Urban One Summit: 6 Conversations Behind the Music
The Urban One Summit brings artists, label executives and radio personalities together in Atlanta. Episode 1 takes viewers behind the scenes for six conversations about music, ambition and the people building careers.
Ash Mac helps guide the episode, which features Ludacris, Anycia, Belly Gang Kushington, Maleigh Zan, Jay Andino and Larry Jackson. The interviews explore creative growth, industry relationships and the work behind the spotlight.
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Belly Gang Kushington Talks Growth and His 21 Savage Connection
DJ Holiday opens his conversation with Belly Gang Kushington by recognizing the rapper’s progress. Their discussion covers consistency, representing Atlanta and staying focused as recognition grows.
Kushington also explains how his collaboration with 21 Savage came together. After he shared a snippet on Instagram, Savage reached out about joining the record.
Throughout the interview, Kush returns to a simple approach: keep working rather than stopping to count wins.
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Anycia Shares Her Next Chapter
Anycia joins DJ Misses to discuss confidence, boundaries and her evolving creative direction.
She describes a more grown and personal chapter without abandoning the energy fans already know. Her message centers on trusting yourself and protecting your peace.
For listeners wondering what comes next, Anycia promises growth while keeping her personality at the center of her music.
EMPIRE’s Jay Andino Explains Why Extra Effort Matters
Ash Mac speaks with EMPIRE’s Jay Andino about the people working behind the artists.
Andino traces his career through internships, networking and an early opportunity with Steve Rifkind’s SRC. He explains how investing his own time and money helped him move forward.
His advice is direct: bare-minimum effort produces bare-minimum results. He encourages aspiring professionals to go further, build relationships and work through rejection.
Maleigh Zan Discusses New Music and Creative Freedom
Maleigh Zan talks with Ash Mac about travel, self-care and finding new inspiration.
She explains how experiencing different cultures influences her music and helps her discover new sounds. She also previews an upcoming EP that will reveal more of her melodic side.
Their conversation touches on her experience with gamma, Larry Jackson and L.A. Reid. Zan emphasizes authenticity and pushing beyond self-imposed limits.
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Ludacris Talks Atlanta Flavor and Chicken + Beer
Ludacris brings a lighter moment to the episode during his interview with MiaAsia.
Asked about his favorite wing flavor, he chooses lemon pepper. He also discusses Chicken + Beer and its locations at the Atlanta and Los Angeles airports.
The conversation connects his Atlanta roots with his work beyond music.
Larry Jackson Connects Hit Songs With a Bigger Mission
Gamma founder Larry Jackson closes the interview lineup with thoughts on lyrics, risk-taking and artist development.
He explains why lyrics matter when he evaluates music. He also credits Clive Davis with teaching him to examine what a song actually says.
Jackson describes his commitment to nurturing artists and putting mission before money. His conversation with Ash Mac connects creative decisions with their lasting impact on listeners.
Watch Urban One Summit Episode 1
Together, these six interviews offer a look at both sides of the music business: the artists creating songs and the people supporting their careers.
Watch Urban One Summit Episode 1 for the full conversations, artist drops and behind-the-scenes moments.
Which guest shared a message that stayed with you? Tell us in the comments.