The Manager's Playbook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Ray Daniels shares what it really means to pursue greatness and the price he paid for speaking up.He reflects on the impact of his viral 2020 letter, “Dear White Music Executives,” the pushback he faced, and the lessons learned navigating an industry that wasn’t built for him.From being blackballed to building his own platform, Ray talks validation, integrity, and why choosing purpose over permission changed everything.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Ray Daniels and I explore the “Science vs. Magic” theory in music and why mastering both is key to long-term success.We talk about how artists like Future evolved from pure creative instinct to strategic execution, and how Drake’s blend of intuition and structure sets a new standard in the industry.From viral moments to career longevity, this episode unpacks the real work behind the artistry.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, we dive into what really makes a megastar.Ray Daniels unpacks the fandom, timing, and cultural impact behind two very different careers: Jay-Z and Bow Wow. One built a business empire later in life; the other dominated early with a loyal youth fanbase.We also get into Kanye, Nas, and why music success often feels like high school, where popularity and power don’t always align.This conversation challenges how we define greatness in hip-hop and why it matters.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheapListen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Ray Daniels and I break down the real difference between pop and urban splits and how the same record can pay out very differently depending on who’s involved.We unpack the math behind a triple platinum hit, talk producer and publishing cuts, and explore what every artist and manager needs to understand about the business behind the music.Plus, a look at Lizzo’s early career and how finding the right audience changed everything.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Ray Daniels has seen every corner of the music business, from making hits to being blackballed, from major label boardrooms to building R.A.Y.D.A.R. Management from the ground up.In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Ray gets real about what it takes to survive, and last, in an industry that changes fast. We talk managing talent like Theron Thomas, how A&R shifted with data, and why the future belongs to artists who understand both science and storytelling.No fluff. Just hard-earned lessons on equity, authenticity, and building with intention.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ shares the emotional cost of success and the internal reset that followed. From confronting public perception to redefining identity, he unpacks the deeper work that’s shaped his evolution as both an artist and a man.We talk emotional boundaries, mentorship, inner child healing, and what it takes to grow when the spotlight isn’t flattering.This isn’t just about the industry. It’s about becoming whole, on your own terms.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SxBb61ZDrvXK3VIxPw5EB?si=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ opens up about the pivotal moments that built his career. From Bugus filing the LLC at 18, to staying focused when things almost unraveled, to why a $250 check still means more to him than a $600K payout.This is the part of the journey most people don’t see: the loyalty, the small wins, and the grit behind the scenes that made everything else possible.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SxBb61ZDrvXK3VIxPw5EB?si=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ shares the story behind one of the most unconventional label deals in the industry.He went from making $100K/month independently to partnering with Columbia, without giving up control. Russ breaks down how he retained ownership of his TuneCore catalog, structured profit splits, and built a system that still brings in seven figures a month from masters alone.This isn’t hype. It’s a real blueprint for ownership, leverage, and long-term strategy.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SxBb61ZDrvXK3VIxPw5EB?si=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ delivers a hard truth: success isn’t about big budgets or major connections. It’s about clarity, consistency, and calling yourself out.He shares why even $100K won’t help if the music’s not ready, how building a home studio is a non-negotiable move, and why self-delusion is the silent killer of most careers.If you’re serious about leveling up, this is the mirror moment every artist needs.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SxBb61ZDrvXK3VIxPw5EB?si=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ gets real about what it takes to build a $100M career as a fully independent artist.From owning 100% of his masters to mastering the mental game, Russ shares how he built a massive global audience without a label, why visuals are key to longevity, and how staying grounded has been his greatest strategy.We dive into the business side of being an artist: revenue, fan engagement, team dynamics, and the value of never selling out. Whether you’re an artist, manager, or builder in the creator economy, this episode is packed with practical gems and hard-won wisdom.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook