In this unforgettable and emotional episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan and Tye Huntley sit down with one of the most respected but quietly powerful figures in the music business — Greggory Smith, former Regional Director of Creative Services at SESAC and the man behind stories that shaped modern R&B, pop, and songwriting culture. Greg opens up with a level of honesty rarely seen on camera: his beginnings as a PK who wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music, the accident that nearly destroyed his early music dreams, how he and his brother J. Que Smith (Usher, Beyoncé, Neyo, Marcus Houston) navigated the industry from nothing, and the real truth behind iconic records like My Boo and Confessions. He shares the hilarious, raw moment he knew Jack Harlow would be a star, the politics behind publisher rooms, why clubs still determine hits, and why some artists lose simply because their team wants it more than they do.But the episode takes a powerful turn when Greggory reveals how he battled burnout, betrayal, and broken industry relationships — and how God, two young songwriters (Bryce and Sierra), and an unexpected Christmas prayer led to the creation of Inc(k)., a collective poised to become one of the next major songwriting powerhouses. Greggory breaks down the emotional moment that moved him to tears, the record that changed everything (Santa Is Me by Coco Jones), and why he believes 2025–2026 will be their Grammy moment. This is more than an interview — it’s a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and navigating the industry without losing your soul. If you’re an independent artist, songwriter, manager, or creative, you NEED to watch this.

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