Saw this video and thought it might be helpful to someone out there.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Maestro, critiques a Bama Boys Entertainment Beat
Critique begins at 0:41:39 in the video.
Monday, October 26, 2009
10 Things to Do Immediately After a Networking Event
Courtesy of TJsDJs
10 Things to Do Immediately After a Networking Event
The true color of networking is often revealed after the event itself. The emails that get traded, the connections we make, and the relationships that continue to grow. Here are 10 things to do immediately after attending a networking function (conferences, seminars, business clubs).
1) Send email. Don’t wait for the next day or the next week. Chances are you won’t get around to it-and even if you do-they may not recall. Send an email to everyone you took a card from. Even if you don’t see an immediate connection, just say thanks.
2) Connect on Facebook. My favorite strategy. I look the people up on Facebook using their business cards and add them to my network. Now, I know their birthdays, their occupation, and their day to day status (literally!). Best Rolodex in the world.
3) Put one thing into action. Too many people walk away from networking events feeling good, but doing nothing. Take one decisive action from what you learned.
4) Introduce two people to each other. One of my colleagues, Jim Penny, is a master at this. He finds one person at each event and introduces them to someone else he thinks they should know. Now, where those two people take the relationship is up to them, but he is always remembered as the guy who made the introduction!
5) Contact one PRP (Potential Referral Partner). One of the best ways to grow a business is through collaboration with others. Joint ventures can be amazingly powerful. Whenever I network, I try to seek out one referral partner. This can be someone that I can send business to or someone whose clients we can help. The best PRPs are those who can figure out a win-win situation. Example: A web designer sends a printer work, while a printer recommends the designer to their clients.
6) If you took pictures, put them up on Facebook. Tag them whenever possible. Pictures are best posted when the memory of the event is still fresh. If you follow #2, then you can also tag people you have added as friends. Pictures are a great way to attract people to your profile as well.
7) Blog or write about your experience. Whenever I come back from events, my mind is spinning with new ideas. If I don’t get them down, they are lost. Bullet point ideas or write them across your white board. Just get them down!
8) Make sure your website is working well. If you met a lot of people, the chances are that they will check out your website. Make sure that it is up to date and a good representation of who you are.
9) Thank the host – if applicable. This especially applies to local events which are put together by one individual. A quick note thanking them will go a long way.
10) Check networking supplies. Yes, check your stock of cool business cards, pens, and stickers after your event – and before the next one. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to order cards overnite before I learned this lesson. Check your stock after each event, and you will thank yourself later!
10 Things to Do Immediately After a Networking Event
The true color of networking is often revealed after the event itself. The emails that get traded, the connections we make, and the relationships that continue to grow. Here are 10 things to do immediately after attending a networking function (conferences, seminars, business clubs).
1) Send email. Don’t wait for the next day or the next week. Chances are you won’t get around to it-and even if you do-they may not recall. Send an email to everyone you took a card from. Even if you don’t see an immediate connection, just say thanks.
2) Connect on Facebook. My favorite strategy. I look the people up on Facebook using their business cards and add them to my network. Now, I know their birthdays, their occupation, and their day to day status (literally!). Best Rolodex in the world.
3) Put one thing into action. Too many people walk away from networking events feeling good, but doing nothing. Take one decisive action from what you learned.
4) Introduce two people to each other. One of my colleagues, Jim Penny, is a master at this. He finds one person at each event and introduces them to someone else he thinks they should know. Now, where those two people take the relationship is up to them, but he is always remembered as the guy who made the introduction!
5) Contact one PRP (Potential Referral Partner). One of the best ways to grow a business is through collaboration with others. Joint ventures can be amazingly powerful. Whenever I network, I try to seek out one referral partner. This can be someone that I can send business to or someone whose clients we can help. The best PRPs are those who can figure out a win-win situation. Example: A web designer sends a printer work, while a printer recommends the designer to their clients.
6) If you took pictures, put them up on Facebook. Tag them whenever possible. Pictures are best posted when the memory of the event is still fresh. If you follow #2, then you can also tag people you have added as friends. Pictures are a great way to attract people to your profile as well.
7) Blog or write about your experience. Whenever I come back from events, my mind is spinning with new ideas. If I don’t get them down, they are lost. Bullet point ideas or write them across your white board. Just get them down!
8) Make sure your website is working well. If you met a lot of people, the chances are that they will check out your website. Make sure that it is up to date and a good representation of who you are.
9) Thank the host – if applicable. This especially applies to local events which are put together by one individual. A quick note thanking them will go a long way.
10) Check networking supplies. Yes, check your stock of cool business cards, pens, and stickers after your event – and before the next one. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to order cards overnite before I learned this lesson. Check your stock after each event, and you will thank yourself later!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Shyne Released from Prison...sort of
Despite reports earlier today (October 6) that Shyne was freed from prison, MTV News has learned that the Belize-born rapper is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs, due to his questionable status as a American citizen.
The 30-year-old rapper, who was scheduled to be released today, has spent nearly a decade of his life in both the Clinton and Woodburne Correctional facilites in upstate New York. He is now in an undisclosed facility in Western New York awaiting to see if he will be deported.
Po was serving time on assault, reckless endangerment and gun possession charges for an incident that occurred in December ‘99. While partying at Club New York in Manhattan with then label boss Diddy and Jennifer Lopez—Puffy’s girlfriend at the time—Shyne got involved in a shootout, leaving three people injured.
He was sentenced on June 1, 2001 to ten years. Diddy, who was also charged in the crime, was acquitted.
The 30-year-old rapper, who was scheduled to be released today, has spent nearly a decade of his life in both the Clinton and Woodburne Correctional facilites in upstate New York. He is now in an undisclosed facility in Western New York awaiting to see if he will be deported.
Po was serving time on assault, reckless endangerment and gun possession charges for an incident that occurred in December ‘99. While partying at Club New York in Manhattan with then label boss Diddy and Jennifer Lopez—Puffy’s girlfriend at the time—Shyne got involved in a shootout, leaving three people injured.
He was sentenced on June 1, 2001 to ten years. Diddy, who was also charged in the crime, was acquitted.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Best Explanation of Compression
This is the best explanation of compression that I have come across.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Kim Zolciak Of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta Song Released
It's time for me to start rapping. There has to be a "Rapping For Dummies" book on the shelves or in the works. I don't have any skills on the mic, but I should not let that discourage me. This is America where any and everything is possible.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
US Money Laced With Cocaine
(Aug. 17) - Traces of cocaine taint up to 90 percent of paper money in the United States, a new study finds.
A group of scientists tested banknotes from more than 30 cities in five countries, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, and Japan, and found "alarming" evidence of cocaine use in many areas.
U.S. and Canadian currency had the highest levels, with an average contamination rate of between 85 and 90 percent, while Chinese and Japanese currency had the lowest, between 12 and 20 percent contamination.
The findings were presented yesterday at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C.
Study leader Yuegang Zuo of the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth said that the high percentage of contaminated U.S. currency observed in the current study represents nearly a 20 percent jump in comparison to a similar study he conducted two years ago.
"To my surprise, we're finding more and more cocaine in banknotes," Zuo said.
Scientists have known for years that paper money can become contaminated with cocaine during drug deals and directly through drug use, such as snorting cocaine through rolled bills. Contamination can also spread to banknotes not involved in the illicit drug culture, because bills are processed in banks' currency-counting machines.
"I'm not sure why we've seen this apparent increase, but it could be related to the economic downturn, with stressed people turning to cocaine," Zuo said.
Such studies are useful, he noted, because the data can help law enforcement agencies and forensic specialists identify patterns of drug use in a community.
Previous studies that have reported on cocaine traces on money have had several drawbacks, Zuo said. Some only sampled a small number of bills, while others destroyed the money in the process of testing.
Zuo and his colleagues used a modified instrument that allowed for faster, simpler and more accurate measurement of cocaine contamination than other methods, without destroying the currency.
The amounts of cocaine found on U.S. bills ranged from .006 micrograms (several thousands of times smaller than a single grain of sand) to more than 1,240 micrograms of cocaine per banknote (about 50 grains of sand).
The scientists found that larger cities like Baltimore, Boston, and Detroit had among the highest average cocaine levels. Washington, D.C., ranked above the average, with 95 percent of the banknotes sampled contaminated with the drug. The lowest average cocaine levels in U.S. currency appeared on bills collected from Salt Lake City.
Despite the high percentage of cocaine-contaminated banknotes, Zuo points out that the amount of cocaine found on most notes was so small that consumers should not have any health or legal concerns about handling paper money.
"For the most part, you can't get high by sniffing a regular banknote, unless it was used directly in drug uptake or during a drug exchange," Zuo said. "It also won't affect your health and is unlikely to interfere with blood and urine tests used for drug detection.
© Imaginova Corp. All rights reserved.
A group of scientists tested banknotes from more than 30 cities in five countries, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, and Japan, and found "alarming" evidence of cocaine use in many areas.
U.S. and Canadian currency had the highest levels, with an average contamination rate of between 85 and 90 percent, while Chinese and Japanese currency had the lowest, between 12 and 20 percent contamination.
The findings were presented yesterday at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C.
Study leader Yuegang Zuo of the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth said that the high percentage of contaminated U.S. currency observed in the current study represents nearly a 20 percent jump in comparison to a similar study he conducted two years ago.
"To my surprise, we're finding more and more cocaine in banknotes," Zuo said.
Scientists have known for years that paper money can become contaminated with cocaine during drug deals and directly through drug use, such as snorting cocaine through rolled bills. Contamination can also spread to banknotes not involved in the illicit drug culture, because bills are processed in banks' currency-counting machines.
"I'm not sure why we've seen this apparent increase, but it could be related to the economic downturn, with stressed people turning to cocaine," Zuo said.
Such studies are useful, he noted, because the data can help law enforcement agencies and forensic specialists identify patterns of drug use in a community.
Previous studies that have reported on cocaine traces on money have had several drawbacks, Zuo said. Some only sampled a small number of bills, while others destroyed the money in the process of testing.
Zuo and his colleagues used a modified instrument that allowed for faster, simpler and more accurate measurement of cocaine contamination than other methods, without destroying the currency.
The amounts of cocaine found on U.S. bills ranged from .006 micrograms (several thousands of times smaller than a single grain of sand) to more than 1,240 micrograms of cocaine per banknote (about 50 grains of sand).
The scientists found that larger cities like Baltimore, Boston, and Detroit had among the highest average cocaine levels. Washington, D.C., ranked above the average, with 95 percent of the banknotes sampled contaminated with the drug. The lowest average cocaine levels in U.S. currency appeared on bills collected from Salt Lake City.
Despite the high percentage of cocaine-contaminated banknotes, Zuo points out that the amount of cocaine found on most notes was so small that consumers should not have any health or legal concerns about handling paper money.
"For the most part, you can't get high by sniffing a regular banknote, unless it was used directly in drug uptake or during a drug exchange," Zuo said. "It also won't affect your health and is unlikely to interfere with blood and urine tests used for drug detection.
© Imaginova Corp. All rights reserved.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
This Is What a Little Father/Son Time Will Get Ya
Check out this little dude named Vohn. He has bright future. Watch the entire video to watch him collaborate with his dad.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
"Yeah" and "Freak A Leak" All Over Again
Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson have the same song out, point blank. A producer/artist named Ryan Tedder gave them the same track. When I heard Ryan Tedder, I thought it was this young dude I saw on Youtube. It wasn't him. But check him out anyway at http://www.youtube.com/RyanTedder412. He has skills.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Get The New Auto-Tune version TB (Throat Box)
T-Pain doesn't have this version. The video speaks for itself...I don't have to say anything else.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
R & B Diss Records
Is this a new fad? Maybe it existed before and I was not aware of it. The latest r & b diss record is by Mariah Carey. She is dissin some nameless dude for being obsessed with her. Rumor is, her target is Eminem. Who knows. I also heard Ciara on the radio last week responding to to questions about a Keri Hilson song in which she is saying that some r & b chicks are biting her. Last but not least, Neyo dissed Chris Brown on a record. The saga continues...
Monday, July 13, 2009
6 Songs in 3 Hours
This weekend my artist Jean Batiste and I had a scheduled 4 hour studio session. We did 6 songs in the first 3 hours and left the 4th hour open for the engineer to do a quick mix on the songs and do whatever else he needed to do. The significance of this story? Basically this is a lesson for artists that may be going into a studio for the first time and for those artists who think studio time is all fun and games. Forget about the Youtube videos you see where artists are buggin' out in the studio, drinking, etc. Those dudes have money to reserve a studio for a month so they can do whatever. If you are the average (broke) artist, you can't. With this said, I have come up with a few tips that may help you use your studio time wisely.
1. Only go to the studio with essential people. Artist, producer, and maybe the manager. The more people the more distracting things can become for yourself and the engineer.
2. Memorize your songs. Cuts down on the number of takes.
3. Go straight through the recording process. Have songs mixed and bounced at the end of the session.
Although this list is not extensive, every little bit helps. So now check out one of the "6 In 3" tracks we are working on.
Jean Batiste Studio Session
1. Only go to the studio with essential people. Artist, producer, and maybe the manager. The more people the more distracting things can become for yourself and the engineer.
2. Memorize your songs. Cuts down on the number of takes.
3. Go straight through the recording process. Have songs mixed and bounced at the end of the session.
Although this list is not extensive, every little bit helps. So now check out one of the "6 In 3" tracks we are working on.
Jean Batiste Studio Session
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Best I Ever Had
I checked out Drake's video "Best I Ever Had" last week and I must say it wasn't what I expected. I give it points for not being close to what everybody expected and points for the unique basketball outfits and the thinly veiled sexual innuendos. On the other hand, I don't think it lived up to the hype set up by the song. Also I think his presence in the video was somewhat downplayed. He didn't really shine in my opinion. What do you think?
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Open Mic Battle Showcase
For those of you looking for open mics, artist showcases, and beat battles in the Atlanta area, look no further. Here is a list of such events. There may be more, but these are the only ones I am aware of at the present time. Thanks to ATLCLUBS.COM for some of the entries.
Every Mon @ Club Miami – 3011 Buford Hwy
18 & Up – 9p Signup – Everyone Free til 10p
Talent Showcase – Artists, Producers & More
All Genres & All Talent Welcome – Poets, dancers, Comedians
$20 to signup for Producers & Artists
HOST: KENNY/95.5 the BEAT & FLY TY/V-103
GET SEEN/GET SIGNED – Where the Industry & the Streets go to find real talent
Every Mon @ NiteLite – 1260 Custer Ave
18 & Up – 9p Signup – Everyone Free til 10p
Beat Battle & Open Mic
FREE SIGNUP, FREE ENTRY
1st Place Artist-CASH & Free Photo Shoot Courtesy of Dream Makers Studio
2nd Place Artist – Free Studio – Mix & Master
HOST: DOUG/DUN DAT PRODUCTIONS
Every Tue @ Frequency – 55 Alabama St – 2nd Floor Underground
18 & Up – 9p Signup – $5 Cover, $10 to register
Open Mic, Music Submission (Get Feedback on your music), Producers Showcase (Play 3-4 Beats, no Battle)
1st Place Artist-Free Photo Shoot Courtesy of Dream Makers Studio
2nd Place Artist – Free Studio – Mix & Master
HOST: BIG DUKE/BOYS N THA HOOD & FLY TY/V103
Every Wed @ Utopia
Universal Records Artist Showcase & Beat Battle
9p Signup-$5 Cover til 10p, $10 after, $20 to register
hosted by: Red Dred/107.9 New Music Coordinator
1st Sunday of each Month @ Jays Place 2
21 & Up – 9p Signup – $5 Cover til 10p
Beat Battle & Open Mic
$20 to signup – Prizes Vary
Hustle and Flow Mondays @ Club Crucial
2517 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30318-8314
(404) 794-2114
Straight Cash Beat Battle and Showcase
July 9th 2009 @ The Relapse Theatre
380 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318
Flava of The Week Artist Showcase @ 2High Studios
Every Thursday
540 Permalume Place NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
motrmusic@yahoo.com
ATL'S TALENT @ Throbacks Bar and Grill
Every Wednesday
4847 OLD NATIONAL HWY.
COLLEGE PARK, GA 30337
678-520-0641
Every Mon @ Club Miami – 3011 Buford Hwy
18 & Up – 9p Signup – Everyone Free til 10p
Talent Showcase – Artists, Producers & More
All Genres & All Talent Welcome – Poets, dancers, Comedians
$20 to signup for Producers & Artists
HOST: KENNY/95.5 the BEAT & FLY TY/V-103
GET SEEN/GET SIGNED – Where the Industry & the Streets go to find real talent
Every Mon @ NiteLite – 1260 Custer Ave
18 & Up – 9p Signup – Everyone Free til 10p
Beat Battle & Open Mic
FREE SIGNUP, FREE ENTRY
1st Place Artist-CASH & Free Photo Shoot Courtesy of Dream Makers Studio
2nd Place Artist – Free Studio – Mix & Master
HOST: DOUG/DUN DAT PRODUCTIONS
Every Tue @ Frequency – 55 Alabama St – 2nd Floor Underground
18 & Up – 9p Signup – $5 Cover, $10 to register
Open Mic, Music Submission (Get Feedback on your music), Producers Showcase (Play 3-4 Beats, no Battle)
1st Place Artist-Free Photo Shoot Courtesy of Dream Makers Studio
2nd Place Artist – Free Studio – Mix & Master
HOST: BIG DUKE/BOYS N THA HOOD & FLY TY/V103
Every Wed @ Utopia
Universal Records Artist Showcase & Beat Battle
9p Signup-$5 Cover til 10p, $10 after, $20 to register
hosted by: Red Dred/107.9 New Music Coordinator
1st Sunday of each Month @ Jays Place 2
21 & Up – 9p Signup – $5 Cover til 10p
Beat Battle & Open Mic
$20 to signup – Prizes Vary
Hustle and Flow Mondays @ Club Crucial
2517 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30318-8314
(404) 794-2114
Straight Cash Beat Battle and Showcase
July 9th 2009 @ The Relapse Theatre
380 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318
Flava of The Week Artist Showcase @ 2High Studios
Every Thursday
540 Permalume Place NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
motrmusic@yahoo.com
ATL'S TALENT @ Throbacks Bar and Grill
Every Wednesday
4847 OLD NATIONAL HWY.
COLLEGE PARK, GA 30337
678-520-0641
Saturday, June 20, 2009
T-Shirt or Panties?
You may know Kimberly Locke from American Idol fame, but do you know her like this? I'm not really sure why, but she is performing in her underwear...her swagger is on a million. That's all I have to say. Check it out for yourself. Creative marketing at its finest.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Update on ATL Rapper Dolla Murder
The lawyer for the alleged killer of Atlanta rapper Dolla said surveillance footage from the mall where Monday’s shooting occurred will prove his client’s innocence.
Los Angeles attorney Howard Price said Aubrey Berry, of Snellville, was acting in self-defense when he shot Dolla repeatedly with a 9 mm handgun.
“He believed [Dolla] was armed,” said Price, who alleges Berry was followed to the scene of the shooting by the victim. According to Los Angeles police, Dolla, born Roderick Anthony Burton II, was unarmed. Price insists it’s coincidental that the two men flew to the same city and ate at the same restaurant (P.F. Chang’s China Bistro) on the same date and time.
“He [Berry] was there [at P.F. Chang’s] first,” said Price, who has not yet seen the surveillance videos. Berry, a music promoter, was dining with associates when he encountered Dolla in the restaurant’s bathroom, the lawyer said.
There, “a threat was made” by the rapper, Price said. Berry’s associates told him he should leave because of Dolla’s affiliation with the Crips street gang, he said.
As his client waited for his car in the Beverly Center’s valet area, Dolla and his cousin, Wilbert Robinson, and another friend, Sidiq Abawi, confronted Berry, Price said.
“He [Berry] believed he was in danger,” the lawyer said.
Berry responded with a flurry of bullets, hitting Dolla multiple times in the back.
The shooting stems from an altercation roughly two weeks earlier at an Atlanta strip club, Platinum 21, Price said.
“Mr. Berry inadvertently bumped into a woman he didn’t know,” the lawyer said. The woman’s identity is unknown. “It was a stupid, silly incident that should’ve never escalated to this point.”
Dolla’s stepfather, George Viera, said the rapper was in Los Angeles planning a birthday party for his longtime girlfriend, Crystal Jackson. In a case full of alleged coincidences, here’s another: Jackson, Viera said, attends Clark Atlanta University. Berry recently graduated from Clark, according to a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney prosecuting the case.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Los Angeles attorney Howard Price said Aubrey Berry, of Snellville, was acting in self-defense when he shot Dolla repeatedly with a 9 mm handgun.
“He believed [Dolla] was armed,” said Price, who alleges Berry was followed to the scene of the shooting by the victim. According to Los Angeles police, Dolla, born Roderick Anthony Burton II, was unarmed. Price insists it’s coincidental that the two men flew to the same city and ate at the same restaurant (P.F. Chang’s China Bistro) on the same date and time.
