Rakiem Walker Has Worked With Legends, Here’s What Most Artists Don’t Understand | SBMN Podcast EP 7

Rakiem Walker joins the SBMN Podcast for a deep conversation about musicianship, culture, discipline, spirituality, longevity and what it actually takes to build a sustainable career in music. The founder and musical director of The Rakiem Walker Project reflects on growing up between Brooklyn, Harlem and the Bronx, discovering the saxophone at 13, and how committing himself to the instrument ultimately changed the direction of his life. Rakiem breaks down why artists should focus less on chasing algorithms and virality and more on developing their craft, connecting with real people and becoming valuable to the culture around them. He also shares lessons from decades of performing, touring, producing and working in rooms with legendary musicians and artists. We talk about the difference between talent and professionalism, why music theory still matters, the importance of live performance, building genuine relationships in the industry, avoiding comparison, maintaining your identity as an artist and what Rakiem calls learning to “master your magic.” Rakiem also shares stories involving D'Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, Doug E. Fresh, Pete Rock, Sting, Donald Byrd, Guru, DJ Premier and others — while explaining what being around masters taught him about preparation, humility and knowing your role. This is a conversation about building something real — beyond streams, followers and algorithms. FOLLOW RAKIEM WALKER Instagram: @rakiemw The Rakiem Walker Project: @therakiemwalkerproject Walker Entertainment Group: @walkerentertainmentgroup HOSTED BY TREYZIS Instagram / YouTube: @treyzis FOLLOW STAR BLAZE MUSIC NEWS / SBMN Instagram: @starblazemusicnews Website: StarBlazeMusicNews.com Subscribe to SBMN for artist interviews, live performances, music conversations and stories from the artists, executives, producers and creatives shaping music and culture. Rakiem Walker, The Rakiem Walker Project, Rakiem Walker interview, Rakiem Walker podcast, SBMN Podcast, Star Blaze Music News, music industry advice, artist development, independent artist advice, professional musician, music career, music business, live performance, saxophone player, New York music, Harlem music, Bronx music, jazz musician, hip hop culture, music industry podcast, artist interviews, music marketing, music virality, social media artists, musician advice, mastering your craft, music theory, artist mindset, music industry networking, Treyzis #RakiemWalker #MusicIndustry #ArtistDevelopment #SBMN #StarBlazeMusicNews