gatekeep
controlling, protective
the one-line answer
Controlling who gets access to something, usually a subculture or piece of information.
Gatekeeping is when someone decides who is allowed into a community, genre, or scene and enforces those standards. Sometimes justified (keeping bad actors out). Often resented (keeping newcomers from enjoying things). Now also used approvingly in 'gaslight gatekeep girlboss.'.
mainstream
Your coworker might use this word.
01 / in the wild
hear it move.
criticism
stop gatekeeping good music. let people discover things.
Stop controlling who is allowed to enjoy this music.