By: Miki Turner (Jet Magazine; June 14 - 21, 2010; pg. 43)
Quotes from Artists & Executives .......
WILL.I.AM - "Yes, there are no record stores, but hell, artists never got paid selling records anyway. And the ones that did, there were very few. I was Blessed to be one of the few, but do you know how many records I had to sell to recoup? We got by selling merchandise & writing songs."
Jon B. - "What the industry stopped doing was believing in real artistry. There is so much liability for a label to trust an artist and there have been a lot of artists who have messed it up for other artists because they took their budgets for granted. They would have a multimillion-dollar budget and then produce a mediocre record. I understand both sides of the coin."
Toni Braxton - "The advantages of everything being digital now is that it's instantaneous and you can get it immediately. I really don't like to look at is as bad, I like to look at it as progression."
Ice Cube - "What's been happening is that you look around and some of your favorite artists don't do records no more and fans don't understand why. It's not a lucrative business no more. So, that artist is off doing something else to make a living."
Letoya Luckett - "Back when I first started, there was money, money, money! It was just spending and not even looking at the deficit. It was like you want it, you got it! Now with all the downloading, the money isn't there anymore. The music industry was the thing to be a part of. That's not to say that's not the way it is now, but you've got to have plan A, B, C and D these days."
Johnnie Walker (Former Def Jam Exec. & now Exec. Dir. of the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission & Founder/Chairman of The National Assoc. of Black Female Executives in Music & Ent.) - "Labels have been focusing so much on songs and the quick delivery of those songs that they neglected to focus on developing acts. So, when the song was over, so was the artist.
The record industry - the one that controlled everything for so long - they're in trouble. The music industry is fine. The fan is really not buying the CD, he's buying the music. The internet and all the social sites have limited the record company's control of the fan's access to the music."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Is there a Conspiracy?
Written By: Coolwater (Artificially Flavored Inc.)
There has been much gossip in the news about Jay Z being part to The Occult and The New World Order agenda. Every where you look Jay Z is throwing up some sort of hand sign or making some sort of masonic gesture to the brotherhood. Many people are starting to think that he and other artists like Rihanna, Kayne West and Beyonce are part of some global elitest plan to control people through music. The Conspiracy lies within most people not knowing what to believe when it comes to the forbidden or hidden knowledge.
In my personal opinion and being an artist myself, I do feel like there is a hidden agenda that all top artists like a 50-Cent, Lil' Wayne, Kayne West, Beyonce, Prince and many others are....
to continue reading this article visit:
http://www.socialsundays.blogspot.com
There has been much gossip in the news about Jay Z being part to The Occult and The New World Order agenda. Every where you look Jay Z is throwing up some sort of hand sign or making some sort of masonic gesture to the brotherhood. Many people are starting to think that he and other artists like Rihanna, Kayne West and Beyonce are part of some global elitest plan to control people through music. The Conspiracy lies within most people not knowing what to believe when it comes to the forbidden or hidden knowledge.
In my personal opinion and being an artist myself, I do feel like there is a hidden agenda that all top artists like a 50-Cent, Lil' Wayne, Kayne West, Beyonce, Prince and many others are....
to continue reading this article visit:
http://www.socialsundays.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
In Support of Earthquake-Torn Haiti!!!
By: B. Brown
I would like to take my hat off to the people of the United States of America!!!
We have supported Haiti in record-breaking fashion and I am very proud of that fact.
We have Wyclef's "Yele'" Organization, The Red Cross, The Clinton-Bush Fund, etc. That is what has really tripped me out, Former Presidents Clinton & Bush have united for a cause. Unbelievable! President Obama has made it clear that his administration is going to help Haiti through its tragedy and help it rebuild. As one of the strongest countries in the world even during our recession, we are still committed to helping an ailing country that desparately needs help. I am very proud of that committment!
I have personally supported Haiti by donating to Wyclef's organization and you can too by texting YELE to 501501 to donate $5.00. Let's continue to show our compassionate side and do what we would want someone to do for us.
God Bless the people of New Orleans, LA & Mississippi that experienced Hurricane Katrina and God Bless the people of Haiti and all the workers who are there helping!!!
God is good!!!
One Love!
I would like to take my hat off to the people of the United States of America!!!
We have supported Haiti in record-breaking fashion and I am very proud of that fact.
We have Wyclef's "Yele'" Organization, The Red Cross, The Clinton-Bush Fund, etc. That is what has really tripped me out, Former Presidents Clinton & Bush have united for a cause. Unbelievable! President Obama has made it clear that his administration is going to help Haiti through its tragedy and help it rebuild. As one of the strongest countries in the world even during our recession, we are still committed to helping an ailing country that desparately needs help. I am very proud of that committment!
I have personally supported Haiti by donating to Wyclef's organization and you can too by texting YELE to 501501 to donate $5.00. Let's continue to show our compassionate side and do what we would want someone to do for us.
God Bless the people of New Orleans, LA & Mississippi that experienced Hurricane Katrina and God Bless the people of Haiti and all the workers who are there helping!!!
God is good!!!
One Love!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Young Forever in Hip-Hop
--- Michael A. Gonzales (Vibe; Fall/Winter Issue 2009; pg. 106; Vibe.com; *The New Vibe Magazine)
... Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Big Daddy Kane, 41, headlined an old-school rap concert that drew close to 7,000 fans ...
B. Brown's Thoughts: How many current hip-hop artist's can headline any kind of show & draw 7,000 fans. I can only name about 5-10 myself. How many can you name? It's very clear that our 30+ year old rappers are the gate keepers of hip-hop right now.
Jay-Z celebrates his 40th birthday this December 4th having marked yet another career milestone. His latest release, THE BLUEPRINT 3, was his 11th No. 1 album-surpassing Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most chart-topping albums. Respected as a shrewd executive as well as a rapper, Jay-Z has steadily built a rap empire since his debut album REASONABLE DOUBT.
B. Brown's Thoughts: Jay-Z has been a beast at every step of his legendary development and growth becoming the greatest rapper of all-time. Up to two (2) years ago, LL Cool J was my choice as the G.O.A.T. (pun intended), but Jay-Z has now topped my list and he earned it! The records he has set, the trends that he has started & his overall impact on hip-hop is non-debatable. Let me put it like this, at 40 years of age, Jay-Z still runs lyrical circles around these youngsters like it isn't funny, but it is crazy funny because he's 40! And guess what, the contenders for his crown are pushing thirty (30) themselves - T.I. & LUDA. The only real young cat that I can give props to right now for lyrical content is DRAKE.
"These days, the industry is ready to dismiss you at 30-give me a break," says Alicia Keys, 28, who collaborated on "Empire State of Mind" with Jay. "That is the bullshit game to pull the wool over our eyes. When we get older, we should be wiser and better at our craft. We see things in a different light and the music changes for the better, hopefully."
"I don't thing age should have anything to do with quitting rap music," says 36-year-old Bun B. "The only way I would say a person should retire is if the audience is tired of hearing you. If people stop buying your records or going to the shows, then quit. Obviously, Jay-Z doesn't have that problem. He still has the passion for the music and works on his art constantly."
"If I was as successful as Jay-Z and people still appreciated my work, I'd rap until I was in my late 50's," laughs 24-year-old Young Capone. "Personally, I think people should rap as long as they want."
B. Brown's Thoughts: Here it is, create great music and a hip-hop artist can continue to be very relevant at any age. Yeah I agree that hip-hop is a young person's occupation, but I also believe that hip-hop's elder statesmen are better and have proven to have more staying power than the younger crop of hip-hop artists attempting to have long careers. Only time will tell!
One Love!
... Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Big Daddy Kane, 41, headlined an old-school rap concert that drew close to 7,000 fans ...
B. Brown's Thoughts: How many current hip-hop artist's can headline any kind of show & draw 7,000 fans. I can only name about 5-10 myself. How many can you name? It's very clear that our 30+ year old rappers are the gate keepers of hip-hop right now.
Jay-Z celebrates his 40th birthday this December 4th having marked yet another career milestone. His latest release, THE BLUEPRINT 3, was his 11th No. 1 album-surpassing Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most chart-topping albums. Respected as a shrewd executive as well as a rapper, Jay-Z has steadily built a rap empire since his debut album REASONABLE DOUBT.
B. Brown's Thoughts: Jay-Z has been a beast at every step of his legendary development and growth becoming the greatest rapper of all-time. Up to two (2) years ago, LL Cool J was my choice as the G.O.A.T. (pun intended), but Jay-Z has now topped my list and he earned it! The records he has set, the trends that he has started & his overall impact on hip-hop is non-debatable. Let me put it like this, at 40 years of age, Jay-Z still runs lyrical circles around these youngsters like it isn't funny, but it is crazy funny because he's 40! And guess what, the contenders for his crown are pushing thirty (30) themselves - T.I. & LUDA. The only real young cat that I can give props to right now for lyrical content is DRAKE.
"These days, the industry is ready to dismiss you at 30-give me a break," says Alicia Keys, 28, who collaborated on "Empire State of Mind" with Jay. "That is the bullshit game to pull the wool over our eyes. When we get older, we should be wiser and better at our craft. We see things in a different light and the music changes for the better, hopefully."
"I don't thing age should have anything to do with quitting rap music," says 36-year-old Bun B. "The only way I would say a person should retire is if the audience is tired of hearing you. If people stop buying your records or going to the shows, then quit. Obviously, Jay-Z doesn't have that problem. He still has the passion for the music and works on his art constantly."
"If I was as successful as Jay-Z and people still appreciated my work, I'd rap until I was in my late 50's," laughs 24-year-old Young Capone. "Personally, I think people should rap as long as they want."
B. Brown's Thoughts: Here it is, create great music and a hip-hop artist can continue to be very relevant at any age. Yeah I agree that hip-hop is a young person's occupation, but I also believe that hip-hop's elder statesmen are better and have proven to have more staying power than the younger crop of hip-hop artists attempting to have long careers. Only time will tell!
One Love!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Learn something from Gucci Mane!
By: B. Brown (BREG)
Let me be honest with everyone off the rip. I actually like some of Gucci Mane's music! He has created some club banga's for sure!
The part of Gucci that I do not like is the fact that he has not been able to (for whatever reason) fulfill his probation obligations is back in jail.
For a young man to actually work hard, make strategic business moves and have his career move him from regional star to national star in 2009 is almost unbelievable, but he is falling prey to the same ignorance that plagues so many young people, and that is that he refuses or for some reason cannot do what he is supposed to do to move forward in life and in his career, and that is a shame.
You see, when you go to jail, rehab or both, that means you cannot make appearances and do concerts which means that a significant amount of your income has been cut-off. It also means that your team is not eating either.
Now there is a terrible rumor out there that is saying that Gucci's booking, management & label team has been receiving deposits for shows & concerts that they knew Gucci was not going to be able available for due to his pending jail time and/or rehab confinement. As a booking agent and/or manager, the 1st thing that has to be confirmed is the availability of your artist to perform on the date specified. If these rumors are true, I hope Gucci will still be able to command major money for appearances and concerts when he gets out. If not, his rise and fall will be tragic.
The lesson to learn here is to 1st and foremost stay clear of any and all activity they may lead to you serving any type of jail time. 2nd, to the very best of your ability, make sure that you have people of integrity around you conducting business on your behalf. Doing business can be difficult at times, but at least we can all strive to do righteous business and treat each other the way we would like to be treated.
Let's respect each others' time, money and efforts.
One Love!
Let me be honest with everyone off the rip. I actually like some of Gucci Mane's music! He has created some club banga's for sure!
The part of Gucci that I do not like is the fact that he has not been able to (for whatever reason) fulfill his probation obligations is back in jail.
For a young man to actually work hard, make strategic business moves and have his career move him from regional star to national star in 2009 is almost unbelievable, but he is falling prey to the same ignorance that plagues so many young people, and that is that he refuses or for some reason cannot do what he is supposed to do to move forward in life and in his career, and that is a shame.
You see, when you go to jail, rehab or both, that means you cannot make appearances and do concerts which means that a significant amount of your income has been cut-off. It also means that your team is not eating either.
Now there is a terrible rumor out there that is saying that Gucci's booking, management & label team has been receiving deposits for shows & concerts that they knew Gucci was not going to be able available for due to his pending jail time and/or rehab confinement. As a booking agent and/or manager, the 1st thing that has to be confirmed is the availability of your artist to perform on the date specified. If these rumors are true, I hope Gucci will still be able to command major money for appearances and concerts when he gets out. If not, his rise and fall will be tragic.
The lesson to learn here is to 1st and foremost stay clear of any and all activity they may lead to you serving any type of jail time. 2nd, to the very best of your ability, make sure that you have people of integrity around you conducting business on your behalf. Doing business can be difficult at times, but at least we can all strive to do righteous business and treat each other the way we would like to be treated.
Let's respect each others' time, money and efforts.
One Love!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
*The Magnem Awards Show!!!
The Magnem Awards Show Tickets are officially on sale right now!!!
The Magnem Awards Show @ Oceans 66 in College Park, GA on Nov. 7, 2009 (3pm) is the 1st Ever Open-Mic Awards Show!
It is being hosted by Magnem P.I. & P.I.'s Angels!!! Red Carpet, Special Guests, Honorees & more!
Call B. Brown @ 770.912.8065 now for your $10 Advance Tickets. It's $20 on the Day of the Show.
Group Discount Rate Tickets are available at an incredible price!
The Magnem Awards Show Tickets are officially on sale right now!!!
The Magnem Awards Show @ Oceans 66 in College Park, GA on Nov. 7, 2009 (3pm) is the 1st Ever Open-Mic Awards Show!
It is being hosted by Magnem P.I. & P.I.'s Angels!!! Red Carpet, Special Guests, Honorees & more!
Call B. Brown @ 770.912.8065 now for your $10 Advance Tickets. It's $20 on the Day of the Show.
Group Discount Rate Tickets are available at an incredible price!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Ludacris - Doing good in the hood!!!
USA Today (Sept. 8, 2009; Life Section B)
In the Atlanta area, 20 cars are on the road with thankful drivers because of rapper/actor Ludacris. He partnered with an auto dealership to give away 20 cars to people who submitted an essay to the Ludacris Foundation, explaining why they deserved a car. "People are getting laid off and now are looking for jobs," Ludacris said. "To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That's why I wanted to give back."
B. Brown's Thoughts: Ludacris (Chris Bridges) is doing an outstanding job with his Ludacris Foundation and I truly applaud him for his efforts! As he continues to grow as an artist, he has definitely not forgotten about his community. Even though he is originally from Chicago, IL, he has made Atlanta, GA home and from his start at WHTA Hot 107.9fm Atlanta, GA to his Music & Movie Fame & Fortune, Luda has always been a man of the people! I wish him continued success in all of his endeavours! Keep doing your thing Luda!
One Love!
In the Atlanta area, 20 cars are on the road with thankful drivers because of rapper/actor Ludacris. He partnered with an auto dealership to give away 20 cars to people who submitted an essay to the Ludacris Foundation, explaining why they deserved a car. "People are getting laid off and now are looking for jobs," Ludacris said. "To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That's why I wanted to give back."
B. Brown's Thoughts: Ludacris (Chris Bridges) is doing an outstanding job with his Ludacris Foundation and I truly applaud him for his efforts! As he continues to grow as an artist, he has definitely not forgotten about his community. Even though he is originally from Chicago, IL, he has made Atlanta, GA home and from his start at WHTA Hot 107.9fm Atlanta, GA to his Music & Movie Fame & Fortune, Luda has always been a man of the people! I wish him continued success in all of his endeavours! Keep doing your thing Luda!
One Love!
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