On Impact Podcast 005: JD Anderson

In Episode 5 of On Impact Podcast, Benny Pough welcomes marketing expert, JD Anderson, to the show. During the discussion, JD takes listeners on a journey through his dynamic career, from his early days in pop-up ad marketing to working with top-tier artists like Rihanna, Future, and DJ Khaled. He shares his secret aspirations of becoming a rap artist, his first big break with Beanie Sigel, and his transition from the blogging era to the rise of social media. JD reflects on his experiences marketing both songs and artists, witnessing the ascent of Travis Scott, and traveling to seven countries with Kanye West. He also delves into the importance of professionalism in building trust with major artists and offers valuable insights for new artists looking to amplify their digital presence. Beyond music, JD discusses his passions for cooking and fashion, the deep connection between fashion and culture, and what he would do differently if given a career do-over. He wraps up with surprising fun facts and future plans for being more connected and informed in global relations.

 

About Today’s Guest: 

JD Anderson is a visionary marketing executive who has masterminded groundbreaking campaigns for some of the biggest names in music, from Future and DJ Khaled to Kanye West. With a career spanning Def Jam, Epic Records, and Motown, JD has consistently pushed boundaries, whether by emblazoning artists on postal stamps or taking over the skies with skywriting. Born in Jamaica and raised in The Bronx, his love for hip-hop and R&B fueled his rise from blogging to becoming a sought-after marketing strategist. A former Senior Vice President of Marketing at Epic Records, JD has led digital initiatives that have shaped the careers of global superstars. Beyond music, he’s a passionate foodie, an advocate for reducing healthcare disparities in Africa, and a proud dog dad. Recognized by XXL and Billboard as a major industry power player, JD continues to redefine what’s possible in music marketing.

 

Key Points from this Episode:

  • Welcome, digital marketing expert, JD Anderson

  • JD’s start in marketing and the music industry

  • Secret aspirations of becoming a rap artist

  • From Blogspot to Def Jam

  • JD’s first experience working with Beanie Sigel

  • Working with Rihanna and growing her digital footprint

  • Marketing transition from blogging to Instagram and microblogging

  • Working with Future and DJ Khaled

  • Professionalism and building trust with major artists

  • How new artists can grow and amplify their digital presence

  • Experiencing the rise of Travis Scott

  • Marketing songs vs. marketing artists

  • JD’s passions: cooking and fashion

  • The connection between fashion and culture

  • Benny Pough’s first day at Def Jam

  • What JD would do differently if given a career do-over

  • Traveling to 7 countries with Kayne West

  • Surprising fun facts about JD including his favorite artist and more

  • Giving back, philanthropy, being a student of AI, and making an impact in the world

 

Mentioned on the Show: 

 

 

Thank You!

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