Dave Weiner’s quiet power has helped to form hip-hop history as we know it. He has set the pace for independent success from behind-the-scenes. The Los Angeles native turned an entry level job in the mailroom of Priority Records into an explosion of rap music history. As he grew into West Coast Sales Representative, he presented the concept of the distributed label to Priority—signing a label as the company would an artist. The distributed label blueprint was the first of its kind with the 1996 signing of Master P’s No Limit Records. From 1997 until 1999, Dave’s distribution deals were duplicated and revenue from these partnerships skyrocketed to over 300 million dollars. He went on to head Interscope-distributed JCOR Records and consulted for various labels before becoming Vice President of Strange Music in 2009. There, he and his team led the company to becoming “the most successful independent rap record label in the industry” with multiple RIAA certifications and Top Five debuts on the Billboard Top 200 completely outside of the system. During this time, Tech N9ne released 19 albums that all charted Top 10 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, giving him the title of “most Top 10 albums on the rap chart in history.” Once again, Dave was at the forefront of developing a groundbreaking industry prototype which would soon be known worldwide as Strange Music. This model would be emulated by independent labels globally. Even 31 years into his career, it still feels like the beginning for Dave. “It comes back to hard work and hustle,” he leaves off. “I’m honored to work with artists who remain true to their vision without compromise. That’s what inspires me every day.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices