Urban Music Slips – 2007-02-07
Urban Music Slips
Checking out sales figures, both hip-hop/rap and R&B had significant declines in 2006, 20% and 18% respectively. In a time when urban music seems to be reaching more and more people how can this be? Hip-hop, rap and R&B are more popular than ever before but the numbers don’t lie. So what is the problem? Many seem to think that stagnation is the problem, lack of creativity in urban music is slowly killing the genre. More and more record companies are going for the ‘cookie cutter’ artists and the quick buck rather than developing truly creative and unique artists. Looking at the music scene, there is definitely some truth to this theory.
Another argument that has been made is the lack of true performers in today’s music business. It used to be that back in the day, artists where groomed by record companies to perform. Coached, if you will, on how to perform and give a good show to the audience. You practiced until it was flawless. Even the small acts had someone helping them with their performances. Does that even happen anymore? Not counting mega-stars that we know have the budget to hire their own people. Do more than a small few actually have help with this or are they just handed a mic and pushed out on stage? Seems like that is the case more times than not. I know I have been to quite a few shows from well known acts that were less than entertaining. No stage presence or on stage personality makes for a very boring show. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot of talented artists out there, but how many of those are also talented performers? Because there is a big difference.
Both of the previous arguments have some validity to them when you look at the state of urban music today. But what about file sharing and digital downloads? If you believe the RIAA and some others, this is what is killing record sales. But how come some other genres have actually increased their sales or maintained them in this age of rampant illegal file sharing? Country music sales, for example, fell less than 1% since 2005. Christian/Gospel and Latin music both saw small increases in sales over last year. Something doesn’t add up to me. Are we supposed to believe that urban music lovers are far more likely than any other music audience to download music for free? Twenty percent more likely. That’s a huge difference.
So how do we get things moving in the right direction for urban music? Give us your feedback on our contact form.
RIAA and DJ Drama Dilemma Feedback
We received quite a few responses about our commentary in the last issue. Here is one that pretty much summed up most of the sentiment:
"Well personally I think the whole situation is a bunch of bull. Like it was stated that the record companies are for the mixtapes and support it, but hell they are using double standards with this issue..How you gonna make all that money off the mixtapes and then be like when the heat hits the DJ, you back the f**k up and not support the ones you was making money off of. The next thing is gonna happen is they RIAA will be at all the clubs regulating DJ’s on what they are playing in the clubs. And I say that is a bunch of Bullsh*t."
– Dj Mixxin Mel, Sin Hawk Productions
Thanks Mel, make sure to send us your feedback and be heard!
Articles:
The Music Biz: Nashville company follows unconventional business plan to hip-hop success
Shasone King and his partner Andalé have a vision for Nashville regarding rap music, specifically, and hip-hop culture in general.
They formed Soulspeak Entertainment two years ago as a vehicle to foster not only a brand of rap that is lyrically different from much of what’s popular, but also one that’s equal parts inspirational, instructional and informative.
Now is the time for hip-hop to step up
What does 2007 hold in store for R&B/hip-hop? The consensus boils down to this: 2007 will be a pivotal year for urban music, especially hip-hop. Unless more new — read quality — artists and unbridled creativity are pumped into the urban lifeline, we’re guaranteed more of the same mediocrity.
Though some R&B and hip-hop albums notched respectable sales figures last year, 2006 sounded a wake-up call as both genres posted noteworthy slippages, comprising 20 percent and 10 percent of album sales versus their 2000 heyday, with 25.4 and 13.6 percent.
Mixtapes Get Bad Rap
To me, it’s the hardest, most blatant governmental blow to hip-hop culture since Mayor Ed Koch handcuffed graffiti in the early 1980s. Since then, New York City has adopted a zero-toler-ance policy against the art of bombing. Next up on the hip-hop chop block: mixtapes.
Recently, a renowned mainstream mixtape producer, DJ Drama, was arrested, had assets seized and was jailed on $100,000 bond for violating a law against "boot-legging" that, when broken, actually helps the ailing music industry – hip-hop in particular.
The Little Brother Breakup: A Look At Other Hip Hop Divorces
When Little Brother started to make headway in the late 1990′s, their sound was fueled by the vintage drums of 9th Wonder. The combination of 9th’s beats, and Phonte’s and Big Pooh’s rhymes made the perfect match, and Little Brother became an underground favorite with enough potential to crossover into radio.
News came yesterday that 9th Wonder has left the group. While this causes disappointment, and a bit of uncertainty, it should not shock anyone. Little Brother has criss-crossed the country on multiple tours without 9th Wonder behind the decks, causing fans to wonder about his absence and sometimes forget he is in the group.
Fav Videos:
| Jamie Kennedy – Rollin wit Saget
Jamie Kennedy & Stu Stone team up with the legendary Full House star for one of the most anticipated hip-hop collaborations of all time. |
 |
Carlos Mencia – Dee Dee Dee Song
Carlos Mencia comes with this hilarious Slim Shady style spoof which actually makes a good point. |
||||
| 2Pac 1992 Malcolm X Grassroots Movement Speech
In 1992, The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement invited Tupac to speak at its banquet in Atlanta. Excellent speech… |
 |
Hip Hop Revolution
Hip Hop is bigger then a necklace, rims, pimps and hoes. It is a voice for the voiceless, it is the stories from the streets, it is a political movement. Commentary from hip hoppers all over the world. |
 |
Comment Here ↓