Épisodes

  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep 68 AL99
    Dec 3 2025
    linktr.ee/AL99
    Spotify
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    Bio
    Rapper AL99 Is Leveling Up with New Melodic Trap Banger “Superduper”AL99 wants people to remember to be themselves. The DMV rapper feels most authentic when he’s expressing his thoughts and dreams through music. With his new single “Superduper,” he’s stepping into a new level.Blending smooth rhymes, sharp wordplay, and heavy trap production, “Superduper” delivers a melodic, motivational sound. Inspired by the energy of artists like Future and Young Thug, the song reflects AL99’s journey of confidence, determination, and growth.Produced, written, recorded, and mixed entirely in his home studio, the track showcases his skills as both a rapper and producer. AL99 creates all his beats using his digital audio workstation and MIDI controllers, handling every part of the process himself.The music video is now streaming on YouTube and shows AL99 in the club, drinking, playing cards, and embracing a boss-up mindset. Released through his independent label TPC Music Production, which he co-owns with his mother and manager, “Superduper” is also his first release under his new distribution deal with Bungalo Records under Universal Music Group. The partnership will carry into his debut LP, Elevate, arriving in early 2026.Music runs deep in his family. His grandfather, Herbert “TUBO” Rhoad, was one of the original members of the legendary a cappella group The Persuasions. Many other relatives performed in bands and in church, creating the environment that shaped him. Although his mother was hesitant about him pursuing music, AL99 studied the business side of the industry, kept creating, and showed her he could build a career with full control.Consistency is his biggest strength. When he isn’t in the studio, he’s performing at clubs from the DMV to Brooklyn, Atlanta, and Arizona. He designs his live shows as full experiences, moving from hip hop to R&B, pulling out the guitar, and closing with high-energy tracks.For AL99, this is just the beginning of the level-up.


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    36 min
  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep 67 Tony Aguilar
    Dec 1 2025
    Amazon.com/America Broken Always-Been This
    purchase book here
    Is America Broken or Has It Always Been This Way? argues that the nation’s biggest crises income inequality, racial injustice, political division, and cultural battles aren’t signs of a system falling apart but evidence of one functioning exactly as designed. The book contends that America’s institutions have long served the interests of the wealthy and powerful while keeping ordinary people divided, distracted, and economically strained. Despite mounting frustration over wages, housing, healthcare, and affordability, many Americans still support policies that undermine their own well-being a result of deliberate political, economic, and cultural engineering. The book urges readers to recognize the system for what it is, reclaim their self-interest, and use their collective power through voting, spending, organizing, and action to force meaningful change.

    Bio Born in the South Bronx, Tony Aguilar boasts over 30 years of experience in public service, as a community organizer, workshop leader, public speaker, writer, social commentator, and workforce development professional. Throughout his career, Tony has been engaged in initiatives related to affordable housing, economic development, and environmental cleanup. During his time as the assistant to the Lutheran Bishop of New York, he played a pivotal role in founding the Urban Leaders Institute, which trained congregational leaders, and the Urban Empowerment Fund, which provided grants to churches working with underserved communities. Tony has also been involved in workforce development where he developed relationships with businesses and organizations to provide employment opportunities for participants. Tony has hosted and produced a radio show featuring interviews with public figures, and a public access cable program focused on national issues. He has been quoted by major publications such as the New York Daily News, The New York Times, Newsday, and the Jersey Journal. Tony is the author of four books including his latest, Is America Broken or Has it Always Been this Way? which explores whether the challenges America faces today are truly new or part of a longer historical pattern.



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    30 min
  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep 66 Jimmy Mallia
    Nov 17 2025
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    Bio
    Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Jimmy Mallia grew up as one of five children. He attended O’Connell High School, where he was involved in football, track, and drama. In 1983, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas, graduating in 1987 with a degree in economics. During his time at UT, he was an active member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity serving as both pledge and president and was also part of the Texas Cowboys.After graduating, he relocated to Houston in 1988 and began his career at PaineWebber, later joining Great West Life. In 1993, he moved to Lafayette to lead the employee benefits division of a regional firm, a role he held until 2018. He then founded Mallia Benefits, which he successfully grew and eventually sold to Gallagher in 2021. He continues his work with Gallagher today.Mallia is the father of three daughters, now ages 32, 29, and 27, and the grandfather of three boys, ages 13, 11, and 7. He raised his daughters primarily on his own, creating deeply personal memories that would later inspire much of his songwriting.Though he has achieved significant success in business, his journey has been shaped by challenges as well. After more than 40 years of drinking and a near-fatal low point, he entered recovery and has remained committed to AA for the past three years. His life has included both great joy and profound loss, and he openly acknowledges that his story could easily unfold like a dramatic series.Mallia has been writing songs for more than fifteen years and plays acoustic guitar. His music rooted in folk and country influences draws heavily from his life, family, and personal experiences. Now 59, he is pursuing his longstanding dream of releasing his music publicly and performing on stage.His commitment to community service spans decades. He has served on numerous boards, including the Boys and Girls Club, Bishop’s Charity Opus Christi Magnum, Our Lady of Fatima Parish (Finance Chairman), Our Lady of Fatima Foundation (President), STM School Board (Chairman), STM Foundation, Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation (Treasurer), and the Day One Board. He has participated in Leadership Lafayette, Leadership Louisiana, and the Leader in Me educational program. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Acadiana Outreach Center, which provides shelter and support services for the homeless. Mallia is also a member of the Krewe of Gabriel and the Krewe of Bonaparte.


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    32 min
  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep 65 CBIII
    Nov 15 2025
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    Bio
    Clinton Brand III, better known as CBIII, is a California-based rapper whose new single “I Won’t Quit” delivers a motivational and relatable message for anyone facing hardship. Produced by Tunna Beats, the track carries a Blurry Face energy. It opens with a violin and the soft vocalizations of featured singer Alex Brinkley. When the beat drops, piano, bass, and drums blend with CBIII’s reflections on overthinking, contemplating, and debating why he refuses to give up.Lines such as:Sad but I should be filled with joy.
    Played with my heart just like it was a toy.
    But the truth is I’m tired of venting.
    This constant feeling is relentless.
    Nobody wants to listen and everyone is a critic.
    Hate my life but I won’t give up, I can’t give in.illustrate the emotional tension of the song. “I Won’t Quit” confronts the fear of failure—what if I’m not good enough—while contrasting it with the resilience expressed in the title.The song’s final quatrain is especially powerful. Beginning with CBIII’s signature wordplay, the message ultimately becomes one of determination and positive change:Phenomenal and astronomical anomaly, that’s what I would like to be.
    I don’t want to eat, I don’t want to sleep.
    Tired of this life, the way that I’ve been living.
    It’s time to make a change for the greater good.This battle with self-doubt and constant overthinking makes “I Won’t Quit” deeply relatable. CBIII hopes listeners feel inspired to stay strong when they face similar struggles.The inspiration behind the song is intensely personal. After losing both parents at a young age, Brand was raised by his grandmother and later entered foster care. A recent visit, during which he saw his grandmother’s memory fading, was painful for him because she had once been his greatest supporter. It left him feeling abandoned and in a dark place.“I wrote the song ‘I Won’t Quit’ because at that time I was suicidal. I didn’t have anybody else to turn to because my grandma didn’t really care anymore,” he shares.The vulnerability in the lyrics initially made him hesitant to release the track. “I actually sat on the song for about five months before even thinking about releasing it because it is so close to home that I wasn’t sure if I would have the courage to share it.”Now that the song is out, that vulnerability has become its greatest strength. Many listeners can identify with the experience of missing family support, doubting themselves, and still knowing they must push forward.Beyond his personal drive to achieve greatness, Brand has another powerful motivation: his younger brother, who is also in foster care. Knowing his brother looks up to him, he wants to be an example that resilience matters.


