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
Showing posts with label Black Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Project. Show all posts
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Friday, August 30, 2013
The fine line between business and friendship
Anyone in this business knows that we all take our steps into this business with friends usually. We find our lifelong friends or people we grow to know as friends and make our way into music together. Most of the time the line between friendship and business is hard to distinguish. Most people are unable to separate the decisions made for the benefit of the group or business from personal feelings if things don't work out. This is the case for Black Project and I today.
I am not going to dive into great detail but will say that some business I had outside of the group has been rough. I had trusted friends to let me vent when things were not going the best. Due to this my friend felt the need to approach the other party in that other business. I talked with that party last night and let them know I wasn't happy my friend took it upon himself to write and get into business that wasn't his own, even though I understood he was just trying to look out for me as a friend. This whole series of events led to a huge disagreement between them. I refused to take sides and in the end Black Project felt by me not taking sides I was not taking their side. Then made the decision to not keep me as their manager.
While I did not want that to happen I cannot stop them from making that decision. So I made a public announcement stating that they were released from Wicked Butterfly Entertainment due to professional disagreements, because to me that is what it is. I have nothing but respect for Black Project and wish them the best in all they do in the future. I have at every turn put my own money up to pay for studio time, demo pressing, and other expenses and allowed them to pay me back at their leisure. I never pressed them to get me the money back immediately as I understood their circumstances. I have taken a lot of my time, energy, and finances to help them be successful. In return today one of them went on a twenty minute rant saying I did nothing for them, held them back, and hurt their career. I am really sorry he feels this way as this is the first time I have heard they were not happy. Our management contract was a six month contract the ended officially at the beginning of January and I have not pressed them to renew it, so I have been providing my services for nothing but our friendship. I have put up my own funds in this time to mix and master tracks for them to have for shows they had coming up.
I cannot change how anyone feels but I can say that I have acted in a professional manner in the best interest of Black Project for over a year. I have gained absolutely nothing for myself financially. At this point I have lost money I have put into the group.
I will not ever attack them personally as I have no issue with them on the personal side of things. Business wise I am upset they feel like I screwed them over but once again I will not say anything negative about them. Part of being in business is understanding that not every bad thing that happens is personal. Sometimes people are mad because that line gets crossed. Sometimes people involve themselves in dealing that they have no involvement in except to be a friend to one or more of the parties.
It is a hard lesson for people to learn or see happen and I wish nothing but the best for my homies in Black Project. I am always here if they need advice or to vent as unlikely as that may be.
Keep business as business and friends as friends. Make sure you don't blur the lines and think business decisions are anything but just that.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
I am not going to dive into great detail but will say that some business I had outside of the group has been rough. I had trusted friends to let me vent when things were not going the best. Due to this my friend felt the need to approach the other party in that other business. I talked with that party last night and let them know I wasn't happy my friend took it upon himself to write and get into business that wasn't his own, even though I understood he was just trying to look out for me as a friend. This whole series of events led to a huge disagreement between them. I refused to take sides and in the end Black Project felt by me not taking sides I was not taking their side. Then made the decision to not keep me as their manager.
While I did not want that to happen I cannot stop them from making that decision. So I made a public announcement stating that they were released from Wicked Butterfly Entertainment due to professional disagreements, because to me that is what it is. I have nothing but respect for Black Project and wish them the best in all they do in the future. I have at every turn put my own money up to pay for studio time, demo pressing, and other expenses and allowed them to pay me back at their leisure. I never pressed them to get me the money back immediately as I understood their circumstances. I have taken a lot of my time, energy, and finances to help them be successful. In return today one of them went on a twenty minute rant saying I did nothing for them, held them back, and hurt their career. I am really sorry he feels this way as this is the first time I have heard they were not happy. Our management contract was a six month contract the ended officially at the beginning of January and I have not pressed them to renew it, so I have been providing my services for nothing but our friendship. I have put up my own funds in this time to mix and master tracks for them to have for shows they had coming up.
I cannot change how anyone feels but I can say that I have acted in a professional manner in the best interest of Black Project for over a year. I have gained absolutely nothing for myself financially. At this point I have lost money I have put into the group.
I will not ever attack them personally as I have no issue with them on the personal side of things. Business wise I am upset they feel like I screwed them over but once again I will not say anything negative about them. Part of being in business is understanding that not every bad thing that happens is personal. Sometimes people are mad because that line gets crossed. Sometimes people involve themselves in dealing that they have no involvement in except to be a friend to one or more of the parties.
It is a hard lesson for people to learn or see happen and I wish nothing but the best for my homies in Black Project. I am always here if they need advice or to vent as unlikely as that may be.
Keep business as business and friends as friends. Make sure you don't blur the lines and think business decisions are anything but just that.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The Movement
A ton has happened in the last week and I have learned a great deal.
First thing I wanted to formally address was the first show Wicked Butterfly Entertainment booked and promoted here in Tucson, the Snug Brim Arroggant Tour. After James Barone royally screwed that tour booking up Snug Brim trusted a long time friend to rebook the tour. For those who don't know James Barone was taking deposits from promoters and artists and not passing the cash onto Snug Brim. Anyway the tour got re-booked and I sent Snug Brim the first half of his appearance fee, $225.00. Not a lot but it was what had been negotiated. After he got that money I could not reach him for any kind of flight info, arrival times, or anything. Bottom line is Snug Brim no-showed the appearance and has yet to return any of that deposit money back to me. No I normally don't air dirty laundry on here but I think if a thief is discovered they should be called out! Despite that fact the show went awesome. I heard many comments that it was the best local show they have had here in Tucson in many years. As many of you know from previous blogs I promote so that the artists, venues, and myself all make money in the end. If you want to know how I do it go back and read my last few blogs. The night had a variety of local Tucson Hip Hop artists. They included first time performances by From Tha Ash and Chi!pz, Full Kontakt Entertainment, Tha Silent 1 & J Dawg, The Source and Cultivate Creative Sound(CCS) stepped up as the headliners. Top to bottom all of the acts performed very well. The crowd showed love consistently throughout the night for all of the acts. In the end we all had a kick ass time and I think we all are looking forward to the next show as I bring T.O.N.E-Z and Poe Whosaine to Tucson Aug 28th!
Now to the main theme for the post, The Movement. I have seen this past week a lot of love for my promotion method and how it benefits everyone at the show. I had several people come up to me at the show and after and state that they have never seen a crowd stay through every act in a show. Like I said all the acts and their fans stayed at the show and gave each and every act love. In the weeks leading up to the show all the artists were given a chance to make money bringing people to the show, and I hope most did in the end. So I am starting The Movement, the Promoters and Artists working together to make each and every show a success. Instead of each side trying to screw the other so they make more money, everyone works together and everyone makes money. Sure no one person or group is making thousands of dollars on the shows but in this economy every hundred bucks helps. There are too many times I have seen headliners do what Snug Brim did to me, get a deposit(make it non-refundable) and not show to perform. This hurts everyone and it needs to stop. Artists, if you are paid to show up and perform, do it! That is easy. The promoters are paying you, covering hotel costs, and in some cases travel cost and all you have to do is show up and do 45 min to an hour on stage, that is your JOB! Mars told me once he keeps a list of promoters and performers he has worked with. Each one has notes, if he trusts them and a label on if he will work with them in the future. I have started to keep a list as well. I hope as The Movement gets going we can build a network of trustworthy promoters and artists so we all can get ahead in the music business. That is what it is a BUSINESS! In my blog Business or Hobby I make it clear where I stand.
The next show Wicked Butterfly Entertainment is hosting is DJ Clay's Scratch the Surface Tour with Mars in Albuquerque, NM on July 26th! 2 weeks away so get the word out!
I truly feel as though this movement is needed and wanted in the business. Leave me some comments and let me know where you stand!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
First thing I wanted to formally address was the first show Wicked Butterfly Entertainment booked and promoted here in Tucson, the Snug Brim Arroggant Tour. After James Barone royally screwed that tour booking up Snug Brim trusted a long time friend to rebook the tour. For those who don't know James Barone was taking deposits from promoters and artists and not passing the cash onto Snug Brim. Anyway the tour got re-booked and I sent Snug Brim the first half of his appearance fee, $225.00. Not a lot but it was what had been negotiated. After he got that money I could not reach him for any kind of flight info, arrival times, or anything. Bottom line is Snug Brim no-showed the appearance and has yet to return any of that deposit money back to me. No I normally don't air dirty laundry on here but I think if a thief is discovered they should be called out! Despite that fact the show went awesome. I heard many comments that it was the best local show they have had here in Tucson in many years. As many of you know from previous blogs I promote so that the artists, venues, and myself all make money in the end. If you want to know how I do it go back and read my last few blogs. The night had a variety of local Tucson Hip Hop artists. They included first time performances by From Tha Ash and Chi!pz, Full Kontakt Entertainment, Tha Silent 1 & J Dawg, The Source and Cultivate Creative Sound(CCS) stepped up as the headliners. Top to bottom all of the acts performed very well. The crowd showed love consistently throughout the night for all of the acts. In the end we all had a kick ass time and I think we all are looking forward to the next show as I bring T.O.N.E-Z and Poe Whosaine to Tucson Aug 28th!
Now to the main theme for the post, The Movement. I have seen this past week a lot of love for my promotion method and how it benefits everyone at the show. I had several people come up to me at the show and after and state that they have never seen a crowd stay through every act in a show. Like I said all the acts and their fans stayed at the show and gave each and every act love. In the weeks leading up to the show all the artists were given a chance to make money bringing people to the show, and I hope most did in the end. So I am starting The Movement, the Promoters and Artists working together to make each and every show a success. Instead of each side trying to screw the other so they make more money, everyone works together and everyone makes money. Sure no one person or group is making thousands of dollars on the shows but in this economy every hundred bucks helps. There are too many times I have seen headliners do what Snug Brim did to me, get a deposit(make it non-refundable) and not show to perform. This hurts everyone and it needs to stop. Artists, if you are paid to show up and perform, do it! That is easy. The promoters are paying you, covering hotel costs, and in some cases travel cost and all you have to do is show up and do 45 min to an hour on stage, that is your JOB! Mars told me once he keeps a list of promoters and performers he has worked with. Each one has notes, if he trusts them and a label on if he will work with them in the future. I have started to keep a list as well. I hope as The Movement gets going we can build a network of trustworthy promoters and artists so we all can get ahead in the music business. That is what it is a BUSINESS! In my blog Business or Hobby I make it clear where I stand.
The next show Wicked Butterfly Entertainment is hosting is DJ Clay's Scratch the Surface Tour with Mars in Albuquerque, NM on July 26th! 2 weeks away so get the word out!
I truly feel as though this movement is needed and wanted in the business. Leave me some comments and let me know where you stand!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Wicked Butterfly Update!
So the past few months I have posted a lot of things on this blog but today I am here to give a little update on Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and what we have going on, so here we go:
Black Project officially has a demo out in the public space. It contains five tracks from our upcoming album and is pure fire! This demo has two collabs on it that are absolutely the best of the best. The first is "Lay my body to rest" it features both Bukshot (Underground Avengers, Mobstyle Records) and T-Razor (Underground Avengers). This track took us several months to get together but it is one of the best things we have ever done. The second collab is with a guy named Stacc Styles of Cultivate Creative Sound. It is called "Wrote this letter" and shows a softer more deep side of Black Project. The demo is rounded out by "Darkest Place", "Dig ya Grave", and "Never make it out". If you are in Tucson or Amarillo hit up our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Project/479855342036749?fref=ts leave a message and we will hook you up for just $5.
Black Project has two shows coming up on the nationwide "Eerly Birds Tour" with J Hornay & Cultivate Creative Sound. The first is in Albuquerque, NM on June 8 @ Blackwater. The second is in Tucson, AZ on June 12 @ The Rialto. These shows are not to be missed!
Finally Black Project has been steady in the studio finishing off more tracks for the "Highly Classified" Album. We are hoping to have at least 4 more tracks done before the Eerly Bird shows, if so you might just get to see them performed live at the shows.
I have been busy working on a lot of concerts and scheduling with Unstable Promotions. The big news is that July 7, 2013 former Strange Music artist Snug Brim is bringing his Arrogant Tour to Tucson, AZ! You heard that right the show is 8 pm at DV8 on July 7, 2013. It will be headlined by Snug Brim, Mr. Grey and Cultivate Creative Sound. Tickets are just $8 presale and $10 at the door. Cheap price for a great show and one that shouldn't be missed!
At the end of July Unstable artist Jigsaw is going to be in Tucson for a show. Details are still being worked out and I will give you an update as they get finalized.
Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and West Coast Chill are teaming up to bring the new energy drink in a self cooling can into the market here in Tucson! This can is awesome, it cools the drink 30 degrees in just 3 minutes! We are also working on bringing West Coast Chill to the Gathering of the Juggalos so be on the lookout for that. If you don't know about this energy drink hit up www.westcoastchill.com and see what it is all about!
Finally it has been my pleasure to continue to do reviews for www.faygoluvers.net. Scottie D has kept putting his trust in me to give my honest straight forward opinion on the music he sends me and for that I am greatful. I have had the pleasure of hearing a wide variety of good, bad, horrible, and great music and hope to continue into the distant future.
With all that in mind here is my shout outs:
Scottie D- Much Love Homie. Thank you for the trust and confidence in me.
Randy Forester aka 806 Outlaw- Been a year man and I couldn't be happier with what we have accomplished with Black Project.
Cecil Martinez aka Narkotix- The past year you havent made my job to easy but it has been an awesome ride. Keep you feet to the fire homie and lets get this CD out this year!
Stacc Styles- Thank you for the love, support, and trust you have place in me for the past few months. Your new solo album is going to be pure fire. Still wanna work that Heel Stacc "I'll pull your Bitch" album.
Crookyd- Road trips have been interesting to say the least! Been a great time with you and all the guys from CCS. Cant wait to get crackin on that solo project!
Bukshot- As one of the truest and most honest musicians I have ever worked with it is my pleasure to call you my friend. I will get you out here for a show and we will bring that Mobstyle to Tucson!
Mars- People love you and people hate you man. Been that way since day one. I consider you my friend and have truely enjoyed working with you and hope we can do more together in the future.
Kung Fu Vampire- What can I say man you are doing big fangs! No doubt you have earned everything you have gotten and have still managed to stay humble in this business. I proudly say you are my friend and I am always here to help out.
Mr. Grey- Hopefully the beginning of big things man! I have enjoyed your work and the times we have had to meet up or talk have been awesome. I am here if you ever need anything homie.
Steven Natale- As Black Projects Producer and main mixer you have been awesome. One of the best I have ever worked with and I definitely look forward to a long and hopefully prosperous future making hits!
Kristina (My Wife)- I would not be where I am without your support. You have been there since day one in this music business. I have made good decisions and bad decisions and you have always had my back. I have no doubt with you in my corner I can make it in this cut throat business. I love you and thank you for everything.
Thats it for this post. I know a lot of shout outs and love in this one. But I feel truely blessed to be where I am and doing the things I am doing. Keep your eyes peeled on the blog for more info on the album release and upcoming concerts.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus!
Black Project officially has a demo out in the public space. It contains five tracks from our upcoming album and is pure fire! This demo has two collabs on it that are absolutely the best of the best. The first is "Lay my body to rest" it features both Bukshot (Underground Avengers, Mobstyle Records) and T-Razor (Underground Avengers). This track took us several months to get together but it is one of the best things we have ever done. The second collab is with a guy named Stacc Styles of Cultivate Creative Sound. It is called "Wrote this letter" and shows a softer more deep side of Black Project. The demo is rounded out by "Darkest Place", "Dig ya Grave", and "Never make it out". If you are in Tucson or Amarillo hit up our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Project/479855342036749?fref=ts leave a message and we will hook you up for just $5.
Black Project has two shows coming up on the nationwide "Eerly Birds Tour" with J Hornay & Cultivate Creative Sound. The first is in Albuquerque, NM on June 8 @ Blackwater. The second is in Tucson, AZ on June 12 @ The Rialto. These shows are not to be missed!
Finally Black Project has been steady in the studio finishing off more tracks for the "Highly Classified" Album. We are hoping to have at least 4 more tracks done before the Eerly Bird shows, if so you might just get to see them performed live at the shows.
