Jim Jones and his artist Dyce Pesos take center stage in this episode of Talk of The Town Show filled with candid insights into the current state of music, Harlem culture, and the art of collaboration. From fresh trends in hip-hop to the ongoing drama in the music industry, here are the episode’s standout moments.
Jim Jones reflects on his early music journey, revealing how he initially entered the game not as a rapper but through his partnership with Cam’ron. He emphasizes the importance of transparency within group dynamics and shares key lessons learned from his time in the Diplomats. Now running a distribution label with over 300 artists, Jones is planning to release 15 albums in 2024, highlighting his commitment to shaping the future of music. He also discusses the difference between “hit records” and “hot records,” stressing that true hits resonate across all platforms and audiences.
Jones speaks about his approach to artist development, noting how he strives to treat artists the way he wished he was treated in the early stages of his career. He admits to learning the business through trial and error but credits his success to being in the right rooms at the right time. Dyce Pesos is praised for his relentless work ethic, particularly in promotion and marketing, showcasing the value of commitment in today’s music landscape.
The discussion turns to fashion, with Jones reflecting on his influence in the hip-hop world. He mentions the trends he helped popularize, like True Religion jeans and BB Simon belts, and even reveals his habit of giving away clothes rather than selling them online. Despite his taste for high-end fashion, Jones describes himself as “cheap” when it comes to spending, offering a humorous contrast to his public persona.
Jones and Dyce dive into recent industry events, including the drama surrounding Lil Tjay, Fivio, and Plaqueboy Max. They discuss the decision by Tjay and Fivio to walk out of a stream due to a no-smoking policy, exploring how these restrictions impact collaborations and the overall creative process. Jones critiques the use of terms like “falling off,” noting how loosely they’re applied in today’s generation.
Jones remains optimistic about the future of music, acknowledging that there’s a lane for everyone in today’s diverse landscape. He emphasizes the increasing role of content creators and streamers in marketing music, asserting that these platforms have become essential in connecting artists with their audiences.
