Underground to the mainstream

  There has been a transformation in the underground that many "fans" have shown immense hate for.  There seems to be this belief that once an artists gets underground fame they should never be allowed to do anything remotely similar or involved in the mainstream.  For instance, once Twiztid left Psychopathic and released New Nightmare they were skewered for working with "mainstream" artists such as Caskey.  The truth is I praise them for doing whatever they want and working with who ever they want.  Another example is Tech N9ne and Strange music.  In the Faygoluvers forum recently someone said "Strange music isn't an underground label anymore. All of the artists are mainstream except maybe."  Another person commented that Tech had "sold out" because he is finally getting recognition in the popular arena.  In the same breath those people praise ICP for their work on Fuse TV for finally "getting their dues."  This is the double standard I was speaking of.  Why is it that the number one group in the underground, the originators of the underground wicked shit are given a pass when others are not? 

  I personally feel that any artists that represent us, the Juggalos, should be praised for getting us recognized.  The fans should continue to support these artists even if we might not like the artists they collaborate with.  Each and every artist that comes from the depths and breaks through in pop culture brings us closer to being accepted and better understood.  Tech N9ne didn't sell out, he MADE IT!  Twiztid is not selling out, they are making music they want to make.  There is absolutely no reason for anyone to hate these guys for making these decisions.  I think a lot of the hate has to do with jealousy.  People don't like that these guys are making money doing the things they love.

I was working with a group for a while out of Amarillo.  From a business perspective I was trying to do what was best for the longevity of the group in the business world.  Shortly after we had a small dispute and parted ways they posted "We don't kiss ass to be accepted period. *********** will stay running local shows before we sell out just because its doing "good buisness" fuck you if you don't like it"  When they mention kissing ass it was in reference to my trying to keep a business relationship with a printer who supplied stickers, backdrops, and other printed items to us at a great discount because of my friendship with him.  Unfortunately this is the attitude that leads to people never getting ahead, never making it, and never, ever getting out of their cities.  Guys like this are proud to be local opener heroes for guys in the business that are making moves and getting ahead.  This group, while very talented lacked the most important traits: Commitment, ability to control their emotions, and common sense.  The biggest problem with guys like this is that they are the biggest haters towards people making moves.  I promise you that guys like this will not get anywhere in this business.  

  So I guess I can sum up this article by saying as Juggalos we should back these artists even if they are working with people we may not like.  We should support these artists until they begin to make music we don't like.  It shouldn't matter if someone is on MTV or BET regularly.  Hell ICP was on MTV back in the day!  We all need to remember, even if you are an underground artist, that if you were offered a good chunk of money to be on Strange, Subnoize, or any other bigger named label you would be an idiot not to take it and run with it!  If you are not in this business to make money, you shouldn't be in this business.  As it is a majority of these artists in the underground will never make it.  Not because they are being shunned, held back, or kissing enough ass but simply because they don't have the talent, connections, or drive to make it.  For most of these guys they do music as a hobby nothing more.  They work from a studio in their basements, garages, or closets to save money.  In order to be successful in this business you need to invest in it.  That means investing time, money, and energy into everything you do.  Find the best studio you can afford, get your tracks mastered by professionals, and don't try to sell cd-dvr's with sharpie as "the hottest thing on the market"  When I get those I rarely listen to them.  A first impression can only be made once.  

I got nothing but love for every single artists struggling to make it in the business.  I got nothing but love for my Juggalo Family.  Let's stop hating on los and lettes for making it.  Let's celebrate their success.  Hate and jealousy will eat you alive and make you do and say things that will hurt you in the long run.

MMFWFL,

Juggalotus