We're joined by the amazing Darcus Beese. Darcus is one of the most distinguished and successful record label executives in the UK, signing and developing the likes of Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Florence + The Machine and Sabrina Carpenter, having also played a role in introducing the likes of Drake, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande to UK audiences.
He is the son of the honourable British Black Panthers Darcus Howe and Barbara Beese and brought that revolutionary zeal with him to Island Records where he begin his career in the late 1980s, moving up the ranks to eventually become the president and CEO of the legendary label, the first black person to do this, and he now heads up his own label Darco Artist Partnerships (DAP) and his memoir 'Rebel With a Cause,' a detailed telling of his story is out now.
Darcus breaks down his career in music and the machinations and major record labels, working with Amy Winehouse, his favourite rappers ever, his thoughts on the Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef, his time in America, DAP and much more.
Chapters
4:31 Darcus' favourite rappers
11:05 Darcus on the Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef
25:09 Darcus on the current state of music
43:26 Darcus on Amy Winehouse
51:26 Darcus on why the UK hasn't produced a superstar in years
1:04:14 Darcus on gatekeeping
1:11:54 Darcus on what a typical record label deal is
1:27:52 Darcus' beginnings as an A&R and time in America
2:07:03 Darcus on his parents, his book 'Rebel With A Cause' and DAP
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