, including the Diamond record "Sicko Mode."
The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila. The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres! @TresGenTequila
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Tay Keith
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Jack Erwin
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
How Nicole McLaughlin Used Instagram to Go From Design Intern to the Leader of Upcycle Fashion
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, designer Nicole McLaughlin takes us on a journey from her time as a graphic design intern, to becoming a viral sensation on Instagram by crafting creative upcycled shoes, to starting her own design courses, and collaborating with brands like Reebok and Vans.
The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila. The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres! @TresGenTequila
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Nicole McLaughlin
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Jack Erwin
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
Jason Bolden on Storytelling Through Fashion and Becoming The Biggest Stylist in Hollywood
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, celebrity stylist Jason Bolden takes us on a journey from his youth in St. Louis and Chicago, to becoming one of the most sought-after stylists in Hollywood. From opening a vintage shop in New York City, to getting a chance to style Gabrielle Union, to building an all star roster of A-listers as clients, Jason Bolden has reimagined what it means to be a stylist... and it all started with one idea.
The Idea Generation Podcast is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila. The perfect tequila for creatives who are ready to fail twice, but get up Tres! @TresGenTequila
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Jason Bolden
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Jack Erwin
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
Just Blaze on Shaping Roc-A-Fella’s Sound, Writing Hit Records & Disrupting the Video Game Industry
This episode is brought to you by Tres Generaciones Tequila.
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, Just Blaze takes us on a journey from his early days as a math prodigy in Paterson, New Jersey, to becoming one of the premier beatmakers in music. From helping shape the sound of Roc-A-Fella records, to earning a reputation as one of the most sought after pens in the game, to scoring new worlds within video games, Just Blaze has built one of the most impressive resumes in music... and it all started with one idea.
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Just Blaze
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Jack Erwin
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
Paul Rodriguez Jr. on Nike SB, Founding Primitive, & Investing in Everything From Beer to Lemons
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, Paul Rodriguez Jr. (aka P Rod) takes us on a journey from his early days as a young skateboarder in California, to becoming the face of Nike Skate, to launching his own company, Primitive Skateboarding. Along the way, P Rod has become an acclaimed investor, exploring the trades of everything from beer to lemons... and it all started with one idea. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Paul 'P-Rod' Rodriguez
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Jack Erwin
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer: Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor: Xan of Mars
Scooter Braun On Self-Work, Ariana, Bieber, BTS + HYBE, Selling For A Billion, + Putting Family 1st
On the Season 3 premiere of IDEA GENERATION, Scooter Braun takes us on a journey from his days as a college dropout and party promoter in Atlanta, to becoming one of the most successful music executives on the planet. From his time as manager of Justin Bieber and Asher Roth, to his part in acquiring Big Machine Records, to selling his own company for $1 billion, Braun has built one of the most impressive resumes in music. And it all started with one idea.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Scooter Braun
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Jack Erwin
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Xan Marsella
The-Dream on Collaborating with Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Becoming Music's Cheat Code | IDEA GENERATION
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Writer, musician, and collaborator Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, better known as The-Dream, takes us on a journey from his days a trumpet player in a high school band to winning Grammy awards with the likes of Rihanna and Beyoncé. In this week's episode, hear how The-Dream started working with some of the biggest artists in music, decided to go independent as a musician, and jumped into the fashion world by enrolling in the Savannah College of Art & Design.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: The-Dream
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
John Walaszek
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Xan Marsella
How Jessie Reyez Overcame Adversity and Willed Herself To The Top of Music | IDEA GENERATION
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Writer, artist, and trailblazer Jessie Reyez takes us on a journey from her childhood writing poems, to hitting open mics around her hometown of Toronto, to becoming one of the most authentic and dynamic songwriters and musicians in the world. In this week's episode, hear how Reyez first started getting into music thanks to her family, moved to Florida after a failed stint as a Tornoto Raptors cheerleader, and found musical success by leaning into her most authentic self.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Jessie Reyez
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
John Walaszek
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Xan Marsella
How New York Nico Went From Music Video Director to NYC's Unofficial Talent Scout | IDEA GENERATION
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Storyteller, filmmaker, and leader Nicolas Heller aka New York Nico takes us on a journey from his childhood making short films around his neighborhood, to pursuing a music video directing career in Los Angeles, to becoming the unofficial talent scout of New York City by showcasing the city's most fascinating personalities on his viral Instagram account. In this week's episode, hear how Heller first picked up a camera in grade school, blew a shot at directing a music video for A$AP Rocky, and turned his Instagram account into a vessel for change by saving small business around the city.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: NY Nico
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
John Walaszek
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
How Hebru Brantley Blew Up In Fine Art + Created the FLYBOY Universe | IDEA GENERATION
Artist, storyteller, and entrepreneur Hebru Brantley takes us on a journey from his childhood in Chicago discovering fine art, to studying film in Atlanta, to struggling to make ends meet while styling rappers and designing concert posters, to finding critical acclaim and collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the world.
In this week's episode, hear how Brantley launched his art career with used canvases from a local art institute, turned tragedy into triumph with his first major art show in Chicago, and created an entire world with his art that led to every major motion picture studio knocking on his door.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Hebru Brantley
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
How LaRussell Became Hip-Hop’s #1 Prospect & Changed The Industry From His Garage | IDEA GENERATION
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Rapper, entrepreneur, and innovator LaRussell takes us on a journey from his childhood in the Bay Area making music, to his viral freestyles that lead to an appearance on The Breakfast Club, to his current mission of reimagining the music industry from his own garage. In this week's episode, hear how LaRussell first started gaining traction in his hometown of Vallejo, how he landed appearances on some of the premiere hip-hop radio shows, and why he has turned down offers from every major label in pursuit of building an independent empire.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Larussell
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
John Walaszek
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
Angela Yee on Building The Breakfast Club, Becoming An Entrepreneur, & Going Solo | IDEA GENERATION
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Host, connector, and entrepreneur Angela Yee takes us on a journey from her youth in New York City falling in love with the hip hop scene, to her first radio job at Shade 45, to starting her own businesses, investing in real estate, and launching her brand new upcoming solo radio show, Way Up With Angela Yee.
In this episode hear how Yee introduced Jay Electronica to Jay Z, why she decided to book Eminem for one of his first ever shows, and how she's getting into the coffee game with the launch of her Brooklyn based cafe, CUP.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Angela Yee
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
How EMPIRE's Ghazi Married Tech with Culture & Reimagined the Music Industry | IDEA GENERATION
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Founder, engineer, and pioneer Ghazi Shami takes us on a journey from his youth in San Francisco falling in love with the buzzing Bay Area music scene, to taking a tech job in Silicon Valley, to combining those two worlds together to create his wildly successful music distribution company, Empire.
In this episode hear how Ghazi started out as an engineer and opened his own recording studio at the age of 18, found a job in technology and brought new ideas to the music industry, and then put it all together to distribute the debut album of a then relatively unknown artist by the name of Kendrick Lamar.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Ghazi
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
How Melody Ehsani Pivoted From High Heels to Jewelry, Jordans + Big Success
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Designer, entrepreneur Melody Ehsani takes us on a journey from her early days working retail, to designing her first shoes and jewelry lines, to collaborating with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jordan brand before taking on a bespoke role at Foot Locker.
In this episode we hear how Ehsani became a sponge for product design, figured out how to make accessible yet high-end jewelry, and why sometimes if you have manufacturing issues in China, you go to China for 8 months or do whatever it takes to get something done.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Melody Ehsani
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
Kenny Beats on Community Building, Creativity, and the Art of Collaboration | IDEA GENERATION
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Producer, musician, and connector Kenny Beats takes us on a journey from his college days at Berklee College of Music, to blowing up on the EDM scene, to reemerging as a beloved producer and content creator, all while building one of the most interactive music-obsessed communities on the internet. A true renaissance man, Kenny Beats has built an entire network around his "Don't Over Think Shit" mantra, and from that created his sensational YouTube series 'The Cave,' landed record deals for members of his Discord, produced records for some of the biggest artists in music, and somehow still found time to release his own debut album, 'Louie.' In this episode we hear how Kenny's father's basketball career influenced his music, why Billboard placements don't matter if your friends think you're whack, and how to keep creating and reinventing yourself through all the trials and tribulations life throws your way.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Kenny Beats
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
How Salehe Bembury Went from Payless to Versace to Birthing His Own Brand | IDEA GENERATION S2 E3
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Designer and creative Salehe Bembury takes us on a journey from his childhood growing up in Manhattan, to an invaluable degree in industrial design, to working with some of the biggest names in fashion... before breaking off to make a name of his own.
This week we see how Bembury is able to tightrope-walk the line of convention to take his art to new heights. By day, Bembury can dip into his traditional bag, and cold-call someone on LinkedIn. But by night, the rule book gets tossed, and Bembury can take the ordinary - a Cuban link chain, for example - and turn it into something extraordinary.
Follow along as Bembury lays out the blueprint for his career, and takes us all the way from his first sketch to his thriving personal brand, Spunge.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Salehe Bembury
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
How Action Bronson Conquered Media By Being His Most Authentic Self | IDEA GENERATION S2 E2
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Rapper, chef, author, and all around creative mastermind Action Bronson takes us on a journey from his early days at culinary school, to releasing critically acclaimed albums, to writing books, starring in TV shows, and building an iconic brand around his most authentic interests.
Clever, insightful, and hilarious, Bronson has built his own world all from staying true to himself, and focusing on the interests he cares about most. In this episode, Bronson explains how the lessons he learned in the kitchen translated to the booth, the reason money can never be the motivation for creating art, and why the imperfections are the best part of any masterpiece.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Action Bronson
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor:
Sam Anderson
Dwyane Wade on Discipline, Curiosity, & Building an Empire On & Off The Court | IDEA GENERATION S2 E1
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On the Season 2 premiere of IDEA GENERATION, NBA legend and entrepreneur Dwyane Wade takes us on a journey from his early days as a young hooper growing up in Chicago, to achieving NBA superstardom, to building a brand around himself while also venturing into media, wine, and NBA ownership.
Humble, hard working, and always ready to adapt, Wade has balanced business and basketball as well as anyone to ever step on a court. In this episode Wade explains what kind of dedication it takes to make it to the NBA, the discipline it takes to succeed in the pros, and how he was able to build success off the court, and somehow wrap all of that up into one cohesive, iconic image that is simply, D. Wade.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and tune in for new episodes every Friday.
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/learn
CREDITS
Creator & Host
Noah Callahan-Bever
Starring: Dwyane Wade
Executive Producer:
Helena Ox
Producer:
Lamonday Baxter
Lead Editor, Creative Director & Sound Designer:
Sarathi Garimella
Producer / Editor
Sam Anderson
How Hit-Boy Blew Up Online, Fell Out With Kanye & Got A Second Life With Nas | IDEA GENERATION Ep.12
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Hailing from Fontana, CA Chauncy "Hit-Boy" Hollis Jr. got started making beats in his bedroom and posting them on Myspace. Producer Polo Da Don found Hit on the platform and reached out immediately. Within weeks they were working together, and placing tracks with artists like J.Lo and Lil Wayne. Eventually his beat CD would catch the attention of Kanye West and Hit would be pulled into the GOOD Music cipher where he would mint his position with the indelible smash, "N***** In Paris." In the next years he would go on to make more classics for Ye and Jay, as well as ASAP Rocky, Drake and Beyonce. However, a decision to bounce from Hawaii during the Cruel Summer sessions to work with Beyonce would alienate his mentor, Kanye, and derail his momentum. But Hit-Boy was undaunted and went back to basics, honing his craft and quietly placing tracks until his Travis Scott and Drake collab, "Sicko Mode", would drop in 2018 and announce his second coming. In the subsequent 3 years he's won Grammy's and made unforgettable bodies of work with Nipsey Hustle, Nas and Big Sean.
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Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Hit-Boy
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Adam Fleischer & Insanul Ahmed
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Leah McSweeney on how she built Married To The Mob, and became a Real Housewife of NY | IDEA GENERATION Ep.11
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Leah McSweeney grew up in downtown, NYC straddling the overlapping worlds of streetwear, graffiti, and hip-hop. And while running with the dudes driving those worlds, she realised two things: She wanted a part of the lifestyle, and none of them saw the unaddressed women's market she was a part of. So she launched her brand, Married to the Mob. Over the next decade and a half she would lead the brand to the bleeding edge of cool, only to find herself in a perpetual state of putting out fires to keep the lights on. As her interests broadened—pursuing writing and podcasting—her personal star began to rise, and a chance opportunity on Millionaire Matchmaker would eventually lead to a spot on BRAVO's Real Housewives of New York. Re-energized by her new, much larger audience, McSweeney is doubling down on MOB, releasing a new athleisure line, and herself with her forthcoming autobiography, Chaos Theory.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/36fDCP1
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify
Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Leah McSweeney
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Adam Fleischer & Insanul Ahmed
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Steven Victor on managing Pusha T, mourning Pop Smoke and building VVW | IDEA GENERATION Ep.10
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Brooklynite Steven Victor got his shot in the music industry straight out of college as an intern at Interscope Records. After a few years of unpaid labor the soft spoken strategist would begin scaling the corporate ladder, landing a full time job in publicity and making in-roads through the Star Trak team to Pusha T and the Clipse. Within no time he'd trade the office life to be the duo's full time manager, and helped Pusha T ink his solo deal with Kanye West's GOOD Music. From there he got the opportunity to run A&R for GOOD, and then eventually Def Jam Recordings, before getting his own label deal for Victor Victor Worldwide. Victor would sign Pop Smoke and the two would craft his classic debut, though Pop would tragically never see the album's release. Since then Victor has quietly plotted the future of his label while accumulating platinum plaques and professional accolades at every turn.
Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3rMCiLF
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify
Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Steven Victor
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Adam Fleischer & Insanul Ahmed
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
RHUDE's Rhuigi Villaseñor on How to Turn a T-Shirt Into A 18M Dollar Brand | IDEA GENERATION, Ep.9
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After growing up as a global citizen, Rhuigi Villaseñor settled in Southern California and found his twin passions: clothing and hustle. As a teen the young design prodigy used his eye to flip vintage clothes, which fattened his pockets but also deepened his knowledge. Knowing full well what he didn't know, Rhuigi relentlessly networked and apprenticed himself until he got his first break. A single t-shirt design of his, the bandana tee, rang out locally, until, in a moment of serendipity, Kendrick Lamar wore the piece on stage at the BET Awards and everything changed. RHUDE would be born shortly thereafter, and Rhuigi would go on to create a unique language at the intersection of Americana, Luxury and Streetwear that would drive the brand to the pinnacle of cool and also to commercial success. But of course not without his fair share of mistakes and missteps. Tune into this weeks episode to hear how he scaled the business and just kept bouncing back despite every adversity in his path.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Rhuigi Villaseñor
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Alchemist On How He Turned Beats Into A Business, And Cut Out The Music Industry | IDEA GENERATION Ep. 8
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Alchemist got his start as the teenaged sidekick to Cypress Hill and the Soul Assassins. Though his rap group, The Whooliganz, would be dumped by their label before they could even release their first album, Al did not let the setback stop him. In fact, by the time he dropped out of NYU the MC-turned-beat-maker already had a catalog with a couple classics, and more on the way. In the 25 years since Al has continued to develop as a musician, embracing new generations and new styles, while also reinventing his business model from the typical front half advance + pub and writing backend to a more Direct-To-Consumer model. And as a result of this conscious shift in economics, he has more latitude than ever with his craft.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: The Alchemist
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Freddie Gibbs Explains Why He's Happy He Got Dropped, Why SSS Is Going To Be His Biggest Album, And The Key to Good Marketing | IDEA GENERATION Ep.7
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Freddie Gibbs got his first taste of rap success when he signed a deal with Interscope Records in 2007. But a man ahead of his time, Gibbs was unable to capitalize on the opportunity and within a couple years would find himself dropped and blackballed. Which, of course, is exactly when the rest of the world caught up to Gibbs, recognizing his effortless authenticity and pointed songwriting, and prolific output. In the ensuing decade Gibbs has only improved at his craft, as well as adding innovative marketer and accomplished actor to his resume. Today he approaches 40 years-old at the top of his game, with accolades, respect and blossoming financial opportunity.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Freddie Gibbs
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Beth Birkett on Building UNION LA, launching Bephies Beauty Supplies, and Sexism In Streetwear | IDEA GENERATION Ep.6
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Beth Birkett cut her teeth in NYC's emergent scenes of streetwear and music, connecting the two tangentially related movements in the late 90s. But the toxic misogyny of the industry soured her interest, and sent her to LA to start a family. And a family business: Union LA. However, after a decade and a half of working with husband Chris Gibbs to grow Union to the premiere retail brand in the space, Birkett turned her attention back on herself, and birthed own brand and marketplace—Bephies Beauty Supply.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Beth Birkett
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Street Art + Graffiti Pioneer FUTURA on How To Think About Identity + Brand, and The Power of Collaboration | IDEA GENERATION Ep. 5
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Street Art pioneer FUTURA started painting his name on walls as a coping mechanism to deal with his struggle around identity. But as he turned a signature into a brand he quickly realized that it could also be a business. And that's where things got interesting. From Lower East Side galleries to t-shirts and toys to collaborations with nearly every blue chip brand you can name, over the last 40 years FUTURA has redefined what it means to be a pop artist. Grab a pen and paper, relax and take notes.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Futura
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Chef Mario Carbone on Opening CARBONE, and Building a Dining Empire | IDEA GENERATION Ep. 4
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Restaurateur Mario Carbone shows us his path from teenaged line chef on Northern Blvd, Queens to NYC dining upstart to global culinary kingpin. A master chef, Carbone's skills behind the stove are second only to his skills as a storyteller. Each establishment he opens has its own unique tale, and Carbone is vigilant about maintaining the integrity of that narrative with every detail. However, his success was anything but overnight and far from easy. But the challenges only sharpened his knife, and made his company, The Major Food Group, that much stronger.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Mario Carbone
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Marsai Martin on creating 'Little' and building an empire in Hollywood | IDEA GENERATION EP.3
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Actor and executive producer Marsai Martin walks us through her journey from being a struggling child actor in Dallas to becoming the youngest person to executive produce a major motion picture in the history of Hollywood. Since the age of 6, Martin has been cultivating her craft and chasing her ambition. Along the way she's racked up awards and box office receipts. This episode offers a case study in how—with the right focus, discipline and drive—a child can affect meaningful change within an antiquated industry.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Marsai Martin
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Dreamville's Ibrahim Hamad on managing J.Cole + taking the brand beyond music | IDEA GENERATION Ep.2
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Manager and music executive Ibrahim Hamad takes us on his long journey from meeting a then-unknown rapper named J.Cole in college to becoming his manager to helping him build a label, a festival and a media company as partners. Modest and soft spoken, for Cole's entire career Hamad has balanced friendship and business, acting as a sounding board, idea man, and relentless executor. And he learned how to do it all while on the job. In this episode he explains how he gets the best out of J.Cole, the pressure he puts on himself, and his vision for the future of Dreamville.
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CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Ibrahim Hamad
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Rapper Russ on Building His Brand Independently + Navigating Controversy | IDEA GENERATION Ep. 1
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Rapper, singer and producer Russ walks us through the creative impulses and strategic decisions that propelled him to multi-platinum success. Since the age of 14 years-old Russ has been cultivating his musical gifts and pushing himself, against all odds, to realize his ambitions for greatness. Along the way he's made no shortage of hits... or waves. This episode offers a case study in how to build your brand independently, and how to navigate the inevitable pendulum swings that come with that success.
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Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3og5Gbj
Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify
Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
CREDITS
Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Russ
Executive Producer: Helena Ox
Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer
Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella
Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
IDEA GENERATION Trailer
Ideas are the global currency of the 21st century. But how do you come up with one? How do you execute it? How do you operationalize that process and replicate it again and again?
We are Creatives, Innovators and Entrepreneurs on a quest to answer these questions and develop a blueprint to success in the creative space for generations to come.
Idea Generation is a 360° media platform catering to the creative class which exists to educate and inspire the mavericks of tomorrow. And in no coincidence, the brand about creative entrepreneurship is itself an independent exercise in creative entrepreneurship. We’ve got a whole slate of exciting new products cooking, but kindly enjoy our first salvo for now! And please, if you’ve ever had a big idea or dreamed of building a business on the back of your creativity, join us on this ride.
Welcome to IDEA GENERATION.