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.
In 2012, an undersized football player with a chip on his shoulder from Marrero, Lousinia had an idea.In the middle of an NFL playing career that saw him go from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion, Ryan Clark channeled the competitive streak that fueled his play into a media career.Clark not only overcame the odds to simply play in the NFL, he also overcame a terrifying on field health scare that nearly took his life, and turned it into the next chapter of his career.Since then, Clark has become one of the top voices in sports media, becoming a regular on ESPN, winning an Emmy, and launching his own wildly successful podcast, The Pivot.And it all started with one idea… 0:00 Intro2:02 Biggest Problem in Sports Media6:30 Lessons at LSU8:23 NIL Deals vs NFL Rookie Contracts11:03 Getting Cut From the Giants13:01 “Now You're a F*cking Steeler”16:02 Battle With Sickle Cell: “I Thought I Was Dying”19:04 Super Bowl Win and Loss25:40 First TV Opportunities While Playing / Debating Skip Bayless / ESPN31:25 “Players are Humans”36:50 The Pivot: Business, Guests, & The Future44:40 Where Does Motivation Come From?
In 1991 a 7-year-old girl on Chicago's South Side had an idea.Inspired by the stories she heard from her grandmother and mother, Lena Waithe decided she wanted to see the lives of herself and her family and neighbors depicted on television.Moving to Los Angeles in her early twenties, Waithe worked her way up through the television business, eventually winning an Emmy for her writing, creating The Chi, a beloved series loosely based on her own life, and launching her own production company, Hillman Grad.And despite facing sharp criticism for her distinct creative vision, Waithe remains committed to shaping her legacy her way.…and it all started with one idea.Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:10 - Growing Up / 3 Generation House4:05 - Working at Blockbuster / Hoop Dreams7:15 - Navigating Changing Audience Behavior 10:49 - Early Days as an Assistant in Hollywood12:19 - Master of None “Thanksgiving” Episode17:00 - Dealing With Scrutiny That Comes With Fame22:42 - Does Culture Influence Creation? 26:05 - The Chi / Keeping it Fresh 7 Seasons In32:10 - Finding Inspiration Today35:50 - Future Aspirations / Leaving a Legacy
In 2020, a 30-year-old father of two in the Bronx had an idea. While struggling to establish a music career, John Jaequan Cotton, better known as Jae Tips, took inspiration from the streetwear brands he loved and committed fully to a vision for a personal brand focused on apparel and merch.After building an organic following for his designs, Jae stepped outside of his comfort zone and started knocking on the doors of the people who could help scale his vision. That hustle led to a partnership with an obscure running shoe brand, Saucony, and a series of beloved footwear collaborations that captured the imagination of the sneaker community.But despite critical and cultural acclaim, the harsh economics of streetwear and the crowded footwear landscape mean that Jae still cannot take success for granted.And it all started with one idea…Chapters:0:00 - Intro2:15 - Growing Up / Early Influences4:50 - Dealing with Social Anxiety 6:08 - The Influence of Billionaire Boys Club and BAPE8:10 - Lessons Learned Working at Footlocker9:10 - Music Career / Shifting Focus to Merch13:00 - Opportunities During COVID15:00 - Creating Hats, Sneakers, and Shirts17:55 - Keys to Building Community19:30 - First Sneakers with Saucony24:17 - Balancing Supply & Demand / Marketing27:30 - Aftermarket and Resellers29:00 - Five Year Plan / Managing Growth of the Brand32:40 - Biggest Challenges as an Entrepreneur38:20 - Aspirations / What's Success?40:30 - Leaving ComplexCon Sneaker of the Year Panel43:05 - Turning Adversity into Art
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/
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/
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/
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/idea 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://bit.ly/33l4KuV 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. 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/33l4KuV 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: Hit-Boy Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Adam Fleischer & Insanul Ahmed Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://bit.ly/36fDCP1 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
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: https://bit.ly/3rMCiLF 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
Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3oKx0yj 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. 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/3oKx0yj 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: Rhuigi Villaseñor Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LxrngQ 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. 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/3LxrngQ 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: The Alchemist Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3oOXIpM 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. 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/3oOXIpM 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: Freddie Gibbs Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LBymWf 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. 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/3LBymWf 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: Beth Birkett Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson
Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3sHsy4Q 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. 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/3sHsy4Q 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
Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3BiR3Jz 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. 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/3BiR3Jz 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
Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LsP0Hv 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. 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/3LsP0Hv 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
Turn your ideas into reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3611HJj 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. 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/3611HJj 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
Turn your ideas into reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3og5Gbj 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. 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/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
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.
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