★★★★★★★ Billboard's 2012 Power 100: The 100 Most Powerful Individuals in Music ★★★★★★★No. 62.: Paul Rosenberg,
'the Big-Shot Caller' Even without his high-powered partners, clients, friends and business interests, the 6-and-a-half-foot tall Paul Rosenberg would be a towering presence. With them, he's a giant. As co-founder of Shady Records, CEO of Goliath Artists Management and a partner in Deckstar, attorney Rosenberg plays a huge role in the careers of business partner Eminem, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and a slate of other acts including Cypress Hill, Yelawolf and Steve Aoki. Through Shady, Rosenberg helped bring 50 Cent to Interscope, and his long-standing relationship with Jimmy Iovine (see No. 10) positions him as one of the most influential voices in the Interscope family. He does big business with Jay-Z (No. 13)--2010's Home and Home tour--serves as executive producer for Eminem's SiriusXM channel, Shade 45, and is co-founder of leading hip-hop site RapRadar.com. But it's his relationship with Eminem--named Billboard's Artist of the Decade in 2009--that makes Rosenberg one of the most powerful men in the music business. Such brands as Chrysler, Pepsi and the NCAA want to be in the Eminem business. And to do so, one needs to be in business with Rosenberg, a relentless negotiator both by trade and training-and that's a tall order.
Also, Steve Berman's at #96, Jay-Beyonce (#13), Taylor Swift (#78) & Lady Gaga (#84). Discuss.
