April 2019

Why Streaming Exclusives Are Here to Stay

Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, and others helped push forward the highly-debated album release strategy that continues to evolve each year.

Apr 24, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

Beyoncé's Streaming Strategy, Explained

Netflix, Tidal, and Spotify all serve different roles in Queen Bey's strategic plan.

Apr 18, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

Rolling Loud is Not 'Hip-Hop Coachella'

The growing hip-hop festival is often compared to Coachella, but two events are like night and day.

Apr 10, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

How Nipsey Hussle's Marathon Can Continue

Nipsey Hussle's mission was still in progress, but luckily he left his playbook behind.

Apr 3, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

March 2019

What Hip-Hop Gets Wrong About Master P and No Limit

Today's artists want what Master P achieved, but they need to understand why his record label's strategy would be less effective today.

Mar 26, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

Why Def Jam Should Split the Record Label

The hip-hop label is on to something with its new Rap Camp, but can maximize its value as a separate business unit.

Mar 19, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

'Red Table Talk,' 'The Shop,' and the Viral Content Trap

Both Jada Pinkett Smith and LeBron James' shows need to balance their desire for evergreen content and the urge to cover the hot story.

Mar 14, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

Why Kanye West is Bound to Keep Fighting for Ownership

Ye's lawsuit against EMI Music Publishing is understandable, but his pattern of business decisions may lead to similar challenges down the road.

Mar 7, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

Posthumous Careers are Harder Than Ever to Manage

Today's artists earn money in more ways than ever, which fuels the debates on how to best manage their careers when they die.

Mar 4, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

February 2019

Direct-to-Consumer Hip-Hop is Not a Game

Nipsey Hussle and other rappers have established strong brands to serve fans directly, but it takes focus and commitment to replicate their model.

Feb 27, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie

Why Hip-Hop Can Help Venture Capital Navigate Changes in the Industry

As the venture capital landscape matures, hip-hop's investors can stand out because the music industry went through similar changes.

Feb 21, 2019 • 

Dan Runcie