Trailblazers is an MBW interview series that turns the spotlight on music entrepreneurs with the potential to become the global business power players of tomorrow. This time, we meet Ruchir Mohan, Partner at 1916 Enterprises, and hit producer Yung Lan. Together, they head up Milan Publishing/Production Group, a JV between 1916 and Yung Lan. Trailblazers is supported by TuneCore.
When Yung Lan first connected with Ruchir Mohan a couple of years ago, it became clear quickly that they approached the business the same way: find talent early, develop them properly, and build careers that last.
That shared mindset has now materialized into Milan Publishing/Production Group (MPG), a new joint venture between Lan and 1916 Enterprises, that’s already making noise across hip-hop, R&B, and country.
With over 6 billion global streams, more than 30 RIAA certifications, two Grammy nominations, and a 2024 BMI Country Award, Yung Lan (Milan Modi) has established himself as one of the most versatile producers of his generation, with a string of hits across country music and hip-hop
His credits span Fetty Wap’s Platinum RGF Island, cuts with Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Roddy Ricch, and Morgan Wallen.
Mohan joined 1916 Enterprises in 2023 and was recently promoted from Director of Publishing/Management to Partner at the entertainment group led by Founder/CEO Jonathan Gordon. In his new role at 1916, Mohan is spearheading the launch of the company’s Management & Services Division, while continuing to focus on select publishing clients as well.
Together, the duo of Mohan and Yung Lan will co-lead the new MPG JV with a focus on publishing, artist development, and cross-genre creative strategy with 1916.
MPG has already resulted in a wave of impactful signings. The roster includes Grammy-nominated songwriter James Maddocks, who contributed to multiple tracks on Morgan Wallen’s latest album, I’m the Problem, including Hot 100 Top 10 smash Superman. The album debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200.
Other MPG signings include genre-shifting producer Felipe Spain and rising songwriter Noa Brown. The partnership has already yielded high-profile placements with Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Saweetie, Kevin Gates, Hulvey, and OhGeesy.
“I’ve always advocated for early talent over the last decade of my career – with development and mentorship being a true passion of mine,” Lan tells MBW. “1916 and Ruchir’s commitment to the same aligns with that mindset, making this a special partnership.”
“I’ve always advocated for early talent over the last decade of my career – with development and mentorship being a true passion of mine.”
Yung Lan
The venture is also backed by significant wins on the business side. As MBW reported in August, Yung Lan recently completed a seven-figure catalog deal with GoldState, the US-based music rights company that raised $500 million earlier this year. Yung Lan’s deal with Goldstate was brokered by Ruchir Mohan.
“It gave me the ability to reset and approach the next chapter with intention,” said Yung Lan of the deal. “I’ve worked nonstop for years, and the sale allowed me to reinvest in myself, my team, and the future of MPG.
“Lan is as versatile, committed and accomplished as an executive as he is a producer,” added Mohan. “We’re honored and excited to help turn the chapter in the next page of his legacy as a producer and executive.”
Here, in a joint interview with MBW, Yung Lan and Ruchir Mohan discuss the origins of their partnership, their approach to cross-genre A&R, the recent catalog sale, and their ambitions for MPG in 2026 and beyond…
How did the partnership between the two of you come together, and what was the vision behind launching Milan Publishing/Production Group?
Yung Lan: I’ve known Ruchir for a couple of years, and it was clear early on that we approached the business in a similar way. I’ve spent a long time mentoring and developing talent, and I wanted a partner who understood the bigger picture and could help scale that work. Once we started speaking seriously, the vision aligned quickly.
“Once we started speaking seriously, the vision aligned quickly.”
Yung Lan
Ruchir Mohan: I’ve been a fan of Lan’s for years. When the opportunity to work together came up, I connected immediately with his commitment to developing, educating, and platforming producers, writers, and artists. His experience, paired with 1916’s executive and creative network, made the partnership feel both natural and purposeful.
What made now the right time to expand into this executive and entrepreneurial role with a publishing and production venture?
YL: I’ve built my career across several genres and creative communities, and the way music is blending right now is more dynamic than ever. It felt like the right moment to take everything I’ve learned and apply it on a larger scale.
I wanted to build something that supports creatives working across styles the same way I have.
Milan Publishing/Production Group spans hip-hop, R&B, and country. How do you approach A&R and talent development across such different genres, and what’s the strategic thinking behind that cross-genre approach?
YL: My approach starts with being open and accessible. I believe in giving new creatives opportunities and connecting them with the right collaborators. That means spending real time in the studio and understanding each person’s strengths.
Strategically, working across genres lets us build well-rounded careers. It gives our roster more flexibility, more opportunities, and a wider creative network. No two clients are the same, so we tailor our process to each individual.
Ruchir, what does 1916 bring to the table in this joint venture, and how does MPG fit into 1916’s broader vision?
RM: 1916 brings operational strength and a wide creative network. Our goal has always been to build partnerships that elevate and amplify creatives in meaningful ways. MPG is a key part of that mission. It allows us to support talent beyond traditional management and create long-term opportunities for producers and writers.
One of the JV’s first signings was GRAMMY-nominated songwriter James Maddocks, who’s had major success with Morgan Wallen. How did that signing come together, and what stood out about him?
YL: I used one of James’ loops years ago, and he reached out after hearing the record. His melodic instincts were strong from the start. I began working with him when he was 16 because I believed in his potential, and over time he proved he could operate at a high level. Bringing him into the JV was a natural next step.
What are you looking for when you’re signing talent to MPG?
RM: We look for clarity and commitment. Someone doesn’t need to have every detail figured out, but they should know who they are creatively and be willing to grow. Work ethic is a major factor.
We also value how someone collaborates. The environment Lan and I have built thrives when people bring drive, humility, and a desire to be part of a team.
You’ve secured high-profile placements with Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Saweetie, Kevin Gates, and others. What’s in the pipeline for 2026?
YL: We have a strong slate of records lined up across rap, R&B, and country. Some collaborations are new pairings that I think will surprise people, and others are with rising artists we’ve been building with for some time.
We’re also leaning heavily into internal collaboration within MPG. When our creators consistently work together, the music improves and the opportunities grow. You’ll see that reflected next year.
RM: On our side, we’re also excited about the infrastructural changes underway. We’ve been expanding the team at MPG and 1916, which allows us to give each client more focused, dedicated support. The goal is to build a system where creative wins are matched with strong day-to-day care and thoughtful long-term planning. We’re in a great place to deliver that in 2026.
Mentorship and development have been themes throughout your career. What does your development process look like for emerging talent?
YL: My process is hands-on. We spend time in the studio identifying strengths, refining ideas, and building consistency. I focus on the fundamentals: melody, structure, and understanding what makes a record connect.
I also teach the business side early. Understanding ownership, splits, and how the industry works is essential for a long career.
Is there enough artist development in the music business today?
YL: Not in a meaningful way. The industry often prioritizes quick results, but true development takes patience. The artists and creatives who last are the ones who take the time to build real skills. That’s why MPG puts development at the center — it gives people the space to grow properly.
You recently completed a seven-figure catalog sale for Yung Lan’s work with Goldstate. What drove that decision, and how does it play into long-term strategy?
RM: It came down to long-term planning. Lan has a deep catalog, and the timing made sense to realize its value while creating flexibility for the future. We helped evaluate his earnings history, and his personal and professional goals. It wasn’t about stepping back from the work — it was about moving into the next phase with more options.
Ruchir, you were recently promoted to Partner at 1916. What’s on your to-do list for 2026, and how is 1916 positioned today?
RM: My priorities for 2026 are to scale with intention. MPG is a major focus, and so is expanding our publishing and creative capabilities. I’m spending a lot of time on new partnerships, supporting our internal team, and building opportunities where clients can create real equity.
1916 is in a strong position. We’ve grown without losing the hands-on approach that defines us. Our aim is to support talent through their full career, not just around isolated moments.
What does success look like to you?
YL: Success is having the freedom to create the work you want, with the people you respect, and to do it on your own terms; while also remaining true to yourself. If the people around me can reach that same level of freedom and stability, that’s real success.
RM: Success, to me, is seeing the people we work with grow in a sustainable way. Deals and accolades matter, but they’re not the whole story. If we can build systems that support long-term careers, that’s success.
If you could change one thing about the music business today, what would it be?
RM: I would push for stronger business education among musicians. A lot of talented people enter the industry without a clear understanding of ownership, contracts, or how their work generates revenue. When creatives have that foundation early, they make better decisions and set themselves up for sustainable careers. The overall ecosystem would be healthier if education were treated as a core part of development.
YL: I’d like to see the industry move away from short-term thinking. Quick wins and viral moments get most of the attention, but they don’t build longevity. When teams plan with intention and focus on real development, the results last longer. That’s the kind of environment I want to see more of.
Trailblazers is supported by TuneCore. TuneCore provides self-releasing artists with technology and services across distribution, publishing administration, and a range of promotional services. TuneCore is part of Believe.Music Business Worldwide