I have been busy working on a lot of concerts and scheduling with Unstable Promotions. The big news is that July 7, 2013 former Strange Music artist Snug Brim is bringing his Arrogant Tour to Tucson, AZ! You heard that right the show is 8 pm at DV8 on July 7, 2013. It will be headlined by Snug Brim, Mr. Grey and Cultivate Creative Sound. Tickets are just $8 presale and $10 at the door. Cheap price for a great show and one that shouldn't be missed!
At the end of July Unstable artist Jigsaw is going to be in Tucson for a show. Details are still being worked out and I will give you an update as they get finalized.
Wicked Butterfly Entertainment and West Coast Chill are teaming up to bring the new energy drink in a self cooling can into the market here in Tucson! This can is awesome, it cools the drink 30 degrees in just 3 minutes! We are also working on bringing West Coast Chill to the Gathering of the Juggalos so be on the lookout for that. If you don't know about this energy drink hit up www.westcoastchill.com and see what it is all about!
Finally it has been my pleasure to continue to do reviews for www.faygoluvers.net. Scottie D has kept putting his trust in me to give my honest straight forward opinion on the music he sends me and for that I am greatful. I have had the pleasure of hearing a wide variety of good, bad, horrible, and great music and hope to continue into the distant future.
With all that in mind here is my shout outs:
Scottie D- Much Love Homie. Thank you for the trust and confidence in me.
Randy Forester aka 806 Outlaw- Been a year man and I couldn't be happier with what we have accomplished with Black Project.
Cecil Martinez aka Narkotix- The past year you havent made my job to easy but it has been an awesome ride. Keep you feet to the fire homie and lets get this CD out this year!
Stacc Styles- Thank you for the love, support, and trust you have place in me for the past few months. Your new solo album is going to be pure fire. Still wanna work that Heel Stacc "I'll pull your Bitch" album.
Crookyd- Road trips have been interesting to say the least! Been a great time with you and all the guys from CCS. Cant wait to get crackin on that solo project!
Bukshot- As one of the truest and most honest musicians I have ever worked with it is my pleasure to call you my friend. I will get you out here for a show and we will bring that Mobstyle to Tucson!
Mars- People love you and people hate you man. Been that way since day one. I consider you my friend and have truely enjoyed working with you and hope we can do more together in the future.
Kung Fu Vampire- What can I say man you are doing big fangs! No doubt you have earned everything you have gotten and have still managed to stay humble in this business. I proudly say you are my friend and I am always here to help out.
Mr. Grey- Hopefully the beginning of big things man! I have enjoyed your work and the times we have had to meet up or talk have been awesome. I am here if you ever need anything homie.
Steven Natale- As Black Projects Producer and main mixer you have been awesome. One of the best I have ever worked with and I definitely look forward to a long and hopefully prosperous future making hits!
Kristina (My Wife)- I would not be where I am without your support. You have been there since day one in this music business. I have made good decisions and bad decisions and you have always had my back. I have no doubt with you in my corner I can make it in this cut throat business. I love you and thank you for everything.
Thats it for this post. I know a lot of shout outs and love in this one. But I feel truely blessed to be where I am and doing the things I am doing. Keep your eyes peeled on the blog for more info on the album release and upcoming concerts.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Can't believe it's been 2 years!
In looking at my blog stats I was very happy to see it finally passed 9300 page views! I never thought it would get that many. Then I was looking back at all my posts and realized an even bigger achievement, this blog has been going strong for 2 years yesterday!
The evolution of the blog is funny to look at because it started as a way for me to show support to Juggalos/Juggalettes and help promote the Family in a positive light. Since that time things in my life have changed and evolved. I now manage Black Project in their music, write reviews of CD's for Faygoluvers.net, am doing freelance reporting for American Media Distribution (Hopefully they will send me to the Gathering to write a positive story and get rid of more stigma associated with us), have booked and promoted a concert, and have worked with a lot of Underground artists and gotten to know them which I never expected. It is so funny to me that my life went for 31 years and then the last 2 have gone by so fast it makes my head spin.
The current theme in my blog is giving advice to artists, promoters, bookers, and managers. I am no expert but I do business honestly. I truely think we need more honesty in this business. Now I have had my share of haters and that is ok with me. I respect everyone's opinion and welcome any comments all the time on this blog. I take an active role to respond to everyone in some way and show my appreciation for the time they give to read my ramblings. I have started a new non-rap blog this year which has yet to get it's legs but hopefully soon.
I am very intersted to see where we go from here. If you are a regular reader know that I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you are new welcome! Feel free to comment or hit me up on email. I am looking forward to more years to come!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
The evolution of the blog is funny to look at because it started as a way for me to show support to Juggalos/Juggalettes and help promote the Family in a positive light. Since that time things in my life have changed and evolved. I now manage Black Project in their music, write reviews of CD's for Faygoluvers.net, am doing freelance reporting for American Media Distribution (Hopefully they will send me to the Gathering to write a positive story and get rid of more stigma associated with us), have booked and promoted a concert, and have worked with a lot of Underground artists and gotten to know them which I never expected. It is so funny to me that my life went for 31 years and then the last 2 have gone by so fast it makes my head spin.
The current theme in my blog is giving advice to artists, promoters, bookers, and managers. I am no expert but I do business honestly. I truely think we need more honesty in this business. Now I have had my share of haters and that is ok with me. I respect everyone's opinion and welcome any comments all the time on this blog. I take an active role to respond to everyone in some way and show my appreciation for the time they give to read my ramblings. I have started a new non-rap blog this year which has yet to get it's legs but hopefully soon.
I am very intersted to see where we go from here. If you are a regular reader know that I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you are new welcome! Feel free to comment or hit me up on email. I am looking forward to more years to come!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Business or Hobby
So since my last post I have had several discussions with some rappers that feel my views might not be right in the context of the business today. They have told me I am out of touch. I disagree completely. I also have been told that too many rappers today look at music as more of a hobby than a business, thus why this blog post is being written.
What are some things that make music a business vs a hobby?
1. Quality of recordings. Rappers today do not feel the need to pay money for an actual sound engineer to mix and master their music. They feel that their $300 mic and closet setup are good enough to sell records. There was a thread on the Faygoluvers forums about Fruity Loops which touched on this. It was the view of one of the participants that in his studio he could get a recording 96% perfect so why should he pay money to get it to be 99% perfect. My answer is simple, his mixing and mastering is no where near 96%, at best he puts out 60% as for the quality of the recording. Not because he doesn't have the skills but because he doesn't have the compressors and other equipment needed to even out and fine tune the tracks properly. 95% of rappers today do not know how to properly level the music and vocals so they are even and sound the best they can. A trained and educated engineer can do that and more. I have had a few people I work with that thought their recording, mixing, and mastering were on point. Then I take their track into the studio with a pro engineer and when I am done they have realized the difference immediately. If you are not willing to pay for quality you think of Rap as a hobby.
2. Fan base. If you are the hottest rapper in whatever city you are in that is good on you. If no one except people from your city know you, you are doing it wrong. To move from this being a hobby to a business you need to expand your fan base, do shows in as many cities and states as possible, and put in the work to get your name known by more people. The fans worldwide should eventually know you and what you do, if that isn't happening, you think of Rap as a hobby.
3. Performance. Most new rappers need as many performances as they can in the beginning to shake the nerves, get used to the stage, and learn how to play the crowd. The problem is rappers who don't learn anything while doing these performances. If you do a show once a week and never change what you are doing, you are wrong. You should grow with each and every performance. You should have people around you willing to tell you what worked and what didn't work in the show. Accept criticism. No matter how long you have been doing this business there is always room for improvement. There is always a young guy or gal on your heels that will some day pass you up. The time most rappers spend at the top is relatively small in comparison to how long they worked to get there. If you are happy doing a show once a week, never making things better, and surrounding yourself with yes men, you think of Rap as a hobby.
4. Money. The number one thing that shows you consider Rap a business and not a hobby is money. If you are not spending money to improve your product with confidence that it will be returned you are destine to fail. We all can say all the time "I could get paid nothing and I wouldn't care. I do it for the love of the music" That's great, does love of the music pay the bills? No it doesn't. In any business if you forget that making money is your number one priority you will not be in business long. I do believe you should make the music because you love it. You shouldn't be afraid to make money or make music that will make you money. If all you care about is the "Love" of the music, you think of Rap as a hobby.
I have encountered quite a few underground rappers who, for lack of a better way to say it, suck. The quality they put out is sub par, their performance on stage is horrible, and their ego is way to large for where they are in their hobbies. That is the point of this blog really. Stop making music if it is a hobby. If you cannot commit time, energy, and money into making a product that makes you money, then don't. The underground is so flooded with egotistical half talented hacks and it is making us all look horrible. There are some shining stars and even they get hated on for the money they are making.
All businesses start out as hobbies we enjoy. The time hobbies become businesses is when you focus your efforts on making money.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
What are some things that make music a business vs a hobby?
1. Quality of recordings. Rappers today do not feel the need to pay money for an actual sound engineer to mix and master their music. They feel that their $300 mic and closet setup are good enough to sell records. There was a thread on the Faygoluvers forums about Fruity Loops which touched on this. It was the view of one of the participants that in his studio he could get a recording 96% perfect so why should he pay money to get it to be 99% perfect. My answer is simple, his mixing and mastering is no where near 96%, at best he puts out 60% as for the quality of the recording. Not because he doesn't have the skills but because he doesn't have the compressors and other equipment needed to even out and fine tune the tracks properly. 95% of rappers today do not know how to properly level the music and vocals so they are even and sound the best they can. A trained and educated engineer can do that and more. I have had a few people I work with that thought their recording, mixing, and mastering were on point. Then I take their track into the studio with a pro engineer and when I am done they have realized the difference immediately. If you are not willing to pay for quality you think of Rap as a hobby.
2. Fan base. If you are the hottest rapper in whatever city you are in that is good on you. If no one except people from your city know you, you are doing it wrong. To move from this being a hobby to a business you need to expand your fan base, do shows in as many cities and states as possible, and put in the work to get your name known by more people. The fans worldwide should eventually know you and what you do, if that isn't happening, you think of Rap as a hobby.
3. Performance. Most new rappers need as many performances as they can in the beginning to shake the nerves, get used to the stage, and learn how to play the crowd. The problem is rappers who don't learn anything while doing these performances. If you do a show once a week and never change what you are doing, you are wrong. You should grow with each and every performance. You should have people around you willing to tell you what worked and what didn't work in the show. Accept criticism. No matter how long you have been doing this business there is always room for improvement. There is always a young guy or gal on your heels that will some day pass you up. The time most rappers spend at the top is relatively small in comparison to how long they worked to get there. If you are happy doing a show once a week, never making things better, and surrounding yourself with yes men, you think of Rap as a hobby.
4. Money. The number one thing that shows you consider Rap a business and not a hobby is money. If you are not spending money to improve your product with confidence that it will be returned you are destine to fail. We all can say all the time "I could get paid nothing and I wouldn't care. I do it for the love of the music" That's great, does love of the music pay the bills? No it doesn't. In any business if you forget that making money is your number one priority you will not be in business long. I do believe you should make the music because you love it. You shouldn't be afraid to make money or make music that will make you money. If all you care about is the "Love" of the music, you think of Rap as a hobby.
I have encountered quite a few underground rappers who, for lack of a better way to say it, suck. The quality they put out is sub par, their performance on stage is horrible, and their ego is way to large for where they are in their hobbies. That is the point of this blog really. Stop making music if it is a hobby. If you cannot commit time, energy, and money into making a product that makes you money, then don't. The underground is so flooded with egotistical half talented hacks and it is making us all look horrible. There are some shining stars and even they get hated on for the money they are making.
All businesses start out as hobbies we enjoy. The time hobbies become businesses is when you focus your efforts on making money.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Hottest rapper in the city of.......
The underground rap world is flooded with different cliques, different cities, and different views of "how" this game is played. This has become an epidemic that is eventually going to kill our movement. As a group we all should understand that we should be united against those trying to shut down what we are doing. The "Mainstream" is never going to understand what we are doing. Should that make us hate them? Should that make us take focus off of what we are doing to "make a statement?" If you answered no, congratulations you got the right answer. If you did answer no then why should what anyone else is doing in the underground affect what we do as musicians, producers, and promoters? You might be asking why I am dedicating an entire blog to something that should be common sense. Well the answer is simple, I see a problem and if someone doesn't speak up then we all will fail.
Here is the problem: We are so busy fighting amongst ourselves and fighting against the mainstream we are failing to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of. By this I mean in most cities you have two groups, the underground rappers and the mainstream rappers. Both of these groups proclaim to be the greatest thing in the game in their perspective city. Both claim the other side is horrible. Both claim to be "Making it" yet neither is. Both sides are so focused on the next diss track, the next thing to point their finger at and say look how horrible they are, and the next way to prove how great they are.
My solution is simple, stop focusing on everyone else and focus on what is important, the music! Sound easy enough? Then why is it not happening? Well I am going to break down each part of our industry Rappers, Managers, Promoters, and Producers.
Rappers: If you fall into this category you should be focused on making the best music you possibly can, period. From writing to recording, to performing you are the face of your brand. If your focus is on managing, merch, setting up shows, etc. you are going to fail. No one can do all of that and still make great music. You should hire a manager you trust. Someone who can take those responsibilities and make decisions that are best for you as a solo or group act. By "hiring" the right person you can focus entirely on making your music better. Yes it will cost you between 8-12% in most cases (if they take more than that you are getting ripped off) But hiring the right person will make you more money in the long run because the more money you make the more money they make. The next thing you need to focus on is recording. There is no shame in going to a professional studio to record or mix and master your music. The money you put into your product will directly reflect the benefits you get back. If you invest nothing and record in your basement your product is not good enough to make people want to buy your product. Believe me when I say I have worked with many people who found this out because I required them to go to a pro studio. Yes I found a place where cost vs quality was a great deal, thats what a good manager does.
Managers: Your focus should be on making deals that benefit your acts, not yourself. If you focus entirely on you then your acts suffer. You should be dedicating your time to finding better costs for recording, finding more shows to showcase their talent outside of your city, sending out demos to labels and businesses for promotion and/or contracts and reaching out to other artists for collabs. All of these things will expose your act to a broader audience and gain them noteriety in a much larger base. Once the deals come in you will start making money. The one thing you shouldn't do is rape your artists finances. Yes they are responsible to pay the costs for recording, travel and merch at first, but working this right can allow them to get paid in time and have those costs covered by other companies who sponsor your groups. The last two things any great manager should have is integrity and honesty. These two things will make you a valuable asset to any rapper.
Promoters: If you follow my blog you will know that this section of the business pisses me off more than any other. This is due to my experience with these people. The main problem I see in this field is charging artists for timeslots on shows. I see no problem with requiring an artist to say purchase a certain number of tickets from you directly and then in turn when they sell them they get their money back. Doing this it does not hurt you in any way. You are still getting money for the tickets and the responsibility to get them sold falls onto the artist. You should not be charging $250-400 to someone who is strapped for cash to lock in a 12-15 min slot on your show. This has been a huge epidemic in our industry. Artists think that they have to pay these fees to play, this is WRONG. I do understand you have to make money and have people at your shows. By giving the artist a cut of the ticket sales they become motivated to sell more tickets. If they can just pay $200 for a slot what is their motivation to get people in the door? This now becomes your problem. They don't care if people are there or not. By making them invest in the show they will fell more responsible if no one shows up. They will lose money that they could have made. This is huge motivation that will improve the attendance in your show.
Producers: It is ok to charge rappers to record and mix and master. The problem is if your equipment is low end your end product is low end. Invest in quality mics and software so the product coming out of your studio will be better received and make people want to buy it. The more quality recordings you send out the more people are going to come to you and spend money. Much like the rappers I feel like the money you invest in your studio directly impacts the money you get back in profit.
If you have read through all of this please understand I love this business. That is exactly what this is, a business. If you don't look at it as a business you will fail. Leave the street tactics out of the business. If your focus is not entirely on these things you will be spinning your wheels and getting nowhere. Rappers need to stop worrying about everyone else. Managers need to be concerned with making their acts money. Promoters need to stop making all their money back off the opening acts and learn how to properly and honestly make the money. Producers need to be reasonable in the amount they charge. If we all focus on these things we will be successful. And success is the best revenge to those haters we all have. If you have haters you are doing something right, don't let their crap stop you.
I have nothing but love for the underground and the movement we are a part of. I am not an expert by any means but all of these things I speak on are from experience.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Here is the problem: We are so busy fighting amongst ourselves and fighting against the mainstream we are failing to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of. By this I mean in most cities you have two groups, the underground rappers and the mainstream rappers. Both of these groups proclaim to be the greatest thing in the game in their perspective city. Both claim the other side is horrible. Both claim to be "Making it" yet neither is. Both sides are so focused on the next diss track, the next thing to point their finger at and say look how horrible they are, and the next way to prove how great they are.
My solution is simple, stop focusing on everyone else and focus on what is important, the music! Sound easy enough? Then why is it not happening? Well I am going to break down each part of our industry Rappers, Managers, Promoters, and Producers.
Rappers: If you fall into this category you should be focused on making the best music you possibly can, period. From writing to recording, to performing you are the face of your brand. If your focus is on managing, merch, setting up shows, etc. you are going to fail. No one can do all of that and still make great music. You should hire a manager you trust. Someone who can take those responsibilities and make decisions that are best for you as a solo or group act. By "hiring" the right person you can focus entirely on making your music better. Yes it will cost you between 8-12% in most cases (if they take more than that you are getting ripped off) But hiring the right person will make you more money in the long run because the more money you make the more money they make. The next thing you need to focus on is recording. There is no shame in going to a professional studio to record or mix and master your music. The money you put into your product will directly reflect the benefits you get back. If you invest nothing and record in your basement your product is not good enough to make people want to buy your product. Believe me when I say I have worked with many people who found this out because I required them to go to a pro studio. Yes I found a place where cost vs quality was a great deal, thats what a good manager does.
Managers: Your focus should be on making deals that benefit your acts, not yourself. If you focus entirely on you then your acts suffer. You should be dedicating your time to finding better costs for recording, finding more shows to showcase their talent outside of your city, sending out demos to labels and businesses for promotion and/or contracts and reaching out to other artists for collabs. All of these things will expose your act to a broader audience and gain them noteriety in a much larger base. Once the deals come in you will start making money. The one thing you shouldn't do is rape your artists finances. Yes they are responsible to pay the costs for recording, travel and merch at first, but working this right can allow them to get paid in time and have those costs covered by other companies who sponsor your groups. The last two things any great manager should have is integrity and honesty. These two things will make you a valuable asset to any rapper.
Promoters: If you follow my blog you will know that this section of the business pisses me off more than any other. This is due to my experience with these people. The main problem I see in this field is charging artists for timeslots on shows. I see no problem with requiring an artist to say purchase a certain number of tickets from you directly and then in turn when they sell them they get their money back. Doing this it does not hurt you in any way. You are still getting money for the tickets and the responsibility to get them sold falls onto the artist. You should not be charging $250-400 to someone who is strapped for cash to lock in a 12-15 min slot on your show. This has been a huge epidemic in our industry. Artists think that they have to pay these fees to play, this is WRONG. I do understand you have to make money and have people at your shows. By giving the artist a cut of the ticket sales they become motivated to sell more tickets. If they can just pay $200 for a slot what is their motivation to get people in the door? This now becomes your problem. They don't care if people are there or not. By making them invest in the show they will fell more responsible if no one shows up. They will lose money that they could have made. This is huge motivation that will improve the attendance in your show.
Producers: It is ok to charge rappers to record and mix and master. The problem is if your equipment is low end your end product is low end. Invest in quality mics and software so the product coming out of your studio will be better received and make people want to buy it. The more quality recordings you send out the more people are going to come to you and spend money. Much like the rappers I feel like the money you invest in your studio directly impacts the money you get back in profit.
If you have read through all of this please understand I love this business. That is exactly what this is, a business. If you don't look at it as a business you will fail. Leave the street tactics out of the business. If your focus is not entirely on these things you will be spinning your wheels and getting nowhere. Rappers need to stop worrying about everyone else. Managers need to be concerned with making their acts money. Promoters need to stop making all their money back off the opening acts and learn how to properly and honestly make the money. Producers need to be reasonable in the amount they charge. If we all focus on these things we will be successful. And success is the best revenge to those haters we all have. If you have haters you are doing something right, don't let their crap stop you.
I have nothing but love for the underground and the movement we are a part of. I am not an expert by any means but all of these things I speak on are from experience.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Monday, December 24, 2012
End of the year review
Man 2012 has flown by. As the year winds down I take a look back at this year in my life and realize that so many gears are turning for me right now it is insane. This will be my final blog of the year but rest assured I will be back in January! So this is going to be a breakdown of all things that have happened to me personally in music and how things will change slightly next year.
First I became a rap manager to Draztik, Black Project, and Sikone aka Mickey Mangles. This was my first taste of the music business. While it has been a huge learning process and Draztik had a few things come up that prevented our business relationship from going further he will always be the guy that got me into the studio to begin my producing and managing. I have no clue what his plans are from this point forward but I am his homie and am always available if ever he should call. Sikone is doing his thing out in New Mexico. He has an album due to be released next year. I hope to get in the studio and help with that in the new year for sure. Black Project still has a ton of work to do on their debut album "Highly Classified" as of right now the album might have to be delayed a little bit but I am still pushing for the 4/20 release date. We have some great collabs on there with Mars and Bukshot as well as a few more artists we can't mention yet. Both Black Project and Sikone I hope to get out to the Phoenix/Tucson area for some shows in the next year. Wicked Butterfly Entertainment will be the top entertainment/promotion company here by this time next year, that is the goal.
Next I sent in a sample review to Faygoluvers.net to try and get a spot reviewing CD's and shows for the website. I got the spot and am loving every minute of it! I have also been asked and have done several interviews for them and look forward to doing more in the future. I got nothing but family love to Scottie, Ian and all the Faygoluvers.net staff and fans!
The third thing that happened was I got asked to join American Media Distribution as a freelance reporter! While my first official assignment isnt until January I hope the coming year will grant me the opportunity to expand my reviews, interviews, and grip on the entertainment community. That being said I will take that opportunity and say that starting Jan 1, 2013 I will have 2 official music/media blogs. This one will be maintained for all thing underground. The other one will be for more mainstream media such as movies, music, and news. I hope my readers will take a chance on that blog and continue to enjoy my opinions about things other than the underground. I will most def keep this blog going as I do this for the family and that will never change. I will get the link to the new blog out as soon as I get that post done Jan 1, 2013.
This year I got to attend the Gathering and it didnt disappoint. I am hoping to go next year but we will see how things shake out.
I am always willing to sign new acts to Wicked Butterfly Entertainment. If you are interested hit me up so we can discuss the details of what I offer and what we can do together. I truely believe that this company is in line to do great things. I have the effort and dedication to make it happen as long as an artist is willing to let me do the job.
Last but not least I wanted to thank each and every one of you that comes on here, reads my blogs and opinions, and in some cases leaves me feedback. I love each and every one of you and hope next year to expand not only my own borders fo music but yours as well.
A Juggalo is not someone who is jumped in, created in a high school, or someone who is claiming it to be faddish. A Juggalo is born a Juggalo, pure and simple. Once you realize you are a Juggalo you can stop listening to the music, quit buying the CD's and merch, and renounce the name itself but you will always be family in my book. Do not let anyone ever tell you you are not good enough or you don't deserve anything because of who you are.
MMFWFL til next year family,
Juggalotus
First I became a rap manager to Draztik, Black Project, and Sikone aka Mickey Mangles. This was my first taste of the music business. While it has been a huge learning process and Draztik had a few things come up that prevented our business relationship from going further he will always be the guy that got me into the studio to begin my producing and managing. I have no clue what his plans are from this point forward but I am his homie and am always available if ever he should call. Sikone is doing his thing out in New Mexico. He has an album due to be released next year. I hope to get in the studio and help with that in the new year for sure. Black Project still has a ton of work to do on their debut album "Highly Classified" as of right now the album might have to be delayed a little bit but I am still pushing for the 4/20 release date. We have some great collabs on there with Mars and Bukshot as well as a few more artists we can't mention yet. Both Black Project and Sikone I hope to get out to the Phoenix/Tucson area for some shows in the next year. Wicked Butterfly Entertainment will be the top entertainment/promotion company here by this time next year, that is the goal.
Next I sent in a sample review to Faygoluvers.net to try and get a spot reviewing CD's and shows for the website. I got the spot and am loving every minute of it! I have also been asked and have done several interviews for them and look forward to doing more in the future. I got nothing but family love to Scottie, Ian and all the Faygoluvers.net staff and fans!
The third thing that happened was I got asked to join American Media Distribution as a freelance reporter! While my first official assignment isnt until January I hope the coming year will grant me the opportunity to expand my reviews, interviews, and grip on the entertainment community. That being said I will take that opportunity and say that starting Jan 1, 2013 I will have 2 official music/media blogs. This one will be maintained for all thing underground. The other one will be for more mainstream media such as movies, music, and news. I hope my readers will take a chance on that blog and continue to enjoy my opinions about things other than the underground. I will most def keep this blog going as I do this for the family and that will never change. I will get the link to the new blog out as soon as I get that post done Jan 1, 2013.
This year I got to attend the Gathering and it didnt disappoint. I am hoping to go next year but we will see how things shake out.
I am always willing to sign new acts to Wicked Butterfly Entertainment. If you are interested hit me up so we can discuss the details of what I offer and what we can do together. I truely believe that this company is in line to do great things. I have the effort and dedication to make it happen as long as an artist is willing to let me do the job.
Last but not least I wanted to thank each and every one of you that comes on here, reads my blogs and opinions, and in some cases leaves me feedback. I love each and every one of you and hope next year to expand not only my own borders fo music but yours as well.
A Juggalo is not someone who is jumped in, created in a high school, or someone who is claiming it to be faddish. A Juggalo is born a Juggalo, pure and simple. Once you realize you are a Juggalo you can stop listening to the music, quit buying the CD's and merch, and renounce the name itself but you will always be family in my book. Do not let anyone ever tell you you are not good enough or you don't deserve anything because of who you are.
MMFWFL til next year family,
Juggalotus
Monday, November 5, 2012
Changes, Moves and making moves
Sorry I have been away for a minute! Just moved to Tucson and getting grounded here. This month we got some big things coming up over at Faygoluvers. I have posted a ton of new reviews. But I will be doing a special interview with none other than Kung Fu Vampire and it will be posted over on Faygoluvers.net the first week of Dec! Black Project is on schedule to get their album "Highly Classified" released on 04/20/2013. There will be some great featured artists on there so you wanna check it out. Also will be posting my reviews for the Twiztid and Kung Fu Vampire shows this month here on the blog! So there are big things happening, stay tuned for more to come!!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
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