This is a common industry practice, da bizness' dirty little secret. And this is not limited to commercial radio or djs. This is why indies can't get any play, why new talented artists get little shine and why the only people who will ever hear your music are your family and the folks you spam on social media.

Don't confuse payola with pay to promote. Payola refers to payment for airplay on public airways. FM stations are public airwaves.. those are the exceptions. Otherwise be prepared to pay to have your music promoted/serviced. If you don't feel your music is worth paying to promote, don't expect anybody else to devote their time, energy or resources to...

Funkmaster Flex Accuses Cardi B of Paying DJs to Play Her Records

Is Cardi B guilty of payola? DJ Funkmaster Flex made the claims on Instagram. He said early in her career, Cardi's team paid DJs to play her music.