Rap Music Business - Checklist For Success

I got to thinking the other day, rappers sometimes need to be refreshed on the formula for a successful career in the music business. This post is for all those independent hip hop artists out there who need a little direction. Here is a checklist of the necessary elements to gain music fans and earn an income from your wild adventures in rap music.

My Checklist For Success

1. Great Music

That's right, numero uno, the number 1 key factor in a successful music business enterprise is GREAT MUSIC. Think of Dre, Snoop and Pac among others at Death Row Records, to the Notorious B.I.G. at Bad Boy Entertainment. These labels could not have possibly reached iconic status without adhering to this first priority, great music. Without having music that people will feel, relate to and believe in, all the other items on this checklist become irrelevant.

2. Creative Strategy (Business)

As the creator of your own music you may have never expected to also assume the business responsibilities of your career. The most effective artists know how to market their music because they do not need other people to connect them to their fans.

This is achieved independently through the use of creative direct-to-fan marketing tactics. These strategies have worked for so many indie rap artists who get their tracks placed in movies, games and on TV shows due to popular demand from the buzz they have built around their music. Think out side of the box, come up with innovative ways to connect directly to your fans. It is the only real way to profit from your music business.

3. Patience and Consistent Effort

It's all about your attitude. Always maintain a positive outlook on your projects and ventures. With that said, it is also important to be realistic, no one is optimistic 100% of the time. It is perfectly natural to catch a bad vibe or doubt your self, just detach from these thoughts as they hold no weight of truth. Believe in your self and your music, the passion will be visibly admired and respected.

Keep your efforts and energy focused on being creatively productive. Be patient, good things will come if you let yourself become aware of opportunities.

4. Money To Invest

OK sure, it definitely helps to have money. Clearly some so-called "artists" only have money and disregard the most important element, great music. However, on the flip side if you have great music, it should be easy to find opportunities to make money.

Money isn't everything, but it will solve a lot of your initial problems to have some start up cash. Remember it's all about red and black ink, and if you spend money to make money, you better be sure it's enough to stay out of the red !

If you are in the valuable position of successfully having all four of these elements achieved, then you are already laughing. Chances are if you are like me, you did not start with all 4 of these elements, it has taken you time to establish your self as an entrepreneur in the rap music business.

Send Me Your Music, Mixtapes For A FREE REVIEW !

What up !

It's your boy RTiculate here, calling all rappers. I've decided to reach out to all of you indie hip hop artists out there who are hard on your mix tape grind. Send me your mix tapes, singles or samples of your work and I will personally write up a short review from which you can take quotes for your press clippings and promotion.

If I really think your music is great, I will make a short post about you on this blog. I want to help you reach a wider audience with your music, so send your material to rapmusicbusiness@gmail.com

Please include the following:

Artist/Group Name:
Location:
E-mail Address:
Mix tape/Track Title(s):
Link to your music page:
Additional Comments:

Another Rapper Goes Indie, Hell Rell Starts His Own Record Label

It seems to be the current trend. Start your own label, put out your own records. At this point it is almost cliche, but still it is remarkable how many hip hop artists have caught on, starting with their own label only seeking distribution from a major, and not the traditional royalty-screw job.

The newest rapper to acquire a taste for the "indie" is Hell Rell, a former member of the New York based group the Diplomats, which has long since disbanded. Hell Rell has now created his own imprint, Money Maker Entertainment.

Major label EMI Recordings will distribute "Live From Hell" the up coming solo album from Hell Rell, which will be released on October 6th, according to the rapper's own words straight from his Twitter page. Hell Rell is currently in music marketing mode, as the rap artist has begun a series of web episodes featuring him self inside the studio working on tracks.

It is going to take much more however, for this artist to make a successful campaign. Creative thinking and innovative marketing strategies are needed, however the most important necessity for the rapper is great music if he aims for a spot anywhere near the top 10. What else do you think Hell Rell could do to get more exposure and draw more of a following ?

Fat Joe Offers New Line of Affordable Sneaks

Rap artist Fat Joe is effectively "giving back" to the young people in hip hop culture. The rapper has decided to launch a new line of kicks, The Protege "They Sick" which are now available through K-Mart and Sears store chains.

Fat Joe, real name Joseph Cartagena, says that kids these days simply cannot afford to spend such high prices for top of the line sneakers anymore, especially during such "rough" economic times. The rapper had stated that these shoes are designed with the consumers in mind.

This is an excellent example of the "artist-entrepreneur" going out side of the rap music business, creating new ventures in an attempt to create new revenue streams for that artist. Personally, I'm feeling how Fat Joe is approaching this new endeavour. The rapper is focused on his realistic market. Think about it, with superstar rappers (i.e. 50 Cent, Kanye West, etc.) launching top of the line designer shoes for outrageously expensive prices, Fat Joe is focused on the majority of people who are willing to pay affordable prices for good quality shoes.

It all comes at a great time for Fat Joe, only a few months before the release of his ninth studio album, J.O.S.E. 2 (Jealous Ones Still Envy Pt.2). This new venture makes perfect sense for the artist, who is an avid shoe collector himself. It goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway - stick to your passions people !

Organization, Your Secret Weapon In Music Business

Professionals all around the world lead busy and interesting lives. Sometimes it is hard for us, as human beings to accomplish all the goals we have set for our selves. Keeping up with your priority tasks, meetings, interviews, and scheduled events can quickly become difficult and overwhelming. Especially while maintaining a balanced lifestyle with your family, friends and other social circles. How can you keep your business and personal affairs properly in check so as to stay in control of your time ?

It's simple really, stay systematically organized according to your own values. I know, it sounds easier to say then to do but I assure you, by developing a routine that is best for you personally, you will have set your self up to always be well organized, prepared and thus successful in all of your endeavours.

ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE

What are your values ? To formulate your vision, is to determine your core values - the purpose - behind every action that you take in order to get to where you are effectively trying to go, in life and career-wise. Essentially your core values will be the philosophy of how you operate your business.

For example, this blog resembles some of my very own values, which are to help educate and inspire hip hop artists to build their own successful enterprise in the rap music business. I love hip hop and I am fascinated with the mechanics of owning and operating a business. It's only natural that I combined the two in order to service the next generation of like-minded independent rap artists.

Figure out what motivates you. Is it money and success that drives you, or are you working towards building a legacy that is measured differently ? Whatever they are, focus on the values that you are inspired by and passionate about.

ORGANIZING YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS

If you're an experienced rap entrepreneur, then I do not have to tell you about the crazy amount of paper work that is involved in running a music business. Building an effective organizational system will keep you ahead of creating, filing and tracking of all your license forms and receipts.

TIPS FOR STAYING ORGANIZED

- Filing System: I personally have a filing system, complete with file folders for all important information, such as; an "IN" folder for all incoming tasks, an "OUT" folder for the tasks I complete, a folder for my bills, payments and receipts, contacts as well as special information regarding each person, etc..

- A White Board: I also use a white board to keep all of my priorities listed so that I can stay focused until each item on the list has been completed.

- Schedule/Agenda/Calendar: A program such as Google Calendars works great, although some people prefer to go old school using a daily planner/agenda on their person so as to jot down notes, ideas and appointments easily. This is a page right out of the book of Da Vinci, whom always kept a book of pages and a pen handy for all of his thoughts and observations.

Organization is key to success in life, and especially in the music business. Part of staying productive is to be prepared for any challenges that may occur at any and every turn. An organized structure, or "method to your own madness" is important for staying focused on the goals that you have laid out for yourself.

How do you stay organized, what kind of system do you use to handle your daily business routines ? Share your methods and experiences.

Death Row Records, Producing Music To Making Movies

The iconic rap record label Death Row Records continues to expand it's enterprise after it's recent acquisition by WIDEawake Entertainment. The label is now heading up a new division for film production, Death Row Films. The first film to be released by the label is entitled "Sons 2 The Grave", which will be shot entirely in the city of Toronto, where WIDEawake Entertainment is operated.

Death Row as a record label, is said to be holding thousands of unreleased master recordings by all of the original legendary artists such as Tupac Shakur, Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr.Dre among many others before the label was finally purchased at the start of this year. With already so much infamous history behind this company, the group begins another new chapter in it's music business enterprise.

The record company is reportedly planning to release music box sets for the millions of fans who still listen to the music by these artists. Dr.Dre's classic debut album "The Chronic" is to be re-released with extra features to entice the public interest in re-investing in old favorites. This is a very intelligent music business strategy by WIDEawake, using the popularity of these artists and their music to increase revenues exploiting the hits they already have while trying to turn unreleased material into new hits for the same market of customers.

