In this episode of the Elevate Collection podcast, Selena Johnson shares her journey as a Grammy-nominated artist, discussing the evolution of her identity, the challenges of the music industry, and the importance of having a supportive team. She emphasizes the need to define personal success and winning on one's own terms, while also looking forward to future projects and growth.

https://www.syleenamusic.com/

What We Cover in This Episode

• Growing up influenced by his father’s time at Motown
• Interning under the best
• How serving others opened the door into engineering
• Going from rapper → engineer → entrepreneur
• The moment he engineered Gucci Mane without knowing how to engineer (and how it changed everything)

• Why being an artist first helped him become a better engineer
• How credit = currency in the music industry
• The concept of “Cash or Credit” and why engineers must understand it
• The turning point of working with Lil Yachty from apartment closets to global stardom
• Why undervaluation is rampant and the uncomfortable truth about payment conversations

• Why engineers often miss out on royalties
• How the Music Modernization Act changed the game
• The truth about publishing splits, LODs, and non-featured artist funds
• Why ad-libs = background vocals (and why most artists are leaving money on the table)
• The dreaded black box and billions of dollars artists unknowingly lose

• J Rich’s role as VP of Strategic Partnerships for Pop Star Ventures
• How the fund supports founders in sports and entertainment
• Guiding talent into investing + equity
• The joy of hosting high-level, curated connection events (including ours!)
• Why generational wealth planning is the real end game

Including (but not limited to):

• Offset
• Cardi B
• Lil Baby
• Yeat (first manager)
• Lil Yachty (first engineer)
• JT
• Trippie Redd
• Pure Cocaine era
• Plus more…

And yes — his Grammy nomination came from “Clout” by Offset ft. Cardi B”.

When asked what would move the needle for him right now:
“Join the Elevate community.”
We love a twin who understands alignment.

• Drake (and specifically 40)
• The Bobby Althoff–Drake interview lives rent-free in our minds
• Drake’s song “Elevate” remains a foundational inspiration for The Elevate Collection

To deepen industry understanding, we recommend listeners explore:

• PRO (ASCAP/BMI)
• SoundExchange
• Non-Featured Artist Fund
• LOD (Letter of Direction)
• Black Box royalties
• Pre-release compliance
• Factoring
• Metadata
• Publishing splits

IG

LinkedIn

Shari Nycole traces her path from D1 hoops to the control room and finally on-camera—unpacking courage, reinvention, and why she’s choosing a life where career and personal dreams run parallel. We dig into building an edifying circle, the difference between nice and kind, legacy that transcends bloodlines, and a very real “big ask” that listeners can act on today.

Key Takeaways

• Reframe success: Gratitude is a practice—sit in it, don’t sprint past it.
• Parallel > perpendicular: Let career and personal life rise together, even at different paces.
• Leverage your producer era: Mastering the back end can supercharge front-facing goals.
• Curate your circle: Celebration + accountability = friendship. Levels of access protect your peace.
• Kind > nice: Kindness carries boundaries and intention; “nice” can be performative.
• Edify the culture: Create conversations that lift, not just fill airtime.
• Legacy is lived now: Model excellence for the next generation—invite them into the work.

Memorable Quotes

• “There’s intention around sitting in gratitude versus just being grateful.”
• “I want my personal and professional life to run parallel, not collide.”
• “Your circle should celebrate and sharpen you.”
• “Nice is performative. Kind is intentional.”
• “If the conversation doesn’t edify, it’s pointless.”

Action Steps for Listeners

• Follow & engage with Shari’s content (save, comment, share).
• Publicists/PR partners: Open to barter/partnership—support placements & amplification.
• Creators: Audit your circle—who celebrates you, who sharpens you, who drains you?
• Pros: List one parallel personal goal to pursue alongside your next career milestone.

Shari’s Current Playlist

Jade Novah (“90s Fine”), Jane Hancock (feat. Anderson .Paak “Stare at Me”), ’90s R&B classics, Beyoncé (Renaissance), Lucky Daye, Tank (HM), Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Doobie Brothers (“What a Fool Believes”).

MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY: www.elevatecollection.co/community

Before you go - here are three ways to continue elevating your legacy & connect:

1. Follow @ElevateCollection.co on Instagram along with your host, @alexandriareed.co & @Jordanhawkins.co
2. Subscribe to never miss an episode and get exclusive content
3. Share this trailer with three people who need to hear it

Remember: Your influence is just the beginning. Your legacy is the destination.

See you soon, where influence meets legacy.