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    27 min
  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep64 Elle Mona’e
    Nov 12 2025
    Youtube
    https://beacons.ai/ellemonae
    Spotify

    Bio
    Elle Mona’e is an artist you may recognize without realizing it. She popularity as a Bombshell on Season 2 of Netflix’s hit series Too Hot to Handle, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Since then, she has expanded into the music world to share a new and deeply passionate side of herself.Her latest single, “Land of Groove,” lives up to its name. Blending pop and dance elements with an ethereal, space-like vibe, the song invites listeners to lose themselves in its infectious rhythm. With playful, step-inspired lyrics reminiscent of timeless dance anthems, Elle creates a sound that’s fun, uplifting, and perfect for all audiences.Falling in love with the production process, Elle collaborated with a songwriter who truly understood her vision. “I told him my whole vibe was fun. I wanted people of all ages to be able to dance to this. I wanted it to be a truly feel-good song,” she shares. “We bounced some ideas around, and that’s how ‘Land of Groove’ came to be.”Though “Land of Groove” is a re-release, Elle brings a new sense of confidence and purpose to this version. “I was proud of myself the first time I released the track,” she says. “Now I have even more confidence because I know there’s an audience for it and I know how to continue giving them what they want. This time around, I’m even more excited.”While “Land of Groove” thrives in the dance-pop lane, Elle’s upcoming release, “Can’t Lose,” shifts toward an empowering R&B sound. As an introvert stepping into music, she’s learning to share more of herself at her own pace. Her goal is to deliver a variety of genres and moods while staying true to her authentic self.Transitioning from reality TV to music hasn’t been without challenges. Although her time on Too Hot to Handlebrought brand deals, event invites, and social media growth, Elle felt something was missing. “In the reality TV world, all you have to do is look good and be a good person. After a while, I wanted more. I wanted to create something that truly represented me,” she explains.That desire led her to music—and she approached it with full motivation and determination. “When you have a talent that you enjoy sharing with others and can also make a profit from it, it opens up a completely new lane for you,” she says.Before Too Hot to Handle, Elle was already making waves as the founder of The Stardust Boutique, a unisex brand specializing in zodiac-inspired apparel, jewelry, and cosmetics. Her entrepreneurial spirit shined during the pandemic when she grew her online presence and business through creativity and social media. One viral post even caught the attention of a casting agent, ultimately leading to her appearance on the show.Looking ahead, Elle plans to release an EP titled Stardust, continuing to build her music career while expanding her creative ventures. With authenticity and alignment at the core of everything she does, Elle Mona’e is entering an exciting new chapter—one filled with rhythm, confidence, and purpose.


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    30 min
  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep 63 VALE! ULB
    Nov 2 2025
    BioVale! ULB The Sound of Cabana Bounce. Most of Vale! ULB’s lyrics flow effortlessly between Spanish and English, but even if you don’t speak the language, their energy translates loud and clear. Their latest single, “Devórame,” is a high-speed, high-energy celebration from a five-member band that has crafted an entirely new genre where the primary language is fun.“The band made a new genre called Cabana Bounce,” says lead vocalist Val. “Most of our songs are about joy, movement, and connection. ‘Devórame’ is one of them.”Born in Colombia and raised in a musically rich family, Val is the daughter of Dante Vargas, a multi Latin Grammy Award-winning musician and producer from Peru. Her dual heritage shines through her powerhouse voice strong, expressive, and versatile enough to adapt to any sound the band explores.“Devórame,” which translates to “Devour Me,” captures that playful and passionate essence. “It’s not a romantic song,” explains trumpeter Emi, “it’s about confidence, presence, and living in the moment.”Come take a bite of me now / Before it’s too late papi / Come take me down / Baby devórame ya.In this context, ya literally meaning “already” becomes a demand for right now.The Band’s Global RootsVale! ULB is a collective of musicians whose diverse cultural backgrounds shape the band’s vibrant sound:Val – Lead Vocals (Colombia/Peru)Emi – Trumpet (Argentina)Anier – Percussion (Cuba)Friki – Guitar (Cuba), son of a founder of the legendary Buena Vista Social ClubDeezle – Bass, Production, and Vocals (New Orleans, USA)The “ULB” in their name stands for United Latin Band, while Vale! is colloquial Spanish for “Let’s go!” a perfect reflection of their energy and message.“The band is all about celebration,” says Val. “We’re from Miami, and our producer is from New Orleans. So, New Orleans plus Miami equals party.”Deezle adds, “We love so many kinds of music and can play almost anything. Imagine taking a little of the Black Eyed Peas, some No Doubt, some Santana, some Stevie Wonder and then pouring gumbo juice on top.”A Band of Acclaimed TalentEach member of Vale! ULB brings a deep professional pedigree to the group:Deezle is a three-time Grammy-winning producer who’s worked with Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj.Emi is also a Grammy winner, with credits including The United States vs. Billie Holiday soundtrack and tours with Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony.Anier is a multi-time champion of Cuba’s Fiesta del Tambor (Festival of Drums).Carlos “Los” Battey, the band’s manager, is a Grammy-winning songwriter and music executive who has penned hits for Madonna, Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo, David Guetta, Chris Brown, and more.“Los isn’t just a managerhe’s part of the creative process,” says Emi. “He’s in the studio with us, collaborating and shaping songs. He’s the real deal.”The Creation of Vale! ULBThe band’s story began when a music executive contacted Deezle about developing a group of talented musicians. “They flew me to LA, we got a band house, and ordered all the gear,” recalls Deezle. “Within 30 minutes of setting up, we wrote our first song. Everything just clicked.”Soon after, Emi joined as music director and invited Val to front the band. When the original guitarist left, Friki joined, and Vale! ULB officially took shape.“We complement each other perfectly,” says Emi. “It’s like a puzzle where every piece just fits.”“Our band shows how people from different walks of life different backgrounds, cultures, and opinions can come together to create something powerful,” adds Deezle. “We’ve got that chemistry unlocked.”The Future of Cabana BounceVale! ULB’s music embodies warmth, rhythm, and pure joy what they call Cabana Bounce. “It’s like sunshine, a poolside party, full of color and life,” says Deezle. “It’s a mix of all our flavors from every country and city we represent.”“Devórame” is the band’s fourth single this year, and their momentum is just getting started. The team plans to release more singles, videos, and eventually an EP and full album. Manager Carlos is also developing an interactive virtual concert experience on platforms like Discord or Patreon, making it easy for fans worldwide to tune in and celebrate together.“For me,” says Val, “one of our biggest goals is to perform live and connect with people around the world.”“We’re limitless,” concludes Deezle. “We never wanted to be confined to one sound. We’re musicians first and we’re here to create without boundaries.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.
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    31 min
  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep 62 I.K.P
    Oct 30 2025
    https://www.ikp.me
    Youtube
    Spotify
    Instagram

    Bio
    K.P. (The Infamous King of Positivity) is a first-generation Honduran American of Garifuna descent and a non-binary rapper and producer whose every move is intentional. From their stage name to their sonic palette, I.K.P. creates with layered purpose.Their latest single “FTW” is a high-voltage anthem built to energize your morning, fuel your workout, or soundtrack your world domination. The track’s rattling drums and bass, combined with an eerie and dominant melody, drive a sense of urgency that perfectly matches I.K.P.’s electrifying performance.“I want them to feel unstoppable. Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it for the win, and you’reundeniable,” they share.I.K.P.’s writing process is as fluid as it is instinctive. Sometimes they write with pen and pad, other times they record voice notes or use their phone’s notes app.“Inspiration strikes in fragments or floods. As they say, you don’t gotta get ready if you stay ready.”In a landscape where many artists cling to one sound, I.K.P. thrives in versatility. Whether it’s boom bap, drill, reggae, or Latin rhythms, they co-produce and collaborate across styles, honoring Hip-Hop’s hybrid roots and their own Afro-Caribbean heritage.“I gravitate towards a lot of things and I don’t like to be in a box. I do a lot of co-producing with a multifaceted team. I love Hip-Hop so much because you can make all these hybrid styles make sense.”Their sonic range mirrors a life of movement and resilience. Raised in Norfolk, Virginia after their family emigrated from Honduras, I.K.P. also served over five years in the Marines. Growing up near Portsmouth, they drew early inspiration from Missy Elliott’s boundary-breaking creativity.The name I.K.P. represents more than music. It embodies advocacy and empowerment. Their stage name was inspired by their mission to combat the stigma surrounding HIV-positive diagnoses and to use art as a tool for visibility and strength among marginalized communities.“I decided I wasn’t going to let things that happened to me define how I saw the world. I wanted to show people who looked like me and lived like me that they could gain a sense of power. And if they didn’t know how to do it for themselves, I could show them that it could be done.”I.K.P. also explores the intersection of rap, pop culture, and the evolving LGBTQIA+ experience, acknowledging both the progress and the challenges that remain. They reference artists like Kevin Abstract, Tyler The Creator, Lil Nas X, Young M.A, Steve Lacy, and Syd, trailblazers who continue to push the conversation forward.“It’s about self-actualization. Whether you’re Black, gay, and/or queer, you’re often kept out of certain rooms and conversations. I want to show people that you can always take control and be free.”For I.K.P., rap is a ritual, a reflection of joy, pain, and transformation.“I want to continue to speak for those who feel like they don’t have a voice or that their voice is being suppressed. Hip-Hop has always been a tool of progression and evolution, and I just want to continue that tradition,” they said.Their fanbase, affectionately known as #PozFriendlies, can expect a wave of new releases following the success of their fourth full-length project 11:11 | eleven eleven released in 2021. I.K.P. is also expanding their BLOCK SPINNINseries on TikTok and Instagram, a Stereogum-inspired chronicle exploring the history of Billboard Hot 100 hits.

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    36 min
  • Creator to Creators S7 Ep 61 Nikena
    Oct 18 2025
    Tidal
    Youtube
    Amazon
    https://nikenamusic.com

    Bio
    Nikena is a Caribbean-born artist whose music radiates love, authenticity, and cultural pride. Love serves as the heartbeat of her artistry, inspiring every lyric, melody, and performance. Her singles “Hold Me” and “Surprise” each explore love from distinct perspectives, one through vibrant Caribbean rhythms and the other through soulful R&B tones, yet both remain unmistakably her.Nikena’s creative process is as authentic as her sound. She records herself twice, first in her home studio where ideas flow freely, and then in a professional studio for the final cut. Writing often takes place at home or in peaceful outdoor spaces, allowing her to stay comfortable and inspired throughout the process.“When I’m writing at home, I can just be myself and play around with the song however I want. Whenever something comes to me, morning or night, I can immediately bring it to life,” she says.Songwriting is Nikena’s favorite part of creating music. She recently experienced a full circle moment that reminded her how far she’s come as an artist.“I was printing my lyrics the other day, and it hit me. I used to do that for other artists growing up. Now I’m doing it for my own music,” she reflects.Her single “Hold Me” holds special meaning in her catalog, blending dancehall and pop in a way that celebrates her Caribbean roots. The song’s vibrant percussion and gentle melody reflect both her heritage and her personal evolution.“As someone of Caribbean descent, it’s important for me to fully express who I am without holding back. My culture shapes my identity as an artist. Authenticity matters to me, every song I write comes from personal experience,” she explains.The accompanying music video for “Hold Me” captures the essence of Caribbean energy, from club scenes and colorful outfits to wine-based choreography, all visualized through Nikena’s creative vision. Similarly, her R&B-infused single “Surprise” takes a more intimate approach, showcasing her emotional depth and versatility as both a writer and performer.Creating her debut album This Is Me, set for release in October, has been a deeply rewarding journey. The process taught Nikena patience and trust in her creativity, understanding that inspiration arrives in its own time.“It had been about five years since my first single, and I realized there’s no better time than now to pour my heart into a full-length project,” she shares.Originally planning to release an EP, Nikena chose instead to craft a complete body of work that reflects her growth, resilience, and joy as an artist.Her love for performing is another driving force. From open mics and outdoor festivals to intimate showcases and listening parties, each stage experience fuels her passion for connection.“I love seeing people have a good time. It’s fulfilling to share that energy with them,” she says.For Nikena, authenticity is everything. She continues to evolve as an artist who leads with love and self-belief.


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    34 min