← the founders library

The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop

Dan Charnas

Book content checked: . What this means

Buy a copy
Amazon USAmazon UKAmazon DE

These are Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Summary

Dan Charnas follows the business of hip-hop through record making, marketing, deals and the growth of artist-led companies. The account spans early labels and radio promotion through the development and sale of larger businesses.

Charnas interviewed participants including Def Jam founders Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. The history places their label within a wider network of producers, executives, promoters and entrepreneurs.

  • SourceChecked publisher or author source · Description: music-business growth and named Rick Rubin/Russell Simmons interviews; Product Details paperback ISBN
  • SourceChecked publisher or author source · About book and Journey, especially Def Jam commerce, making and marketing records, deals and company sales

Why read it Our view

Study how new music reached a market, how labels built distribution and promotion, and how business deals changed who controlled the work.

Written about

  • Rick RubinCompany-history subject and interview participant
    The publisher identifies Rubin among the interviewed Def Jam founders. The history includes the development of the label; this is not a Rubin recommendation.
    Source