Your creativity just needs a remix 💿

Excuse me, for I am mind blown...
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I just learned that “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé sampled the 1970 song “Are You My Woman?” by The Chi-Lites 🤯

Sampling is when a song borrows a piece of another to create something new. ​
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And it happens all the time:

• Eminem – Stan → Thank You by Dido (1998)
• Jessica Simpson – I Think I’m in Love With You → Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp (1982)
• Destiny’s Child – Bootylicious → Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks (1981)
• Drake – Hotline Bling → Why Can’t We Live Together by Timmy Thomas (1972)
• Ariana Grande – Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored → It Makes Me Ill by NSYNC (2000)

This made me think about what influences our creativity... Every idea is sparked by something else we've experienced.

Ideas evolve because we recycle, reinterpret, and reimagine what inspires us.

So instead of worrying about being “original,” focus on being observant.

🪞 reflect & reply 💬

What’s something unexpected that inspires your creativity?

Surround yourself with different influences...

Watch something outside your usual genre.
Read a book from another era.
Listen to music you’ve never tried.
Follow creators who challenge you to try things rather than just buy things.

It’s okay to borrow and build on what moves you. That’s how creativity works — and always has.

​Brianne Fleming​

headline of the week 📰

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​We’re in a rap drought. 💔
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For the first time in 35 years, there isn’t a single rap song in the Billboard Hot 100.
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Billboard calls it “the latest sign of a recent dip in rap’s commercial dominance.”
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I guess I'm part of the problem?? I’m not listening to rap like I used to, and I couldn’t tell you what’s trending now.
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So what’s next for the genre?
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Maybe TikTok will spark a comeback with a viral dance trend... or maybe this is the quiet spell before the next big wave.

throwback thursday ⏪

Pop culture fun fact: Nelly’s 2002 hit “Dilemma” was filmed on Wisteria Lane — the fictional street from Desperate Housewives.
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Yes, that’s Nelly, clad with his face bandage, sitting on the porch of Susan Mayer’s house while serenading Kelly Rowland.

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And who could forget the iconic moment when Kelly sent a text via Microsoft Excel?

Desperate Housewives is one of my all-time favorite shows. If you’re a fan too, check out the new rewatch podcast, hosted by Teri Hatcher!

faves & finds 😍

Email marketing expert (and fellow pop culture lover!) Jay Schwedelson shared the most useful LinkedIn post I’ve seen this week.
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He highlighted words in subject lines that are proven to tank your open rates — including:
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…and more.
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​Check out his full post for the complete list, and if you’re interested, his free virtual marketing conference is next month! Even Lance Bass will be there.

laugh out loud 🤣

brand boost 🚀

If you're ready to make a name for yourself online, check out my course, Build Your Own Brand 💗
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#PopChat news 🎉

There's a new addition to the #PopChat family... Zapier! 🎉

They sent me this onesie when they found out I was pregnant with baby #2... then one thing led to another and they're now an official #PopChat sponsor! 🥹

We could all use some help working more efficiently, and Zapier's automation tools are basically self-care for marketers 💅

Our partnership kicks off on Friday, November 7th! Follow me on LinkedIn to join the livestream 🧡

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As always, thanks for letting me show up in your inbox! I hope you have a fun and festive Halloween 🎃

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And I couldn't leave you hanging without another emoji riddle:
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​Can you guess the song title? Reply with your answer!

📍🏠🎉❓

Hint: This isn't a Nelly song, but he's featured on it (2001)

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Let's Collab 💕
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Looking to strengthen your content strategy, reach marketing professionals, or elevate your next event? Here’s how I can help: