The Miami artist, entrepreneur, actor, and combat sports competitor talks DJ Epps, building an independent brand, and why lasting success takes more than a hit record.

By Nate Walker | New Money Trax Entertainment

More Than Just Another Birthday Anthem

In hip-hop, there's never been a shortage of records celebrating another trip around the sun. Birthdays are a reason to show out, pop bottles, spend money, and remind the world that you're still here. But for independent artists, there's another kind of celebration worth talking about: the opportunity to keep building, keep creating, and keep moving forward.

Miami recording artist LS Spade is tapping into both sides of that energy with his single ?Birthday.?

Driven by heavy 808s, an infectious bounce, and an atmosphere made for the club, ?Birthday? is the kind of record that understands its assignment. It doesn't demand an elaborate explanation. It aims to create a moment.

And that's part of its appeal.

Think about it. Somewhere, somebody is celebrating a birthday every single day. That's a built-in occasion for a DJ to reach for the record, whether the setting is a nightclub, birthday party, or private celebration.

For LS Spade, that everyday relevance gives the song a purpose beyond its initial release.

The record has also received attention from Miami DJ and radio personality DJ Epps, who featured LS Spade on New Music Radio. For an independent artist navigating a crowded music market, that kind of exposure can introduce a record to new listeners while opening the door to relationships that matter beyond one promotional cycle.

But spend a little time looking at the man behind ?Birthday,? and you'll discover that music is only one part of a much larger picture.

The Man Behind the Music: David Roundtree

Known professionally as LS Spade, David Roundtree isn't limiting his ambitions to the recording booth.

His pursuits span entrepreneurship, combat sports, acting, and lifestyle branding. He has also explored acting under the name Spade Lee, bringing another creative dimension to an already multifaceted career.

Then there's My Signature Brand, his business venture encompassing sunglasses, the MSB Store, and an expanding media presence through playlists and podcasting.

On the surface, these might look like separate pursuits competing for his attention. But LS Spade sees them as parts of the same lifestyle, connected by discipline, creativity, and a desire to build something meaningful.

His guiding philosophy can be summed up in three letters:

LBS ? Longevity Brings Success.

It's a simple statement, but one that deserves a closer look in today's music business.

We're living in an era where a viral moment can make an artist visible overnight. Yet visibility doesn't automatically translate into a sustainable career. There's still the work of developing an audience, building relationships, making smart business decisions, and creating reasons for people to stay invested.

That's where LS Spade's perspective becomes particularly interesting.

He understands that a catchy record can get people's attention. The challenge is turning that attention into something that lasts.

With ?Birthday? creating another opportunity to introduce his music and brand, New Money Trap Entertainment caught up with LS Spade to discuss the record, DJ support, independent artistry, entrepreneurship, and the mindset behind his long-term vision.

NMT Exclusive: 10 Questions with LS Spade

1. NMT: ?Birthday? brings an immediate club energy. What was the mindset going into the booth for this record?

LS Spade: Honestly, it was the beat. I wasn't initially trying to make a birthday song, but the melody and the energy the beat gave me made it feel like the only right move.

2. NMT: Production-wise, ?Birthday? hits with heavy 808s and a distinct street bounce. What do you look for in a beat before you decide to record on it?

LS Spade: In today's day and age, you have to be your own A&R. When looking for new music to create, I like working with serious producers?that's what yields the best results when it comes to making credible music. Of course, the beat has to be catchy and feel like a hit. When that aligns with solid business execution, you create more than just a hit?you create longevity.

3. NMT: ?Birthday? is positioned for heavy DJ pool and club rotation. What reaction are you looking to get when a DJ drops this in the middle of a prime-time set?

LS Spade: It's the perfect birthday song for any DJ set. Every day is somebody's birthday, so it's always the right time to play it.

4. NMT: You were recently featured on DJ Epps' New Music Radio. How important is that kind of support when you're building your motion?

LS Spade: Being on DJ Epps' show was a great look for me. He was genuinely vibing with the song, and his audience is huge. It definitely gave the record the credibility and social proof it needs and deserves.

5. NMT: The South Florida music and creative scene is notoriously competitive. What sets your sound and brand apart in today's market?

LS Spade: Really just being myself and staying creative?focusing on the things I genuinely have a passion for and making a real difference for my friends, family, and fans.

6. NMT: You're balancing music, combat sports, acting, and business. How does that discipline translate into your approach to releasing music?

LS Spade: On paper, it sounds like a lot, but in reality, it's just my lifestyle. Mentally, it keeps me focused; physically, it keeps me strong; and spiritually, it helps me deliver the right message.

7. NMT: You've taken on film roles under the persona Spade Lee. Does acting influence how you approach storytelling or delivery in your music videos and tracks?

LS Spade: Acting is acting, and music is music. I try to be authentic in both lanes, but when it comes to my own vision, I like to keep it as real as possible. I want to give the audience substance to think about and create something my family can be a part of.

8. NMT: Beyond the music, you operate My Signature Brand (@mysignaturebrand) and MSBStore. How do you connect your fashion and lifestyle vision with your musical releases?

LS Spade: Not only have I created my own sunglasses brand, but My Signature Brand has also expanded into the MSB playlist and podcast. We provide a platform and curated playlists for artists across all streaming services. The podcast covers music, sports, and business?capturing current events and broadcasting on SNDS Radio, a majorly recognized station in Miami, Florida, both online and in the streets.

9. NMT: For the independent artists watching your moves with New Money Trap, what's the biggest lesson you've learned about navigating the industry independently?

LS Spade: Throughout all my years in the industry, the number one thing I've learned is that you can never do it by yourself. Having a great team can get you into a lot of places, and staying humble can open doors that an ego would block. Staying strategic and disciplined is always my focus and primary goal.

10. NMT: What can supporters and new listeners expect next from LS Spade as we close out the quarter?

LS Spade: Longevity brings success, so people can always expect me to bring something new and creative while staying true to the game. I'm focused on building a legacy because when it's all said and done, my work will speak for itself.

The NMT Perspective: Independence Doesn't Mean Doing Everything Alone

There's a particular statement in this interview that deserves attention, especially from independent artists working to establish themselves.

?You have to be your own A&R.?

That's not just a comment about choosing the right beat.

In today's music economy, independent artists often have to make decisions that were once handled by an entire label team. From identifying the right producers and selecting records to planning releases, managing budgets, and developing a recognizable brand, the responsibility increasingly falls on the artist.

But LS Spade makes another important point later in the conversation:

?You can never do it by yourself.?

At first glance, those statements might sound contradictory. They're not.

Being your own A&R means taking ownership of your creative direction and understanding the business behind your music. It doesn't mean you should try to become your own producer, publicist, manager, booking agent, marketing department, and distribution team all at once.

The distinction is important.

Independence is about maintaining direction and control, not rejecting collaboration.

At New Money Trap Entertainment, we see this as one of the defining lessons of the modern independent music business. Artists have more tools and opportunities to reach audiences directly than ever before. But those opportunities also come with more decisions, more competition, and a greater need for trusted relationships.

A DJ who believes in your record, a producer who understands your sound, or a business partner who can help execute your vision can be valuable pieces of a much larger strategy.

That's why LS Spade's emphasis on humility and teamwork carries weight.

Connections may introduce opportunities, but how you conduct yourself often determines whether those relationships continue.

Building a Brand Beyond the Streaming Numbers

Another aspect of LS Spade's journey worth examining is his approach to entrepreneurship.

Through My Signature Brand, he's working to establish an identity that extends beyond the music itself.

The sunglasses business, playlists, and podcast represent different ways to connect with an audience and participate in the broader creative economy. Whether those ventures ultimately grow together or independently, they reflect an understanding that an artist's identity can carry value across multiple platforms.

That doesn't mean every recording artist needs a clothing line, podcast, or lifestyle company.

It means understanding what you genuinely bring to the table?and finding ways to develop those strengths without losing sight of the music.

For LS Spade, the connecting thread appears to be authenticity. He's not presenting his various interests as a carefully manufactured image. He describes them as part of his everyday life.

And in a business where artists are constantly encouraged to chase the next trend, knowing who you are can be an advantage.

Longevity Is the Real Flex

?Birthday? may be built around a celebration, but the bigger story here is about staying power.

The music industry has always had room for a good party record. What separates a passing moment from a lasting career, however, is what an artist does after the music stops playing.

Do they continue creating? Do they develop their business? Do they build genuine relationships? Do they learn from the opportunities that come their way?

LS Spade's LBS ? Longevity Brings Success philosophy suggests that he's thinking about those questions.

And that's a conversation worth having.

At New Money Trap Entertainment, we believe independent artists deserve more than a quick spotlight. Their stories, strategies, lessons, and ambitions are all part of the culture we're documenting.

With ?Birthday,? LS Spade is giving listeners a reason to celebrate today.

His larger ambition is to build something they'll still be talking about tomorrow.

Stay connected with New Money Trax Entertainment for more independent artist features, exclusive interviews, and perspectives from across hip-hop, R&B, and the music business.

New Money Trap Entertainment ? Be A Part of Something Great and Allow Others to Be a Part of Your Greatness.

Listen to ?Birthday? by LS Spade, add it to your playlist, and follow his journey as he continues building his music and brand.

Artist: LS Spade

Also known as: Coach Spade

Business: My Signature Brand (@mysignaturebrand)

Acting name: Spade Lee

Featured on: Murder Gardens (Movie), Spade Lee (Movie) | DJ Epps? New Music Radio

Follow New Money Trax Entertainment for independent hip-hop, R&B, emerging artists, and the business behind the music.