How Music and Sports Combine: Top Insider's Journey

In this episode of EYL Medium, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings sit down with guest Rich Kleiman to discuss his career trajectory and passion for sports. Starting off in the 90s, Rich grew up in New York City and had a front-row seat to the explosion of hip hop and a love for basketball and sports in general. Although he played and considered himself an athlete, Rich soon realized that he didn't have the skill or athleticism to pursue a professional basketball career. However, his love for sports remained, and he sought ways to stay involved in the industry.

Without any formal education or mentorship, Rich decided to immerse himself in the world of sports and music. He wanted to meet as many people as possible and gain experience in both fields. Through a fortuitous opportunity, Rich found himself working in the music department of a show called The Life on ESPN. This experience allowed him to understand the intersection between sports and music and fueled his desire to be a part of the sports world. Despite starting in music, Rich always felt connected to sports, especially considering the strong link between basketball and hip hop culture in New York City.

After managing artists and producers in the music industry, Rich had a breakthrough moment when he had the chance to produce Jay Z's theatrical documentary Fade to Black. This experience solidified his desire to be in the music business. However, after meeting Jay Z, Rich realized that he wanted to stay close to the swag and influence that the music industry provided. In 2007, he joined Roc Nation as a music manager, working with artists such as Meek Mill, Wale, and Solange.

While at Roc Nation, Rich's network continued to grow, and he became more established in the music industry. However, he felt a strong urge to do more and be more involved in the game. Inspired by LeBron James' influence and the blueprint of hip hop, Rich saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between sports and entertainment. With his extensive knowledge of both sports and the music business, he believed he could make an impact in the sports world.

Rich recognized that sports, like hip hop, had the power to impact culture and build empires. He wanted to be a part of this movement and saw an opportunity to leverage his experience and connections to create new ventures and opportunities within the sports industry. With his passion and drive, Rich made the transition from music to sports, working alongside athletes like Kevin Durant through their company, Thirty Five Ventures.

This insightful conversation with Rich Kleiman offers a glimpse into his journey from music to sports and the mindset that propelled him to success. It's a compelling story of resilience, determination, and the willingness to constantly push for more. Join Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings as they dive deep into Rich's career and gain valuable insights into the intersection of sports and entertainment.

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