Hit-Boy REVEALS How Jay-Z Saved Him From An 18-Year Publishing Deal

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On this episode of The Manager's Playbook Presented by Venice, Grammy-winning producer and artist Hit-Boy opens up about his escape from an 18-year publishing deal, one of the most restrictive contracts in the music industry, and the hard-earned lessons from nearly two decades in the game.

He shares the mental and emotional toll of being locked into an outdated MDRC-based contract, how Jay-Z and Roc Nation quietly stepped in to help him break free, and the creative freedom that reignited his passion for making music.

The conversation also dives into Hit-Boy’s high-profile collaborations with Nas, The Game, and LaRussell, his evolution into a multifaceted creative with interests in filmmaking and visual storytelling, and how he’s built an independent music ecosystem alongside his manager, Nima Nasseri.

Nima offers a behind-the-scenes look at their blueprint for independence; from leveraging new technology and AI tools, to building a self-contained creative agency, to maintaining relentless output while protecting mental health and family balance.

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

Timestamps:
00:00 Breaking Free from an 18-Year Publishing Deal
01:21 Understanding MDRC Contracts
02:06 The Mental Strain of a Bad Deal
04:10 The Turning Point: Making a Hit and Realizing the Trap
06:21 Navigating Deals and Independence
06:32 Building a Strong Team and Infrastructure
14:38 Work Ethic and Personal Growth
19:40 The Power of Autonomy
30:28 Social Media & Algorithms in Music Discovery
33:02 Partnering with Orchard
35:38 Creative Direction and Collaboration
40:23 Ownership and Catalog Value
42:02 Navigating Today’s Music Industry
59:13 Balancing Success and Family
01:03:20 Setting Boundaries & Mental Health
01:05:33 Transition to Full Independence
01:08:52 The Role of AI in Music Production
01:09:35 Balancing Creativity and Business
01:11:26 Executing Ideas with the Right Team
01:30:29 The Value of Press and Exposure
01:32:29 Consistency and Longevity in Music
01:33:30 Future Projects

The opinions shared by our guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or The Manager’s Playbook.

Most artists fail because they don’t have a plan. Venice Music gives you a personalized rollout strategy, global distribution, and real support from people who care. Release your music the right way, every time.
https://www.venicemusic.co/rollout-strategies?utm_campaign=managers_playbook_ad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=managers_playbook

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/1hourconsult

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Host: Mauricio Ruiz
Executive Producer: Mauricio Ruiz
Director of Photography: Austin Bourdages
On Location Sound: Jesse Lopez
Editor: Madison Lair & Max Carmona
Co-Editor: Mauricio Ruiz
Colourist: Madison Lair & Max Carmona
Sound Engineer: Madeline Currie
Project Manager: Erica Kongvongxay
Marketing Coordinator: Melanie Letra-Frade
Production Company: 8 Til Faint

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