Dan's perspective on the collision between hip hop and business is always informative, fun, and enjoyable to read.
The business of hip hop has been a narrative of struggle for a while. You hear all these stories about 360 deals etc and then the handful of stories like those of Jay-Z, Diddy, etc who have become elephants in the entertainment and broader business world. Dan goes deep and fleshes out the nuance of the business of hip hop. I've learned a ton reading the newsletter and am so excited about the traction he's getting with it.
One of my favorite weekly reads. Trapital is one of the more nuanced looks at the music industry as it evolves (and doesn't) alongside technology and user habits.
TBH, if you are reading reviews on PH... this is probably in your wheelhouse.
I look forward to Dan's email weekly. As a hip hop fan who grew up in Hollis Queens (home of Daymond John, Russell Simmons, Steve Stoute etc), I was taught to think of the business side as soon as I heard a beat drop. This is the first publication that breaks down the business side so succinctly and timely. Great platform that I hope expands to other formats (Podcast etc).
Dan is a wise guide through the sometimes weird world of the hip hop business. He provides depth of coverage in an area that is poorly covered by the mainstream press
My favorite newsletter, and not just bc I'm a hip hop fan. Hip hop is on the bleeding edge of culture, and by extension business trends. Irrespective of your industry, the wisdom is expansive and highly practical. And Dan's a great writer
This is my first timeI logging into PH in forever and I'm doing it only because I want to give this newsletter some love. Most writing about the intersection of hip hop and business has been super weak and lacks any real curiosity and depth.
This newsletter is what you've been waiting for. Dan has deep knowledge of the rap game and a keen eye for observing the business side of an artists' trajectories.
This is not a criticism, more of a request: I'd like to see more takeaways. Dan has a strong voice for what the artists should do to evolve. I want to hear what Dan thinks the reader can take away from his observations to apply them to their own lives, careers, and ventures.
Being a Digital PM AND a hip hop artist, Trapital has been a great way to keep up on both sides of the spectrum (business & art). Dan writes thought provoking articles through detailed analysis and research. He's thoughtful in choosing topics, while staying relevant with the times. Keep it up Dan, and thank you.
Most of the time hip-hop news falls into the focus of album reviews, rapper profiles and useless gossip (sorry, I don't care what Cardi-B had for lunch). Trapital is the only site/newsletter I know of that covers the biz/marketing side of the industry in a way that is not written for insiders and instead reads almost like a professional advice column for the industry, not unlike what you would find in most trade publications.
It's coverage of hip hop in a way that you won't find many other places. I love those moments when I disagree with the author just as much as I love those moments when I agree. It's thought provoking and I think you'll enjoy it.
