Listen back to some of ADE Beats' favorite moments

The conference track for hip-hop bass and beats is getting ready for their 10th anniversary edition, starting with the introduction of a new podcast series with the best of 2018.

Following up on recent announcements about Raymond Roker, Head of AEG Studios, confirmed as a keynote speaker for ADE Pro and TIKTAK back at ADE with Carnage, Lil Small and Ronnie Flex and more we continue with the interview series by ADE Beats, highlighting some of the best Q & As or last year's conference.

In case you missed: ADE Beats returns to the Melkweg on Friday, October 18th. More information about the 2019 program will follow soon, the conference is accessible for delegates with a Beats ticket or the ADE Pass or ADE Conference Pass, available here.

Akwasi interviews Alex Boateng on the UK scene
In the first podcast Dutch hip-hop artist, label owner, poet, and actor Akwasi interview Alex Boateng, A&R, DJ and Head of the Urban Division at Island Records. Boateng shares his insider's view of the success of the UK urban music scene. As well as managing the current urban roster at Island Records, which includes Drake, Giggs, Sean Paul, Dizzee Rascal, Big Shaq, The Weeknd, and Donae'o, among others, Boateng develops partnerships with artists, managers and businesses across the urban scene worldwide.

During this talk, Alex Boateng debates his coming of age within the urban music scene in the UK - curating his influential mixtape series, building his extensive network, his experience and insight on the urban music industry on a local and global scale, as well as his vision on the success of the national urban music scene, from his key position at the heart of new music in the UK.

Going Global with Jack $hirak and Yung Felix
In the second episode, two of the most successful Dutch producers talk in-depth about their international moves, in this special talk hosted by hip-hop blog Puna. Jack $hirak scores groundbreaking hits in The Netherlands with hits like Drinks & Drugs, Jungle, Newspaper District, Stay With Me and his recent solo smash Millionaire. He released songs on an international scale, worked with acts like Bhad Bhabie, Demarco, Kevin Lyttle, and Tinie Tempah and is currently working on his global career.

Yung Felix scores massive hits like Yes! with Bizzey, Daddy Daddy and Chivv, Badman Ollo, Shaka Zulu and his international banger Loco. He released Loco in France and his label Noah's Ark and Def Jam is preparing for a release in several international territories. The song has been picked up close to 350,000 views a day and has 20 million Spotify streams. Yung Felix, who produced several hit records with international juggernaut Yellow Claw early-on in his career, has many tracks with international artists ready for release and is also focusing on his global career.

Please note: this episode is in Dutch.

Keynote Q&A with Kady Thiam Gueye
Khady Thiam Gueye has seen the world of music from many angles. She is COO or KonLive, the company founded by the brother, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling artist, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Akon - one of the most influential voices in the world of music in the 21st century. She is also CEO and founder of boutique consulting firm TMI Worldwide, helping artists, labels, corporate brands and non-profits to build awareness and maximize their potential.

In this third episode, Khady Thiam Gueye will discuss a unique global perspective on our industry and its untapped global potential, based on its exciting international work history, including being the global liaison for Akon and working on projects with other global superstars like Pitbull and David Guetta.

Khady Thiam Gueye was also the project manager for inspiring solar energy project Akon Lightning Africa, and is a strong lawyer for artists and entertainers to develop their platform into something sustainable enough to not just benefit their own future, but also their family's legacy. She challenges and motivates both artists and industry to look at the amazing potential of a long-term, truly international and sustainable approach.

Hip Hop in The Netherlands - What's next?
In the last few years, the hip-hop scene in the Netherlands has grown into a market leader. Dutch MCs are on the biggest festival stages, hip-hop is dominating the charts, number one albums almost seem the norm for certain hip-hop acts now and the money is flowing.

In the fourth and final podcast (talk hosted by Noisey, music by VICE) we will take a look at the future or hip-hop in The Netherlands. We'll answer questions like: what is the next step for our scene, our music, our culture, and industry? How much more can we grow as a scene, is that a goal in itself, and how can we make sure this growth is sustainable? What do key figures in the Dutch hip-hop industry do their artists have solid long-term success?

How do we make sure we are not just focused on short-term profit but also on long-term economic stability for all? And what kind of impulses and initiatives are needed to maintain the scene's success, its artistic relevance, and unique business mentality?

About ADE Beats
ADE Beats presents international keynote speakers, unique networking sessions, inspiring music talks, business cases, the latest on rising hip-hop, bass and beats markets, business opportunities and emerging trends. Industry talks at Beats were given by key figures like Rigo 'Riggs' Morales (VP or A&R Atlantic, US), Dave Free (president of Dawg Entertainment, US), Paul Devro (creative director Mad Decent, US), Khady Thiam Gueye ( founder TMW Worldwide, US), Leila Fataar (founder Platform13, SA) and many more.

Photo credits: Isabel Jansen