Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latabia Woodward.  

A visionary founder and CEO of Who's Got Next Music Inc., joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her music tech startup and its mission to amplify emerging talent through technology-driven competitions. She also serves as chairman of the Ann Cephus Family Fund, advocating for STEM education in underserved communities.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Background & Journey into Music Tech

   • Latasha, a graduate of East Carolina University, built a successful career in business and technology before venturing into the music industry.
   • She was introduced to the business side of music when her son, Offset of Migos, asked for help managing his affairs while touring globally.
   • After navigating the complexities of artist management, record labels, and industry contracts, she recognized gaps in music business education for young creatives.

2. Who's Got Next Music App & Platform

   • Who's Got Next Music is an artist amplification platform that leverages genre-based music competitions to discover and promote emerging talent.
   • Competitions occur in three rounds—two in-app voting rounds followed by an in-person event for finalists.
   • The global accessibility of the platform allows artists from North America and Canada to showcase their work while fans worldwide participate in voting.

3. Music Business Education & Fair Competition

   • Many young artists lack business knowledge, leading to unfair deals or lost opportunities.
   • The app provides a structured way for artists to engage with fans, gain visibility, and retain full rights to their music.
   • Producers contribute cleared, non-sampled beats to the platform, ensuring artists avoid legal complications.

4. Upcoming Launch & Events

   • Beta version is currently available on Apple & Google Play stores, with an official launch planned for June.
   • A February event will introduce the app to the music community, featuring panel discussions with entertainment attorneys, sync licensing experts, and emerging artists.
   • Hip-hop will be the first competition genre, followed by expansions into R&B, gospel, and other categories.

5. Artist & Fan Participation Model

   • Artists pay a $199 contest entry fee, gaining access to premium beats and promotional exposure.
   • Fan voting is real-time and transparent, directly influencing competition results.
   • Winners receive $5,000, legal services from McKinley Law Firm, and additional business support.

6. Ann Cephus Family Fund & STEM Advocacy

   • Latasha founded the Ann Cephus Family Fund in honor of her mother, advocating for technology education among young creatives.
   • The Sound Pathways program provides high school students in Atlanta with music business education using AI-powered songwriting tools.
   • Students learn music production, business strategy, and transferable skills for various industries.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Latasha Woodward’s initiatives are accessible through:
🔗 Music App: Who's Got Next Music
🔗 Foundation: https://anncephusff.org
🔗 Social Media: @WhosGotNextMusic

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS