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2010
The true soul of hip-hop
Written by YouTube User: hanaaB, Posted by J-Factor on January 07, 2010
Immortal Technique quite rightly says that the developed world looks down on the third world as being 'backward' because economic aristocracies argue that they lack freedom of speech. However, if we view the music industry in the developed world, the concept of artists being signed to the major labels is extremely hypocritical- especially in 'the land of the free'. Why? Because whatever comes out of the artist's mouth is restricted and manipulated. As an artist you are owned by those major labels, which are corporations run by people who simply view the artist as an asset, the music as a product and us, as mere consumers. Therefore the major labels' central aim is PROFIT. To me, if profit is the goal of corporations of the music industry, they are in complete contradiction to hip-hop. Let us not forget that hip-hop came into existence because it was the only mechanism for an oppressed colored man to hold a mic and say whatever he wanted. Hip-hop was the platform for free speech- essentially it was the voice of the voiceless. Besides just being 'party music', the music and the lyrics held a spiritual and intellectual weight. It gave the people an opportunity to speak about what they thought could be possible. Thus hip-hop encouraged the achievement of values derivable from life, it recognized independence, individuality and most importantly- it had the people's interest at heart. This is the true soul of hip-hop. However, as soon as a corporation's executive is the one defining the rules on that oval table in the office, the music is no longer real and meaningful. The aim of hip-hop music has shifted from caring about people, to profit maximization. This has disrupted the very foundations of hip-hop and is exactly why we currently see a lot of empty music being produced. Corporations will not invest in artists who have something meaningful or true to say, mainly because they will not be profitable from a sales point of view since they only cater to the needs of the deceived mass market. Even marketing strategies have catalyzed an incorrect perception of what hip-hop is. Many artists become so blinded by the flashing lights and profitability that they become oblivious to the fact that to be a hip-hop artist, a level of responsibility exists to preserve and build on the foundations of hip-hop.
The instant an artist becomes commercialized, their music, their lyrics and even they themselves, become compromised. I am in no way implying that all artists who are signed to the majors have lost the true meaning of hip-hop. No doubt a few great artists exist, but they have been in the game for a very long time. These are the artists who realize the significance of the very origins of hip-hop and are not motivated by making a dollar. Their music and objectives are parallel to the true soul and culture of hip-hop. It is very rare for a new emerging artist in the commercial music industry to hold those same values. I believe that there is definitely a great deal of potential currently out there, but it is outweighed by the strength of corporations to mold hip-hop potential into meaningless money-making crap. Indeed, making money is the objective of every artist (including independent artists) and I would be lying if I said otherwise. But there is a big difference between an aim and an objective. The central aim of a true hip-hop artist, is to entertain and educate the people. Multiple layers within entertainment exist. It can inspire people, it can alter perceptions and it can make people relate to something they are going through in their lives. But entertainment can also deceive, delude and 'dumb down' people- corporations have taken full advantage of the latter. 'Open your eyes' reflects the two-fold meaning of The 3rd World album. While corporations are enjoying increasing sales, the profits generated supports imperialism. Why would corporations prevent artists to speak about things like government cover-ups, the demolition of towers and the illegal occupation of Palestine (despite the fact that hip-hop's foundations was strongly Islamic influenced from the onset)? It is because these censored things fuel their existence. It is the same money, along with our tax, that pays for illegal wars, robbing third world countries of their resources and taking advantage of cheap labor which adds to the uneven distribution of wealth and prevents the poor countries from economically advancing. This concept of taking advantage of the third world also occurs in the rap industry, whereby the underground can be viewed as 'the 3rd world' and artists are exploited for monetary gains.
I commend independent artists who find mechanisms to circumvent corporations because they prefer lyrical independence over being commercialized. So if your goal is to be Mr. successful platinum artist, you are motivated by money and not by the love of hip-hop.
2009
Music, Sex & Money!
Posted by Lou Cheese on November 16, 2009
Call me old fashioned but i still believe in chivalry and honor. If you truly love not lust, then love shall find you. I am a hopeless romantic and i believe in fair tales. I know my life is what movies are made of. I have a soundtrack for different stages in my life.
Most people lose sight of what it is, or they get it confused. In life being in control does not always mean you have too have total control. Just remember indirect control is even better. Make them think they are steering, but you manipulate to get your way. Well i have learn life is not all about that. Let the small things ride and it should be all smooth sailing. If you truly love something or someone set them free. When and if it returns you know you have it.
People talk shit all the time living in a small community you hear everything going on around you. I mean the biggest church goers are the ones with the biggest mouths. I mean who cares whats going on with other people, they are living life and doing them what business is it of theirs. I am a person that appreciates and like to see people doing good. I like to spread good news, i hate when people are constantly thinking negatively. I am a positive thinker myself.
Don't lose hope, people mean bad intentions but it happens. I mean when someone is in the struggle and people focus on their home sphere and it goes sour, they talk about someone else's to direct the conversation some where else. Las finas son las mas locas.
Peace, Love, Music! King Louie
The Philosophy behind our mantra....
Posted by Alex Saenz on October 25, 2009
If you could draw a big circle around all of the major cities and states and even countires where you would like to have your music or any of your artistic endeavors reach people (fans), you would probably encompass Tokyo, London, Milan, Madrid, Puerto Rico, Africa, Australia and many other parts of the globe...
That is the outer circle where "nobody knows" what you are doing, who you are or what you want to do... They are unaware of your dream.
If you were to draw a circle around the closest major cities to your town or other major city, you would encompass areas where you may not be perceived as an artist that matters or are as important because obviously there are a lot of people doing so many different things and more people to do it with in bigger cities. ...These are cities like Portland Seattle, Pheonix, LA, etc. etc... You are from where? Why should they care about somebody from a small town or an unheard of band or artists, when they already have a ton of those in their own city? This is the inner circle where "nobody cares" ...
If you were to draw a smaller circle around just your own area you would encompass only the surrounding area where some people MIGHT know who you are or might care (family, friends and a girlfriend 2 or three drunks) ...
We call this the "Nobody can help you" circle...
The reason nobody can help you is because everyone around you is doing the same thing you are trying to do. Everyone wants to become a star, the next MMA fighter bad ass corn husker, martial artist, dancer, the next hot singer, sexy model, rap artists, funniest comedian, coolest rock band or whatever...everybody wants to become somebody and therefore are too involved and busy with their own goals, shows, etc. to take time and energy to devote to YOU.
Studios will charge you and arm and a leg to record you, and it takes money and time to set up a decent personal studio. Plus there is a often a major learning curve to recording hardware and software programs....
Most indie record labels are more of a "posse" and they are either going to invest a lot of money and time in you if they are guaranteed to make a profit but you have to be very good and unique. Unless they are legit they are only doing it to boost their own egos and become local "producer stars"
So... what do you do?
This is where The Nobodies from nowhere come in. We are looking for people who actually want to do something and contribute, collaborate, network and break the old paradigm.
A long time ago when we were all in basements and recording music out of our closets and bedrooms, we said we needed to take it to the next level but that meant we could not repeat what was already airing on the radio or MTv....
And those of us who get that the way things were is not the way things are, will prosper and perhaps make a wonderful living from doing what they love to do the most.
We don't have time for nay sayers, negative attitudes or slouchers. I don't have the time nor patience to deal with you if you are sitting on the fence and can't make up your mind of what you want to do, or expect us to make YOU a star.
And I'm not going to push anyone. if you're happy singing in a bar or doing shows inside a glorified garage, hey that's cool too....
But those who make decisions are those who show up.
Our ships are about to sail off once and for all and there is still room for a few more visionaries to replace the shoes that walked the plank!
Blog: Derek Sivers: Experiment: Everyone must have a CD, even if free.
Posted by Bevon the Muse on September 21, 2009
If you are a performing musician that sells CDs at your shows, please consider this:
Terry McBride of Nettwerk told this story at a recent conference:
A band he was managing was doing the usual thing of selling CDs for $15. They'd mention it once or twice from the stage, and sell about $300 per night on average.
He asked them to try a completely different approach:
read the rest of the article (click here)
Too Late for being wrong (A supplement)
Posted by Alex Saenz on June 01, 2009
Yes folks, it may be too late for being wrong with regard to the personal choices we make.
The interesting thing about the majority of human errors is that they depend heavily on whether we make decisions based on our emotions or on logical and analytical assessments.
How many times will you keep sticking your finger in a light socket until you figure out its not good for you? Ok, what if your faith is that nothing will happen to you?
Well, when the electrical current runs up your arm and across your chest and you are unable to pull away from the socket, (because your hand contracts) guess what?
Its too late baby! Relationships are like that too. You can invest 10 years of your life into a person only to find you settled for less than what you could have had. Its not your soul mate. And to start all over again with all of your youth behind you is kind of a sucky thing to have to go through...
Now I'm no expert on most things nor do I have authority to speak on behalf of anyone. I'm just an ordinary graduate from the University of hard knocks. But what I have learned is that there will always be individuals who will never be able to break their habits or co-dependencies. Mostly psychological...
You can warn a person and try to guide them but they'll resent yo for it before they thank you.
Like the old saying goes, you can drag a horse to water...I have also discovered that it is much easier to help a person with a drug addiction or who might be going through a period of grief, than to help a person who has only fallen in love with the idea of falling in love. All decisions are based on chemical reactions in their brain, which is the furthest thing from true love.
Enjoy the song!
A BOY BORN ROUND DOESN'T DIE SQUARE
Posted by Alex Saenz on May 20, 2009
This applies to individuals in any personal or business endeavor or relationship that you will ever encounter in life.
Do I believe people can change for the better? I believe it is possible. I believe there is a ghost of a chance that most people are not envious or jealous or have issues...
But change for the better is not possible without work or discipline, and most importantly not without the willingness to change...anyone can say "I promise to change"
In my psych studies we had this joke, "How many Psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?"
Answer: "Only one but he or she must be willing to change.."
In my business endeavors, specifically in entertainment & media, I have met so many shady characters and total low lifes, that it took me a few knocks on the head to finally realize that I needed to trust my instincts more and not be so damn gullible. Today, in order to work with someone I have to like them, trust them and respect them.
So it doesn't matter how talented , how beautiful or smart you may be, where it counts is in your attitude and INTENTION. What are your intentions?
I'm sure you've all heard about the proverbial wife or girlfriend who keeps getting back together with the abusive & offending boyfriend or husband. The false logic or mistake they keep repeating is that they think they can change the person. Or that if they "ride this out" the person will eventually come around and change. They confuse love with fear and security with desperation.
Excuse my French, but isn't that utter bullshit?
In business it is the same thing.
I have a two strike system...strike one: I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Strike two: There is no room for doubt or any benefit of any kind- you'e out! See ya, goodbye now and forever. Hasta la vista.
Sounds harsh? Nah, it's smart. There are countless opportunities to change and prove yourself more than there are ways to die.
Some people learn the hard way, I admit I sure did!
Some learn quickly an some people never learn. Like moths to a flame...they keep getting burnt.
I'd much rather give of my time and energy to someone who truly deserves it. Sounds mean hu?
You see, the truth or troof or whatever you wanna call it, always defends itself. You can go ahead and twist things around and pretend not to see the wrong doings and you can deny it all, but in the end the only thing that will be left standing tall is the truth. And by the time some of this is realized it is usually too late to turn back your page and start over. what's done is done.
Nobodies From Nowhere - Retreat 1.0
Posted by Alex Saenz on Apr 27, 2009
The crew and I talked about this over a year ago; the one thing you start to realize when you come together the way we did this past weekend (at the NFN Retreat center) is that it may take a long time to find the right people who understand your vision.
And it may take even longer to develop relationships that define the essence of who we are as artists. But it's well worth the wait and sacrifices made.
For certain, there are big ships and there are little ships..
But the best kind of ship is friendship. Maybe this is why we are so damn selective and enjoy our anonymity...he!
We had a great time and are already looking forward to our next retreat. The Nobodies From Nowhere Retreat center is but one of several places where some our best creations will manifest and be transmitted to the world.
After all, traditional methods of creating and marketing belong in a museum.
Ahhh the advantages of knowing future trends and paradigm shifts :)
The live performances that took place at "The House of Lotus" were just too special to record for public release. We once again improvised on the spot and the magic just happened...
We are at liberty to release whatever we wish but some music is just meant to be heard inside the moment. It's not the same to hear something that was created in the past and in a particular place that inspired.
The music loses it's meaning when you attempt to confine such "place" to a single space and expect to fully appreciate each note.
Aside the good food, music, relaxation and fellowship with old and new friends, we had a few photo shoots for those of us who have upcoming album releases, which was also a lot of fun.
I will be posting more pics and video clips of our first Spring retreat-stay tuned!
Why all roads will lead back to us
Posted by Alex Saenz on Apr 16, 2009
Every now and then we get a lot of flack from certain people or groups who perceive my crew and I as just another typical group of guys/gals who are also playing "house" they would like to pretend we don't exist but we have been here for a long time and are not going to go away even after many more businesses shut down due to the economical crash.
But I would like to clarify why all roads will eventually lead back to Fire Frost Entertainment & our Nobodies From Nowhere organization, in spite of all the hype others make about "proper record labels"
All roads will lead back to us
1) First of all, because we know that nobody cares. If you were Bono, Prince, Run DMC, Kelly Clarkston, Aerosmith, B.B King or even Paris Hilton, then yeah maybe some would care. But have you not noticed everyone is out trying to be "somebody?" The sooner one knows that nobody cares the sooner one can take his or her place in making history. That's fact.
2) Because aside from being a legal entity (Corporation) we know how the industry works and are very aware of the changes taking place within the marketing and distribution process. We have done extensive research on how to promote and market different things. Not that we are great by any means, but we didn’t just get a city license and make a website…anybody can do that and call themselves a “big dawg” There is more to being a company than calling ourselves a label.
3) Because the people we work with know that we know what we are doing and that we have high standards when it comes to productions and artist development. Traditional record labels are now dinosaurs. All one has to do is look at the stats on Cd sales and record label desperation.
4) Because we are interested in what YOU have to bring to the table. Most of our core members have a background in engineering, music theory, modeling, acting, business, psychology, accounting, graphic design, computer science, management, and promotion.
If JFK had been a record label exec he might have said "Ask not what your label can do for you but ask what you can do for music!"
5) Because we are not limited to one genre such as rap or rock. We are musicians ourselves, most of us have been playing and recording original music since before the whole label craze started up over a decade ago.
6) Because we are able to draw from a variety of resources and enjoy working as a team to get the do done, big or small. It means nothing to be "da boss" if you rely on others to do a lot of what you cannot do yourself.
7) Dammit, because we have the best Mac 'N' Cheese with bacon in town!
WHY?
Posted by Alex Saenz on Apr 13, 2009
Why don't you play more Metal?
That's like asking B.B. King why he doesn't play more Salsa. I've been there done that ok? Actually when I first started playing electric guitar, I did nothing but Hard Rock and Metal, maybe because it is the easiest form of music to play compared to Flamenco, or Jazz and Country. Hard rock is like Mcdonalds food, its everywhere in large quantities. But I did liked the sound of it a lot. After a while (like 8 years later ) I just got bored and tired of sounding like everyone else who was copying the other metal bands. So I started learning different forms of music and modes to incorporate into Metal and Hard Rock.
I know it takes a long time to invent a new sound but to me its worth it...
Why have you abandoned Hard Rock?
I have not. I've only added to what I already had in terms of skills and sounds and styles. Ive been playing for over 22 plus years not just 5. I can play super heavy and aggressive without gimmicks or gadgets or pedals but hey, one Linkin Park is enough right?
Why don't you play more Blues?
See above. I am exploring slide guitar and the earlier Delta Blues style now, but I wont just copy I will incorporate. I think the upcoming album will surprise a lot of people who think I've softened up a lot.
Why don't you stop shredding?
I don't always play fast actually. Only if the song calls for a fast riff or melody. Sometimes its only an illusion see... I know where to go from one note to the next so it only seems fast. But if you were to measure how many notes per second I'm actually playing its not all that fast. Let me just add...
Melodies are like beautiful, structured sentences or poems. If it doesn't sound good and make any sense slow it won't sound good fast, so "shredding" is not at all like mindless fast playing contrary to popular belief.
Why don't you start shredding?
It's a catch 22 isn't it? LOL! I have learned that when you are good at what you do and strive to be versatile, you can never win or please critics. You cannot please everyone so you just have to please yourself...I am my own worst critic. It's why I am taking over 2 years to come out with my album LOL!
Why don't you like what is on the radio or MTV?
In my opinion, almost everything that conglomerate radio and music television puts out , is lacking in mystery, romance, inspiration, technique and originality. People think that the only thing that turns me on is great technique but nothing can be further from the truth. If the music lacks emotion and originality I won't listen and I will not attend the shows. The fact is I DO listen to a lot of radio and its why I can spot a copy when I hear one! LOL!
With most of whats out there, the main objective is to sell as many "units" as possible. And its more about image and what happens to be flavor of the month than about the art itself. I think that is very sad.
Why don't you want a record deal (from a label)?
Because I already know what happens when you get "signed" I have already turned down "labels" because it is better to have a solid distribution deal and keep full control of your music, than to think you are going to be famous and rich just because somebody thinks they can bank off you. There is a big difference between having a distribution deal and a record label.
Why can't you find a singer?
I don't have the patience to sit here and baby sit anyone.
From True confessions of a perfectionist
