Mixed and Mastered

Best Of...

Send us a textIn this special Best Of episode, Jeffrey Sledge celebrates the first 25 episodes of Mixed and Mastered by revisiting three unforgettable moments that capture the soul of the series. From Faith Newman’s raw, hilarious, and inspiring stories of being one of the first five employees at Def Jam, to Joseph Patel’s emotional journey from Sundance to Oscar night (yes, that Oscars), to Grace Harry’s behind-the-scenes insight into managing Usher during a pivotal career transformation—these are the stories that show just how much grit, vision, and vulnerability it takes to shape the music industry from the inside.If you've been riding with us, thank you. If you're just tuning in, this episode is the perfect place to start. Welcome to Mixed and Mastered.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emil Wilberkin

Send us a textThis week on Mixed and Mastered, host Jeffrey Sledge sits down with journalist, tastemaker, and cultural force Emil Wilbekin for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. From his roots in Cincinnati to shaping the voice of Vibe Magazine during hip-hop’s golden era, Emil reflects on the journey that made him one of the most influential Black voices in media.They talk fashion, identity, HBCU pride, and breaking barriers—especially what it meant to be an openly gay Black man in a historically homophobic industry. Emil opens up about the support that carried him, the resistance he faced, and the legacy he's building through Native Son, a platform created to empower Black queer men.This is Mixed and Mastered with Emil Wilbekin.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wardell Malloy

Send us a textPrepare for an electrifying episode of "Mixed and Mastered" as Jeffrey Sledge sits down with the legendary Wardell Malloy! Journey from the vibrant streets of the Bronx to the epicenter of the music industry, where Wardell shares his incredible path, working alongside icons like Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Mariah Carey. Dive into the art of mentorship, the thrill of discovering new talent, and Wardell's creative passion for photography. With tales of nurturing future stars and insights into the music business, this episode is a must-listen for music lovers and aspiring executives alike. Don't miss this dynamic and inspiring conversation!Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dante Ross: Part 2

Send us a textIn Part 2 of our conversation with legendary A&R exec and producer Dante Ross, the ride gets even crazier.Dante breaks down the highs and lows of his time at Elektra and Def Jam, working with iconic artists like Brand Nubian, ODB, MF Doom, and Everlast. He shares the wild backstory of Whitey Ford Sings the Blues—from late-night jam sessions to a near-fatal heart attack that almost stopped the album before it started.We also get into the aftermath of success, chasing the next high, and why Dante finally decided to write the book everyone told him to write. This one’s about friendship, survival, reinvention—and keeping it honest.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dante Ross: Part 1

Send us a textThis week on Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with legendary music executive, producer, and A&R Dante Ross for Part 1 of a deep dive into his extraordinary journey.From growing up on New York’s gritty Lower East Side to immersing himself in punk rock, graffiti, and skateboarding, Dante shares how music became his first true escape. He talks about the artists who shaped his taste – from Chuck Berry to The Beatles to The Jackson 5 – and how the cultural collision of punk, new wave, and hip hop in downtown NYC pulled him into the scene.Hear firsthand stories about sneaking into iconic clubs, witnessing The Specials and The Clash live, discovering the Bad Brains, and becoming part of the tight-knit crew that included the Beastie Boys. Dante also reveals how his eclectic upbringing and fearless hustle led him to work with Eric B. & Rakim, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, and ultimately become one of hip hop’s greatest A&Rs.Stay tuned for part 2 of this incredible conversation with Dante Ross coming next week.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jasper Cameron

Send us a textIn this episode of Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with legendary songwriter and producer Jasper Cameron to explore his journey from Atlanta church pews to crafting chart-topping hits. Jasper shares how Atlanta shaped his view of success, the church’s role in honing his talent, and how mentors like Dallas Austin opened pivotal doors.They dive into Atlanta’s tightly knit music scene, the rise of artists like Lloyd, Sammy, and Nivea, and the balance of writing mature songs for young voices. Jasper reveals behind-the-scenes stories of hits like “You” and “Girls Around the World,” working with icons like Christina Aguilera, and navigating the ever-changing music business.From CeCe’s star power to the complexities of girl groups and the magic of demo sessions, Jasper offers rare insights into what it truly takes to create music that moves the world.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kwasi Kessie

Send us a textFrom the heart of Harlem to the red carpet at the Met Gala, Kwasi Kessie’s journey is stitched together with culture, community, and style. In this episode of Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge talks to the the stylist, runner, and creative force behind Lace Magazine and Kill Off Season. He shares how Harlem shaped his eye, how Foot Locker opened industry doors, and how working with BET and A$AP Ferg cemented his voice in fashion.Kwasi talks sneaker culture, storytelling through style, and why running the NYC Marathon means more than just crossing the finish line. Whether he’s dressing icons or lacing up for his next race, Kwasi is repping Harlem all the way.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grace Harry

Send us a textThis week, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with the incomparable Grace Harry—creative executive, joy strategist, and a true behind-the-scenes force in the music industry.From her early days in Brooklyn to her evolution from chef to artist marketer to founder, Grace shares an unfiltered look at her career, her creative collaborations, and the personal growth that shaped it all. They swap wild stories from iconic photo shoots, reflect on the evolution of music marketing, and talk candidly about the pressures of working with high-profile artists.More than a career retrospective, this episode dives into identity, joy, intimacy, and the deep emotional work behind the scenes of success.This is Mixed and Mastered with Grace Harry.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

O’Neal McKnight

Send us a textThis week on Mixed and Mastered, O’Neal McKnight pulls back the curtain on a career that spans styling, music, film, and cultural impact. From his roots in South Carolina to interning at Motown and working alongside his late cousin Andre Harrell, O’Neal shares how he went from dressing stars like Usher, Jessica Alba, and Jermaine Dupri to becoming one himself. He breaks down the creation of Kosher Soul, producing TV specials with legends like Stan Lathan and Cedric The Entertainer, and the rise of Pass the Mic. Plus, why ownership, mentorship, and financial literacy matter more than ever in the business. This one’s packed with hustle, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Extra Credit: Terrell Jones

Send us a textHere's your Extra Credit episode with Harlem’s own Terrell Jones, aka Terrellish. He took DJ Khaled and Fat Joe and made them fashion icons. Twenty years in, Terrell dresses stars and is putting hip-hop style into luxury fashion. Our bonus questions for Terrell:
Artist You Wanted to Style
Three Favorite Designers
Fashion Movie Recommendation
Favorite Vacation Place
Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices