AND finally, our last installment of the Ras Benzo introduction to GothamJungle. Artists/Entertainers, let’s make sure your not in this category.
5. Lying about your “internet sales”
There is no faster way to destroy your credibility than to inflate your album sales. If an album is good, then people will buy it, share it and spread it around like a dollop of mayonnaise on a tuna fish sandwich. Even without extreme sales success, artists can solidify their cultural relevance by releasing products that move the crowd. Early hip hop artists had minimal record sales even amidst the fiery buzz that surrounded the blossoming culture. Understand that this IS a business, and the better your sales, the more successful you will be and the more money you will have – point taken. However, artists like Slick Rick, Nelly, Rakim, L L Cool J, and others have suffered from poor sales, but the personal dignity of not lying about the units they move is what keeps them afloat.
We bring you #4 on Ras Benzo’s list of what you should not be doing in 2012.
4. Starting a beef with people WAY more famous than you
There was a time in urban music when the playing field was a lot more even; a time when labels, artists and their fans worked together to make a way for the genre. It used to be that if you wanted to get some attention and make a name, you could pick a target and start some beef! Remember when Lolita Gooden made a name for herself when she dissed those four dudes who cancelled their appearance at a show? No. you don’t. But you do remember Roxanne Shante! It was the start of her career and the moment that rappers realized they could make a name for themselves by taking shots at people more famous than them.
So So Def artist Da Brat, is fresh out of doing her bid, smashes back into the limelight with a nice remix. With the thinking of an indie artist, with the assistance of Jermaine Dupri, Brat takes on Kelly Rowland’s hit song, “Motivation”. Strategically a great move. Strike while the iron is hot as they say.
For the first time in ten years since the beginning, I have enjoyed watching the BET Awards. From beginning to end I thought there were few misses and tons of hits. The entrance of Kanye West was great, and the hosting of the Queen Latifah was dignified.
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