What's Popular w/ JO of the NOC on Industry plants, Hip hop's impact, and the currents state of R&B
No Ordinary Blog Series: Evolving Sound & The Future of Music – My Conversation with J.O.
Welcome back to No Ordinary Blog, the official blog series of The No Ordinary Podcast here at KDoftheNOCRecords.com. In this episode, I sat down with my longtime collaborator and friend, J.O. of the NOC. We’ve been making music together for over 15 years, and our conversation covered everything from our personal music journeys to the current state of the industry. Here’s a deeper look at what we talked about.
The Beginnings of The No Ordinary Podcast
J.O. and I have been having these deep conversations about music for years, and honestly, they started right in my college apartment. After countless shows, hundreds of tracks, and years of navigating the ups and downs of the industry, we decided to create The No Ordinary Podcast to bring those conversations to the public. It’s been a journey, and the podcast has given us a platform to share not only our music experiences but also advice for upcoming artists.
Our Musical Styles and Evolution
Talking with J.O. always brings out a reflection on how far we’ve come musically. My style blends R&B melodies with trap and hip-hop drums, and I love experimenting with Latin, pop, and reggae sounds. J.O., on the other hand, started with that raw East Coast rap vibe—drawing influence from legends like Nas, AZ, and Mos Def. Over the years, though, his sound has grown and adapted, incorporating more modern flows and beats.
We’re both still influenced by the artists we respect today. J.O.’s playlist has been on heavy rotation with lyricists like Black Thought, Lupe Fiasco, and Jadakiss—real storytellers with bars that cut deep. From my perspective, R&B is alive and well creatively, even if it’s not topping the charts like it once did. It’s in everything—trap, hip-hop, pop—you name it. R&B elements are everywhere.
Industry Trends and the Challenge of Staying Relevant
We couldn’t help but talk about the trends shaping the industry today. Drill music came up—there’s no denying its dominance right now. We debated whether it’ll still be around in 5 or 10 years, but one thing we both agree on is that it’s making waves.
We also touched on something that comes up a lot these days: the idea of “industry plants.” Whether it’s Post Malone or Justin Bieber, people love to throw that label around for artists who seem to rise quickly with major industry backing. We had a good back-and-forth on whether it’s fair or not.
One thing we both stressed is the importance of content creation. Social media is a tool, but it’s not the end goal. What’s important is documenting your journey as an artist—whether you’re writing, recording, or just living your day-to-day life. Fans want to connect with you on a personal level, and consistent content helps build that bridge.
Advice for Artists Coming Up
For those trying to break into the game, we had a few nuggets of advice:
Meet Yourself Where You’re At: Don’t try to force yourself into doing something you’re not passionate about. If you love writing, document that process. Show your audience what makes you tick.
Know the Business: Being an artist means running a business. Understand the numbers, keep creating content, and make smart decisions about how you operate.
Live Performances: There’s nothing like the energy of performing with a live band. It takes the whole experience to another level. If you’re able, do it. The audience will feel the difference.
Staying in the Game for the Long Haul
J.O. and I also talked about longevity. Artists like Jay-Z and André 3000 continue to stay relevant because they’ve never stopped delivering quality and they’ve evolved with the times. That’s the key—being able to grow as an artist while staying true to your roots.
We also touched on how hip-hop has become this cultural force worldwide. Even if it’s not always at the top of the charts, the influence is undeniable. From fashion to language, hip-hop’s reach is global.
Live Music and Changing Music Consumption
I’ve been to a lot of concerts over the years, and one thing that’s clear is how different live shows can be depending on the genre. Hip-hop shows and R&B concerts have such different energies, and I think that speaks to how versatile music is as a whole.
Music consumption has changed, too. Fans today are more interested in the behind-the-scenes process than ever before. It’s not just about the music anymore—it’s about the journey, the hustle, the creation. People want to see the work that goes into making the art.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to have J.O. as a recurring guest on the podcast because I know there’s so much more we’re going to unpack. Big shoutout to Skinny Buddha, IG Clout, and Tracks 96.7 WTEG Radio for all their support. It’s collaborations like these that help keep everything moving forward.
Final Thoughts
This episode of The No Ordinary Podcast really drove home how much has changed in the music industry, but also how important it is to stay true to yourself as an artist. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for a while, documenting your process, evolving your sound, and understanding the business side are key to staying relevant.
Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll continue to dive into everything from content creation to navigating the music industry. Until then, keep creating, keep pushing, and keep striving for greatness.
