Hip-Hop thrives not only through the lyrics and instrumentals of its artists, but also thanks to those behind the scenes who uplift the culture. Managers, promoters, publicists, and—crucially—the media work together to amplify artists’ voices and ensure the heart of Hip-Hop continues to pulse. In today’s rapid-fire digital age, where trends come and go with each passing day, media figures hold a vital role in bridging the gap between audiences and the authentic stories driving the music.

One prominent voice in Hip-Hop media is Jacina Love. Hailing from the culturally rich neighborhood of Brooklyn’s Roberto Clemente Houses in New York, Jacina has become a force within the industry. Her deep connection to Hip-Hop began in the heartbeat of New York City, where the rhythm of the streets fueled her passion. Growing up surrounded by creativity, Jacina developed a love for the art that eventually led her to a respected career in the Hip-Hop media world.

Jacina’s journey wasn’t without its share of struggles. Overcoming personal challenges, she turned each obstacle into a source of strength and motivation. Her resilience shines through her work, especially in her interviews, which have become known for their depth and empathy. These qualities earned her a platform on DTF Radio, where she hosted her own show, bringing fresh talent and emerging voices to listeners.

Building on her success in radio, Jacina’s influence has continued to grow. She quickly became a sought-after host for music showcases throughout New York City, creating opportunities for countless artists to perform live. Expanding beyond radio, she brought her candid, engaging interview style to video and digital platforms, collaborating with renowned media outlets like Thisis50, Still Got The Juice, and Keep It A Stack w/ Biz Podcast, further amplifying Hip-Hop voices.

Currently, Jacina Love channels her dedication into her solo project, “The Pull-Up Show.” This platform offers raw, unfiltered interviews that give fans an intimate look into the personalities and stories shaping Hip-Hop. Her impressive lineup of guests speaks to her skill in sparking authentic, meaningful conversations that highlight Hip-Hop as not just a genre but a lifestyle, a movement, and a cultural phenomenon.

In a media landscape crowded with voices, Jacina authenticity and storytelling talent have solidified her as an essential figure in Hip-Hop media. She stands as a passionate advocate for the culture, ensuring that Hip-Hop’s true essence reaches its audience. As her platform continues to grow, Jacina Love remains a beacon for the artists, narratives, and music that make Hip-Hop a powerful, ever-evolving cultural force!

The best music comes from a real place. It’s easy to make up a story and translate it rhythmically, but it often sounds better, and is more relatable, when a musician draws from their real life to entertain listeners. 

Omega The Poet proves that with his new track, “Nina Simone.” Named after the Civil Rights activist and singer of the same name, it covers a situation with an amazingly unpredictable woman that he’s experienced before. The soulful track that features both Tajé and Innanet James make you think about similar experiences that you’ve had, succeeding in being both relatable and extremely listenable. 

Here’s an interview with Omega The Poet about how “Nina Simone” came about and what’s coming next for him. 

What was the inspiration behind Nina Simone?

Generally, the song is about a love affair I had with a young lady whose name also happened to be Nina Simone. Listening back to my verse, I’m taken back by how witty the lyrics are. I promise, nothing in that song is made up.

For example, the first line “Nina Simone, my ace of hearts…“ is something I said because she has an ace of hearts tattoo on her chest. So the inspiration was to express my adoration for a lady that was (and is) very significant in my life — in the most coded way.

How did this collaboration come about?

The collaboration with Tajé was a no brainer. He’s one of my closest friends & we went to college together at NCCU. He was a Jazz studies major & I would always hang around him and improve on my skill set and musicality. We just developed a genuine brotherhood. Given that, I thought he was the perfect person for the hook. As far as how Innanet James got on the track, I’ve always been a big fan of his music and the collaborations he’s done with other artists (Like Pusha T, Mac Ayres, etc.)

I also like to think my “musical palette” is very advanced & sometimes peculiar. So sonically, I thought he would be a great addition to the song. I reached out, he liked the song and he hopped on.

Have you ever had your own Nina Simone experience? If so, did that factor into how you made the song?

I think I have, now that you bring it up. I think at the time of making this song I was super young and, shamefully to say, in a serious relationship while also navigating the “secret” relationship with the young lady the song is about. I know that Nina Simone, as an activist, addressed issues like love and freedom. And as I relate her life to my life and this song, I’m drawing synchronicities as in how while I’m generally ( and always have been) a very loyal person…how certain phases of your life as it relates to growing, and freedom can cause you yearn freedom even if it is slightly deceitful. And even more — create such an amazing (and again) coded song.

What’s your favorite part about the track?

My verse for sure, I think since it’s such a 100% real story from beginning to end. It almost amazes me how I wrote it so fluently. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the melody of the song, but if you really listen to the lyrics…it’s kinda’ mind blowing. Bar’d up too on the rap side of things.

What will “Nina Simone” appear on? Can you tell us more about the project?

Nina Simone is actually a single from my last EP Eros. Eros explored the time of my life where I was budding as a young kid newly out of college and into the world. Still finding myself, but very complex and poetic given my age. I called it Eros because that is the name of Cupid in Greek mythology and I felt like that was the effect I had on women at the time.

What’s next for you?

Lots of new, highly developed yet egoless music. Some artists that inspired the music I’ll be releasing this year is Solange, D’angelo, Daniel Caesar, and Steve Lacy. Lots of beautifully simplistic, niche yet gravitational music. The type that is undeniable and forward. I haven’t released music since 2020…so everything in the vault since then will be coming out in 2025. I also started my own music publishing company and record label, called For The Record. So, I’m excited to introduce the artists under my direction as well.

In an era where music distribution is no longer just about releasing a record, 432 MEDIA is leading the charge in revolutionizing how artists connect with their fans. The independent label and distribution company, founded by Troy Carter Jr., is reimagining what it means to operate a modern record label by integrating strategies learned from streamers, YouTube creators, and digital platforms into the core of its music services. It’s this progressive approach that’s putting 432 MEDIA on the map as one of the most innovative companies in the entertainment industry.

“Our philosophy is simple,” says Carter Jr. “Artists can no longer rely solely on traditional methods to succeed. We’ve built a system that blends music distribution with content-driven marketing strategies across platforms like Discord, Snapchat, Twitch, and TikTok. By empowering our artists to build real communities online, we’re helping them form stronger, more direct connections with their fans. That’s what sets us apart.”

At the Core: Music Distribution and Label Services

At its heart, 432 MEDIA remains a music company. The label has already amassed over 250 million streams with hit releases like “Virgil” by OT7 Quanny, “Space Boy” by Lucki, and Seven-One by Colette Lush. With each release, 432 MEDIA has proven that independent labels can still punch above their weight in a crowded digital landscape.

The company recently signed Black Mayo, the visionary producer behind viral hits like “Jus Know” and “Valentino,” which has racked up millions of streams. “Distribution is a key part of our strategy,” Carter Jr. explains. “But what we do differently is ensure our artists aren’t just putting their music out and hoping for the best. We build campaigns around every release to maximize visibility and long-term growth.”

432 MEDIA’s music distribution services extend beyond just pushing records to streaming platforms. The company offers artists a holistic approach to their careers, combining the technical expertise of a digital-first company with the hands-on, personalized support of a boutique label. Through partnerships with platforms like Venice Music, 432 MEDIA is able to provide real-time insights into streaming data, allowing artists to track their performance and make informed decisions about their next moves.

“We pride ourselves on transparency and access to data,” Carter Jr. says. “Our artists always know where they stand, and we work with them to develop the strategies that will help them grow.”

Learning from Streamers: A New Marketing Playbook

What truly sets 432 MEDIA apart from traditional labels is its adoption of strategies used by content creators on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Drawing inspiration from streamers and digital influencers who have built massive followings by engaging directly with their audiences, Carter Jr. and his team have developed a marketing playbook that focuses on creating consistent, authentic content to foster fan engagement.

“Streamers understand something that many in the music industry are still learning: it’s not just about releasing content—it’s about interacting and building communities,” Carter Jr. notes. “We’ve taken those principles and applied them to our artists’ marketing strategies.”

For example, Discord has become an essential platform for 432 MEDIA’s artists, allowing them to host private fan chats, share exclusive content, and engage in real-time conversations. It’s a place where superfans gather, providing artists with direct access to their most loyal supporters. Similarly, Snapchat and TikTok have become crucial tools for quick, digestible content that keeps fans interested between releases.

“We create tailored content strategies for each platform,” says Carter Jr. “Twitch is where artists can showcase their personalities, Discord is where they can build their community, and TikTok is where they can go viral. These platforms allow us to deepen the connection between artist and fan, something that’s crucial in today’s attention economy.”

Carter Jr. draws a parallel between the way content creators monetize their platforms and how 432 MEDIA approaches artist development. “Just like how a streamer monetizes their views and follows, artists are now able to monetize their relationships with fans in ways we’ve never seen before,” he says. “When you see how a creator on YouTube can launch a career simply through consistent content, you start to see how that can translate to artists in the music space.”

A Hybrid Approach to Artist Empowerment

432 MEDIA’s hybrid model—where music distribution meets content strategy—has allowed it to carve out a unique lane in an increasingly saturated industry. The company’s ability to pivot between traditional music services and innovative digital campaigns is key to why it’s succeeding. While many labels are still catching up to the social media age, 432 MEDIA has embedded these platforms into the very foundation of its business.

This means that artists at 432 MEDIA aren’t just musicians—they’re creators in the truest sense of the word. They aren’t solely relying on their music to connect with fans. They’re using video content, social media interactions, and live streams to build their presence across multiple platforms. And in an age where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, that’s a vital skill set.

“We empower our artists to take control of their social presence,” Carter Jr. says. “Our role as a label is to give them the tools to succeed in the streaming era, and that means helping them understand how to use platforms like Twitch and Snapchat to their advantage.”

The Future of 432 MEDIA: Built for the Next Generation

As 432 MEDIA continues to grow, the company’s commitment to blending music with innovative content strategies remains at its core. With a catalog already performing impressively and new signings constantly in the works, the future is bright for Carter Jr. and his team. Their unique understanding of digital platforms, combined with a strong foundation in music distribution, is setting the stage for 432 MEDIA to be a leader in the new era of the music industry.

“In this business, you can’t just do one thing anymore,” says Carter Jr. “We’re a better label because we understand social media, content creation, and how to keep fans engaged. That’s why 432 MEDIA is thriving. We’ve built an ecosystem that empowers artists to build relationships with their audiences, while making sure they have the right distribution and marketing to succeed.”

As the music industry continues to evolve, 432 MEDIA is proving that the future of record labels isn’t just about releasing music—it’s about creating holistic strategies that build long-term success for artists in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Simply put we operate as a hybrid company for hybrid creators.