World Loses Historic Music Icon with Death of Michael Jackson

Today is a horrible day for music fans everywhere. The pop culture icon and musical legend, the man himself Michael Jackson has just passed away. At the not so old age of 50, I can not even begin to explain how much this one man has impacted music history unlike no other person before or after.

As you no doubt already know, Michael's sixth studio album Thriller (1982) is the highest selling album of all time to date. Thats a record that quite possibly could never be broken, but who knows. What I do know is Michael Jackson the man, was very unique and quite the interesting character.

I cannot speak on anything related to his trials from recent years, because to be honest I didnt pay much attention. Jackson was virtually born a music super star, becoming a world wide celebirty as a young child with the Jackson 5. The songs released by the family group are very popular and memorable having been placed in countless movies, tv shows and commercials. These songs are cultural landmarks for music history.

As a solo artist Michael Jackson had a career that could not possibly ever be rivaled by any other music artist or performer. He created some of the most unique dance moves and styles that has led the way for such pop music superstars as Justin Timeberlake. Michael Jacksons albums have had more hits combined than most record labels ever achieve with their entire music catalogs. Speaking of catalogs, the financeer and entrepreneur Michael Jackson had purchased the rights to music catalogs by some of the worlds most influential music aritsts including Eminem and the Beatles.

Speculation, accusations and gossip aside, the man was a musical geniuous and a legend. He will forever be remembered best by his music, style and how he impacted the music business. In many ways Michael Jackson revolutionized what it means to be a music super star. What are some of your favorite Mike Jack tracks? I could go on and on, but alright I guess I will name a few.

Dont Stop til You Get Enough
Smooth Criminal
Thriller
Black or White
Billy Jean

... not to mention all the classics from the Jackson 5.
Feel free to pay some respects or just leave your piece about your thoughts below.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (June 25th, 2009)

Hip Hop Music Marketing Strategies - Mos Def's Ecstatic

If you know anything about the underground hip hop movement that made a world wide impact in the 90's, then you know Mos Def. Mos has never been one to fit in with the hip hop norm or main stream. That is why, to no one's surprise, this hip hop artist continues to creatively think out side of the box effectively market his music to the fans.

"Ecstatic" is the 4th solo studio album release from Mos Def, who has become quite successful in an acting career that has been in development for the last few years. Mos paired up with designer Invisible DJ to create a T-shirt that would very well be the art work for the album.

Buy a shirt, get an album, wear the album, get it ? Good idea, no ? Well it is a creative idea none the less, only time will tell how successful the campaign will be. In pure Mos Def-ian fashion, the hip hop artist distances himself from the traditional model of record sales and tries some "outside of the box" thinking.

The shirt would feature the artwork on the front and track listing on the back. The tag would have it's own unique code number that would be used to retrieve the album once you have purchased your shirt. The idea is that you buy the artist brand merchandise and receive the album for "free".

It was originally reported from other sources that Nielsen Sound Scan would count these T-shirt sales as the sale of a digital record. However, Sound Scan clarified that they have not agreed to any sort of terms for recording the sales of the T-shirt. The album distributors (Fontana) will have to negotiate terms further with Sound Scan on how these sales will be calculated.

Although it is now coming to fruition that negotiations have started between Fontana (distributors) and Sound Scan. Reports are that the album sales will be counted, but exact terms have not yet been defined. Currently the album sits in the number 2 spot on the Billboard Rap Albums chart and number 9 in the Billboard 200.

How do you think the album will fare in terms of sales and reception by music fans ? I peeped the album and I think it's good to hear Mos back on that poetical crazy rhyme shit he be doing, singing in Spanish on the tracks and what not (ha ha). How do you feel this T-shirt/Album tactic will do in terms of effectively marketing the record to music fans ?

Is There Such A Thing As the Hip Hop Savior ?

Whaddup Ya'll ! Recently I came across a post on RapMusic.com which made me think hard about something that I am about to share with you in today's post. How desperate are we for REAL, GOOD and QUALITY HIP HOP? Don't get me wrong, I think there are plenty of substantial creative hip hop artist out in the game right now. I also think that they are doing a fine job leading us into the future of rap music and hip hop for the next generation of young hip hoppers everywhere.

But, the question is (or was in the post) could there be one emcee or group destined to save us from all of the filler and garbage music that we are over saturated with in today's market ? To be blunt, NO. At least not in the opinion of this author/rap artist/entrepreneur.

Let me start this rant by saying, in the music business sense, I do not think that one individual artist or even a group can be considered the "savior" of a hip hop, a whole popular culture all it's own. I think hip hop embodies a lifestyle that many people participate in. Hip hop artists make music and music is only one aspect of the culture. Many of us forget the producers, b-boys, graff artists, DJ's and innovators who shape our culture with positive reinforcement.

Hip hop is constantly changing, just when it starts getting bad, it gets better. At the same time, when it starts getting better it looks worse then ever. Hope for a hip hop "savior" to me resembles desperation, which tells me hip hop needs quality artists now more then ever. Luckily with a whole crop of talented young up and comers in the game, we looking all right. Even in the darkest era's, hip hop has got the light.

What do you think? Is there such a thing as the hip hop savior or saviors ? Can we be saved ? How bad is it really, or how good is hip hop about to become ? What are your thoughts on the evolution and and future of rap music and hip hop ? Be sure to leave your piece, I often reply to your comments quickly.

Traditional Vs. Modern Adaptation of Hip Hop

What up every one ? Recently a friend and co-worker (What's Good Walker?) linked me to this interesting video, and it inspired this blog post. I've been a KRS-One fan since back when I first got into hip hop. Quite frankly I think that anyone who loves hip hop/rap music loves the history and roots it grew up on, KRS-One is someone who epitomizes the personification of hip hop (but that's just me).

I think KRS-One is synonymous with hop hop truth, so when he speaks I try to listen and learn from one of the best. Anyway, this clip is of KRS at the VH1 Hip Hop Honours from last year.




The legendary hip hop artist talks about traditional hip hop in perspective to how the digital music revolution has completely changed the landscape of the rap music business game. This video is great for hip hop entrepreneurs to learn from.

"The digital age is giving us more options. I do welcome innovation, no doubt." - KRS-One

I could actually disagree with some of the points that the rap veteran makes, but I have too much respect to do that (ha ha). Still, KRS always stimulates the mind and makes us think outside of the box when it comes to innovative hip hop.

Check out some of the other KRS-one videos up on YouTube. The man always comes to the table with some knowledge, he is the hip hop teacher. If you haven't already, go read one of my earliest posts which included a link to a video of the hip hop artist in an interview with author and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Also check out the STOP THE VIOLENCE movement.

Major Labels Battle to Sign Rap Artist 'Drake', Relase of Fake Album Spawns Lawsuit

Canadian rap artist Drake has been gaining a lot of hype as well as major label attention recently. The emcee born out of Toronto, is affiliated with the likes of LiL Wayne's Young Money label. Drake's biggest tracks to date are "Best I Ever Had" and "Ransom feat. LiL Wayne" from his "So Far Gone" mix tape, which continues to keep Drake relevant until his album drops.

Currently, there is much talk of the "bidding war" between three major labels to sign the young emcee. Universal Motown and Atlantic Records both have expressed high interest, while Warner Music Group is rumoured to be making an offer as well. Still unsigned, though the hip hop artist has legal issues that he needs to work out, still.

It was recently discovered that Drake had an album up for sale on iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody. Unfortunately this was a fraudulent release that was not sanctioned by Drake or his current label (Young Money/Cash Money). The rap artist has decided to file suit against Canadian Money Entertainment, the creators of this fake album entitled "The Girls Love Drake". This was released in late May through the digital distribution network, the Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA).

Mean while Drake says he's happy where he's at running his label October's Very Own with Young Money/Cash Money. The rap artist is only interested in signing with the "right" major label that will help him realize the creative vision for the marketing of his music.

What do you think about Drake ? Talented or over-hyped ? Check him out on MySpace. Personally, before passing judgement I need to peep more Drake joints to see what the dude is really all about. I think he's alright though still, it's always good to see a Toronto boy make moves and get some attention.

Also peep this article from the Digital Music News, it was an interesting piece.
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/051609drake

Hip Hop Continues to Dominate the Billboard Top 10

Yes yes ya'll ! It's just another week of hip hop domination on the Billboard hot 100 charts, as yet again the top 10 singles are primarily hip hop (approximately 80%). Here's the list..

Billboard Top 10 (As of June 7th/09)

1. "Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas *

2. "Poker Face" - Lady GaGa (yes STILL !!!)

3. "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" - Pitbull * (club banger of the year so far)

4. "Birthday Sex" - Jeremih *

5. "Blame It" - Jamie Foxx feat. T Pain *

6. "Halo" - Beyonce *

7. "Knock You Down" - Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West * (watch out for this joint, it's hot right now, bump it).

8. "Day N Nite" - Kid Kudi * (Crooker's Remix still tearing up the club scene)

9. "Fire Burning" - Sean Kingston *

10. "Love Game" - Lady GaGa

Again, the *'s mark the 8 hip hop tracks on the top 10. That means the top 10 is currently divided up by 80% hip hop/r&b music and the remaining 20% is being held down by Lady GaGa with two songs in position's 2 and 10. She's having a good year for sure.

Not surprisingly the Black Eyed Pea's continue to see success from their hit single which is currently number one. Pitbull moves up two slots to 3rd as his club hit continues to climb the top 10. Jeremih's "Birthday Sex" rose from 9th to 4th but the big airplay gainer and hot joint out right now is "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West. This track is being requested like crazy on radio stations all across the continent, believe me.

Interestingly enough, sales of "Black Out 2" (Redman and Method man and "Back On My B.S." (Busta Rhymes) have come to an almost screeching halt. Although I'm positive these albums are being bootlegged by millions of music fans worldwide, so the digital music downloads must be through the roof.

As far as albums on the Billboard charts go, "Black Out 2" has dropped from 7th to 18th while "Back On My B.S." plummets from the 5th to 22nd spot. "Relapse" by rap artist Eminem continues to be the current highest selling album over all.

Still, it amuses me to see that hip hop is being broadcasted in more then a healthy dose of current mainstream music. What do you think ? Too much, or not enough quality hip hop to represent the genre ? Do you see any patterns in the success of these recording artists and their songs ?

Leave your piece.
Peace.

Marketing Strategy, Eminem at the MTV Awards

Every year, the MTV Awards show entertains millions worldwide, featuring an all star line up of popular celebrities who are involved in skits, song performances and hilarious TV moments. Needless to say the expectations were high for the 2009 MTV Awards, so did they deliver ?

Well that is all up for debate in my honest opinion. I found what little of the awards show that I did watch to be quite entertaining. However, I did note an interesting "stunt" which coincidentally involves rap artist Eminem, whom I've mentioned in my posts a lot recently (mainly because of the hype garnered behind his highly anticipated Relapse album which just dropped on may 19th).

If you saw the MTV Awards, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you didn't catch it, or hear anything about it in the media then let me break it down for you. Sacha Baron Cohen who is a writer/comedian/actor (famous from his "Ali G" Show and "Borat" characters) unveiled his newest character "Bruno" during the MTV Awards. "Bruno", suspended from the catwalk by cables, was lowered down onto the stage, before what appeared to be a malfunction. Cohen landed directly on top of the rap superstar in quite the revealing position.

With ass and balls in face, a disgruntled looking Eminem seemed to be very pissed off, leaving his seat and storming up the aisle. But, was it all staged ? Originally the media portrayed it to be an "accident". However, a few days after the dust has settled, it is now being reported by various sources that the incident was actually a unique and unconventional method of promotion for both parties involved (Eminem and Sacha Baron Cohen).

While Em's latest studio album "Relapse" continues it's reign on many of the top album spots on Billboard (such as the number 1 album of the top 200, the top selling digital album online, and number 1 hip hop/r&b album) does the album/artist really need any more promotion or marketing ? Probably not, but it definitely only helps sales and does not hurt them.

This promotional stunt continues to gain plays on YouTube, as everybody who missed it is clicking to see what happened while others who witnessed it are still having a laugh. Looking back on the clip, it's easy to realize that the whole thing was rehearsed and staged. All I have to say on the matter is, well played.

Sacha Baron Cohen earns some media hype for his upcoming film which features his newest character creation "Bruno". While rap artist Eminem gains some extra publicity for himself and his album as it continues to be the top selling album out right now. This is an excellent marketing strategy that keeps both celebrities relevant in the media's eye during the promotional campaigns of their projects.

Anyone remember a few years back at the MTV Awards when there was a little bit of a stint between Eminem and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog ? What do you think ? Are balls in the face a good way of staying in the publics eyes and ears ?