The Manager's Playbook - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Inside the Playbook: Omar Grant on Why Record Labels Don't Develop Artists Anymore Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Omar Grant breaks down why artist development no longer lives only inside record labels.

As Rihanna’s longtime A&R, former Roc Nation co-president, and founder of Chapter A.R.T. Music Publishing, Omar has seen how real development actually happens: through time, trust, taste, honest feedback, and the right people around the artist.

Omar explains why producers, managers, and trusted creative partners now often play the role traditional A&Rs used to own. He also gets into building trust with artists like Rihanna, hearing great records in rough demos, why trend-chasing is not real A&R, and how songs go from good to great.

A sharp conversation for artists, managers, producers, songwriters, aspiring A&Rs, and music executives trying to understand how long-term careers are really built.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V9sf8DiDrf8EmOspp48OH?si=7iM5Mi76QAKBwVyzQc8zeQ

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

Inside the Playbook: Omar Grant on the Bar for Rihanna’s Next Album Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Rihanna’s next album isn’t just another release. It comes with the weight of everything she’s already done.

In this episode, A&R executive Omar Grant breaks down the pressure behind new Rihanna music, why following records like “We Found Love,” “Diamonds,” “Work,” and Anti is so difficult, and what it takes to make songs that actually last.

Omar talks about global writing camps, creative briefs, Rihanna’s own A&R instincts, the problem with mediocrity in today’s music, and why artists, writers, producers, and executives need to care more about quality, storytelling, melodies, choruses, and real development.

A sharp look inside the music business, the A&R process, and the standard behind timeless records.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V9sf8DiDrf8EmOspp48OH?si=7iM5Mi76QAKBwVyzQc8zeQ

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

The Manager’s Playbook 072: Omar Grant - Rihanna, A&R, Roc Nation, Artist Development, Songwriting, Music Publishing & AI Jun 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Omar Grant, Rihanna’s longtime A&R, former Roc Nation co-president, and founder of Chapter A.R.T. Music Publishing.

Omar breaks down what real A&R looks like today, why great records feel harder to find, and how Rihanna’s creative instincts continue to raise the bar for the entire music industry. He shares how global writing camps, creative briefs, honest feedback, and deep artist trust all shape the records that actually last.

This conversation goes beyond hit songs. Omar explains the difference between viral moments and timeless copyrights, why artist development still matters, and how aspiring A&Rs, managers, songwriters, producers, and music executives should think about taste, quality control, and creative leadership.

We also get into modern music publishing, the future of A&R, and Omar’s new platform Who’s Your A&R, built to give artists and creatives the kind of feedback most people never get access to.

A masterclass in A&R, artist development, songwriting, and building music that stands the test of time.

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

If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook

Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Inside the Playbook: Lecrae on the Business Behind Reach Records Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down the business behind Reach Records and what it really takes to run an independent label.

He explains how Reach operates with a 20-person staff, 11 artists, multiple departments, and four studios in Atlanta, while also sharing how he balances being both Artist Lecrae and CEO Lecrae.

Lecrae also gets into marketing budgets, recoupment, expensive features, and why he believes in spending as momentum builds instead of betting big too early.

A valuable listen for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, and anyone studying how to build a real music business.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ

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

Inside the Playbook: Lecrae on How Christian Radio Really Works Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down how Christian radio really works and why gospel, Christian music, and mainstream radio operate in very different ways.

He explains the cultural divide between gospel and contemporary Christian music, how artists get boxed into categories, and how Christian radio can connect records to major touring opportunities like K-Love and Winter Jam.

Lecrae also talks about crossover strategy, artist adaptability, radio economics, payola, and why independent labels need to become trusted curators for their audience.

A valuable listen for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, Christian hip-hop fans, and anyone studying music business, radio strategy, and audience development.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ

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

Inside the Playbook: Lecrae on the Hidden Business of Christian Music Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down the hidden business behind Christian music and why the niche is much bigger than most people realize.

He explains how independent Christian labels built real revenue before major-label partnerships, how church licensing through CCLI can become a major income stream, and why Christian hip-hop developed its own touring power through live shows, festivals, churches, and direct fan connection.

Lecrae also shares what today’s independent artists need to understand about building an audience: stage presence, social media, music curation, fan connection, adaptability, and the work behind the highlight reel.

A strong listen for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, Christian hip-hop fans, and anyone studying how niche music markets become real business.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ

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

Inside the Playbook: Lecrae on Why He Stayed an Independent Artist Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down how he built independently after major hip-hop labels said his music was “too Christian” and gospel labels said it was “too hip-hop.”

Lecrae talks about being both authentically hip-hop and authentically Christian, the business influence of Texas trunk-sale culture, and how Reach Records became a fully independent label without a major-label JV.

He also shares how early community support, independent distribution, and projects like Anomaly helped prove there was a real audience long before the industry knew where to place him.

A sharp lesson for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, and anyone building outside the traditional music business system.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ

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

The Manager’s Playbook 071: Lecrae - Christian Hip-Hop, Reach Records, Independence, Faith, Artist Development & Music Business Jun 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Lecrae for a conversation about faith, hip-hop, independence, and what it really means to build when the industry doesn’t know where to put you.

Lecrae breaks down how he navigated the divide between mainstream hip-hop and Christian music, why Reach Records had to become fully independent, and how community, touring, and direct fan support helped build one of the strongest independent businesses in music.

We also get into Christian radio, the business of gospel and Christian music, artist development, building a healthy team, balancing CEO vs artist decisions, podcasting, media, ownership, and why independent artists need to understand their audience before chasing industry approval.

A must-listen for artists, managers, music executives, Christian hip-hop fans, and anyone serious about building outside the traditional music business system.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Inside the Playbook: Veikko Fuhrmann on The Touring Business Behind Latin Music’s Global Rise Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz talks with Peso Pluma’s Tour Director, Veikko Fuhrmann, about the business behind Latin touring across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

Veikko breaks down how touring deals differ by market, from flat promoter packages in Latin America to U.S. and Canadian models built around splits, overages, settlements, taxes, union fees, and visas.

They also get into building We Are Live, bringing Latin acts like Nicky Jam and Romeo Santos into major Canadian arenas, working with Ricky Martin, and what it takes to bridge cultures, crews, cities, and expectations on the road.

For artists, managers, promoters, tour managers, and music executives, this is a real look at how the Latin live music business actually works.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z67uqWjrxIw2S3uK6HKDj?si=I5CLRNPTSP--acz7Btxo7g

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

Topics include:
Latin touring, Peso Pluma, tour management, promoter deals, arena shows, Nicky Jam, Romeo Santos, Ricky Martin, U.S. touring, Canadian touring, visas, taxes, and artist management.

Inside the Playbook: Veikko Fuhrmann on What a Tour Director Really Does Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Peso Pluma’s Tour Director, Veikko Fuhrmann, to break down what a tour director actually does on a music tour.

Veikko explains why the job is so much more than logistics. It’s cash flow, startup costs, payroll, vendor payments, credit card spend, delayed settlements, promoter advances, and making sure the tour can keep moving without the money falling apart.

They also get into why great tour directors ask better questions, how artists get paid on tour, and why some promoter advances can feel less like free money and more like a loan.

For artists, managers, tour managers, independent teams, and music executives, this is a practical look at the business behind the road.

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

Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z67uqWjrxIw2S3uK6HKDj?si=I5CLRNPTSP--acz7Btxo7g

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

Topics include:
Tour directors, tour management, artist cash flow, touring startup costs, promoter advances, earn-out deals, business managers, artist payments, and live music business.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Manager’s Playbook

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected