IDEA GENERATION

Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3oKx0yj After growing up as a global citizen, Rhuigi Villaseñor settled in Southern California and found his twin passions: clothing and hustle. As a teen the young design prodigy used his eye to flip vintage clothes, which fattened his pockets but also deepened his knowledge. Knowing full well what he didn't know, Rhuigi relentlessly networked and apprenticed himself until he got his first break. A single t-shirt design of his, the bandana tee, rang out locally, until, in a moment of serendipity, Kendrick Lamar wore the piece on stage at the BET Awards and everything changed. RHUDE would be born shortly thereafter, and Rhuigi would go on to create a unique language at the intersection of Americana, Luxury and Streetwear that would drive the brand to the pinnacle of cool and also to commercial success. But of course not without his fair share of mistakes and missteps. Tune into this weeks episode to hear how he scaled the business and just kept bouncing back despite every adversity in his path. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3oKx0yj Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Rhuigi Villaseñor  Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LxrngQ Alchemist got his start as the teenaged sidekick to Cypress Hill and the Soul Assassins. Though his rap group, The Whooliganz, would be dumped by their label before they could even release their first album, Al did not let the setback stop him. In fact, by the time he dropped out of NYU the MC-turned-beat-maker already had a catalog with a couple classics, and more on the way. In the 25 years since Al has continued to develop as a musician, embracing new generations and new styles, while also reinventing his business model from the typical front half advance + pub and writing backend to a more Direct-To-Consumer model. And as a result of this conscious shift in economics, he has more latitude than ever with his craft. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LxrngQ Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: The Alchemist Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3oOXIpM Freddie Gibbs got his first taste of rap success when he signed a deal with Interscope Records in 2007. But a man ahead of his time, Gibbs was unable to capitalize on the opportunity and within a couple years would find himself dropped and blackballed. Which, of course, is exactly when the rest of the world caught up to Gibbs, recognizing his effortless authenticity and pointed songwriting, and prolific output. In the ensuing decade Gibbs has only improved at his craft, as well as adding innovative marketer and accomplished actor to his resume. Today he approaches 40 years-old at the top of his game, with accolades, respect and blossoming financial opportunity. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3oOXIpM Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Freddie Gibbs Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LBymWf Beth Birkett cut her teeth in NYC's emergent scenes of streetwear and music, connecting the two tangentially related movements in the late 90s. But the toxic misogyny of the industry soured her interest, and sent her to LA to start a family. And a family business: Union LA. However, after a decade and a half of working with husband Chris Gibbs to grow Union to the premiere retail brand in the space, Birkett turned her attention back on herself, and birthed own brand and marketplace—Bephies Beauty Supply. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LBymWf Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Beth Birkett Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3sHsy4Q Street Art pioneer FUTURA started painting his name on walls as a coping mechanism to deal with his struggle around identity. But as he turned a signature into a brand he quickly realized that it could also be a business. And that's where things got interesting. From Lower East Side galleries to t-shirts and toys to collaborations with nearly every blue chip brand you can name, over the last 40 years FUTURA has redefined what it means to be a pop artist. Grab a pen and paper, relax and take notes. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3sHsy4Q Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Futura Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3BiR3Jz Restaurateur Mario Carbone shows us his path from teenaged line chef on Northern Blvd, Queens to NYC dining upstart to global culinary kingpin. A master chef, Carbone's skills behind the stove are second only to his skills as a storyteller. Each establishment he opens has its own unique tale, and Carbone is vigilant about maintaining the integrity of that narrative with every detail. However, his success was anything but overnight and far from easy. But the challenges only sharpened his knife, and made his company, The Major Food Group, that much stronger. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3BiR3Jz Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Mario Carbone Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into a reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LsP0Hv Actor and executive producer Marsai Martin walks us through her journey from being a struggling child actor in Dallas to becoming the youngest person to executive produce a major motion picture in the history of Hollywood. Since the age of 6, Martin has been cultivating her craft and chasing her ambition. Along the way she's racked up awards and box office receipts. This episode offers a case study in how—with the right focus, discipline and drive—a child can affect meaningful change within an antiquated industry. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3LsP0Hv Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Marsai Martin Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3611HJj Manager and music executive Ibrahim Hamad takes us on his long journey from meeting a then-unknown rapper named J.Cole in college to becoming his manager to helping him build a label, a festival and a media company as partners. Modest and soft spoken, for Cole's entire career Hamad has balanced friendship and business, acting as a sounding board, idea man, and relentless executor. And he learned how to do it all while on the job. In this episode he explains how he gets the best out of J.Cole, the pressure he puts on himself, and his vision for the future of Dreamville. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3611HJj Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Ibrahim Hamad Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Turn your ideas into reality with Shopify: https://bit.ly/3og5Gbj Rapper, singer and producer Russ walks us through the creative impulses and strategic decisions that propelled him to multi-platinum success. Since the age of 14 years-old Russ has been cultivating his musical gifts and pushing himself, against all odds, to realize his ambitions for greatness. Along the way he's made no shortage of hits... or waves. This episode offers a case study in how to build your brand independently, and how to navigate the  inevitable pendulum swings that come with that success. Subscribe to IDEA GENERATION on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life. More about Shopify: https://bit.ly/3og5Gbj Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify Check out more from Shopify here: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook CREDITS Noah Callahan-Bever, Creator & Host, Idea Generation Starring: Russ Executive Producer: Helena Ox Producer: Insanul Ahmed & Adam Fleischer  Lead Editor: Sarathi Garimella Asst. Editor: Sam Anderson

Ideas are the global currency of the 21st century. But how do you come up with one? How do you execute it? How do you operationalize that process and replicate it again and again?    We are Creatives, Innovators and Entrepreneurs on a quest to answer these questions and develop a blueprint to success in the creative space for generations to come.   Idea Generation is a 360° media platform catering to the creative class which exists to educate and inspire the mavericks of tomorrow. And in no coincidence, the brand about creative entrepreneurship is itself an independent exercise in creative entrepreneurship. We’ve got a whole slate of exciting new products cooking, but kindly enjoy our first salvo for now! And please, if you’ve ever had a big idea or dreamed of building a business on the back of your creativity, join us on this ride.   Welcome to IDEA GENERATION.