by Jonathan P-Wright | Mar 26, 2025 | Business News, Latest, Music News |
Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash
If you’re a content creator on YouTube, one of the most important metrics you monitor is the number of views your videos receive. Views are not just a measure of popularity but also influence monetization, audience reach, and overall engagement. However, many creators don’t fully understand what qualifies as a “view” on YouTube.
For standard long-form YouTube videos, the platform has a clear benchmark: a view is counted when a viewer watches at least 30 seconds of the video. This system ensures that only meaningful interactions contribute to a video’s total views, preventing cases where users scroll past videos without actually watching them.
However, with the rise of short-form content, YouTube introduced a separate set of rules for tracking views on YouTube Shorts. Unlike traditional videos, YouTube did not apply the 30-second rule to Shorts. Instead, a view was counted after just a few seconds of watch time. The exact duration was never publicly disclosed, leaving creators guessing about what really contributed to their view counts.
But now, a major change is coming that will redefine how views on YouTube Shorts are calculated—and it could have a significant impact on how creators interpret their success.
YouTube Shorts View Counts Are Changing
Starting March 31, 2025, YouTube will change how it counts views on YouTube Shorts. Unlike before, when Shorts needed to be watched for a few seconds to be counted as a view, now a view will be counted the moment a video begins to play.
This means that the instant a user sees a YouTube Shorts video in their feed—even if they scroll past it almost immediately—YouTube will register it as a view.
Furthermore, because YouTube Shorts videos loop automatically, every time a video restarts from the beginning, YouTube will count it as a new view. This differs greatly from the way views have traditionally been counted on the platform and could lead to significantly higher view counts for Shorts moving forward.
According to YouTube, this update comes in response to feedback from content creators. Many YouTubers who specialize in Shorts have argued that the old system did not accurately reflect audience exposure. The new approach aims to give creators a better understanding of how often their videos are surfaced and seen, even
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 6, 2022 | Business News, Latest, Music News |
Evolving into a CEO is a beautiful transformation.
Most independent artists focus solely on creating music rather than learning the business components of music. Sadly, this lack of interest and discipline opens the door to immense financial exposure, betrayal, and misinformation.
You give others unparalleled power over your life when you let them control your knowledge. Generating billions of dollars, young black talented artists fuel a large portion of America’s economy. In spite of this, they receive the smallest portion of revenue from the music industry.
Music icon T-Pain stated on the wildly popular podcast ‘Drink Champs’ that record labels generated seventeen billion dollars in revenue and artists only received twelve percent! Yo Gotti, Rick Ross, Nelly, Ray J, Diddy, Drake, Jay-Z, Ludacris, 50 Cent, and more have turned from recording artists to music moguls.
Numerous platinum plaques and million-dollar entities are owned and operated by them all. Most of the artists that appear on the ‘Forbes magazine’ top 30 earnings list are CEOs.
In 2022, XAYWAY is a hybrid Generation Z music executive.
Major Record Artist/Multi-Platform Entrepreneur XAYWAY represents the new-age Generation Z hustler. As a multimedia entrepreneur, XAYWAY has fully embraced his role as a mogul. XAYWAY’s parent company provides a corporate umbrella for multiple interactive companies.
XAYWAY’s brands include a record label, clothing line, global merchandising, music publishing, and TV/Film. The business acumen of XAYWAY landed him an executive role with the digital branding agency RADIOPUSHERS.
XAYWAY is solely responsible for increasing, monetizing, and building RADIOPUSHERS’s YouTube division. As head of YouTube Engagement and Monetization, XAYWAY will lead and conduct YouTube training sessions for indie artists on Spotify Live.
XAYWAY also performs YouTube live training sessions with emerging artists. Heading into 2023, XAYWAY is positioned for long-term success.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jun 13, 2025 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
In a cultural crossover few anticipated but many celebrated, Grammy-winning rapper and pop culture icon Megan Thee Stallion has announced she is developing her own anime series. The surprise revelation came during her appearance at DreamCon, a convention that celebrates anime, gaming, and the contributions of Black creatives in fandom spaces. Megan, a longtime anime enthusiast, took the stage dressed as Yoruichi Shihōin from the anime classic “Bleach” and unveiled her collaboration with acclaimed producer Carl Jones, known for his work on “The Boondocks” and “Black Dynamite.”
This project, which will debut on Prime Video, is not just a vanity experiment or a branding gimmick. It’s a full-scale anime series created by someone who grew up loving the medium, finally seizing the opportunity to contribute to it in a meaningful way. This announcement has sparked widespread excitement among anime fans, hip-hop heads, and anyone who understands the power of creative cross-pollination.
Megan’s personal connection to anime has been well documented. Over the years, she’s made her fandom a central part of her public identity. Whether through Instagram cosplays, interviews, or her previous Crunchyroll collaboration, Megan has shown time and again that she isn’t jumping on a trend—she’s been living it.
In 2020, Megan teamed up with Crunchyroll to launch an anime-inspired streetwear collection. The capsule line included t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags, all adorned with anime versions of the rapper. The pieces also referenced her hit song “Savage,” tying her music and anime love into a cohesive visual identity. It was a moment that underscored her genuine affection for anime culture and her desire to merge it with her brand in an authentic way.
Beyond fashion, Megan has also spoken at length about how anime has inspired her life. In a 2020 interview with Crunchyroll, she shared:
“I’m half anime character, half rapper. I like how you see a character, and it starts off, he’s not really the strongest, he might be a little weak, but he has to go through all this training. You grow with the character. You see all the trials and tribulations they go through. Then you meet new people along the way that help them become the person he needs to be. I apply that to my life a lot.”
That quote encapsulates the essence of what anime represents to so many fans: growth, resilience, friendship, transformation. For Megan, these are not just themes she appreciates as a viewer, but values she embodies as an artist. From her early days releasing freestyles on YouTube to her meteoric rise in the rap industry, Megan has lived the anime protagonist arc in real time.
So what can fans expect from this new anime series? While specific plot details remain tightly under wraps, the creative partnership between Megan and Carl Jones suggests a show that will be both visually dynamic and narratively deep. Jones is known for blending satire, social commentary, and stylistic flair. His work on “The Boondocks” helped redefine Black animation, while “Black Dynamite” pushed boundaries with its bold visuals and biting humor.
Combining Jones’ experience with Megan’s vision and charisma has the potential to produce something groundbreaking. Given Megan’s emphasis on character growth, strength, and identity, the anime is likely to reflect those themes in a futuristic, action-packed, or even magical girl format. It could be a story rooted in hip-hop aesthetics or draw on more traditional shonen or seinen influences with a feminist twist.
The significance of Megan creating an anime cannot be overstated. Anime has long suffered from a lack of diversity, both in front of and behind the screen. Black characters are often sidelined or stereotyped, and the industry has historically struggled with cultural representation. By taking on the role of creator, Megan is helping to rewrite that narrative. She is placing a Black woman at the helm of a genre that’s often been criticized for its lack of inclusivity.
Moreover, Megan is not alone in this movement. Other artists like Michael B. Jordan and Pharrell Williams have also stepped into the anime and animation space, reflecting a broader cultural moment where Black creatives are reclaiming genre storytelling. Megan’s anime isn’t just entertainment—it’s a statement.
This creative expansion also dovetails with Megan’s larger entrepreneurial pursuits. Just one day before her DreamCon appearance, she launched her new swimwear line, Hot Girl Summer, at PARAISO Miami Swim Week. The 18-piece collection, featuring vibrant bikinis, monokinis, one-piece swimsuits, and cover-ups, is now available at Walmart, Megan’s own website, and other outlets. Prices range from $16 to $28, making it both stylish and accessible.
In her press release, Megan said, “Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand. It was only right that we kick off Hot Girl Summer with this launch and provide Hotties of all body types with the official Hot Girl uniform. I used to shop at Walmart growing up, so it’s a full circle to have my own line available at Walmart and I’m so grateful for their support.”
This move reflects a broader trend among celebrities who are expanding their personal brands into fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. But again, what makes Megan stand out is the intentionality behind her ventures. Whether she’s creating a swimsuit or an anime, she does it with the aim of empowering others, particularly young Black women who rarely see themselves reflected in these spaces.
Her swimwear line and anime series are two sides of the same coin: bold declarations of autonomy, creativity, and representation. They show that Megan isn’t content to be boxed in by industry expectations. She is forging her own path—not just as a rapper, but as a mogul, storyteller, and icon of modern femininity.
The response to Megan’s anime announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media buzzed with excitement, fan art, and speculation about the show’s storyline. Anime fans expressed their joy that someone with genuine love for the medium is finally stepping into a creator role. Meanwhile, hip-hop heads celebrated Megan’s continued ascent as a cultural powerhouse.
This isn’t just another celebrity project—it’s a cultural moment. It shows the power of fandom to inspire real-world creation. It shows how being a “nerd” or a “fan” is no longer a weakness or a quirk, but a strength. It shows that representation matters, and when people are given the tools to tell their own stories, they create magic.
As Megan continues to rise, her ventures in music, fashion, and animation serve as a blueprint for how to build a legacy that’s both personal and revolutionary. She is not just contributing to pop culture; she is reshaping it in her own image.
In the months ahead, fans will be eagerly awaiting more details about the anime—its name, characters, plot, and release date. But even now, before a single frame has aired, the project is already a triumph. It affirms that anime can be a space for everyone, and that when artists bring their full selves into their work, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
Stay tuned for what promises to be one of the most exciting creative projects of the year. Megan Thee Stallion’s anime journey is just beginning—and the world is watching with anticipation and applause.
by Waqar | Apr 3, 2025 | Uncategorized |
Photo by Jonathan Velasquez on Unsplash
LeBron James, the iconic NBA superstar, continues to make waves both on and off the court. On Wednesday, March 26, James not only marked his return to playing basketball but also made a significant announcement regarding a new partnership with Amazon. This collaboration will take his critically acclaimed podcast, Mind The Game, into its highly anticipated second season. The podcast, which first debuted under LeBron’s Uninterrupted brand in 2024, is set to join forces with the renowned podcast platform Wondery. The multi-year partnership guarantees that the show will reach an even wider audience through Amazon Music, Prime Video, Fire TV, YouTube, and other platforms.
New Season, New Beginnings
The new season of Mind The Game is set to launch in April, just in time for the thrilling atmosphere of the NBA playoffs. LeBron James, known for his deep knowledge of the game, has always enjoyed delving into discussions about basketball strategy, game analysis, and the culture surrounding the sport. This season, James will have NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash by his side, as the two come together to provide fans with a unique, in-depth perspective on basketball. The pairing of James and Nash is expected to bring a whole new level of analysis to the podcast, given their vast experience and understanding of the game.
LeBron, reflecting on the success of the first season, shared his excitement about having Nash join him as co-host. “I love learning and talking about the game of basketball,” James explained, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “We had such great conversations in the first season of Mind The Game. I lost JJ Redick as my co-host, but in return, I’ve gained a coach. Now, I get to do it with another one of the greatest basketball minds in Steve Nash.”
The upcoming season promises a deep dive into basketball talk, film breakdowns, and insider commentary from two of the most cerebral and respected minds in the game. For LeBron, who has always been a student of the game, having the chance to collaborate with Nash brings the perfect balance of experience, knowledge, and insight. The second season will likely provide both casual fans and basketball aficionados with a new understanding of the sport’s intricacies, all while setting the stage for an exciting playoff race.
LeBron Opens Up on Stephen A. Smith Feud and Defends His Family
While Mind The Game brings more of LeBron’s intellectual side to the table, it’s not all smooth sailing in his personal life. This week, the NBA legend used his platform to address a highly publicized confrontation with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. Appearing on a livestream of The Pat McAfee Show, LeBron clarified what happened during a much-discussed incident that took place during the Lakers’ March 6 game against the New York Knicks.
The altercation between LeBron and Stephen A. Smith gained significant media attention after Smith made critical comments about LeBron’s family, particularly his son, Bronny James. LeBron, known for his fiery passion when it comes to protecting his loved ones, took the opportunity to clear the air and defend his actions. The confrontation became a major talking point in sports media, with many speculating on what truly transpired.
LeBron expressed his frustration with Smith’s approach to the situation, stating, “He completely missed the whole point. Never would I ever not allow people to criticize players about what they do on the court. But when you take it and get personal with it, it’s my job not only to protect my damn household but to protect the players.”
For LeBron, defending his family is non-negotiable, and he made it clear that he would not stand by while anyone crosses a line into personal attacks. His comments shed light on the complexities of fame, family, and the public’s relationship with athletes. Despite being in the limelight for over two decades, LeBron remains fiercely protective of his personal life, especially when it comes to his children. This confrontation highlights the challenges athletes face in balancing their public personas with their roles as parents and family members.
Bronny James’ Rising Success and the Spotlight on the Next Generation
In the wake of the public drama, LeBron’s son, Bronny James, has been thriving both on and off the court. The young basketball prodigy continues to make a name for himself in the world of basketball, proving that his skills extend far beyond the shadow of his famous father. After an impressive performance in a recent NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks, where Bronny scored a career-high 17 points, he followed it up with an explosive 39-point game in the G League just days later.
Despite facing the pressures of being LeBron’s son, Bronny has shown that he is more than capable of carving out his own path. Throughout his rookie season, he spent time with both the Lakers and their G League affiliate, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. His development as a player is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the high expectations placed on him.
While many may have expected Bronny to be overwhelmed by the pressure of living up to his father’s legacy, he has instead embraced the challenge and shown he is more than capable of standing on his own. His success on the court is only the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career in basketball, and LeBron continues to support and guide him along the way.
LeBron’s Return to the Lakers and the Playoff Push
As the NBA regular season draws to a close, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are fighting to regain momentum after an impressive post-trade run that was slowed by injuries. LeBron, who missed seven games due to a groin strain, made his return to the court on March 22, just in time to help lead the team’s playoff push. His absence had a significant impact on the Lakers’ performance, and with the playoffs approaching, every game is crucial for the team’s chances at success.
LeBron’s return to form was met with enthusiasm from his teammates and fans alike, and his presence on the court is vital as the Lakers look to make a deep playoff run. Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks superstar, even praised LeBron’s influence on the game, saying that he needs to “work with LeBron James to stop [the] slump.”
The Lakers, who were once struggling with injuries and inconsistent play, now find themselves in a better position as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. LeBron’s leadership on and off the court will be crucial as the team looks to compete for an NBA title once again. With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming playoffs will undoubtedly provide fans with some of the most exciting basketball of the year.
A Legacy of Growth, Family, and Basketball
As LeBron James continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day basketball player, his impact reaches far beyond the game itself. His podcast, his relationship with his family, and his leadership both on and off the court reflect his multifaceted approach to life and sports. With the launch of Mind The Game’s second season and his ongoing support for his son Bronny, LeBron is positioning himself as not just a basketball legend, but also a voice for the next generation of athletes and a symbol of personal growth.
As the world watches his every move, LeBron remains focused on his mission to protect his family, grow his legacy, and inspire the next generation of basketball stars. Through his podcast, his actions, and his words, he continues to prove that there is so much more to him than just being a player on the court. His journey is a reminder that greatness is achieved not only through physical ability but also through intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and a commitment to those we hold dear.
by Waqar | Apr 3, 2025 | Latest, Trending |
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
Kevin Hart’s rap alter ego, Chocolate Droppa, made an unforgettable appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, delivering what can only be described as a completely unhinged and chaotic performance. Known for his over-the-top energy and self-declared rap supremacy, Droppa stormed into the intimate setting like a battle rapper who had something to prove—but to no one in particular. His 10-minute set, presumably orchestrated in honor of April Fools’ Day, left the audience in stitches and questioning reality.
A Chaotic Opening That Set the Tone
Kicking off the performance with “ATL RAP” (a title seemingly bestowed upon the track by NPR itself), Droppa immediately established his unique stage presence. Rather than simply delivering bars, he halted the beat mid-bar and launched into an impromptu sermon. Channeling the intensity of DMX, the enthusiasm of a motivational speaker, and the swagger of a high school fight hype-man, he proclaimed, “I’m dressed in all black ‘cause it’s a funeral. It ain’t mine. It’s theirs. You know who I’m talking to.”
The problem? No one actually knew who he was talking to. But that didn’t stop the room from watching in captivated bewilderment.
With his hoodie pulled up like a rapper about to drop the diss track of the decade, Droppa prowled around the stage with an intensity that could only be rivaled by someone who just downed five espresso shots. His presence demanded attention, and whether you were laughing, confused, or genuinely vibing, you couldn’t look away.
Chocolate Droppa’s Unforgettable Performance
Accompanied by The Band of Brothas, Chocolate Droppa powered through four tracks, each more absurdly entertaining than the last. His setlist included “West Coast,” “Love Song,” and the hard-hitting closer, “Don’t F**k With Dem.” If you expected poetic lyricism and intricate storytelling, you were at the wrong concert. Instead, what viewers got was a high-energy spectacle featuring growls, pacing, exaggerated hand gestures, and a commitment to miming that deserves an award.
At one point, Droppa aggressively mimed eating out of an invisible bowl—an action so committed that audience members visibly struggled to hold in their laughter. Whether he was metaphorically consuming the competition or just really into imaginary meals, one thing was clear: Chocolate Droppa was in his own world, and he didn’t care who was watching.
Between songs, he took moments to remind the audience of his greatness. “I bark. I’m a big dog,” he declared with unwavering confidence. His eyes scanned the room, seemingly daring someone to challenge him. “That’s what big dogs do.”
The Return of Chocolate Droppa—A Decade in the Making
It’s been nearly ten years since Chocolate Droppa last released a mixtape, a project that featured an unexpectedly diverse lineup of collaborators—including Big Sean and Nick Jonas (whom Droppa affectionately refers to as Vanilla Wafer). During his absence, the rap game somehow managed to survive without him, but as he made it clear in his Tiny Desk performance, he’s back, and he’s here to remind everyone why no one ever tried to take his place.
But was this just a one-time April Fools’ joke, or is Droppa here to stay? If you ask him, the answer is obvious. Droppa confidently announced that a new album is on the way, though whether this is a serious announcement or another comedic bit remains a mystery. Considering his entire performance was “off the dome” (a fact he repeated multiple times), fans are left to wonder if the upcoming album will follow suit—or if it even exists at all.
Fans React to the Madness
The internet wasted no time in reacting to Chocolate Droppa’s unexpected NPR takeover. The YouTube comment section was flooded with gems, proving that the audience was just as amused as they were confused.
One user hilariously pointed out, “He made the desk look big,” poking fun at Kevin Hart’s notoriously small stature. Another praised NPR for embracing the absurdity of the performance, stating, “Give it up to NPR ‘Tiny Desk’ for playing along with the festivities… Whoever requested this should get a raise.”
Other viewers acknowledged the sheer comedic brilliance of having Kevin Hart’s rap persona take center stage on a platform known for soulful, intimate performances. “April Fools’ Day ushered in by a fool… Thanks, Kevin, we didn’t know we needed this,” one fan wrote. Another declared, “This wasn’t a Tiny Desk Concert, this was the very first ‘Regular Desk Concert.’”
Even NPR’s own staff seemed unsure of how to react. Throughout the video, they appeared visibly torn between laughing and filing a formal complaint. But regardless of how anyone felt about the performance, there was no denying that Chocolate Droppa had accomplished his mission: he left the audience entertained, bewildered, and possibly questioning their own musical tastes.
The Genius of Kevin Hart’s Chocolate Droppa Persona
While Chocolate Droppa is undeniably a parody, Kevin Hart’s commitment to the character is what makes it so brilliant. This isn’t just a quick joke—Hart fully transforms into Droppa, adopting his mannerisms, exaggerated confidence, and nonsensical bravado. It’s a satire of the rap industry, poking fun at over-the-top personas and exaggerated self-promotion, yet it’s done with such dedication that it feels real.
By placing Droppa in NPR’s Tiny Desk setting—an environment typically reserved for stripped-down, acoustic performances—Hart masterfully subverts expectations. The contrast between Droppa’s intense, larger-than-life presence and the intimate, low-key vibe of Tiny Desk makes the entire spectacle even funnier. It’s an intentional clash of worlds that highlights Hart’s comedic genius.
Will There Be More Chocolate Droppa?
With the announcement of a new album, it’s safe to assume that this won’t be the last we see of Chocolate Droppa. Whether the album materializes or not, one thing is for certain—Kevin Hart has once again proven his ability to entertain across multiple platforms.
His Tiny Desk debut may have been chaotic, absurd, and entirely unnecessary, but it was also one of the most memorable moments the series has seen. Fans are already calling for more, and given Hart’s love for pushing comedic boundaries, we wouldn’t be surprised if Chocolate Droppa makes another unexpected return in the near future.
Until then, we’ll just have to replay the performance and continue debating the true meaning behind the invisible bowl.
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