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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 cheap
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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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-_Tki18psuvHKelg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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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
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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=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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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=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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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=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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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=oeEDQIJWS1WaFsTKybcPxg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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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
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Jessie Reyez joins Byron Wilson and myself to trace the rise of a movement, how the Remix Project in Toronto became a launchpad for global talent and real career growth.
From a last-minute application to life-changing studio sessions, we dive into the power of mentorship, community, and creative momentum. The conversation spotlights key moments—like early collaborations with King Louie and Chance the Rapper, that helped expand reach and reshape futures.
More than a music story, this is a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity and why investing in people always pays off.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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In this clip, Jessie Reyez joins Mauricio Ruiz and Byron Wilson to break down the power of leverage, the value of numbers, and why no artist wins alone.
They explore how building community and owning your data gives artists real negotiating power, especially when stepping into label conversations.
Jessie shares her experience sitting across from Sir Lucian Grainge and how clarity and confidence helped her take control of the moment.
From team trust to long-game strategy, this conversation is packed with honest insights and hard-earned lessons for artists, managers, and anyone building something that lasts.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Zach Katz shares the story behind one of the boldest moves in his career: leaving his role as President of BMG North America to co-found Raised in Space with Scooter Braun.
Why walk away from the top? To reimagine what the music industry could be.
Zach opens up about the emotional and strategic thinking behind his pivot, and the lessons learned from trading stability for innovation in service of artists. It’s a rare look at leadership, risk, and long-term vision.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Music and entertainment exec, Zach Katz, lays out the 5 essential roles every artist must fill: manager, lawyer, label, publisher, and agent.
But the real lesson?
It’s not just about having a team. It’s about having the right team. Katz explains why each role must be filled with people who bring full commitment, not just credentials. No box-checking. No shortcuts. Just aligned, purpose-driven collaboration.
A must-listen for artists, managers, and anyone serious about long-term growth in music.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Zach Katz, music exec and co-founder of Fixated, breaks down a game-changing approach to creator marketing.
It’s called the clipper strategy: a network of young, incentivized content creators driving virality across TikTok, Shorts, and Instagram. Zach shares how his team tapped into Discord and Twitter communities to spark real-time momentum for artists, bypassing traditional marketing models.
This is about more than just trends. It’s about building with the internet’s most powerful subcultures before the industry catches on.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Former BMG US President and Fixated co-founder Zach Katz shares why creators like The Sketch Real aren’t just chasing virality. They’re building businesses.
We unpack:
How to support creators with real operational infrastructure
The power of long-form content in a short-form world
Moving beyond brand deals to DTC, community, and recurring revenue
Designing systems that serve creators today, not five years ago
This episode is a blueprint for anyone serious about the creator economy. It’s not about hype. It’s about strategy, structure, and sustainable success.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Zach Katz, former President of BMG US and co-founder of Beluga Heights, joins the show to unpack the evolution of creators, the future of music-business infrastructure, and why digital talent isn’t just content, it’s culture.
Zach dives into why creators are no longer just influencers but CEOs of their own ecosystems, and how the industry must evolve to support them with real structure. From his time at FaZe to his current work with Fixated, a creator-first fund, Zach breaks down what it takes to lead with intention and build trust in 2025.
We also explore the power of livestream platforms, why Kai Cenat is the new Fallon, and the lessons music execs can learn from digital-first strategy.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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We revisit the origin story of Jessie Reyez’s breakout hit “Figures” from a chance car ride in Sweden to a full-blown industry bidding war.
It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how one song sparked a movement, shifting careers and commanding attention across major labels. We explore the key moments that shaped the journey: gut decisions, hard conversations, and the conviction it takes to bet on yourself.
This clip also unpacks the artist-manager relationship and the non-negotiables that shaped Jessie’s path: authenticity, respect, and control. A powerful story about creative instinct, industry leverage, and building with integrity.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Jessie Reyez and Byron Wilson take you deep into the real-life dynamics of the music industry, from conflict resolution to creative breakthroughs.
We explore how mastering communication, sometimes just picking up the phone, can break down barriers.
The conversation highlights the power of sequencing, the evolution of song ideas, and what really happens behind the studio doors when flexibility meets pressure.
But it’s not just about the work. We dig into the psychology of success: fear, self-doubt, and what it means to push past internal limits. The importance of community, rest, and finding clarity,especially during moments like the COVID-19 pause, round out this candid, high-impact session.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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In this clip, Director X unpacks the creative mindset behind some of the most iconic music moments of the last decade, from Hotline Bling to Life is Good.
Through real stories involving Drake, Jay-Z, and Justin Bieber, we explore why holding onto your best ideas can cost you, and why “Don’t get too precious” might be the advice that changes your approach to creativity for good.
This is more than a behind-the-scenes look. It’s a deep dive into collaboration, adaptability, and the quiet genius that turns constraints into classics.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6JvlRp7G633z77Vvk34jHN?si=z9Dj1Qr4RzGmUEmTZrjRSQ
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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In this episode, Nick Raphael gets real about one of the biggest misconceptions in the music industry: talent alone doesn’t break artists. Effort does.
We explore why consistent output, audience building, and a clear narrative are just as important as the music itself. From early-stage grind to honest assessments of follower counts and streams, Nick lays out what readiness really looks like.
With stories of Adele, Sam Smith, and Frank Ocean, this episode is a blueprint for anyone trying to turn skill into success.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g8IgvdCYzvpVPHiKUXS43?si=ietm7srSRX6hQv9Nt5nh6Q
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Before the billion-dollar empire, Jay-Z was just an overlooked artist with a brilliant album, and no U.S. label willing to take the risk.
In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, shares the inside story of how he and Christian Tattersfield signed Jay-Z in 1996 from a small office in London. It’s a raw look at what it means to trust your instinct and bet big when everyone else says no.
Nick walks us through the unconventional journey: cold-calling Damon Dash, researching Jay’s buzz through record shops, and watching an artist turn early rejection into generational leverage. It’s a powerful reminder that vision, grit, and timing still matter more than hype.
This is how legends are made, and why most execs missed it.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g8IgvdCYzvpVPHiKUXS43?si=ietm7srSRX6hQv9Nt5nh6Q
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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