Tapped in with Tom Flies

Steven Michael

The industry is loud, but only a few are truly Tapped In. Hosted by Tom Flies, Tapped In is a raw, unfiltered deep dive into the business, the culture, and the personalities moving the needle in Philadelphia and beyond. From the behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting networks and the legendary Don’t Call Me White Girl era to the evolution of the independent music scene, Tom brings on the city's most influential creators to discuss ownership, legacy, and the grind it takes to reach the top. This isn't just a talk show—it's the blueprint. Every week, we sit down with industry staples, rising artists, and cultural innovators to pull back the curtain on the "inner workings" of the game. If you’re looking for the real stories behind the headlines and the street-level hustle that fuels high-level success, you're in the right place.

Episodes

  1. 18h ago

    Tapped In With Tom Flies Episode 9: Trust Issues, Toxic Stories & Going Through Phones

    On Episode 9 of Tapped In With Tom Flies, the crew dives into one of the internet's biggest relationship debates following the Big Tigger situation and asks: is going through your partner's phone ever justified? From trust issues and relationship boundaries to wild personal stories, the conversation takes plenty of unexpected turns. We also get into Ray J's viral story, double standards, and the craziest things we've done in relationships. As always, it's a room full of honest opinions, laughs, and conversations that probably shouldn't happen, but we're glad they did.  In this episode, we dive into: The Big Tigger Debate: Was the viral situation blown out of proportion, and where do we draw the line between protecting your privacy and demanding answers? Going Through Phones: Is checking your partner's phone ever justified? The crew shares personal stories, hot takes, and plenty of questionable decisions. Crazy Relationship Confessions: From pulling up unannounced to following exes and catching people in the act, everyone admits the wildest thing they've done for love. Trust, Red Flags & Double Standards: We unpack relationship boundaries, cheating, jealousy, and why men and women often see the same situations differently. Ray J's Viral Story: An honest conversation about attraction, honesty, and navigating uncomfortable situations in today's dating world. Real Talk on Accountability: The episode closes with a conversation about domestic violence, toxic behavior, and why accountability should apply to everyone.From hilarious stories to serious conversations, Episode 9 is packed with laughs, debates, and moments that'll have you arguing with the crew from start to finish. Drop a comment below: Is going through your partner's phone ever justified, or is that an automatic deal breaker? Let us know where you stand. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back & Introducing the Crew Tom Flies welcomes everyone back, shouts out the previous episode, and introduces the guests for another unfiltered conversation. 02:05 – Mental Health Check & What's New The crew checks in with each other, talks about life lately, getting money, and setting the tone for the episode. 03:40 – Can Friends Borrow Money? A conversation about lending money to friends turns into a debate about trust, boundaries, and who's actually getting paid back. 07:05 – The Big Tigger Situation Breaking down the viral Big Tigger incident and whether the headlines matched what was shown in the video. 08:35 – Is Taking Your Partner's Phone Ever Justified? The room debates privacy, trust, and whether grabbing someone's phone crosses the line in a relationship. 13:00 – Going Through Phones & Finding Receipts Everyone shares their experiences snooping through phones, searching messages, and discovering things they probably wish they hadn't. 20:40 – The Craziest Things We've Done for Love From following partners to surprise pop-ups, the crew admits the lengths they've gone to in relationships. 25:00 – Cheating, Hidden Clues & Relationship Red Flags Stories about finding suspicious items, catching partners slipping, and the subtle ways people expose themselves. 31:00 – Ray J's Viral Story & Honest Conversations The panel reacts to Ray J's viral interview and discusses honesty, attraction, and uncomfortable relationship conversations. 37:00 – Embarrassing Stories & Telling Your Friends How long do you keep an embarrassing relationship story to yourself before the group chat finds out? 40:00 – Men Can Be Victims Too The conversation shifts to domestic violence, accountability, and why abuse against men deserves to be taken seriously. 46:30 – Toxic Traits We Know We Have The crew reflects on their own relationship habits, self-awareness, and whether people really change. 52:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrapping Up One last round of laughs before closing out another episode of Tapped In With Tom Flies. Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

  2. 5d ago

    Time Flies Ep. 8: Flipping the Script | From Street Life to Strategic Genius with Manny 215

    Welcome back to another episode of Time Flies! This week, the full crew is reuniting on the couch, and the energy is unmatched as they welcome a powerhouse guest: entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and community leader Manny 215. The group kicks things off with a nostalgic dive into the latest in black culture, including reactions to the 2025 BET Awards and the legendary impact of Bow Wow vs. Rick Ross in a massive cultural icon debate. Things take a deeper, insightful turn as Manny 215 shares his profound journey of leaving the street life behind to fully embrace his intellect and build an empire. In this episode, we dive deep into: Rewriting the Narrative: Manny discusses his viral local job fair and how he's debunking the myth that the youth don't want to work.The "What I Wish I Knew" Foundation: A breakdown of his groundbreaking 5-step curriculum designed to turn youth skills into productive, long-term careers.The Blueprint of Success: Why our culture needs to transition from "acquiring wealth" to "producing value and opportunities" to achieve true longevity.Real Talk on Relationships & Pride: Why opening up to your true circle is crucial, why "prevention is the first step of protection," and how true friends show up when the cameras stop rolling.Philly Culture Check: A blunt conversation regarding the local music landscape and whether legendary freestyle artists have earned their spots on the city's biggest stages.Manny leaves the couch with some incredible wisdom on vulnerability and breaking the cycle of poverty. You don't want to miss a single second of this masterclass in mindset! Drop a comment below: Do you agree with the crew's take on the Rick Ross vs. Bow Wow debate? Let us know what you think!📌  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a weekly drop from the Time Flies crew! Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back & Crew Catch-Up The crew reunites, works on Bang's posture, and catches up on vacations. 03:00 – Weekend Recap & Black Culture Discussing new jobs, the Philadelphia boxing scene, and the 2025 BET Awards. 06:10 – The R&B Battle: B2K vs. Pretty Ricky A nostalgic debate over who made better music and dominated the Limewire era. 07:40 – Cultural Icon Debate: Bow Wow vs. Rick Ross The crew debates who has the bigger all-time legacy across music, movies, and culture. 11:15 – Welcoming Manny 215 & The Viral Job Fair Introducing Manny 215, who breaks down how 400+ youth showed up in a heatwave looking for work. 13:30 – Embracing the Intellect & Leaving the Streets Manny shares his journey of transitioning away from street life and stepping into his intelligence. 21:50 – Big Stages & The Eagles Field Experience Reflecting on major milestones, dealing with massive business losses, and standing on the Lincoln Financial Field with his son. 24:20 – The "F**k the Streets" Campaign Advocating for a mindset shift and setting an example for the next generation of men. 26:50 – The Entrepreneur Mindset: Eat What You Kill Why true entrepreneurs build value and put the work in before expecting a dollar. 29:45 – Keeping Track of Your Own Score A hilarious middle school basketball story that highlights the importance of measuring your own success. 33:45 – The Vetting Process & Like-Minded Partnerships Manny explains how he protects his circle, handles seasonal friendships, and the breakdown of Jay-Z and Dame Dash. 37:30 – Birthday Politics & Instagram Frivolity The crew laughs over why people get offended by birthday posts (or lack thereof) on social media. 40:40 – Reassessing Success: Acquiring vs. Producing A deep dive into why the culture needs to move away from just stacking cash and focus on hiring and building enterprises. 44:20 – The "What I Wish I Knew" Foundation Blueprint Breaking down Manny's 5-step curriculum to identify youth skills and redirect "class clowns" into corporate success. 49:20 – The Power of Silence & Self-Education How to effectively use a 365-day reset to learn marketing, branding, and escape street cycles. 54:30 – The Reality of Protection & Prevention Redefining what it actually means to protect and provide as a man in the community. 01:01:15 – The Lifespan of Black Businesses & Leadership Analyzing why many small businesses fail within 5 years and prioritizing professional scaling over luxury items. 01:04:45 – Mentorship & Learning the Corporate Language Manny credits the younger mentors who taught him the vocabulary to land corporate contracts. 01:09:00 – Navigating Favors & Putting Your Name on Quality How to politely decline sub-par requests from friends to protect your personal brand. 01:13:00 – The Reading Journey & Honoring Legacy How a powerful prison reality check and the legacy of late Philly figure Kamara Rod sparked Manny’s love for reading. 01:18:00 – What True Success Looks Like At Home Manny names his biggest life accomplishment: teaching his kids what poverty is rather than letting them experience it. 01:21:00 – Philly Rap Scene Check: Do Freestylers Deserve Powerhouse? The crew has a blunt, respectful debate regarding local legendary freestyle artists earning their spots on major concert stages. 01:27:30 – Shoutouts & The Ultimate Definition of Friendship Manny shares a gem from Malik Jackson on vulnerability and closing out the episode. Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

  3. Jun 23

    Tapped In with Tom Flies - Ep. 7: Gatekeepers, Grief, Knicks Championship & Philly's Music Future

    In Episode 7 of Tapped In with Tom Flies, Tom and Bang return to the studio for one of their most honest conversations yet. The episode opens with reflections on the tragic passing of legendary producer Tay Keith, leading into a deeper discussion about grief, trauma, fatherhood, and how growing up in Philadelphia can shape the way people view life and loss. The guys also show love to Tierra Whack and discuss the importance of community, collaboration, and supporting artists who continue to push the culture forward. Later, Tom and Bang tackle gatekeeping in media and entertainment, debating who gets to control opportunities, why new voices deserve a chance, and how power can sometimes become a barrier to growth. They also break down the New York Knicks' championship run, Jalen Brunson's legacy, and the changing landscape of the NBA before closing with a passionate conversation about Philly's music scene, drill music, artist development, marketing, and what it really takes to build a lasting career. If you're an artist, creator, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing a dream, this episode is packed with gems. Make sure to like, comment, and stay Tapped In!  ⏱️ Chapter Guide  00:00 - 02:12 | Welcome Back, Full Production & Remembering Tay Keith Tom and Bang reunite with the full crew back in the studio before taking a moment to reflect on the tragic passing of legendary producer Tay Keith, discussing his impact on music and the reality of losing influential figures too young. 02:13 - 06:29 | Death, Trauma & Appreciating Life The conversation turns personal as the guys discuss becoming desensitized to loss, how life experiences shape perspective, and why moments of tragedy often force people to appreciate life more deeply. 06:30 - 10:50 | Knowing Your Neighbors & Growing Up Different A discussion about community, neighborhood culture, and how modern life has changed the way people interact with those around them compared to previous generations. 10:51 - 14:35 | Fatherhood, Trauma & Lessons That Never Leave You Tom opens up about how becoming a father changed his outlook on life, while both hosts reflect on growing up in Philadelphia and carrying survival instincts long after leaving those environments. 14:36 - 18:58 | Tierra Whack's Listening Party & Philly's Creative Energy Bang shares his experience at Tierra Whack's latest listening event, leading into a conversation about collaboration, creative spaces, and why Philadelphia's culture feels energized again. 18:59 - 24:40 | Why Tierra Whack Deserves More Flowers The crew gives flowers to Tierra Whack, discussing her artistry, support for fellow creatives, and the role she's played in uplifting Philadelphia's creative community. 24:41 - 31:10 | Gatekeeping vs. Regulation: Who Gets to Decide? Tom and Bang debate whether gatekeeping serves a purpose in entertainment, discussing power, influence, opportunity, and why some people struggle to pass the torch to the next generation. 31:11 - 36:42 | Fame, Ego & The Fear of Letting Go The conversation expands into how power and recognition can become addictive, why some influential figures refuse to move aside, and the importance of creating opportunities for new voices. 36:43 - 42:18 | Media Evolution, Streamers & Industry Gatekeepers Using examples from podcasting and journalism, the guys discuss how media continues to evolve, why traditional voices often clash with emerging creators, and the challenges of adapting to change. 42:19 - 46:58 | Blocking Critics, Taking Feedback & Staying Authentic A conversation about criticism, public perception, and why being open to opposing viewpoints is essential for anyone operating in media or entertainment. 46:59 - 52:45 | The Knicks Win It All & New York Goes Crazy The mood shifts to sports as Tom and Bang react to the New York Knicks winning a championship, the city's celebrations, and what the moment means for New York basketball fans. 52:46 - 57:22 | Does Spike Lee Deserve a Championship Ring? A spirited debate breaks out over whether Spike Lee deserves an honorary championship ring after decades of supporting the Knicks through every high and low. 57:23 - 01:02:48 | NBA Offseason Predictions & Giannis Rumors The guys discuss potential NBA offseason moves, Giannis trade rumors, the future of several contenders, and which teams could dominate next season. 01:02:49 - 01:09:14 | The State of Philadelphia Music in 2026 The conversation shifts back to the city, examining where Philadelphia's music scene currently stands and what artists need to do to build sustainable careers. 01:09:15 - 01:15:52 | Skrilla, Artist Development & The Next Wave Tom and Bang discuss Skrilla's rise, what separates breakout artists from everyone else, and why building a complete brand matters just as much as making music. 01:15:53 - 01:22:36 | Did Drill Music Really Help Philadelphia? The hosts reflect on the impact of Philadelphia's drill era, debating whether it created lasting opportunities or simply generated temporary attention. 01:22:37 - 01:28:58 | Why Marketing Matters More Than Talent A deep dive into marketing, audience building, and why understanding business often matters more than simply being talented. 01:28:59 - 01:34:45 | Taking Yourself Seriously As An Artist The crew delivers advice for creators and musicians, emphasizing intentionality, professionalism, and treating creative pursuits like a real business. 01:34:46 - 01:39:55 | Acting Like You Belong In The Room Tom shares lessons learned from industry veterans about confidence, preparation, and understanding your value when opportunities present themselves. 01:39:56 - End | Final Thoughts, No More Gatekeepers & Closing Remarks The episode closes with a passionate message about supporting new voices, pushing past industry barriers, and continuing to build something meaningful through Tapped In with Tom Flies. Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

  4. Jun 16

    Tapped In with Tom Flies - Ep. 6: How Much of Your Life Should Be Online?

    In Episode 6 of Tapped In with Tom Flies, the conversation gets real about content creation, social media culture, privacy, and the pressure to share every part of your life online. Joined by special guest Iah, the crew discusses everything from high school memories and life transitions to becoming a creator in today's digital world. They explore why vulnerability has become a form of online currency, whether everyone should have a platform, and how social media has changed the way people connect, date, and communicate. The discussion also dives into Meta glasses, being recorded in public, internet controversies, generational differences, and the challenge of balancing authenticity with privacy in an era where everyone is creating content. If you've ever wondered where the line is between sharing your story and oversharing your life, this episode is for you. Make sure to like, comment, and stay Tapped In!  ⏱️ Chapter Guide  00:00 - 02:14 | Welcome Back & Introducing Iah Tom and the crew kick off the episode by catching up, introducing special guest Iah, and setting the tone for a conversation that quickly turns into a deep dive on content, privacy, and internet culture. 02:15 - 05:48 | New Jobs, Life Changes & Adult Responsibilities Everyone shares recent life updates, workplace experiences, and the realities of balancing personal growth with everyday responsibilities. 05:49 - 09:02 | Graduation Memories & Looking Back at School The conversation shifts to graduation season, favorite school memories, and how much life changes after those milestone moments. 09:03 - 13:27 | High School Relationships & Age Gap Debates A casual conversation turns into a debate about dating dynamics, age gaps, and how perspectives on relationships evolve as people get older. 13:28 - 18:10 | Iah's Creative Journey: From Singing to Rap Iah opens up about her path into music, experimenting with different styles, moving to Los Angeles, and finding her voice as an artist and creator. 18:11 - 22:45 | Does Everybody Need a Podcast? The crew questions whether everyone needs a platform, discussing the explosion of content creators and what separates meaningful content from simple oversaturation. 22:46 - 27:18 | The Pressure to Turn Your Life Into Content From influencers to everyday people, the conversation explores why so many feel compelled to document every moment and whether that pressure is healthy. 27:19 - 32:41 | Oversharing Has Become Entertainment The crew breaks down how vulnerability became one of the internet's most valuable currencies and why audiences are increasingly invested in strangers' personal lives. 32:42 - 37:15 | Why Are We So Obsessed With Other People's Business? A discussion about parasocial relationships, reality television, social media personalities, and society's growing appetite for personal drama. 37:16 - 42:08 | Meta Glasses & The Death of Privacy Tom raises concerns about wearable technology, being recorded in public spaces, and whether privacy is becoming a thing of the past. 42:09 - 46:33 | Public Recording, Content Creators & Consent The group debates whether content creators have gone too far with filming strangers, sharing personal moments, and turning everyday interactions into content. 46:34 - 51:57 | Awkward Uber Rides & Real-World Social Skills Funny stories about ride-share conversations lead to a broader discussion about social anxiety, communication, and navigating interactions in the digital age. 51:58 - 57:44 | Celebrity Culture, Viral Moments & Internet Opinions The crew reacts to recent online controversies and discusses how quickly public opinion forms around celebrities and trending topics. 57:45 - 01:03:26 | Boosie, Generational Mindsets & Social Change A discussion about controversial public figures turns into a broader conversation about evolving social norms, accountability, and generational differences. 01:03:27 - 01:08:59 | Trauma, Healing & Breaking Old Patterns The group examines how personal experiences shape perspectives, relationships, and the way people respond to change. 01:09:00 - 01:13:30 | Authenticity vs. Privacy in the Digital Age As the conversation winds down, everyone reflects on how much of their lives should remain private and whether true authenticity requires complete transparency online. 01:13:31 - End | Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks The crew wraps up with reflections on content creation, personal boundaries, and navigating a world where everything seems to be online. Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

  5. Jun 11

    Tapped In with Tom Flies - Ep 5: Roots Picnic Recap, Hip-Hop Drama & Relationship Boundaries

    This week, Tom Flies is back in the studio with Bang and MJ—who is making her grand return after a month-long hiatus. The crew doesn't hold back as they dive straight into the massive weekend that was The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, debating whether Jay-Z's legendary set and surprise State Property reunion made it the best festival lineup in years.  Things take a serious turn as the room reacts to the leaked Diddy and Daphne Joy tape. MJ breaks down the reality of coercion and sexual boundaries, while Bang questions the bizarre timing of Daphne's OnlyFans discount rollout immediately following her statement. Plus, the crew unrolls the chaotic text leak between Sauce Walka and his baby mama involving a wild threat directed at Drake.  To wrap it up, they tackle the ultimate relationship debate: Is a partner being "nonchalant" healthy, or are men completely failing to communicate?  Make sure to like, comment, and stay Tapped In!  ⏱️ Chapter Guide  00:00 - 01:43 | The "Critically Acclaimed" Top 5 Feedback Tom, Bang, and the crew reflect on last week's episode with Oh My Two, discussing the clip culture and the Philly legends left in the comments.  01:44 - 04:31 | MJ’s Back! (Birth Control & Near-Jail Experiences) MJ returns to the podcast after a month away and gets brutally honest about what's been saving her job, her relationship, and kept her out of jail.  04:32 - 07:18 | Roots Picnic Recap: Best Ever or Just Hype? Bang gives his first-hand review of the festival's new layout at the Plateau, the traffic nightmare, and eating his way through Philly’s best soul food spots.  07:19 - 09:47 | Celeb Sightings & Pulling Up to McDonald's Tom talks about missing the picnic but rubbing elbows at the celebrity basketball game with Allen Iverson and pulling up to a Club 520 podcast event.  09:48 - 13:08 | Deciphering Jay-Z’s Philly Freestyle Set The crew reacts to Jay-Z's Roots Picnic stage entrance and his targeted bars addressing Drake, Nicki Minaj, Kanye, and Dame Dash.  13:09 - 16:29 | TikTok vs. Reality: Is Hov "Old and Corny"? MJ brings the TikTok research, showing how younger generations missed Jay-Z's references, leading to a discussion on modern stand culture.  16:30 - 20:00 | Female Rap Grid & Up-and-Coming Artists Shoutouts to Ken the Man, Monaleo, and Kali as Bang shares a throwback story of being in the Atlantic studio the night Ken signed her major deal.  20:01 - 22:50 | State Property Reunion & Music Video Regrets Bang shows off his residual check from State Property 2, and Tom tells the tragic childhood story of ripping up a consent form to be in Jay-Z’s "Forever Young" video.  22:51 - 25:32 | Our Personal Favorite Roots Picnics Tom recalls headlining the dwindling festival podcast stage in 2023 alongside Charlamagne and Akademiks, while Bang missing the OG Delaware Ave days.  25:33 - 29:22 | Awkward Fan Moments & Dark Turns Who would the crew fanboy/fangirl over? MJ admits she'd pass out over Megan Thee Stallion and over One Direction's Liam Payne.  29:23 - 34:33 | The Diddy & Daphne Joy Leaked Tape Reaction The studio turns up the volume to discuss the viral, disturbing leak and reads Daphne Joy's emotional public statement on coercion and revenge porn.  34:34 - 38:39 | "Turning the Trap Up": OnlyFans Boundaries Bang causes a stir by pointing out Daphne's immediate 85% off OnlyFans promotion right after claiming trauma, prompting a debate on sex workers' rights.  38:40 - 42:36 | Money vs. Morals: The Wage Gap Relationship MJ stands her ground on women doing what they need to do for a bag, but outlines the exact boundary where boundaries must never be crossed for money.  42:37 - 48:07 | Valet Incentives & Real Life Protocols Bang uses a valet parking metaphor to explain how financial incentives amplify human weaknesses when people think they can handle high-stakes situations.  48:08 - 52:20 | Sports Quick Hits: Jalen Hurts & The AJ Brown Mess The guys talk about the Knicks' 2026 championship goals, Jalen Hurts, and whether AJ Brown's future with the Patriots.  52:21 - 56:02 | Sauce Walka Threats: "I’ll Get Drake Shot" Breaking down the leaked phone call where Sauce Walka admits to letting Drake fund his baby mama's lifestyle before issuing a wild threat.  56:03 - 01:03:00 | The Pandemic of Nonchalant Men MJ attacks modern dating culture, proudly claiming she is "chalant" and will go through every phone cavity if her feelings are played with.  01:03:01 - 01:07:35 | Opening the Safe: Open Relationships Debate Tom anchors the room to talk about open dynamics, while Bang declares he is too territorial to ever let a stranger walk into his life and look at his "queen".  01:07:36 - 01:11:00 | Going on Dates Just Because You’re Broke MJ admits she used to love dates when she was a little broke, triggering the guys over the classic "friendship flip".  01:11:01 - 01:15:44 | Hard Out in Philly: Social Media "Soft Launches" Why dating in Philly is small-town chaos, hard rules for posting your partner.  Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

  6. Jun 2

    Tapped In with Tom Flies - Ep 4: Inside the Music Business with Omar T

    In this episode of Tapped in with Tom Flies, Tom and co-host Bang welcome special guest and music publishing executive Omar T to the studio. Moving past the internet commentary, the crew sits down face-to-face to break down the hard business realities of the music industry—from the truth about streaming payouts to how strategic relationship-building can dictate your career longevity. As Philadelphia natives, the guys dive deep into the city's infrastructure, the legacy of the Roots Picnic, and debate their highly personal Top 5 Philadelphia and New York rapper lists. Omar also shares invaluable wisdom on the weight of responsibility that comes with giving out career-changing opportunities and what it truly takes to make it inside major label buildings today. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to keep tapping in with us every week! 📍 Chapter Breakdown 📱 Introduction & The Roots Picnic Energy 00:42 | Welcome Back & Checking In Tom and Bangs kick off the episode, welcome special guest Omar T to the podcast, and discuss the collective energy of Philadelphia during the iconic Roots Picnic weekend. 01:54 | The Hustle of Sneaking Backstage The crew shares nostalgic stories about interning for Live Nation and making fake tickets just to rub elbows with media giants like Elliot Wilson. 💿 The Rap Landscape & Music Industry Realities 02:42 | Wrapping Up Kendrick vs. Drake Reflecting on their previous week's opinions, the guys analyze the cultural and commercial fallout of the Kendrick and Drake battle following their respective album releases. 03:16 | The Economics of Streaming & Publishing Omar T pulls back the curtain on music publishing, explaining exactly how splits work and why 90 million streams doesn't translate to as much money as artists think. 04:36 | A&R Instincts: Discovering Ice Spice Omar T recounts his early days in the major label system and how he recognized the star power of Ice Spice when she only had ten monthly listeners. 05:07 | The Long Game: Signing Mariah the Scientist A lesson in dedication—Omar details chasing a publishing deal with Mariah the Scientist for three years by attending shows across the East Coast. 🤝 Networking, Access, and Added Value 05:54 | The Nature of Real Relationships Tom, Bangs, and Omar break down why treating the industry like a transaction fails, emphasizing that "thorough is universal" and value must be demonstrated long-term. 07:44 | "Somebody Always Puts You in the Room" Omar reflects on learning from veteran executives, securing access to rooms with LeBron James or Beyonce's team, and navigating industry gatekeepers. 08:35 | The Cultural Shift: Philly vs. Atlanta Ecosystems The guys contrast the guarded, isolated nature of Philly's music culture against Atlanta’s hospitable, collaborative, and studio-rich environment. 📊 The Great Rapper Debates 10:09 | Reacting to Complex’s Top 50 NY Rappers The studio reacts with heavy skepticism to Complex's New York rap rankings, debating placements for Fabolous, Jadakiss, and where Cardi B sits all-time. 11:54 | Drake vs. Lil Wayne All-Time A quick sidebar on legacy—who ranks higher on the all-time list? The crew evaluates Lil Wayne's selflessness as a team player vs. Drake's dominance. 12:12 | The Official Philly Top 5 & Honorable Mentions The hosts lay down their strictly personal Top 5 Philadelphia rap lists, paying homage to Mac, Meek Mill, Joey Haded, Eve, and Lil Uzi Vert. 🎯 Mentorship & Outro 13:24 | The Duty of an Executive & The Power of Internships Omar shares the heavy responsibility of holding keys to the industry, using a hungry intern's journey as proof that work ethic beats elite school backgrounds. 14:42 | Wrap Up & Subscribe Tom closes out the episode by thanking Omar T for coming through and reminding the audience to drop their comments and subscribe weekly. Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

  7. May 21

    Tapped In with Tom Flies - Ep 3

    The Return of the Villains: Drake Season, Steak 48 Drama, & Relationship Traumas After a brief hiatus, Time Flies is back and fully tapped in. Host Tom Flies is joined by returning favorite Bang and first-time guest Shay to clear the air, talk music history, and break down why they completely refuse to feed into the industry's obsession with controversial, "messy" media. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: The Drake Stimulus Package: A deep dive into Drake’s massive three-album drop (Iceman, Maid of Honor, and Habibti). The crew discusses the 2024 beef aftermath, why "the villains won," and why casual fans completely misunderstand professional songwriting credits and samples.The Steak 48 Dress Code Controversy: Unpacking the viral TikTok drama. Shay shares her perspective on body shaming and inconsistency in high-end venues, while Bang introduces a hilarious take on the reality of "special treatment" and corporate restaurant politics.The Worst Post-Breakup Crash Outs: Real stories from the room—including a Saturday night broken door standoff and a Christmas tree flying out of a window five days before the holiday.The 2026 Dating Landmine: Shay gets transparent about self-sabotage, dealing with shape-shifting men, and why she values her nervous system's peace over relationship games.Hit play and tap into the real conversation. Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

  8. May 4

    Episode Two | Block Party

    On this episode of Tapped In With Tom Flies, we tap into the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic and discuss whether the film can truly capture the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. We also get into the reality of being blocked by celebrities and what really happens when opinions online start hitting too close to home.  Later in the episode, we react to Yung Miami’s new single and break down the internet’s response, before diving into Complex’s Top 100 Hottest Rappers list — who deserved their spot, who got overlooked, and which rankings had us questioning everything. 🎙️🔥  Tap in for real conversations, hot takes, laughs, and unfiltered opinions from start to finish. Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE! Follow The Crew: Tom: https://www.instagram.com/tomflies?ig... Malaika: https://www.instagram.com/tomflies?ig... Bang: https://www.instagram.com/bangbangsg?... Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

    Episode Two | Block Party

  9. Apr 16

    Tapped In with Tom Flies - Ep 1 | Phelps

    Tapped In with Tom Flies: The Truth About the DCMWG Podcast & Industry Realities with Phelps Phelps Jugo joins Time Flies on a raw new episode of Tapped In to break down his journey from the background to the forefront of the podcast world. In this episode, we dive deep into the DCMWG Chronicles, sharing untold stories from their time on the previous network and the reality of producing a top-tier show. Phelps discusses his transition from teaching math and producing music for artists like Lil Uzi Vert to becoming a mainstay in the podcasting space. Inside the Episode: The DCMWG Chronicles: Untold stories from the previous network and the reality of working on a top-tier show.Industry Lessons: What the "Don't Call Me White Girl" Podcast run taught them about ownership, creative chemistry, and the podcast business.The Transition: How Phelps and Tom are taking those experiences to build their own independent movements in 2026.Tapped In Energy: A raw look at the hustle, the relationships, and what it takes to stay relevant in the digital space.Follow the Movement on Instagram: Host: @TomFlieshttps://www.instagram.com/tomflies?igsh=MXFsOXpsbmJ6cjE2Ng== Guest: @Phelpsjugohttps://www.instagram.com/phelpsjugo?igsh=b3BoYWRmMGV6emNj Produced by: @JustJonavinhttps://www.instagram.com/justjonavin?igsh=MThpbWc2eXZjdzJ6OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Location: @BlackCloverStudios.Inchttps://www.instagram.com/blackcloverstudios.inc?igsh=MTBscHBkaDMwbHBjNg== Subscribe and stay Tapped In. New episodes dropping weekly. Support the show #TappedinwithTomFlies #BlackCloverStudios #TomFlies

    Tapped In with Tom Flies - Ep 1 | Phelps
  • 9 Episodes

About

The industry is loud, but only a few are truly Tapped In. Hosted by Tom Flies, Tapped In is a raw, unfiltered deep dive into the business, the culture, and the personalities moving the needle in Philadelphia and beyond. From the behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting networks and the legendary Don’t Call Me White Girl era to the evolution of the independent music scene, Tom brings on the city's most influential creators to discuss ownership, legacy, and the grind it takes to reach the top. This isn't just a talk show—it's the blueprint. Every week, we sit down with industry staples, rising artists, and cultural innovators to pull back the curtain on the "inner workings" of the game. If you’re looking for the real stories behind the headlines and the street-level hustle that fuels high-level success, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Steven Michael
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tapped in with Tom Flies
  • Show Website
    Tapped in with Tom Flies