Doechii's "DENIAL IS A RIVER" has now sold over 500,000 units in the US.

"One DM changed everything. I almost ignored it because I thought it was a scam." Ian James was just another producer uploading beats to YouTube—until Doechii stumbled upon one and turned it into “Denial Is a River.” I spoke with Ian James about his wild journey 🧵

It was a pleasure speaking with you Z 🙏💪

Z Ian James Hey, I know that guy 💯💯💯

Yeah… IT MIGHT WIN YOU A GRAMMY LMAO

Consistency is key my friends.

Always working on new beats!

Chopping up samples.

Doechii performing "DENIAL IS A RIVER" for the Diner du Louvre afterparty.

Always working!

Denial Is A River is gonna be platinum soon… CRAZY. Life is a trip.

We have to kill this narrative. Doechii’s rise is what happens when undeniable talent gets time to develop and is backed by smart, sustained investment. If this feels inorganic, it’s only because the industry rarely gives new artists this level of real backing anymore.

ALWAYS working! Fun fact: I sampled my microwave beeping and turned it into this bass haha!

Platinum!

Playlisting "Doechii Type Beats" w/ Ian James x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Denial Is A River is certified platinum! Life is crazy

RIP D’Angelo. What a huge loss

Jimi was a cat that lived at Electric Lady Studios, Jimi Hendrix's old studio where D'Angelo recorded Voodoo. he would curl up on D'Angelo while he was writing songs or playing guitar.

Anyone claiming to have the blueprint for success in today’s music business is selling snake oil. Doesn’t matter if it’s an “expert” with a blue check and a course or an A&R at a major trying to sign an artist. Everyone’s just trying things and figuring it out in real time.

This is why the idea of artists “falling off” is absurd. In the streaming era, your window never closes. You’re always one record or one moment away from renewed momentum. And when it hits, your whole catalog can move.