How EMPIRE's Ghazi Married Tech with Culture & Reimagined the Music Industry | IDEA GENERATION

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  • Опубликовано: 14 июл 2024
  • Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Shopify: 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 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.
    Act I
    0:00 - Intro
    1:20 - Childhood, father's work ethic, parents running a laundromat
    4:10 - First experiences working on music
    6:01 - Going to San Francisco State to study audio engineering
    8:00 - Buying his first studio, working with The Game, leaving Silicon Valley
    Act II
    11:05 - Working with Ingrooves, merging technology and culture
    12:45 - Starting EMPIRE, early days
    14:00 - When to work with an artist, making an artist comfortable
    15:50 - First EMPIRE releases, working with TDE and Kendrick Lamar
    17:10 - Growing EMPIRE brick by brick
    20:40 - Adding label services to EMPIRE
    Act III
    22:08 - Cultivating great artist relationships, building for long term success
    25:00 - Touring the EMPIRE office
    26:35 - Making the website easy, going international
    30:20 - Not taking on investments, remaining the sole proprietor
    32:00 - The future and beyond
    Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION for new episodes every Wednesday at 12pm EST: bit.ly/3lvY3wn
    Credits
    Noah Callahan-Bever
    Creator & Host, Idea Generation
    Starring: Ghazi
    Musical Director: A-Trak
    Animations by: Sang Bleu / IDEA GENERATION
    Executive Producers: Helena Ox, Tricia Clarke-Stone and John Walaszek
    Producer: Adam Fleischer
    Creative Director + Editor: Kyle Gaughan
    Produced by: Only Ch1ld
    DP: Jeremy Mcnamara
    Producers: Matthew Justus, Spencer Kehe, Sam Miller
    Line Producer: Sabrina Mota
    Cam Op: Logan Parsley
    Sound: Adriano Bravo
    MUA: Carla Grace Fajardo
    PA: Marcus Gomez
    Security: Timothy Overall
    Special thanks to:
    Peter Kadin
    Samyah Ahmed
    Shot on:
    Canon
    Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
    More about Shopify: www.shopify.com/idea
    Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: www.shopify.com/learn
    Check out more from Shopify here:
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Комментарии • 98

  • @btienterprises9306
    @btienterprises9306 Год назад +6

    Ghazi got that look in his eyes like you know he ain’t playing he get shit done 💯

  • @rileyrussill
    @rileyrussill Год назад +12

    I don't have a job, I have purpose. That resonated. Another fantastic episode.

  • @RBLPosse
    @RBLPosse Год назад +18

    Super Dope inspirational interview. One of the best, if not the best business partners I ever had, and still have👍🏾I love Ghazi ✊🏾He forever changed my life, Preciate cha my Guy 🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @jalisamarshall4706
    @jalisamarshall4706 Год назад +26

    I cannot get enough of this show! Every time I think "This is the best episode!" you deliver again and again! Thank you Noah! 💙🙏🏽

  • @jfifthb
    @jfifthb Год назад +16

    great episode, this guy is really inspiring. so many great records have been made possible through EMPIRE.
    one interview I would request for the future is Joe Kay from Soulection

  • @ssmfetti
    @ssmfetti Год назад +9

    As a distributer you can release any project as you have no ties to it & still make a percentage. As a label, any project you release you get more percentages(50%) as you have also invested resources into it. Basically, it's like Walmart with cashiers & self check out.. More so how he facilitates majority of services as well.

  • @therealguce1755
    @therealguce1755 Год назад +4

    Guce Bully Wit Fullys
    My Brother Ghazi..Dope interview. The best business partner I ever had, and still have since early 2000s I love Ghazi and He has taught me a lot through out my career til this day.
    I appreciate you bro. A lot of memories and more to come. Ghazi is as solid as they come with this business 💯❤️✊🏾🙏🏾
    Great Job Idea Generation 💪🏾

  • @memberguestmedia
    @memberguestmedia Год назад +4

    Might be the best one yet. He is brilliant and insanely disciplined.

  • @YoungDirtyMexicanOfficially
    @YoungDirtyMexicanOfficially Год назад +7

    damn... all self funded.... YOU NOW HOW FUCKING HARD THAT IS.......! HOLY SHIT CAUSE I FUND MY OWN STUDIO BUT SHIT GETS EXHAUSTING. 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🔥 DUDE IS AN ALIEN FOR SURE.!

  • @LaynoProd
    @LaynoProd Год назад +4

    legendary interview shoutout Ghazi and Idea Generation! i closely relate to Ghazi's story on being regimented due to his family's immigrant upbringing and sacrifices as well as success meaning having autonomy and doing what you want when you want and being in charge of your own career and life, thank you! - LaynoProd

  • @dantaemay5868
    @dantaemay5868 Год назад +6

    This is needed for the next generation of Industry execs. Appreciate y’all Noah $ Ghazi for these. 💎

  • @diemmermelendez
    @diemmermelendez Год назад +5

    Great episode! Much respect to Ghazi. Fully independent and never took funding. That’s insane!
    This is hands down my favorite RUclips channel. Please keep delivering great content 🙏🏼

  • @virajkavle5451
    @virajkavle5451 Год назад +7

    Keep inspiring us, Ghazi! As a college student in SF who loves the music business more than anything else, your journey has inspired me the most.EMPIRE TO THE MOON BOY.

  • @daprmslm
    @daprmslm Год назад +1

    the amount of game Ghazi dropped is insane. I can see why legends like Dolph, Money Man, Albee Al worked and work with em

  • @GromoOfficial
    @GromoOfficial Год назад +4

    Every time I question life in the industry, a video from Idea Generation gets me back on my feet. These videos help me so much all around and are so inspiring. Thank you for keep delivering quality content Idea Generation & NCB 🙏🙌💥

  • @luizleocadio1849
    @luizleocadio1849 Год назад +3

    This is incredible! Thank you so much for sharing it!

  • @RCrdro1
    @RCrdro1 Год назад +2

    Best episode so far! Gained a lot of respect for Ghazi after this, I would definitely love to work with him and for Empire!

  • @Jaycy
    @Jaycy 6 месяцев назад

    The Power of Understanding People. Watching and listening to Ghazi made me feel so motivated man, huge inspiration! Very very good interview. Thanks Noah! 👊🏾

  • @emmanyoul
    @emmanyoul Год назад +2

    Ghazi been at it since for a while, ik it feels good for him to watch it all come together. Very Inspiring!

  • @snellbeast_jasonsnell
    @snellbeast_jasonsnell Год назад +1

    So inspirational! Thank you for this amazing series! So GOOD! I'm a Ghazi fan now!

  • @Bucknorris
    @Bucknorris Год назад +1

    THIS!!!
    I’ve waited a little while to watch this video since it first came out. I’ve Known of & about Ghazi & Empire for a long time. But wanted to watch Ghazi’s Move’s and do a little more research before I watched it…
    and My Overall thought is
    THIS!!!
    This Is Exactly What I Needed At THIS very Moment. I appreciate both #ghazi and #ideageneral for the video most of all, the MF’n Transparent EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE and WISDOM!!!
    If this comment is every read or I was to talk with Ghazi face to face, I’d say this in these comment’s and face to face as well. Considering the fact Ghazi is is in My Top 5 People that I want to have lengthy conversation with So with being said I have a feeling that we will be talking face to face at some point in the future.
    So for now, I’ll tell you this …
    “You probably hear this all the time but first off, Thank You, not for just what you’ve done in the music industry but also making Me Feel “Normal” and also we are much more alike than I ever thought and you probably don’t believe Me and until I get the opportunity to show you, my example would be you know how you and your friends plan a trip, usually it’s you and your greatest friend who come up with the idea… and about 6 hours into the Trip you’re already annoyed with each other (The Greatest Friend you set it up with) and about 36 hours into the trip you’re screaming at each other like brother’s and by the end of the trip it’s a quiet ride home. And of course, I’m last to get dropped off, and after everyone gets dropped off and we pull on my Street one of starts talking, saying “it’s all love” and “it’s things like this that show you that blood doesn’t make family” and the other one says “Family Forever Bro” …. Much younger Men of course. But if you know what I’m saying and understand what I’m saying… you probably work at #empire or are partners with Ghazi lol 😂 Everyone in this video, All of Y’all are very much appreciated from #bucknorris
    #welcometobucksworld
    #whothefxckisbuck
    #iloveyall3680

  • @PPCCO.
    @PPCCO. Год назад +2

    Dope interview. I remember the interviewer from the other platform, fam is in my top 5. Perfect questions and he just lets them talk

  • @3xEStudios
    @3xEStudios Год назад +1

    I’m that kid from East Palo Alto ca who respects tf out of the hustle you have rogue. 🔐🏆 I’m hearing so much of my own story though you rogue. Thanks for letting me know it’s always more work to do. ♻️♻️♻️
    - DiNo / 3XE STUDIOS

  • @grngrngreen247
    @grngrngreen247 Год назад +1

    This was just great, thanks 👍🏾🔥🔥🔥

  • @kingdomcitizenship5613
    @kingdomcitizenship5613 Год назад +3

    Super intelligent people use their hands to talk

  • @Art_Travel_and_Hobbys
    @Art_Travel_and_Hobbys Год назад +1

    Great interview it explains a lot about inquiries I had of this company with what I was hearing... 🧐👊🏿👍🏿

  • @free_dumb9845
    @free_dumb9845 Год назад +1

    A lot of 💎 💎💎💎💎💎💎’s dropped 😤. Great interview!!!!!!

  • @jswitay
    @jswitay Год назад +2

    Y’all just don’t miss with these interviews 🌋

  • @ronaldnkhuwaii
    @ronaldnkhuwaii Год назад

    Ghazi is super intelligent and very knowledgeable.
    🕯🕯to coffee with Ghazi 🙏🏾
    Thanks Noah.

  • @SugarDaddyScottie
    @SugarDaddyScottie Год назад +4

    one of the greatest shows on RUclips

  • @WHATYOUKNOWTV
    @WHATYOUKNOWTV 8 дней назад

    Amazing interview !!!

  • @JamesVader47xx
    @JamesVader47xx Год назад +1

    Thank this exactly what I needed today

  • @churamontgomery6063
    @churamontgomery6063 Год назад

    I watched every video of you thank you it was great.

  • @damegrand2954
    @damegrand2954 9 месяцев назад

    Great interview.

  • @Massbossrecords
    @Massbossrecords Год назад +1

    This is great.Love this

  • @churamontgomery6063
    @churamontgomery6063 Год назад

    That is great thank you, confidence will take you a long way.

  • @EsotericArnold
    @EsotericArnold Год назад

    hands down this guy is the Man. dude said: 'I dont have a job, I have purpose.'

  • @itsjamesrush
    @itsjamesrush Год назад +1

    Man this guys voice is so dope!!!!

  • @kvcactus
    @kvcactus Год назад

    Thank you for this ☺️

  • @dre7sus
    @dre7sus Год назад

    Incredible interview 👑 💯

  • @SFNena415
    @SFNena415 5 месяцев назад

    Shout out Ghazi for blessin us with AllBlack

  • @SunnyLicious
    @SunnyLicious Год назад +2

    What an inspirational story!

  • @simeonyoung3801
    @simeonyoung3801 Год назад

    Best interview ever

  • @MajorTheGeneral
    @MajorTheGeneral Год назад

    I'm just now realizing this dropped on my birthday so I'll just embrace my destiny much gratitude for the free 💎'z

  • @mbamboshsanele6733
    @mbamboshsanele6733 Год назад

    Shoutout to Ghazi, super inspired +

  • @unpublicized
    @unpublicized Год назад +1

    these videos really good

  • @007phokus
    @007phokus Год назад

    Dope!!!

  • @BThatDope
    @BThatDope Год назад

    All love to Ghazi

  • @steps2uccess
    @steps2uccess Год назад

    Great show 🫡

  • @TNGAntisocial
    @TNGAntisocial Год назад

    Thank you 🙏

  • @ibrahimmusa9798
    @ibrahimmusa9798 10 месяцев назад

    Keep up the good work bro. May Allah Bless You

  • @Biluxi
    @Biluxi Год назад

    Inspiring.

  • @HardtimesRecords
    @HardtimesRecords Год назад

    Good interview

  • @dunkley7776
    @dunkley7776 Год назад

    The potency in the formulation of his sentences…..

  • @imani828
    @imani828 Год назад +1

    bro needs to start a podcast

  • @producedbyghost.writer
    @producedbyghost.writer Год назад

    🔥🔥🔥

  • @jpkaneshida242
    @jpkaneshida242 Год назад

    Super inspiring I don't listen to hip hop anymore, but Ghazi's story is... if he's not The American Dream, what is???

  • @nicholasali2182
    @nicholasali2182 Год назад

    HIM SAYING HIS HUNGER FOR MORE IS INSATIABLE SAYS ALOT WHEN YOU SEE THE TRACK RECORD. INSIDIOUS AF💯

  • @mr26ix
    @mr26ix Год назад

    🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

  • @thenumiami850
    @thenumiami850 Год назад

    🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @etleo3811
    @etleo3811 Год назад +1

    ❤️🙌🏾❤️

  • @amilibcn2828
    @amilibcn2828 Год назад +1

    I want to work with this person.

  • @leonelnotmessi
    @leonelnotmessi Год назад

    Gems

  • @elonnelson5024
    @elonnelson5024 Год назад +1

    💎👨🏾‍🏫

  • @1621world
    @1621world Год назад +1

    And that is how u pimp the music industry

  • @bandzcambando9989
    @bandzcambando9989 Год назад

    GHAZI LETS WORK

  • @DIVERSEMUSICBRAND
    @DIVERSEMUSICBRAND Год назад

    🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @Mabu_Himself
    @Mabu_Himself 11 месяцев назад

    He took vertical intergration seriously 🫡

  • @lisafullz8242
    @lisafullz8242 Год назад

    👍🏾

  • @willowwale2000
    @willowwale2000 Год назад +1

    Man, it's obvious that this guy is either putting hits out on his artists and collecting the insurance or someone wants his company

    • @d3vp131
      @d3vp131 Год назад

      Damn you’re dumb. Every corporation, label, or league that deals in high dollar contracted services has insurance policies on those contracts to protect themselves. A man that’s giving poor kids an opportunity to better their lives instantly is actually being downgraded by the ignorant as wrong. Silly. It’s not his fault that those that get the money still want to be gangbangers and gangsters. We need to look inward and control what we can control and stop making excuses for out communities being dumb and ignorant.

    • @willowwale2000
      @willowwale2000 Год назад +1

      @@d3vp131 Like I said, it's either this guy is collecting insurance or someone wants this Arab's company and they're just squeezing him out. I don't need advice from you.

  • @grinduntiludie
    @grinduntiludie Год назад

    Ghazi Sharp Asf

  • @Chrisbethinking
    @Chrisbethinking Год назад +1

    Rap music's grim reaper...

  • @ssingh6030
    @ssingh6030 Год назад

    It’s really sad.. Gazi hang with all my opps.. is he opp too?

  • @bigjorge863
    @bigjorge863 Год назад +2

    Why alot of his artists dying tho??

  • @R.Williamss
    @R.Williamss 10 дней назад

    XXX, drakeyo.

  • @obliviox
    @obliviox Год назад +4

    Lol hey it the grim reaper 🤣

  • @nicholasali2182
    @nicholasali2182 Год назад +1

    IF YOU'RE AN ARTIST DON'T FUCK WITH EMPIRE💯

  • @jordiesantoso1037
    @jordiesantoso1037 9 месяцев назад

    Yatuhan semoga gaji gw di naikin sesuai dengan yg gw inginkan amin

  • @larrytan73
    @larrytan73 Год назад

    Ghazi not one black or brown person works for empire! ..Maybe i'm wrong . Kinda like your cool with that one guy that you would never let in your house!

    • @peabody573
      @peabody573 Год назад

      “Maybe I’m wrong” maybe check first

  • @tijdverspillingmedia
    @tijdverspillingmedia Год назад

    0:09 in control of your own decisions making? But what happens to xxx tentacion? And young Dolph was that also his decision making or universals?

  • @SLAUSONGIRL
    @SLAUSONGIRL Год назад

    whose culture though? not his. smh.