DOPE AS USUAL Podcast Summary
Episode: The Key Glock Episode
Release Date: March 23, 2025
Host: Dope as Yola (Thomas) & Co-Host Marty O'Neill
Guest: Key Glock
1. Introduction and Album Insights
The episode kicks off with hosts Thomas and Marty warmly welcoming Key Glock to the "DOPE AS USUAL" podcast. The primary focus quickly shifts to Glock's upcoming album, generating palpable excitement among listeners.
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Album Release: Key Glock confirms his new album is slated for release in April or May 2025 (00:35). Unlike his previous works, this album is notable for having no featured artists, which Mark highlights as a bold move:
"No, how can you." – Thomas (00:51)
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Song Selection Process: Glock elaborates on his meticulous selection process, involving voting by groups of five friends over several weeks to curate between 20 to 30 tracks (01:03). This method ensures that only the best songs make the cut, reflecting his commitment to quality:
"Certain songs don't even make cuts, so you get took off." – Key Glock (01:34)
2. Current Singles and Global Impact
The conversation transitions to Glock's recent singles, including "3am in Tokyo" and "No Sweat."
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Single Releases: Both tracks have been gaining significant traction on platforms like Spotify, with anticipation building for their official releases coinciding with the album launch (02:02).
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Global Reach and Streaming Success: Glock reflects on his impressive streaming numbers, contemplating the idea of 8 billion streams, equating it to the entire global population engaging with his music (03:21). Despite this monumental figure, he maintains humility:
"It don't move me. But it's cool though." – Key Glock (03:42)
3. Creative Direction: Music Videos and Mini-Movies
Key Glock delves into his innovative approach to music videos, aiming to elevate them beyond traditional formats.
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Hands-On Involvement: While not directly directing, Glock serves as the executive producer, providing his vision to directors who help bring his ideas to life (02:54):
"I give them my vision and they helped me bring it to life." – Key Glock (03:10)
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Mini-Movies Concept: Glock emphasizes his desire to create mini-movies rather than standard music videos, aiming for a more cinematic and narrative-driven experience.
4. Relationship with Fans and Public Persona
Glock discusses his evolving relationship with his fanbase and the challenges of maintaining privacy amid rising fame.
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Fan Engagement: He likens his fans to family, expressing a playful and affectionate rapport:
"I troll them. I play with them. I treat them like family." – Key Glock (19:31)
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Public Recognition: As his fame grows, Glock acknowledges the increased visibility but strives to remain grounded:
"I'm still getting used to it." – Key Glock (22:17)
5. Personal Life and Marijuana Usage
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Glock's long-standing relationship with marijuana.
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Early Introduction: Glock shares that he began smoking weed at the age of six, introduced inadvertently by his grandmother leaving cigarettes accessible (24:20):
"I probably ain't hey cigarette since." – Key Glock (25:26)
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Favorite Strains: He identifies "Permanent Marker" and "Z Crosses" as his preferred strains, appreciating their quality and effects:
"My favorites are Permanent Marker and Z Crosses." – Key Glock (50:43)
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Impact on Creativity: Glock credits marijuana with sustaining his work ethic and creativity, stating it helps him remain productive:
"It keeps me going because I'll never drop." – Key Glock (27:48)
6. Musical Influences and Preferences
Glock's taste in music spans several decades and genres, reflecting his diverse influences.
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Old School Favorites: He gravitates towards classic artists like Curtis Mayfield and Slick Rick, valuing their raw and authentic sound:
"I play a lot of old school music all the time." – Key Glock (99:02)
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Favorite Movies: Classics such as "Juice" and "New J City" resonate with his experiences and origins:
"My favorite movies are like back in the day movies. Like Juice." – Key Glock (13:09)
7. Early Career and Financial Success
The discussion shifts to Glock's financial journey and investment philosophy.
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First Major Purchase: In 2018, after his first album gained traction, Glock purchased a car for his mother, marking a significant milestone:
"I just bought a car cash and surprised her with it." – Key Glock (87:31)
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Investment Philosophy: He advises focusing on long-term investments such as gold and natural resources, shying away from volatile markets like NFTs:
"Go long term, anything natural, the world is always going to need water, gold." – Key Glock (64:10)
8. Touring and Travel Experiences
Glock shares insights from his touring life and favorite travel destinations.
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International Tours: His first international performance was in Europe, with Tokyo standing out as his favorite city due to its vibrant culture and unique experiences (88:43):
"Tokyo was like, yo, you smoke? It'd be the best place on earth." – Key Glock (38:37)
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Future Destinations: He expresses a desire to visit Bali and continues to appreciate travel as a means of growth and exploration.
9. Future Projects and Collaborations
Looking ahead, Glock outlines his plans post-album release.
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Upcoming Releases: He plans to continue releasing music promptly after his upcoming album, aiming to keep the momentum going:
"After I dropped this Glock, I'm coming right back." – Key Glock (73:37)
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Collaborations: While he currently has no specific artists in mind, Glock remains open to future collaborations when the time is right.
10. Technology and AI Perspectives
The hosts engage Glock in a conversation about artificial intelligence and its implications.
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AI in Music: Glock expresses skepticism towards AI-generated content, emphasizing the importance of human creativity and authenticity:
"I don't use it at all. Hell no." – Key Glock (102:02)
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General Views on AI: He highlights concerns about AI's potential overreach and the lack of understanding surrounding its operations:
"Who created this and how. What's functioning in this AI system?" – Key Glock (102:35)
11. Closing Remarks and Future Engagements
As the episode concludes, Glock shares ways for fans to stay connected and support his work.
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Tour Information: Fans can purchase tickets and access merchandise via his website, keyglock.com (110:39).
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Final Thoughts: Glock reiterates his gratitude towards his fans and previews his continued dedication to his music and upcoming projects:
"Prepare yourself." – Key Glock (111:20)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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On Album Features:
"No, how can you." – Thomas (00:51)
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On Voting Process:
"Certain songs don't even make cuts, so you get took off." – Key Glock (01:34)
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On Global Streams:
"If you think about it that way." – Key Glock (03:32)
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On Fan Relationship:
"I troll them. I play with them. I treat them like family." – Key Glock (19:31)
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On Marijuana's Role:
"It keeps me going because I'll never drop." – Key Glock (27:48)
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On Investment Advice:
"Go long term, anything natural, the world is always going to need water, gold." – Key Glock (64:10)
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On AI Skepticism:
"I don't use it at all. Hell no." – Key Glock (102:02)
Conclusion
This episode of the "DOPE AS USUAL" podcast offers an in-depth look into Key Glock's artistic journey, personal philosophies, and future aspirations. From his innovative approach to music production and fan engagement to his candid discussions about marijuana and investment strategies, Glock provides listeners with a multifaceted perspective on his life and career. His skepticism towards AI and emphasis on authentic creativity further distinguish him as an artist deeply rooted in genuine expression and personal growth.
For fans eager to stay updated on Glock's latest endeavors, visiting keyglock.com is recommended to secure tickets for upcoming shows and access exclusive merchandise.
Timestamps Reference:
Note: Timestamps are provided to reference specific parts of the transcript where notable quotes and discussions occurred.