By developing a film division the music group now has a new outlet for licensing their artist's music in all the movies that they will produce. This includes licensing previously unreleased songs for new movie soundtracks. Now the entertainment company achieves it's goal of generating income from the music, while developing a new avenue for music fans who are sure to be thrown lots of extra bonus materials for their money. How successful do you think this new business venture will turn out ?

Year of The Independent Rap Artists; Memphis Bleek, Joe Budden, Saigon

It used to be all about the record deal, getting that major label support to properly promote and market your hot rap music to the masses. Hip hop on the other hand embodies the independent values of Do-It-Yourself ethics, much in the same way punk rock made such an impact in the United States during the 1980's. Rap music business is the hustle, it has always been synonymous with one's own self-reliant struggle for success.

This strive for independence is more prevalent now more than ever in hip hop music, especially considering how many independent hip hop labels have shaped future of the music industry. Let's take a look at some of the rap artists currently taking the independent route to music business prosperity.

Memphis Bleek, formerly of Roc-A-Fella Records, is dropping a new album, "The Process" which is the rappers 5th studio release. The album, executive produced by Jay-Z (Bleek's long time label-mate and friend) will have feature the outstanding production of Just Blaze and No I.D. as well as appearances by other notable producers and artists such as Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, and Rick Ross. "The Process" will be distributed collectively by Get Low Records, Bleek's indie label and Mass Appeal Entertainment and should be released sometime in the month of November.

Joe Budden is currently riding the wave of the Slaughter House album as well as his solo EP. That's obviously not enough for the rap artist, who has announced that he is ready to release a new studio album through his online label Amalgam Digital. E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records) will provide distribution services for the record which could be released in October. Joe is getting LOADS of publicity right now, all this momentum is clearly being used to his advantage. Buddens is touring with the international hip hop festival Rock The Bells along side his Slaughter House counter parts. It is clear that the independence Joe Budden has as an artist is working well for him.

Also ready to drop an album is rapper Saigon, who is also signed to online label Amalgam Digital and distributed by E1 Music. "Warning Shots 2" is set to be released sometime in late September. "Warning Shots" was released by Saigon through the indie label after his departure from Atlantic Records, where he never actually released a record.

Rap artists have done a great job of stepping up as the creative entrepreneurs of the music business. Independent artists and labels continue to carve out profitable niche markets for their music to successfully reach millions of people world wide. Can you think of any other labels or artists who have experienced a great deal of success independently ? There are many that can be named, what are some of your favorites ?

Bow Wow Signs With Cash Money, Breaks News Through Twitter

Bow Wow recently announced that he has signed a new record deal with Cash Money, joining the likes of LiL Wayne and the Young Money Entertainment camp, which features newest hip hop golden boy Drake, female emcee Nicki Minaj as well as many other young music talents. The young star continues to put himself out, marketing through many means, from his short-lived "beef" with Soulja Boy Tell Em, to his many roles on TV and in film, this young entrepreneur obviously knows enough to have survived this long in the entertainment business this long.

Bow Wow, still fresh at 22, has most recently made several appearances playing the role of "Charlie", the character of a young comedtic tv writer/actor on the HBO hit show Entourage. His role lasted a noticeable number of episodes, spanning through 2 seasons before his character inevitably was written out of the show. The young and talented rap artist/actor is positive he's making the right decision, to sign with a label that is absolutely hot in the music industry right now, boasting an impressive roster of upcoming rap music stars on top of the obvious LiL Wayne co-sign.

The rap artist/actor broke the news to fans about signing his new deal through his Twitter page. "BOW WOW SIGNS WITH CASH MONEY", he announced. It is interesting how many artists in the hip hop community are capitalizing on the social phenomenon of Twitter, posting updates and breaking news directly to their fans.

What do you think ? I've never been a big Bow Wow fan, but I can appreciate the man on an entrepreneurial level, and recognizing that he has a good eye/ear for whats hot right now. This is a great move for Bow Wow, but is it smart for Cash Money ? Pennies for your thoughts people, leave 'em !

Shady Records Drops Another Artist, Bobby Creekwater Ends Term With Label

Bobby Creekwater has officially been dropped as an artist from the Shady Records label. In an exclusive video interview that can be found on Allhiphop.com, the rap artist talks about his recent dismissal from the Shady Records family. The rapper declared his appreciation of Eminem's professionalism by showing him the courtesy of calling with an explanation as to the label's decision.

Explanation ? Is there really an explanation to be had ? The label says they are taking a different direction, but it is obvious that they are conserving all available resources for the next big Inter Scope releases. Aftermath is in the process of adding to the hype of the highly anticipated album "Detox", to (supposedly) be released by producer Dr.Dre last quarter 2009, although no one is jumping to put money on it. Still enjoying the success of Relapse, Eminem will be following up his latest hit with the sequel, "Releapse 2". Then of course the next G-unit/50 cent release, "Before I Self Destruct" is also on the way.

Bobby Creek never dropped a solo album under the label, only appearing on five tracks as a guest feature on "Eminem Presents the Re-Up" album, which should have probably just stayed an underground mix tape. The rapper also made appearances on other popular mix tapes, having been featured on a series released by the Alchemist, as well as dropping verses on the remixes of many successful Eminem singles.

Due to lack of support and funding however, the artist has left Shady Records to pursue his own music business, with his own imprint BGOV, Inc. which has Bobby Creek has released multiple ep's and mix tapes for his fans already. What do you think about Shady Records dropping all of there artists ?

First the label dropped Obie Trice, a Shady Records original signing, who released a platinum selling debut album "Cheers", then followed up with a moderately successful sequel "Second Rounds On Me". Stat Quo was also signed to Shady as well as Aftermath Entertainment, but was dropped before releasing his album, which many believed was going to be a great record for the Shady music catalog.

None the less, the label is down to just a few artists left on the roster, mainly Eminem and the remaining members of his long time group, D12. Could this be all that Shady Records can handle, or is there a possibility their "new direction" involves signing upcoming talent of the "star caliber" that the label is accustomed to managing ? Where do you think Shady Records is heading in the future ?

T-Shirt Albums Concept Catching On, Nielsen SoundScan Is Counting Sales

Soon after Mos Def's t-shirt-album marketing strategy was implemented, successful to some degree, the concept has begun to catch on. Originally it was unclear as to how exactly Mos' album "The Ecstatic" would be tabulated for record sales, as the shirt itself was the product - not the record. Also, Nielsen SoundScan had no intentions of calculating t-shirt sales as record royalties, but they warmed up to the idea shortly after.

The T-shirt, which featured the album art work, track listing and lyrics, included a digital pin code to download the music online after purchase. This is a creative way of delivering music to fans, while attempting to stop bootlegging of the music (which is usually a battle not worth fighting, but rather embracing). Now it seems more musicians artists and bands are starting to utilize this same strategy to provide more to their fans instead of the age old typical physical copy on CD.

Nielsen SoundScan has agreed to and is now counting these album T's for a list of artists spanning all different genres and labels. Digital Music News has reported that SoundScan has recently signed a deal with Music Tee's, LLC. Album T's will be counted as record sales only after the music has been accessed via the pin code and successfully downloaded to a users computer.

How innovative or effective, do you feel this music marketing strategy to be ? As music fans, do we think this is enough ? Or are we still looking for more ways to connect our favorite rap artists ? Leave your two cents and we'll discuss it.

Beats By Dre, Joint Venture With Hewlett Packard Laptops

A deal is currently in the works between mega-computer conglomerate Hewlett-Packard computers and Jimmy Iovine/Dr.Dre of Inter Scope Records. This deal will develop a music package for intention of helping to stimulate the creativity in the music making-listening demographics. Years locked in the studio has convinced Dr.Dre that the music fans simply aren't receiving the full high quality sound of the music on average ear bud head phones. "Hear what you've been missing" is the tag line for this product.

Further more, this package will includes HP laptop computers accompanied by Beats by Dre headphones which will be sold in a bundle to new customers through retail stores (such as Best Buy, Future Shop, etc.). The package will also provide users with some sort of music soft ware that will be used in conjunction with the headphones and laptop. This is a joint effort that aims to further develop the quality of digital music creation.

Everyone who is anyone in the music business knows about these headphone sets that were released by pioneering producer Dr.Dre earlier last year, January 6th, 2008. Countless rap superstars, producers, artists and even celebrity rap music fans such as basketball star Lebron James have all been spotted rocking these dope headphones. It is also worth mentioning that this product has been "placed" in numerous hit music videos by high profile rap artists as well as musicians outside of the hip hop genre. Executive Jimmy Iovine is said to being brokering the deal between the rap artist-producer and the corporate giant HP.

Check out more information on the Monster Beats By Dr.Dre headphones at the site Beatsbydre.com. What do you think about these headphones, have you copped a set yet? It's quite the price tag, but I hear there is a noticeable different in the sound quality when listening to the music, which after all, is what this is all about.

Rockin' The Bells, Slaughter House Drops, Joe Budden Gets Punched and The Hype Continues

Joe Budden was doing a whole lot of talking to hype up the new Slaughter House album, and it came back to punch him in the eye. Although, he's staying in the eye of hip hop media. Is it worth it ?

This "beef", whether manufactured or completely spontaneous is getting to be a bit ridiculous, so ridiculous that I almost have to believe this is manufactured hype - its almost scripted. I love a little lyrical or entertaining beef, but I hate a lot of bull shit. I'm sure most music fans would agree, this shit seems straight up scripted.

It all started with a list of names in hip hop, put out by VIBE magazine. One artist (Budden) had to broadcast his opinions online, until one name was targeted with his words specifically (Method Man). Since then this situation has just exploded. Peep my original post on this regarding Joe Budden and Method Man, and all the hype that was created surrounding these two artists, as well as all the artists that have followed, in one way or another becoming involved. It's just like one big ball or rap music marketing shit. But is it working ?

Joe Budden, who perhaps should have stayed focused on other effective marketing strategies, ended up getting punched in the face. This all happened, backstage, during the Rock The Bells International Hip Hop Festival where the artist was approached by rapper Raekwon accompanied by a group of friends. Some of the incident was even recorded by rap recording artist Mickey Factz during a live video broadcast online.

Due to the involvement of police and multiple artist entourages, this story has received a lot of attention and publicity for many of the rappers involved. It just so happens that Joe Budden is a member of the hip hop group Slaughter House, who just released their debut self-titled album today, August 11th. Is it really a coincidence that this incident, and all the hype that surrounds it, took place just days before this album dropped ? I don't think so. Joe Budden, having his name being constantly mentioned in blogs (such as this one) as well as hip hop news and forum sites.

Matter of fact, Raekwon him self has also received extra publicity from this situation, which all adds up for the rap artist who is set to release the follow up to his acclaimed album, "Only Built For Cuban Linx 2". A representative for Raekwon clarified that the rap artist had made no official statements regarding the incident, yet there is still much "shit talk" from both the Joe Budden and Raekwon camps.

One album just dropped (Slaughter House), one on the way (Only Built For Cuban Linx 2), this keeps these album releases fresh in the minds of fans who are paying attention to this fued How effective will this ultimately be ? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, if the music is great the artists will have succeeded in satisfying the fans.

Big Pun Documentary "The Legacy" Set To Be Released September 15th

Legendary rapper, Christopher "Big Punisher" Rios was a large artist who made an even larger impact on hip hop culture. Big Pun brought his Puerto Rican flavour to hip hop music, with his unique rhyming styles, and remarkable rap talent.

In 1998, his release of "Capital Punishment" made him the first Latino rapper to ever have a record go platinum. The album was also nominated for a Grammy Music Award for Rap Album of The Year (which was actually awarded to Jay-Z for the "Hard Knock Life Vol 2" album). After tearing up the Billboard Charts with a string of hip hop hits at the age of 26, Big Pun passed away tragically in 2000, at the young age of 28.

This documentary will include commentary from such iconic artists as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, DMX, Bone Thugs N Harmony, XZibit, Swizz Beats, and Raekwon, among many others. The tribute is directed by Vlad Yudin, "Big Pun: The Legacy" will officially be released on September 15th.

Personally, I cannot wait for this documentary. I have been a Big Pun fan since I first started to rock with hip hop and rap music. This documentary also features interviews with some of the biggest stars in hip hop, discussing their experiences with Big Pun and how he changed the rap music business. What do you think about this documentary, will it accurately live up to the large legacy left behind by Big Pun ?

Business Outside Of Rap Music, Drake To Create and Star In New Tv Sitcom

Drake is currently developing his own sitcom with Canadian tv production company Nightingale. "Us and Them" is the chronicling of two friends during their attempts to make it in the entertainment business. The small screen is a comfortable work environment for the rap artist, who already has deep roots acting in tv programs. He has acted before, playing a star role on the popular teen show "Degrassi".

This just goes to show, that successful rap artists are looking to expand out into other business ventures, out side of the music industry. In other news, the rap artist has landed him self on the cover of FADER magazine, issue #63. This is an incredible boost of exposure for Drake, who gains an increase in popularity with each passing day, it seems. No doubt this is due to rigorous marketing efforts to keep this artists in the public eye, because he is perceived as what is "hot" right now in hip hop music.

Drake is also nominated for an MTV 2009 Video Music Award, which will be handed out in September. What do you think ? Is it just ridiculous how fast this artist has become so popular, or do you think there are more factors at play here ? Whatever the case, his plan is working for him so far. Leave your two cents whether you agree or disagree.

The Free Music Marketing Strategy - Young Joc Takes Advantage

It's going down ! Free digital downloads are taking over, move over mixtapes. Albums are being released for free to combat leaks and "illegal" dowloading as well as the massive decline in record sales. This is a great way for artists of any kind to provide their music to fans directly while seeking profits from other streams of music publishing income.

Young Joc's next studio album "Grind Flu" will be available to all music fans for free through his website, swaggteament.com. This is not a pioneering move by any means, as it has been proven to be effective by artists outside of the rap music business. Young Joc is hoping this will make his music fans happy enough to keep them interested in his music projects.

His last album, Hustlenomics, has established Joc as an artist who is making some serious moves in the music industry. Currently, Joc is riding a string of successful singles that includes collaborations with other successful artists like Slim of 112, Chris Brown and David Banner among many others. He also has signed new young talent to his independently owned record label, who are starting to make impacts on the Billboard charts as well as grow their own niche market.

What do you think, will this free music marketing strategy work for Young Joc ?Is this just a fad that some artists are trying in attempt to stop the bleeding of the dying days of record sales ? Record sales are already dead in my opinion, this strategy should be effective if Joc combines this with other marketing strategies which will earn more revenues through other products and mediums. Feel free to leave your thoughts in some comments below.

Drake's Music Career On Hold, Rap Artist To Recover From Surgery

Hip hop's newest prodical son, Drake, is enroute to superstar status in the rap game, too bad he has hit a momentary set back. During a performance infront of a sold out crowd of over 25,000 fans in attendance at the America's Most Wanted Music Festival, the rapper had an unfortunate accident. This undoubtedly dissapoints Drake who will be missed along side of Young Money on the rest of the tour, which still has a number of scheduled performances remaining.

Against the advice of his doctor, Drake embarked on the 21-gig tour with Young Money and LiL Wayne. Four shows deep, the rapper collapsed on stage during a show filled to capacity. Now, Drizzy is headed back to his hometown of Toronto, Canada to have reconstructive surgery on his ACL and MCL. The official announcement came directly Drake's Blogspot, Octobers Very Own.

This is terrible timing for Drake who is in high demand right now. The rapper/singer will be back performing with Young Money soon enough, but is now forced to take extra time out to think about his debut album while he recovers. Drake has gained massive amounts of popularity through lots of exposure from his hit single "Best I Ever Had" which continues to reign on the Billboard top 10. Also, his last mixtape "So Far Gone" continues to garner new fans. Parodies and spoofs have been made and posted all over YouTube, as well as criticisms about the artist who despite all of this has continued to become successful with a good career laid out infront of him.

With a string of upcoming features on tracks and remixes with some of hip hop's hottest stars, and a debut album which is expected to turn some serious heads, the artist still has some ways to go to turn his music business ventures into one successful enterprise. So far, the young star has proven to be quite the rising entrepreneur achieving much of his success on his own with the help of good management (Hip Hop Since 1978).

Neu-Ro Records Launched By Former Death Row Records Artists Daz Dillinger, Snoop Dogg

Over a decade after the success Death Row Records, the label remains a legacy swirling in controversy and dipped in a pool of pure music talent. The record label has hosted such great and iconic rap stars such as 2pac, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr.Dre, Kurrupt, Daz Dillinger among many others.

Years later, Death Row has been acquired by WIDEawake Entertainment Group, while some of the original artists have long been working on building their own music businesses. Dr. Dre left Death Row before it's inevitable collapse and joined forces with Jimmy Iovine of Inter Scope Records (of Warner Music Group, WMG), to start the popular hip hop labels Aftermath Entertainment.

