Ownership isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the difference between building a career you control and one that controls you.
In this clip, Hit-Boy, his manager Nima Nasseri, and I break down the mechanics of the modern music business through the lens of artists like Russ, who’ve built massive success independently. From the shift in revenue models and the evolving role of labels, to the rise of distribution companies and the power of catalogs, we explore how today’s artists can create real value on their own terms.
We also dig into the importance of a strong managerial ecosystem, the realities of streaming-era revenue, and how to position yourself for long-term wins in a constantly changing industry.
For artists, managers, and entrepreneurs, this is a roadmap for playing the game without giving up the keys.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vgeQK1y8h1fuPAsFwOgc7?si=s6-n7HMKS4qc5ZsA1QN2uA
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Hit-Boy spent 18 years locked in one of the toughest publishing deals in the music business, a contract built on outdated MDRC terms that kept him working without a clear finish line.
In this conversation, he takes us from his early days on Section 8 housing and landing a $50,000 advance, to producing career-defining hits like N*** in Paris. He breaks down the mental toll of a bad deal, the industry lessons he picked up along the way, and the moment Jay-Z and Desiree Perez stepped in to help him win back his freedom.
We dig into the importance of character, work ethic, and genuine partnerships, plus how staying a student of the game has shaped his career. For artists and producers navigating the industry, this is a blueprint for surviving, and thriving, on your own terms.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vgeQK1y8h1fuPAsFwOgc7?si=s6-n7HMKS4qc5ZsA1QN2uA
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy is building more than music; he’s building worlds.
In this conversation, he talks about his shift from making beats to creating immersive film experiences, the hard lessons of becoming a visual artist, and how constant growth fuels his work. He opens up about collaborations with top artists, his commitment to independence, and why family remains at the center of everything he does.
Hit-Boy also shares how therapy has helped him set personal and professional boundaries, and why AI is becoming a tool in his creative arsenal. It’s a masterclass in evolving without losing your core.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vgeQK1y8h1fuPAsFwOgc7?si=s6-n7HMKS4qc5ZsA1QN2uA
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy opens up about escaping an 18-year publishing deal, one of the most restrictive contracts in music, and the lessons learned along the way. He shares the mental toll of being trapped in outdated MDRC terms, how Jay-Z and Roc Nation helped him break free, and the creative freedom that’s fueled his most prolific run yet.
Alongside his manager, Nima Nasseri, Hit-Boy reveals how they’ve built a self-contained creative ecosystem spanning music, film, brand partnerships, and multiple Grammy-winning projects. They talk ownership, autonomy, the role of AI and social media in today’s music industry, and how to balance relentless output with family and mental health.
This is a blueprint for building a career on your own terms.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
Chris Taylor takes us inside Metric’s improbable rise, from repeated label rejections to breaking through as one of Canada’s most influential indie bands. In the early 2000s, after failed demo deals with Warner Brothers, Island Records, and Virgin, the band was at a crossroads. Refusing to let their story end there, Taylor founded Last Gang Records to give Metric their long-overdue shot.
We also explore the shifting music landscape of the time, from the disruptive force of digital piracy to the emergence of indie labels and bands that redefined the industry. A conversation about resilience, vision, and what happens when you bet on the right talent.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Chris Taylor’s path has been anything but linear: lawyer, label founder, and music executive with a global footprint.
In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, he shares how he scaled a thriving legal practice while launching Last Gang Records, balancing the demands of both worlds, and navigating the breakthrough moments that shaped his career. From the strategies he used to build and fund his firm, to the lessons learned from working with diverse legal talent, to the ripple effect of representing Drake on the Canadian music scene, Chris pulls back the curtain on the business moves that matter.
We also dive into his leap to Entertainment One (eOne), the negotiations that brought him there, and the leadership lessons he absorbed from founder Darren Troop; insights on patience, discipline, and vision that apply far beyond music.
It’s a candid look at the intersection of law, music, and business growth, told by someone who’s mastered all three.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Chris Taylor remembers the moment Nelly Furtado’s music landed in his hands, and the chain reaction it set off.
From self-made tracks and photo booth snapshots to sparking one of 1999’s biggest record deals, Chris takes us inside the bidding war that had David Geffen, Madonna, and the industry’s heavyweights at the table. The result? A Dreamworks deal that helped open the door for Canadian artists on a global stage.
We talk spotting hits before they happen, building the right relationships, and how the tools for finding talent have evolved over the years.
This isn’t just a story about signing a star; it’s a masterclass in recognizing potential and acting before anyone else sees it.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Chris Taylor knows the role of the music manager has changed forever.
In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, he shares why he launched a management company in 2024 and how managers today are building infrastructure, owning assets, and playing a bigger role than ever in an artist’s career.
From navigating platforms like Spotify and TikTok to building specialized teams, Chris unpacks the power shift from labels to management, the strategic value of market share, and why touring and digital marketing still drive lasting success.
He also reflects on the evolving impact of press, the continued role of radio, and why the best managers see themselves as partners, building empires alongside their artists.
This is a conversation about leverage, longevity, and leading from the front.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Chris Taylor has done it all: music lawyer, label founder, global executive, and now CEO of Hall of Fame Management. But his story didn’t start with a major deal. It started with a $35K personal bet on a band called Metric and a refusal to let talent get buried by industry politics.
In this episode, Chris joins Mauricio Ruiz to talk about the hard-earned lessons behind his journey, what it really means to build infrastructure, why some artists succeed without being the most strategic, and how the role of the manager has evolved into something bigger than ever before.
They unpack the grind behind artist development, the emotional weight of betting on people, and what long-term thinking looks like in an industry obsessed with quick wins.
This is a masterclass in leadership, belief, and adapting to the business as it moves under your feet.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
What actually builds an artist brand in 2025?
In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo to break down the modern-day strategy behind artist branding, content creation, and music marketing. Together, they explore why branding is about emotional consistency, not just aesthetics, and how artists can build meaningful connections in an oversaturated digital world.
From Coca-Cola’s visual identity to artist content funnels, the conversation unpacks the three core pillars of content: discovery, connection, and conversion. This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building a system that turns casual listeners into lifelong fans.
If you’re an artist, manager, or marketer trying to grow the right audience the right way, this episode gives you the blueprint.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In 2025, music marketing isn’t optional. It’s the engine behind every artist breakout.
In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo to break down what branding, content, and strategy really look like in today’s landscape. They unpack how artist brands are built not just through visuals, but through voice, clarity, and emotional connection, and why artists need to understand their content funnel if they want to grow a real audience.
From discovery to conversion, from new formats to timeless strategy, this is a masterclass in how to stay relevant, consistent, and creatively fulfilled in a saturated digital world.
If you're serious about building something that lasts, this one's for you.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
The label question isn’t major vs. indie. It’s alignment vs. confusion.
In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo to unpack the evolving role of record labels in 2025. They go deep into what a modern label actually offers, what artists should demand, and how smart teams are building digital departments that prioritize branding, content, and true audience engagement.
Nick shares hard-won lessons from building strategy inside Big Loud Rock, and why passion, buy-in, and internal clarity matter more than ever. Whether you’re navigating a deal or building your own path, this episode delivers clarity in a complex industry.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
What separates artists who get skipped from those who build legacy?
In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo, SVP of Digital at Big Loud Rock and founder of Unleashed, to unpack what it really takes to build an artist brand that connects.
They dive into why great music isn’t enough anymore, how the 80/20 rule still shapes careers, and why understanding your archetype might be the unlock your brand has been missing. From the creator to the rebel to the best friend, Nick explains how artists can build clarity, audience, and authenticity in a noisy landscape.
This isn’t about surface-level content tips. It’s about the mindset, strategy, and discipline behind modern artist development. If you’re serious about building something that lasts, this episode is for you.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo, SVP of Digital Marketing & Audience Engagement at Big Loud Records and founder of Unleashed, for a sharp, unfiltered conversation on what it really takes to build an artist brand in 2025.
Nick breaks down the difference between branding and content (hint: most artists confuse the two), how to build trust before traction, and why clarity, not aesthetics, is the foundation of a scalable music career. They dive into the power of archetypes, content funnels, the role of paid media, and how to navigate the leap from developing artist to breakthrough moment with intention.
If you’re an artist, manager, or creative operator looking to build something real, without chasing trends, this one’s required listening.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
YouTube isn’t just for views. It’s for building worlds.
In this episode, we unpack why YouTube remains one of the most powerful tools in an artist’s strategy, especially in an era where the music business has shifted from gatekeeping to global access.
Tuma Basa breaks down how to actually use the platform: consistency, storytelling, thumbnails, appointment drops, and understanding the full power of its grid.
We also get into the deeper layer; why content is now infrastructure, how to lead with value, and why people like Wallo267 are reshaping the game by giving back what they’ve learned.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CldAKsiPTxk5uEXGqWzpr?si=M3R2bqM6TyWKVVcgmoDqnw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Tuma Basa didn’t just build playlists. He built a perspective shaped by continents, cultures, and connection.
In this clip, we unpack his global journey through music and media: growing up across countries, working through legacy and startup ecosystems, and choosing YouTube over traditional label paths.
We talk about why real connection beats transactional networking, why music is more service than product, and what it means to listen, not just hear.
Tuma also shares why trust, curiosity, and cultural fluency matter more than ever in today’s music business and how YouTube is helping shape the next era.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CldAKsiPTxk5uEXGqWzpr?si=M3R2bqM6TyWKVVcgmoDqnw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Timbaland made headlines by signing the first AI artist but the real story goes deeper.
In this clip, Tuma Basa and I dive into the tension between tech and tradition in music. From generative AI tools to the industry’s emotional resistance, we explore how this moment mirrors past disruptions; Auto-Tune, sampling, even the rise of the DJ.
We ask the uncomfortable questions: Is AI a tool or a threat? Is resistance just fear in disguise? And what does it really mean to keep art human in a tech-driven era?
This one’s for anyone navigating where creativity meets innovation.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CldAKsiPTxk5uEXGqWzpr?si=M3R2bqM6TyWKVVcgmoDqnw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
The future of music in Africa is full of energy but the infrastructure isn’t there yet.
In this clip, Tuma Basa and I unpack the real story behind the rise of African music. From venue shortages and publishing gaps to the global influence of organizations like Live Nation and investors like China, we explore what it’ll take to build something sustainable.
We also spotlight emerging African artists, festivals making real impact, and why the passion for music discovery is still alive, even in a fragmented system.
This one’s for the builders, believers, and anyone watching the next global wave take shape.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CldAKsiPTxk5uEXGqWzpr?si=M3R2bqM6TyWKVVcgmoDqnw
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In Episode 031 of The Manager’s Playbook, Tuma Basa, former head of Spotify's RapCaviar and Director of Black Music & Culture at YouTube, joins Mauricio Ruiz for a deep dive into the evolution of music curation, platform strategy, and long-term artist relevance.
Tuma shares his journey from BET to Spotify to YouTube, and breaks down how emotional intelligence, cultural adaptability, and curiosity have shaped his leadership. They talk YouTube as global TV, the impact of Gen AI on creativity, and the line between music industry and music community.
For artists, executives, or anyone building legacy in the music business, this one’s a masterclass.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, I talk with Mag Rodriguez about the artist who helped change everything: LaRussell.
After being introduced to EVEN, LaRussell became the platform’s first artist, and the proof of concept. What followed was a masterclass in independent strategy: $27K in just hours, $100K within a month, and a new blueprint for how artists can scale without relying on traditional systems.
We talk about how skepticism turned into belief, how smart work can outperform luck, and how LaRussell’s approach is reshaping what it means to be an artist-entrepreneur.
This is what direct-to-fan looks like when it actually works.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Kn9j2Ef2Fwc48iTvA3Tio?si=gWcZocLsQ82ArNfVsQDF4w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
