Hip-hop executive Lyor Cohen shares his journey from artist development to label executive, including his time at Def Jam Records and co-founding 300 Entertainment. The podcast also discusses the influence of De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest, legal battles, healthcare in black and brown communities, and the impact of YouTube on the music industry.
Lyor Cohen emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for artists, prioritizing their success and talent.
Lyor Cohen reflects on the importance of cultivating a strong team and creating a foundation for the future of the music industry.
Lyor Cohen believes in providing a safe space for artists to thrive and express themselves creatively, focusing on supporting and nurturing talent.
The podcast episode highlights the need for more education, resources, and access to healthcare to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.
Deep dives
Passion and Opportunity in Hip-Hop
Leor Cohen discusses his journey in the music industry and how he found his passion for hip-hop in New York City. He talks about the melting pot of creativity and talent that existed in the city during the 1980s and the opportunity he had to work with artists like Run DMC and Russell Simmons. Cohen emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for artists and how their success and talent should be prioritized.
The Impact of Universal and Warner Music Group
Cohen shares his experiences working with Universal and Warner Music Group. He discusses the challenges and legal issues he faced during his time at Universal, including a personal lawsuit that he had to fight against. Cohen also explains his decision to leave Def Jam and join Warner Music Group, highlighting the role of Edgar Bronfman in offering him an opportunity to continue his career in a supportive environment. He reflects on the importance of cultivating a strong team and creating a foundation for the future of the music industry.
The Future of Hip-Hop
When asked about the future of hip-hop, Cohen emphasizes that he does not try to predict the future, but rather focuses on creating an environment that supports and nurtures talent. He believes that the essence of hip-hop lies in providing a safe space for artists to thrive and express themselves creatively. Cohen also speaks to the need for continuing to build connections and expand the culture globally, ensuring that hip-hop remains a force for positive change and cultural influence.
The Intersection of Health, Music, and Culture
Dr. Garth Graham, a cardiologist and colleague of Leor Cohen, discusses his work in the field of healthcare and how it intersects with music and culture. He emphasizes the importance of promoting health messages and preventative care, as well as improving the overall health of communities through education and access to healthcare. Dr. Graham emphasizes the role of platforms like YouTube in delivering health information to diverse audiences and fostering wellness in various communities.
The importance of early detection and healthy living
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of early detection in fighting diseases like cancer. It discusses the need for communities, especially black and brown communities, to prioritize screening and preventive measures. The episode also highlights the importance of healthy living, including a balanced diet and exercise, in promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of diseases. It calls for more education, resources, and access to healthcare to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.
Challenges in the healthcare system and the role of government
The podcast episode addresses the challenges in the healthcare system, particularly the disparities and distrust felt by black and brown communities. It highlights the need for the government to play a significant role in addressing these issues, including improving access to healthcare, simplifying the appointment process, and providing better education and resources. The episode emphasizes the importance of bipartisan efforts and the allocation of funding to prioritize healthcare and preventive measures, which can lead to significant improvements in overall community health.
The potential of AI, gen AI, and holistic healing
The podcast episode explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI in shaping the future of healthcare. It emphasizes the importance of responsible use of AI as a tool to enhance creativity, improve healthcare systems, and provide better access to treatments. The episode also recognizes the value of holistic healing and complementary approaches in promoting overall well-being, highlighting the role of spirituality, stress management, and mental health in our communities.
N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode the Champs chop it up with the legendary, Lyor Cohen!
One of Hip-Hop’s most notable executives, Lyor Cohen joins us to share his story.Lyor shares stories of being Run-DMC’s road manager, and his professional growth from artist development to label executive!
Lyor talks about his time at the iconic Def Jam Records, working with hip-hop’s elite artists, co-founding 300 Entertainment and much much more!
Listen as we continue to celebrate 50 Years of Hip-Hop!!
