How to Game the Billboard Charts (And Why You Shouldn't)

01/03/20 • 60 min

What does it really take to get to the top of the Billboard charts?

The answer, according to Reggie Gooden, a partner at 818 Talent, depends on when you're asking. Gooden, named a top business manager for artists and entertainment talent by the Hollywood Reporter, told us that the rules for ranking on the Billboard 200 had already changed since we arranged this podcast interview a few weeks ago.

“The thing that musicians and people in the music business have to contend with, is that the goal posts are constantly moving," Gooden said. "You have all these numbers and rules that are stipulating exactly what is and isn't an album... and then all of a sudden it all changes."

And with every rule change, there's a brand-new opportunity to exploit a loophole.

Gooden took us down the dark-and-dirty rabbit hole of Billboard gaming, into a world of 'stream farms,' crafty product tie-ins, 'playola,' and other nefarious weapons to land a number one. No, these are not wholesome 'tips and tricks,' but at least you'll know what you're up against (or, maybe you're ready to cross over into the dark side).

At one point, Gooden flat-out called the Billboard charts 'rigged'.

It's almost as if a touchdown counted for 6 points, then 9 points, then 4 points, all in the same season. "Things are getting out of hand," Gooden lamented.

Sadly, too much chart manipulation could be bad for your health and fanbase — especially if it comes at the expense of your music. And Gooden said it's the wrong path for most artists. "Things are getting out of control," Gooden aptly observed. "We just have to have incentives for everyone to play fair".

Wishful thinking?

What does it really take to get to the top of the Billboard charts?

And with every rule change, there's a brand-new opportunity to exploit a loophole.

At one point, Gooden flat-out called the Billboard charts 'rigged'.

It's almost as if a touchdown counted for 6 points, then 9 points, then 4 points, all in the same season. "Things are getting out of hand," Gooden lamented.

Wishful thinking?

Previous Episode

How to Protect Yourself From the Copyright Trolls

James Sammataro is one of the top music industry attorneys. And like many music biz barristers, he's witnessing an alarming swell in copyright infringement lawsuits -- some of which are pretty questionable.

But even if a claim is flimsy, that doesn't mean an ill-educated jury won't award a multi-million dollar award to the litigating troll. Just ask Katy Perry or Pharrell.

"Certainly, we're in the age of copyright trolling," Sammataro flatly said.

So what's the solution?

In this edition of the Digital Music News Podcast, we set out to create a survival list for protecting yourself against an oncoming wave of copyright trolls. Because unfortunately, if you score a smash hit, you may also attract some serious litigation. There's even an old saying in the music industry: 'where there's a hit, there's a writ.'

But that doesn't mean you can't be prepared for a possible attack. "Part of the problem is that you don't have the lawyer sitting in the studio," Sammataro said.

But what if your lawyer was sitting next to you in the studio?

Next Episode

Meet the Artist Who Is Literally Saving His Fans' Lives

Lucidious is an independent rapper with more than 100 million Spotify streams and a steady income. He's also helping his fans deal with serious issues of depression and suicide.

Part of Lucidious' success comes from the deep connection he's developed with his fans. His verses are emotionally raw, stripped of any pretense, and totally heartrending, with personal struggles a pervasive topic throughout. This isn't typical rap bravado, and his fanbase has responded accordingly.

They also reach out to him for help, recognizing a kindred soul. Sometimes, that somebody is on the brink of suicide.