There’s a difference between proximity to greatness and apprenticeship. Courtney Richardson, known to many as Big Court, has always understood that distinction. In a recent conversation with Lenox & Parker, what unfolded wasn’t just an interview; it felt like a masterclass in leadership, stewardship, and the long game of ownership.

Court’s journey begins at No Limit Records one of the most consequential urban music labels in history. Signed initially as an artist, he quickly demonstrated something rarer than talent: teachability. Under the leadership of Master P, Court learned how a visionary builds—and protects—an empire. Master P was a boss, yes, but more importantly, a teacher. And Court became an exceptional student.

That lesson, the greatest leaders are the greatest students has echoed through every phase of Court’s career. As No Limit expanded, so did Court’s responsibilities. He transitioned from artist to executive, helping to run the label while maintaining his own voice and leadership instincts. He poured into the business he served, without ever surrendering his own capacity to lead.

Those principles followed him into media. Court’s podcast, Holding Court , didn’t just catch on—it took off. Its success wasn’t accidental. Court studied the space, understood the value of intellectual property, and negotiated from a position of knowledge. When Holding Court partnered with REVOLT, founded by Sean Diddy Combs. Court retained ownership—an outcome directly traceable to the lessons No Limit instilled decades earlier.

Ownership, after all, has always been the No Limit doctrine. Master P famously built a model that allowed him to profit from the music game rather than be played by it. Court internalized that blueprint—and then improved upon it.

Today, that evolution finds its fullest expression in OG Network, a free, easy-to-access streaming platform designed for scale and inclusion. The vision is expansive: while the network is Black-owned, it’s intentionally built for everyone—creating opportunities for diverse creators while anchoring itself in legacy-driven leadership. Think accessibility and breadth, akin to Tubi but powered by a deeper commitment to creator ownership and mentorship.

Court is clear about one thing: progress doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. It requires improving it. OG Network reflects everything he’s learned—how to spot talent, how to structure deals, and how to create an ecosystem where others can thrive and own their work.

That ethos extends to culture, too. When the historic Verzus showdown between No Limit and Cash Money unfolded, Court wasn’t surprised by No Limit’s cultural victory. He’d seen the mechanics up close. He understood that showmanship, narrative, and performance move the needle—not just a playlist of hits. It was a moment of long-overdue flowers for a movement that shaped an era.

Now, Court’s latest partnership feels like destiny meeting discipline. Teaming up with Icet T, one of hip-hop’s original architects and a master of reinvention—marks another chapter in Court’s lifelong apprenticeship. Ice-T’s arc, from provocateur to primetime mainstay, mirrors the very adaptability Court champions. According to Court, the partnership is rooted in respect, grit, and a shared appetite for learning—and the momentum is pointed squarely at 2026.

What makes Courtney “Big Court” Richardson compelling isn’t just his résumé; it’s his reverence for the process. He understands that leadership is earned by service, sharpened by study, and sustained by ownership. OG Network isn’t simply a platform—it’s proof of concept. Proof that when you learn from giants, honor their lessons, and then build with intention, the next generation doesn’t just inherit a legacy. They expand it.

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Written by

Dr. Christal Jordan
Dr. Christal Jordan, Editor in Chief, guiding the publication’s editorial vision with insight, cultural intelligence, and purpose-driven storytelling.

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