Nov
03DMX: How to Get Fucked by Major Labels With No Lube
Filed Under (Interviews) by FuNkwoRm on 03-11-2009
Tagged Under : dmx, major labels, video games
In this video, DMX talk about how even the highest paid artists get abused and taken advantage of by major labels. This is why I’m glad that the the old way of doing business in the industry is collapsing. What artists can’t afford to do is allow major labels to regain their power to continue this.
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Someone else will. Capital and scale are too powerful for artists to have a fighting chance.
Reply to Justin Boland
Justin, there are artists changing that reality today.
Reply to FuNkwoRm
This is part of the reason the mainstream recording industry is collapsing, artists are beginning to wise up and put out their own music.
Reply to hiphopmuse
There are absolutely no artists changing that reality. We’re probably talking about two different things. Sure, there’s thousands of inspiring DIY success stories at every level of the business — I run a site about that, too.
What I’m saying is, none of them have enough scale or capital to make a difference in global economy that creates corporate monoliths. Media control is a reality — media always needs new content, and that’s what creates opportunity for independents.
But, look at what Google just pulled with the Google Music search: effectively handing over the dominant spot on EVERY artists google results to their affiliates…while harvesting the ad income and paying the artists exactly nothing.
We’re in a transition time for media formats and business models, but when the dust settles, there will still be a small handful of people with billions of dollars, political connections, and control over mass media. And they still won’t give a shit about the little guy.
That’s the larger reality I’m talking about, and no artist is changing that.
Reply to Justin Boland
“The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right”
Reply to FuNkwoRm
So who do you think can?
I’m curious which artists you’d recommend I look at in that light.
Always willing to be wrong, since it happens so often.
Reply to Justin Boland
Justin, you seem like a bright dude. I’m sure you’re not wrong often. In fact, I understand the point you’re making. I’m only saying that we’re at the onset of a changing industry so surely there aren’t any examples of artists performing at the level that you’re referring to…yet.
But sites like Topspin and artists like Trent Reznor are giving us a glimpse at what is possible. The new Google search is no game changer. Your blog and mine are are laying down new roads for new artists to travel on to connect to fans. This is taking the place of radio. You’re looking at the emergence of new media right now, and it’s not filtered my big corps. Just ask the newspapers and mags that are going bankrupt. Ask MTV. The question is, what are YOU gonna do when Viacom comes knockin’ at YOUR door?
Revolutions happen all the time my brother. You just gotta believe!! Let the church say Amen!!
Reply to FuNkwoRm
Relationships are equity and hustle is capital.
how do you think the hip hop community can become more financially educated? Talk to me
lazecarteren@gmail.com
Reply to Ben Frank
@Ben
If you’re referring to hip hop artists, they must treat themselves and their projects like any other business. Read up on how to create a business plan.
Reply to FuNkwoRm