Males In Music: Does Sexual Preference Matter?

by @butterfliesblue

 

         

 

Being a celebrity automatically makes someone a target for scrutiny because people are so quick to judge others. Many people that are judged the most are the ones in the music industry. For some reason, there is an obsession with a person's sexual preference. When it comes to sexual preference, it seems as though male r&b artists can't win for losing. On the other hand, male rappers seem to be thought as an epitome for masculinity.

 

Many people are so quick to call male R&B artist's gay because of their music. They write music that ladies love, and aren't too afraid to show emotion. Since when is respecting a woman the way a man should supposed to be gay? Male rappers often are looked up to as "masculine" because of the content in their music and videos. A man that's comfortable enough to show emotion is a real man, but being materialistic does not make a man anymore masculine. I thought loving to shop was a female trait anyway. Rappers' lyrics are often full of anger (which may be insecurities), and sexually explicit lyrics (that may be curious). Their videos often promote bisexual activity among women, If a rapper is comfortable enough to promote female on female action, then I think that he may like a little man on man action too. Both are equally disgusting, and preferring one over the other is a sick double standard. They often sag their pants too. How many straight men want another man looking at him in his draws, and call their self pretty?

 

 

 

 

I'm just saying since people are so quick to judge male R&B artists, put rappers under the same scope. It isn't fair, and it shows immaturity.

Are they or Are they Not an Artist?

By: @NahREWINDatShi_

Over the years, people have begun to question the validity of rap/hip-hop as a music genre and even more so the credibility these up and coming rappers. i wanted to know why. What seems to be the main issue is the shift of focus from what the rapper says to how the person looks and acts. What people fail to realize is that Artists can be musicians, rappers or both. A rapper is a master of Rhythm And Poetry, which I feel most do not care about achieving, while a Musician is just focused on making catchy Music regardless of message.

For Example, Is Soulja Boy really a rapper? A self-proclaimed one sure, but As an avid listener of music I do not consider him a great example of a rapper and everyone else should cease to do so.  Soulja Boy has yet to…well… have a message. But is he a musician? Definitely. He produces his own music, writes his own hooks and makes catchy songs. If you Listen to a Soulja Boy instrumental you will be unable to deny his musical prowess for harmony and melody. He is obviously a musician who tries to rap.

People fail to recognize the changing scene in the rap genre, the MC has seemingly become obsolete by the majority. No one pays attention solely to the words coming out of the speaker’s mouth as much as to the way the words are said and how they flow, That’s more of where the Musician excels. A Rapper’s focus is on their words and the actual main point of their verses. There is some talk questioning new ‘rappers’ who seem to be telling the listeners nothing in their music. That’s exactly it though…these new rappers who seem to have no substance in their verses are representing the original concept of the artist themselves. Isn’t an artist an agent who expresses themselves through creative means? Just because the only things Kid Cudi talks about is marijuana use and his depressed mind state doesn’t make him any less of an artist, it just makes him a specific kind. As long as a person is creatively expressing himself or herself through a given medium, whether it be a painting or a record…he or she is still an artist.


So what’s the issue? The problem I used to have: I hated the fact people were more enticed by a rapper’s “get-up” or “Swag” than what they were saying. I was doing a sample comparison of Lupe Fiasco and Wiz Khalifa side by side. Now obviously, if you have heard from both artists, You can’t do that because they are two different types of musicians, and two different types of rappers. One is lyrical and the other is purely self-expressive/creative, but this doesn't mean one is more of an artist than the other. Music’s original purpose is to entertain, inspire the listener, and/or make the listener think or feel something. As long as a rapper/musician is accomplishing one of those four…that person is still considered an artist. Let’s be honest…if your verses and your songs are moving a number of people enough for them to buy tickets to your concert…you must be doing something right. Don't discount an artist just because you cannot relate to the content. Be a fan of What you will based of how it moves YOU. You shouldn't have to like them to be able to acknowledge they are a talented artist.

So You Wanna Be A Rap Star?

Photo: Forbes

So I checked out the Forbes/Billboard Top 20 Artists Article and dang, Hip-hop Greats in 2009 grossed over $300mil! I see why so many people want to hop into the rap game. But of course my over analytical self wanted to dive deeper and see how Hip-hop ranks as an overall business and was quite surprised. The Top 20 Hip-hop greats barely ranked in the Top 250 of American CEOs (Forbes Magazine) when compared side by side. Hell, Jay-Z, who topped the list at $63mil, didn't even make Top 20 of overall Celebs. Pretty shocking

Other Interesting Forbes Facts:

1) Oprah Winfrey Grossed $315million BY HER SELF!!! That woman is an absolute monster. I mean, I always knew she had money but when you put it in the perspective of: If Oprah wanted to, she could literally BUY Hip-hop... it's just makes an unfathomable amount of money very real. She's got enough money to buy every US Citizen a McDouble... and still get a Foot long from Subway. (Pay your own Sales Tax though, you know how Oprah do)

2) Rich vs. Wealthy. Confused? Let me explain... How I see it, Rich is very attainable for the average Joe by simple luck. But, if you aspire to only be rich; plan on being broke shortly thereafter! MC Hammer WAS rich, as was Vanilla Ice and even MIMS (for that good 6months). Unfortunately, the uneducated tend to acquire mass amounts of Liquid Assets (Cash, Diamonds, Chains etc) instead of Long Term Equities. (These are basic business terms, if you don't know them then you WILL NOT make it in "the Biz").

To put it in monetary terms what the difference is... the top 6 Hip-hop earners of 2009 grossed $167million while: Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, John Lennon & Jimi Hendrix totaled $168million last year... No, that's not a misprint, LAST YEAR!!! That's the difference between being rich & being wealthy. Own property, own a business, own YOURSELF. If you are sending out your creative works which aren't Copyrighted, registered with ASCAP, Trademarked, etc. then expect to get G'd, it'll soften the blow once it happens.

Being rich only lasts a lifetime while wealth will stretch through generations.

3) The Top 20 Hip-hop greats have averaged $15mil each ($75mil total) over the last 5 years; while William C Weldon, CEO of Johnson & Johnson who started as a Sales Rep with a Biology Degree, has made more at $78mil (NOT including the $26mil in stocks he also owns in the company).

Ivan G. Seidenberg, Verizon CEO, started his climb up the "Corporate Ladder" being a Cable Splicer's Assistant and now makes as much as Diddy without having to dance in every Verizon commercial or flee clubs after his coworkers have shot someone in the face (not to mention he also owns $57mil more in stocks).

The common thread? Education, Hard Work & Determination. For some odd reason people who have lyrical skills (or THINK they have them) think rap and education are mutually exclusive. Where this came from, I do not know, but reverse your logic. How can learning about worldly issues, expanding your vocabulary, working closely with your demographic, understanding how to write/negotiate contracts and gaining real life experience hurt your career? Build a strong foundation from the ground up or at least have a backup plan because you WILL crumble.

I guess the bottom line is... GET TO WORK!!! Being a celeb is a job, just like everything else. There is no easy way to get the elusive "American Dream". So before encouraging a friend or your children to skip school for a celebrity career of fame and fortune, please, do some research. Realize that they are non-recognizable people worth BILLIONS more than your favorite celeb to dance to in the club.

Educate Yourself before you Dedicate Yourself. Can You Hear me now? GOOD

Edited By Jo Anne @MzFilterless

Nicki Minaj: So Much Hate

[By: @TheMulahTruth]

Hate it or love it, Nicki Minaj is making waves within the Hip Hop game and the music industry. With her debut album on it's way, many individuals are anticipating either her success or failure. Nicki has been on her grind as of late, hitting the road to promote her up and coming release, doing countless shows all over the states. Personally, I've been listening to Nicki Minaj before all this pink hair barbie stuff, way before she was even signed, and even then I was a semi-fan of her aggressive style of rapping.

Nicki Minaj has made a drastic change in appearance and improvement when it comes to her music and style of flow. But what I don't understand is the hate, focus, and obsession with her back side, a**, booty - call it what you want, but honestly I just don't get it. Whether it be on Twitter or me just relaxing with a female counter part, as soon as Nicki Minaj pops up on the television, her a** is the focus of attention or insults. I've heard it all, "She got butt pads" "Plastic booty" "Her a** is fake". What I'm trying to understand is, what does her body have to do with anything? People who hate on others are always bringing up something that is truly irrelevant; something they can discredit, pick apart, or criticize just to make themselves feel better. Women in general do this a bit too much and when I see or hear it, I'm always thinking to myself that it must be something deeper than what meets the surface. It's not just Nicki Minaj but a whole slew of other women as well. So my question is, what is one to gain from tearing down, insulting, and picking apart another individual? There's already a high percentage of men who insult and often tear down women, why make it worst and tear one another down? 

Feel free to comment, leave feedback and answer the questions within this post, thank you.

(Edited by Shannon - @ShanSprinkles)

Waka Flocka is Drewski from College Hill: Proof!

by @butterfliesblue

For the longest a lot of people have thought that Waka Flocka is Drewski from College Hill Atlanta. Well after some thought and some research I got some proof, but first let's go back to the 106 & Park interview. He said that he didn't finish high school and thought about going back to major in geometry. I honestly didn't know that was a major (insert sarcastic tone here). To be on College Hill, you had to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College and University). So since this is Drewski, Waka has lied on tv like we wouldn't catch it. Anyway watch the two videos below. Besides the facial similarities, check out the fronts in "Drewski's" mouth on the second video at :33. You may not agree, but I still think it's the same person.

H Squared Mixtape Review/Interview

By: @PCB_UnaNegra

Hip-Hop music is taking over, if you have not already realized. It is played at all sports games, political events, and of course, at parties. I am not a huge Hip-Hop fan, but I thought it would be worthwhile to have a closer listen to a Hip-Hop mixtape from upcoming rap duo, H Squared. The group is comprised of two Brooklynites; Prince Hood and History. I heard one track a few months ago and thought the track was good. Now that the mixtape has been released, it is only fair to hear all that they have to offer.

The album is clear and direct. When I listen to underground artists, I listen out for clarity. I want to be able to always understand what the artists are saying. Heavy accents, slurred words, and shouting do not get my attention. I did not hear any of that on this mixtape. The hook of “Bounce C’mon” was aggressive, but it was fitting for the beat, therefore I would not qualify that as shouting, just being hype. Having DJ Don Demarco host the mixtape is a good look for the group. I do remember listening to reggae mixtapes with his voice hollering in the background. H Squared raps cleanly and they did not add extra words to a bar just to make everything fit in. They did not rap about crazy outlandish purchases, excessive amounts of sex, and all the other crap that is flooding rap music today. They promote themselves many times in a few tracks, so just in case you did not know who you were listening to, they make sure you do not ever forget.

Bounce C’mon, Caddy Coupe Freestyle and Swag Surfin freestyle are my most liked tracks on the mixtape. Fellas, keep up the good work!

When did you guys start rapping?

Hi$tory: "I would say I've been rapping since Junior High. I was freestyling and writing rhymes in my building’s hallway. That's when I wrote my first rhymes, but, doing it seriously as far as shows and things of that nature; about three years."

Prince Hood: "I always had a way with words. I started out with poems, speeches, then remixing songs and freestyling with friends in high school. In 2002, after I tried my hand at managing artists, I started writing to the beats I was producing. Come to find out, I sounded good rapping so that was the official start of Prince Hood the Rapper."

Is rapping your only career goal?

Hi$tory: "Oh No. This is only the beginning, so it can't possibly stop here. We're looking for H Squared to be more than just a group or a band but a brand and God willing, a full-fledged label. Personally, I plan on going back to school to study veterinary medicine that along with music has always been goal of mine."

Prince Hood: "Oh No. I love producing records. I want to produce projects for other artists, get into movies, direct, and maybe even act. I just want to get into anything and everything that will make a profit and spark my interest."

What inspired this mixtape?

Hi$tory: "I think the title explains it all. We figured it was about time we released something and give the people an intro to H Squared, let them know what we're about and what we're trying to do. Hence, 'The Introduction of...'"

Prince Hood: "Yeah, the mixtape is an introduction of us, H Squared. It is our “Swavor” (combination of swag and flavor), our language, the way we move, our lives, and our culture, you know."

Did you enjoy the outcome?

Hi$tory: "I definitely enjoyed the process of putting our first project together, that was real cool to me. I learned a lot along the way, met a lot of people. The mixtape itself could have done better but I'm not disappointed in the least bit, it comes with the territory."

Prince Hood: "Enjoy it? I wouldn't say that. I enjoyed the process of making it: working with Hi$tory, with Eflat designing the cover and the website, and arranging the songs. Even though we're building a large internet presence, our downloads and listens don't show it. There's about 800 mixtapes and counting circulating the streets right now. I feel it was a success though. Shout out to everybody involved in the project."

What would you change?

H Squared: "The change would be in the promotion, marketing, and timing. Honestly we waited too long to release the mixtape so a lot of the songs we remixed were considered old at that time. We didn't build a good relationship with various blog sites. If we did, it would have helped build buzz around the mixtape. With the next mixtape or project we will have it available on every site possible for downloading."

When is the next mixtape coming out?

Prince Hood: "Soon lol. "

Follow us on Twitter: @HsquaredMusic, @HistoryHim, @PrinceHood http://www.hsquaredmusic.com/

http://www.datpiff.com/DJ_Don_Demarco_H_Squared_Prince_Hood_History_H.m120827.html

Edited By Jo Anne @MzFilterless