Mixed and Mastered

Jacob York on Lil' Kim's Real Beef, Gucci Mane's Betrayal, and Inventing the Influencer

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 [https://merrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod] and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ [https://merrickstudios.com/plus]

Jacob York on the Streaming Coup, NYC Nightlife, and Making Lil' Kim's Hardcore

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 [https://wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod] and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ [https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus]

Denise J. Brown on Buffalo, Big Deals, and Black Music

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 [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 [https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus].

Scoop Jackson on Chicago Roots, Slam Magazine, and the Birth of XXL

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 [https://merrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod] and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ [https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus]

Mike B. on Bad Boy, The Jersey Era, and The Birth of Bogard

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 [https://wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod]