Jay-Z Sets The New Rules: RIAA Changes Policy Regarding Album Sales in Digital Formats

He said he would set the "new rules" and he did. Rap music business mogul Jay-Z's new album "Magna Carta Holy Grail" is officially the first album to be certified platinum before it's actual release.

That's some crazy shit.

We think it’s time for the RIAA – and Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman – to align our digital song and album certification requirements.  That’s why today we are officially updating this rule in our G&P Program requirements.  Going forward, sales of albums in digital format will become eligible on the release date, while sales of albums in physical format will still become eligible for certification 30 days after the release date.

magnacartaholygrail.com

New Video: Al Lindstrom's Exclusive Interview With Grand Hustle CEO Jason Geter

Al Lindstrom interviews T.I.'s manager and CEO of Grand Hustle Records Jason Geter. Here is the description:

We chop it up with Grand Hustle’s CEO and T.I.’s manager Jason Geter. In the interview we talk about the beginning of his career, moving to ATL, and finding T.I.. We also discuss if T.I. is forced to make a come back, his Hip Hop Since 1978 deal, and them looking for a distribution deal after this album with Atlantic.

Shot by Swift
Edited by Left Of Frame

New Video: Iron Solomon Interview With Forbes

Iron Solomon sits down with Forbes.com to speak on the business of battle rap and how he transitioned into releasing his debut album ‘Monster,’ out March 27th and available for pre-order now on iTunes.

Check out more at http://www.ironsolomon.com/

Read the full article on Forbes.

Murs To Release New Album & Graphic Novel "Yumiko: Curse of the Merch Girl"

The man is right, nothing like this has been done in the music industry ever before.

Murs proudly presents 'Yumiko: Curse Of The Merch Girl', a brand new album and graphic novel available exclusively through Kickstarter. The album and novel unite to tell the story of Yumi Morales, a girl living the fabled tour life working the merchandise table for her boyfriend Dominick's band Murder Acts.

The 124-page graphic novel is illustrated by Jose Garcia, written by Josh Blaylock and the ten-song album - whose lyrics are printed in their entirety throughout the novel - is produced entirely by DJ Foundation. Yumiko is available only via the project's Kickstarter page, where a range of different pledge options will get you everything from the novel and CD to exclusive apparel, custom download cards illustrated by David Mack and Jim Mahfood, and a personal thank-you note and Twitter follow from Murs.

Followed by the release of the album and book, an animated music video will officially be unveiled at Murs' party during the Comic-Con convention in San Diego. "Yumiko is hip hop and comics done correctly," says Murs of the project. "Comics have always been a huge inspiration to me. And having the chance to publish my own comic is truly an honor. Working with my partners to create this book was a lot of fun and we are looking forward to making our dream a reality with the help of the fans." Murs can also be seen reviewing recent issues of Batman, Catwoman and Wolverine for G4TV's Fresh Ink Online blog (click here).

Learn more and order your copy at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1640692557/help-murs-launch-curse-of-the-merch-girl?ref=email

Murs links:
http://mursworld.com/
http://mursworld.tumblr.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/murs

Allindstrom.com Presents: Violating The Game: Chris Lighty Part 2

Here is part 2 of Al Lindstrom.com's Violating The Game video series, which features this interview with Chris Lighty. In this clip Chris discusses managing his recording artists, meeting with 50 cent, helping Drake land his Sprite commercial and other goodies. Take notes!

Buckshot Talks With Rob Stone About Being a CEO

Buckshot's book, 'The Common Knowledgy of the Entertainment Industry,' is out NOW! There is also an e-book version available at iTunes & Amazon. For more information on the basics visit: http://www.duckdown.com/commonknowledgy/

Eminem's "Recovery" Reaches Number One, Aims To Reach Platinum Status

After a great first week in sales, Eminem's "Recovery" release is quickly approaching platinum status. Reports are coming in stating that the rap super star has sold over 750,000 copies through physical and digital record retailers.

At the current pace of record sales, Eminem is looking to break the one million records plateau and achieve platinum status with this new record. "Recovery" currently sits a top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts at number one. This is the sixth consecutive time that the rapper has reached number one with each new record release.

This is causing quite the buzz in the media, as very few hip hop artists are reaching platinum status these days. Somehow Slim Shady continues to sell millions of records, more so then any other rap recording artist including the likes of rap heavy weights Jay-Z and 50 cent.

In fact, the only other rapper who has come close to consecutive number one albums is rap artist DMX with five consecutive number one rap albums from 1998-to-2003.

Read more at Allhiphop and RapBasement.
I don't know about you, but I can't stop bumping this album! Have you copped it yet?

Dr.Dre Explains All The Work Behind Upcoming Detox Album

In this interview with Dr.Dre and AllHipHop.com, the good Doctor takes some time out to explain what makes the upcoming and highly anticipated Detox album so important to music fans and the rap music business. And why is it taking so long?!

BLOCK STARZ | "Got It Got It" Next Single From "East Coast Block Starz"

"GOT IT, GOT IT" NEXT SINGLE FROM "EAST COAST BLOCK STARZ"

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/east-coast-block-starz/id345039279

Block Starz Music LLC will release the CD version of its critically-acclaimed "East Coast Block Starz" compilation to targeted retailers nationwide on April 27. The next single from the project will be "Got It, Got It" by Richmond, VA native C. Gillie featuring ILLa and Francoise.

Crafted by Bad Boy Records producer Rodney Davis (Mary J. Blige, Mario), "Got It, Got It" is the follow up single to "Was It" by Throwback and Wiz Khalifa, who recently won "Best Male Artist" at the Pittsburgh Hip-Hop Awards sponsored by Block Starz Music in February. C. Gillie will shoot the official music video for "Got It, Got It" later this month and will be touring selected cities to promote the single and his Block Starz Music debut, "Chris Giles", which drops in June.

"East Coast Block Starz" is currently available at all major online retailers and features blazing contributions from a host of new independent talent, including Donny Goines ("Bring It Forward"), Superstar L.T. ("I Love My City" featuring Kardinal Offishall and Red Cafe), and Sha Stimuli ("Now").

To preview tracks from "East Coast Block Starz", visit www.blockstarzmusic.com/ecbs.php

To book any of the artists featured on "East Coast Block Starz", contact bookings@blockstarzmusic.com

Distributors and retailers interested in pre-ordering "East Coast Block Starz" on compact disc, contact:
Matt Nachem, Vice President Mid-Atlantic A&R/Promotions
matthew@blockstarzmusic.com
(PH) 917.647.2109

Independent Artists Interested In Being Featured On "Midwest Block Starz" Compilation May Visit www.blockstarzmusic.com/submissions.php Until March 31

ABOUT BLOCK STARZ MUSIC
Block Starz Music is a link to the marketplace for new independent talent and an oasis for bands that don't fit the status quo. As entrepreneurs with a passion for making deals and championing our artists, Block Starz Music does not conform to the way things have always been done. Choosing to find their own way, Block Starz Music is here and they got next.

For information on promoting a new artist release, submitting material, or career opportunities with Block Starz Music (BSM), please visit our website or contact info@blockstarzmusic.com

CONTACT
Block Starz Music
info@blockstarzmusic.com
www.blockstarzmusic.com
www.twitter.com/blockstarz
www.youtube.com/blockstarzmusic

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Kai Denninger

Co-Founder & President of Operations
Bayer L. Mack

Hip Hop Producer Freematik Releases Album Made Entirely On iPhone

An independent/underground hip hop producer, going by the name Freematik has recently released an album which was created entirely on his iPhone. A local Bay Area rap & hip-hop producer, Freematik has produced many projects in music studios, however this is the first project of it's kind.

This original concept album breaks through creative ground in the future of modern rap music production. Tom Freeman, the indie hip hop producer and artist known as Freematik, had this to say about his newest creation:

"iMatik is a fresh DJ mixtape full of phat beats, DJ scratching, live synths and all types of crazy sounds, made using only an iPhone. Everything was made using apps available from the iTunes app store, such as Beatmaker, iDrum, Flare, Jasuto, etc.", the producer explains, continuing on to say, "The parts were programmed over the course of a few months, in places including hotels, motels, the beach, bars, and anywhere else you would bring a phone. While this initially started just as a way to have fun [creating] music on the road, it transformed into an awesome psychedelic hip hop and electronic music experience. Not my normal type of project but I really love it, maybe more than anything I've ever done. Plus it was crazy fun to make."

Check out the album at: www.freematik.com

About Freematik
Freematik is a music producer who works mainly with underground rap artists in the Bay Area. His production skills can be heard on a number of mixtapes, as well as in bars and clubs around the Bay Area. This producer also does production for his own albums as well, which are available at www.freematik.com.

Freematik
www.freematik.com
www.facebook.com/freematik
freematik@gmail.com

Practical Advice From Music Publisher/Author Eric Beall

http://ericbeall.berkleemusicblogs.com/

Eric Beall, seasoned music publisher and author of "Making Music Make Money". Eric maintain's a great blog on music publishing which I frequently read over at BerkleeMusic.com. Although his blog focuses on music publishing, it's filled with useful information for self publishing indie rap artists looking to step up music marketing efforts.

The man knows more then just your typical "thing or two" when it comes to the music industry. His book is definitely recommending reading which I will co-sign, as it is filled with great information.

One of his recent posts which caught my attention was entitled "All in a Good Night's Sleep". Here is an excerpt:

"As many of you have probably noticed, the downside to the grass-roots, indie approach to making it in the music business is that so much of the work requires the direct involvement of you, the artist and/or songwriter. In this new 21st century business model, you can only succeed by getting out and building your fanbase person by person, show by show, and that means a lot of hands-on work for the musicians. Now, not only do you have to gig continuously, with all the drive-time, set-up and tear-down effort that is an inevitable part of rock ‘n’ roll touring, you also have to book the gigs, sell your merch, coordinate your own publicity campaign in each town, and spend at least a couple of hours on your social networking site, making sure your fans feel connected. And don’t forget to Twitter while you’re at it."

You can read the rest of his article here: "All in a Good Night's Sleep"

Jay-Z Puts Music Execs In Check, Provides Tips For Record Labels' Future

In a recent interview with BBC, Jay-Z provided some good insight for music execs and record labels heading in to a uncertain future in the rap music business. The message was clear and simple, "streamline your main acts, sign less acts, create a high demand for the few talented artists that you have,".

Simply put, if the record label signs 25 rap artists, each releasing records in that same genre, the label is just not going to see any profits. It's hard enough for one talented artist to break through, can you imagine how hard it is to forcefully market 25 artists?

The rapper continued on to note, "the first year I was at Def Jam we put out 56 artists. There's not 56 great artists in the world,". Over the years, hip hop mogul and artist-entrepreneur Jay-Z has earned more then enough experience to stick around for a tremendous amount of time in the industry. This style of "working smarter" is exactly why he continues to get good results in all of his business ventures.

Selling rap music is a competitive business. To be successful requires thorough planning and strategic action towards your overall goal, which should be to profit from entertaining millions of music fans world wide.

As an indie hip hop artist/rap record label, how do you feel about Jigga's advice?

Most Paid For Digital-Download, Song of the Decade According To SoundScan

Flo Rida's smash hit single "Low" feat. T Pain is the single most paid for digitally downloaded song in the past decade of internet pirates and media content junkies (i.e. your average music fan).

"Low", the first single released by Flo Rida upon his emergence in the rap music business, quickly made the rapper famous. It also made him rich, the song was one of the most popular ringtones which was purchased and digitally downloaded by millions of music fans directly to their mobile phones.

What do you think about Flo Rida's fast rise to success in the music industry ? Will he fall off, or continue to ball ? Right now the rap artist is on top of the world, having released seven seperate singles in the passed three years, and seeing most of them hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.

There's lots of money out there selling rap music, especially when you begin to re-invent ways of marketing directly to your fans. Flo Rida is the prime example of a rap artist who concentrated on creating popular music, putting on exciting performances and satisfying the fans taste for a new sound in hip hop.
Here's the single most paid-for-downloaded song of the decade ya'll !

Looking For A Record Deal, Why ?

Are you looking for a record deal, trying to get signed by a major label ? Why ? What do you expect the label to do for you as a rap artist in the music business ?

Ask yourself, what can a major label do for you that you cannot start to do now, by your self ? The whole catch 22 of getting signed to a label is that labels are only looking to sign an artist that already has his own vision, plans and music marketing strategies in action.

This is what is essential for building a successful venture in the music business. You must prove your worth or value, basically show the labels that you are already selling rap music and doing a damn good job of it. This will indicate that investing in your music is a wise and bankable option for the label.

Most artists will never get recognized by any major label, especially if they have not made it in to the music industry on their own. This usually happens the "hard way", where artists are kicking, screaming and fighting to get in through the music industry back door.

The truth is, if you are just "looking" for a record deal, you might as well be looking to win the lottery or follow the end of the rainbow to a fantasy pot of gold. Real rap artists break through the music industry scene by working hard, staying focused and achieving the goals that they have set for themselves and their music. So stop looking for a record deal, and instead go out there and create your own music business deals from which you can profit with your great music.

Check out the side bar of this blog for books that make excellent resources for learning the ins and outs of the music business (I have also read and recommend these particular books). Books, however, will only lead you to the door way, you must walk through it on your own accord.