Don't feel bad for me. I am a happy lad now :) If you also have any embarrassing stories of getting scammed, feel free to share them!

Ugh. As a fellow producer, this story pisses me off SO MUCH. Don't blame yourself, dude. Sure, you missed the signs, but almost anyone put in that position would have. Blame the shitty person/people who chose to scam you. Everyone always wants the shortcut in life, and it's really frustrating to see how many people they're willing to step on to get there. People suck.

Its strangely refreshing to hear real life vulnerable stories in this polished social media world... ♥️

Don't feel bad for me, I am a happy lad now :) If you have any embarrassing stories like this, feel free to share!

Thank you for telling us this story. I appreciate the vulnerability and applaud your bravery (to me it's bravery). I hope I'll have the strength to overcome that bs if it happens to me.

The world is full of scammers, but there is only one Navie D brother thank you for sharing and warning others

Dude, you have no idea how many producers you just helped by putting this story out there. Now if we ever find ourselves in a similar situation, this story will pop up in the back of our mind and we will be skeptical thanks to you. Appreciate you brother. Peace.

Man, it's hard not to feel bad for you for the experience but as someone who is very new to the production game and music industry, this was a very inspiring but more importantly educational video. A pretty good heads-up for people to avoid scams. Thankyou for this video and for letting out an embarrasing experience! It'l serve as a good lesson for your viewers.

This video will DEFINETLY save many people's lives, thank you so much

Man hip hop production is a jungle! Everyone is trying to cut corners and scam and scheme to get ahead. Idk why but that fact is oddly motivating.

Sadly, we’re sometimes the guinea pig that’s put through an unfavorable experience in order for others to learn. But to put things into perspective, just know that your story alone could be saving hundreds of thousands of producers and music artists around the world. I needed this video, thank you Navie

I’m going to take this as confirmation. I’ve been on this journey for 3 years and I’m finally coming out of my shell and putting my beats out there. A few have gotten a little attention but mainly from scammers. I had this one dude say he was working on an album with Benny The Butcher and Dave East. He wanted me to make the melodies and he’d make the drums. But I had to send him $150 dollars and the loops to get though. I asked him when was the deadline because I at least know they have deadlines. He said just send all that when I can. I never sent anything and that was a month ago. I haven’t heard from him since then. 😂

Navie D... I am still blown away by your work on "My Friend Pedro." You are gifted. Thank you for all the music you gave the world!

It's even worse when real producers scam you and just walk away not caring that you'll tell everyone

HEY NAV, you are one of my favorite people on KZfaq I tune in every Tuesday to catch your videos the reason I feel more of a connection with your platform is because of your genuine nature it connects and resonates with people like me. That story of you being scammed out of your whole life savings is the reason I love your channel and content you aren’t afraid to tell it how it is and I love that about you. Thank you for your story every up and coming beat maker or producer needed to hear that. Keep being genuine and honest and your story will connect with more people like myself. Peace and love

I'm really glad you shared this story. Seeing that you shared your embarrassing story, I figure I should talk about how I was scammed into making a birthday rap for a 4 year old named Benjamin. Unfortunately, these things happen more often than I think people realize. Once I was approached on reddit from someone with a bit of a strange commission request. This guy explained that he's going to be attending a 4 year old birthday party for a kid named Benjamin. He gave me the sort of impression that it might be his kid, and that perhaps he hadn't seen him for a little while. So he asked if it would be possible for me to come up with a Birthday rap for Benjamin using my production and my connections with rappers. Though it was a strange request, I obliged him and told him my commission price at the time which was $300. He agreed, and I began work on Benjamin's Birthday rap. I brought my homie Pestilence on to write and record the bars. I created a beat which seemed to be a pretty fitting vibe for a 4 year old's birthday party. I'd chopped and flipped a public domain version of "Over The Rainbow" and everything was falling into place nicely. I'd given Pestilence some notes that the guy had given me about the kid and some of his favorite cartoon characters. Pestilence is quite a zany artist, and he honestly did such a great job with it. We finished up, and I'd sent a demo to the guy who commissioned us. He said, "This sounds great! I'll send you the check." He then sent me an E-Check for $3,000. I'd asked him previously to please pay via PayPal, so that was one red-flag. But also, he wrote the check for $3,000 instead of $300. It slowly dawned on me that this guy was trying to run a scam, and that I'd just spent the past week creating a birthday rap for a 4-year old who probably didn't even exist. I'd felt like such a fool. I didn't respond to the guy, I didn't try to request actual payment, and I did not send him a mixed and mastered version. I apologized to Pestilence profusely, and he just kinda laughed it off and told me "at least we have quite the story to tell". That much is true. Now I have a great story to tell, and a lesson which goes along with it: Never begin work on a commission without some form of downpayment. I'm sure many of you are curious to hear it, and I actually still have the song in an unlisted link. And so I humbly present to you, "Benjamin's Birthday Song" kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lcmPlbyLzcvLj2g.html

people seem to think that working with the biggest artist will pay u the best. in my case its usually the oposite. the bigger the artist, the less i get. ive never made as much money as the stuff ive done alone

Man, I can definitely relate to this. I got a placement on a Cole Bennett video when I was 19 back in 2017, and I had a ton of fake "managers" hit me up trying to scam me out of beats and money. Thankfully my beats were ass and I was already broke, so I just kept my head down and kept grinding. It sucked at first, laying low for so long, but I would have been played like a damn fiddle at that age, and now I'm 25, more aware of my choices, and my production is 100x better I'm thinking I'm ready to jump back in the game. More producers need to share stories like this because it drove us away from the game for so long.

Navie is one of the most sympathic and calm youtubers i know❤ What a Story...i couldnt believe what that feels like

Thank you so much for sharing this story with us.Its shows you have humility want to make other producer's aware of the scams in the industry.Much respect and appreciation 🙏💯

Thank you for coming back family !!! You have been a tremendous help to all of us !!! Thank you.

This randomly popped up on my algorithm. I appreciate the courage it took to share your story and I am certain that many people will be kept safe through it. Your story is an inspiration. Keep up the great work, sir!

Man, this sucks! I wasn’t as blatantly scammed like this but I was somewhat ripped off by someone I looked up to and trusted in the industry a while back. I’ve heard it’s very commonplace, a lot of people have similar experiences. Thanks for sharing 👊🏻

bro you've probably saved my future career with this video. Thank you for talking about this cuz tbh I wasn't even thinking that this could happen.

I could never thank you enough for this honest in-depth tutorial on life’s realities. I hope all who hear this realize the complexities related to this modern world of commutative on line interaction that use to only take place with a face to face meeting. So many can easily hide and portray who they are not in this shark eat shark business. Thank you for teaching each of us this incredibly invaluable lesson. I will obey your request to not feel bad for you but let me tell you, what you ask is very, very difficult to not feel bad for you. Thanks again NavieD.

I'm not a producer, but I am studying graphic design (so within the creative realm). One thing a couple of my teachers have brought up is the importance of contracts, and knowing how to charge for our work. There are actually a few books that can help and even provide templates. One is: The 11 contracts that every artist, songwriter and producer should know. Another thing my teachers suggested was taking a business class, which I did. I know as creatives all we want to do is create cool stuff and not worry about all the paperwork lol but it's good to know. Anyway, I hope this helps somebody.

That really sucks, but your story will hopefully help others be more cautious. Thanks for allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to share your experience.💯👑

While I feel bad that this happened to you, I'm also kind of glad it did, or at least that your journey brought you here. I've learned so much about production from you, I like that you're such a genuine dude and it's easy to learn from you because you make things make sense without talking down to beginners; I also like that you break down what you're doing in the DAW and how it affects the sound you're applying things to. I'm sincerely glad that you're in a place where you're doing well and feeling more fulfilled, and grateful that you share your knowledge with the rest of us.

I'm glad Joey Bada$$ wasn't the scammer. I wish you had benefitted more from the beats you made for him and Pro Era. I really enjoyed your beats before I ever found this channel. I bought My Friend Pedro the day it came out, also before I found this channel

I'm reminded of something I read while reading the Yu Gi Oh manga of all things; "Trust your friends, but always cut the deck." Don't shy away from people or opportunities but take precautions. It's not your fault if someone takes advantage of you, it really isn't, but you've gotta take measures to protect yourself.

props man, you wasnt no fool. Dirty world coming at a young man like that. I really dig your videos, I didnt know you worked with Joey. He is my #47. When I found that out, I was certain I was in the right place. So tragic to hear what happened... You are an excellent teacher, producer, human and artist bruh!

