The groundbreaking debut mixtape from Jeremih has been released to all digital platforms for fans. The recording artist introduced Late Nights With Jeremih in 2012, and he thought celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program would be the perfect way to commemorate it. Jeremih’s original album still sounds like a brand new release, and the seductive opening lyrics from “Rosa Acosta” recall the early days when the rapper was just starting out.
With a star-studded roster of celebrities, Late Nights With Jeremih would still be able to claim bragging rights today. Besides the platinum-certified song “All the Time” with Natasha Mosley and Lil Wayne, the mixtape also features fellow YG, and Fabolous, and Def Jam stars 2 Chainz, as well as AK, Gucci Mane, E-40, Marcus Fench, Sir Michael Rocks, Twista, and Willie Taylor.
This has been an exciting and progressive year for Jeremih as he is working to make a full recovery from his illness while also taking advantage of some exciting opportunities in the interim. Another career achievement was making his first appearance on-screen in “Power Book IV: Force.”
“Playing Elijah for ‘Power: Force’ was nothing short of awesome,” he writes with thankfulness. I met a lot of incredible folks who do this stuff for real for the first time on screen. I’m always grateful to 50 Cent, as well as Joseph Sikora, who helped me feel confident about myself. I remember getting out of the hospital around this time last year. The hardest part was learning how to walk again.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, few figures command as much reverence and intrigue as Larry Jackson, the trailblazing CEO of Gamma. With an illustrious career spanning pivotal roles at industry giants like Apple Music, Jackson has etched his name as a visionary, consistently pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a luminary in the realm of sound and rhythm.
The Audacious Proclamation
Recently, in a candid interview with the renowned Joe Budden, Jackson made a bold proclamation that sent shockwaves through the music world. Speaking with unwavering conviction, he asserted that the commercial value of Drake’s music on streaming platforms eclipses the combined might of artists from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s – a statement that challenged long-held notions of musical legacy and stardom.
The Streaming Revolution
To fully grasp the weight of Jackson’s words, one must first understand the seismic shift that streaming has brought to the music industry. In an era where on-demand access to vast libraries of songs is just a tap away, the way we consume and measure musical success has been irrevocably transformed.
Jackson, a seasoned veteran who witnessed this revolution firsthand during his tenure at Apple Music, offered insights that shed light on the changing tides. He revealed that the most consumed catalogs on streaming services are predominantly from the ’90s onward, with a particular emphasis on the 2000s and 2010s – a testament to the enduring appeal of contemporary sounds among today’s listeners.
Drake: The Undisputed Streaming Juggernaut
At the center of Jackson’s audacious claim lies Drake, the undisputed streaming juggernaut whose impact on the industry cannot be overstated. With a catalog that spans chart-topping hits, critically acclaimed albums, and a loyal legion of fans, the Canadian rapper has etched his name as a cultural phenomenon, transcending boundaries and redefining what it means to be a modern-day superstar.
According to market data obtained by Billboard, Drake’s dominance in the streaming realm is undeniable. In 2021 alone, the OVO artist generated more U.S. on-demand streams than all pre-1980 records combined – a staggering feat that underscores his unparalleled commercial prowess in the digital age.
The Courage of Conviction
Jackson’s comments, while audacious, are rooted in a deep-seated belief in Drake’s artistic prowess and commercial clout. He candidly shared that his experiences working closely with the rapper during his time at Apple Music imbued him with “the confidence and the courage of [his] conviction” to embark on his current endeavor, Gamma.
In an industry where quantifying an artist’s worth is often a complex and subjective endeavor, Jackson’s unwavering stance on Drake’s preeminence is a testament to the rapper’s ability to transcend traditional metrics and leave an indelible mark on the cultural zeitgeist.
The Gamma Constellation
Jackson’s proclamation about Drake’s streaming supremacy is not merely a fleeting statement; it is a harbinger of the ambitious vision he holds for Gamma, his newly launched media company. With a stellar roster that includes industry heavyweights like Snoop Dogg, Usher, Rick Ross, French Montana, and Sexyy Red, among others, Gamma is poised to reshape the music landscape with its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
The Paradigm Shift
While Jackson’s words may have ruffled feathers among purists and devotees of bygone eras, they also signify a paradigm shift in how we perceive and measure musical success. In an age where streaming reigns supreme, the traditional metrics of album sales and radio play are no longer the sole arbiters of an artist’s impact.
Instead, Jackson’s proclamation challenges us to embrace a new era where an artist’s ability to captivate and resonate with a global audience on digital platforms is the true litmus test of their cultural relevance and commercial viability.
The Streaming Stratosphere
As streaming continues to soar to unprecedented heights, with platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music commanding millions of subscribers worldwide, the implications of Jackson’s statement extend far beyond Drake’s individual success.
It serves as a clarion call for artists and industry professionals alike to adapt and evolve, embracing the streaming stratosphere as the new frontier where legacies are forged and musical immortality is attained.
The Democratization of Music
One of the most profound consequences of the streaming revolution has been the democratization of music consumption. No longer are listeners bound by geographical constraints or limited access to physical media; the world’s musical tapestry is now at their fingertips, transcending borders and cultural divides.
In this democratized landscape, artists like Drake have emerged as global phenomena, their music resonating with audiences across continents and cultures, defying traditional notions of regional appeal.
The Artistic Evolution
While Jackson’s proclamation has undoubtedly sparked debate and discourse, it also serves as a catalyst for artistic evolution. As the streaming paradigm continues to reshape the industry, artists are compelled to adapt their creative processes, embracing new mediums and experimenting with innovative formats to captivate the ever-evolving tastes of digital audiences.
From the rise of visual albums to the proliferation of collaborative projects and genre-bending fusions, the streaming era has ushered in a renaissance of artistic expression, challenging conventional boundaries and fostering a fertile ground for creativity to thrive.
The Legacy Redefined
In the wake of Jackson’s bold statement, one cannot help but ponder the notion of legacy and how it is defined in the digital age. While the legends of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s have etched their names in the annals of music history, their impact and influence are now being measured against a new yardstick – one that transcends physical sales and radio play.
As streaming continues to redefine the industry’s landscape, the question arises: How will the legacies of today’s superstars be preserved and celebrated in the years to come? Will the streaming metrics that propel artists like Drake to unprecedented heights today be the benchmark by which future generations judge musical greatness?
The Streaming Stratosphere: A Brave New World
As we venture deeper into the streaming stratosphere, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the music industry is undergoing a seismic transformation, and figures like Larry Jackson and Drake are at the vanguard of this brave new world.
While Jackson’s proclamation may have ignited a firestorm of debate and discourse, it also serves as a rallying cry for artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts alike to embrace the streaming revolution with open arms and an open mind.
For in this brave new world, where the boundaries of musical success are continuously being redefined, the only constant is the power of music to transcend barriers, unite cultures, and leave an indelible mark on the human experience.
Whether you stand in awe of Drake’s streaming dominance or remain steadfast in your reverence for the legends of yesteryear, one thing is certain: the music industry is in the midst of a paradigm shift, and those who embrace the streaming stratosphere with courage and conviction will be the ones to shape its destiny.
SiriusXM reported a modest revenue increase of 1% year-over-year, totaling $2.16 billion in Q1 2024, with earnings also showing a positive trend. The company’s earnings rose to $265 million, or 7 cents per share, marking an improvement from the previous year’s $233 million, or 6 cents per share.
Despite a 1% decrease in subscription revenue, which fell to $1.68 billion, SiriusXM experienced a significant 7% increase in advertising revenue, reaching $402 million. This growth in advertising revenue highlights the company’s appeal to advertisers and its potential to leverage this segment for further growth.
Subscriber Dynamics
SiriusXM faced challenges with its self-pay subscriber base, which declined by approximately 1.4% year-over-year, totaling 31.5 million in Q1 2024. This decline is attributed to higher customer defections and reduced trial starts at the end of 2023, impacting the funnel for potential gross additions. However, the trial funnel itself has shown growth, increasing to 7.5 million from 7.2 million a year earlier.
The self-pay monthly churn rate ended at 1.6%, reflecting the ongoing challenge of retaining customers in a competitive market. Management is focusing on enhancing the SiriusXM app and strengthening partnerships with car manufacturers on the 360L platform to improve trial conversions and subscriber results in the latter half of the year.
Strategic Initiatives and Market Position
SiriusXM is actively investing in podcasting, with podcast-associated revenue up 16% year-over-year. The company is integrating exclusive podcasts into its programming, aiming to attract and retain subscribers through unique content offerings.
The introduction of a new streaming app has been described as disruptive but is anticipated to attract younger subscribers and address the evolving consumer preferences. This initiative is part of SiriusXM’s broader strategy to adapt to technological advancements and shifting market dynamics.
Stock Performance and Investor Perspective
SiriusXM shares have declined by 45.7% since the beginning of the year, trading 61.8% below their 52-week high. This significant drop reflects investor concerns over the company’s subscriber losses and market challenges. However, the company’s robust content lineup and strategic initiatives provide a basis for potential recovery and growth.
Despite the current challenges, SiriusXM continues to generate high EBITDA margins and steady free cash flow, which support its capacity to invest in long-term growth strategies and return capital to shareholders. The company’s financial stability is further underscored by its consistent revenue growth, largely driven by its strategic acquisitions and market expansion efforts.
Industry Trends and Competitor Movements
SiriusXM, a leader in satellite radio, faces increasing competition from streaming Internet service providers like Spotify and Pandora. The shift towards digital platforms has prompted SiriusXM to enhance its technological capabilities, evident from the launch of its new SiriusXM app and next-generation platform. These advancements are crucial as the Internet becomes a dominant content delivery medium, reshaping the broadcast industry’s business models.
The U.S. radio broadcasting industry, including satellite radio, has seen significant growth, with satellite radio expanding its subscriber base and content offerings. This growth is accompanied by challenges from free terrestrial radio, which competes through extensive advertising but lacks the coverage area and channel selection of satellite services.
Strategic Positioning and Industry Response
To maintain its competitive edge, SiriusXM has invested strategically in content to attract new listeners. This includes not only music and talk radio but also podcasts, which have seen a revenue increase. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to solidify SiriusXM’s market position against traditional and new media competitors.
The global Car Satellite Radio Antennas market is poised for growth, with expectations to expand significantly from 2023 to 2030. This segment’s evolution will likely influence SiriusXM’s strategies, focusing on both interior and exterior mount antennas for passenger and commercial vehicles.
Major industry players like CBS Corp., CC Media Holdings Inc., and Cumulus continue to shape the competitive landscape. However, SiriusXM’s recent strategic moves, including the restructuring under New SiriusXM, aim to enhance its market flexibility and strategic independence, positioning it well for future industry challenges and opportunities. SiriusXM aims to navigate the challenges of a competitive media environment while seeking to deliver value to its shareholders and enhance its market presence.
Conclusion
Through the detailed examination of SiriusXM’s response to its subscriber decline, it becomes clear that strategic innovation and adaptation are at the core of its future trajectory. With a slight revenue increase juxtaposed against a notable subscriber downturn, SiriusXM’s endeavors to revitalize its subscriber base and enhance its service offerings, especially through technological enhancements and content diversification, underscore its resilience and proactive stance. The emphasis on podcasting, advanced app features, and strategic partnerships represents a well-rounded approach to retaining existing customers while attracting new demographics in a fiercely competitive digital landscape.
The implications of SiriusXM’s strategies extend beyond its immediate financial recovery, offering a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the media and entertainment industry. As the company navigates the challenges of customer retention and market competition, its initiatives could set benchmarks for content delivery and customer engagement. Moreover, SiriusXM’s strategic financial planning and focus on technological upgrades mirror broader industry trends toward digitalization and personalized media consumption. Consequently, the firm’s ability to adapt and innovate not only illustrates its commitment to growth but also highlights its potential role in shaping the future of digital broadcasting.
Verdell Smith, better known as Dell-P has gained the attention and consulting support of the legendary 3 time Grammy Award winning songwriter/producer Carvin Haggins. Stay tuned for what’s to come in the near future. Dell-P has received music placement and an acting role in the 2021 Film “When George Got Murdered” Directed By Terrance Tykeem, which will be available on Netflix. In February 2020, Dell-P was personally recommended by the legendary Black Thought to participate in The School Of Thought Workshop/Showcase. This was the first ever Hip Hop Master Class to be held at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
Dell-P’s latest Grammy Considered album MEGA (Make Emceeing Great Again) is available on all digital platforms now. Be sure to check the videos for his latest single “By Any Means” &” Follow The Signs”, which are now in rotation on BET Jams. Dell-P is the true definition of hip hop. A West Philadelphia native who isn’t afraid to create his own lane and refuses to conform to the new wave. Dell-P has a lot of great things currently happening for him as well as on the horizon.
Dell-P has performed at many premier locations in the Philadelphia area including the TLA, Sigma Sound, and the Wells Fargo Center. His musical talents have granted him the opportunity to open up for industry acts such as Arrested Development, Wyclef Jean, Rakim, Brand Nubian, Schoolly D, EPMD, Jay Electronica, Roxanne Shante, Camp Lo, DMX, Slum Village, H-Town, Kelly Price, Fabolous, State Property, and more. There are some like minds out there hungry and this album feeds them properly. Once you take a listen to the music you will hear why Dell-P has been called “the best kept secret of hiphop” by XXL Mag.
The Wordsmith is back and he’s better than ever! Dell-P has been laying down a super solid foundation dropping content full of positivity and social commentary. With the release of his highly anticipated album MEGA “Make Emceeing Great Again”, Dell-P is proving that he has no plan on slowing down anytime soon. This year has been very strange to say the least, but there is an undeniable shift going on music. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping our country on lockdown the world is in need of substance. We are sure that you will enjoy this visual for “Follow The Signs” directed by D.S The Writer. This soulful track is produced by The Wurxs and Dell-P is speaking nothing but the truth. To pay homage to our revolutionaries and political prisoners, this visual features exclusive commentary from the legendary Ramona Africa of The Move 9. The mission is to bring attention to the signs letting us know that we must unify and change the narrative before it is too late. The world is in a very dark place so we hope that you are inspired by this cinematic work of art.
Since 2017 Dell-P has risen on all levels here are a few of his career highlights – 2017 Philly Hip Hop Awards Album Of The Year Award Winner – 2017 PHL Live Hip Hop Artist Of The Year – 2017 Black Gala Award Winner – 2017 Black Power Music Award Nominee – 2018 Two Time Spiral Award Winner (Album Of The Year and Artist Of The Year) – 2020 Spiral Award Winner (Artist Of The Year) – 2020 Two-Time Indie Music Award Winner for Album Of The Year and Single Of The Year – 2020 Philly Hip Hop Award Winner for Alternative Artist Of The Year – Named Of The Top Indie Artist 2020 By Source Magazine – Co-signed By Hip Hop Legends such as Chuck D, Black Thought, Wise Intelligent, Arrested Development, EPMD, Wyclef Jean, David Banner, Jay Electronica, etc… – Four Time Grammy Considered Artist (3 for Best Rap Album & 1 for Best Rap And Sung Performance)
BET, the largest African-American-owned broadcast network, announced the launch of “BET AmpliFIND,” a digital contest in which they search for unsigned artists through social media. The contest is live starting today at 6:00 p.m.
As artists across the country compete for the chance to be featured on BET.com/Amplifind from February 25 to March 5, they can submit their original music and performances for consideration. Those who enjoy music and are involved throughout the industry will vote to keep their favorite artists in the national competition a grand prize package which includes an ultra-exclusive face-to-face consultation with a top-level, A&R Executive at Roc Nation, a BET Music IG Takeover, an interview on BET.com, and a cash prize.
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, stated, “For BET, music discovery has been our main mission and with this new series, we have a wonderful opportunity to allow a spotlight to be placed on all of the artists that need to be heard.” In order to expand on this, we are confident that with the help of Roc Nation, BET Amplify will serve as a platform for upcoming artists to be discovered.
The competition for the top 50 contestants will begin on March 16, and voting is open on a weekly basis. The five artists who qualify from the previous two rounds will be invited to appear on the special day on April 6 to perform on the online show BET’s Instagram Live. The final winner is announced on April 13 on BET.com and on all digital platforms.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and eligibility rules, please visit BET.com/Amplifind.
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