5 Questions With Dan Schawbel Episode 98: Vin Rock
Aug 31, 2020
09:46
My guest today is one-third of the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop music group Naughty by Nature, Vin Rock. Since the group formed in the 1980s, they’ve produced hits including “O.P.P.”, “Feel Me Flow” and “Hip Hop Hooray” and worked with everyone from Queen Latifah, who mentored them originally, as well as Easy-E and Run-D.M.C. More recently, they unveiled a new limited-edition clothing line with Champion. I caught up with Vin Rock to get his perspective on everything from the origins of the group, how he’s maintained his friendships, and his perspectives on the social movements going on today for this podcast episode.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
- What brought all three of you together in high school and when did you realize that your combined efforts would pay off?
- We’re living through a period of civil unrest caused by systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality in a pandemic and recession. As hip-hop moguls with a platform, how are you using your voices to make a difference, challenge the status quo and encourage activism?
- Like many successful groups, you broke up and came back together. How have you been able to maintain your friendships despite your business and personal disagreements?
- The music business has changed drastically since you came up in the 90s. If you were to start fresh today, what would do differently to stand out and what would you avoid based on what you’ve learned throughout your career?
- What’s your best piece of career advice?
Follow Vin Rock’s journey: