NO POSITIVE REPUTATION = VULTURES

The modern entertainment industry has birthed a new breed of opportunist—those who turn "shady business" into a full-time hustle. Their existence thrives in an ecosystem where Positive Reputation is scarce, and desperation is exploited. 

Today’s music business is flooded with self-proclaimed experts, middlemen, and gatekeepers whose credibility isn’t earned—it’s fabricated. Their targets? New and uninformed artists, startups, and dreamers lured by buzzwords like: 

"Up-and-coming" 

"About to blow up" 

"The new wave of music" 

"Next big thing" 

"Industry veteran" 

These phrases are red flags—signaling the vultures to swoop in. 

2025’s VULTURES: Who to Watch For 

1. The "Promotion Guru" 

Once a respected role, now a license to scam. These predators sell false promises of radio spins, viral fame, and instant stardom—ignoring the fact that airplay is the final step, not the first. Real success requires a fanbase, distribution, marketing, and sales before radio even matters. 

The scam? Artists pay thousands for a "premiere" on a payola-driven mix show, only to be told their song "wasn’t strong enough"—with no refunds. 

2. The "Record Pool Mafia"

Record pools were originally designed to help labels test music in clubs. Now? They’re pay-to-play schemes where: 

- DJs charge artists to spin their tracks (while already getting paid by venues). 

- They offer "exclusive" conference calls, website placements, or showcases for extra fees. 

- Threaten blacklisting if you don’t pay up. 

True record pools don’t promise fame—they provide feedback. If they’re selling dreams instead of spins, run. 

3. The "Retail Promoter" (Yes, They Still Exist) 

In 2025, 90% of physical music sales are controlled by corporate chains (Walmart, Target, Best Buy)—all supplied by major distributors. So what exactly does a "retail promoter" do? Nothing. They can’t: 

- Get your music stocked in stores. 

- Access sales data. 

- Influence buyers. 

Paying them is throwing money into a black hole. 

4. The "Legacy Consultant" 

These are former industry execs stuck in the 1990s playbook, still pushing old-school promo tactics in a digital-first world. They’ll hype their past wins but have no real strategy for today’s algorithms, streaming, or social virality. 

Their game? Nostalgia over results. 

How to Spot (and Avoid) the Vultures 

1. Ask: "What have you done RECENTLY?" (If their biggest win was pre-2020, they’re obsolete.) 

2. Google them. No digital footprint? Scam. Multiple complaints? Run. 

3. Never sign anything without a lawyer. If they rush you, it’s a trap. 

4. Beware of "exclusivity" deals. Real opportunities don’t require upfront cash. 

Final Warning 

Vultures circle the desperate, peck at the naïve, and feast on the greedy. In 2025, your reputation is your shield. If someone can’t prove theirs, they’re the problem. 

Do your research. Trust actions, not words. And never pay for promises.The modern entertainment industry has birthed a new breed of opportunist—those who turn "shady business" into a full-time hustle. Their existence thrives in an ecosystem where Positive Reputation is scarce, and desperation is exploited. 

Today’s music business is flooded with self-proclaimed experts, middlemen, and gatekeepers whose credibility isn’t earned—it’s fabricated. Their targets? New and uninformed artists, startups, and dreamers lured by buzzwords like: 

"Up-and-coming" 

"About to blow up" 

"The new wave of music" 

"Next big thing" 

"Industry veteran" 

These phrases are red flags—signaling the vultures to swoop in. 

2025’s VULTURES: Who to Watch For 

1. The "Promotion Guru" 

Once a respected role, now a license to scam. These predators sell false promises of radio spins, viral fame, and instant stardom—ignoring the fact that airplay is the final step, not the first. Real success requires a fanbase, distribution, marketing, and sales before radio even matters. 

The scam? Artists pay thousands for a "premiere" on a payola-driven mix show, only to be told their song "wasn’t strong enough"—with no refunds. 

2. The "Record Pool Mafia"

Record pools were originally designed to help labels test music in clubs. Now? They’re pay-to-play schemes where: 

- DJs charge artists to spin their tracks (while already getting paid by venues). 

- They offer "exclusive" conference calls, website placements, or showcases for extra fees. 

- Threaten blacklisting if you don’t pay up. 

True record pools don’t promise fame—they provide feedback. If they’re selling dreams instead of spins, run. 

3. The "Retail Promoter" (Yes, They Still Exist) 

In 2025, 90% of physical music sales are controlled by corporate chains (Walmart, Target, Best Buy)—all supplied by major distributors. So what exactly does a "retail promoter" do? Nothing. They can’t: 

- Get your music stocked in stores. 

- Access sales data. 

- Influence buyers. 

Paying them is throwing money into a black hole. 

4. The "Legacy Consultant" 

These are former industry execs stuck in the 1990s playbook, still pushing old-school promo tactics in a digital-first world. They’ll hype their past wins but have no real strategy for today’s algorithms, streaming, or social virality. 

Their game? Nostalgia over results. 

How to Spot (and Avoid) the Vultures 

1. Ask: "What have you done RECENTLY?" (If their biggest win was pre-2020, they’re obsolete.) 

2. Google them. No digital footprint? Scam. Multiple complaints? Run. 

3. Never sign anything without a lawyer. If they rush you, it’s a trap. 

4. Beware of "exclusivity" deals. Real opportunities don’t require upfront cash. 

Final Warning 

Vultures circle the desperate, peck at the naïve, and feast on the greedy. In 2025, your reputation is your shield. If someone can’t prove theirs, they’re the problem. 

Do your research. Trust actions, not words. And never pay for promises.