The Load Out

In this episode of The Load Out , host Ashanti Abdullah sits down with rapper, singer, writer, and creative powerhouse Dessa to explore the evolution of her career from poetry slams to international tours. The two dive into Dessa's creative process, how philosophy influenced her approach to music, and the highs and lows of touring. With humor and depth, Dessa shares personal anecdotes, including h...

In this episode of The Load Out , Ashanti Abdullah sits down with Lalin St. Juste, the lead vocalist of The Seshen. Lalin takes us through her musical journey, starting with busking at BART stations in Oakland to becoming a key voice in modern electronic soul music. They dive deep into her creative process, how she balances her individuality while collaborating with her band, and how her personal...

In this episode of The Load Out , Ashanti Abdullah sits down with underground hip-hop legend Rob Sonic. Known for his solo work and collaborations with Aesop Rock in Hail Mary Mallon, Rob reflects on his early influences, the evolution of hip-hop, and life on tour. They dive into everything from breakdancing battles and DJing to the realities of performing for massive crowds at festivals like Coac...

In this episode of The Load Out , Ashanti interviews Sarah Dope, a photographer, creative content producer, and talent manager. The two share stories of their long friendship and collaboration in the music industry, from their time working together at Rhymesayers Entertainment to Sarah's involvement in the wrestling scene. Sarah delves into her early days as a street team kid, moving on to concert...

In this episode of "The Load Out," Ashanti reconnects with his long-time friend and collaborator, Budo , a seasoned producer, multi-instrumentalist, and music industry veteran. The conversation takes a deep dive into Budo's journey, from his early days playing trumpet in school to his evolution into a prolific producer and touring artist. Budo shares candid insights into his early influences, his...

In this episode of "The Load Out," We sit down with Zack Johnson, a seasoned talent agent with over two decades of experience in the music industry. They dive deep into Zack's journey from being a musician in a successful band to becoming a prominent agent. The conversation sheds light on the often mysterious world of talent booking, especially from the perspective of an agent who has worked with...

In Episode 4 of “The Load Out,” host Ashanti Abdullah welcomes the talented rapper and producer, Grieves. Known for his deeply personal lyrics and unique blend of hip-hop and soul, Grieves shares his journey from growing up with a diverse mix of musical influences to discovering hip-hop and signing with Rhymesayers Entertainment. The conversation delves into his production style, memorable tour ex...

In this episode of “The Load Out,” Ashanti Abdullah sits down with Damian Siguenza, known by his stage name, Domino. As a renowned record producer, manager, DJ, and key member of the legendary Oakland-based hip-hop collective Hieroglyphics, Domino has been instrumental in shaping the group’s sound and success. With his deep knowledge of jazz and funk, creative sampling techniques, and extensive pr...

Episode Description: In the second episode of The Load Out, Ashanti Abdullah welcomes Adrian Miller, a renowned music entertainment executive, manager, music supervisor, and executive producer. Adrian shares his journey from St. Louis to Los Angeles, his early influences, and his pivotal role in the music industry, working with artists like Anderson Paak, Flo Rida, and Daz Dillinger. Key Points: J...

In this episode of The Loadout, host Ashanti Abdullah interviews Rakaa Taylor, also known as Rakaa Iriscience from the legendary hip hop group Dilated Peoples. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of life on the road, the growth of their tours over the years, and the importance of building relationships with promoters and fans. Rakaa shares stories of their first tours, their experiences perfo...