Mary Rahmani is the founder and CEO of Moon Projects, an innovative agency that is focused on short-form video content and helping artists, brands, and companies take that to the next level. In this episode, she talks about her three-pronged company and what she has learned from her time as a TikTok executive. She then discusses Moon Projects’ partnership with Republic Records and some of the trends she is seeing within the entertainment industry.If you’re looking to be a part of the TikTok community and to learn more about leveraging short-form videos, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights[02:10] An overview of Mary’s career and how she established Moon Projects[06:05] Strategy is key to gaining virality and staying relevant on TikTok[09:48] What emerging artists can learn from famous musicians who use TikTok like 24kGoldn, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Lizzo[13:57] How Mary chooses artists to work with and how A&R representatives should be dealing with artists[21:22] About Republic Records and Mary’s perspective on work-life balance[29:08] Music as a love language and TikTok as a platform[33:32] On music-gaming collabs, the divergence of fame and talent, and video streamingListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Mary Rahmani, @mrahmama, Moon ProjectsLinks:How More TikTok Stars Can Succeed in the Music IndustryRepublic RecordsTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Mike Weissman is the CEO of SoundCloud. He returns to the podcast to talk about the independent artist community, user-centric monetization, and the potential in NFTs and the like in a Web 3.0 era. He then weighs in on the revenue model in relation to the rise of streaming services and on SoundCloud’s progress to becoming a modern music entertainment business.If you are interested in the future of the music industry, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights:[02:38] The 3 pieces to SoundCloud’s growth and success[07:55] How fan-powered royalties work and benefit artists[13:20] What Mike is seeing from major labels[16:00] The opportunities in Web 3.0 [19:30] On the $10 all-you-can-consume subscription model[23:35] SoundCloud’s partnerships and future plans[26:28] Podcasting versus music streaming versus video[31:50] On SoundCloud’s international growthListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Mike Weissman, @mweissman2, SoundCloud Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Steve Stoute is the founder and CEO of the music distributor UnitedMasters and the creative agency Translation. He returns to the podcast to talk about what his companies have been building towards in the past few years. He also weighs in on the trends he is seeing with independent artists and record labels—including legacy infrastructures, cryptocurrencies, and direct fan communication.Tune in and get up-to-date on what’s happening in the music scene!Episode Highlights[03:32] The biggest shift in the creator economy[10:10] On artists owning IPs and what production companies should be doing[14:15] Technology advances benefit the rights holder[18:15] About UnitedMasters’ world-class technical team and its partnerships[25:42] How UnitedMasters and Translation push the cultural edge while giving artists the opportunity to become small businesses[31:30] The opportunities in text marketing platforms and CRM tools[46:30] Why gamers and adult performers have found success through platforms like Twitch and OnlyFansListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Steve Stoute, @SteveStouteLinks:MEP CapitalUnitedMastersTranslationSubstackTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Karl Fowlkes is an entertainment attorney, the founder of Fowlkes Firm, and a certified NBPA player agent under Firm Sports. In this episode, he walks us through his journey to where he is today. We talk about some of the artists he has worked with, the challenges of properly communicating information, and how athletes are missing out on revenue streams. Karl also weighs in on NFTs and cryptocurrency.Tune in for insight from a lawyer/agent who has established a name for himself both in music and in sports.Episode Highlights:[02:52] Karl’s transition from law school to building a network and starting a law firm[08:08] His process for raising funds[10:02] About Section 8 and his partnership with Lil Baby[13:40] Creators need to focus on the following when it comes to their contracts: length, obligation, money, and ownership[17:00] On content creation[24:45] Why Karl decided to become an NBA agent[28:45] On NIL (names, images or likeness), brand building, and maximizing one’s community or alumni base[37:00] Karl’s hate-love relationship with NFTsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Karl Fowlkes, @esqfowlkes, Fowlkes FirmLinks:Chosen (feat. Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga) by BlxstNo Love Lost by BlxstMoneybagg YoDro KenjiTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

