1. The Social Media Launchpad: Starting from Scratch

J-Rod’s story underscores how YouTube and social platforms can change a musician’s trajectory. He began posting videos in 2006—when YouTube itself was in its infancy—not because he wanted internet fame, but because he wanted to be seen by the right people beyond his small town.

“I looked at YouTube as, like, a tool to just get… reach more people.”

Armed with little more than a mini-disc recorder and a boom box, he hacked together multi-instrumental covers that showcased not just talent, but hustle. Over ten years of consistent uploading, improving his setup, mics, and mixing, J-Rod’s following steadily grew. It started paying off around 2016, leading to brand partnerships and bigger opportunities.

2. Consistency and Authenticity Win

The episode drives home that going viral isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about authenticity and relentless perseverance. J-Rod resisted covering songs he didn’t connect with, focusing instead on music that inspired him.

“If I don’t connect with it emotionally or if I’m not feeling it, then that’s… it’s going to come out, it’s going to come across on the video.”

He describes recording in batches to keep up with his online presence, especially as touring picked up. J-Rod and Elmo also discuss the critical shift in the music industry, where followers and visibility can matter as much as—if not sometimes more than—the traditional resume of gigs.

3. From Internet to the World’s Biggest Stages

One of the episode’s most compelling sections is J-Rod’s recounting of how his internet success became a real-world opportunity. After more than a decade of posting, he was discovered by Eric “Pik Funk” Smith, Janet Jackson’s musical director, via Instagram. The initial message, sitting in his DM requests, could easily have been missed or dismissed.

“Sometimes the most legitimate people can be in the requests… You never know who’s watching you.”

This eventually led to an audition and subsequent tours—not just with Janet, but as a preferred drummer for other legends as well.

4. The Nerve-Racking Janet Jackson Audition Process

J-Rod’s path to joining Janet Jackson’s band is a case study in preparation meeting opportunity. He details the multi-tiered vetting and audition-by-proxy that Pik Funk orchestrated—having J-Rod come on an unrelated Layla Hathaway tour to see how he worked in person, then requesting specific video auditions for Janet’s material.

He went the extra mile, preemptively learning and recording large sections of Janet’s live shows (even before being asked), showing not just his skills but his proactive mindset.

“I’mma play the part. I’m going to act like I’m in show mode. And I’mma go all out.”

His approach: act as if you already have the gig. Prepare, deliver, and leave no doubt that you’re the right fit, both musically and professionally.

5. Transitioning to Arena Pop Touring

J-Rod recounts what it was like to debut with Janet Jackson at LA’s famed Kia Forum—his first arena show as a headliner, with all the added pressures of choreography, set changes, and pyrotechnics. He describes adapting to the demands of a high-production pop tour: using iPad charts, syncing with live choreography, and building custom drum patches to precisely match the show.

“It’s a workout, but it’s fun. I really don’t stop playing… it’s non-stop.”

6. Mentorship, Giving Back, and Paying It Forward

Throughout the episode, J-Rod acknowledges mentors like Q. Robinson, fellow drummers, and the broader community that’s helped him. The conversation wraps with J-Rod recommending up-and-coming drummers who deserve to be seen, echoing the importance of supporting new talent.