“He [Berry] was there [at P.F. Chang’s] first,” said Price, who has not yet seen the surveillance videos. Berry, a music promoter, was dining with associates when he encountered Dolla in the restaurant’s bathroom, the lawyer said.
There, “a threat was made” by the rapper, Price said. Berry’s associates told him he should leave because of Dolla’s affiliation with the Crips street gang, he said.
As his client waited for his car in the Beverly Center’s valet area, Dolla and his cousin, Wilbert Robinson, and another friend, Sidiq Abawi, confronted Berry, Price said.
“He [Berry] believed he was in danger,” the lawyer said.
Berry responded with a flurry of bullets, hitting Dolla multiple times in the back.
The shooting stems from an altercation roughly two weeks earlier at an Atlanta strip club, Platinum 21, Price said.
“Mr. Berry inadvertently bumped into a woman he didn’t know,” the lawyer said. The woman’s identity is unknown. “It was a stupid, silly incident that should’ve never escalated to this point.”
Dolla’s stepfather, George Viera, said the rapper was in Los Angeles planning a birthday party for his longtime girlfriend, Crystal Jackson. In a case full of alleged coincidences, here’s another: Jackson, Viera said, attends Clark Atlanta University. Berry recently graduated from Clark, according to a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney prosecuting the case.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A Dolla and A Dream
Another rapper loses his life. What goes on in the minds of people who commit these crimes? Are they punishing the victim? I don't think so...the victim is no longer here. Does anybody feel me on this?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Obama in Atlanta
I have been away for a few days but I'm back. This next post isn't really music related, but I wanted to help spread our president's message.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I Have The Recipe
When I hear a song for the first time, I ususally know right away if it's going to be a smash. Sometimes I'm wrong but 90% of the time I am correct. What let's me know a song is a hit...the song's ingredients. Check out this example. Take Ne-Yo's song "So Sick". It didn't sound like anything on the radio at that time. The production was different and the lyrics were unique. The song also appealed to women. Can't go wrong with that. I don't think Ne-Yo set out to create something similar to the millions of cookie cutter songs out there. He didn't fall into the "I want a song like Joe Smoe" mode that most artists give in to. I guess the point of this post is to say that the music industry lacks creativity as a whole. Who wants to buy music if every song sounds the same. I also think that many of the established and big artists in the game will fall off if they don't change their recipe. Ok, you sold millions in the past but if you become predictable, fans will stop buying your music. Eminem has a formula. Rick Ross has a formula. Ja Rule had a formula. I expected Eminem's new record, "We Made You". This song takes shots at people and is radio friendly, not to mention a funny video. He is following his normal formula. His next single will probably be something serious or dark like "Stan". If that works, ride it until the wheels fall off. But don't get stuck like Ja Rule...he can't put the wheels back on. I'm not saying anything is wrong with this but how long will the fans stick around. I feel that artists should mix it up a little. Lil Wayne is doing rock. The fans will check this out even if it's out of curiosity. Kanye's recent album was different. Most of 2Pac's albums were different than the previous one. Get the picture.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Listen to the Track Byatch!!!!
As of lately, I have read alot of articles in which individuals give their top 5 MCs of all time, their top 10 producers, etc. So I decided to do a list of my own. It's not the top anything but I have compiled a list of songs that may not be on anyone's top lists, but songs that I feel move me the most, songs that inspire me, and songs that you can ride to, smoke out to, and function as the perfect soundtrack to any house party or summertime cook out. Here we go.
Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
Too Short - Cocktails
Nas - If I Ruled the World
Luniz - Five On It
Fugees - Ready Or Not
Jay-Z - Can I Live
Outkast - Jazzy Belle Remix
Ghostface Killah - Fish
DMX - Slippin'
2Pac - Straight Ballin'
8 Ball & MJG - Space Age Pimpin
Juvenile - 400 Degreez
MC Eight - Straight Up Menace
Put these songs on a cd and I bet you won't hit fast forward once.
Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
Too Short - Cocktails
Nas - If I Ruled the World
Luniz - Five On It
Fugees - Ready Or Not
Jay-Z - Can I Live
Outkast - Jazzy Belle Remix
Ghostface Killah - Fish
DMX - Slippin'
2Pac - Straight Ballin'
8 Ball & MJG - Space Age Pimpin
Juvenile - 400 Degreez
MC Eight - Straight Up Menace
Put these songs on a cd and I bet you won't hit fast forward once.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Three-Peat
There are so many music related sites on the internet that I stopped counting. You can sell your beats online, you can upload your music, and the list goes on and on. I am going to talk about three such sites that I actively visit the most.
1. PMP Worldwide (www.pmpworldwide.com)- This site allows you to post your beats and then you can submit your beats to upcoming projects for various artists. I submiited beats to Lil Scrappy, Diddy, and Playaz Circle to name a few. I have also been contacted by unsigned artists looking for production and contacted to submit to a couple of mixtapes. They also have a section for writers. The site is not free but its well worth the money in my opinion. There is a wealth of music industry information on the site.
2. Sonicbids (www.sonicbids.com) - This site helps you find gigs, submit music to music conferences and festivals, and enter different contests. You can sign up to be notified by email when a gig meets your predetermined criteria. This site is also not free but they do offer a free trial month.
3. Roc Battle (www.rocbattle.com) - This site was created by legendary producer Rockwilder. You can sell your beats and you can also battle your beats against other producers for money or bragging rights. The site offers a free account as well as a paid subscription. I have even purchased beats on this site. There are some really good producers here.
1. PMP Worldwide (www.pmpworldwide.com)- This site allows you to post your beats and then you can submit your beats to upcoming projects for various artists. I submiited beats to Lil Scrappy, Diddy, and Playaz Circle to name a few. I have also been contacted by unsigned artists looking for production and contacted to submit to a couple of mixtapes. They also have a section for writers. The site is not free but its well worth the money in my opinion. There is a wealth of music industry information on the site.
2. Sonicbids (www.sonicbids.com) - This site helps you find gigs, submit music to music conferences and festivals, and enter different contests. You can sign up to be notified by email when a gig meets your predetermined criteria. This site is also not free but they do offer a free trial month.
3. Roc Battle (www.rocbattle.com) - This site was created by legendary producer Rockwilder. You can sell your beats and you can also battle your beats against other producers for money or bragging rights. The site offers a free account as well as a paid subscription. I have even purchased beats on this site. There are some really good producers here.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
I'll Take The Bologna Sandwich
I was just thinking back to the Temptations movie I have watched about 20 times. I remember a scene where the "Motown machine" was trying to write a hit for the Temptations. Once the song was completed, Barry Gordy asked his team if they would spend their last dollar to buy the song or spend their last dollar on a sandwich. If you are familiar with the music put out by Motown, then it's safe to say the song beat the sandwich quite often. Fast forward to today. I wonder how many labels today strive to make music in a similar fashion. Probably very few. Maybe a sandwich formula or gas formula is what we need to help get music to a more enjoyable state. I think I will go out and by a hybrid to free up some money when there is music I want to purchase. Can't spend my last dollar on this bull we call music.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Throw The Book At 'Em!
There is a lot to learn in the music industry, but where are you going to get that knowledge? There are some colleges that teach the “music business” as a part of their curriculum, but the majority of us probably don’t have time to attend classes and the subject matter may not be as specific as we require. Unless you have relationships with established individuals in the industry whom you can learn from, you have to find an alternate means to get yourself up to speed on the ins and outs of the music business. I have turned to reading books related to the music industry. They have a wealth of information. If one book doesn’t answer your questions, another one will. Nothing beats real world knowledge and experience, but books can be a necessary supplement. With that said, I have compiled a list of books that have given me insight on all areas of the music business. I must admit that I’m not a big reader, but I couldn’t put these books down.
Start & Run Your Own Record Label by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Cash Tracks: Compose, Produce, and Sell Your Original Soundtrack Music and Jingles by Jeffrey P. Fisher
All You Need To Know About The Music Business by Donald S. Passman
Gotta Get Signed: How To Become A Hip-Hop Producer by Sahpreem King
Music Law: How To Run Your Band’s Business by Richard Stim
Real Deal: How To Get Signed To A Record Label by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Get Media Airplay: A Guide To Getting Song Exposure, Music/Product Tie-Ins And Radio-Play Spins! by Rick Davis
Everything You’d Better Know About The Record Industry by Kashif
Start & Run Your Own Record Label by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Cash Tracks: Compose, Produce, and Sell Your Original Soundtrack Music and Jingles by Jeffrey P. Fisher
All You Need To Know About The Music Business by Donald S. Passman
Gotta Get Signed: How To Become A Hip-Hop Producer by Sahpreem King
Music Law: How To Run Your Band’s Business by Richard Stim
Real Deal: How To Get Signed To A Record Label by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Get Media Airplay: A Guide To Getting Song Exposure, Music/Product Tie-Ins And Radio-Play Spins! by Rick Davis
Everything You’d Better Know About The Record Industry by Kashif
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Country Bamas?
I am from Alabama, my city is Eufaula to be exact, but I now live in Atlanta. I have always known that there is a gang of talent in Alabama. I have attached videos of two dudes that represent Alabama to the fullest. Hint: One produced Duffle Bag Boy for Playaz Circle and the other wrote Promiscuous Girl for Nelly Furtado...hell yeah I said Nelly Furtado. Don't sleep on Alabama.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Music Conference 101
I have attended my fair share of music conferences and they can be a gold mine or a waste of time; it’s up to you. The music conference that I have attended most often in the Atlanta area is the Atlantis Music Conference. I also attended the Radio One Music Conference last year. For the most part, these conferences allow individuals who are looking to make it in the music industry an opportunity to meet and interact with those already established inthe music industry. Music conferences are based upon panels. Loosely, a panel is a group of “experts” on a specificsubject who lend their knowledge and answer questions. Panel guests have included DJ Toomp, Khao, Bangladesh,Brian Cox, Adonis, Young Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Polo Da Don, DJ Unk, and the list goes on. The Atlantis Music Conferencealso gives new artists the opportunity to perform in showcases around the city over a three day period. As an artist looking for exposure, this is the part of the conference you should want to be a part of.
I have compiled a list of things to do to maximize the time you spend attending music conferences. These are just suggestions.
1. Arrive Early, Leave Late - The more time you spend at a music conference, the more time you have to mix and mingle.
2. Network, Network, Network - Take the time to introduce yourself and meet as many people as you can. There are also lawyers,filmmakers, clothing designers, etc. that are just starting out just like yourself. No better way to start your own network.
3. Advertise – Have CDs, t-shirts, flyers, postcards, and business cards made up to represent you, your artist, or your company.
4. Perform – If the music conference offers the opportunity for you to perform, take advantage. You never know who may see you.
5. Ask Questions – The panel sessions allow you to present questions to the panel guests. Ask intelligent questions that will help further your career.These question and answer sessions are not intended for self-promotion or to ask the panelists if you can give them your demo. Be considerate of others.
6. Video – Video tape the panels if you are allowed to do so. You will be surprised how much information you miss.
I have compiled a list of things to do to maximize the time you spend attending music conferences. These are just suggestions.
1. Arrive Early, Leave Late - The more time you spend at a music conference, the more time you have to mix and mingle.
2. Network, Network, Network - Take the time to introduce yourself and meet as many people as you can. There are also lawyers,filmmakers, clothing designers, etc. that are just starting out just like yourself. No better way to start your own network.
3. Advertise – Have CDs, t-shirts, flyers, postcards, and business cards made up to represent you, your artist, or your company.
4. Perform – If the music conference offers the opportunity for you to perform, take advantage. You never know who may see you.
5. Ask Questions – The panel sessions allow you to present questions to the panel guests. Ask intelligent questions that will help further your career.These question and answer sessions are not intended for self-promotion or to ask the panelists if you can give them your demo. Be considerate of others.
6. Video – Video tape the panels if you are allowed to do so. You will be surprised how much information you miss.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Are your MP3s up to par?
I have a few useful suggestions for MP3s that you plan on emailing to DJs, labels, etc. First, make sure the quality of your music is the best it can possibly be. If you can afford to get it mastered, by all means, get it mastered. If not, get it mixed as best you can. Secondly, add an image to your MP3. Open the song in iTunes. Right click on it and select Get Info. Select the Artwork tab and upload your photo. When your song is played on an ipod, in iTunes, or Windows Media player, your photo will appear while the song is being played. This helps the listener attach a face to the music. Lastly, make sure the bitrate of the song is at least 192 kbps. All of these suggestions were provided to me first hand by established Atlanta DJs and producers during multiple music conferences that I attended in 2008. Stay tuned for more gems.
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