You already know, how the old saying goes: out with the old, and in with the new era. Some of Death Row's original artists are ready to start a new record label with their own system of values. Daz Dillinger recently released a statement declaring the new joint venture with former label mate and international rap star Snoop Dogg, as well as a former Death Row Records investor/chief of operations Ron Winter.

This new music business venture will be called Neu-Ro Records. The label will focus on releasing music from new catalogs and re-releases of music from the Death Row days. Rap artist Snoop Dogg will release his next studio album, "Where's The Cheese?" through the new record label.

Neu-Ro Records also has big plans for successful ventures for the brand to pursue outside of music, such as documentaries, films, music tours, merchandise and other media projects. The label will be owned and operated by Snoop, Daz, and Ron Winter, who have a deal with Universal for distribution. Music and brand marketing will take place on a global scale, but the head office will be located in Los Angeles.

What do you think about this new music business venture ? Is it a risky move by these older artists ?

SIDE NOTE: I think anything involving Snoop Dogg is BANKABLE ! The man is the epitome of creating and building a life long brand name and marketing it effectively. Snoop is seriously a smart entrepreneur, even out side of the rap music business.

Rap Artist Ja Rule Launches New Label, MPire Records

Can a one time successful rapper from the 90's make a resurgence now, starting all over ? Ja Rule seems to think so, and who's going to stop him this time ?

After a five year hiatus from the rap music business to pursue a career acting in Hollywood, Ja Rule is ready to make a come back. With a new album on the way, it seems only fitting that the once Murda INC emcee is starting his own record label, MPire Records.

Murda INC was Ja Rule's label, a subsidiary of the hip hop power house Def Jam Recordings. In the late 90's and early 2000's Ja Rule reigned on the Billboard with a string of smash hip hop and r&b/pop hits. Eventually criticized for his poppy "bubble gum" sound in the rap game, and humiliated by Eminem, 50 Cent and the G-Unit/Shady/Aftermath camp, the rappers career died down. However, there is no denying the success reached by the Murda INC music catalog back in that era of hip hop.

Now a days, Ja Rule is focused on creating a new and successful venture on his own, without ex-label co-owner Irv Gotti. While the rap artist has stated that he still receives support from his former business partner, the MPire Records label will be launched as an independent venture by Ja Rule on his own terms.

For his music fans, Ja has released his studio album "The Mirror", which had originally leaked previously all over the web just over a year ago. Although skeptical at first, about re-releasing a project that many fans could have already heard, the rap artist decided to release "The Mirror" anyway because many fans have contacted him asking why they have not yet found the album.

What do you think, can Ja Rule really make a come back, or are his days music business long over ? Are there enough Ja Rule fans still out there to make it a worth while venture for the rap artist, or should he stick to pursuing b or even c-list roles in the movie business ? Leave your comments below.

Ludacris' New Joint Venture In Cognac, Creates The Brand Conjure

Many great rap artists have one common quality, they make good entrepreneurs. Maybe it has something to do with street mentality, maybe not, perhaps these people are naturally gifted thinkers. Some rappers are able to branch off in to other ventures outside of just the music, which of course helps with the artist's name branding in the music business also.

There are many examples, for instance St.Louis rapper Nelly has multiple clothing lines (Vokal for men and Apple Bottom jeans for women). New Yorkers Diddy and Jay-Z each have their own respective hip hop clothing lines, Sean Jean and Roc-a-wear. Hip hop business pioneer Russell Simmons (of Def Jam) started the Phat Farm clothing line, as well as many other lucrative business ventures such as communications companies.

Ludacris, an international rap superstar, is also a great rap entrepreneur who makes wise business decisions in choosing new ventures outside of music. His newest joint venture is with Kim Hartmann, who is the owner of the famous cognac brand Birkadel Hartmann. Conjure, is the name of the new brand which is tailored to the hip hop market. Hitting shelves this fall in the US, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges ensures that this venture is about creating a quality brand with a taste that can be appreciated.

More then just a money grab, the rap artist is known for getting fully immersed in all of his businesses. With a big role in the upcoming movie "Gamer", as well as a new album co-hosted with fellow label recording artist Shawna entitled "Battle of The Sexes", music and business fans alike can be sure they will see more and more of Luda. Cheers, to all my fellow cognac drinkers out there who, like me, still have some henney in your liqour cabinet.