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.