Steve Stoute – aka “The Commissioner”– joins Rich Kleiman for the newest episode of Boardroom Talks for a raw, unfiltered conversation on culture, music, and the rise of fame over talent. From getting his nickname from Nas to advising icons like Jay-Z and Jimmy Iovine, Stoute breaks down how hip-hop reshaped business, and where things are headed next. He explains why “fame doesn’t need talent anymore,” and how that shift is changing everything from music to media to personal branding. Stoute also dives into: 05:50 – Stephen A. Smith and the tension between journalism and fame 08:20– Why podcasts have become “the new mixtapes” 10:10 – Jimmy Iovine, TIDAL, and the early days of streaming 12:55 – Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, and the small group of artists who still dominate 14:41 – Nike’s cultural slip and competition from brands like New Balance and On 17:24 – Drake and why his next album is the most important of his career 18:42 – J. Cole’s take on why “classic albums” may not exist anymore 20:30 – Jay-Z and Nas’ lasting legacy in today’s culture
Speak On It!