WHAT UP !
It's your boy R.T. here, and I thought I'd reach out to all of you readers with today's post. Are you an emcee or rap artist trying to succeed in the music business ? Do you produce hip hop music and market it to artists who need work ? Then you definitely have the hunger to be an entrepreneur in the hip hop game.
My question is, how hard is your grind ? What are you really doing to maximize your efforts and reap the benefits of some good ol' fashioned hard work ? How big has your brand become ? Are you doing tours, or placing instrumentals/songs in the movies, TV and video games ? Have you built a large network of music fans and business affiliates ?
If you think you grind hard and you got the resume to prove it, e-mail me your story and credentials and you could be featured in this blog. I'm looking for quality music as well as a admirable following of fans plus numerous plays/views on myspace and youtube.
Do you grind hard ? Hit me up with your music marketing story A.S.A.P. and get some extra promotion !
Rap music business - Marketing and Promoting the Future of Hip Hop
Friday, May 29, 2009
Billboard Top 3 Hip Hop Albums, What's Up DefJam, WTF Pitbull ?
Top 3 R&B/Hip Hop Albums
1. "Relapse" - Eminem - Shady/Aftermath/Interscope
2. "Back On My B.S." - Busta Rhymes - Universal/Motown
3. "Black Out 2" - Method Man and Redman - DefJam
Who is really surprised that "Relapse" is number one ? *Doesn't see any hands raised, moving on* "Back On My Bull Shit" is holding down the second slot for Busta Rhymes, while Red and Meth's "Black Out 2" is currently ranking third.
Universal Music Group (UMG), even during the so-called uncertain economic wave, is doing well enough to spend big money from the budget for marketing and promoting the top 2 albums really well.
My question is, how much is DefJam really investing to support the sequel to one of the most successful hit/award winning albums in their catalog ? Suspicions and rumours dictate that DefJam has fallen off, despite their incredibly talented roster of artists. I'm not so sure about that, but I wouldn't rule it out either.
What's up Def Jam ?
Is DefJam feeling the economic crunch, or are they just losing faith in their veteran (pushing legendary) hip hop artists ? Who knows, it's all speculation really...but speculation makes for good publicity. There only reason I make mention of the possible lack of support by DefJam, is because I actually read the Nielson Sound Scan numbers for these top 3 album sales.
Eminem's first week of sales went well (to say the least) selling 609,000 copies. While Red and Meth sold approximately 60,000 units, which is kind of dissapointing to see. Both albums leaked a week before release, and still one is doing extremely better in sales, although both were highly anticipated by fan followings.
Despite receiving glowing reviews and great fan support, the album is experiencing weak sales, however I'm sure these two will make a killing selling merchandise and touring around the world. Plus How High 2 (the sequel to their successful cult comedy) is due to be released but has been delayed due to undisclosed reasons. More rumours swirling around that one, but I will leave that one alone.
Don't fuck with Pitbull
Finally, I just have to say, it's hilarious when you find a situation that rap artist Pitbull has gotten himself into. If you've seen the video, you'll understand what I mean. Pitbull is apparently defending himself against charges for assault on a "fan" at one of his performances. The video shows a fan reaching out and latching onto the artist, who then proceeds to pull him onto the stage for some shine.
The "fan" (who couldnt have been much of one) then slapped Pitbull in the face with a bill of money. The artist then struct the disrespectful man in the face without missing a beat and continuing on with the performance. You should never assault your fans, but a real fan would not disrespect a performer infront of his audience during the show. If you ask me the man got what he "paid for". Pitbull gets a 1+ respect in my book, plus he's killing it on the radio and in the club with his latest joint.
1. "Relapse" - Eminem - Shady/Aftermath/Interscope
2. "Back On My B.S." - Busta Rhymes - Universal/Motown
3. "Black Out 2" - Method Man and Redman - DefJam
Who is really surprised that "Relapse" is number one ? *Doesn't see any hands raised, moving on* "Back On My Bull Shit" is holding down the second slot for Busta Rhymes, while Red and Meth's "Black Out 2" is currently ranking third.
