Internet Money

Internet Money Records, often credited as Internet Money, is an American record label and record producer collective. It was founded in 2015 by American record producer Taz Taylor, who is the chief executive officer (CEO). The producer collective consists of Taylor himself, Nick Mira, Rio Leyva, Zia Mian, Thankyouwill, Mason Wu, Vendrbeats, Noah Mejia, Spaceman, Cxdy, E-Trou, KC Supreme, Pharaoh Vice, Census, Paryo, and Birdman Zoe. A blend of a YouTube channel, record label, and producer union, Internet Money is a medium and agency for producers, as well as an aggregator.

As a collective outfit, Internet Money has produced for multiple songs that have proved commercially successful on the Billboard Hot 100. Members of the collective have produced for artists such as Lil Tecca, Juice Wrld, Trippie Redd, the Kid Laroi, Lil Tjay and YoungBoy Never Broke Again, among others. On August 28, 2020, Internet Money released their debut album, B4 the Storm, which peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200. It was supported by the single, "Lemonade" (with Gunna, Don Toliver, and Nav), which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Their beats are known for their heavy use of the 808. [edit]

Internet Money began as a YouTube channel in 2015, when Taz Taylor started uploading beats and instrumentals from his home studio in Florida. Taylor had been making music for years, but he saw an opportunity to connect with a global community of young producers who were sharing their work online. He began collaborating with other beatmakers he met through social media, including Nick Mira, a teenager from Chicago who would become the collective's most prolific producer. The early days were informal, with producers trading tips, sharing stems, and posting free beats on YouTube to attract attention from rappers.

As the channel grew, Taylor formalized the operation, turning Internet Money into a record label and production company. He recruited a rotating roster of producers, each bringing a distinct style but all sharing a common approach: melodic, 808-heavy trap that could appeal to both SoundCloud rap fans and mainstream audiences. The collective's first major breakthrough came in 2019 with the release of "Ransom" by Lil Tecca, a track produced by Nick Mira that went viral and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. This success put Internet Money on the map, leading to collaborations with established artists like Juice Wrld and Trippie Redd.

By 2020, Internet Money had become a brand name in hip-hop, known for its ability to churn out hit records. The collective signed a distribution deal with Warner Music Group, giving them access to major label resources while maintaining creative control. Their debut album, B4 the Storm, was released on August 28, 2020, and featured contributions from Gunna, Don Toliver, Nav, and Lil Uzi Vert, among others. The album's lead single, "Lemonade," became a global hit, peaking at number six on the Hot 100 and accumulating over a billion streams. The collective's rise was not without challenges, however, as they faced criticism for the formulaic nature of their productions and the transient nature of their roster. But their success proved that a producer-led model could thrive in the streaming era, inspiring a new generation of beatmakers to pursue similar paths. [edit]

Internet Money's sound is rooted in melodic trap and cloud rap, characterized by heavy 808 basslines, atmospheric synth textures, and catchy, repetitive melodies. Their early work had a raw, lo-fi quality typical of SoundCloud rap, but as they gained access to major artists, the production became more polished and radio-friendly. The collective often blends trap beats with R&B melodies and pop structures, making their tracks suitable for crossover success. They are known for using minimal arrangements that leave space for vocals, with an emphasis on creating hooks that stick in the listener's head.

Lyrically, the songs produced by Internet Money often explore themes of wealth, relationships, and hedonism, but the collective's primary strength lies in their ability to craft sonic backdrops that elevate the artist's performance. Their production style has influenced a wave of young producers, and they have been credited with popularizing the "SoundCloud rap" aesthetic in mainstream music. [edit]

Internet Money has had a profound impact on the music industry by democratizing the production process. They demonstrated that a group of independent producers could build a label from scratch using digital tools and social media, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Their success paved the way for other producer collectives and highlighted the importance of the "producer-as-brand" model. They played a crucial role in popularizing melodic trap and cloud rap, influencing a generation of young producers and artists.

The collective's influence extends beyond music; they have become a symbol of the internet-driven economy, showing that talent and networking can lead to commercial success without major label backing. Their YouTube channel, which has millions of subscribers, serves as a tutorial hub for aspiring producers, further cementing their role as mentors to the next wave of beatmakers. [edit]

Internet Money does not have a traditional fandom with a specific name, lightstick, or fan color. Their audience consists of fans of the artists they produce for and listeners of the collective's own tracks. Fan engagement is primarily driven through social media interactions and streaming numbers. The collective's Instagram account has over 272,000 followers, and their YouTube channel has a dedicated subscriber base that tunes in for beat releases and behind-the-scenes content. Fans often discuss the production techniques used in their favorite tracks, and many aspiring producers look to Internet Money as a source of inspiration and education. [edit]

1. The name "Internet Money" reflects the founders' belief in the power of the internet to generate wealth and opportunities for young producers.

2. The collective started as a YouTube channel where Taz Taylor uploaded beats, leading to the discovery of artists like Lil Tecca.

3. Unlike fixed bands, the members of Internet Money often work on projects outside the collective, maintaining a flexible and collaborative environment.

4. Some sources mention a connection to crypto or blockchain initiatives, though the primary focus remains on music production.

5. Many young producers cite Internet Money as a blueprint for building their own careers, emphasizing the importance of networking and self-promotion online. [edit]