How BeingIndieIsMajor Is Empowering Independent Artists In R&B And Hip-Hop

Allyn, Jazlyn Martin, Eric Bellinger, Walter Tucker, Cocoa Sarai, Anthony Ortiz & Angie B | BeingIndieIsMajor

In a music industry often dominated by major labels and blockbuster deals, Walter J. Tucker, a trail-blazing music executive, educator, and entrepreneur, is redefining how independent artists can thrive. Through his Black-owned initiative, BeingIndieIsMajor, Tucker is building a platform to connect, collaborate, and empower creatives, particularly in R&B and Hip-Hop. Focused on uniting minority artists and business leaders, the platform aims to create innovative networking opportunities that amplify voices and foster community.

“I’m a 20+ year executive in the music industry who has also served as an educator, entrepreneur, and industry panel moderator, but most of all, I’m an advocate for the independent artist community,” Tucker shared. His advocacy stems from years of hearing the challenges independent artists face, particularly within the Black music space. These experiences, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, inspired Tucker to launch LiveThe.Biz in 2017, which paved the way for BeingIndieIsMajor.

From LiveThe.Biz to BeingIndieIsMajor

Angie B with Walter J. Tucker, the Founder of BeingIndieIsMajor

Tucker’s first platform, LiveThe.Biz, focused on educating minorities about the inner workings of the music industry. Over its lifespan, it hosted more than 30 sold-out panels across the country, connecting artists and professionals through networking and educational events.

“While LiveThe.Biz was created to help minorities learn about the different sectors of the music industry in general, BeingIndieIsMajor was specifically designed to build innovative networking opportunities for minority creatives and business leaders, particularly within the independent music space, with a focus on R&B and Hip-Hop,” Tucker explained. With a sharper focus and an ambitious vision, BeingIndieIsMajor takes the principles of LiveThe.Biz further, creating a platform for connection, collaboration, and community.

Building Community and Opportunities

At its core, BeingIndieIsMajor is a platform for building relationships that lead to meaningful collaboration. It creates spaces where independent artists, industry professionals, and business leaders can come together to share resources, knowledge, and opportunities.

The inaugural event, held at Fab Factory Studios in Hollywood in early November, brought together over 350 attendees, including musicians, tastemakers, influencers, and executives. While the night featured performances by celebrated artists like Eric Bellinger, Cocoa Sarai, and Elijah Blake, Tucker emphasized the event’s broader purpose: creating a safe space for real conversations about the independent music industry.

“The night was all about kicking off a safe space where entertainment, education, and real conversations can coexist,” Tucker said. “Those are the tools we need to amplify independent music culture moving forward.”

The night featured standout performances by a roster of celebrated and emerging artists. Billboard-charting singer and songwriter Eric Bellinger, who has collaborated with Chris Brown, Usher, and Justin Bieber, delivered a captivating set. Grammy and Emmy winner Cocoa Sarai, known for her work with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Nas, shared her artistry with the crowd, while Grammy-winning artist Elijah Blake, whose credits include Rihanna and Usher, brought his signature energy to the stage. Emerging talent Jazlyn Martin, a breakout star on Peacock's hit show Bel-Air, and independent R&B sensation Allyn, whose music has been featured on Tyler Perry's Sistas and Fox's Empire, also performed.

The event began with energetic opening performances by rising stars Anthony Ortiz and Jewel Chang, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The red carpet was hosted by renowned entertainment journalist Angie B., who conducted interviews with notable figures in the independent music space, including artists Kenyon Dixon, Reason, The Bonfyre, and Stacey Barthe, as well as rising talent BJNCK and Grammy-nominated producers DJ Camper and Deputy.

The Role of Partnerships

Key partnerships made the inaugural event possible, highlighting the collaborative nature of BeingIndieIsMajor. Sponsors like Gala Music, Auto-Tune, Linktree, Too Lost Distribution, Brand Fetish, Cxmmunity, Ethika Music, and Limelight H2O played a crucial role in supporting the event. Fab Factory Studios provided the venue, offering a professional and vibrant setting that matched the platform’s ambitions.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision

Building on the momentum of its launch, BeingIndieIsMajor is already planning its next major event: the BeingIndieIsMajor Grammy Brunch, scheduled for Grammy Week 2025. Tucker describes the brunch as an opportunity to bridge the gap between independent artists and the broader music industry, while also celebrating the achievements of indie Grammy nominees.

“Our next event will be the BeingIndieIsMajor Grammy Brunch, which we’re aiming to be the biggest event during Grammy Week that highlights the independent artist community,” he shared.

This brunch is just the beginning. BeingIndieIsMajor plans to expand its calendar with additional events that foster meaningful connections and provide independent artists with access to the tools and relationships they need to succeed.

Redefining Independence in Music

At its heart, BeingIndieIsMajor is about empowering independent artists to take control of their careers and redefine success on their own terms. By creating opportunities for collaboration and offering resources tailored to the indie music space, the platform is helping to reshape the landscape of the industry.

Through its commitment to connection, education, and empowerment, BeingIndieIsMajor is proving that independence is not a limitation—it’s a pathway to thriving in today’s music industry.