The Manager's Playbook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, we sit down with legendary music executive Nick Raphael, whose journey spans signing Jay Z, launching Sam Smith, and leading Capitol UK before founding his own indie powerhouse.Nick opens up about navigating a health crisis in 2013 and returning stronger with global hits. He shares how streaming transformed music distribution and why today’s artists need more than talent - they need focus, narrative, and direct connection with their audience.We explore what it means to build long-term careers outside the traditional label machine and why the modern artist-manager relationship is evolving fast. Insightful, honest, and loaded with strategic gems.Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Go behind the scenes of high-stakes music management with Cory Litwin - the powerhouse manager behind Murda Beatz and other top producers.In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Cory breaks down how to land major record placements, negotiate complex contracts, and secure fair splits in songwriting and publishing.From protecting your clients to building industry-shifting relationships, this conversation is packed with real-world tactics on negotiation, deal-making, and entertainment law.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E6vEdR83gfPkaMf8Wa4Lo?si=4H6V_j1jQPag0CEx7v7-zQWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Ever wondered how Drake’s “Nice for What” came to life?In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Corey Litwin takes us behind the scenes of the legendary night it all came together - from losing to Drake in 2K to Murda Beatz crafting the beat in real time, and a casual convo that led to sampling Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor.”One penthouse. One spark. 45 minutes later - a chart-topping anthem was born.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E6vEdR83gfPkaMf8Wa4Lo?si=4H6V_j1jQPag0CEx7v7-zQWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

How do you go from throwing parties to managing major artists? Cory Litwin has the blueprint.In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Cory shares his journey from club promotions to working with Murda Beatz, Roy Woods, Jessie Reyez. And even closing deals with legends like Snoop Dogg.From bold networking moves to brand-building (yes, even custom grills), Cory drops real-world gems on what it takes to stand out and succeed in the music industry.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E6vEdR83gfPkaMf8Wa4Lo?si=4H6V_j1jQPag0CEx7v7-zQWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Former SVP of Interscope Records, Nick Groff, unpacks the modern manager’s role, especially in today’s independent landscape.From handling distribution and tour logistics to navigating brand strategy, social media, and global team building, Nick breaks down the expanded responsibilities and rising pressures facing artist managers today.We also dig into equity, commission models, and why strategic alignment between artist and manager is more important than ever.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BgK17QLP3sNecgxgQMQWK?si=9dnmbU4HQ4eNbfYuHlxAtAWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Former SVP of Interscope Records, Nick Groff, breaks down what every artist and manager should understand before signing a major label deal.From creative control to recoupment terms, he unpacks the details that can make or break a career and the common points of tension between artists and labels. We dive into smart negotiation, building the right team, and how to approach deals with leverage and clarity.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BgK17QLP3sNecgxgQMQWK?si=9dnmbU4HQ4eNbfYuHlxAtAWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Groff shares his unfiltered journey from unpaid intern to shaping major releases at Interscope Records.He breaks down the real moves that opened doors: building trust, creating value before having a title, and learning to recognize hits before anyone else. It’s a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to break into the music industry and rise through the ranks.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BgK17QLP3sNecgxgQMQWK?si=9dnmbU4HQ4eNbfYuHlxAtAWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

On this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, former Interscope SVP Nick Groff pulls back the curtain on the evolving role of A&R at the major-label level.With a career that includes work with Billie Eilish, Avicii, Jacob Collier, and MGK, Nick shares what it really takes to spot talent, develop artists, and balance passion with data in today’s fast-moving industry.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BgK17QLP3sNecgxgQMQWK?si=9dnmbU4HQ4eNbfYuHlxAtAWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Kardinal Offishall joins Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to share his evolution from chart-topping artist to global music executive.In this episode, Kardinal walks us through his journey from Universal Canada to becoming Global A&R Director at Def Jam. He opens up about the value of a global perspective, the role of travel in shaping his career, and how building international relationships has helped him spot talent on a worldwide scale.A must-listen for anyone aiming to lead on a bigger stage.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vNgoopKDPLhqFvc5phdiG?si=Y2u7aCcZT8y-RBv60_DmHwWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Kardinal Offishall joins Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to explore the powerful intersection of creativity and commerce in the music industry.In this episode, Kardinal breaks down the delicate balance between artistic expression and business strategy, likening artists to magicians and executives to scientists. He shares personal insights on authenticity, navigating industry pressures, and building real connections in a space that often rewards illusion.For artists and managers alike, this is a reminder that lasting success comes from mastering both sides of the game.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vNgoopKDPLhqFvc5phdiG?si=Y2u7aCcZT8y-RBv60_DmHwWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook