The Manager's Playbook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, we take a closer look at the relationship between artists, managers, and record labels, focusing on what it really takes to work effectively within a major label system.

Lola Plaku and Mauricio Ruiz unpack the realities behind the title "Head of Marketing," offering insider knowledge on how labels operate, where communication often breaks down, and how artists and managers can better align with internal teams.

From submitting budget requests to managing release schedules, this episode offers actionable strategies for building strong, collaborative relationships that lead to more successful outcomes.

If you're navigating the label world or preparing to, this is required listening.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Lola Plaku shares the vision and journey behind Girl Connected: a mentorship program built to empower women pursuing careers in the music industry.

Launched in 2018, Girl Connected is more than a mentorship initiative. It’s a platform for access, education, and career readiness. Lola unpacks how the program was designed to provide real-world experience, vet job candidates, and guide participants through the complexities of the music business.

She also reflects on success stories, the importance of building a strong vetting process, adapting to the realities of touring and COVID, and how the program continues to evolve.

Whether you're an aspiring executive, creative professional, or industry leader, this conversation is packed with insight on building platforms that truly move the culture forward.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Lola Plaku joins Ruiz for a masterclass on artist development and marketing that actually moves the needle.

Lola dives deep into how understanding an artist’s audience is the foundation of every effective strategy, from branding and content to touring and fan engagement. She shares personal stories and real-world lessons from her work with artists like The Weeknd and Trinidad James, illustrating how performance, positioning, and timing create long-term impact.

Whether you're managing talent, building your own brand, or trying to connect with your core fans, this episode is filled with tactical insight and grounded leadership.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Lola Plaku joins The Manager’s Playbook for a powerful conversation on building a career in hip hop from the ground up.

One of the few women to carve out real space in the industry, Lola reflects on her journey, from supporting local artists like Embassy to her early work with HipHopCanada, promoting shows, launching the I Luv Lola blog, and eventually managing artists and founding Girl Connected.

We explore the hustle behind the headlines, the evolution of social media, and the mindset required to lead with purpose in an industry that often overlooks the people doing the real work.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Lola Plaku unpacks her dynamic journey from the early days of HipHopCanada to managing global tours and launching her mentorship platform, Girl Connected.

From building street teams for Big Sean to orchestrating major moves for French Montana, Lola’s story is a masterclass in hustle, strategy, and staying power. She breaks down the realities of artist management, the critical role of communication with labels, and the importance of audience connection in today’s music landscape.

We also get into the business of live events, lessons from the road, and how she’s elevating the next generation of women in music through community and mentorship.

This is an unfiltered, high-utility conversation for anyone serious about turning passion into long-term purpose in the industry.

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

Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Ray Daniels shares what it really means to pursue greatness and the price he paid for speaking up.

He reflects on the impact of his viral 2020 letter, “Dear White Music Executives,” the pushback he faced, and the lessons learned navigating an industry that wasn’t built for him.

From being blackballed to building his own platform, Ray talks validation, integrity, and why choosing purpose over permission changed everything.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Ray Daniels and I explore the “Science vs. Magic” theory in music and why mastering both is key to long-term success.

We talk about how artists like Future evolved from pure creative instinct to strategic execution, and how Drake’s blend of intuition and structure sets a new standard in the industry.

From viral moments to career longevity, this episode unpacks the real work behind the artistry.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, we dive into what really makes a megastar.

Ray Daniels unpacks the fandom, timing, and cultural impact behind two very different careers: Jay-Z and Bow Wow. One built a business empire later in life; the other dominated early with a loyal youth fanbase.

We also get into Kanye, Nas, and why music success often feels like high school, where popularity and power don’t always align.

This conversation challenges how we define greatness in hip-hop and why it matters.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Ray Daniels and I break down the real difference between pop and urban splits and how the same record can pay out very differently depending on who’s involved.

We unpack the math behind a triple platinum hit, talk producer and publishing cuts, and explore what every artist and manager needs to understand about the business behind the music.

Plus, a look at Lizzo’s early career and how finding the right audience changed everything.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/03kZeeVImpMwMDmv8R2RyX?si=TbPhKp-_Tki18psuvHKelg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Ray Daniels has seen every corner of the music business, from making hits to being blackballed, from major label boardrooms to building R.A.Y.D.A.R. Management from the ground up.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Ray gets real about what it takes to survive, and last, in an industry that changes fast. We talk managing talent like Theron Thomas, how A&R shifted with data, and why the future belongs to artists who understand both science and storytelling.

No fluff. Just hard-earned lessons on equity, authenticity, and building with intention.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook