Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The greatest viral moments appear organic. Even if they're completely constructed, and they completely manipulate you into doing a thing, they let you think you thought of it by yourself." — Host
"You know what Betty Crocker did? They said, 'Hey, can you just add an egg?' Now, there's already probably other eggs in the fucking batter. But the fact that women added one egg, they thought that they were cooking and then sales skyrocketed." — Host
"Jay's always been the guy who did things different. Literally, bro. Everyone should on the NFL. I'll join. 100%." — Host
The discussion begins by dissecting Drake's latest song, focusing on a deliberately crafted dance move within the chorus, intended to go viral. Speakers debate whether the internet will reject this manufactured trend, drawing parallels to organic viral phenomena like the "Kiki" challenge. The analogy of Betty Crocker cookie mix, where adding an egg made consumers feel more involved in "cooking," is used to illustrate how providing a small, perceived element of user input can increase engagement. In contrast, Drake's approach is seen as pre-packaged, potentially limiting organic creativity and the development of unique variations.
The conversation then broadens to discuss artist strategy and authenticity, with speakers noting that Drake's success may stem from a calculated persona that allows him to chameleon-like adapt to trends. This is contrasted with Jay-Z's contrarian approach, where he historically positioned himself as a trendsetter rather than a follower. The potential financial implications of Drake's independent release strategy are explored, speculating that his current single might be a move to maximize his negotiating power for a new lucrative streaming platform deal.
Finally, the speakers reflect on the nature of authenticity and relatability in the digital age. They propose that Drake's perceived "corniness" or willingness to be the "butt of the joke" in skits humanizes him, making him highly relatable to a wide audience. This contrasts with artists who feel the need to always appear "cool." The underlying theme is that while manufactured trends can be effective, organic engagement and perceived authenticity often lead to more sustainable and impactful viral moments.