Today we’d like to introduce you to Layla Elayyadi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Having grown up in Houston and Austin, I have been given two unique views of the world. On one hand, I have my happy-go-lucky carefree spirit and on the other, there is my goal-oriented, go-it-get nature. As a result of those views, the driving forces in my life have been travel and promoting underground Hip-Hop.
At the age of 15, I found a local well known multi-media guru by the name if Orbit who spring-boarded my career into the Hip-Hop world. Once I started interning with Orbit, I saw a need to promote the local Houston talent and form a team with the assistance of my former HS Principal. With his assistance in allowing me to hold quick street team meetings, I was able to form my promotions company. A year later, I caught my first big break.
As luck would have it, I had my first encounter with a representative for Roc-A-Fella Records that took a chance on my promotions company during the Houston Superbowl weekend. This opportunity exposed me to well-known figures in the entertainment industry and also provided me with my first travel experience. Going to New York gave birth to my lifelong desire to travel and find Hip-Hop in all corners of the world.
After All-Star Weekend the following year, I decided to take a leave of absence to become part of corporate America. During my time in corporate America, I was surrounded by people from all over the globe. This exposure to different people also gave me access to a variety of music, which leads me to fall in love with European Emcees.
In the last couple of years, I co-created the Defmatic podcast, which is dedicated to shedding light on multiple artists including my favorite from Europe such as Jay Prince, Age of L.U.N.A and Jamal Woon. This is where my passion for Hip-Hop and Travel come together and helped me accomplish one of my biggest goals to date.
Research for Defmatic took me to Europe for a month and a half. Traveling to various countries took me to local and global concert venues alike. It was an eye-opening experience that also leads me to new ventures such as That Boom Bap Podcast.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no, it has not been a smooth road for me.
Outside influences, no matter how well-intentioned or loving they are, are often detrimental to achieving certain goals. Listening to unsolicited advice lead me to my 8-year leave of absence in the entertainment industry. My struggle in a sense was finding my way back in without seeming so far removed. Once I got my wheels turning with podcasting, I went full force in research and reaching out to some of my favorite emcees.
Once I was comfortable doing what I love the next step was to travel. Sometimes, not even time is your friend, I’ve had miss opportunities due to time constraints that would have been momentous in my career. This caused me to have moments of feeling like a failure because I could not secure the interviews that I had planned. However, I also learned how to better manage my time and interact with people on a global scale.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Layla_E – what should we know?
That Boom Bap podcast which is part of The Sphere Podcast Network is all about Hip-Hop. I bring the international flare in my own segment called ‘International Vibes.’ This is where I introduce an artist from a different region of the world to the audience. I am known for giving people new and dope artists to add to their rotation and playlists.
I am most proud of the fact that not many women are talking Hip-Hop on an underground forum nor are they discussing artists from different regions. That Boom Bap podcast loves to share album reviews, tracks of the week, and what is going on in the world of music. What sets us apart from others is that we are all 3 very different in our views and passionate about certain elements of Hip-Hop. When you get a chance, check out my co-hosts Garry Lee and Kareem Tillman to hear our funny exchanges on certain topics. We can be found on all podcast forums.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
One of my keys to success is being personable, I love to build up work-related relationships. It helps keep my personal brand reliable and in everyone’s good graces,
Another characteristic trait that is important is having endurance mentally and physically. Long days and hard hours require me to stay sharp and focused on the prize.
Let’s not forget that being optimistic will help anyone remain positive and hopeful. It has helped me keep a close circle of good people around me at all times. When I have the occasional doubt, my close circle which I call my ‘Hip-Hop consultants.’ They tend to lift my spirit and remind me that I am a dope person on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thesphere.tv/boombap/
- Email: LaylaE_Hiphop@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/layla_e1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1400735656675702/
Image Credit:
Charming Charlton
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