DJ Semtex is an author, a podcaster, a radio host, and a DJ. In part 2 of our conversation, he shares his thoughts on Donda and Certified Lover Boy, diving into how these albums reflect on Kanye West’s and Drake’s artistry. He then weighs in on music journalism, fan feedback, and the gradual comeback of live performances. He also talks about podcasting and compares it to doing radio shows, going into some of his interviews. If you’re a fan of DJ Semtex or you’re just looking to start your own music podcast, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights:[02:35] DJ Semtex’s thoughts on Donda and Certified Lover Boy[09:15] Why Donda is a masterpiece[16:25] Music criticism in the era of social media[22:32] What music events are like now compared to pre-pandemic[28:45] Whether or not hip hop will reach a saturation point[34:05] Podcast interviews versus radio interviews[42:50] How hip hop has changed the podcasting scene and online consumption[52:55] Some UK artists to watch out forListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: DJ Semtex, @DJSemtex, DJ SemtexLinks:Hip Hop Raised Me podcastHip Hop Raised Me by DJ SemtexClubhouseTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Joining me on the show is Rick Ross—rapper, entrepreneur, mogul, and record executive. He has over 20 partnerships, and he just recently published “The Perfect Day to Boss Up” which he wrote during the pandemic. In this episode, Rick discusses his passion for music and business, highlighting the importance of finding joy in the things you do. He then talks about his home which has been featured in the movies “SuperFly” and “Coming 2 America”. He also weighs in on the feature market and ways to go viral.Strap in for some gold nuggets from a man who has found success in both music and business, and get into the mindset that you need to be in to level up!Episode Highlights[02:41] How Rick has changed since the pandemic[05:08] How he evaluates which brands or businesses to partner with[07:51] On doing live performances[11:07] About Rick’s Wingstop franchises and his thoughts on artists getting involved with the fast food industry[14:21] How Maybach Music Group fits into Rick’s vision[16:55] About his 280-acre estate, The Promised Land[24:44] On investing in physical and intangible assets[27:23] What to expect when doing features and from Rick’s upcoming album [30:00] On going viral, networking, and building an empire Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Rick Ross, @RickRossLink: The Perfect Day to Boss Up by Rick RossTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

For the first part of this episode, I do a live reading of an essay that I wrote about the rap duo OutKast and a theory that I’ve named after their journey. I explain how different phases of technology and platforms have played a role in OutKast, Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, and Tyler, the Creator’s trajectories to success. After that, I weigh in on some of my readers’ suggestions for people—in hip-hop and in other industries—who they think have the OutKast Edge. And to wrap it all up, I talk about a few names from my own personal list.Tune in to this episode to learn how slept-on trends can become popular and how artists can sustain their unique edge to succeed!Episode Highlights[01:32] About OutKast[03:43] The OutKast Edge theory[04:40] Create content for like-minded outsiders[05:07] Build an audience on independent platforms [05:45] Play the long game: persevere and push through[06:17] Who else has the OutKast Edge[11:11] The OutKast Edge evolves with phases of technology[14:00] You can lose your OutKast Edge[16:48] My thoughts on Doja Cat, Anderson .Paak, and The Weeknd[21:54] On Elon Musk’s Tesla and David Portnoy’s Barstool Sports[24:27] Why Frank Ocean is popular but does not have the OutKast Edge[25:48] My personal picks: Ziwe Fumudoh, Griselda, Lil Dicky, and NadeshotListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coLinks: The OutKast EdgePublic.com (code: trapital)Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Amber Horsburgh is an artist coach, a music marketer, and the founder of Deep Cuts—a go-to resource for early-stage musicians. And in today’s episode, we talk about Tyler, The Creator and break down his “Call Me If You Get Lost” campaign. We weigh in on his rollout strategy to use alter egos, the brands he has partnered with, and his business model. Amber also shares her thoughts on Tyler’s strengths, what he could improve on, and how present circumstances have posed a challenge for artists.If you are a fan of Tyler, The Creator or just curious about how music campaigns work, this episode is for you!Episode Highlights:[03:28] My thoughts on Tyler and his “Call Me If You Get Lost” album[05:52] How he has changed over time[08:32] 3 ways to stand out as an artist[10:55] About the Tyler Baudelaire persona[14:22] On Tyler’s brand collaborations and his “slow and steady” climb thanks to his fans[19:35] My expectations for Tyler’s campaign[21:02] How the “Call Me If You Get Lost” campaign is visually appealing but lacking in creative activation[29:00] The importance of merch from a fan perspective[31:15] How the pandemic has affected the music industry[34:45] On Tyler’s acceptance of his position in hip-hopListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Amber Horsburgh, @amberhorsburgh, Amber HorsburghLinks: Public.comCall Me If You Get LostMusic Marketing Tips - Amber HorsburghDeep CutsTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

24kGoldn is a chart-topping hip-hop artist and songwriter who was born and raised in San Francisco. In this episode, he talks about the opportunities he has gotten since “Mood” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the middle of the pandemic. He shares how he leveraged Tiktok to stay relevant and what innovations he has done with his music. He also dives into his current investments and the business aspect of his brand.Get to know the genius behind the TikTok hit “Mood” and see what other options artists have when it comes to making money.Episode Highlights:[02:32] What it has been like for 24kGoldn since the pandemic began[05:25] The pros and cons of going virtual or working remotely[08:55] How much work went into making “Mood” a hit through TikTok[10:25] About the #BlackTikTokStrike[12:25] The different ways you can get your music heard[18:52] 24kGoldn’s musical inspirations and aspirations[22:00] His investment portfolio[24:42] The opportunities in getting artists to endorse and invest in consumer products[31:28] On playlisting and signing with record labelsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: 24kGoldn, @24kGoldn, 24kGoldnLink: Public.com (Code: trapital)Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Mike G is a music and touring agent for United Talent Agency (UTA). He joins me on the podcast to share what it has been like for him since COVID broke out, especially the big things he did recently. He talks about The Kid LAROI and Young Thug, the trajectory of their careers, and the projects they’ve worked on. He looks back on how he went from sales rep to full-time booking agent, revealing what it was like to manage Chris Brown. He also weighs in on what music events will be like when the pandemic’s over.Tune in to this episode to get an update on some artists, and see what things will be like for future concerts and tours from an agent’s perspective!Episode Highlights:[00:21] The opportunities that Mike G saw during the pandemic[05:18] The recent trend in tours and concerts[07:00] On working with The Kid LAROI and increasing the demand for him[12:00] About Young Thug and the challenge of getting him to the level where he should be[16:35] What music festival promoters look for in artists[22:13] On rebuilding artists[26:16] About Mike G’s background and why he decided to become an agent[30:00] On managing Chris Brown[34:42] His smooth transition to UTA[38:20] His prediction for music events post-pandemicListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Mike G, @MikeGNitevisionTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Just last March, Anthony Martini became the CEO of Royalty Exchange, a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trade music, rights, and copyright. He explains how royalties can benefit middle and lower-tier creatives in this economy of hit records, highlighting what Royalty Exchange is capable of as a platform. He then talks about the practical applications of NFTs. He also weighs in on what he has learned as a former artist, an artist manager, and the founder of an independent record label.Whether you’re a musician looking for funding or an investor searching for an asset to park your money in, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights[03:50] The opportunities in selling music catalogs and publishing[06:48] How Royalty Exchange has grown and what it has to offer as a platform compared to other investment funds[10:08] About multiples, the “dollar age” metric, and why music royalties are attractive assets[14:40] Anthony’s insights on hip-hop from a streaming perspective[17:18] The advantages of getting into the NFT market and the importance of really collaborating with artists[22:32] On the legal feud between Roc-A-Fella co-founders Damon Dash and Jay-Z[29:55] On setting up deals with digital distributors, artists, Youtubers, and Twitch streamers[36:36] What it was like to work with big record labels, manage Lil Dicky and Tyga, and founding Commission RecordsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Anthony Martini, @realantmoney, Royalty ExchangeLinks:PicoHipgnosisRoundhill InvestmentsRobinhoodMoney Mu on SpotifyCJ So CoolTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Steve Rifkind is the founder of Loud Records, SRC Records, and his new label Spring Sound. Loud Records, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last January 2020, is one of the most influential record labels in hip-hop with artists like Wu Tang Clan, Twista, and Akon. In this episode, Steve shares what it was like when he first started out in the industry, walking us through the changes he has seen since then until now. He also talks about Loud Record’s anniversary event and his close relationship with DMX.Reminisce about the ‘90s and early 2000s, and see things from the perspective of a legend in the music industry.Episode Highlights:[ 03:28 ] What the music industry was like 40 years ago compared to now[ 07:52 ] On Akon’s popularity and the rise of Youtube[ 12:38 ] On leveraging joint ventures with artists[ 17:28 ] What Steve is capable of offering and doing as a record label executive[ 19:58 ] Why the emergence of CDs led to a downshift in the industry[ 23:35 ] On the brand and identity of Steve’s artists[ 28:15 ] The importance of music in culture[ 30:25 ] How Steve is preparing his daughter for the role of CEO[ 32:02 ] Loud Records’ 25-anniversary event[ 33:58 ] On Steve’s close relationship with DMXListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Steve Rifkind, @steverifkind, Spring Sound Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Detavio Samuels is the new CEO of REVOLT, a hip-hop-focused media company founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs. In this episode, he talks about the opportunities and challenges that rose when the Black-owned company made a shift toward social justice. He reveals what it’s been like to run a cable network amid the explosion of online content, giving a sneak peek of the exciting things that the company is working on. Detavio also shares how he establishes himself as a leader with Diddy as the chairman. If you work in media, entertainment, music, or in any of the related fields, here’s an interesting episode for you! Episode Highlights: [ 03:08 ] Why Detavio jumped ship from his previous company to Revolt [ 05:50 ] How REVOLT combines hip-hop culture with the Black Lives Matter movement  [ 12:08 ] The challenges of launching a cable network that offers black content [ 17:32 ] On REVOLT’s digital content and most important metrics [ 19:40 ] A preview of “The Crew League” Season 2 and the other projects that Revolt has planned for the rest of the year [ 27:00 ] What Diddy and Combs Enterprises President Tarik Brooks are like as leaders [ 29:55 ] The magic of being in the right place at the right time with the right people [ 34:30 ] REVOLT aims to set a different standard for what already exists [ 38:35 ] On the company’s plans to get into podcasts and the studio business Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Detavio Samuels, @Detavio, REVOLT TV Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Jamal Henderson is the Chief Content Officer of The SpringHill Company, a video-production company created by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. He reveals what it took to get “Space Jam: A New Legacy” off the ground, diving deep into branding partnerships and the musical aspect of the production. He also weighs in on all of the changes that have happened in the entertainment landscape post-pandemic and gives a preview of what’s next for SpringHill.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spearhead projects for an entertainment company and to launch a movie post-pandemic, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights:[ 02:08 ] How the pandemic affected the production and release of movies[ 03:12 ] About “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and SpringHill’s brand projects[ 06:27 ] Why the movie is on-brand for LeBron and how it aged well[ 10:45 ] On creating the “Space Jam: A New Legacy” soundtrack[ 14:40 ] How SpringHill came to be what it is today[ 22:55 ] About SpringHill’s venture into the audio side of the entertainment industry and its ongoing efforts to promote diversification[ 29:38 ] On SpringHill’s upcoming projects Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Jamal Henderson, @jamalhenderson, The SpringHill Company Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Today's episode is a special interview from my friends at the Music Business Podcast!They had a great conversation Founder of Riveter Management and Trippie Redd’s Manager Charlene Bryant. Charlene Bryant was formerly a Digital Account Manager for Sony/RCA Inspiration, who recently ventured out to start her own artist management company, Riveter Management Inc. She is passionate about helping artists and her company motto is to treat every client like a VIP.If you enjoy their episode, leave a comment or a review on what you thought about the episode on Apple Podcasts or on the Music Business Podcast instagram @musicbusinesspodcast.You can also connect with our community on Patreon, MusicBusinessPodcast.com/Community. --Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

Derek Ali, better known as MixedByAli, is a 3-time Grammy Award-winning mix engineer and a longtime collaborator with Top Dawg Entertainment. He is also the founder and CEO of EngineEars, a platform for audio engineers to mix music and find projects. He walks us through his music career, the artists who launched him to fame, and the workshops he offered. He also talks about the challenges of launching a startup, how he scaled his business, and the power of niche.If you’re an audio engineer looking to grow your potential or interested in building a startup, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights:[ 02:24 ] How Derek’s ringtone business in high school kick-started his interest in music[ 08:05 ] What it was like to work with Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre[ 10:10 ] About Derek’s team of engineers[ 10:50 ] On “unlearning”[ 11:42 ] Why and how he started offering workshops[ 16:05 ] On running a small business as a sound engineer and getting the funding to scale EngineEars[ 25:41 ] Lead by example and manage your time in a way that puts yourself first[ 31:22 ] On understanding problems in real time and the importance of having a teamListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Derek Ali, @MixedByAli, EngineEarsTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Call Me Ace, hip-hop recording artist who has charted on Billboard, returns to the podcast to talk about his album “Out Of Office”, his participation in the BET AmpliFINd contest, and other things he has accomplished this past year while working a full-time job in tech. He shares his personal approach to making content and engaging with his fan base, High Grade Society. He also gives a sneak peek of a book he is working on.If you’ve ever wondered how people grew and established their creative careers while working a day job, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights:[ 02:13 ] How the pandemic affected Call Me Ace[ 03:15 ] About “Out Of Office” [ 06:26 ] The importance of community and making connections[ 08:50 ] Utilize the right platforms that align with your brand[ 13:38 ] On becoming a Top 10 semi-finalist in “BET AmpliFind” and the opportunities that followed after that[ 23:42 ] Call Me Ace’s partnership with Insider Studios and Ford[ 27:55 ] On text messaging as a platform[ 32:04 ] On sharing knowledge[ 39:00 ] Vanity metrics are not everything Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Call Me Ace, @callmeacelegit, Call Me AceTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Benjy Grinberg, founder and CEO of Rostrum Records, looks back on his journey—how he left what others might consider a dream job to start his own music label. Rostrum has helped put Pittsburg on the map with artists like Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. Benjy reveals what it has been like to work with those two artists, giving us a snapshot of how their careers took off. Tune in until the end to learn about some of the philanthropic things he has done.If you want to know what it’s like to start your own label, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights:( 02:40 ) About Pittsburg’s music scene( 03:24 ) Benjy’s transition from L.A. Reid’s assistant to independent music producer( 07:05 ) How he met Wiz Khalifa and their trajectory to success( 11:40 ) On handling different duties at the same time( 17:41 ) The challenges of releasing mixtapes on streaming services( 25:52 ) On doing deals with artists and major labels( 37:40 ) The importance of giving back and mental health awarenessListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Benjy Grinberg, @benjybenjy, Rostrum RecordsTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.

An audio version of the Trapital essay “Inside Universal, Sony, and Warner’s Arms Race For Your Attention” Streaming, media, and indies have changed the game for the three biggest major record labels. Here’s a full breakdown on where each company is heading. Host: Dan Runcie, trapital.co Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo:  https://trapital.co/newsletter

Entertainment attorney Leron Rogers, a partner at Fox Rothschild, came on the pod to talk about rising up the ranks as a lawyer. He has represented Kanye West, Rick Ross, Monique, Migos, Steve Harvey, and the Miami Marlins. His goal is to help artists build their business like a Fortune 500 company. They should establish a board of directors. That message is definitely easier with some artists than others! We also talk about Rick Ross and 50 Cent’s beef, artists wanting to own their masters, and advice he gives to up and coming industry execs. If you want to hear all the hats that music industry attorneys wear, this is the episode for you. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Leron Rogers, @leronrogers, foxrothschild.com/leron-e-rogers Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

Cinematic Music Group founder and CEO Jonnyshipes came on the pod to talk about how he’s built Cinematic into an influential entertainment company that other labels are trying to follow. Shipes worked with Smoke DZA, Nipsey Hussle, Joey Badass, and more. In this episode, Shipes breaks down how he partners with major labels, helps artists build their careers, and more. Shipes also loves comedy. He recently signed comedian Druski, who blew up after Drake’s “Laugh Now, Cry Later” video. Druski and Shipes have a few things in the works which he goes more in depth with. If you want to hear about how an indie hip-hop company is run, this is the episode for you. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Jonnyshipes, @jonnyshipes, cinematicworldwide.com  Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

Combs Enterprises President, Tarik Brooks, came on the Trapital Podcast to talk his role managing the Combs Enterprises portfolio of brands, which includes Ciroc, Bad Boy Entertainment, Revolt, Sean John, AquaHydrate, and more.We talked about how to measure Diddy’s value-add as an investor, Tarik’s experience working for both Diddy and Robert L. Johnson, and why Diddy sought mentorship from Ray Dalio, and more.This episode originally ran on February 4, 2020.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Tarik Brooks, @tarikamin, combsenterprises.comTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

Twitch’s VP Head of Music, Tracy Chan, came on the podcast to talk about how artists on Twitch are making money. The number of artists making $25,000 on Twitch has grown 16x since the pandemic started. For those making $50,000 or more, the median viewership is 183 fans. That’s wild! We talk about how artists use the platform, gaming culture’s influence, and where the creator economy is heading.Tracy joined Twitch in 2020. He left Spotify where he launched Spotify for Artists, and worked at YouTube before that to help launch its creator platform. Tracy has seen the creator economy at every stage. If you’re interested in this topic, this is the podcast for you.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Tracy Chan, @tracypchan, twitch.tv/musicLink: Twitch’s Rockonomics - a case study on how musicians make money on the platformTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

Rap Snacks founder and CEO James Lindsay came on the podcast to talk about his rise in the consumer packaged goods industry. Rap Snacks launched in 1994 and has partnered with artists like Migos, Cardi B, Trina, and Fabolous to sell snack chips.We talk about how Rap Snacks landed distribution space in Walmart, and how to navigate the snack food industry. We also talked about BossUp Bank, the new bank he launched with Master P to reach underserved communities.Lindsay also co-managed Meek Mill, so we talked about his experience there, and some recent advice he gave Meek about Dogecoin!Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: James Lindsay, @askfly1, rapsnacks.netTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

I answered a bunch of questions from Trapital readers and listeners! Monetization in hip-hop vs other genres, rap battle leagues, Square’s Tidal acquisition, women in the music industry, cancel culture, record labels, and tech funding announcements that look like music festival lineups!Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coTrapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

Live Nation Urban’s VP of Business Development & Operations, Brandon Pankey, joined to talk about the post-pandemic return of concerts and music festivals. He recently launched APEX, an advertising video on demand streaming service that will be music-centric. We talk about why he launched it and how he plans to give artists an opportunity to tell their stories. We finished our conversation by talking about the community and education-related work that Brandon has done, and why we have to let the next generation know about the opportunities that are out there! Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Brandon Pankey, @brandon_pankey, watchapex.com Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

Music executive Shawn Prez came on the pod to talk about his days as Bad Boy’s VP of Marketing, what set Bad Boy’s Street Team apart, breaking hit records, starting the Ciroc Boyz, his work at Power Moves Inc., and why he decided to launch an award shows to recognize DJs. This episode was originally published on April 7, 2020. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | YouTube | Overcast | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Shawn Prez, @powermovesprez, powermovesprez.com Link:  Ciroc Boyz – Power Moves Inc. Black Rob – “Whoa” Global Spin Awards Power Moves with Shawn Prez – YouTube

Music marketer BrandMan Sean (Sean Taylor) joined to talk about how he built the BrandMan Network, which recently crossed 100,000 YouTube subscribers! He’s been a go-to source of insights for rising hip-hop artists on how to build their brands, use social media, and focus on what matters most. In this episode, Sean breaks down how he keeps up with the changes in the landscape, how artists beat those with 2-3x their budget, and his Contrabrand Agency. If you’re interested in the latest best practices on music marketing, this episode is for you! Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: BrandMan Sean, @brandmansean, BrandMan Network YouTube Channel Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.  trapital.co/newsletter

An audio version of the Trapital essay “How Will and Jada Pinkett Smith Built a Content and Commerce Powerhouse” The star couple regained Hollywood success by letting fans into their once-private lives and building a media-driven commerce flywheel with Westbrook Inc. Host: Dan Runcie, trapital.co Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo:  trapital.co/newsletter

DJBooth’s Editor-In-Chief and VP of Content Operations and Artist Services at Audiomack, Brian “Z” Zisook, came on the pod to talk about DJBooth’s 18th anniversary (!) and how it stayed strong over time. We also talked about the role that major record labels serve, the potential for indie artists, TikTok’s influence, the streaming era, classic rap albums, short releases, and more. At the end, we talked about Audiomack World and the company’s new partnerships with DistroKid.If you want an honest take on where the music industry is heading, this is the episode for you!Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Brian “Z” Zisook, @djboothEIC, audiomack.com/world

Music Entrepreneur Club founder Dame Ritter came back on the pod to help me break down four music industry myths:artists need to own everything. Ownership!I can’t make money on streamingNFTs will save meI’ll make all my money on tourAll of these takes need nuance, and there’s no better person to talk to than Dame. He ran Funk Volume, a former independent record label that hit $4M in sales in its first four years. On the episode we also talked about the comedians he manages, Bigg Jah and Minks, and the difference between artists and comics.If you’ve been hearing a lot about ownership, music business models, and want more context, this is the episode for you.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Dame Ritter, @Dame_MECLinks: Music Entrepreneur ClubHip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

Dreamville co-founder and President, and J. Cole’s manager Ibrahim Hamad came on the Trapital Podcast to talk about how him and J. Cole started Dreamville and how it became what it is today. Ib also broke down what changed for Dreamville in 2014, the impact that the Dollar & a Dream tour had on J. Cole’s career, establishing the Dreamville brand beyond J. Cole, and why the Dreamville Fest has nine lives. This episode was originally published in April 14, 2020 Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Ibrahim Hamad, @KingOfQueenz, dreamville.com Link: J. Cole is Still Making Millions From a $1 Million Concert - Trapital Dreamville Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co/newsletter

The artist Micah Johnson came on the pod to talk about his rise in the art world. On February 21, he introduced the world to Aku: The Moon God, his fictional character that was born from a question, “Can astronauts be Black?” Aku was released as an NFT that resulted in $1 million worth of sales in 1 minute and $2 million total in 28 hours! On the podcast, we talk about how Micah got support for Aku’s launch, why NFTs are powerful for his work, his future plans for Aku, and more. Micah was also a former Major League Baseball player, so we talked about his transition from MLB to fine art. If you’ve been hearing a lot about NFTs and want to hear how it works from an artist themself, this is the podcast for you! Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Micah Johnson, @Micah_Johnson3, linktr.ee/Micahart Links: Aku | Micah Johnson’s character to inspire kids to dream without limits Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

The multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Mick Batyske (aka DJ MICK) came on the pod to share how he started his career as a DJ (Mick Boogie) for the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting parties for LeBron James and Jay Z. He rebranded as “Mick” to expand his reach in multiple areas, build for the long-term, and leverage his best skillsets.His most important skill is building relationships and gathering audience insights. That mindset equates to how founders think, how marketers sell products, and invests in startups.If you’re interested in how a modern creator operates in today’s landscape, this is the pod for you.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Mick, @mick, mick.co Links:The Mick Show podcast - on The MICK Show, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives + businesses of today’s most prominent creatives.With interviews from a variety of musicians, actors, athletes, and CEOs, Mick brings listeners behind the curtain to learn from some of the world’s top culture creators, movers + shakers, and risk-takers.Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

Dan shares thoughts on Jay Z selling 50% of Armand de Brignac to LVMH, Cristal, and how it all ties together. After that, Dan gives an audio version of the Trapital essay, How More TikTok Stars Can Succeed in the Music Industry.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coLinks: Jay Z Puts a Cap on Cristal (2006) New York Times Jay Z and LVMH Pop the Cork in Champagne Tie-Up Wall Street Journal How More TikTok Stars Can Succeed in the Music Industry TrapitalHip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co/newsletter

Slip-N-Slide Records founder and CEO Ted Lucas came on the podcast to talk about his influential record label. Slip-N-Slide was home to Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, Plies, and many more. We talk about the early days when Ted had to pay major record labels for distribution! We also talk about why his label stayed independent, why his artists had major deals with other labels, and R&B’s role in modern music. We also talk about SuperFest, the music festival he runs in Miami, and his rising artists Sebastian Mikael and Teenear. Lastly, we talk about Miami--it’s role in hip-hop and its role in tech, and all the VCs and tech folks moving to his city. If you’re interested in how an indie record label can make moves in the music industry, this is the podcast for you. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Ted Lucas, @slipnsliderec, slipnsliderecords.com Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

Human Re-Sources founder J. Erving came on the podcast to talk about why he recently sold the rising indie distributor to Sony Music, where he’s now EVP of Creative Development and an EVP at The Orchard, where Human Re-Sources now sits. We also talked about his experience managing artists like Jeremih, why record labels and indie distributors partner with each other, how to evaluate and develop talent in today’s era, and more.If you’re interested in the “role of a record label” in today’s landscape, this is the podcast for you.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: J. Erving, @human.re.sources, human-re-sources.comHip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

A webinar recording of "The Best Hip-Hop Album Rollouts of All-Time," a conversation on the best album rollouts in hip-hop since the year 2000. I’m joined by Ernest Wilkins of Office Hours.We break down the marketing tactics that make a good album release and each shared our top five list of albums rollouts. Our lists include some big releases by Kanye West, Dreamville, Beyonce, and many more!Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Ernest Wilkins, @ernestwilkins, officehoursnewsletter.comHip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

A webinar recording of "Def Jam's Past, Present, and Future," a conversation on the past decade of business decisions made by one of hip-hop's most storied record labels.Gary and I discuss the highlights, the lowlights, and who should lead the label next.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSGary Suarez ( @noyokono ) runs a hip-hop newsletter called Cabbages. He's a music journalist with bylines in Vulture, Entertainment Weekly, NPR and VICE.To learn more about his work, sign up for his newsletter at https://cabbages.substack.com/Dan Runcie is the founder of Trapital, a media company that covers the business of hip-hop.Learn more at: https://trapital.co 

Music executive Binta Brown talked about why she left a successful career as an attorney to enter the music industry. We talk about the opportunities she saw and how the industry differs from other forms of media. We also talked about her work leading the Black Music Action Coalition, an advocacy organization formed to address systemic racism in the music industry. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Binta Brown, @batnib Link: Black Music Action Coalition Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

The mogul and hip-hop legend Percy Miller (!!) came on to talk about why he and ex-NBA star Baron Davis want to acquire Reebok. We also talked about his new Master P Reviews channel on YouTube, supporting Black businesses, how his strategy differs from Jay Z and Kanye West, and lessons learned from studying the late Reginald Lewis, the Wall Street banker who started the first Black-owned billion dollar company.If you want to learn it straight from the No Limit Records legend himself, this is the episode for you.Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Master P, @masterpLink: “Why Do White Guys Have All The Fun” - Reginald Lewis “What Hip-Hop Gets Wrong About Master P and No Limit” - TrapitalHip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

A recording of the Why Artists Are Selling Their Music Catalogs webinar from December 19. We broke down the reasons why so many artists sold their catalogs in 2020, the companies that want them, and where this trend is heading.Karl Fowlkes is an entertainment attorney whose clients include artists, musicians, athletes, producers and creative companies that have amassed millions of streams, RIAA certifications. He's also a music industry professor at Rowan University and Drexel University.To learn more about his work, visit: https://www.fowlkesfirm.com/Dan Runcie is the founder of Trapital, a media company that covers the business of hip-hop. Learn more at: https://trapital.co

Columbia Records’ Head of Urban Music Phylicia Fant came on to talk about her career in the music industry. Before Columbia, she had executive roles at both Warner and Motown, and launched The Purple Agency. We talked about the superstar artists she’s worked with, the challenges the industry has faced in 2020, the use of the word “urban” in the music industry, and more. We also talked about the documentary she worked on--Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility. If you’re interested in how major record labels have navigated all the changes in 2020, then this is the episode for you. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Phylicia Fant Links: Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

Rapper, producer, and entrepreneur Flawless Real Talk joined to talk about how he manages his rap career. He was the runner up on Netflix’s hip-hop competition show Rhythm & Flow, which boosted his career trajectory. But despite all the industry attention, Flawless is still an independent artist. He talks about that decision, the tradeoffs he’s had to make, and what his goals are as an artist. He recently hosted a livestream concert on LIVIT, where he had over 1 million fans join in. If you’re interested in how artists manage tradeoffs between being signed and indie, building a fanbase, and resiliency, then this is the episode for you. Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Flawless Real Talk, @flawlessri, flawlessri.com Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

CreateSafe co-founder and CEO Daouda Leonard came through to break down his company’s goals in the music industry. In 2020, CreateSafe launched the record deal simulator to empower artists to better manage their careers. Daouda has used these tools to manage Grimes and other artists. It’s planning to launch a publishing simulator and a suite of other products. The goal is to make the music industry’s operating system--an open source tool that offers the transparency the industry needs.  If you’re interested in artist management tools and freemium business models, this is the episode for you. Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Daouda Leonard, @daoudaleonard, createsafe.io Links: Record Deal Simulator - CreateSafe Bringing Transparency to the Music Industry - The Hustle Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

Cameo CEO and co-founder Steven Galanis came on the pod to talk about his company’s marketplace for personalized celebrity video shoutouts. We broke down Cameo’s growth in the pandemic, finding product-market fit with people who are more famous than they are rich, and tapping into the long tail. We also break down Cameo’s success with hip-hop artists and Black culture, and the future products that may come from the company. If you’re interested in how marketplaces are built, creating flywheels, and finding product-market fit, this is the episode for you. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Steven Galanis, cameo.com, @bookcameo Links: How Cameo Blew Up During Quarantine - New Yorker Why The Music Industry Should Be Tuning Into Cameo - Forbes Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

Dave Macli is the co-founder and CEO of Audiomack, a music streaming provider built for artists. We discuss how Audiomack got started, its business model, and why it’s artist-first approach is so important. It landed early projects by J. Cole, Chance The Rapper, and Jennifer Lopez. Dave is also co-founder of DJBooth, which has had an ongoing partnership with Audiomack. In 2020, Audiomack has strengthened its global footprint in Africa and other continents. If you’re interested in how music streaming execs navigate a rapidly growing landscape, this is the podcast for you. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | YouTube | Overcast | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Guest: Dave Macli, @audiomacli, audiomack.com Links: Audiomack Announces Partnership with DJBooth Warner Music Inks Licensing Deal with Audiomack for Key African Markets Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co

This is a recording of our webinar discussion on the latest music strategies from big tech companies! We broke down the latest and greatest from Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google, Tencent, and more. Cherie Hu is an award-winning music journalist and founder of Water & Music where she unpacks the fine print of innovation in the music business. Her work has been featured in Billboard, Forbes, NPR Music, Columbia Journalism Review, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Music Business Worldwide, Variety, CNBC, and more. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher |  Overcast | RSS Hosts: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Cherie Hu, @cheriehu42, cheriehu.com Links: Slides shared during webinar Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co