You can't tell the story about hip-hop without telling the story of Def Jam. We break down the business behind of one of the most iconic record labels of all time. Join me, Dan Runcie, and friend of the pod, Zack Greenburg, as we discuss the triumphs and challenges that shape Def Jam and its legacy.[00:04:44] Def Jam influence on modern hip hop[00:08:59] How Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin met[00:18:18] Simmons and Rubin part ways[00:26:23] Lyor Cohen takes over, Polygram deal[00:34:24] Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam[00:42:59] Late 90s run: DMX, Jay Z, and the UMG sale[00:52:11] Def Jam Vendetta[00:58:27] Jay Z becomes CEO[01:12:09] LA Reid, Def Jam in the 2010s[01:21:54] Most effective Def Jam CEO?[01:28:31] Dark horse move?[01:38:05] Missed opportunitiesEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.

This is a solo episode! I break down four important topics:Saudi Arabia investing in musicThe “Song of the Summer” is no morePop star decline: winners, losers, and trendsSpotify’s podcast strategy and the creator economy[00:04:22] Saudi investors exploring entertainment and tech, except music.[00:07:50] Music festivals present opportunity for strategic investment.[00:08:47] Investment activity in acquiring back catalog.[00:13:12] Songs of summer: fragmented, subjective, lost meaning.[00:16:52] Song anticipates spring/summer, dominates airwaves, summer-themed video.[00:20:51] Pop star decline: articles highlight big changes.[00:24:22] Limited inventory shifted to infinite digital options.[00:28:20] Music industry shifts in less than a decade.[00:32:12] Valuable data for advertisers and podcasters.[00:36:05] ConvertKit founder rejects Spotify acquisition attempt; insights on equity sharing for bootstrap businesses. Podcasters' success rate low but valuable. Creator economy companies seek capital for growth.[00:38:27] Unicorn-like success stories, underestimated expectations.[00:41:27] Personalized services to artists, potentially disrupting the traditional role of major record labels.Enjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice. We discuss the untapped potential of the music production market, how music shapes our lives, and the need for more accessibility in music. We also discuss the potential of AI in creative tools, Splice’s future, and more:[00:04:56] Music’s overlooked and underserved market[00:06:43] A tale of two cities[00:12:29] The digital music producer market[00:21:26] The right balance with AI[00:29:56] Leading with empathy[00:33:12] Hard decisions made at Splice[00:41:05] Splice and the billion-dollar exit[00:46:39] How Nike inspires SpliceThis episode is sponsored by DICE. Learn more about why artists, venues, and promoters love to partner with DICE for their ticketing needs. Visit dice.fmEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by readingTrapital’s free memo.

Napster. The name alone brings back memories of the wild, wild west of the dot-com bubble.We'll take you back to the late 90s and early 2000s. Sean Parker and Shawn Fanning’s creation was a game-changer. But was its influence bigger than its actual impact? Who won and lost the most from Napster? Could the situation have been handled differently? We break down all that and moreI’m joined by Tati Cirisano from MIDiA Research. Here’s everything we covered this episode:[00:002:13] Napster's rise[00:8:25] CD boom, internet growth, Sean and Shawn[00:13:43] Internet culture in the late 90s[00:18:21] Napster's early growth in users.[00:25:07] Artists picked sides on the Napster debate[00:36:55] Legal and business model challenges.[00:42:13] When Napster shut its doors[00:48:32] Asking for permission vs forgiveness[01:00:10] Limewire, BearShare, and KaZaa[01:08:16] Life after Napster for Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker[01:14:41] Where Napster is todayThis episode is sponsored by DICE. Learn more about why artists, venues, and promoters love to partner with DICE for their ticketing needs. Visit dice.fmEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by readingTrapital’s free memo.

I Want My MTV! We broke down one of the most influential companies in music: MTV. I’m joined by friend of the pod, Zack Greenburg, who wrote a book about one of MTV’s biggest star’s ever, Michael Jackson.We discuss the highs, lows, challenges, controversies MTV faced. From its business model over the years, shift to reality TV, VMAs, TRL, Yo MTV Raps, impact on culture, and its missed opportunities.[00:08:43] MTV business model, rise of cable TV, untapped teenage market[00:15:50] The impact of Michael Jackson and “I Want My MTV”[00:25:22] How MTV sparked one-hit wonders[00:30:01] Yo MTV Raps![00:38:59] Movies, VMAs, and more[00:53:55] Reality TV vs music videos: what fans really want?[01:00:47] MTV animated shows, spring break, Super Bowl, Rock the Vote[01:05:58] Music industry peak, TRL, and big budget music videos[01:12:17] Why Ridiculousness is now on MTV all the time[01:20:44] MTV’s missed chances over the years[01:37:26] Who won and lost the most from MTV?This episode is sponsored by DICE. Learn more about why artists, venues, and promoters love to partner with DICE for their ticketing needs. Visit dice.fmEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.