Mixed and Mastered

Mike Ross co-founded Delicious Vinyl with a business card from a sandwich shop and found his first artist by cold calling a stranger's cousin. That cousin was Tone Loc. Wild Thing went to the top of the country off a video that cost $500. On this episode of Mixed and Mastered, Mike tells Jeffrey Sledge how two white DJs in a Black record pool in LA built a label that put out Tone Loc, Young MC, Def Jeff, Mellow Man Ace, the Brand New Heavies and the Pharcyde. He explains how Q-Tip passed him a beat from an unknown kid in Jersey named James Yancey, and how he put JD on a plane to LA a month later. He also names the MTV slot he lost to Onyx. Find Mike Ross and Delicious Vinyl at Delicious Pizza on West Adams in LA. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Matty C put Biggie, DMX, Mobb Deep, and Common in The Source's Unsigned Hype column before the world caught on, then ran A&R at Loud Records. He joins Jeffrey Sledge to talk discovering a generation, the real Wu-Tang chronology, the Purple Tape sessions, and the finance pivot nobody saw coming. This is Mixed and Mastered with Matty C. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch all our episodes at https://merrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Jeffrey Sledge sits down with William "Fuzzy" West, the West Coast connector who went from Compton sound booths to Power 106 mornings to the front office at the new Death Row. Snoop, Big Boy, Dr. Dre, and the day he sat with Michael Jackson in Vegas. This is Mixed and Mastered with Fuzzy West. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. See all of our our episodes at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod . For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Music executive Adrian Miller takes us from St. Louis's Pruitt-Igoe to Tulsa radio, building the rap chart at Hits, Wu-Tang's first 12-inch at SRC, the Immortal run with Cypress Hill, working with Prince at Warner, and building Anderson .Paak's independent career. A behind-the-scenes strategist who's spent his life positioning people and protecting the art. This is Mixed and Mastered with Adrian Miller. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Part 2 of 2. Jacob York returns to break down the real story behind Lil' Kim's verse on Biggie's "Another," discovering Gucci Mane at Strokers, the Deb Antney and Jimmy Henchman power play that nearly cost him Big Cat Records, and his work with Buju Banton. Jacob also pulls back the curtain on how he invented the influencer business years before Instagram and OnlyFans through Buffy the Body, Digital Dolls, and developing talents like Karrueche, Ruby Rose, and India Love. Plus, the origin of Electric Republic and why being 12 years ahead always came with a cost. This is Mixed and Mastered with Jacob York. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch all our episodes at merrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Part 1 of 2. Jacob York, Founder of Electric Republic, joins Jeffrey Sledge to break down his journey from Bushwick to becoming one of the music industry's most influential dealmakers. Jacob shares stories from his unconventional Brooklyn upbringing, the legendary NYC nightlife era with Jessica Rosenblum, and the inside truth of the Undeas years—signing Cam'ron, the making of Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s Conspiracy, and the real story behind Lil' Kim's Hardcore. Plus, his unfiltered take on streaming, the death of physical media, and how the music business lost its culture. This is Mixed and Mastered with Jacob York. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Dr. Denise J. Brown joins Jeffrey Sledge on Mixed and Mastered to share her journey from classically trained pianist in Buffalo to entertainment attorney and dealmaker. Denise reflects on working alongside Reginald Lewis on Wall Street, being mentored by Kendall Minter, running the Black Music division at Warner Bros., and a memorable night riding through London with Prince. She also opens up about her path to becoming an ordained minister and Dr. of Biblical Studies, and her work teaching the next generation at NYU's Clive Davis Institute. This is Mixed and Mastered with Denise J. Brown. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus . Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Today's guest is Scoop Jackson — writer, cultural critic, and one of the most distinctive voices at the intersection of hip-hop, basketball, and Black identity. From the South Side of Chicago to Howard University, Scoop turned his academic study of hip-hop into a career that reshaped sports and culture journalism — as a founding voice at Slam Magazine, a key architect of XXL, and a national columnist at ESPN. Now he's telling the origin story of hip-hop itself, co-writing the Grandmaster Flash memoir that brings the DJs, breakers, and writers of the Bronx together in one place for the first time. This is Mixed and Mastered with Scoop Jackson. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch all our episodes at https://merrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Today’s guest is Mike B — a stylist, designer, and cultural force who helped define the look of one of hip-hop’s most iconic eras. From Westchester to Bad Boy Entertainment, Mike B was in the room as the culture evolved—working alongside Groovy Lou and Puff to shape the style of artists like Biggie, Faith Evans, Mase, and Black Rob. From standout moments like “Special Delivery” to influencing the jersey era, his work helped turn fashion into a language that matched the music. Now, through his brand Bogard, he’s focused on bringing individuality and intention back to fashion while building on a legacy rooted in authenticity. This is Mixed and Mastered with Mike B. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch this and all our episodes at wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Today on Mixed and Mastered, we sit down with Byron Kirkland — entrepreneur, marketer, and founder of Stealth Worldwide Group, a force behind some of the biggest names in music. From growing up in Brooklyn to landing a high school internship at Arista and Uptown Records, Byron learned early how to turn access into opportunity. That mindset carried him through fashion at Sean John, into artist management with Machine Gun Kelly, YBN Nahmir, and Cordae, and now into building his own brand in golf and lifestyle with Masterpiece. In this conversation, Byron breaks down the realities of developing artists, navigating the highs and setbacks of the business, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. He also reflects on resilience, relationships, and how life-changing moments shaped his approach to both business and family. This is Mixed and Mastered with Byron Kirkland. Mixed and Mastered is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Jeffrey Sledge. Join the conversation on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Before the South ran hip-hop, Julia Beverly was documenting it. In this episode of Mixed and Mastered, Julia Beverly, founder of Ozone Magazine, shares how she helped amplify a region the industry once overlooked. From building Ozone into the definitive voice of Southern rap to breaking artists before the mainstream caught on, Julia played a key role in shifting the culture’s center of gravity. She talks about turning a photography hustle into a media platform, navigating a New York-dominated industry as an outsider, and earning trust from artists across the South. She also reflects on her relationship with Pimp C—from interviewing him in prison to documenting his release and later telling his full story through biography. This is Mixed and Mastered with Julia Beverly. Mixed and Mastered is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Jeffrey Sledge. Join the conversation on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

This week on Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with Wendy Day — a legendary music industry advocate, dealmaker, and founder of the Rap Coalition who helped shape the blueprint for independent success in hip-hop. From pulling artists out of bad contracts to helping structure groundbreaking deals for Cash Money, No Limit, and more, Wendy has spent decades fighting for artist ownership, leverage, and long-term wealth. In this conversation, Wendy shares the real stories behind some of the culture’s most pivotal deals, how she built leverage for artists before labels came calling, and why her mission was never about money — but empowerment. She breaks down the evolution of the music business, the shift from physical to streaming, and why today’s artists may not need labels at all. This is Mixed and Mastered with Wendy Day. Mixed and Mastered is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Jeffrey Sledge. Join the conversation on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+ Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

This week on Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with veteran music executive Rodney Shealey — a Brooklyn-born industry leader whose career spans the rise of modern hip-hop and R&B and includes shaping records for some of the biggest artists in the world. From growing up in East Flatbush and getting his start on the road during hip-hop’s earliest touring era, to rising through the ranks at Virgin, Epic, Island, and Def Jam, Rodney walks us through a journey built on proximity, relationships, and seizing opportunity. Along the way, he shares stories about breaking records in the golden age of radio, working alongside legends, navigating the inner workings of major labels, and the real dynamics behind Black music departments. They also get into the evolution of the business, the shift from radio to streaming, career vs. money decisions, and how those experiences led Rodney to his current role at HarbourView Equity — where he’s helping build one of the most ambitious Black-led investment platforms at the intersection of culture and capital. This is Mixed and Mastered with Rodney Shealey. Mixed and Mastered is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Jeffrey Sledge. Join the conversation on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

This week on Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with Grammy-winning music executive, producer, and A&R Max Gousse — a Brooklyn-born music industry powerhouse whose career runs through some of the biggest moments in modern R&B and hip-hop. From learning the business at The Box in Miami to being mentored by legends like Cassandra Mills, Sylvia Rhone, David Renzer, and L.A. Reid, Max walks us through a career that includes working on Adina Howard, B2K, Dreamgirls, B’Day, I Am… Sasha Fierce, YG, and Saweetie. Along the way, he shares stories about building records from the ground up, navigating label systems, developing artists, and why work ethic still beats hype every time. They also get into regional music culture, brand partnerships, the future of artist management, and Max’s take on AI’s role in the music business — not as a replacement for real artists, but as a tool that’s here to stay. This is Mixed and Mastered with Max Gousse. Mixed and Mastered is a Merrick Studios podcast hosted by Jeffrey Sledge. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Ian Burke — known throughout hip-hop and R&B as the DreamWeaver — is one of the quiet architects behind Atlanta’s rise as a global music capital. Born in Mount Vernon, New York and “made” in Atlanta, Ian’s 30+ year journey runs through the rooms where culture actually gets built — from loading equipment as a roadie to living inside The Dungeon during the Organized Noize era, to shaping early development moments around TLC and Xscape, and witnessing the 60-second decision that led to signing Akon. Ian and Jeffrey connect over their unexpected Mount Vernon roots before tracing Ian’s path from DeVry student to trusted creative executive during Atlanta’s most formative years. Ian shares what it was really like inside The Dungeon — one couch, one bathroom, chains falling into the cushions — and how relationships, instinct, and timing built movements before the world caught up. They dive into: • Discovering Left Eye and meeting T-Boz at 2AM • The early Jermaine Dupri era • Managing inside the Organized Noize camp • Why Atlanta’s R&B story gets overlooked • His chapter at Elektra and ASCAP • Building without a mentor • His mission to tell the full Atlanta story through film and television This is Mixed and Mastered with Ian Burke. Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio , and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge . Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Send us a text This week on Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with April Walker — fashion pioneer, cultural architect, and the founder of Walker Wear, one of the brands that helped define modern streetwear before it had a name. April traces her journey from Bed-Stuy and Clinton Hill to the clubs, studios, and streets of ’80s New York, where hip-hop, style, and entrepreneurship collided. She breaks down how Walker Wear was built from the culture outward, the story behind her iconic WW logo, and how word-of-mouth turned her designs into a movement — from early hip-hop artists to Mike Tyson making history in the ring. They also talk legacy: being a woman in a male-dominated industry, protecting her IP, walking away at the height of success, and what’s next as she approaches 40 years of Walker Wear. This is Mixed and Mastered with April Walker. Support the show Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio , and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge . Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Send us a text This week on Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with Steve Carless, a senior creative executive whose 20+ year career spans Def Jam, Atlantic Records, and the front lines of modern artist development. From studying liner notes as a kid in New Jersey to shaping careers for artists like YG, Jeezy, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Nipsey Hussle, Steve breaks down how relationships, risk-taking, and cultural intuition drive longevity in the music business. Steve shares never-told stories from the Star Trak and Jay-Z–era Def Jam days, the rise of mixtape culture as a marketing engine, developing YG’s My Krazy Life, working alongside Nipsey Hussle, and earning Grammy recognition through projects with Beyoncé. This conversation is a masterclass in A&R instincts, creative leadership, and building careers that last beyond the moment. This is Mixed and Mastered with Steve Carless. Support the show Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio , and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge . Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Send us a text Jeffrey Sledge sits down with James McMillan, Esq. — entertainment attorney, label executive, and CEO of Art @ War Records (in partnership with Warner Records) — for a real conversation about power, ownership, and how leverage actually works in music. James breaks down the mindset behind creative dealmaking, why chasing fees isn’t the same as building equity, and how his path evolved from entertainment law into management and label ownership. Along the way, he shares stories from the Swishahouse era, building with MGK, navigating high-stakes negotiations, and what artists need to understand about streaming, hits, and the next wave of AI-driven rights issues. He also speaks on his leadership with BMAC and The Living Legends Foundation — and why protecting creators requires both cultural fluency and boardroom strategy. This is Mixed and Mastered with James McMillan, Esq. Support the show Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio , and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge . Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Send us a text Originally released March 31, 2025 "My man. Always an inspiration!!" - A-Trak Step into the extraordinary world of Sean C — legendary DJ, producer, A&R, and true architect of hip-hop. From Harlem block parties to Grammy nominations, Sean’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and cultural impact. In this powerful episode, Sean shares how a cancer diagnosis became the unlikely spark that launched him from the mailroom at LOUD Records to producing era-defining records. He takes us back to where it all began — from his name being given by DJ Master Don, to co-founding the Executioners, to shaping the sound of artists like Big Pun, Jay-Z, Dead Prez, and Beyoncé. Hear the untold stories behind the making of “Still Not a Player,” the creative battles that birthed “Hip Hop” by Dead Prez, and the cinematic vision that powered American Gangster. Sean also opens up about teaching RZA’s techniques to actors on Wu-Tang: An American Saga and his shift into music supervision and mentorship. More than just stories — this is a conversation about the soul of hip-hop, the balance between art and industry, and the power of staying true to the craft. Support the show Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio , and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge . Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .

Send us a text Originally released on July 10, 2025. Jeffrey Sledge sits down with legendary music executive, producer, and A&R Dante Ross for Part 1 of a deep dive into his extraordinary journey. From growing up on New York’s gritty Lower East Side to immersing himself in punk rock, graffiti, and skateboarding, Dante shares how music became his first true escape. He talks about the artists who shaped his taste – from Chuck Berry to The Beatles to The Jackson 5 – and how the cultural collision of punk, new wave, and hip hop in downtown NYC pulled him into the scene. Hear firsthand stories about sneaking into iconic clubs, witnessing The Specials and The Clash live, discovering the Bad Brains, and becoming part of the tight-knit crew that included the Beastie Boys. Dante also reveals how his eclectic upbringing and fearless hustle led him to work with Eric B. & Rakim, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, and ultimately become one of hip hop’s greatest A&Rs. Check out Part 2 of this conversation with Dante Ross from July 17, 2025. Support the show Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio , and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge . Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered .