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.
Rap music business - Marketing and Promoting the Future of Hip Hop
Showing posts with label Pitbull. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pitbull. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2009
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 !
Friday, April 17, 2009
Labels Getting Too Lazy To Promote Artists
Say it ain't so !
Word, are you even surprised ? We all know that for years, the bigger the label in the music industry, the less likely you are as an artist to get their attention and/or support, unless you are already creating a world wide buzz on your own. Let's be honest, for years the big labels have been really lazy and lacking in effort when it comes to maximizing the efforts of their artists campaign.
The fact is "labels" have been falling off for quite some time now, but have they given up altogether ? Nah, I don't think so, but I do believe in this period of "uncertainty" in the music business has made some labels really lazy when it comes to promoting their roster of artists.
Take for example the sad story with TVT records. Even with a roster of successful artists such as LiL Jon & The East Side Boys and Pitbull among others, the label still went under and filing for bankruptcy in 2008. After months of legal battles , LiL Jon managed to escape the record label and started new at The Orchard. So did Pitbull. He also left TVT due to the label's lack of a promotional/marketing effort.
Since their departure, both of these rap artists have taken their career to a whole new level of success. I'm telling you right now, you can't go to any urban club in North America without hearing some Pitbull and LiL Jon a few times throughout the night.
Digital distribution and new media company, The Orchard, caters to the likes of some impressive independent artists. Is this the new model for emerging artists trying to breakthrough ? Should you go indie or major ? So many big stars in the music industry have defected from thier major labels and gone the independent route. Is it a no brainer that big stars remain big stars, whether or not they are signed to a major ? True, but not always (as in the case of fall offs).
The next generation of musicians and artists has been born in the digital realm, which means more opportunity for music to be mobilized by consumers. More importantly this is a chance for music makers to create a direct connection with music fans on a more accessible level. This would cut labels and middlemen out of the picture altogether. Only the necessary members of an artist;'s team would be apart of their business ventures (e.g. a business manager, lawyer, accountant, etc.)
I think we are currently living in the best possible time for new artists to totally take over the music industry. Especially artists who are willing to go deepest dirty depths of the music business to deal with the best of them. You have to put it all on the line and take risks while implementing solid strategies to succeed.
What are some of your independent music successes ? Leave some comments and we'll talk about it. Great success stories could be featured in one of these blog posts. Get at me ya'll.
Word, are you even surprised ? We all know that for years, the bigger the label in the music industry, the less likely you are as an artist to get their attention and/or support, unless you are already creating a world wide buzz on your own. Let's be honest, for years the big labels have been really lazy and lacking in effort when it comes to maximizing the efforts of their artists campaign.
The fact is "labels" have been falling off for quite some time now, but have they given up altogether ? Nah, I don't think so, but I do believe in this period of "uncertainty" in the music business has made some labels really lazy when it comes to promoting their roster of artists.
Take for example the sad story with TVT records. Even with a roster of successful artists such as LiL Jon & The East Side Boys and Pitbull among others, the label still went under and filing for bankruptcy in 2008. After months of legal battles , LiL Jon managed to escape the record label and started new at The Orchard. So did Pitbull. He also left TVT due to the label's lack of a promotional/marketing effort.
Since their departure, both of these rap artists have taken their career to a whole new level of success. I'm telling you right now, you can't go to any urban club in North America without hearing some Pitbull and LiL Jon a few times throughout the night.
Digital distribution and new media company, The Orchard, caters to the likes of some impressive independent artists. Is this the new model for emerging artists trying to breakthrough ? Should you go indie or major ? So many big stars in the music industry have defected from thier major labels and gone the independent route. Is it a no brainer that big stars remain big stars, whether or not they are signed to a major ? True, but not always (as in the case of fall offs).
The next generation of musicians and artists has been born in the digital realm, which means more opportunity for music to be mobilized by consumers. More importantly this is a chance for music makers to create a direct connection with music fans on a more accessible level. This would cut labels and middlemen out of the picture altogether. Only the necessary members of an artist;'s team would be apart of their business ventures (e.g. a business manager, lawyer, accountant, etc.)
I think we are currently living in the best possible time for new artists to totally take over the music industry. Especially artists who are willing to go deepest dirty depths of the music business to deal with the best of them. You have to put it all on the line and take risks while implementing solid strategies to succeed.
What are some of your independent music successes ? Leave some comments and we'll talk about it. Great success stories could be featured in one of these blog posts. Get at me ya'll.
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