Nicki Minaj Lands On The Cover Of Billboard Magazine

The First Lady Gaga of Hip Hop? Wow. The way Nicki Minaj gets press and publicity, she defintiely getting First Lady treatment.

Soulja Boy Interview With The Wall Street Journal

Peep this video of Soulja Boy's interview at the Wall Street Journal. In this clip, Soulja Boy discusses details of his come up in the rap music business, collaborating with artists such as 50 Cent, Kid Cudi and Kanye West as well as his use of the social platform Twitter for staying relevant.

New Billboard Magazine Issue Outlines Top Methods Of Exposure For Hip Hop Artists

Recently, Billboard magazine published an interesting article which outlines the top methods of gaining exposure for a hip hop artists. This outline shows some of the ways that can make or break an artist's career in the rap music business.

Rap Mogul 50 Cent & Celebrity Blogger Perez Hilton Beef On Twitter

You'd think after Perez Hilton got knocked in the eye socket with a shot from Will.I.Am's bodyguard, he'd lay low for a while. And he did. But now dude is caught up in a "beef" with rap music business mogul 50 Cent, who knows how to stay relevant.

Apparently 50 saw that Perez tweeted something about him being a "douche bag" and the two continued to tweet punchlines at one another through the social media platform Twitter.

Now, this may seem like non-sense and not necessarily "newsworthy", right? Wrong. Any publicity is still publicity regardless. Plus, you could learn a thing or two from how artists use these "publicity stunts" to keep themselves in the eye of the media and thus the fans. Smart marketing from one of the best if you ask me, only he should focus just as much on his music as well.

Read the article on All Hip Hop: http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/09/06/22369651.aspx

Should Scarface Have Skipped The VH1 Dirty South Hip Hop Honors?

That's right, Scarface opted out of VH1's Dirty South Hip Hop Honors, and to be honest based on what the rapper said in an interview I don't blame him. However, the VH1 Hip Hop Honors are big, especially for the south.

Kicked off in style by the rappers, presenters and performers, there was an all star line up of legendary hip hop artists including:

Live performances and tributes by: The 2 Live Crew, Trina, Rick Ross, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Slim Thug, Bun B, Paul Wall, T-Pain and DJ Khalhed. Diddy, Chamillionaire, Game, Drake, Asher Roth, Fabolous as well as many other great artists also performed at this year's hip hop honors.

T.I., David Banner, Kid Rock, Kelly Rowland and Eddie Griffin were all also in attendance to witness and be apart of the award show atmosphere. But how did some other southern rappers feel about Scarface's absence?

Do you think it was a smart move for Scarface to stand up for the South the way he did? There may be perceivable publicity backlashes, but if you really think about it this keeps 'Face in the public eye. After all, bad publicity is still publicity.

Listen to Scarface talk to AllHipHop.com about his view on changes in the rap music business.

How do you feel about Scarface's decision to not participate in the hip hop honors? Does he make a convincing argument or do you think he will regret the decision?

Rap Star Drake Lands His Image On The Cover Of Billboard Magazine

Toronto's own Drake has had a very successful start to his career in the rap music business. No doubt he's already landed some great guest features, collaborated with some of hip hop's heavy weights such as Eminem & Jay-Z, and keeps great company in Lil Wayne and Young Money.

However, it is a monumental occasion when you land your self on the cover of Billboard Magazine. In this full story on Billboard, you can read about how this artist came to be so successful so quickly. Almost everything he touches is turning to gold, how long can hip hop's poster child ride this high wave of success?

What do you think about this young rapper's rise to fame? Do you think Drake deserves this magazine cover story so early in this career? Leave your comments below.

Check out Drake's Billboard Cover Story

Sending Out Press Releases For Your Music

Check out this video, it's got some good tips for indie hip hop artists. Do you send out your own press releases? Maybe this short clip has some insight which will help you in your rap music business.

What The Good Folks At Digital Music News Noticed About Chris Brown's Publicity Trail

Check out this article from Digital Music News which goes in depth on the type of publicity surrounding the career of R&B recording artist Chris Brown over the passed year or so.
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/040810brown
Here is an excerpt quoted from the article:

"A lot of radio stations aren't playing my records," Brown recently audio-blogged on SayNow. "It's on the fans and what you guys do in your power to bring me back."

This article is an interesting read, although you have to sign up with Digital Music News to read it in full. Sign up! It's definitely worth it, these guys are on point with current news in the music industry and always have a little something-something for us in the rap music business.

Hate him or love him? One thing about Chris Brown though is he is yet to give up and you have to admire that. (Keep your head up kid, this too shall pass!). Here is a Chris Breezy/Juelz Santana track I've been hearing a lot on the Galaxie TV radio lately when I'm working on the laptop. See Breezy, they still be playing you up here in Canada!

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

Still Getting Bad Press & Publicity, Multi-Platinum Rapper DMX Arrested Again

Man, I swear DMX just never be learning anymore. Check out dude lose his composure in front of a judge and crew of TMZ cameras (those fuckers are every where!).

Looks like someone should have read the post regarding commitments and consequences of one's actions in the rap music business. They say even 'bad publicity' is 'good publicity', but damn, Dark Man X hasn't gotten any good publicity in a long time. Can you even recall? Drop your two cents.

Lil Wayne's Beast-Like Grind In The Rap Music Business Is Rivavled By Few

Yea, it's true.
Lil Wayne is definitely one of the hardest working individuals in the rap music business, joining the ranks of such artists as T.I., Jay-Z, Eminem, among many other's who deserve more credit than this blog could even give.

Whether or not you like the music that is released by Lil Wayne and the Cash Money/Young Money empire, you have to respect the hustle and drive behind this record company and it's roster of talented artists.

Last weekend, in a span of 48 hours the rap artist recorded footage for 9 different music videos in which he is featured. That's two days worth of video production and filming, for nine different projects. Such a tedious amount of work, this would require an incredible amount of patience and focus for any rap artist to accomplish.

Not surprisingly it is Mr. Carter who pulls off this stunt, similar to that of the strategy which hip hop mogul T.I. used before serving a jail sentence. Lil Wayne is also about to serve time, which is sure to increase exposure in the publicity department, only adding to the hype surrounding this rapper.

Wayne is found every where these days and its no surprise that his work ethic has developed to an almost super human type pace. Unfortunately, the rap superstar is being forced to take time for re-assessing personal and business goals.

Love this old track, keep killing 'em Wayne, get that money!

The Consequences of Your Commitments, Rap Artist DMX Sued for $1 Million

In the rap music business, there are many lessons one can only learn through experience. Any celebrity or independent artist can learn the same lesson, but by a different scale of consequences.

Take for an example, an indie rap artist who intentionally misses out on a scheduled performance. This will surely have negative consequences for this artist and his/her brand. Simply put, it is just not good business to miss or back out of an engagement you have previously committed to attending. It's also shitty for your publicity.

Hardcore rap pioneer DMX, recently out of prison as well as rehab, was scheduled to perform in a celebrity boxing match in Birmingham, Alabama. Unfortunately for the rap superstar, as a result of his refusal to take part, a lawsuit is the consequence.

By backing out of the celebrity boxing match that he agreed to participate in, he will now be forced to pay an undetermined amount in damages for breach of contract, as well as legal fee`s for both him self and the defendants. The damages are reportedly in the million dollar range

The only thing that works in favor of DMX is, this is totally his persona at work. He would not be Dark Man X if he acted any other way. Sometimes it`s hard to break that curse, where your fans expect that type of publicity and exposure to set the bar.

Chris Brown Embarks On Fan-Appreciation Tour

Chris Breezy is trying to win all his teeny bopper fans back I guess ? The only problem is nobody is buying tickets. There hasn't been many promotions for this tour, are you surprised ? Why would Jive Records shell out a bunch of money on a pretty big risk such as this one right now.

After his highly publicized assault case regarding mega pop star Rihanna, it seems that this R&B singer is having a hard time getting music fans to show up at the shows on his new fan appreciation tour.

This is especially hard to come by, considering the biggest demographic in this recording artists target market are young teen aged girls. I guess we know who these girls are throwing their support behind. Tough crowd.

Kanye West's Publicity Stunt At MTV Video Music Awards

Most of you are well aware of the incident that took place at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday in New York City. Upon winning her very first award, pop-country music star Taylor Swift's acceptance speech was cut short by producer/rap artist Kanye West. I wont get into details about the incident, we'll keep it straight business. Peep the articles at Billboard.com, or hit up YouTube to watch the clip.

Since the awards show, however, Kanye West has been everywhere in the news, as the media is keeping a close eye. Shortly after the incident an "apology" was made via the artist's blog, where the hit producer defended his actions amidst a rant. The following night, Kanye appeared on the debut of Jay Leno's new talk show, where the rapper was put on blast for "ruining the singer's moment". You know 'Ye though, how he's always got something to say.

Either way you look at it though, people are writing and talking non-stop about this little stunt, which is being heavily publicized to say the least. Specifically, speculations have been made that MTV actually organized the whole situation, especially after the Eminem-Bruno fiasco created a buzz, having successful impacts for both Eminem's "Relapse" album and Sacha Baron Cohen's movie "Bruno".

Also, consider that MTV is no stranger to controversy, always pushing the limits in an attempt to boost their ratings. Well it works, and well as you can tell ! Not only did MTV get significantly higher ratings, but the awards show which known for it's stunts lived up to the hype once again. You know that Taylor Swift is going to ride this promotional wave, appearing on the View. The pop-country singer received tremendous support from fellow MTV VMA award winner Beyonce, as well as many celebrities and fans.

Whether or not this whole Kanye West-Taylor Swift stunt was manufactured or not, both artists have an excellent opportunity, having the buzz surrounding them that can be strategically used to their marketing advantage. Although, it is in this writer's opinion that the stunt was completely organic, meaning not created by MTV on account of how 'Ye has a history of these sort of out bursts. The ego from this dude's persona could not possibly get any bigger, however he still makes headlines, and you gotta respect that much.

How does this help Kanye ? Twitter almost over loaded with tweet regarding the rapper, which in it self is a story that made the news. Also, the following day, both artists were interviewed on TV shows boasting celebrity hosts with millions of viewers. Plus this music business marketer personally noted that before the awards show even finished, many popular blogs had already broke the news !

Publicity stunts such as these can have tremendous effects on the marketing campaigns for an artist in the rap music business. Have you ever stirred up a controversy surrounding your music persona ? Share your experience with us.

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 ?

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.

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 ?

More Eminem News

Here's something that I have been following up on, through http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/ (these guys are on top of there shit!)

Recently, Eminem has gotten even more publicity due to another lawsuit, only this one actually regards music business. FBT Productions (a former Publisher of Eminem's music) attempted to change the meaning of a term previously agreed upon with Interscope/Aftermath (of Universal Music Group). If successful, this would mean that FBT Productions would see an increase in their share of digital royalties earned from the music of Eminem's catalog of which they own the rights to.

Allow me to quote the excerpt from Digital Music News:

"Los Angeles jury decided that vehicles like downloads and ring-tones are best
treated like CD's, essentially established sales channels with agreed-upon
royalty payouts."

The jury's decision is not a surprise. Neither is the fact that FBT Productions sought to get more money by seeking clarification of a "loose term". What is interesting, however, is the fact that this has become an increasingly popular trend. More and more labels/production companies are seeking to clear up the contractual language used when they sign over an artist to a major label.

But I digress. The main point here is that Eminem is in the news again ! With still months away from the release of his upcoming album, I would expect that Slim Shady is going to get a shite load of publicity.

What do you think ? Does FBT Productions have a case or is it just another retarded attempt to snag more money from a deal that may have already been at the end of it's term.