Trapital

Since Tuma Basa broke into the music industry in the late ‘90s, he’s seen first-hand the complete transformation of the business. But amid the changes, Tuma has been a consistent force in curating hip-hop music and connecting it with brand-new audiences far and wide. That’s on full display in his current role as the Director of Black Music & Culture at YouTube.It’s a unique title for an even more unique individual. Tuma cut his teeth in music on the programming side, working for BET and MTV for over 10 years. Next, he was a guiding force in the launch of P Diddy’s REVOLT TV. But once the industry embraced streaming, Tuma left traditional TV and joined the new frontier with Spotify. There, he was the curator behind the RapCaviar playlist — which amassed over nine million followers at the time, making it a top-5 Spotify playlist globally.Tuma joined YouTube in 2018. The platform may not get the credit that a service like Spotify does, but it's just as influential in bridging artists directly with listeners. True to form, Tuma is leveraging YouTube’s worldwide reach and connecting it with not only emerging artists (think NBA YoungBoy) but on-the-rise genres too (AfroBeats, Dancehall). I really enjoyed this interview with Tuma, who is on the frontlines of the streaming era. Here are all the topics we covered on the show:Episode Highlights[02:44] Being on the front lines with the hip hop world[04:55] Tuma’s experience working at MTV when Dancehall was becoming part of mainstream music[06:01] The disconnection in terms of expectations: paid shows vs promo[07:50] Tuma talks about African artists and folk traditional music[09:28] The reasons why Tuma found YouTube attractive[11:14] Breaking barriers and giving more exposure to artists through streaming[12:45] What does success look like for Tuma?[15:23] Why you should spend time and have more focus on YouTube[18:30] NBA YoungBoy: One of the biggest stars on YouTube[26:36] The role of technology in the music industry[28:26] The CD and DVD era[31:15] Tuma’s outlook about generation transfer, and the concept of an album [37:51] Trends where music is heading, and what people think about emerging technology[41:45] What Tuma wants the “Trapital” audience to know aboutListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Tuma Basa, @tumabasaTrapital is home to the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Junae Brown is a marketing expert and the founder and CEO of Browned 2 Perfection agency. She started her career in music and had worked for several record labels like Sodi Layla's, Columbia, and RCA. She gained the skills and expertise while working for these companies and set herself to start looking at the opportunities to have more control over all the exciting projects she wants, which is primarily why she started her agency.In today's episode, June shares her experiences way back in the music industry and how it paved the way for her to create her agency. She talks about the secret behind her signature, "Beyonce of marketing," that stood out in the marketing realm. She also shares her insights on building brands and creating a scalable business in the music industry. We had an insightful talk about her and her business ethics, which makes her distinct, making people want to work with her. Episode Highlights[01:36] Looking back at Junae’s previous roles in the music industry [06:06] Junae’s take on the royalty rate of streaming [09:16] Her thoughts on the previous and emerging labels in the music industry[12:57] Using the internet to maximize what artists are selling and get better compensation[15:40] What is it that attracts people to work with her agency[21:47] Bridging the gap between building a following and building a brand[24:11] What does “Beyonce of marketing” mean[32:57] Junae’s business ethics and commitment to legacy and impact[33:53] Who is her dream client? [39:34] Junae’s talk with Yoh Phillips on music’s record label misconceptions[44:30] Junae’s insights on having marketing strategies to make a music brand marketable[47:56] Her closing advice on making great business with musicListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Junae Brown https://www.instagram.com/junaebrown/ https://www.instagram.com/B2PAgency/ Trapital is home to the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo.

In today’s episode, our host, Dan Runcie, is joined by Gina Bianchini, co-founder, and CEO of Mighty Networks, which provides creators what they need to build their community-run courses and hosts live stream conversations, and Zoe Scaman, a brand strategist, owner of Bodacious, a strategy studio in London.The three talks about the creative economy survey Gina and Zoe conducted to identify some common struggles that creators are faced with right now. Specifically, they discussed the burnout and frustration creators are going through to keep up with the treadmill of creating content day by day and keeping up with social media algorithms and the solutions the survey surfaced to help creators get out the other side to try to find new models. They also share what trends creators should watch out for and what opportunities look like for the rest of 2022.Tune in to get valuable insights on the survey and what’s behind the New Creator Manifesto Gina and Zoe designed to help creators build a sustainable community with less burnout and more freedom and equity.Episode Highlights[01:11] Introducing Zoe and Gina[04:02] Overview of the creator economy survey[06:43] An unexpected stats on the creator economy report[10:45] What frustrates creators in keeping up with their social media game[14:13] Opinions on the issue of ownership in social media platforms[17:55] How to grow without spending much time building a massive audience[21:03] The importance of shifting the focus on cultivating community value[25:58] Learning the behavior of a brand’s customer set helps identify its equity layer[28:55] The fundamentals of community design to create a thriving and sustainable community[33:25] What actually came out from the creator economy research as a solution to challenges the majority of creators face[36:50] Zoe and Gina’s framework in building community[40:06] Being a community leader or creator is like being a host at a party[46:05] Opinions on social media platform subscriptions, subscription burnout, and how to shift to a sustainable model[51:06] Does the community way of thinking bring brand purpose alive?Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuests: Gina Bianchini  Zoe Scaman Trapital is home to the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo. 

Kevin Fredericks is a comedian, producer, director, and entrepreneur behind KevOnStage studios. He is known for his works Major Deal (2016), No Good Men (2008), and The Family Exchange (2015). Despite his talent, Hollywood somehow couldn't say yes to him. But that didn't stop him from having his green light and making his trademark in the tv industry. In fact, he surprised people to build his own streaming service. Today's episode talks about how he built an independent brand that really paid off his hard work. He established a solid fan base, had millions of followers on social media, and monetized these platforms by producing his hilarious viral content, a total blast in the mainstream.Listen as we talk about what's going on in his business and his independent success, turning rejection into a massive opportunity to be where he is now.Episode Highlights[01:56] What KevOnStage is currently working on[04:49] His take on more black content going in the mainstream[06:53] KevOnStage’s motto, his marketing strategy, and business goals[11:57] What it’s like to have autonomy in his brand[19:08] His thoughts on artists knowing their audience and dealing with critics[21:30] What's the process from the stuff put out on socials versus onstage[25:24] How does he approach his game using different social platforms[32:38] What’s something beyond just the monetary gain that makes him want to continue to feel inspired to create content[35:13] His opinion on creators who are a one-platform-dominant[38:21] Where does his most lucrative income come from [41:57] How he diversify his content to own the media and make his brand stand out[45:51] What would he like to be doing more of[51:28] KevOnStage’s new content to watch out forListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Kevin Fredericks StudiosTrapital 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. 

Troy Carter is the co-founder and CEO of Q&A, a technology and media company focused on powering the business of music via distribution, services, and data analytics. He has also produced his own music, managed some of the biggest artists like Lady Gaga and Eve, and worked for Spotify as its Global Head of Creator Services. In today’s show, we talk about trends in the music industry and how things need to change moving forward. We also discuss the role that record labels serve, Web3, Troy’s work with Venice Innovation Labs, and his approach to angel investing.If you want to learn more about IP distribution, the economics between labels and artists, and what streaming can look like, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights[02:42] What Troy learned while starting Q&A [08:02] Why Kanye’s path is very similar to how tech founders run their companies[11:22] Troy’s forecast for major and indie record labels and their relationship with artists[16:00] His thoughts on sourcing from data, Taylor Swift’s deal with Republic Records, and the matrix of partners that artists should have[22:52] How artists have benefited from the age of digital downloads and streaming[27:10] Why Troy is a little scared for the streaming industry[31:08] What artists should think about before releasing new music[35:48] Troy’s insights from working with the Prince Estate and his angel investingListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Troy Carter, Q&A 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. 

Ralph McDaniels—or “Uncle Ralph”—is the co-creator of Video Music Box, a popular video show that is dedicated to airing hip-hop music videos and showing a side of hip-hop specifically from New York and the tri-state area. In this episode, he talks about the documentary that he recently released in collaboration with Mass Appeal and Showtime, the artists that he has worked with, and his nonprofit organization. He also shares how he was able to leverage his platform into directing hip-hop videos and hosting parties.Listen and learn from a pioneer for hip-hop media personalities!Episode Highlights[03:58] The process of getting “You’re Watching Video Music Box” off the ground[09:28] Some memorable sections from the documentary[12:45] Ralph’s transition from being behind the camera to talking on the radio[14:42] About his business model, his mindset about money, and the parties he hosted[19:12] What the music industry was like when he first got into directing videos [26:02] On bridging the gap between generations, staying resilient, and the importance of being present during cultural shifts [31:38] About Video Music Box Collection and how the documentary has helped its goals[38:12] Ralph’s plan to bring his documentary to universities and showsListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Ralph McDaniels, @VideoMusicBox, Video Music BoxLinks: "You’re Watching Video Music Box" on Showtime Video Music Box Collection Ralph McDaniels On 'Video Music Box' & Capturing Legendary Moments During The Golden Age Of Hip Hop Ralph McDaniels’ Instagram 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. 

Master P is an American rapper, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on what corporate America can learn from hip-hop culture. He then talks about his work to get distribution in some of the more competitive spaces on retail shelves across the country, Snoop Dogg, Shaq, and some of his business endeavors. He also weighs in on the future of businesses and answers a few questions from the audience.If you’re looking to get into corporate America and become the best in your space, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights[03:55] Master P’s insights on starting from the bottom, marketing as the key to his success, and bridging the gap between hip-hop and corporate America[10:15] Personalities sell thanks to social media[13:12] How to get talents to work with brands[15:58] On Master P’s transition from music to business,[19:45] What he learned from the types of partnerships he has been able to make[22:48] On creating ideas, being a blessing to others, and loving what you do[28:32] What sets great companies apart[33:32] Master P’s 5-year forecast for companies[36:58] How to shift from being rich to wealthy and how the Astroworld tragedy will impact the hip-hop industry[39:40] The accomplishment that Master P is most proud of and the best advice that he has ever receivedListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Master P, @MasterPMillerLink: The Market Research Event 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.

Issa Rae is an actress and creator who is best known for her work on “Insecure” that has been running for five seasons on HBO. In this episode, Issa shares her journey with Warner and the importance of ‘ownership’ in the industry, which has been a growing topic especially for a lot of black creators like herself. She also talks about the final week of “Insecure” and her plans moving forward. Listen and be inspired by Issa’s story, achieving something that is often deemed unattainable: living your passion, creating engaging content, and being financially successful. [02:56] What to expect from the final week of “Insecure” [07:26] How the value of ‘ownership’ play a factor in the decisions in her content [11:01] Why her experience with Warner, specifically, HBO is the best decision[14:13] On working on the digital side to expand her business [19:41] What was her take on Quibi[22:39] On which of the multiple hats would Isaa want to have more focused on moving forward[29:12] Big announcement on things to keep a lookout for in 2022Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Issa Rae, @IssaRae, issarae.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.

Chris Taylor is the president and CEO of MNRK, a record label that was formerly eOne Music. In this episode, he walks us through his journey from being a touring musician to having a legal practice to starting an independent label to heading eOne’s music division through its rebranding. He shares what it was like to sell Last Gang during the pandemic, to represent Drake and other Canadian artists, and to manage the Death Row Records catalog. He also offers advice as a record label executive to developing artists.Get thrown back to the pre-streaming era and see how the music landscape is changing from the eyes of a veteran in the industry!Episode Highlights[02:18] What MNRK has been up to since its rebranding and the process of how eOne sold its music business to Blackstone[08:40] On leading MNRK now compared to 2016[15:52] The synergy opportunities that Last Gang and eOne lost because of its strategic partnership and the onslaught of COVID[19:02] Chris’ thoughts on the music landscape from the perspective of music companies and record labels, legacy copyrights, and [25:28] The highlights of his legal career[31:58] What buying and listening to music was like in the early 2000s[35:48] On managing the Death Row Records catalog[40:15] On the opportunities for developing artists in the era of streaming and social media[48:02] Why some record labels have gotten into troubleListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Chris Taylor, @solicitorct, MNRK Music GroupTrapital 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.

Charlie Kaplan is the VP of Product at Audiomack, a music streaming and discovery platform that reaches 20 million monthly active users. In today’s episode, he weighs in on Audiomack’s achievements and financial model. He then introduces the platform’s new monetization tool “Supporters” and explains why it matters. He also talks about Audiomack’s commitment to its users, the value exchange experience, and some of the trends he is seeing on social media platforms.If you’re a strategist who is interested in what's happening in the creator economy, this is the episode for you!Episode Highlights[02:50] How Audiomack compares to other streaming services[05:55] Why the platform does not charge artists to upload and share music[11:48] The evolution of recorded music from file transfers to streaming[15:45] About Audiomack’s “Supporters” initiative[20:40] How listeners/fans benefit as a supporter[27:58] What Audiomack has to offer for artists versus other social media platforms and tools[37:30] On the company’s key performance indicators[40:50] Charlie’s observations about a stream-based economyListen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Overcast | Amazon | Google Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RSSHost: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coGuest: Charlie Kaplan, @ciwk, Charlie KaplanLinks: Audiomack Audiomack on Twitter Audiomack on Instagram 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.