Loody Boy - Becoming The VIP Manager of Taylor Gang & Growing Up In Pittsburg

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Casey Adams here. Welcome back to the Rise of the Young podcast. On today's episode, we have Ludyboy from Taylor Gang. Ludy Boy is the host of Delight show on Dash Radio and he has been the VIP manager for Taylor Gang for over a decade. Him and Wiz Khalifa go back over 10 years and he has so many incredible stories when it comes to being on tour with Wiz, to creating his own mixtape, and much, much more. So that being said, please take a moment to share this episode with a friend. And if you know anyone that is a huge hip hop fan or that listens to Wiz Khalifa, this will be a great episode for them. So make sure to share it with them. And last but not least, make sure you screenshot this episode, post it on your Instagram story. Tag Looney Boy. Tag myself and enjoy the episod.

All right, what is going on, everyone? Casey Adams here. Welcome back to the Rise of the Young podcast. On today's episode, we have the one and only Ludy Boy. Thanks so much for coming on the show, man.

No, appreciate you having me, man. Appreciate it, man.

So we've been connected for quite some time now just. And I've been following you, everything you're doing in the music world, you're part of Taylor Gang, and we've just been, you know, touching base and staying connected for quite some time. And I'm super excited today because I really want to dive into, you know, not only the music industry, but how you got into it. But real quick, before we jump into it, I'd love to just give you a second to tell the people where you're currently spending your time and more so how you got into music in the first place.

Yeah, I'm born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Been living there all my life, back and forth, Louisiana, you know, of course My brother, Chevy woods, him and Wiz met, you know, at a studio. They became good friends and then they was working together. And I wasn't really like, I was always into Chevy's music, like, always, like when he had little shows going here and there. But once him and Wiz got together, it was like their connection, like they just connected with the music friends. And then it just took off and you know, Wiz from there he just blew up. And then it was like I was actually incarcerated. Like when things started to take off. Like the say yeah video, I watched the say yeah video from inside of the jail cell. Like watching like, these are my, my friends on mtv. You know, I'm like, what the heck? I'm like, it's really real. So when I came home in 2010 was like, I came home 2008. I couldn't really travel or do nothing until 2010. But once that was over, they was always like, you know, once it's over, if you really want a job, if you want to work, you come on the road with us. So 2010, September was deal or no Deal tour. Me and Chevy drove up to Cleveland and I was throwing merchandise from Biz from there. Like for the start, I started out doing the merchandise. I always loved music, always loved being in the studio. But at that time it wasn't like, oh, I wanted to be like A, A and R. I wanted the executive producer project or I wanted to. It was just like, I love music. So from there I was doing the merchandise. Got kind of like bored with that after a while. Like, I wanted a more hands on type of thing. And then that's when I got into doing the meet and greets. The VIP coordinator for Wizard. I coordinated it, came up with like the merchandise, what we give the kids, name of the projects, name of like the packages, you know, just to kind of like make it as a fan what they would want, you know, like being able to come on stage with Wiz and being able to come on his tour bus. Like, those were all like my ideas, like what a fan would really want from their favorite artist. You know what I mean? So I was doing that and then, you know, once this, all this craziness started, the pandemic, it's like, yeah, tour stopped, tour stops, there's no more shows. So it was just like through this time and all that time, I always been behind the closed doors with the music, you know what I mean? And I decided to actually put together a project to where I wanted to showcase all the dope artists in Pittsburgh, my hometown.

Yeah.

That I thought was dope. And put them all on, like, one project and make them collab, you know what I mean? To kind of bring some unity into the city, you know what I'm saying? So once I got with that, it was like, all right, I wanted to do more. Like, this is like A, A and R type, you know what I mean?

So it's like the project's called Lightwork, right?

Yeah, it's called Lightwork. And the meaning behind that is, like, this is only a little tad bit of the talent that's there, you know what I'm saying? So it's just like, when we do things, we say, oh, that's light work. That ain't nothing we could do more, you know what I'm saying? So that was kind of like the thought process of the name Light Work behind the project.

I love it. And I think it's so cool, too, hearing your perspective, because you, for example, right? I've been to some of the shows. I'm from Virginia. I've been to the shows of Virginia beach and seeing the production and the VIP and how things are orchestrated and understanding how your creativity has gone into those projects. You've played a big role in a huge operation. And hearing that, not only on the podcast, but also lyrically, it brings such a different perspective to the music. So for you, when you're now thinking about creating music and really diving in that world, like, what's not only inspiring you to go all in there, but what should people expect from you? Because you have such a unique perspective in this whole game that's, you know, super rare. And I think it's super cool to have you on the show to talk about it, because it's not, you know, you don't hear it from this side of the world as much as people should, you know?

Yeah, I feel like I be having, like, 20 million ideas and things I do. Like, I'm always trying to, like, I like helping people. I like bringing people's dreams to reality. So it's just like, this goes hand in hand into A and R and what I do, you know what I mean? And I want to bring somebody or showcase a kid or a talent or somebody from Pittsburgh or wherever they're from to. Whereas somebody else that follows me, that's higher up, you know what I mean? May be like, oh, I like that person who is that? And they look into it, and then there's their shot. So it's just like, I want. I really just want to give, like, people My vision on what I think a good song is or what I think can make it or who I think can make it. You know what I mean? I'm just trying to.

Yeah.

This project out there so people can be like, Ludy knows what he's talking about when it comes to music. Like, all my friends and people know, like, I gave, you know, ideas, whatever, little, little stuff, nothing major to people like Wiz, you know what I'm saying? So it's just like, I want the world to really be like, Ludy knows what he's talking about when it comes to music. I mean, some do. But I'm trying to put more content out there instead of just like, saying it and being on Instagram and stuff like that. So that's kind of.

I think it's cool because, I mean, a unique perspective on great artists. And I want to ask you, you know, by being around just not only greatness such as Wiz and different artists, but also having such a unique perspective in the music industry, what would you say describes a great artist? Because there's unique characteristics that come along with that that I'm sure you've seen firsthand. So what would you say to that?

Describe? I would just say, like, just consistency and just like the Persona, you know, you got to be able to. You got to be able to perform. Yeah, like, that's definitely a part of it. Performing and just like interviews, knowing how to talk to people, knowing just like being. Being like, in the right places with the right people. You know what I'm saying? Like, you can't be like, one foot in the streets and then one foot in music. Like, I tell people, it's like, I'm willing to help artists that I know, but they're like street guys too, as well. So it's like one day they want my opinion, and then I don't hear from them. You know what I mean? So it's just like, you gotta be consistent. You gotta want it. You just gotta, like, you gotta know what you want. You know what I mean? You can't, like, really take the time on what other people think. If you want to sing, go ahead and sing. If you want to rap, go ahead and rap. People are gonna notice your music. I always say, my thing is good music is undeniable. Even if you don't like me, if my song is good, you're going to, like, you know, I mean, you may get caught dancing to it or something like that. You know what I mean? So it's just like, you can't deny Good music. I just. In artists or for people, when I'm looking at somebody, I just look at like, you know, the consistency is the things they're saying. Like, catchy, is it, you know what I mean? Believable, relatable. Always look for things that are relatable and whatnot. The case may be, but basically it's just like being consistent in what your craft and just like giving your fans what they want. Like, people just get caught up on like numbers. Like, I know celebrities and rappers. Some of them have over 200,000 followers and it's like they get a thousand likes, you know what I'm saying? Like, if you a small artist up and coming and you only have a hundred people following you, you can still succeed off of those hundred people, you know what I'm saying? Like, you can still get money off of those hundred people. Now that I look back on it, it's like I would rather have this many amount of followers, loyal people, than this much and only this much is participating in what I do, you know what I'm saying? So it's just like I just look for those type of things and also want to tell artists up and coming, like, it's not all about you having this many followers. You don't need this. You can make it work with 50 people following you.

Yeah.

I mean, so.

And yeah, and all you guys did. You guys were early in the social media world in terms of, you know, putting that music on YouTube and just capitalizing on that whole digital branding and, you know, you do utilizing that to create a business. Taylor Gang and everything you guys created. What would you say has changed since the time you guys started? Because you guys were pioneers just as Taylor Gang, as a unit and as a squad into this whole rap community world. So, you know, what's your advice to an up and coming artist today that's looking to create that same type of culture over the next 10 years?

I would say make sure you got a team. You can't do it by yourself. I don't care who you are and what you think and just make sure you got loyal people around you, people that are about you and the whole team winning. You know what I mean? Like, I watched a lot in the background for years and years and years. Like I could have been been like, just because I'm in Taylor Gang, hey, I want to be an A and R and not really have the full, like, knowledge of what those people do and what they're supposed to do, you know what I'm saying? Like, I'm just now doing it. It could be a gift and a curse, but it's like to me, I feel like it's the right time, you know what I mean? So just make sure you just got a nice, really a team. Because that was really what made us kind of like so tight and be able to do it for so long is we didn't just pick like random people put in place and to do work. These were friends that everybody took a job like what they wanted to do when it came to Wiz, you know what I'm saying? Like there's a dj, there's a producer, there's Sledgeon, he's an in house producer. Sledgeon is like my childhood friend. Like we grew up breeze, which is wizard security, my childhood friend, Lonnie, wizard security, my childhood friend, you know what I mean? Like Chevy's is Wiz's right hand man. That's my own brother. So it's just like it was all like a family unit type of thing. So it's like when there was problems, it was like we talk about it and get over it, you know what I mean? It wasn't like, oh, this person's getting fired or da da da da da. Just make sure you got a team. The people.

Yeah, I want to talk about it because you always hear the quote, it's like, you know, like you want to come up with the people that you were, you know, that you started with. How has the mentality changed and how have you guys just remained so tight with so many changes happening over the last decades and whether that's success or from, you know, the opportunities, because just seeing you guys evolve as being someone as an outsider that like, you know, loves the music and loves the brand and loves everything about Taylor gang just it seems from the outside like the family unit is so strong. So how, what would you say, you know, built that culture? Obviously it goes to time and being childhood friends, but how did that come about? When it, when it comes to like bringing the team together?

I would say just like going through things, you know what I mean? Like being on the road, going to jail in North Carolina, like together, like, you know what I'm saying? Like just being in certain situations and us having to learn them for ourselves because like we didn't have nobody from the city to be like, these guys did it. We can learn from them. We were all like the guys from the city doing it for the first time. So it was just like everything that we went through, we kind of like did together. And if you wasn't there. You heard about it and you knew about it, and we handled it and we moved on. I would just say, like, that part of just going through ups and downs, really, you know what I mean? Everything wasn't, like, plus or everything wasn't good. It may look like, you know, I mean, it is now, and that's because of what was going on 10 years ago, you know? And so it's just like everybody has the same mastic mass state. Nobody's, like, selfish. Nobody's, like, out to try to get nobody or nothing like that. It's just. Everything's been, like, all just straight up family, you know what I mean? Like, everybody progressing. People. People from heaven, from everybody having no kids, but mostly everybody having kids, you know what I'm saying? Just growing and maturing and, you know, just trying to enjoy life, you know what I'm saying? Really? Really. I think it was, like, basically just like, our ups and downs, going through things.

I want to kind of talk about, you know, like, early on childhood, too. Like, how was it growing up in Pittsburgh? Because I know that's a. You know, that's to the core, who you are and who the crew is. So talk to us about that and more. So what Pittsburgh means to you.

It was. For me, it was like I didn't have the luxury childhood, but I wasn't, like, struggling like my mom. My mom raised three boys. I'm a middle child. It was the neighborhood. There was people that was doing good, people that was not doing good. I want to say, like, my mom, we were, like, kind of in the middle, you know, I grew up seeing a lot. It was, like, you know, heavy. It went from heavy gang violence to, you know, slowing down to just, like, people dying in the community, people dying on your street, drugs. And, you know, like, when you see it, you become a product of it, you know what I mean? And, like, that's what I did. It was like. That's all I seen. I was in the sports, always wanted to, like, play everything my brother was playing. Like, we was big sports fans. Basketball, baseball, football. Like, we played it all. So it was like sports was there. And then, like, once the sports didn't work out, it was like seeing my brother do what he wanted to do. It was like, you always want to do what your brother did, whether it was good or bad. You know what I mean? So it was like, that's what I fell into, was, like, doing what he did. Video games. And then, of course, like, just being in the street selling drugs, being like, dumb, young, not thinking, you know what I mean? I think that is really, ironically, it shaped me to, like, know better now, you know what I mean? And I knew better early. Like, when I Once I went to jail, I was like. I knew I wasn't gonna be one of those guys that kept coming back to jail. I was like, I'm not living like this. I was like, these people stopped me from smoking. Weed was one of the things I love so much. And I was like. I was like, I'm never gonna give them the power to, like, stop me from smoking marijuana. I was like, once this situation is over, I'm good. I ain't messing with that life. So it's like the upcoming upbringing in my neighborhood was just like. It was like good and bad. Theft, drugs, you know, people going to jail, the normal in the hood, ghetto type of stuff that, you know, I mean, people go through. But I feel like that is what molded me to be able to handle, like, any other things that happens. You know what I mean? Any other things that happen on the road and be able to be like, look, okay, we can.

It gave you so much respect, for sure. That's what's up. Yes, I sort of want to, you know, I want to pivot to talk about some things that, you know, I know you're working on now. And also we had the homie DJ Ski on the show about a month or so ago. And I know that you do some stuff with DASH Radio. So talk to us about host of.

Delight show on DASH Radio, how that came about.

Because I know DJ Ski, he's killing it. And I know that you're part of the network. So that's what's up, man.

Listen, I'm gonna tell you this. A few years ago, I used to, like, I would run around with Chevy and Tookie Carter, a few of the Taylor Gang artists, and just help out, like manager or assistant type, whatever you want to call it. Just making sure they was good. Like, I used to go up to ski with them, like on their interviews, you know what I'm saying? And just be there, like, looking like, man, this is. This is SKI tv. Like, this is dance radio. This is where it is. And then years go past, of course, and then like, you know, Bonix, DJ Bonix Wiz dj. I'm on a road with him and he's always like, every morning he's like, doing his radio show on the computer, on the road, on the tour bus, like, yeah, it's your boy DJ Bonix. Da da da da. I'M like, man, he's like, bonix, take this radio shit seriously. Recording his thing so he could send them back in on the road. And I would be on Instagram and whatever the case may be. And people would just be like, you need your own show, you need to do this. And da da, da, da, da. And I just would be like, man, I don't think I would sound good on the radio. Like. And then Jen Delone, she's a good friend of mine, I Taylor Gang. She works really close with Ski. I had hit her up and was asking about the shows there and she was like, she was like, we would love to give you your own show. And I was like, you know, came up with the name already because I was already saying the Life show.

Yep.

I mean, so it was like already a thing. And then I got in touch with my homie Ricky P. He's a dj. I know Ricky with the music and my homegirl Char. Of course you need a female in there. She's from Pittsburgh. We're all from Pittsburgh. So I was like, this is dope. It's like, we're all from Pittsburgh, in la, on a radio show, you know what I mean? So I did the first show and was like. And people were like, yo, your voice sounds really, really good on there. I'm like, no way. Then like once I like really, really got comfortable with was just like amazing. And then I go on social media one day and then Skee's post on his story is he's listening in the car, listening to my show, my songs and my topics and stuff like that. I'm like, oh my God. Like, he's really posted. He's really listening to it, you know what I mean? And meeting him and going back up in there when I'm doing the interviews. Until back when I was just rolling in there, not really doing nothing, just helping the artist. It's like it's been like super, super, super crazy. It's like, you know, it may not be too big to some people, but like, that shit was like really, really big to me. You know what I mean? And from there they just been like showing love. Anything I want, they do, you know, interviews and stuff like that. I had Slim Jimmy on there, a few other people. It's been really dope since the shit started.

They how does this whole situation change, you know, everything that you're working on? Because I know tours stop and obviously the in person, you know, in person interviews stop. So how have you adapted to this current situation?

I just been actually Just kind of like shut down on like thinking about even trying to do any work or ideas I can do towards that. And kind of just been focusing on my project really is like working on splits with the artists and tracking down producers and just making sure like I do what I need to do for this to be like perfect, you know what I mean, when it comes out. Really, really. I just been like working computer, working with Will and them, Taylor Gang artists ideas, you know, trying to figure out what we're going to do after this. What's the best music to drop right now? You know, Taylor Gang's working on. They're about to drop another Volume two. So, you know, I just been kind of dipping and dabbing, but mostly just been trying to like get things together with my project. Yep. And smoking more weed.

When it comes to the project. I have two more questions. Just what does this project mean to you and when should people expect it?

Well, it means a lot, a lot to me. Like I said earlier, it's just like, it's me giving the people like a taste of like what I think is good music. So like really, really important to me. I'm planning on, I want to say like what's the May, June, July? I want to say hopefully like early July. You know, I have some, few, few more little things to touch up to it and stuff like that. And hopefully by like early July we can have it. We can have some fireworks with some light work.

You know, that's what's up man. That's what's.

That might be a good time to drop it with some fireworks.

Fourth of July. I like that man.

Last question.

Because I know, I know we've been connected for quite some time and we've been trying to do this show and have you on. From someone that understands the music game, just looking back through the journey, what would you say has been the biggest thing you've learned personally but also professionally throughout the journey?

That. That it's really, really. The music industry is a business and sometimes you have to bug people. You have to stay on people, you have to keep up with people. Don't get down when somebody's not answering your email the first day or two. Get back with them. A double back and checking back is some things you have to do in this music industry because people is everywhere, people's doing this and you just never know. Like if you send an email and you just think you just gonna get an answer back and everything's gonna be all goody, that doesn't really happen too much. You gotta stay on people and just like, you know, just be true to yourself, true to other people, treat people good. And I feel like all that energy will somehow some way, like, come back to you and the things you need to, you know what I mean, Succeed in the music industry. For real. For real. That's, that's really, really it. That's my thing about it. It's just like I hit people up and be like, expecting answers and then nobody. They don't say nothing and then I'm upset with them. An answer. Meanwhile, they got a hundred and fifty things going on. You gotta like double back. You gotta say, hey, I'm just checking back in, whatever the case may be dealing. What's going on? Oh, sorry I missed your da da da, da da da. Then you're. You know what I mean? It's like, you never know.

So that's what's up. Well, I'm excited for the project, man, for everyone that's listening. I know they're obviously excited to hear it as well. But not only light work, but where can people stay in touch with Ludie Boy and stay connected with you as we get closer to this project that you're releasing? Because I know I'm excited about it. I know the people listening are. So where should people go to stay in touch with you before it drops?

Well, first we need everybody to go to Louieboy's page on Instagram. I'm really big on Instagram. Not big big, but like, I'm on there more than Twitter, Snapchat, whatever the case may be. Facebook, just Instagram, I'll be posting clips, of course. My team, Taylor gang, they'll be posting it on their page and stuff like that. I'm working on the next single, so if you follow me, Instagram, Ludyboy. L O O D Y B O Y really simple. Yeah, hit that follow button. You'll be seeing me on there. Smoking plenty of weed. Smoking. Biggest stoners smoking. With some of the best weed. Yeah, you'll get all the updates on light work and all of that and sometimes some little comedy. I think I'm funny sometimes.

Yeah. No, I love all the Instagram lives You do, man. I'm always staying in tune with everything. So appreciate you coming on today, man, and everyone listening. I'll make sure to link down below Ludy's Instagram so that you can check it out. And that being said, thanks so much for tuning into the show today. Thanks so much, Ludy.

Yes, sir. Thank you, man. Before I go too, man, appreciate you. You're dope. It's a pleasure being you. Thanks for having me, man. I really appreciate you, man. Success. I've been watching you for a minute now. And every, every day, you get better and better.

I appreciate that, man. That means a lot.

Issue.

Monarch Legacy of Monsters An Apple Original Series the world is on fire. I decided to do something about it. On November 17th.

This place.

It's not ours. Believe me. The most massive event of the year arrives. If you come with me, you'll know everything. I promise. Monarch Legacy of monsters streaming November 17th only on Apple TV. Plus.