Dedicated to the Black Experience
Watch this video:
Now ponder this question: Does Drake lose credibility as an artist because he’s unable to freestyle?
I’ll admit I was a Drake fan and I was let down when I saw this video. Granted, all rappers can’t freestyle. But all rappers don’t go on Flex’s show fronting like they can.
On a funnier note, you can’t see the original without seeing the spoof:
Hay girl signing off.
If you thought the life of most musicians was comparable to the blissful and blinged-out existences of Kanye and Rihanna, you’ve clearly not heard much about our ever-desiccating music industry. According to the latest Nielsen research, only 2.1 percent of the albums released in 2009 sold even 5,000 copies — that’s just 2,050 records out of nearly 100,000, and to fewer people than go to a small liberal arts college.
As if that weren’t bad enough, even the bands who do move units end up paying through the nose, mouth, eyes and ears for management, legal fees, producers and other expenses, leaving most of them scrounging to pay for record advances and, if they can afford it, health care.
From the outside, it often sounds fun to be in a band. But before picking up that guitar or microphone, take a look at where the money from a record goes.
*Calculator: Find Out How Much You’d Make as a Musician*
SLRP: The suggested list retail price of a CD is currently $16.98, while the standard wholesale price — what retail stores pay the label per CD — is about $10. Once the retailer gets the CD, they can sell it for however much they’d like — hence “suggested.” Artist’s royalties are a percentage of the retail price. Superstars can get 20 percent of the SLRP, but most get 12 percent to 14 percent.
Packaging charge: 25 percent of the SLRP goes back to the record company immediately for what’s called a “packaging charge” — that’s the label literally charging the artist for the plastic case in which his or her CD is sold.
Free goods: In essence, “free goods” are a roundabout way for labels to discount records so stores will be more inclined to buy them. So rather than sell Best Buy 100,000 records at the regular wholesale price, the label will sell them 100,000 records for the price of 85,000. The artist is then paid for the 85,000 CDs, not the actual 100,000 sold to the retailer.
Reserves: Records, especially records by newer artists, are generally sold with the caveat that retailers can return to the label whatever copies they don’t sell for a full refund. Thus to ensure they don’t lose too much money on artists, record labels will sometimes pay artists for only 65,000 copies out of 100,000 copies, just in case 35,000 (25,000 if you consider the free ones) are returned. If the retailer ends up selling all their copies, the label will then pay the artist the balance owed, which can sometimes take years.
continued on TheRoot.com
-Mr.CEO(via Cord Jefferson at www.theroot.com)
D.I.T.C.’s A.G. commandeers some Dilla instrumentals for a new tribute mixtape that he leaked today on Twitter.
01 Intro
02 Workin’ On It
03 AG On JD
04 We Do It 4
05 Walk On By
06 AG On Loss
07 Dilla 4 Eva ft. Party Arty
08 Clap
09 Crushing (BX Version)
10 AG On J Dilla & Party Arty
11 10 to 10
12 Gems I Spit
13 Keep It Movin
14 Heavy Head
15 Shouts
(My fav joint is #5)
Enjoy
Mr.CEO
This week’s edition of STEREOLOVE welcomes the Summer solstice with soulful blends and deep + uplifiting tones w/
ABDUL SHAKIR (THANG, LA)
http://www.facebook.com/DJ.ABDUL
+LIVE DRUMMING: ORLANDO ROYAL
w/Resident Selections:
A-SKI & MIKECHECK
serving up a collage of Soulful House, Boogie/Disco, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Afro Latin + other unexpected/ uplifting themes
Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
21 and Wiser | $5 | 9p-2a | Thursday
*** SPECIALS***
$5 Well from 9-10PM
GUESTLIST: unique74events@gmail.com
Low End Theory :: Tonight, June 30th 2010
This Wednesday, June 30th we are proud to present another night of sublime subharmonics at Low End Theory. We’re back to the cutting edge this week, featuring a stunning array of talent. Matthewdavid will take the headline slot, preceded by the illustrious P.U.D.G.E. Opening set by new discovery Vapor Mache. Residents Daddy Kev, Nobody, D-Styles and Nocando are on deck for soundwave demolition duty (GLK is in Europe). Early arrival is always recommended for easy entry at Low End Theory:
MATTHEWDAVID
[Brainfeeder]
It is indeed a pleasure for us to bring you a close encounter with one of L.A.’s most fabled new talents. Matthewdavid’s Spills EP on Plug Research exposed him to the masses, while his co-production on Flying Lotus’ Los Angeles cemented his rep even further. His Leaving Records imprint is among L.A.’s most essential. Rumor has it that Matthewdavid is nearing completion on his Brainfeeder debut, so expect to hear his newest beat creations at this week’s Low End Theory.
http://www.myspace.com/matthewdavid
P.U.D.G.E.
[Ramp Recordings]
Back at Low End for his second set of 2010, P.U.D.G.E. has been making major waves with his astounding beats and rhymes. He’s rocked just about every beat showcase in the city, impressing countless fans. He recently ignited the All City L.A. ten-inch series, and just dropped Idiot Box on London’s Ramp Recordings. A true Low End favorite, don’t miss this performance.
http://www.myspace.com/djpudgemcee
VAPOR MACHE
[Los Angeles]
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska and now living in Los Angeles, Vapor Mache is a fresh addition to the L.A. producer community. Tonight makes his debut on the Low End Theory stage.
http://www.myspace.com/vapormache
As well as your Resident DJs
DADDY KEV
[Alpha Pup]
Batting first on the Low End Theory lineup is legendary producer and label boss Daddy Kev. As a producer and engineer, he’s spent the last decade crafting classics for the likes of AWOL One, Busdriver, The Grouch, Sage Francis, Mix Master Mike, Abstract Rude, D-Styles, Freestyle Fellowship, The Shape Shifters and many more. His DJ sets are a high-tech affair with Kev primarily engaged in live remixes, slicing experimental beats and hip-hop classics to shreds.
http://www.myspace.com/daddykev
NOBODY
[Plug Research]
From his adventures on the road with Mars Volta and Prefuse 73, to his production and remixes for Postal Service, Mystic Chords of Memory and Busdriver, coupled with his own solo work on labels such as Rough Trade and Plug Research, Nobody is a living tour de force of creative genius.
http://www.myspace.com/nobodyelvin
THE GASLAMP KILLER
[Low End Theory]
Over the course of the last few years, Gaslamp Killer has established a solid rep for devastating beats and intricate cuts. This nomadic West Coaster has steadily smashed the scene from San Diego to Los Angeles to San Francisco, earning the respect of heavyweight players in the process. Bear witness to one of his epic sets and see what the buzz is all about.
http://www.myspace.com/thegaslampkiller
D-STYLES
[Funkshitup]
His virtuoso skills on the turntables have been compared to that of Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane. As a former member of Invisibl Skratch Piklz and Beat Junkies, he toured the globe, helping transform turntablism into a global phenomenon. Now, the legendary D-Styles is back on the frontlines of underground culture, shredding your soul every week at Low End Theory.
http://www.myspace.com/djdstyles
Plus Resident MC
NOCANDO
[Alpha Pup]
He’s no longer a secret. After winning the 2007 Scribble Jam MC Battle Championship, Nocando has been catapulted to new levels of international fame. He spent many Thursday nights honing his skills at Project Blowed, and has broken the dreams and hopes of countless would-be-MCs.
http://www.myspace.com/nocando
Low End Theory goes down every Wednesday
@ The Airliner, 2419 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Google Maps | MapQuest | Yahoo! Maps
Massive sound system plus downstairs movie lounge
18+ | $10 cover ($5 w/membership) | 10PM-2AM | Fully stocked bar
The illest resident DJ lineup to hit L.A. in years, rocking one of the most ridiculous sound systems in the city. Over 10,000 watts of amplification flowing through twelve 18-inch subharmonic drivers that will take your breath away. Come hear the music as it was meant to be heard…
May 16th 1983, I was 4 going on 5. I was at home watching an awards show with my mom. Now although I was already aware of Michael Jackson’s music, because my mom used to tell how I would hear some of his songs on the radio and sing them, it wasn’t until I saw his performance on that show when it truly hit me, this guy is awesome! Fast forward to 1987, when I got my 1st MJ tape (yes tape as in cassette), the album Bad. I knew every single song off that album, which probably why, biased speaking, that is my favorite of all his albums. Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, The Way You Make Me Feel, and who could forget Liberian Girl, come on now son!! That same year, I remember standing in a long line in December at Disneyland, to see Captain EO. It was like only 10 minutes long, but still definitely the most amazing experience ever at the time. After that, anything MJ did musically, I was all ears. The man just had a gift and a work ethic that is still unmatched by any other artist to this day. And even though I became a huge HIP HOP junkie and may not have purchased albums after BAD, I was still down with his sound. Actually, one of my all time favorite MJ songs, songs period, is Butterflies off his 2001 LP, Invincible. So as I stated, I’m still down with you MJ. I know you still moonwalkin’ in heaven, got all the angels passing out at your shows. I know I am BAD because of you. RIP
Mr.CEO
Say what you want about Snoop: yes, he is still crip walking, rocking the blue bandana, and throwing up gang signs at almost 40. But Cordozar Calvin Broadus is a businessman before he’s any kind of gang banger, and last night’s True Blood Tribute that aired after the episode confirmed that.
Snoop’s place in music history is undeniable, though many will argue against the imagery his stage persona perpetuates. In spite of that, Snoop has managed to build a brand that, while steeped in urban myth and stereotype, manages to have crossover appeal. Snoop stated last year that True Blood was his favorite show and he wished for a cameo appearance. HBO clearly saw this as advantageous and opted for a single instead. In usual Snoop style, the track is catchy, with some racy lyrics smeared throughout – creepy gangsta, is what I would call it.
For HBO, the promotional benefit of having an artist like Snoop promote their #1 show is far-reaching. Gangsta rap or not, Snoop has maintained nationwide crossover appeal for almost 20 years and his influence on entertainment in general is still seen today through the many artists that emulate him.
The city of Los Angeles is never without a shortage of functions to attend; however to find one that gives you great music, a cool ambience, and a decent sticker price can be hard to come by.
On Thursday night, The Little Temple gives us STEREOLOVE, hosted by DJ A-ski. A-ski, an LA native and a premier dee-jay spins only the best in soul, house, funk, hip-hop, and old school music. This week’s event will showcase guest DJ Rudy C of FTWK.
And the price? $5. Posse up and meet me there.
There are some parties in LA that one can’t miss: The Wonderfull Party hosted by DJ Spinna (Stevie Wonder all night long!) and ANY Prince vs. MJ party, although Spinna’s is legendary. I can’t vouch for this DJ, but my blackness requires that I pass the info on. Besides, how can you go wrong with the playlist? This invite just hit my facebook inbox – be there or be assed out!
When: Friday, June 18, 2010 at 8:00pm
Where: Royal/T Art Gallery, 8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA
Occasionally, an event of cosmic proportion immerses our collective consciousness. On June 18, as the Summer’s steamy embrace reacquaints us with golden memories, one such event soars toward our galaxy. Gliding across the decades at an agile pace, you’ll be enveloped by the essence of the King of Pop and seduced by His Royal Badness. At the very moment you confront the majestic edifice that is Royal/T (www.royal-t.org), you’ll be enamored with the aura and allure of Celestial beings in your midst.
DJ Tendaji Lathan will be spinning from the extensive collection of danceable hits, collaborations, and covers from Prince and Michael Jackson. This includes Prince produced songs, the Jackson family, and more all night long.
Prolific artistry. Priceless personalities. Michael and His Majesty; partying at the speed of sound…
Brought to you by Darnell Holcomb
Cover Charge is $10 before 10:30PM and $20 thereafter. Upscale attire is required. RSVP to shovision@yahoo.com.
