PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 27, 2025 – YouTube, in partnership with REC Philly, is bringing its celebrated Future Insiders experience to Philadelphia for the first time on Thursday, May 29, and will serve as a dynamic kick-off to Roots Picnic weekend.
YouTube Future Insiders: Philadelphia Edition represents a powerful moment of intersection—where culture, content, and community converge to uplift the voices shaping what’s next. This free, one-night-only cultural takeover – hosted at REC Studios – is designed to educate, and empower the city’s dynamic community of Black creators, innovators, and emerging talent through live music, dynamic panel discussions, exclusive fireside chats, and hands-on opportunities for creators to engage with YouTube experts and tools. Whether you're behind the camera, in front of the mic, or just getting started, this event invites Philly’s creatives to learn, connect, and grow with the resources and connections to take their platform, brand or creative business to the next level. YouTube Future Insiders: Philadelphia Edition will be hosted by magnetic Philly media personality ASHMAC.
“Philadelphia has long been a powerhouse for Black creativity and culture, so bringing Future Insiders here felt not only natural—it felt necessary,” said Tuma Basa, Director of Music Culture at YouTube. “We’re in a new era where creative expression knows no boundaries, and Future Insiders is about celebrating, mentoring, and amplifying that evolution,” said Tuma Basa, YouTube’s Director of Music Culture. “I had the opportunity to first meet the team at REC Philly when I was invited to particpate in their 2024 Creator Day with Google. I saw how deeply they understand creators and how powerfully they connect with Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Their ability to craft meaningful, culture-driven experiences made them the perfect partner to bring this vision to life.”
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Press Play: Building an Audience on Multi-Format Content
A lively panel discussion that will explore how multi-format creators grow audiences, tell stories, and earn income with YouTube Shorts, livestreams, vlogs, and DIY content.
- Moderated by: Brittany Lewis, award-winning journalist and cultural commentator
- Panelists include:
- Raud, Philly-based creative and popular Twitch personality known for blending commentary with culture
- 2Rare, rising Philly rapper with viral hits and an electric online presence
- Lay Bankz, Philly-based singer, songwriter, rapper and dancer known for high-energy, viral dance videos, most notably on TikTok
YouTube Black Lightning Talks
Fast-paced and packed with insights, these two back-to-back sessions offer an inside look at navigating YouTube as a creative entrepreneur:
- Future-Proof: How AI is Changing the Creator Game – YouTube’s product team pulls back the curtain on how AI is shaping the future of content creation. From editing to ideation, discover how new tools are empowering creators to work smarter, stay inspired, and build with intention. Get a glimpse at what’s coming and how to stay ahead.
- Clicks to Coins: Monetizing Your YouTube Presence – turn views into value. This session breaks down the most effective ways to make money on YouTube—from AdSense to brand deals and beyond. Get the tools to build a sustainable creator business.
Live Performances
Attendee of Future Insiders will enjoy performances from some of Philly’s most exciting musical talent:
- DJ Diamond Kuts, a trailblazing DJ, producer, and Philly legend, Diamond Kuts has been instrumental in shaping the city’s sonic identity. Her influence continues to ripple through the culture, both locally and beyond. She is the official DJ for the Philadelphia Eagles, and she’s brought her signature sound to national stages—spinning for President Obama, touring with Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown, and producing tracks for chart-topping artists.
- N3WYRKLA, a rising pop and R&B artist known for her emotionally charged lyrics and genre-blending sound. Born in 2003 to Philadelphia rapper Gillie Da Kid, she grew up immersed in the city's rich musical culture of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. Her early exposure to New Jersey's punk and emo scenes also influenced her musical style, leading to a unique fusion of genres in her work. Notable tracks include "care about myself," "it don't hit no more," "CH3RRY," and "mind now,” along with collaborations with Toosii, A$AP Rocky, and Timbaland.
Interactive Activations:
- YouTube Cheat Codes Bar: At this 1:1 educational resource center, attendees can meet directly with YouTube experts to get personalized advice on growing their channels, mastering platform tools, and leveling up their content strategy.
- YouTube Music Studio: Inspired by “On The Radar,” this mini studio activation gives artists the chance to record a snippet of a track in a high-quality, YouTube-branded space—complete with production support and playback for content.
- Interactive Photo Booth: A camera-ready experience built for creators. This immersive set lets guests step into a fully designed editorial scene—complete with lighting, props, and custom YouTube visuals—to capture their moment in true Philly fashion.
“Bringing Future Insiders to Philly is about more than just hosting an event—it’s about empowering and elevating creators and forging the next chapter in Philadelphia’s legacy as an iconic hub for culture and creative talent,” said Dave Silver, Co-Founder & CEO of REC Philly. “With a powerhouse lineup of emerging talent, all with deep ties to the city, this event showcases what’s possible when creativity is fostered and celebrated. As both the host venue and producing partner, we’re proud to work alongside YouTube Black to bring this experience to life in a way that’s rooted in authenticity and built for impact. This isn’t just about panels and performances—it’s about providing Philly’s Black creators with the tools, insights, and connections they need to take their talent to the next level.”
Learn more about REC Philly at recphilly.com, and follow @recphilly across social platforms.
ABOUT REC
REC is a premier creative agency based in Philadelphia that helps brands engage Gen Z and Millennial audiences through culturally relevant strategy, content production, and experiential execution. From immersive events to social storytelling, REC provides full-service creative solutions rooted in authentic connection and creative innovation. Its creative campus, REC Studios, is home to over 1,000 artists, influencers, and freelancers, while its digital platforms reach a combined audience of more than 200,000.
ABOUT YOUTUBE FUTURE INSIDERS PROGRAM
YouTube's Future Insiders program is a global initiative designed to empower emerging creatives—particularly Black and underrepresented youth—with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed in the music and content creation industries. The program offers immersive workshops, hands-on training, and direct access to industry experts and YouTube professionals. Its goal is to demystify the creative process, provide career-building tools, and foster meaningful connections between aspiring creators and established professionals. Future Insiders has been hosted in cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, London, Lagos, and Accra, and is part of YouTube’s broader commitment to supporting Black creators through the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund
