The Manager's Playbook - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

The Manager's Playbook 028: Lola Plaku - French Montana, A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd, A$AP Yams, Artist Management, Girl Connected, Tour Strategy, Label Dynamics & Women in Music Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Lola Plaku unpacks her dynamic journey from the early days of HipHopCanada to managing global tours and launching her mentorship platform, Girl Connected.

From building street teams for Big Sean to orchestrating major moves for French Montana, Lola’s story is a masterclass in hustle, strategy, and staying power. She breaks down the realities of artist management, the critical role of communication with labels, and the importance of audience connection in today’s music landscape.

We also get into the business of live events, lessons from the road, and how she’s elevating the next generation of women in music through community and mentorship.

This is an unfiltered, high-utility conversation for anyone serious about turning passion into long-term purpose in the industry.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Ray Daniels on The Letter That Changed Everything Jun 29, 2025

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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-_Tki18psuvHKelg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Ray Daniels on The Real Reason Some Artists Fade While Others Last Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

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-_Tki18psuvHKelg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Ray Daniels on Jay-Z vs. Kanye vs. Bow Wow and His Truth About Stardom Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

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

Inside the Playbook: Ray Daniels on The Biggest Lie About Publishing Deals Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

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

The Manager's Playbook 027: Ray Daniels - Jay-Z vs Bow Wow, Theron Thomas, Lizzo, Ciara, Breaking Into the Music Industry, Building His Brand & Lessons From the Greats Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

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

Inside the Playbook: Russ on the Dark Side of Music Success & Healing Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

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

Inside the Playbook: Russ on How His Day-One Business Partner Saved His Music Career Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

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

Inside the Playbook: Russ on How He Turned Down Labels and Made $1M/Month from Masters Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

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

Inside the Playbook: Russ on Why $100K Won’t Make You a Star Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

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