Universal Music Group (UMG), even during the so-called uncertain economic wave, is doing well enough to spend big money from the budget for marketing and promoting the top 2 albums really well.
My question is, how much is DefJam really investing to support the sequel to one of the most successful hit/award winning albums in their catalog ? Suspicions and rumours dictate that DefJam has fallen off, despite their incredibly talented roster of artists. I'm not so sure about that, but I wouldn't rule it out either.
What's up Def Jam ?
Is DefJam feeling the economic crunch, or are they just losing faith in their veteran (pushing legendary) hip hop artists ? Who knows, it's all speculation really...but speculation makes for good publicity. There only reason I make mention of the possible lack of support by DefJam, is because I actually read the Nielson Sound Scan numbers for these top 3 album sales.
Eminem's first week of sales went well (to say the least) selling 609,000 copies. While Red and Meth sold approximately 60,000 units, which is kind of dissapointing to see. Both albums leaked a week before release, and still one is doing extremely better in sales, although both were highly anticipated by fan followings.
Despite receiving glowing reviews and great fan support, the album is experiencing weak sales, however I'm sure these two will make a killing selling merchandise and touring around the world. Plus How High 2 (the sequel to their successful cult comedy) is due to be released but has been delayed due to undisclosed reasons. More rumours swirling around that one, but I will leave that one alone.
Don't fuck with Pitbull
Finally, I just have to say, it's hilarious when you find a situation that rap artist Pitbull has gotten himself into. If you've seen the video, you'll understand what I mean. Pitbull is apparently defending himself against charges for assault on a "fan" at one of his performances. The video shows a fan reaching out and latching onto the artist, who then proceeds to pull him onto the stage for some shine.
The "fan" (who couldnt have been much of one) then slapped Pitbull in the face with a bill of money. The artist then struct the disrespectful man in the face without missing a beat and continuing on with the performance. You should never assault your fans, but a real fan would not disrespect a performer infront of his audience during the show. If you ask me the man got what he "paid for". Pitbull gets a 1+ respect in my book, plus he's killing it on the radio and in the club with his latest joint.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Big Week for Hip Hop On The Billboard
HIP HOP AIN'T GOING ANY WHERE !
At least that's what I yell at anyone who questions hip hop's future, or rap music's successful status in the music industry. You can't argue with the stats when they come out, so here it is, this week's top 10 on the Billboard hot 100 charts...
1. Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow" *
2. Lady GaGa - "Poker Face" (yes, still !)
3. Jamie Foxx featuring T Pain - "Blame It" *
4. Pitbull - "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" *
5. Kid Cudi - "Day N Nite" *
6. Beyonce - "Halo" *
7. 3OH!3 - "Don't Trust Me" ~
8. Flo Rida featuring Wynter - "Sugar" *
9. Jeremih - "Birthday Sex" *
10. Soulja Boy Tell em featuring Sammie - "Kiss Me Thru The Phone" *
The *'s mark the 8/10 songs on the top 10 that I think are hip hop/urban music. That's a pro dominant 80% of hip hop presence in the top 10 ! What I also got from this was learning of a new music duo from Colorado.
I had to look up the 7th listing, "Don't Trust Me" by 3OH!3 on YouTube just to hear the track for the first time. It wasn't half bad actually it was pretty f'in hilarious when I watched some of the video while listening to the song. Check it out for your self and let me know what you think. I thought it was decent enough.
Anyway the whole point of this rant is hip hop continues to run shit in the main stream music sector. It's the most competitive genre during these times in my opinion, due to the fact that hip hop culture is fun and right now during rough times everyone can use some fun. Music is fun that's why there are so many hip hop/rap artists today as the number continues to sky rocket (believe me, I've dug deep into the depths of the million of hip hop producers and rap artist's MySpace pages).
Everybody wants to rap, live breath and love hip hop, it's a fun culture. It is a permanent fixture of entertainment, in our movies, TV shows, mags and video games. Plus if you are talented or even an entertaining artist that can be related to by millions, you can build a profitable music business.
That's the beauty of the hip hop world, I think, it promotes self improvement, success and good quality of life. At least that is the impression that I get when I look at a Billboard top 10 that is pro dominantly 80% HIP HOP MUSIC ! We aint going anywhere baby, HIP HOP WE IN HERE !
At least that's what I yell at anyone who questions hip hop's future, or rap music's successful status in the music industry. You can't argue with the stats when they come out, so here it is, this week's top 10 on the Billboard hot 100 charts...
1. Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow" *
2. Lady GaGa - "Poker Face" (yes, still !)
3. Jamie Foxx featuring T Pain - "Blame It" *
4. Pitbull - "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" *
5. Kid Cudi - "Day N Nite" *
6. Beyonce - "Halo" *
7. 3OH!3 - "Don't Trust Me" ~
8. Flo Rida featuring Wynter - "Sugar" *
9. Jeremih - "Birthday Sex" *
10. Soulja Boy Tell em featuring Sammie - "Kiss Me Thru The Phone" *
The *'s mark the 8/10 songs on the top 10 that I think are hip hop/urban music. That's a pro dominant 80% of hip hop presence in the top 10 ! What I also got from this was learning of a new music duo from Colorado.
I had to look up the 7th listing, "Don't Trust Me" by 3OH!3 on YouTube just to hear the track for the first time. It wasn't half bad actually it was pretty f'in hilarious when I watched some of the video while listening to the song. Check it out for your self and let me know what you think. I thought it was decent enough.
Anyway the whole point of this rant is hip hop continues to run shit in the main stream music sector. It's the most competitive genre during these times in my opinion, due to the fact that hip hop culture is fun and right now during rough times everyone can use some fun. Music is fun that's why there are so many hip hop/rap artists today as the number continues to sky rocket (believe me, I've dug deep into the depths of the million of hip hop producers and rap artist's MySpace pages).
Everybody wants to rap, live breath and love hip hop, it's a fun culture. It is a permanent fixture of entertainment, in our movies, TV shows, mags and video games. Plus if you are talented or even an entertaining artist that can be related to by millions, you can build a profitable music business.
That's the beauty of the hip hop world, I think, it promotes self improvement, success and good quality of life. At least that is the impression that I get when I look at a Billboard top 10 that is pro dominantly 80% HIP HOP MUSIC ! We aint going anywhere baby, HIP HOP WE IN HERE !
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Great Sales Tips Apply To Music Marketing
Trying to make a living from creating, performing and selling your music ? Here is an excellent post that I found online which gives excellent tips for increasing sales. The key is to think like a customer, and not like a sales person !
This should give you a good idea of what it takes to satisfy customers without the same old stale sales person approach. These tips are helpful for any musician, group, manager, agent, promoter or publisher but especially for independent rap artists who are trying to make an impact in the music industry.
Learning how to connect and deal with people is not only good for your business, but it is good for your personal growth and development which is ultimately great for your music !
Friday, May 22, 2009
Rap Albums of The Year, Regardless of Sales or Success (IMO)
Whats good ya'll ? I thought this week I would break out of my usual tone of writing and just come with a fresh drop of some instinct. I'm going to briefly talk about two albums that I have been bumping ever since they came out (actually a little bit earlier because I couldn't wait lol).
The first album, I want to talk about is "Relapse" by Eminem which leaked online about a week before it's actual release date on May 19th. I downloaded it before I bought it because I knew it was going to be dope, I couldn't wait to hear what the man had to say or the musical and lyrical way that he says it. I was right, it was and it is a dope album.
"Fuck what any one says", I thought. The album has that eerily sound of the ol' Slim Shady ! That's the sikk Eminem I love to bump time and time again and this album is no different, it's going to be one of his big records and go on to be very successful. Since then I've read what the hip hop heads are saying on the forums and they all had good things to say (minus a few lames who didn't make a strong case, but F'em).
The long awaited studio album "Relapse" boasts some awesome production work by the man him self Dr. Dre who didn't, does not and probably will never disappoint. The album also contains a few hilarious skits featuring Steve Berman, Em's manager Paul Rosenberg, Dr. Dre himself, and actor Dominic West, plus Em's character Ken Kaniff also makes an appearance. All in all the album is raw, gritty and just str8 perscription meds for all hip hop heads.
Singles include: Crack A Bottle, 3 A.M. and We Made You.
Favorite tracks on the album: My Mom, Hello, Medicine, Deja Vu, Old Time Sake feat. Dr.Dre and Underground/Ken Kaniff
The second album that (I think) should be album of the year is BlackOut 2 by legendary hip hop artists Methodman and Redman. BO2 is definitely one of my favorite albums of the year, I'm straight up saying this album could possibly go on to win a Grammy award for best rap album in 2009 (IF Eminem doesn't snatch it.).
A decade after the success of the Grammy Award winning album "Blackout", hip hop's favorite blunt smokin' duo are still at it, and sikker then ever (imo). The album features many talented producers such as Rockwilder, Pete Rock, Erick Sermon and Havoc (of Mobb Deep).
Singles include: Ayo featuring Saukrates, Mrs. International featuring Erick Sermon,
Favorite tracks on the album: Ayo (Saukrates on the hook!), City Lights feat. Bun B, Four Minutes to Lock Down feat. Raekown and Ghostface Killa.... hell i'ma be honest I bumped the CD front to back when I first got it, and I love the whole album, my word.
Unless Detox finally drops this year (I'm playing Dre, I know it's coming), or BluePrint 3 steals the spotlight, I'm putting my chips down on either BlackOut 2 or Relapse to take Rap Album of the Year at the Grammy's for '09. Yea, it's still ridiculously early to make such a call....but I'm still placing the bet. Anybody care to disagree ? I'm open to and encourage healthy discussions on the matter.
The first album, I want to talk about is "Relapse" by Eminem which leaked online about a week before it's actual release date on May 19th. I downloaded it before I bought it because I knew it was going to be dope, I couldn't wait to hear what the man had to say or the musical and lyrical way that he says it. I was right, it was and it is a dope album.
"Fuck what any one says", I thought. The album has that eerily sound of the ol' Slim Shady ! That's the sikk Eminem I love to bump time and time again and this album is no different, it's going to be one of his big records and go on to be very successful. Since then I've read what the hip hop heads are saying on the forums and they all had good things to say (minus a few lames who didn't make a strong case, but F'em).
The long awaited studio album "Relapse" boasts some awesome production work by the man him self Dr. Dre who didn't, does not and probably will never disappoint. The album also contains a few hilarious skits featuring Steve Berman, Em's manager Paul Rosenberg, Dr. Dre himself, and actor Dominic West, plus Em's character Ken Kaniff also makes an appearance. All in all the album is raw, gritty and just str8 perscription meds for all hip hop heads.
Singles include: Crack A Bottle, 3 A.M. and We Made You.
Favorite tracks on the album: My Mom, Hello, Medicine, Deja Vu, Old Time Sake feat. Dr.Dre and Underground/Ken Kaniff
The second album that (I think) should be album of the year is BlackOut 2 by legendary hip hop artists Methodman and Redman. BO2 is definitely one of my favorite albums of the year, I'm straight up saying this album could possibly go on to win a Grammy award for best rap album in 2009 (IF Eminem doesn't snatch it.).
A decade after the success of the Grammy Award winning album "Blackout", hip hop's favorite blunt smokin' duo are still at it, and sikker then ever (imo). The album features many talented producers such as Rockwilder, Pete Rock, Erick Sermon and Havoc (of Mobb Deep).
Singles include: Ayo featuring Saukrates, Mrs. International featuring Erick Sermon,
Favorite tracks on the album: Ayo (Saukrates on the hook!), City Lights feat. Bun B, Four Minutes to Lock Down feat. Raekown and Ghostface Killa.... hell i'ma be honest I bumped the CD front to back when I first got it, and I love the whole album, my word.
Unless Detox finally drops this year (I'm playing Dre, I know it's coming), or BluePrint 3 steals the spotlight, I'm putting my chips down on either BlackOut 2 or Relapse to take Rap Album of the Year at the Grammy's for '09. Yea, it's still ridiculously early to make such a call....but I'm still placing the bet. Anybody care to disagree ? I'm open to and encourage healthy discussions on the matter.
Labels:
dr.dre,
Eminem,
Erick Sermon,
Havoc,
Methodman,
Pete Rock,
Redman,
Rockwilder,
Saukrates
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Free Music Strategy - Increases Credibility and Profit
The days of physical record sales are dead, done, finito. Selling an album or record is, by today's technological standards, a suckers bet. Congratulations ! If you just digested that little bit of factual information, you are ready to succeed in the music business as a hip hop entrepreneur.
What Up ! RTiculate here and in this post I'm going to explain why any music marketing strategy should include giving away your music for FREE (yes, I said FREE!). Now, I know exactly what you're thinking, "I made my music, so I should earn money from my work". Yes, you are right and I know how it feels to swallow this pill. However, FREE MUSIC is an integral part of your music marketing strategy in order for you to achieve a level of success from which you actually will profit.
Every hip hop entrepreneur needs to work with the idea of offering free music downloads. Mix tapes are primarily a means of keeping rap artists relevant between their album releases. Wait, hold up R.Tic, I thought you just said that banking on album sales are a "suckers bet". Ah ha ! They are, however not creating and marketing an album is like not betting at all. Basically, you can't win if you don't bet - without risk there is little or no reward.
Your best bet as a hip hop artist is to leverage the advantages of promoting free music downloads and using the scenario for an effective marketing campaign. Lets say you are finishing up recording for your album before post production begins. There should be a surplus of tracks that did not make the cut for the album. Those songs can be used for promotion (assuming you own the rights to your own master recordings).
As a hip hop artist/entrepreneur, this will help you attract new potential fans, giving them the chance to download your music for free will make it more likely for them to support your future tracks and music projects. This is an excellent way to build credibility for your artist brand, as well as increase your chance at profiting from your music.
By building a music marketing strategy that includes giving away free music to existing and potential fans, you set your self up for greater chances of success in the rap music business. Peep the strategies used by some of your favorite rap artists, whether signed to a major or running an independent label. The free music strategy is becoming one of the most integral methods of attracting and retaining music fans to an artist brand.
Keep your head up and your eyes, ears and mind open. Good luck fellow hip hop innovators !
What Up ! RTiculate here and in this post I'm going to explain why any music marketing strategy should include giving away your music for FREE (yes, I said FREE!). Now, I know exactly what you're thinking, "I made my music, so I should earn money from my work". Yes, you are right and I know how it feels to swallow this pill. However, FREE MUSIC is an integral part of your music marketing strategy in order for you to achieve a level of success from which you actually will profit.
Every hip hop entrepreneur needs to work with the idea of offering free music downloads. Mix tapes are primarily a means of keeping rap artists relevant between their album releases. Wait, hold up R.Tic, I thought you just said that banking on album sales are a "suckers bet". Ah ha ! They are, however not creating and marketing an album is like not betting at all. Basically, you can't win if you don't bet - without risk there is little or no reward.
Your best bet as a hip hop artist is to leverage the advantages of promoting free music downloads and using the scenario for an effective marketing campaign. Lets say you are finishing up recording for your album before post production begins. There should be a surplus of tracks that did not make the cut for the album. Those songs can be used for promotion (assuming you own the rights to your own master recordings).
As a hip hop artist/entrepreneur, this will help you attract new potential fans, giving them the chance to download your music for free will make it more likely for them to support your future tracks and music projects. This is an excellent way to build credibility for your artist brand, as well as increase your chance at profiting from your music.
By building a music marketing strategy that includes giving away free music to existing and potential fans, you set your self up for greater chances of success in the rap music business. Peep the strategies used by some of your favorite rap artists, whether signed to a major or running an independent label. The free music strategy is becoming one of the most integral methods of attracting and retaining music fans to an artist brand.
Keep your head up and your eyes, ears and mind open. Good luck fellow hip hop innovators !
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Fans are Key to Music Business Success
Music fans are the key to success in the music business, period. (...and you can't afford to ever forget that !)
As a rap recording artist or hip hop producer, your main goal should always be to focus on your music fans, because they are detrimental to your success in the music industry. Music fans are not just music consumers (customers), they can also be utilized as connections, helpful hands to have around. Music fans are the building blocks for your promotional and marketing campaigns.
What do your fans want ? As the artist, how can YOU give it to them ? How do you connect with your fans on a comfortable level, while still giving them inside access to your music and persona ? These are just a few of the reoccurring questions that will always be relevant, no matter what type of music business that you run.
Lets ponder this for a little bit, shall we?... Fans want exclusive all access passes to anything and everything you will grant them. That is what makes lasting impressions and even long term connections with people who are genuinely enthused and passionate about your music. They want to believe in you, but you got to give them the goods to persuade them.
Some fans will even go the extra mile to help their favorite independent artists launch their career into the next stratosphere of success.
HOW MUSIC FANS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
1. Do you have a fan club, or similar type of group organization for your fans to connect with you and with each other ? If you already do, then thats great - you are ahead of the pack. If you do not, then start taking advantage and stop wasting precious time. Keep your fans active as well as actively pursuing your music.
2. Do you have fans participating in street teams, blogging and marketing campaigns ? Fans love to blog about the news and gossip revolving around their favorite recording artists. Street teams are always leading new people towards their music trends and a good marketing strategy will get fans actively involved in spreading your marketing/music message. This is an excellent way to get more marketing done ! Your fans are connected to many many people who are new listeners and potential fans in the making.
3. In unusual cases, somes fans even donate money for upcoming projects, sponsored events or sometimes a new venture. This may seem like a stretch but believe me when I say it has happend before, will continue to happen and is actually very helpful to an independent artist or producer who is just getting their wings and learning how to fly with the big boys.
How many of you have made real good ocnnections with your fans ? Have they ever converted from a fan to a investor or business partner ? Feel free to share any experiences you may have had in this regard.
Also, I've been working on that "digital music debate" post, I will keep you guys updated and let you know before I post it. I'm glad to see some new followers, hope you like what you're reading and big ups for staying connected. Much love.
As a rap recording artist or hip hop producer, your main goal should always be to focus on your music fans, because they are detrimental to your success in the music industry. Music fans are not just music consumers (customers), they can also be utilized as connections, helpful hands to have around. Music fans are the building blocks for your promotional and marketing campaigns.
What do your fans want ? As the artist, how can YOU give it to them ? How do you connect with your fans on a comfortable level, while still giving them inside access to your music and persona ? These are just a few of the reoccurring questions that will always be relevant, no matter what type of music business that you run.
Lets ponder this for a little bit, shall we?... Fans want exclusive all access passes to anything and everything you will grant them. That is what makes lasting impressions and even long term connections with people who are genuinely enthused and passionate about your music. They want to believe in you, but you got to give them the goods to persuade them.
Some fans will even go the extra mile to help their favorite independent artists launch their career into the next stratosphere of success.
HOW MUSIC FANS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
- Active fan organizations
- Active fan participation
- Fan funding and financial support
1. Do you have a fan club, or similar type of group organization for your fans to connect with you and with each other ? If you already do, then thats great - you are ahead of the pack. If you do not, then start taking advantage and stop wasting precious time. Keep your fans active as well as actively pursuing your music.
2. Do you have fans participating in street teams, blogging and marketing campaigns ? Fans love to blog about the news and gossip revolving around their favorite recording artists. Street teams are always leading new people towards their music trends and a good marketing strategy will get fans actively involved in spreading your marketing/music message. This is an excellent way to get more marketing done ! Your fans are connected to many many people who are new listeners and potential fans in the making.
3. In unusual cases, somes fans even donate money for upcoming projects, sponsored events or sometimes a new venture. This may seem like a stretch but believe me when I say it has happend before, will continue to happen and is actually very helpful to an independent artist or producer who is just getting their wings and learning how to fly with the big boys.
How many of you have made real good ocnnections with your fans ? Have they ever converted from a fan to a investor or business partner ? Feel free to share any experiences you may have had in this regard.
Also, I've been working on that "digital music debate" post, I will keep you guys updated and let you know before I post it. I'm glad to see some new followers, hope you like what you're reading and big ups for staying connected. Much love.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Rap Music Leaks of the Week
This posts includes a list of leak victims from the past week or so.
"The Voice", new album from southern rapper Mike Jones leaked online on April 22nd, then it officially released on April 28th. Hip hop (sick) artist Tech N9ne's anticipated album "Sickology 101" hit the web on the 22nd of April as well. The album was also released on the 28th.
"Fantasy Ride" is the new album from sexy R&B sensation Ciara, which officially hit the streets and shelves at record stores on May 5th. It leaked almost 2 weeks early after hitting the world wide web on April 23rd.
I make mention of these leaks because I have begun to notice a trend of leaks occurring earlier and earlier. As we have become a more tech savvy society, even moderately skilled computer users are learning how to find music from an album before it's even released. That's incredible !
After 10 years of ripping and burning new music and creating unique mixes, music fans are even taking control of the supply-and-demand principle. Leaks used to happen the night (or 2/3 days) before an actual release date for an album. Some albums have been leaking 2 to 3 weeks in advanced, sometimes even a month before which is unheard of. Could it just be that there is no coincidence, people who steal the music from an album before it's release will do so whenever they can ?
What do you think ? How often do you search for the torrent of an album and download it before it's even hit the street ? I rip music all the time, actively sharing my favorite songs with friends and peers. I understand the ethical argument, so stay tuned for one of my next posts which will go in depth on the great debate of digital media: downloading.
"The Voice", new album from southern rapper Mike Jones leaked online on April 22nd, then it officially released on April 28th. Hip hop (sick) artist Tech N9ne's anticipated album "Sickology 101" hit the web on the 22nd of April as well. The album was also released on the 28th.
"Fantasy Ride" is the new album from sexy R&B sensation Ciara, which officially hit the streets and shelves at record stores on May 5th. It leaked almost 2 weeks early after hitting the world wide web on April 23rd.
I make mention of these leaks because I have begun to notice a trend of leaks occurring earlier and earlier. As we have become a more tech savvy society, even moderately skilled computer users are learning how to find music from an album before it's even released. That's incredible !
After 10 years of ripping and burning new music and creating unique mixes, music fans are even taking control of the supply-and-demand principle. Leaks used to happen the night (or 2/3 days) before an actual release date for an album. Some albums have been leaking 2 to 3 weeks in advanced, sometimes even a month before which is unheard of. Could it just be that there is no coincidence, people who steal the music from an album before it's release will do so whenever they can ?
What do you think ? How often do you search for the torrent of an album and download it before it's even hit the street ? I rip music all the time, actively sharing my favorite songs with friends and peers. I understand the ethical argument, so stay tuned for one of my next posts which will go in depth on the great debate of digital media: downloading.
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