The Defiant Ones

For those who (like me) signed up for HBO Now for just 2 months to watch Game of Thrones season 7 (affiliate link), please spend the 4 hours to watch The Defiant Ones (affiliate link). Amazing documentary on Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre.  A short list of the musicians they worked with / produced:

Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks, John Lennon, Tupac Shukar, Eminen, Lady Gaga, U2, Dire Straits, Simple Minds, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, NWA, Snoop Dogg, Eminen

Tons of self-doubt, luck, family, self-realization, passion, ambition, and chutzpah.

Source: HBO

For me, this is the best quote in the entire documentary.  Dr. Dre’s mother said about her soon-to-be-famous son. This sums up what strategy and excellence looks like. Finding out what you are exceptionally good at, what you can be #1 at, and doubling down.

He always coming in 2nd.  And I remember him saying that he needs to do something he could be 1st in.  – Dr. Dre’s Mom

Yes, this is a consulting blog.  Yes, there is business in the documentary (They sold Beats by Dr. Dre to Apple for $3 Billion). Yes, that is the least interesting part of the story.

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