What No One Talks About in the Music Industry - The Real Tea!!

One of the least discussed realities of working in the music industry is that you can fully earn your place—or even carve out your own lane—yet still face dismissal or disregard from those at the top. Despite over a decade of experience in the mainstream music scene, I continue to witness an unfortunate pattern: the persistence of what I call "the unprofessional game."

The unprofessional game refers to behavior in which individuals treat others as inferior, regardless of their talent, dedication, or earned credibility. This toxic culture creates a hostile environment where rising artists are often stifled, overlooked, or deliberately excluded. Instead of fostering collaboration and community, these behaviors breed division and insecurity.

Much of this stems from a fear of competition. Some artists and industry professionals perceive others as threats, rather than potential collaborators. Ironically, this mindset not only limits opportunities for others, but also diminishes the integrity of the very communities and events they claim to support. In the long run, they fail their peers, their fans, and even their own management—though many managers overlook this toxicity unless their bottom line is affected.

The reality is there are more than enough opportunities and creative possibilities for everyone. The problem arises when certain individuals are unwilling to coexist peacefully within a shared space. Choosing to support others and uplift the culture is a conscious decision. Choosing to bring negativity into a space built on self-expression is a contradiction that undermines the purpose of the industry itself.

While the industry celebrates individuality and artistic freedom, the truth is that judgment, gatekeeping, and rumor-spreading are still far too common. These actions create unnecessary barriers for those trying to grow, evolve, and share their art. And because the industry is so interconnected—through people, labels, venues, and influencers—these ripple effects can stunt careers before they begin.

It’s time to have more honest conversations about these issues. The music industry has immense potential, but only if we address the culture of exclusion and unprofessionalism that continues to plague it. We owe it to the next generation of creators—and to ourselves—to protect and nurture a space that values authenticity, collaboration, and mutual respect.