Going Viral with Integrity: Mike Nappi (of NappiMusic) on Philly, Passion, and Persistence

In this episode, I catch up with Philly artist and internet swiss-army knife Mike Nappi: someone who’s equal parts musician, comedian, and marketing mind. From writing soul-sample bangers to rapping with Logan Paul and dropping viral Delco dad skits, Mike’s story is a masterclass in doing it your own way, even if it takes 8 years for the world to catch up. We get into the grit of building a full-time career from content and session work, how to ride the wave of a moment without selling out, and why staying fun doesn’t mean losing your footing. There’s so much here for any artist learning to bet on themselves.

We Chat About:

• How an old Eagles anthem became a viral hit years later
• Blending music and comedy without diluting either
• Honoring hip hop by learning it from the inside out
• Philly culture, Delco dads, and letting place shape your art
• Letting your passion lead, and still treating it like a business
• His transition from vlogging and touring to monetizing on every major platform
• What it really means to be guided vs. misguided by fun
• Creative burnout, partnership, and what keeps him grounded through it all

About Mike Nappi:

Mike Nappi is a self-produced artist, songwriter, MC, multi-instrumentalist, engineer and content creator from Delco, and West Chester PA, known for releasing a new song every two weeks and creating viral, Philly-centric videos. He’s performed internationally, opened for major acts like beanie sigel, freeway, yelawolf, 2 chainz, Lupe fiasco, and won Philly Daily’s “Most Authentic Philly Fan” contest. His work blends comedy, culture, and music into a unique voice fans recognize instantly.

Connect with Mike Nappi (of NappiMusic):

Instagram: @nappimusic

YouTube: Nappi Music Videos

Facebook: Mike Nappi

Spotify: Mike Nappi

TikTok: @nappimusic

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

Music Mentioned in this Episode:

Songs:

• “Birdcall” – Mike Nappi
• “Sacala Basura” – Mike Nappi
• “Virtual Insanity” – Jamiroquai
• “Lucky You” – Eminem & Joyner Lucas

Albums:

• Soul – Mike Nappi

Artists & Bands:

• Mike Nappi
• Jamiroquai
• J. Cole
• Kendrick Lamar
• Joyner Lucas
• Yellow Wolf
• Rittz
• Busta Rhymes
• Eminem
• Tamaro
• Lupe Fiasco
• 2 Chainz
• Beanie Sigel
• Freeway
• Avril Lavigne
• Hilary Duff
• Hannah Montana
• Alex G
• The Dare
• Rachel Chinouriri
• The Neighbourhood
• 50 Cent
• Creed
• Nickelback
• The 1975
• Warpaint
• Wolf Alice