Scammers are always pulling on peoples heartstrings. It sucks man, but you came out on top. Love, your videos ! Amazing producer, inspiring content creator, and from what I can see a overall genuine human . I’m so glad you didn’t quit 🎉

Hey Navie, thanks for talking about this, I felt pretty ashamed I almost fell for sending a beat to a guy claiming to be C-Lance the other day (but I clarified with the real C-Lance before I sent it). Much Love dude, sorry this happened to your dream.

I think many or most people would have done the same thing in your situation. Unfortunately, good people get taken advantage of sometimes, myself included. I appreciate your warning to us all. Using your situation to create good in this world and support others. I’m sure karma will come back around to them. Much respect.

Oh man. That's so painful to watch. But thanks for sharing this important story. Hope you and that singer found your peace. She did the right thing. But I get how you can react with denial. Music biz is a fucked up mess attracting so many toxic people. Had my fair part of experience over more than 10 years. Know your worth. If something seems too good to be true double and triple check it. And never let any of that destroy your fun of creating and making music.

That's crazy how when we get so excited about the good things happening, it can makes us blind to the truth. I can relate

Man I have just started producing beats and I am getting good at it and your videos help me so much. Can't thank enuf!

I have a similar story but as an artist who hired a “producer / mixer”. The fucked up part is that he actually is connected to people in the industry and his scam worked so well, everyone still believes him and he’s celebrated by other actual producers so when I came out about it, it just backfired. I lost thousands and thousands of dollars hiring this guy.

Thank you so much for sharing this story Navie, I know it must have taken a lot to even make this video. You’re not a fool for this situation, anyone in their right mind would’ve thought that was Shipes emailing you. I remember the day that Underground Airplay came out also, because I was a huge fan of PE, K.R.I.T., and DZA at the time. Had no idea that you produced it, that was a track I had on repeat for years! Respect to you and thank you for sharing your story, because this can happen to literally everyone. Also, have no idea how you reached out to Joey at the time, I’ve reached out to so many artists personally to send beats over the years and I have only gotten a few placements. If you could make a video as to how to grow your fanbase off of beats, I think this would help a lot of us here, especially the ones who don’t necessarily want to sell their beats, but want to be known for their instrumental projects. Any feedback on this I would appreciate, because this is something I’ve been trying to figure out for a very long time. Much love and I hope you have a good week! (Also still yearning for a viewer feedback video, I got a whole army of beats that need some feedback)

I have so much respect for you for choosing your passion over a job, but just like myself, you have felt the dark side! Its an awful feeling when realizing you are the victim and so, no one should judge a scammed person, because the scammer spends so much time planning and feeds on your weaknesses. Keep up the great work, you are awesome!

I've been in a similar situation man. These scammers be doing the most and at first you think to yourself. Why would anyone scam a producer? They can't even use the snippets you send etc. But they have a whole plan to make you lower your guard. Glad you came back stronger and thank you for sharing this story, I'm glad I'm not alone. I appreciate you.

I fell prey to a different but similar scam in a different creative industry and I feel the pain. Just know it doesnt make you a failure even if it forces you to step away from your art momentarily.

I remember getting scammed by Jermaine Dupri some years back. He had an audition in Dallas for one of his new artists, Dondria and he charged the musicians to audition. I remember one of the judges was one of my friends ( not anymore) and some years later, he finally confessed that the audition was a scam. He had already gotten the gig but was paid to be a judge, knowing the whole time he already had the position. The music game is an evil place man and they will take advantage of your ambition and determination. Beware. P.S. I also heard Aldam Blackstone used to have paid auditions as well... SCAMmer

Trust me, I've fallen for tons of scams years ago. Don't let these people get to you. God bless.

That’s Incredibly Dope that you worked with Joey, I research all the time trying to get information on Hip Hop, So I get shocked know and then tying things together such as seeing “Prod. Navie D” on Joey song & seeing your youtube channel. Bless you & ye’ future brethren.

That’s one of my favorite songs for each person on it, in large part because of the beat. Beautiful fuckin work 😭🙌🏽

Bro RESPECT for bouncing back. And don’t be embarrassed. You were taken advantage of by an expert scammer.

Shouldn't quit producing because of this. This is a big lesson if anything. If this is something your passionate about nothing should stop you from your dreams. You should continue to produce music. Just because times are tough you don't quit you learn from it.

You are one of the most brilliant and much more equipped human beings in the music business! We love you so much and remember that where you are right now is always better than where you would have been with your former presumed dream!! God bless you, brother!!!

Man you such a real one! KEEP THIS CONTENT FLOWING PLEASE you're a gift to the creative community no joke

That's fucking brutal, dude. Holy smokes. Much love your way and glad you were able to rebound and are now helping thousands across the world. :)

Thanks for sharing it, Internet community has its pro as well as cons, people are so quick to take advantages, so many opportunists.

Seriously appreciate this video, I don't doubt you'll save a few people from getting scammed themselves

You will make it back! Good deeds don’t go unnoticed! Your success stops when you quit. Shame you quit! Hope you reconsider and keep producing

Damn man, I've watched your tutorials for a year or so. I just watched this, and SMH. Scratch that "I" suck. People suck. You seem to have good morals and people that don't will do ANYTHING for money. I dont even know you like that but, I'm sorry this happened to you. Thanks for sharing this.

wait wtf underground airplay is one of my favorite beats/songs of all time! you're so hard for that lmaoooo instant subscribe just off the strength

Wow. Thank you for sharing. I know it can be tough to share something like that but you are helping so many producers by putting this out.

Bro..your a dope producer.. keep making that Magic!!!

Thank you for sharing your story! This knowledge will help keep young producers aware of these types of scams. It is still very alive..

I’m from a small town in Sarnia Ontario, by the sounds of it, we did the same thing, when it came to travelling alone at a young age, I still live in Sarnia, but am seasonally working in Toronto, this last year I got to live in Vancouver for my first time, I was so anxious but I’m happy with how it turned out

Thanks for shaking... This is a lifetime lesson

I quit producing too at 23. I let my family get into my head, my family used my passion as a punching bag telling me I won't make it, there's no money into it and so on. This led me to be on and off for a few years. Now I realize not everyone is gonna see your vision, I should of kept my passion and career choice to myself and grinded. It's ALOT OF OPPORTUNITIES in music

I’ve been doing beats for over 20yrs and I’ve seen this a million times!! It’s just sad that people would take advantage of someone’s generosity or just period. This game has been wicked and continues to get even more wicked unfortunately due to people will do WHATEVER to be famous or be around famous people. The only way to be successful is to NOT chase the money…ever!! If you love the music and make great beats then the recognition will come in due time!! Let the universe naturally bring it your way!! Just continue to do your part and stay positive and have your business in order!! God Bless🙏🏽🙏🏽

thank you for sharing this story. some scammer messaged me using the name of a new york radio dj (pretty sure it was hot97) and he showered with compliments however i knew he wanted something in return. i wanted to be nice so i said thank you then he asked me if I ever got radio play? he asked me to send him a song so he can tell me about prices however i stopped because i have no money and because why would a big radio station want to work with me when they make millions playing major label artists. turned out it was a fake page but it seemed believable because someone i know followed that fake page.

Awesome of you to share this man. There’s no telling how many people won’t get scammed because they remember hearing your story

Harsh but important experince and by sharing it you help others to not fall for it. Especially nowadays when everyone just want to look great, you got my respect.

