Loud Capital is led by a diverse team of music industry veterans, financial strategists, and cultural stewards with decades of combined experience. From launching iconic artists to managing high-performing assets, our team brings deep expertise and a shared passion for preserving musical legacies. We bridge the worlds of creativity and capital with integrity, precision, and purpose.
Steve Rifkind is a pioneering music executive renowned for shaping the landscape of hip-hop through his innovative marketing strategies and talent development. As the founder of Loud Records and SRC Records, Rifkind has been instrumental in launching the careers of iconic artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Big Pun, Akon, and David Banner.
Born on March 2, 1962, in Merrick, New York, Rifkind was immersed in the music industry from an early age, being the son of Jules Rifkind, founder of Spring Records. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future endeavors in music.
In 1991, Rifkind co-founded Loud Records, a label that became synonymous with “street-themed” hip-hop. Under his leadership, Loud Records signed groundbreaking acts, including Wu-Tang Clan, whose debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” is considered a classic in the genre. Other notable signings included Mobb Deep, Big Pun, and Three 6 Mafia.
After selling Loud Records to Sony in 2002, Rifkind established SRC Records, continuing his legacy of identifying and nurturing talent. SRC Records was home to artists like Akon, whose debut album “Trouble” achieved multi-platinum status, and David Banner, further cementing Rifkind’s reputation as a music mogul.
Beyond his work with record labels, Rifkind is credited with pioneering the “Street Team” marketing strategy, a grassroots approach that revolutionized music promotion by leveraging word-of-mouth and community engagement.
In recent years, Rifkind has been exploring opportunities to reacquire music catalogs, recognizing the enduring value and cultural significance of the works he helped bring to the forefront. His vision is to preserve and revitalize these catalogs, ensuring that the music continues to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Rifkind’s enduring impact on the music industry is a testament to his innovative spirit, keen eye for talent, and unwavering commitment to authentic artistry.
AJ “Dr. Pavel” Pavel is a veteran music executive and creative director with over three decades of experience developing independent and urban artists on the West Coast and beyond. Known for bridging the gap between underground markets and major labels, he has worked with top-tier companies like Priority Records, Virgin Music Group, Warner Bros., Interscope, and Sony/Relativity.
AJ has helped shape the careers of hip-hop legends including Tupac, Snoop Dogg, The Luniz, Digital Underground, and Nipsey Hussle. As a pioneer in “special markets,” his strategic leadership and international tour production have made a global impact—particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe. Nicknamed *Dr. Pavel* in the industry, he continues to drive cultural innovation through A&R, artist management, and market solutions.
