No. 27 - Portfolio Diversity with Benny Pough
In this fourth episode of a Black History Month music series, former Roc Nation president Benny Pough joins host JP Reynolds for an exchange about preparation, betting on yourself, and alignment for music artists navigating the pandemic.
About Benny Pough:
Decades of dedication and determination propelled Benny Pough to the forefront of the music industry and made him one of today’s successful and innovative business leaders. Pough has helped shape the sound and culture of music worldwide, having been instrumental in delivering radio hits for superstar artists such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Future, DJ Khaled and 21 Savage. Having made significant contributions to the entertainment industry via executive positions at powerhouse labels from Motown Records and Def Jam to Epic Records and Roc Nation Music, Pough is now blazing his own trail as an entrepreneur. Pough is currently the CEO of D.Verse Media, a full service global music distribution and publishing company. The inaugural recipient of the Urban One Honors Record Executive of the Year Award, Pough was a featured speaker at the ITP Media Group’s international conference in Dubai and plans to grow his speaking profile in the near future. Beyond his illustrious music career, Pough has a strong interest in public speaking, real estate investment, and collecting art and wine. He currently resides in Bergen County, New Jersey.
About JP Reynolds:
Called “remarkably special” by AllHipHop, JP Reynolds is an innovative artist, rapper and songwriter with an eclectic sound. The creator of “rap gumbo,” his music is a powerful blend of jazz, funk, gospel and soul. In addition to music JP is an entrepreneur, coach, activist, and minister. In 2012, he created Peace and Power Media, an artistic hub that produces music and multimedia content. Since 2014, JP has supported young people in pursuing passion and purpose through various initiatives and partnerships with organizations and communities within the non-profit sector. JP holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and a Master of Divinity from Yale University.
Topics of Conversation:
Preparation x Leadership (2:28) • Getting Into Music (5:51) • Making Stars (12:10) • Betting on Yourself (14:17) • Ownership: Real Estate + Art Collection (22:34) • Humility in Team Building (27:46) • Current Sources of Inspiration (29:51) • Role of Faith in Music Industry (31:02) • Joy (32:49) • Alignment (39:04)
Theme Songs: