So a few things in the world have gotten out of hand and to be honest I am sick of hearing about them. So this post is really me venting and hopefully you guys can give me feedback not just criticism.
The past few weeks I have heard a lot about the government furlough and have personally seen how it is effecting military personnel and civilian government employees. My issues with this topic are this:
Why should congress and the president continue to get paid? Yes it is granted by the constitution that their pay will not stop. But in this case I think they all should voluntarily donate their paychecks to pay the military, civilian, and veterans who still have to go to work without pay in most cases. The furlough happened because the government failed to do their job! The military and civilians didn't cause these problems. The government and their petty arguments caused it all. Facts are this, Obamacare sucks, neither party gives a crap about any of us until their job is up for reelection (Which I feel doesn't even matter because I feel most of our "free" elections are rigged and our choice doesn't matter) and then they tell us what we need to hear to vote them back in knowing once they secure the office they will not do a damn thing they promised, and both parties are striving for the same goal (Government take over and totalitarian rule).
So what can we as citizen do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing we do matters. We have given the government so much power nothing we say matters. We can rise up and fight the government and I think Americans should throw all of those people out of office and start over. But once the citizens rise up against the governments we will just begin to get slaughtered. I hate to say it but at this point we have given so much away we are beyond any repair.
Another topic I keep hearing about is peoples sexuality. I will be honest, NOBODY cares who you are doing or not doing. Until you tell people your preference no one can tell. But I will say once you tell the world that preference you need to be prepared for people that agree and don't agree with your choice. We dont all have to agree or be o.k. with anyone else s lifestyle. We all need to shut our mouths and keep our private business private. Unlike racism or the civil rights movement until you stand up and yell from the mountain tops your sexual orientation nobody can tell. The civil rights movement was about being repressed and persecuted because of the color of your skin. That is 100% obvious the second you see someone. Unfortunately racism will never cease to exist because people will keep being ignorant. Your sexuality is private and not immediately obvious unless you make it that way.
The next topic is abortion. Let me clue you in on something, it was not the babies choice for you to get pregnant or get someone pregnant it was your choice. Why would you punish a life that is 100% dependent on you for survival because you couldn't take precautions to prevent it? With all of the options out there for birth control there is only 2 reasons pregnancy happens, you had unprotected sex to get pregnant or you took the risk even though you knew the consequences. Either way the fetus had no choice in that. You might be killing the next Einstein, Beethoven, or rocket scientist.
Finally I am sick and tired of hearing how guns kill people. I will let you in on a little secret, Guns do not work unless human hands pull the trigger. Yes if it is dropped it can misfire but that is not what the argument is about. People in the government, media, and communities claim that our constitutional right to bear arms should restrict what arms we can own. Nowhere in the constitution does it clarify what I can or cannot own as a firearm. But those supporters of gun control want you to believe that an AR-15 is more deadly than a knife. This is true and untrue. Yes it can shoot more rounds quicker. But it only shoots one round per trigger pull. No matter what guns are taken out of law abiding citizens hands criminals will still get weapons and commit crime. Look at prohibition if you need an example of this.
So there you have it. My rant on all the crap is society pissing me off. I will get back to my music posts and hope you all will stick with me and even have an intelligent debate about these topics.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Friday, October 11, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Evolution
So it became official today with Violent J's interview that Blaze is no longer with Psychopathic. Honestly it came as no suprise. I said in my blog about Twiztid leaving it was going to happen. So I have spent much of the day today reading forum posts, watching videos, and just feeling out the Family and how things are currently. Now I took a lot of hate and criticism because of my thoughts about Twiztid leaving. So let me say as plain as I can, I am and always will be a Juggalo. I will always support the music ICP makes, like it or not, I have nothing but respect for the Dons of Psychopathic. I will always support Blaze and Twiztid no matter where they go and what they do. Nothing can take any of my memories or feelings away that I have developed over the last 16 years. I will always support music I like and speak out if I don't like something. That is what makes the Family unique, our ability to be individuals while still being a Family.
All that being said I wanted to share my feelings on the state of Twiztid, Blaze and Psychopathic. Psychopathic will be fine and move on without Twiztid and Blaze. As long as ICP is making music the label will continue. My feelings on the current management of the label have been made clear throughout this blog. For two years I have opened myself up and told you all exactly how I felt things were going. I do not think the label will be as successful now that Twiztid is gone. The talent just isnt there. Twiztid will forge their own path and so will Blaze. I see nothing but bright things in their futures. One video I watched was a review of Abominationz. In the video the guy speaks exactly how I have been feeling. He says at one point he can't tell if Twiztid is speaking directly to ICP a majority of the time. He also feels like the album is Twiztid's stance against the current movement of the label, and I agree. It was Twiztid's renewal of their devotion to the Family and movement that ICP built. I feel like they have not agreed with the current shift in policy and product. That is why when I hear lines like:
"Your looking for acceptance in places your never gonna get it accept it
Our painted face is rejected
An abomination infected
With so much hatred collected
How can you say you didn't expected to go this way
Like bad directions
They're looking at me like a weapon
We got the world's attention
Were like this great invention
There all to afraid to mention
Shun me like bad intentions
But we'll see who really had agendas
A misconception I don't wanna be in your fucked up life or interventions"
I can't help but feel like they are speaking directly to ICP. Like I have said I will support the music ICP, Twiztid and Blaze make for life. on the business side of things I think things need to change. I do not agree with business decisions being made. Period.
We have been told recently that the Gathering this year will be a celebration of the Underground. When I heard that my first thought was "Huh?" I like the idea of people like Kung Fu Vampire, Bukshot, Liquid Assassin, Mars, Molly Gruesome, and others getting a chance to hit the mainstage and bring the house down. My biggest fear is this move is being made to save money because of the lost profit with Twiztid leaving. Do I think Twiztid will be at the Gathering?, yes. Do I think in 5 years they will be at the Gathering?, not sure. No one can disagree it is much cheaper for the label to have these underground artists on the main stage for $500-800 per set than to bring guys like Ice Cube, Ice T, and others out for $10,000 or more for a set. I am not sure at this point how I feel about the Gathering this year. I am hoping to get a chance to go out there as press and do an actual honest review of the Gathering. We shall see.
Now back to the point of the post, evolution. As a long time Juggalo I have seen shifts in the movement. I have seen band wagon fans come and go. I have seen the music succeed (Melinko, AJB, Mostasteless, Abominationz) and I have seen it fail (The Calm, Tempest, Mutant) but the one thing that has remained constant is the fans. We support the music more rabidly than any other fanbase out there. We get hated on for it and it makes us ban together and put a middle finger in the air at the mainstream. The video review of Abominationz the guy makes a great point and that is this "BPB and MDP were great albums but they do not deserve to be called Jokers Cards. There is something missing that was in all six of the origional cards." They are well done, great as far as production, and have many tracks I can relate to. But the magic is missing. The story is a faint reminder of what we have been told for decades.
The one thing nobody can avoid is evolution. I will never be 100% behind every project that Psychopathic, Twiztid, or Blaze puts out but I can tell you I will give each and every release it's fair shake. I will listen to what is being put out and support the ones I enjoy while allowing the others to collect dust in my collection. I have nothing but love for each and every Juggalo and Juggalette in the world. The real los and lettes not the band wagoners that we seem to be gathering recently. Being a Juggalo isn't about a set of rules, a pledge, if you do drugs or not, or even the music. Being a Juggalo is a state of being. When you find the Family you know you belong no matter where you come from, how much money you have, or what your recreational activities are. Being a Juggalo is about being an individual. Liking what you like and standing firm on your beliefs. We are a Family. Evolution doesn't change that. J said it best in the interview posted today "But if one day you get to college and start hangin’ with a new group of friends and you start to like other kinds of music, just don’t be one of those bitches that’s like, “Can you believe I used to be a Juggalette? I was so young and stupid, I guess.” Never talk that shit about us. Never sell us out because the you at 14 is just as important to your legacy as the you at 34. Yes, it’s OK to be a 14 year old Juggalette. It’s even OK if you grow out of being a Juggalette one day, but do us a favor. Never sell us out. Always remember the good times you had as a Juggalette and cherish them. Don’t look back on them with regret, look back on these days as great days. Never bad mouth the family. Better yet, stay down with the family forever!" Thats it right there. Evolution is going to happen. People will outgrow the need for the music and the Family and that is ok. And if you leave the music behind for a while and find in the future you need that connection again, we will be here.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
All that being said I wanted to share my feelings on the state of Twiztid, Blaze and Psychopathic. Psychopathic will be fine and move on without Twiztid and Blaze. As long as ICP is making music the label will continue. My feelings on the current management of the label have been made clear throughout this blog. For two years I have opened myself up and told you all exactly how I felt things were going. I do not think the label will be as successful now that Twiztid is gone. The talent just isnt there. Twiztid will forge their own path and so will Blaze. I see nothing but bright things in their futures. One video I watched was a review of Abominationz. In the video the guy speaks exactly how I have been feeling. He says at one point he can't tell if Twiztid is speaking directly to ICP a majority of the time. He also feels like the album is Twiztid's stance against the current movement of the label, and I agree. It was Twiztid's renewal of their devotion to the Family and movement that ICP built. I feel like they have not agreed with the current shift in policy and product. That is why when I hear lines like:
"Your looking for acceptance in places your never gonna get it accept it
Our painted face is rejected
An abomination infected
With so much hatred collected
How can you say you didn't expected to go this way
Like bad directions
They're looking at me like a weapon
We got the world's attention
Were like this great invention
There all to afraid to mention
Shun me like bad intentions
But we'll see who really had agendas
A misconception I don't wanna be in your fucked up life or interventions"
I can't help but feel like they are speaking directly to ICP. Like I have said I will support the music ICP, Twiztid and Blaze make for life. on the business side of things I think things need to change. I do not agree with business decisions being made. Period.
We have been told recently that the Gathering this year will be a celebration of the Underground. When I heard that my first thought was "Huh?" I like the idea of people like Kung Fu Vampire, Bukshot, Liquid Assassin, Mars, Molly Gruesome, and others getting a chance to hit the mainstage and bring the house down. My biggest fear is this move is being made to save money because of the lost profit with Twiztid leaving. Do I think Twiztid will be at the Gathering?, yes. Do I think in 5 years they will be at the Gathering?, not sure. No one can disagree it is much cheaper for the label to have these underground artists on the main stage for $500-800 per set than to bring guys like Ice Cube, Ice T, and others out for $10,000 or more for a set. I am not sure at this point how I feel about the Gathering this year. I am hoping to get a chance to go out there as press and do an actual honest review of the Gathering. We shall see.
Now back to the point of the post, evolution. As a long time Juggalo I have seen shifts in the movement. I have seen band wagon fans come and go. I have seen the music succeed (Melinko, AJB, Mostasteless, Abominationz) and I have seen it fail (The Calm, Tempest, Mutant) but the one thing that has remained constant is the fans. We support the music more rabidly than any other fanbase out there. We get hated on for it and it makes us ban together and put a middle finger in the air at the mainstream. The video review of Abominationz the guy makes a great point and that is this "BPB and MDP were great albums but they do not deserve to be called Jokers Cards. There is something missing that was in all six of the origional cards." They are well done, great as far as production, and have many tracks I can relate to. But the magic is missing. The story is a faint reminder of what we have been told for decades.
The one thing nobody can avoid is evolution. I will never be 100% behind every project that Psychopathic, Twiztid, or Blaze puts out but I can tell you I will give each and every release it's fair shake. I will listen to what is being put out and support the ones I enjoy while allowing the others to collect dust in my collection. I have nothing but love for each and every Juggalo and Juggalette in the world. The real los and lettes not the band wagoners that we seem to be gathering recently. Being a Juggalo isn't about a set of rules, a pledge, if you do drugs or not, or even the music. Being a Juggalo is a state of being. When you find the Family you know you belong no matter where you come from, how much money you have, or what your recreational activities are. Being a Juggalo is about being an individual. Liking what you like and standing firm on your beliefs. We are a Family. Evolution doesn't change that. J said it best in the interview posted today "But if one day you get to college and start hangin’ with a new group of friends and you start to like other kinds of music, just don’t be one of those bitches that’s like, “Can you believe I used to be a Juggalette? I was so young and stupid, I guess.” Never talk that shit about us. Never sell us out because the you at 14 is just as important to your legacy as the you at 34. Yes, it’s OK to be a 14 year old Juggalette. It’s even OK if you grow out of being a Juggalette one day, but do us a favor. Never sell us out. Always remember the good times you had as a Juggalette and cherish them. Don’t look back on them with regret, look back on these days as great days. Never bad mouth the family. Better yet, stay down with the family forever!" Thats it right there. Evolution is going to happen. People will outgrow the need for the music and the Family and that is ok. And if you leave the music behind for a while and find in the future you need that connection again, we will be here.
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
Friday, July 13, 2012
I guess I should apologize....
I have heard some very good feedback about this blog I have going. I have heard things like " bout time somebody can be completely honest bout the fucked up business thats goin on in the area" and "Props to this killaz for always speaking his mind. Whoop! Whoop!" I can tell you it is so nice to hear feedback like that. But of course there is also the other side of the coin. I have been told that some people are saying the "things he writes are him trying to start beef with everyone" and other statements along those lines. So this post is in response to those who feel that way. Here we go!
First I write the blog for me. Am I happy other people check it out, for sure. But first and foremost it is my way of keeping track of all the shows I go to, participate in, and help with. This allows me as a business owner to make better decisions on who I work with in any city. This allows me to log an artists growth as I see them perform more often. I have several artists that I have signed to manage based on these methods of doing business.
Second, I make it a point not to call out venues, promoters, bookers, etc by name as to not drag their name through the mud. I intentionally leave peoples names out of it because those I am referring to know who they are by the show! If you are in that category and I have offended you I am not going to apologize, there is no need for that. I write an honest blog based on what I see happening at the shows. Of course I don't know how much time anyone has put into the promotion and other things but I have not seen any promo being done outside of certain social media sites. I have also spoken with some people who have told me things in confidence which I don't include in the blog but definitely take into consideration when writing about these things.
Third is to the artists. I have absolutely no ill will in writing a negative review of your show. If you didn't do well take the criticism as just that. Make changes if you want to. Don't make changes if you don't want to. All I can do is give my best most honest review of your performance that night. As some may have seen then past 2 shows, I criticized 2 Skare in the Kisa show review but the show on Wed got a more favorable review based on his choice of changes. I appreciate the fact he may have made some of those changes based on my blog. Much respect to him for that. And yes the artists do get named because it is their stage performance I am critiquing. I am hoping that by giving the most honest assessment I can it will make people better. If I give you a negative review it's not because I have beef with you, it is because I think an artist needs to hear honesty! I critique the artists signed to my company, Wicked Butterfly Entertainment, just as hard if not harder because they are my guys. They know it's nothing but feedback to make them better.
Lastly for every artist, promoter, booker, etc. I have absolutely no stake in your success or failure unless you have signed on for my management. Thus I have no reason to start beef with anyone. I am only trying to give people an accurate view of a show, album, song, whatever so people can take it and make themselves better. If we all start to top the underground charts we all put the Southwest on the map. If you don't want my feedback that's cool too, don't read my blog. I will never apologize for being honest. I will never apologize because that honesty hurts your ego. I love each and every one of you guys out here on the grind. I hope you can see that and give it back. I will never "beef" online, never put your name out there, and never turn my back on the truth.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
First I write the blog for me. Am I happy other people check it out, for sure. But first and foremost it is my way of keeping track of all the shows I go to, participate in, and help with. This allows me as a business owner to make better decisions on who I work with in any city. This allows me to log an artists growth as I see them perform more often. I have several artists that I have signed to manage based on these methods of doing business.
Second, I make it a point not to call out venues, promoters, bookers, etc by name as to not drag their name through the mud. I intentionally leave peoples names out of it because those I am referring to know who they are by the show! If you are in that category and I have offended you I am not going to apologize, there is no need for that. I write an honest blog based on what I see happening at the shows. Of course I don't know how much time anyone has put into the promotion and other things but I have not seen any promo being done outside of certain social media sites. I have also spoken with some people who have told me things in confidence which I don't include in the blog but definitely take into consideration when writing about these things.
Third is to the artists. I have absolutely no ill will in writing a negative review of your show. If you didn't do well take the criticism as just that. Make changes if you want to. Don't make changes if you don't want to. All I can do is give my best most honest review of your performance that night. As some may have seen then past 2 shows, I criticized 2 Skare in the Kisa show review but the show on Wed got a more favorable review based on his choice of changes. I appreciate the fact he may have made some of those changes based on my blog. Much respect to him for that. And yes the artists do get named because it is their stage performance I am critiquing. I am hoping that by giving the most honest assessment I can it will make people better. If I give you a negative review it's not because I have beef with you, it is because I think an artist needs to hear honesty! I critique the artists signed to my company, Wicked Butterfly Entertainment, just as hard if not harder because they are my guys. They know it's nothing but feedback to make them better.
Lastly for every artist, promoter, booker, etc. I have absolutely no stake in your success or failure unless you have signed on for my management. Thus I have no reason to start beef with anyone. I am only trying to give people an accurate view of a show, album, song, whatever so people can take it and make themselves better. If we all start to top the underground charts we all put the Southwest on the map. If you don't want my feedback that's cool too, don't read my blog. I will never apologize for being honest. I will never apologize because that honesty hurts your ego. I love each and every one of you guys out here on the grind. I hope you can see that and give it back. I will never "beef" online, never put your name out there, and never turn my back on the truth.
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Secrets to being a promoter
So I was thinking the other day, why is it so difficult for someone to be a promoter for local shows? After giving it some thought I decided I would share the secrets I have learned so far to make any promoter trustworthy, honest, and successful. Here is what I have learned:
1. Communicate! This should be self explanatory but just in case it isn't let me clarify. In order to have a successful show you, the venue, the ticket agents, and your openers need to know what is going on. If something changes with the show everyone needs to know! Make sure you have a list of people you need to talk with.
2. Organization. If you have great organization nothing slips through the cracks. You should have your show lineup out at least a month in advance so the artists know when they are supposed to be there to perform. Most artists no matter what level of success like to prepare to be on stage. If they are at the venue and have no clue when they are to perform they become very upset. Sure there might be set backs like last minute cancellations or delays in starting the show. If a group or artist drops out everyone gets moved up in the lineup. And everyone should be made aware of the change as soon as possible!
3. Trust and honesty. Simple answer to this is not to lie or screw people over to cover your investment. There is risk in doing shows. Whatever you invest, you might not get back. If you do not promote the show right or neglect to take care of people you will not have a successful show and you WILL lose money. Once you work with people and they know you can be trusted they will want to work with you again. Also if there is an opener that does not meet your expectations talk to them. If they fail to bring ticket sales, promote, or perform well then don't keep giving them spots on your show!
4. Do not charge people to perform. As local bands or artists go it takes a lot of investment on their part to make music and be successful, thus you should not charge them to perform at your show. The one exception to this would be booking a major tour or show (aka major record labels or artists). And then the fee should be as minimal as possible. I have found that by giving slots to those who pay will make sub par artists perform at your show. And as a music fan if I go to a concert and the openers are absolutely horrible I am less likely to see another show promoted by the same person. You can have your openers buy a certain number of tickets (10-20) and then it is up to them to sell them and make their money back. Any tickets sold over that amount the artists should receive a portion of the sales (usually $1-3per ticket). If you do this the need for you to charge artists will not be there and you will not only get a full show but your openers will hustle harder to make it successful.
5. Be nice. Now don't be a pushover but understand that every person involved in the show is there to make you money. So be nice to them! It isn't that hard to hang out with your openers or anyone else for that matter.
6. Live up to your promises. Make the venue/headliners payments when they need to be paid. Don't ask for more time. If you can't afford to do a show, don't! Sometimes doing 3-4 big shows a year is better than doing 3-4 crappy shows a month.
7. Promote. Do not rely on anyone else to promote the show. It is your money. So relying on your openers or the booker from the tour to do promotion is not what you need to do. If you are unwilling or unable to give the time needed to hit the ground yourself then do not promote or book shows. For every minute your openers are out promoting and selling tickets you should be out there at least double but most likely triple that.
I know it seems easy to be a promoter but I can tell you it isn't. It is super stressful, very complicated, and in many cases a complete toss up for a profit. That is why if you do not love doing it you shouldn't. I know some major labels and they have lists of promoters/bookers they will not work with. Many of these are for reasons I have stated here. If a major booker constantly comes to a city and gets screwed they will stop coming to that city. Now I am not saying I am an expert at all. I only am telling you what I know from my experience. So take it for what it's worth.
Remember when we were little we had the Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. That holds true to this day. If you do these things and follow that rule there is absolutely no reason you can't be successful.
Peace,
Juggalotus
1. Communicate! This should be self explanatory but just in case it isn't let me clarify. In order to have a successful show you, the venue, the ticket agents, and your openers need to know what is going on. If something changes with the show everyone needs to know! Make sure you have a list of people you need to talk with.
2. Organization. If you have great organization nothing slips through the cracks. You should have your show lineup out at least a month in advance so the artists know when they are supposed to be there to perform. Most artists no matter what level of success like to prepare to be on stage. If they are at the venue and have no clue when they are to perform they become very upset. Sure there might be set backs like last minute cancellations or delays in starting the show. If a group or artist drops out everyone gets moved up in the lineup. And everyone should be made aware of the change as soon as possible!
3. Trust and honesty. Simple answer to this is not to lie or screw people over to cover your investment. There is risk in doing shows. Whatever you invest, you might not get back. If you do not promote the show right or neglect to take care of people you will not have a successful show and you WILL lose money. Once you work with people and they know you can be trusted they will want to work with you again. Also if there is an opener that does not meet your expectations talk to them. If they fail to bring ticket sales, promote, or perform well then don't keep giving them spots on your show!
4. Do not charge people to perform. As local bands or artists go it takes a lot of investment on their part to make music and be successful, thus you should not charge them to perform at your show. The one exception to this would be booking a major tour or show (aka major record labels or artists). And then the fee should be as minimal as possible. I have found that by giving slots to those who pay will make sub par artists perform at your show. And as a music fan if I go to a concert and the openers are absolutely horrible I am less likely to see another show promoted by the same person. You can have your openers buy a certain number of tickets (10-20) and then it is up to them to sell them and make their money back. Any tickets sold over that amount the artists should receive a portion of the sales (usually $1-3per ticket). If you do this the need for you to charge artists will not be there and you will not only get a full show but your openers will hustle harder to make it successful.
5. Be nice. Now don't be a pushover but understand that every person involved in the show is there to make you money. So be nice to them! It isn't that hard to hang out with your openers or anyone else for that matter.
6. Live up to your promises. Make the venue/headliners payments when they need to be paid. Don't ask for more time. If you can't afford to do a show, don't! Sometimes doing 3-4 big shows a year is better than doing 3-4 crappy shows a month.
7. Promote. Do not rely on anyone else to promote the show. It is your money. So relying on your openers or the booker from the tour to do promotion is not what you need to do. If you are unwilling or unable to give the time needed to hit the ground yourself then do not promote or book shows. For every minute your openers are out promoting and selling tickets you should be out there at least double but most likely triple that.
I know it seems easy to be a promoter but I can tell you it isn't. It is super stressful, very complicated, and in many cases a complete toss up for a profit. That is why if you do not love doing it you shouldn't. I know some major labels and they have lists of promoters/bookers they will not work with. Many of these are for reasons I have stated here. If a major booker constantly comes to a city and gets screwed they will stop coming to that city. Now I am not saying I am an expert at all. I only am telling you what I know from my experience. So take it for what it's worth.
Remember when we were little we had the Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. That holds true to this day. If you do these things and follow that rule there is absolutely no reason you can't be successful.
Peace,
Juggalotus
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
There is only 2 days left!
You read that right Family, there is only 2 days left, 2 days for you to get your tickets to the hottest show to come through West Texas this year! The past week there have been a few changes that I am sure you will enjoy:
1. Tickets are now just $12. Weather you get them from Ralphs Records, one of the performers, or online your tickets are going to be just $12. For those of you who are students at Texas Tech University, if you show up at the door and have your student ID I will take an additional $2 off! That means this show is just $10 for you.
2. T.O.N.E-Z has added a free T-Shirt to all VIP packages. So for $25 you now get a 2 hour meet and greet with T.O.N.E-Z and Big Ian of Faygoluvers, a copy of his 2008-2011 Best of Underground Collab CD, and A T.O.N.E-Z T-Shirt to add to your swag.
3. For those in attendance T.O.N.E-Z informed me last night he was going to be recording this performance for later release. This means if you are there and front stage you will be in a future T.O.N.E-Z video release! How sweet is that!
4. The hottest girl in the club contest is still going down and looking to be fresh as hell as Special K hits the stage with her sidekick G and they bring the girls on stage to show off as only lettes can. Bracket system will be in effect so you will have to blow the crowds minds. The winner walks away with a fresh $100 bill.
So let me recap. If you are a hot Juggalette and a student you pay $10 to get in. Sign up for the contest and have the possibility to walk out 10 times richer! T.O.N.E-Z has added a ton more freshness for the VIP's and crowd. Tickets are $3 cheaper cause lets face it the economy sucks right now and we are all Family.
This is not only going to be a Family affair it is going to be a Hip Hop/Rap affair. Lets get Jake's rocking and show Mars, T.O.N.E-Z, and our local artists how much love West Texas has for the underground. You could go to X-Fest but why spend almost $100 to see bands who may or may not just go through the motions to get a paycheck. The artists on this show are all hustlin trying to make it. They are consistantly on the grind. Let's make this show Hype. Lets get drunk, have some fun, and spend some good old fashioned "Family Time"
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
1. Tickets are now just $12. Weather you get them from Ralphs Records, one of the performers, or online your tickets are going to be just $12. For those of you who are students at Texas Tech University, if you show up at the door and have your student ID I will take an additional $2 off! That means this show is just $10 for you.
2. T.O.N.E-Z has added a free T-Shirt to all VIP packages. So for $25 you now get a 2 hour meet and greet with T.O.N.E-Z and Big Ian of Faygoluvers, a copy of his 2008-2011 Best of Underground Collab CD, and A T.O.N.E-Z T-Shirt to add to your swag.
3. For those in attendance T.O.N.E-Z informed me last night he was going to be recording this performance for later release. This means if you are there and front stage you will be in a future T.O.N.E-Z video release! How sweet is that!
4. The hottest girl in the club contest is still going down and looking to be fresh as hell as Special K hits the stage with her sidekick G and they bring the girls on stage to show off as only lettes can. Bracket system will be in effect so you will have to blow the crowds minds. The winner walks away with a fresh $100 bill.
So let me recap. If you are a hot Juggalette and a student you pay $10 to get in. Sign up for the contest and have the possibility to walk out 10 times richer! T.O.N.E-Z has added a ton more freshness for the VIP's and crowd. Tickets are $3 cheaper cause lets face it the economy sucks right now and we are all Family.
This is not only going to be a Family affair it is going to be a Hip Hop/Rap affair. Lets get Jake's rocking and show Mars, T.O.N.E-Z, and our local artists how much love West Texas has for the underground. You could go to X-Fest but why spend almost $100 to see bands who may or may not just go through the motions to get a paycheck. The artists on this show are all hustlin trying to make it. They are consistantly on the grind. Let's make this show Hype. Lets get drunk, have some fun, and spend some good old fashioned "Family Time"
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The Underground and Family
As many of you know I have been a Juggalo for a long time. I have noticed a lot of changes in the fanbase and the mentality of the fans. Which is one of the major reasons I created this blog. I wanted to remind the Family why we are all Juggalos. All of us are drawn to the underground for a lot of different reasons. Some for the sense of community. Some for the love of the music. Some just because they don't fit anywhere else. When I found the music it changed me. I have found a lot of comfort in the music, sense of community, and overall love I have experienced. I found a place where everyone who comes in is welcomed. Where it dsoesn't really matter where you came from, who your parents are, or why you are down. All that matters is that you are who you are. No expectations. You wanna wear paint, do it. You don't wanna wear paint, don't. You wanna buy the merch go ahead. This community allows you to be yourself, whatever you might be.
In the past few years things have changed, and not for the better. We now are classified as a gang. Why you might ask, well because a few people who don't embrace the family or the message of the music have done a lot of really bad crap in the name of Juggalos everywhere. Now a few bad apples will spoil any bunch but instead of the family bonding together and changing the opinions of the masses there is a growing population of rebellious teen/20 somethings that have decided to act out against the tag negatively instead of handling it right. Now not all young fans are that way but I am seeing this growing trend and feel it is my place as a veteran Juggalo to say something. Instead of screaming "Fuck the police" and flipping off the world we need to do the right things to make people see us in a different light. Psychopathic records has made this effort and we need to follow their example. Last Christmas they had a toy drive and a month ago they had Juggalo day and performed at a homeless shelter. They did these things not because they were getting paid to do it but becuse they wanted the"real" world to see us in a good light. They are showing us the right way to change peoples minds about out Family.
I try everyday to make sure I do things that are going to make us as Juggalos and Juggalettes look good. I don't throw up gang signs, flip people off for looking at my hatchet, scream obscenities for no reason, etc. I don't do drugs, drink, or smoke but those are personal choices. If you do those things you have the right and I think you can do those things, although drugs are illegal at this time. By wearing the hatchet we have a bullseye on us from the jump, why would we do anything to further the BS that we are all losers or gang bangers by doing stupid stuff? If you do positive things and still rep the hatchet then we all look good. The more positive things that happen while people rep our Family crest the better we will all be.
I have begun booking and promoting shows here in West Texas. Since starting this process I have found another disturbing trend among our Family, Family ripping off Family. I am currently working with T.O.N.E-Z and MARS to do a show in Lubbock on April 21. When I began to book the openers I kept getting asked how much money I was going to charge them for a 20 min set. I was stunned. Why on Earth would I charge a local underground act any money to fill a 20 min set I need to have booked. Perhaps if it was a major record label name or more mainstream I might consider it, but even then it would be unlikely. By filling that 20 min slot in the show they are helping me out. On top of that if they promote the hell out of the show and sell a ton of tickets I make sure they get a cut of the profits, thus they are getting paid to fill a slot. All of those people that emailed seemed to think it was normal and ok that so-called Family was charging them to play a show. Promoter/bookers should never make their profit off openers, those acts have enough costs in just making the music that charging them is just low.
When I put out my flyer for the show I did not realize that one of my openers had been working on being a part of another show the same day. But because I had all my stuff already confirmed they chose my show. The other promoter and their friends took to facebook and any other social media they could to basically say I was stepping on their turf, stealing their openers, and taking money out of their pocket. The biggest problem is they didn't even know who I was. They thought one of my openers was booking/promoting the show and due to prior problems decided to rip the show apart without knowing who was actually promoting it. We are all trying to get the underground noticed and there is no reason that anyone should bad mouth another show. There is enough shows coming through any city that more than one promoter can work there. There just has to be COMMUNICATION between these promoters to make sure that openers are not double booked, venues are not being fought over, and the shows are all successful.
These issues have all been resolved once I was communicating with the people involved. My point in this whole blog is that as a community and Family we need to look out for each other. No one else is going to do it for us. If you know of a show in your area promote it! If you want to hel with a show ask the promoter/booker. There is a ton of cost involved in these projects and all help is most definitely appreciated.
Lets keep our group in the positive. There is no reason to commit crimes, tag buildings, rob people, etc and then claim the hatchet like a badge of honor. Lets do all we can to change the idea people have of juggalos. Only we can change that perception.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
In the past few years things have changed, and not for the better. We now are classified as a gang. Why you might ask, well because a few people who don't embrace the family or the message of the music have done a lot of really bad crap in the name of Juggalos everywhere. Now a few bad apples will spoil any bunch but instead of the family bonding together and changing the opinions of the masses there is a growing population of rebellious teen/20 somethings that have decided to act out against the tag negatively instead of handling it right. Now not all young fans are that way but I am seeing this growing trend and feel it is my place as a veteran Juggalo to say something. Instead of screaming "Fuck the police" and flipping off the world we need to do the right things to make people see us in a different light. Psychopathic records has made this effort and we need to follow their example. Last Christmas they had a toy drive and a month ago they had Juggalo day and performed at a homeless shelter. They did these things not because they were getting paid to do it but becuse they wanted the"real" world to see us in a good light. They are showing us the right way to change peoples minds about out Family.
I try everyday to make sure I do things that are going to make us as Juggalos and Juggalettes look good. I don't throw up gang signs, flip people off for looking at my hatchet, scream obscenities for no reason, etc. I don't do drugs, drink, or smoke but those are personal choices. If you do those things you have the right and I think you can do those things, although drugs are illegal at this time. By wearing the hatchet we have a bullseye on us from the jump, why would we do anything to further the BS that we are all losers or gang bangers by doing stupid stuff? If you do positive things and still rep the hatchet then we all look good. The more positive things that happen while people rep our Family crest the better we will all be.
I have begun booking and promoting shows here in West Texas. Since starting this process I have found another disturbing trend among our Family, Family ripping off Family. I am currently working with T.O.N.E-Z and MARS to do a show in Lubbock on April 21. When I began to book the openers I kept getting asked how much money I was going to charge them for a 20 min set. I was stunned. Why on Earth would I charge a local underground act any money to fill a 20 min set I need to have booked. Perhaps if it was a major record label name or more mainstream I might consider it, but even then it would be unlikely. By filling that 20 min slot in the show they are helping me out. On top of that if they promote the hell out of the show and sell a ton of tickets I make sure they get a cut of the profits, thus they are getting paid to fill a slot. All of those people that emailed seemed to think it was normal and ok that so-called Family was charging them to play a show. Promoter/bookers should never make their profit off openers, those acts have enough costs in just making the music that charging them is just low.
When I put out my flyer for the show I did not realize that one of my openers had been working on being a part of another show the same day. But because I had all my stuff already confirmed they chose my show. The other promoter and their friends took to facebook and any other social media they could to basically say I was stepping on their turf, stealing their openers, and taking money out of their pocket. The biggest problem is they didn't even know who I was. They thought one of my openers was booking/promoting the show and due to prior problems decided to rip the show apart without knowing who was actually promoting it. We are all trying to get the underground noticed and there is no reason that anyone should bad mouth another show. There is enough shows coming through any city that more than one promoter can work there. There just has to be COMMUNICATION between these promoters to make sure that openers are not double booked, venues are not being fought over, and the shows are all successful.
These issues have all been resolved once I was communicating with the people involved. My point in this whole blog is that as a community and Family we need to look out for each other. No one else is going to do it for us. If you know of a show in your area promote it! If you want to hel with a show ask the promoter/booker. There is a ton of cost involved in these projects and all help is most definitely appreciated.
Lets keep our group in the positive. There is no reason to commit crimes, tag buildings, rob people, etc and then claim the hatchet like a badge of honor. Lets do all we can to change the idea people have of juggalos. Only we can change that perception.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, November 12, 2011
FBI and Juggalos
So a new story has been released that has taken me a week to process my feelings on. The FBI has decided to label Juggalos as an official gang in their latest gang threat assessment. Here is what they say about Juggalos:
"The Juggalos, a loosely-organized hybrid gang, are rapidly expanding into many US communities. Although recognized as a gang in only four states, many Juggalos subsets exhibit gang-like behavior and engage in criminal activity and violence. Law enforcement officials in at least 21 states have identified criminal Juggalo sub-sets, according to NGIC reporting."
They go on to describe the crimes committed by Juggalos as this:
"Most crimes committed by Juggalos are sporadic, disorganized, individualistic, and often involve simple assault, personal drug use and possession, petty theft, and vandalism. However, open source reporting suggests that a small number of Juggalos are forming more organized subsets and engaging in more gang-like criminal activity, such as felony assaults, thefts, robberies, and drug sales. Social networking websites are a popular conveyance for Juggalo sub-culture to communicate and expand."
Then they further go on to say that:
"Juggalos’ disorganization and lack of structure within their groups, coupled with their transient nature, makes it difficult to classify them and identify their members and migration patterns. Many criminal Juggalo sub-sets are comprised of transient or homeless individuals"
So looking at their assessment it is safe to assume that all Juggalos are Transient, drug using, who engage in such horrific criminal activity that we cannot be trusted. Now anyone who knows a Juggalo/Juggalette will be the first to tell you we are nothing like the FBI has made us out to be. As a general population we are peaceful outcasts who want nothing more than to fit in. That is what the "family" gives us. A good example is the Gathering. In 2010 Tila Tequila was invited to the Gathering and proceeded to get a lot of crap thrown at her, everything from rocks, to trash, to feces (supposedly). So this year the media ascended on the Gathering in hopes of having a violent story to tell the world about how terrible we are. The problem was that after 4 days they had nothing to report on. No fights, arrests, deaths, fires, violence, etc. They had nothing to talk about except how nice the event was. How peaceful we were. How they were welcomed even though for the most part Juggalos hate the way the media reports on us. That speaks volumes in my opinion.
I would ask the FBI or any law enforcement agency to gather thousands of actual gang members, aka Bloods, Crips, MS13, etc. in one location for 4 days and see how much violence and other things actually occur. Then maybe they would have a better perspective of who we are. Do I feel we are all innocent, hell no. But there are bad apples in every bunch. Every group has a few people that do not believe the same things or do the same things. That is what makes every group unique. Every subset in music has bad people. Every genre of music has fans that do not do the right things. This alone has never made the FBI classify them as gang members. But for Juggalos the few bad seeds have tainted our image permanently. Why is that? Why must we be singled out?
I wrote a blog earlier this year about other bands with rabid fans that states my opinions about this topic. Unfortunately this blog is only my opinions. I am actively trying to make a difference and maybe change the perception of the family. But until the entire family adopts this mentality I feel like we will never change the image. That alone will not stop me from doing the right things while wearing the hatchet proudly. Through actions we can change perceptions. Through deeds we can change lives. Just because we are outcasts does not mean we need to exclude others from the family. Welcome everyone and love them as your brothers and sisters. This is a positive movement and we can change the world.
MMWCL,
Juggalotus
"The Juggalos, a loosely-organized hybrid gang, are rapidly expanding into many US communities. Although recognized as a gang in only four states, many Juggalos subsets exhibit gang-like behavior and engage in criminal activity and violence. Law enforcement officials in at least 21 states have identified criminal Juggalo sub-sets, according to NGIC reporting."
They go on to describe the crimes committed by Juggalos as this:
"Most crimes committed by Juggalos are sporadic, disorganized, individualistic, and often involve simple assault, personal drug use and possession, petty theft, and vandalism. However, open source reporting suggests that a small number of Juggalos are forming more organized subsets and engaging in more gang-like criminal activity, such as felony assaults, thefts, robberies, and drug sales. Social networking websites are a popular conveyance for Juggalo sub-culture to communicate and expand."
Then they further go on to say that:
"Juggalos’ disorganization and lack of structure within their groups, coupled with their transient nature, makes it difficult to classify them and identify their members and migration patterns. Many criminal Juggalo sub-sets are comprised of transient or homeless individuals"
So looking at their assessment it is safe to assume that all Juggalos are Transient, drug using, who engage in such horrific criminal activity that we cannot be trusted. Now anyone who knows a Juggalo/Juggalette will be the first to tell you we are nothing like the FBI has made us out to be. As a general population we are peaceful outcasts who want nothing more than to fit in. That is what the "family" gives us. A good example is the Gathering. In 2010 Tila Tequila was invited to the Gathering and proceeded to get a lot of crap thrown at her, everything from rocks, to trash, to feces (supposedly). So this year the media ascended on the Gathering in hopes of having a violent story to tell the world about how terrible we are. The problem was that after 4 days they had nothing to report on. No fights, arrests, deaths, fires, violence, etc. They had nothing to talk about except how nice the event was. How peaceful we were. How they were welcomed even though for the most part Juggalos hate the way the media reports on us. That speaks volumes in my opinion.
I would ask the FBI or any law enforcement agency to gather thousands of actual gang members, aka Bloods, Crips, MS13, etc. in one location for 4 days and see how much violence and other things actually occur. Then maybe they would have a better perspective of who we are. Do I feel we are all innocent, hell no. But there are bad apples in every bunch. Every group has a few people that do not believe the same things or do the same things. That is what makes every group unique. Every subset in music has bad people. Every genre of music has fans that do not do the right things. This alone has never made the FBI classify them as gang members. But for Juggalos the few bad seeds have tainted our image permanently. Why is that? Why must we be singled out?
I wrote a blog earlier this year about other bands with rabid fans that states my opinions about this topic. Unfortunately this blog is only my opinions. I am actively trying to make a difference and maybe change the perception of the family. But until the entire family adopts this mentality I feel like we will never change the image. That alone will not stop me from doing the right things while wearing the hatchet proudly. Through actions we can change perceptions. Through deeds we can change lives. Just because we are outcasts does not mean we need to exclude others from the family. Welcome everyone and love them as your brothers and sisters. This is a positive movement and we can change the world.
MMWCL,
Juggalotus
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Faith and Music
Today's blog is going off track a little bit but not too far. I have been asked recently if being a Juggalo and a member of my church are contridictary. Like being one is the opposite of the other. My response was a simple one but I will elaborate it here a bit more. I do not feel as though the two things are opposites. Both sides teach me to love all humans and not discriminate against anyone because of gender, race, religion, etc. Both have brought me a lot of peace and comfort in my life. My belief in both is made stronger everyday by my actions and the response it brings from those around me. The devotion to both is a must. I mean I have to be completely trusting that the things I am taught in each is right.
So I am asking all those who read my blog or just stopping by, does being devoted to a certain faith mean you cannot be a Juggalo?
I understand to the common listener ICP might come off as evil or wicked. But if someone takes the time to understand the meaning behing the message they would find that it is not at all what it seems on the outside. They would find the devotion to a God. They would see the talk of murder in the music is simply their way of expressing their displeasure with those in society who are not good for humanity. I know I do not support wife beaters, child molesters, rapists, wealthy people who care for nothing except money and greed, racists, or the corrupt. I know a lot of people cannot get past the graphic nature of the music to hear the message. They can't see tracks like "Pass me by", "Miracles", "Wind me up", "Thy Unveiling" and other tracks that have no killing in them. But instead spread a positive message about God and the many things people take for granted about our Earth. Those of us who have been open minded enough to hear these messages have been profoundly affected.
The whole Meme aspect of Miracles should tell people that the book may not match the cover. Sure a lot of what they talk about most people would not classify as miracles, but I would. If we start to view the world through the eyes of a child we might notice that small things really are miracles. That song single handedly made me view the world in a different way. I remember being 8 or 9 and not understanding the way magnets worked. It amazed me and I found myself experamenting with magnet trying to figure it out. People today want everything explained. But the one thing that we will never have an explaination for is Death. We don't know what happens when we die. Most believe we go to heaven and it is total bliss. Some believe we are reborn as something else. Some believe nothing happens. The great thing is we never know.
As I close this blog I ask all the Family to remember that ALL Juggalos and Juggalettes are our family. Those who are not in the family and knock our music are misunderstood. It is our job as Juggalos/juggalettes to set the example. To be the group of people that regardless of our music can rise above hate and be the perfect example for others. If we begin to change the view the others will follow. Believe in a God or supreme being. There is no harm in questioning simple things and enjoying the small miracles. Keep an open mind. We need not fight with one another, there is enough hate outside our family. Keep your head up and try to keep your eyes on the positives. Much family love to all my family.
Juggalotus
So I am asking all those who read my blog or just stopping by, does being devoted to a certain faith mean you cannot be a Juggalo?
I understand to the common listener ICP might come off as evil or wicked. But if someone takes the time to understand the meaning behing the message they would find that it is not at all what it seems on the outside. They would find the devotion to a God. They would see the talk of murder in the music is simply their way of expressing their displeasure with those in society who are not good for humanity. I know I do not support wife beaters, child molesters, rapists, wealthy people who care for nothing except money and greed, racists, or the corrupt. I know a lot of people cannot get past the graphic nature of the music to hear the message. They can't see tracks like "Pass me by", "Miracles", "Wind me up", "Thy Unveiling" and other tracks that have no killing in them. But instead spread a positive message about God and the many things people take for granted about our Earth. Those of us who have been open minded enough to hear these messages have been profoundly affected.
The whole Meme aspect of Miracles should tell people that the book may not match the cover. Sure a lot of what they talk about most people would not classify as miracles, but I would. If we start to view the world through the eyes of a child we might notice that small things really are miracles. That song single handedly made me view the world in a different way. I remember being 8 or 9 and not understanding the way magnets worked. It amazed me and I found myself experamenting with magnet trying to figure it out. People today want everything explained. But the one thing that we will never have an explaination for is Death. We don't know what happens when we die. Most believe we go to heaven and it is total bliss. Some believe we are reborn as something else. Some believe nothing happens. The great thing is we never know.
As I close this blog I ask all the Family to remember that ALL Juggalos and Juggalettes are our family. Those who are not in the family and knock our music are misunderstood. It is our job as Juggalos/juggalettes to set the example. To be the group of people that regardless of our music can rise above hate and be the perfect example for others. If we begin to change the view the others will follow. Believe in a God or supreme being. There is no harm in questioning simple things and enjoying the small miracles. Keep an open mind. We need not fight with one another, there is enough hate outside our family. Keep your head up and try to keep your eyes on the positives. Much family love to all my family.
Juggalotus
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