THE STORY OF A PLATFORM | FEAT. LITO ( TAKEOVERFILES ) | RTM PODCAST | SZN 3 | EP 28

The story of a platform doesn’t start with a plaque—it starts with a decision. Lito takes us from West Philly and Derby to Virginia Union, from acting at seven to managing artists in college, and from sneaking into pro events to documenting a movement. We trace the blueprint that wasn’t supposed to exist: learn the craft, build the room, and let the city in. Along the way, mentorship from Peter Parker reshapes the game—cameras, sets, and on-the-road lessons—leading to a high-pressure run filming Million Dollaz Worth of Game. When that chapter closes, he doesn’t stall. He doubles down, spins up Takeover Bars, and turns raw freestyles into a battle league and a membership-driven network for voices the algorithm hasn’t discovered yet.

We dig into the DNA of Philadelphia hip-hop—the DVD era, State Property, We Run The Streets—and how that infrastructure still guides new creators. Leto shares the wins and the weight: the nights editing after dawn, sleeping at stations between interviews with NBA legends, and paying for gear with retirement savings. He makes the case for sustainable media: pay your camerapeople, value your time, and create equal opportunity that’s accessible and professional. TikTok accelerates the reach, the YouTube plaque validates the pace, but the mission remains local and loud—build a community where artists grow, sharpen their bars, and find their lane without losing their voice.

We talk streamers versus rappers, why collaboration beats scoreboard watching, and how real curation can cut through trend cycles. There’s a message for the youth too: therapy matters, choices echo, and purpose is worth the patience it demands. If you’re an artist without followers but with something to say, the door is open—DM to tap in. If you’re here for culture, come hear how a fired job turned into a network and why the next evolution is a building that pays talent, a league that travels, and a platform that keeps Philly’s bar-heavy legacy alive. If this hits you, subscribe, drop a review, and share it with someone who needs a push to start.