Steve Rifkind on Dropping Raekwon's Cuban Linx and Throwing Chair at Lawyer for Wu-Tang

Famed music executive Steve Rifkind spoke about his massive success with Wu-Tang during an exclusive interview with VladTV, as he explained they were the first group to get him his first big check. Afterward, Steve said he renegotiated his deal with RCA and signed Big Pun.

When asked about signing Pun, Steve revealed that he didn't hear the late rapper perform in person, and he signed him off of a freestyle. It was during this time that "Still Not a Player" came out, and Steve told DJ Vlad that the track and video were finished within 48 hours of him hearing the song.

SRC and Loud Records founder Steve Rifkind was behind some seminal acts of hip-hop's "Golden Age." Here, Steve reflects on his experience with Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep. He takes Vlad through the stages of Wu-Tang's early success, starting with the songs "M.E.T.H.O.D. Man" and "Protect Ya Neck," to the fracturing of the group into solo acts. Steve also talks about the phenomenon of Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones, pt. 2." 

Steve Rifkind on Signing Wu-Tang, Only Label That Let Members Get Solo Deals

Legendary music executive Steve Rifkind spoke openly about starting Loud Records by signing Twista, followed by Madcap. He revealed that Twista only had two songs out when he signed him, but Rifkind explained that he thought Twista was a cool, young artist who could spit.

After having success with Tha Alkaholiks' debut, Steve went to a new level after signing Wu-Tang following a chance meeting with RZA at RCA. While many labels wanted to sign Wu-Tang at the time, Rifkind explained that he hooked them by allowing the members to sign their solo deals outside of the group deal.