Podcast Summary: "A Trajectory To Success With Rapper Warhol SS"

Podcast Information:

• Title: We're Out of Time
• Host: Richard Taite
• Episode: A Trajectory To Success With Rapper Warhol SS
• Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of We're Out of Time, host Richard Taite engages in an intimate and revealing conversation with rapper Warhol SS. The discussion delves deep into Warhol's journey in the music industry, his experiences with addiction, the pervasive fentanyl crisis, and the broader implications of substance abuse on mental health and society. Through candid storytelling and insightful reflections, both hosts aim to shed light on the urgent need for change amidst the escalating drug epidemic.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Warhol SS opens up about his upbringing and the foundational role his family played in his life. Despite having different mothers, Warhol emphasizes the strength of his bond with his brother and the stability provided by their father.

• Warhol SS (00:08): "Me and my little brother, even though we got different mothers, we're blessed to both have our father, both have our mothers. You know what I'm saying? We got each other."

He recounts his early fascination with rap, tracing his passion back to high school where rap served as a counterculture movement that resonated deeply with him and his peers.

• Warhol SS (01:45): "Yeah, there was a few people that came before me, but in terms of that 2016, the year 2016 was like when the world kind of got on SoundCloud."

Rise in the SoundCloud Era

Warhol SS reflects on the transformative impact of SoundCloud on his career and the broader rap landscape. He highlights the challenges traditional labels faced in navigating this new platform and how SoundCloud became a bridge between underground artists and mainstream recognition.

• Warhol SS (02:50): "The SoundCloud era was like that, except for a whole new way, new wave and new sound rep. It's like Umbrella. It's just Umbrella pretty much. So Umbrella rap."

He credits the year 2016 as pivotal, marking when SoundCloud surged in popularity and artists like Young Lean and Denzel Curry began shaping the underground scene.

Navigating the Music Industry

Discussing his move to Atlanta, Warhol SS explains how relocating influenced his artistic direction and productivity. The city's vibrant music scene provided him with opportunities to collaborate extensively, leading to a more focused and intentional sound.

• Warhol SS (07:17): "When you move to a new place, you got to get your feet settled and all that."

His collaboration on tracks like "Block This" with Caribou and "Hope is Real" with Seti Handrew and Tonino Paved the Highway marked significant milestones, garnering millions of views and reshaping his musical approach.

Commitment to Artistic Growth

Warhol SS discusses the importance of intentionality in his music, transitioning from a versatile artist to one with a niche sound. This shift, he believes, is crucial for sustained success and deeper connection with his audience.

• Warhol SS (08:22): "I've been a pretty versatile artist, but I never had a direct sound that I stick to... but had to work on that."

When prompted about producing three albums a year, Warhol responds thoughtfully, recognizing the potential impact during critical times.

• Warhol SS (09:22): "Three albums a year? No, actually, that's not bad. Especially in times that, like, we are in now. That's actually not crazy."

Personal Experiences with Substance Abuse

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the fentanyl crisis and its devastating effects. Warhol SS shares his personal experiences and observations, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of overdoses and the tragic loss of lives, including close friends.

• Warhol SS (16:04): "This is literally a long list of people. I'll be honest. The first person, the first person like that I ever knew, that I lost to was Lil Pete."

He recounts witnessing a friend’s overdose, emphasizing the crucial moments of intervention and the heart-wrenching reality of losing loved ones to drugs.

• Warhol SS (20:32): "Never overdosed. Never ever, ever, ever, ever overdosed. Never overdosed, ever. By the grace of God..."

Warhol SS also touches on the accessibility and dangers of fentanyl, noting its presence even among those who consider themselves sober.

• Warhol SS (16:35): "It's all laced with fred. It's all laced with it. And really, the people that I know who have passed are people that didn't do drugs. They were sober."

Impact on Community and Family

The discussion broadens to the societal impact of the drug crisis, particularly on families and communities. Warhol SS highlights the loss felt not just by the individuals but also by their families, exacerbating emotional and social challenges.

• Warhol SS (19:07): "By the grace of God, I know a lot of people don't got that, especially at this age."

He shares insights into the foster care system, emphasizing the struggles faced by those without familial support.

Preventative Measures and Hope

Towards the end of the episode, both hosts emphasize the importance of awareness, support, and proactive measures to combat the drug crisis. Warhol SS advocates for moderation and self-control, while Richard Taite appeals to the community to spread the message and save lives through collective effort.

• Warhol SS (14:15): "Moderation is more than anything. If you have moderation, you have self-control."

• Richard Taite (27:45): "Tell your friends I want people here, because these kids listen to you. They look up to you... you're going to save lives now."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt call to action, urging listeners to subscribe, share, and engage with the podcast to amplify the message against the fentanyl crisis. Both hosts reiterate the critical need for immediate and sustained efforts to address the epidemic.

• Richard Taite (28:37): "Bring all good souls to me, please."

Notable Quotes:

• Warhol SS (00:25): "You're gonna save lives now. We're never gonna know how many you saved. As long as I can save one."

• Warhol SS (08:48): "But at the same time, when you've been doing something for so long, instead of just doing it, start becoming more intentional with it."

• Warhol SS (14:15): "Moderation is more than anything. If you have moderation, you have self-control."

• Richard Taite (27:45): "Tell your friends I want people here, because these kids listen to you. They look up to you..."

Final Thoughts

This episode of We're Out of Time serves as both a narrative of Warhol SS's rise in the music industry and a solemn reflection on the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis. Through personal anecdotes and passionate discourse, the episode underscores the urgency of addressing substance abuse and fostering a supportive community to save lives. Warhol SS's vulnerability and commitment to change resonate deeply, offering listeners both inspiration and a call to action in the fight against addiction.