Welcome back to the Black Out with Ian & Rashad! In this revealing clip, Ian Dunlap and Rashad Bilal break down a headline-making business move involving Drake and the gambling platform Stake—and why managing relationships is crucial during times of negotiation and crisis.

Ian and Rashad use Drake’s public fallout with Stake’s CEO and the broader Universal Music Group (UMG) saga as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and professionals alike. They discuss the high stakes of renegotiating deals, the long-term consequences of burning bridges, and why equity should always be in your sights *from the start*—not just after you’ve shown your value and want a bigger piece of the pie.

Key takeaways from this conversation:

- The dangers of going public or getting personal during business disputes.

- Why having good relationships—even when business terms sour—can be worth more in the long run.

- The critical timing for negotiating equity and ownership, especially when you’re already a major player.

- How bad breakups or negative exits can cost you exponentially down the line.

- Lessons from the music and sports industries on power, negotiation, and knowing your worth.

- What entrepreneurs should look out for in high-value deals, and why getting “in” with equity early is non-negotiable.

Using Drake’s Stake deal as the backdrop (reportedly worth $100-$150 million), Ian and Rashad break down where things could have gone differently. If you’re building something big—or partnering with big brands—you need these gems in your arsenal.

Don’t miss Ian’s and Rashad’s candid thoughts on how to protect your brand, play your negotiation cards right, and set yourself up for generational wealth—without burning bridges.

**Drop a comment with your thoughts: Should stars like Drake always fight for equity up front? What’s the wildest negotiation move you’ve seen go right or wrong?**

If you enjoyed this clip, make sure to subscribe for more real talk on business, culture, and wealth-building from Ian and Rashad!

#BlackOutPodcast #BusinessNegotiation #Drake #Stake #Entrepreneurship #Equity #BusinessLessons #WealthBuilding #MusicIndustry #RelationshipsMatter #IanDunlap #RashadBilal

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