Hits close to home. I used to work on stuff and really gained a following. Weird enough my neighbor was just getting into producing, but I didn't know of him at all until I heard rapping from their driveway a few times. He was very rough around the edges. I worked with him and showed him a nice amount of what I know. Ultimately he stopped pursuing rap and went full time producing. It wasn't until he got brainwashed with the live off beats videos and how to get into the industry stuff stuff went south. He started his email collection and sending stuff to these unvalidated emails. He would get this said to be a&r on the phone. They try to put you on with a artist that has like a video or two, but it leaves you thriving because they say they work with ____ big name artist. Then the live off beats stuff. I don't take to a know it all who don't have nothing to show. People he listened to had Ikea desks, Bose speakers, 25 midi keyboard, poor video and audio quality. Couldn't take them seriously for 10 seconds. Nothing wrong with that stuff, but everybody knows presentation is key. I kept telling him nah don't spend your money on that stuff. When you're hot they will come to you. You trying too hard with the play to play approach...I honestly didn't feel like he developed the ear yet...off key notes, bad sample selections etc. The people he said he was talking to and had connections with didn't add up. He wasted tons of money. The funny thing is when we'd play his beats and my beats in the same room locally people would gravitate and give positive reactions to mine even buy stuff. His reactions were like it's alright but they didn't want. They were those type of people that won't give you the real truth because they knew you. We had a SoundCloud page and I would always get a bunch of comments without even pushing the beats to people. Later he was so brainwashed with breaking into industry stuff he started thinking he knew more than me there and he kept trying to set me up with people and have me send beats to stupid emails because this never heard of a&r works or worked with ___ famous person. He stepped into my thing I've been doing for more than half the time I've been alive lol. I stopped working with him because of that. He started getting desperate and dropping his tags on my stuff...then it's like you can't modify a beat without the project I consider a skeleton anyway. The few beats he had on mp3 yeah showcase them all you want, but you going to have the same few beats everytime. Nobody to feed you. Too many rules we're broken...personal first hand and rules of the game.

Dude you’re so talented at like telling stories. Dude this is like the most down to earth vibe. I love your channel.

Well really glad you stuck with it my dude. YT just wouldn't be the same without you!

man that sucks. you made some of my favorite beats on summer knights. wish you popped off

Such a heartfelt, but beautiful story of yours! Shows how life is full of highs and lows, but more than anything how you overcame it and live to tell the tale! Much love bro x

So real! Thank you for stepping up to tell the story. It helps all of us novices more than you'll ever know. Impressive. Community is how we beat the odds and smack back the scammers.

Thank you, the amount of effort those scammers went through just to potentially ruin someone’s life is just insane, we are all glad you eventually found your path!

Goddamn, that's brutal man. But good for you for bouncing back and sharing it as a warning to others. There are some bad people out there.

Scammers are everywhere! Especially in Soundcloud! Thank you

Respect. Recognise our mistakes in front of millions of people Is Not Easy!! Im also my worst enemy and I lie to myself all the time. All the Best!!

Thank you for sharing, man. These kinds of stories might be more important to hear than the success stories. It’s awesome that you’ve bounced back and made a career that is truly yours and yours alone. Inspiring.

Real heartfelt storytelling, no gimmicks, no marketing, no soliciting, no bs. Instant like and sub.

Yes, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Have followed you for years, and you helped me a lot at my beginning of making beats. Months before I started to set up my KZfaq and beatstar to sell my work. And I got a email from a man called Jon Hopkins, a name I never heard before. Then I looked up on KZfaq and some other social media. He said he was working on a new album for London Grammar, and asked if I’m interested.I said yes, then he replied with another email,saying “the label requires a small placement fee on your part,which ensures that the Beats make it on to the project. The percentage split is 60/40 on, credit, label advance and royalties ”. I have to tell I have doubts at the beginning,but when it goes to I have to pay money first. I knew it’s a scammer.😅 so for new people in the game, watch for those people who saying it’s a opportunity for upcoming talents like you.

Your FL Beats KZfaqs are the best. Thanks for your honesty. Glad you are on KZfaq.

Sorry this happened to you, it made me really sad, i can't imagine how devastating it would have been for you. There are some really evil people in the world and i hope karma will catch up to them. Keep doing what you do

Really sorry you had to go through that, its absolutely horrible and morally depraved that people prey upon other people's dreams. Music is already so personal to our souls, we let it roam our body and minds in hopes of creating something beautiful with it for other people to rejoice in as well. To have somebody come along and tear emotions, sacrifice and time from you just so they can make a buck is just mad. We appreciate you my guy!

This kind of scam is probably much more common than people think. I can imagine the sense of betrayal you felt, but also you must have felt embarrassed and annoyed with yourself for falling for it and wasting all your time, which meant you mostly kept it secret. (I'm assuming many other people have similar stories that they are too embarrassed to share, which works in the scammers' favour, because it means people aren't aware how common the scams are, so the scammers can keep finding new victims). By going public now you may help prevent other people suffering a similar fate.

This happens to all of us on one level or another. Stay smart and don't get caught up in names. Stay sharp

Thanks for sharing. It happens way too often, unfortunately. I had just posted online about how the new hustle continues to be to lure upcoming artists into thinking they will catch that big break in the game and become a superstar. It's all over the place today on socials. Building relationships continues to be the key to getting your name out there...just be careful 💯

This video was very eye-opening and informative. In the age where everyone is trying to only show the glamorous side of life, it's refreshing to hear an honest story about vulnerability. Thank you for sharing!

I had my own experience being let down with the music industry. . . a bit different story but I can somewhat relate as a producer. It turned me off and I stopped making music for a bit too. Just recently I got re-inspired after about 4 years of not doing anything music related. Glad you still have that love for music.

Glad you were so candid. Hopefully others learn from your mistake. Can still make beats just for passion though. Doesn’t have to be only about making money.

I got scammed a lot when I first started by producers who were really big at a few years ago. It's just part of the game unfortunately

Great video, so important for young producers to be aware of these types of scams. As somebody who's been in the industry for many years I can tell you it's all about real in person relationships. Meet people face to face or have reputable management/representation. Start with smaller/indy artists and just do great work, you will eventually work your way up to the bigger artists. People are always looking for a fast track or "big opportunity", truth is for most it takes years to get to that level regardless of how good your music is.

such a stand up dude. always real and honest and truthfully some of the best beats ive heard made on this platform. i salute you brother

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND PRODUCE AGAIN……. Don’t quit. U still have time to get back into the studio. Go ❤

I made a similar mistake super early in my career. My rap group was on a touring spree getting gigs at bars in whatever town that was willing to pay us $50. Met a lady 100 miles from home that over the course of a few months convinced us that she started building a studio for us and we wouldn't have to pay for anything and could just work on music all day. So we moved.. no running water, an extension cord from her house next door for electricity making beats on the floor of an unfurnished house. My friends had girlfriends so only came down on the weekend and I ended up stranded and had to hit the block for money to make it home. Made it back and started interning at an professional studio for a year before i started getting paid for beats. It was rough but I'm glad it was earlier.

Thanks for Sharing bro. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Happy you’ve put it behind. Doesn’t make you a less great producer and teacher. Glad rose above it and your positive attitude. Keep up the good work. 💪

If it's any consolation, i genuinely think you're one of the best talents on youtube in the production industry and it's only a matter of time before someone with say recognizes that .. love your content!

Thank you bro. Cause I’ve been offered many “placements” for lack of better words as an artist & also lots of fake offers for deals & rn I’m getting an offer that seems realer then ever cuz they aren’t asking for money (yet) & they haven’t been pushy at all & they even had like an official Empire Distribution Email when they emailed me but this makes me want to double triple check every angle of this. Cause it was just some random guy on Instagram like you said, that messaged me & connected me with all this. But he hasn’t asked for money, just said “mention my name if needed” so we’ll see what happens. But thanks for being transparent to the world about your hard time. This seems like a nightmare but for some reason I feel like the silver lining is above all the coolest part of the story & that’s you getting to produce that song for Joey & Krit & DZA, cuz they’re legends to me. 🎉 keep doing what you love - regardless if it’s music. 🕊️☀️

Thanksf for the warnings Navie and It is so sad that even the guys you were working were scammers. They lost a good producer...

brufffff, I loved Your videos, knowledge and music content overall. Sorry for what happened to You. Lacking words to express myself rn..GL on your way

First I want to thank you for being honest and talking about what I’m sure was an incredibly painful experience for you. I went through a similar situation I think my situation ended up much worse than yours because I ended up homeless. And this is why I don’t respond to your emails. I am afraid of being scammed. I do want to learn to do this I know I can do this professionally and make a good living but I can’t take chances and be scammed. I hope there’s a way for me and you can communicate on a real level someday because I do think I can learn from you and I also think I have some things to offer But at the moment I’m financially broke still trying to recover from being taken advantage of so I have not been able to respond to your emails or subscribe to your lessons

Thanks for everything Navie! You very much appreciated, my friend! Much respect and blessings 🤙🏼