A graphic is worth a gazillion words!

via hypebot

Drake is often used as a prime example for how struggling independent hip hop artists can succeed in the music business. In order for that to be the case, Drake’s path to success would have to be reasonably attainable by other artists who begin their careers in hip hop.  But Drake’s path is not your typical success story.

1. Drake grew up wealthy. Having money doesn’t garuantee your success in the hip hop game but, it sure puts you a lot further ahead of the other runners on the starting block.

2. Drake was a TV star when he started dropping mixtapes. Drake not only appeared in a few films but he developed a healthy fanbase from his Read the rest of this entry »

The DownBeat Keys formed almost by accident this past October at Hamilton College. Baldwin (keys), Cal (drums), Root (bass), and Ill Will (vocals) were waiting to audition for a benefit concert. Kadahj just happened to be there, and Baldwin asked him if he’d like to sit in. The brand new quintet got the gig and dubbed themselves “DBK”. A few weeks later, Jared Schneider (sax/guitar) stumbled into a rehearsal and became the sixth and final member. In the few months they’ve been together the DownBeat Keys have played dozens of shows in central New York and have become the most popular band at Hamilton. People love DBK for its funky grooves, catchy vocals, and raw energy. This April saw their first release, a six song EP entitled “Invisible Ink.” DBK plans to play a few shows in New York City this summer. By October, they should have a Northeast college tour scheduled along with a brand new EP.

1. What first inspired you to get into hip-hop?
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I Don't Remember Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

JDP is a gifted, independent hip hop artist out of Chicago, doing his thing. Here’s another Indiehiphop caliber emcee you gotta check for.

1. Which female came the closest to being a top 5 emcee?

I feel like Lauryn Hill would’ve had that spot if she hadn’t retired. She was the illest.

2. If you were approached to do a reality show, what would be the name of it? Read the rest of this entry »

I Was On It Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

IndieHipHop.net introduced you to, independent hip hop artist from D.C., Lyriciss a few months back, but he’s back again with this candid interview he gave to DistrictFresh.com. Check for him. He’s definitely a rising star in the hip hop game.

Already appointed as one of URB’s coveted Next 1000 and currently on the cover of Southeast Indy Report magazine, independent hip hop artist, Digital Atlanta are Fusing the genres of rap and electronic music with an international feel. This three man collective that includes Mr. SickVisionz, L Dash, and Trevis T., are more than just a group dedicated to making good music. They are instead visionaries with a plan to take their sound, creativity, and talents to new heights.

Here’s 5 Qs for Digital Atlanta

1. If you could be super heroes, what powers would you choose?

DA: I am kinda already like a super hero. See I already know what ya girlfriend thinking that’s Telepathy. lol. Naw for real I would like the power to move super fast so we can save on studio time and travel costs.

2. Kobe or Lebron?

DA: Lebron. Just look at the stats Points, Rebounds, and Assists. All of those stats are higher than Kobe. Witness King James. Read the rest of this entry »

Lights Out Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Today we lay, Unsigned to rest. For so long he fueled our hopes and dreams to make it in this thing we call the Music Industry. We tried and worked so hard to free ourselves from being associated with you, Unsigned. Because of you, some of us signed some real fucked up contracts and damn near lost our souls and minds to remove your name from our artist’s bios. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m leaving the world of music production and blogging to explore the fine art of Pimpin’…just kiddin’

These young ladies helped me promote my website QuickBeats.net. and they did a great job. I threw this pic up because a reader said that I hardly have any women on the site and this was my quickest, temporary remedy for it.

Anyway, I’m going to slowly change the focus of this blog to cater more to fans of hip hop rather than to artists. What do I mean by that? Right now, most of my readers are people in the industry because of the music business related posts that are usually on the site. While I think that this is a good service and valuable, I want to become a better resource for exposing independent hip hop artists rather than solely being a blog centered around music business. Read the rest of this entry »

About 4:30 into this video Prince gets it in about major labels and how they get over on artists. He also talks about restructuring the way artists deals are made and much more. Prince has been around a long time, seen it all, and was one of the first artist to leave the major labels to sell his music over the internet. There’s definitely a lot learn from this dude.