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From the street to the suite...
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CONTENTS Meet the CEO of Red Bottoms Ent.
Y R O T S E R FEATU
M!s Nora
Who's Next? The Hip-Hop throne is up for grabs...
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Artists as Entrepreneurs:
The evolution of the entrepreneurial musician
Dunny Gage
Expectations for upcoming artists from NY have always been high because it is the Hip-Hop Mecca. You must go above and beyond lyrically in most cases to gain the attention of listeners.
C
heck out Dunny Gage, a workaholic for his musical craftsmanship, and as a result of that his music connects with listeners from different demographics. Brought up in a violent part of Buffalo, NY, Corey "Dunny Gage" Sharp had to be sharp because anybody that knows the street knows only the strong survive. It has always been evident to Dunny that he has a real talent for fusing words together in rhyme form better than most, so a career in music always seemed promising.
Dunny Gage's love for the streets ended up teaching him a couple of early lessons in life, and by the time he was 16 years old he had been shot. It took his release from prison for him to realize it was time for him to take his gift for music more serious than ever. He says his prison stay was the best thing that's happened to him because it's helped him define his position in life.
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In 2008, with a new perspective and a whole lot of ambition, Dunny dropped his first mixtape “Money Motivated Part 1”, which to many of his listeners has been hailed a hip-hop classic. With all that leverage he went on to release six more mixtapes by 2014, and as a result they all gained a major buzz in his hometown, earning him the nickname “Mr. Buffalo”. Also in 2014 he gave the world his first official single titled “Libra Scales”, which in no time became a fan favorite and is currently getting spins on RP Entertainment Radio. It premiered on Buffalo’s #1 Hip-Hop and R&B radio station 93.7 WBLK and Dunny has performed on stages with K Camp, Jadakiss, Styles P, and Meek Mill. Dunny is currently releasing a new single, “Excuse Me Love”, which has already gotten rave reviews from the ladies. He is also working on a mixtape which will be released soon. A new year, a new city (Atlanta, GA), and with a new manager, Dunny feels he is just a few steps away from making it. He promised to “make it” to the people who have believed in him and helped him believe in himself, and he is doing just that.
The World is New Orleans has given birth to some of hip-hop's most influential artists including Lil Wayne, Master P and many more. Because there is always a lane for new music, new artists are always looking to join the list of legends. Feast your eyes on the Lousisana rhyme duo known as S.D.M., or better yet, Soo Dedicated Music. With New Orleans on their shoulder blades the S.D.M. rappers Mr. Marv and J Vicious have joined forces to make history. J. Vicious, born Jamel Blair and Marvin "Mr. Marv" Tobias has a musical chemistry that's set to raise the eyebrows of hip-hop officianados everywhere. Mr. Marv (Co-CEO and artist) is fully focused on the Soo Dedicated Music brand not just from an entrepreneurial standpoint, but with having everything to gain. J. Vicious has had a passion for rapping for over 10 years and has always been working to perfect his craft. There is one distinct element these two undoubtly share and that's a passion for creating great music. With the achievements of independent labels like "No Limit Records" and "Cash Money Records" emerging from the New Orleans area, it wouldn't be long before new independent labels with their eyes on the prize would be conceived. Even with all of the adversity that comes with being in a small rural town (Goodman, Mi.), J. Vicious never stopped pushing. He moved back to his place of birth and has been unwavered in his path to becoming a great song writer. While the Co-CEO Mr. Marv thrived musically, he had to endure other talented artists not acknowledging his mindset so he opted to use the pessimism of others to help fuel his ambition. J. Vicious invested in his own recording equipment in 2006 after studying the art of serious music production. He would execute his beat making ability on music production software like "Fruity Loops", but because he has been drawn to being an artist more than anything, it's clear why he would want to be able to record his own work on his own equipment. Mr. Marv understands very well how a catastrophic event like hurricane Katrina has affected New Orleans and yet he has perservered through it all. With all the negative influences in his surroundings Mr. Marv has still managed to bob and weave on the statistics and rise above them. Mr. Marv draws energy from creating music for his listeners who were once in the struggle or still remain in the struggle. With a need to give back to the city that has given him so much, Mr. Marv aims to motivate the hood.
Mr. Marv came up listening to artists like The Notorious B.I.G, Tupac, Nas, Jay Z, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Outkast and Foxxy Brown and he says they all contributed to him becoming an MC. Mr. Mary's greatest inspiration came from his brother Prentiss (PL) Tobias who was a young rapper in the early to mid 80's. At a young age he would see him bring home trophies for his rapping prowess and would watch him in rap cyphers in the neighborhood spitting fire. As Mr. Marv grew older he finally understood what was happening before his very eyes and now has a burning desire to build an empire. In 2009 J. Vicious started his own music group called "Swagg Committee Ent" with some talented artists that at the time were a part of some big events, opening up for well-known artists such as Rick Ross. Because the other artists in the "Swagg Committee" wanted to branch off and do their own thing, the group soon separated. Not long after the separation, J. Vicious got an opportunity with the CEO of "Affiliated Muzik" which put him in a position to showcase his talent not only all over New Orleans,but also Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. Tough times don't last but tough people do and the members of the Soo Dedicated Music group are proving that statement to be more than true. With experience under his belt, J. Vicious began watching a friend by the name of Mr. Marv, who's hustle game for music and music promotion left him intrigued. J. Vicious could not resist the opportunity to help make the Soo Dedicated movement one of thee most dominant and prominent independent record labels in 2015 and beyond. Mr. Marv and J. Vicious are true examples of two hip-hop entrepreneurs looking to take their brand and their music to new heights.
ReverbNation
Soo Dedicated Music Link
City to city, hood to hood...
SPACE AGE BOOTH
S
traight out of Long Island, NY comes a group unlike any you've heard before. These four individuals have blended together to create a sound that is incomparable and ground-breaking. Their unique talents have intertwined perfectly to form an unstoppable force. Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to the up-and-coming hip-hop group known as Space Age Booth.
Since 2012, Javvz, Midas, Bebz and A-Roc have been creating music based on reality. Utilizing each of their own distinctive skills, they have learned to work together as a group as they strive for greatness. The focus and content of their music sets them apart from the multitude of hip-hop artists trying to come up in the rap game. Space Age Booth makes music that promotes positivity and extinguishes negativity. Being raised in a lower-middle class family has exposed them to the struggle that comes along with that environment. So Space Age Booth has made it their mission to end the struggle that their family has endured.
Although the four of them have always seen something in each other, it wasn't until they formed this unbreakable group that they began reaching goals that exceeded anyone's expectations. With each of them contributing their own unique talent and skill for the betterment of the group, they have built a force to be reckoned with. With A-Roc's writing skill, Bebz’s producing ingenuity, Midas's diversity in every aspect defining the group, and Javvz positive mentality and lyrics, Space Age Booth continues to create powerful music that can bring out the inneremotions of any fan. S.A.B. is currently recording and writing for the unreleased album “Respect The Hustle The Grind The Real”, featuring songs like “Who’s Ready” and “Can’t Do It Like Me”. They receive a tremendous amount of support from friends, family and fans, however they are looking to expand their fanbase by seeking out venues to perform upcoming shows in New York, Atlanta, and Florida. As Space Age Booth continues their climb to the top of the hip-hop game, we look forward to the positive messages their music promotes - messages that today's rap music so desperately needs.
Website: www.spaceagebooth.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/spaceagebooth Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/spaceagebooth YouTube channel: space age booth
!
Booking contact: sabpny@gmail.com
http://getyourbuzzup.com
Who's Next?
Fans around the world have been weighing in on who they think the next King of Hip-Hop is. One would say it's a matter of opinion and it belongs to whoever the listener feels deserves the title. Considering the fact that this has always been a great debate amongst Rap fans all over, we are going to entertain the thought of Who's Next... Hip-Hop has always been somewhat of a competitive lyrical sport. With legends in this musical genre going back and forth to prove who's the most dominant MC, it's clear that this tradition has only evolved throughout the years. Who's the best, who's the hottest and who's so dope that when they start rapping people's faces start to tighten up? In order to wear the crown though, you must be able to not only create rhymes that would part the Red Sea, but you must also be able to create hit songs. It's imperative that an artist be a complete performer, full of concepts, lyrics, attitude and performance, to sit on the throne. When you think of the best in hip-hop right now names like Drake, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole are often the first few names to come up. Still artists like Big Sean, Meek Mill and more are able to adequately represent the throne. But what about the big homie Jay-Z, or the biggest boss Rick Ross or even Kanye? These are all artists still painting pictures lyrically that would make Van Gogh proud. Everyone seems to have an opinion about who's next in line, but what about who's already in line? Since Jay has begun to venture off into other multi-million dollar endeavors, it seems as though he has been creeping away from the throne, leaving it open for those eager to wear the crown. The "Everyday I'm Hustling" rapper Rick Ross throughout the years has gone through it all, and has shown the world that that which has not killed him has only made him stronger. Releasing hit after hit like a factory, branding the Maybach Music Group and also giving truly talented artists like Meek Mill and Wale a stage to show how strong their movement is, easily puts the biggest boss in the running.
It's extremely difficult to mention Drake without mentioning his mentor Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne has been spitting fire for long enough to be considered the King of rap and he has millions of fans that would agree. He too has given the fans so much of himself it just seems only fitting that Tunechi be labeled King worthy. Weezy has created the monumental Young Money record label and has produced some of hip-hop's top-notch artists in recent years such as Drake and Nicki Minaj. With countless hit records under his belt and accolades for his exceptional word play, Lil Wayne has exhibited time and time again his excellence in rap is nothing short of music royalty. Lil Wayne has not only represented the throne with opulence, but has arguably ascended to rap god stature.
How about the RocNation Golden Child Hollywood Cole, aka J. Cole? The introspective MC has stolen the hearts of many since his first album "Cole World" debuted in 2011. The album also debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, and as it stands his stock just keeps rising with each project. The Fayetteville native is multi-talented and he offers not just classic quotable verses every time, but in some cases he also produces the musical composition. This gives Cole a major edge because he can customize his music to be a perfect tailor-made fit for each verbal attack. The constant growth and versatility of J. Cole, along with consistent record sales continues to keeps his name in the King Of Rap convo. The release of his third album "2014 Forest Hills Drive" was also J. Cole's third time at number one on the Billboard 200. The consistency that J. Coles possesses looks to be undaunted and unparalleled, making his shot at the throne a no-brainer.
Did we mention Kendrick Lamar yet? The west coast rap star, known for blasting at a few of the hottest MC's in music on Big Sean's "Control", must be added to this equation. On the song "Control" Lamar also refers to himself as the King of New York, and with him being from Compton, California, you can see how that might not sit well with some NY rappers. As a result, the hair-raising verse went viral, the Internet went wild, response tracks were coming left and right and conversation as to who the best rapper is started to breathe new life. With one of the most critically acclaimed albums in Hip-Hop ("good kid m.A.A.d city") the "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" MC has done nothing but continue to impress every chance he gets, and looks to be overly qualified for the position of King of Rap music.
Although this topic can go on for an eternity, we would be remiss if we did not remind you that the Detroit wordsmith from the 8 Mile is not only alive and well but he's still a lyrical God. The chart topper has not stopped producing new music, nor has he stopped pushing the boundaries on his creativity. With smash records on his resume, Slim Shady has gone above and beyond the call of Hip-Hop to leave his mark. Some would say Eminem is too iconic to be considered king of rap and that he has surpassed what it takes to sit at the throne, and it's probably safe to assume that to be accurate.
It looks like because rappers are gravitating more towards being gods, the throne is up for grabs and there does appear to be a few fire starters still looking forward to taking the royal chair, before being able to graduate to godlike status. Artists like Meek Mill and Big Sean are also lyrical forces to reckoned with. Both blazing with rapid-fire rhyme skills and flows that take you on a lyrical joyride, they have the ability to take a seat at the throne and evolve into a full blown rap deities in a blink. To be amongst the best in the history of this genre of music takes a vigorous work ethic, a burning desire, actual talent and one hell of an imagination. Truth is, regardless as to whether or not a known rapper can reach commercial success, they're all successful kings in their own right at doing what they do best.
http://airplay.jango.com/
JANGO
What are you waiting for?
KEEZ MC
Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to the hip-hop artist known as Keez MC! Raised in Harlem, but now repping the Bronx, this lyrical mastermind is good enough to roll with the best in any borough. His first mixtape ,"Hungry Season", was just the beginning for this budding rapper. Since then he has released a full album titled, "Musical Therapy", which includes hits such as "I'm On With It" and "Hip Hop Til I Die". Now Keez MC has completed the follow-up to his first mixtape banger with a second entitled "Hungry Season Two: Business As Usual". His focus is reflected in the success of his two singles "I'm On With It" and "Report To The Dance Floor", both of which have a total of 8,692 plays, 839 downloads, and 6,795 fans. "Report To The Dance Floor" is #3 on the club charts on unsignedbandweb.com and was charted #40 for five weeks for in the top 100 list on Ourstage. With this much dedication and lyrics to match, Keez MC is sure to make Harlem, the Bronx and all of NY extremely proud.
The "Put Your Hands Up" rapper has an uncanny ability to ride the beat effortlessly. From hard gritty beats to club anthems he's able to connect with his listeners with ease. His love for Hip-Hop is clearly driving him straight to the top. Track after track, Keez makes it more and more evident that quick wit, lyrical wordplay and hard hitting punchlines are a winning recipe that's going to carry him around the world. It's important for most rappers in the music industry to be respected lyrically and Keez Mc is no exception. His persistence will undoubtably overcome any resistance he may face on his road to hip-hop stardom.
KEEZ MC Twitter KeezMTV
YouTube keezmc.com
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Doll domination
AYA TAKANO
Artists as
Entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneurial Musician
It
used to be that aspiring artists couldn't
Due to technological advances, the
do much without being signed to a record
"entrepreneurial musician" has evolved.
label. They couldn't get quality studio
Aspiring artists are now able to market
recordings or videos, distribute their
and distribute their music independently,
music, or get their songs played on the
book their own shows, record their own
radio. Musicians depended on labels to
songs, produce their own videos, and
launch their careers to the next level. As
basically become the CEO of their music
a matter of fact until recently, the
career. The entrepreneurial musician
business side of music was exclusively
treats his or her career exactly like a
handled by managers, publishers,
business. In fact, the similarities between
producers, and the label. Now aspiring
up-and-coming artists and business
artists are no longer simply the "product".
entrepreneurs are unmistakable.
!
Artists and entrepreneurs possess pretty much the same exact set of
characteristics and skills needed to make their dreams become a reality. Both are extremely determined, hardworking, contain an enormous amount of drive and have creativity flowing through their veins. They both are committed to and consumed by their vision and embrace it as a lifestyle. When a musician writes and records music, that's equivalent to an entrepreneur's product development. Looking for opportunities and ways to grow as an artist, that's business development. When artists develop their image and begin to put themselves out there to potential fans, that's marketing. And networking is also obviously a very important task for both entities. The comparisons between the mindsets and goals of the two are endless. So now that we've established that, we can clearly see how important it is for aspiring artists to think like entrepreneurs and treat their career like a business. So how exactly does an artist go about doing that? First, you have to completely believe in your vision. No one else will believe in your music if you don't. Be prepared to sacrifice an extreme
amount of time and money to bring your vision to fruition. Your level of commitment will determine whether you see this through to the end or give up somewhere along the way. Be passionate about your music. Love doing what you do more than anything else, and do it to the best of your ability. Show your passion and excitement for your craft and allow your enthusiasm to rub off on others. Be eager to spread the word and make connections.
Figure out who your target audience is and learn all that you can about them. Who are you marketing to? What group of people does your genre of music attract? Knowing your audience can help you figure out the easiest way to market yourself, promote your music and get the best results. These days record labels have become more like investors than anything else. An artist has to have a considerable fan base, a number of albums and videos recorded, and much more before a label will even consider them. Just as a startup business has to show increasing growth in sales before an investor would consider working with them. Which is why it's so important that the entrepreneurial musician begins to grow his own empire before presenting himself to the major labels.
While the two career paths seem to be remarkably parallel, the reverence or level of respect given to each is not equal. People treat musicians as if they have ignored having a career altogether. Those around them will often ask "Isn't it time you give up the music and focus on a career?" However those looking to start their own business from the ground up are seen as creative go-getters who are thinking outside the box. Sure the music business is probably the toughest business to succeed in, however entrepreneurial musicians have just as much creativity, drive, determination and commitment as an entrepreneur starting up a business in a different field. Musicians need to be supported in the same manner as entrepreneurs.
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R&B
M!s Nora
CEO of
Today's oversaturated
music industry is clearly not what it used to be. Aspiring artists are flooding the independent music scene across the country as well as
internationally. New acts
are coming out all the time and fighting for the
listener's attention. Which is why these days it's
important for artists to have a strong marketing
and promotions company behind them to get the
fanbase and recognition they deserve. Many artists don't have the skills to handle the business side of the music industry and their sales and exposure suffer because of it. But thanks to companies like Red Bottoms Entertainment, artists can now leave marketing in the hands of the experts. Red Bottoms Entertainment (RBE) is a dynamic marketing and promotions company that any up-andcoming artist would want to work with. Founded in 2011 by multi-talented CEO "Miss Nora", Red Bottoms Entertainment specializes in almost every aspect on the business side of the music industry. Although RBE's primary objective is promoting and marketing, they cover a host of other elements as well. RBE's mission is to venture with any artist, DJ, promotions company, or enterprise involved in the music industry and looking for business in a solid work environment. There are numerous ways in which the company goes about achieving this mission.
The major focus of Red Bottoms Entertainment is the marketing of unsigned talent. They work with artists of various genres, but the goal remains the same - to get the artist as much exposure as possible. To do this, RBE covers everything from promoting any released singles or albums, throwing listening parties and booking shows, to sharing links on blogs and affiliated music sites. RBE throws various other types of event parties and even hosts shows of their own as well. In addition to promoting, Red Bottoms Entertainment also assists with any written material or documents that need to be created for the artist. Whether it's a biography, electronic press kit, marketing plan, business plan, business proposal, or even a press release, RBE helps their artists create whatever written work they need to take them to the next level. Miss Nora, being a woman who knows her way around the music industry, has also taken on the managerial role for several hip-hop artists in the game. In this role she takes on the responsibility of booking shows, radio interviews, scheduling tours, and fulfilling all the business needs of the artist on a managerial level.
!
Not only is Miss Nora music industry savvy, she's also a skillfully independent travel agent. Now she's managed to bring the best of both worlds together to expand the RBE brand. Red Bottoms Entertainment has created a new website called Red Bottoms Travel, where artists can now make travel plans at a reasonable rate. Whether it's for a show booked out of state, or simply a fabulous vacation, artists can book a hotel stay, rent a car, and even book a flight with the great deals that Red Bottoms Travel has to offer. In addition to promoting, marketing, managing, and travel arranging, Miss Nora has added even more to her repertoire. Red Bottoms Entertainment has been extremely active in designing apparel. From women's tank tops to baby onesies and even winter hats, all of their apparel is stylishly emblazoned with the "Red Bottoms Entertainment" signature. The company also has future plans to expand the clothing brand to include men's wear as well. With all that Red Bottoms Entertainment has to offer, it's no wonder that they are on their way to becoming a growing empire. With the vitality and drive that Miss Nora possesses, there's no doubt that the success of this company will continue and it's longevity is guaranteed.
Website: www.redbottomsent.com IG: @Redbottomsentertainment Twitter: @redbottomsent Tumblr: @redbottomsent Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redbottomsent
Exclusive designs for unique cu"omers...
r o t h g i r y p o C Wrong?
It was the longest running number one single of 2013. It made over $16.5 million in sales and was one of the best-selling singles of all time. It peaked at number one in 20 different countries and broke the record for the largest radio audience in history. But now the popular hit song "Blurred Lines" is making headlines for another reason.
T
he creative masterminds behind the 70's-themed dance record are being accused of copyright infringement by the children of music legend, and inspiration to many, Marvin Gaye. But while Gaye may have inspired many musicians over the years, recording artists Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams were found guilty of the actual copying of components from Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up". It's a verdict that threatens to shake up the music industry as we know it, but is it a fair verdict or simply a poorly- judged decision on behalf of the deciding jury?! Copyright infringement lawsuits are not uncommon in the music industry. In fact, they occur quite frequently, only
the public rarely hears about it because rarely do they actually make it to court. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, BeyoncĂŠ, Alicia Keys, Justin Beiber, Usher, and Sam Smith are just a few of the celebrities to find themselves on the defendant's side of an infringement suit. But never in the history of infringement lawsuits has an accuser sought after a payout as huge as the Gaye children have. Shattering the biggest payout in plagiarism history of $5.4 million (which Michael Bolton and Sony Records were ordered to pay for infringing upon the Isley Brothers), the Gaye family was seeking $25 million, of which they were awarded $7.4 million.
Frankie and Nona Gaye, along with Marvin Gaye III., asserted entitlement to a huge chunk of money made not only from the sales of "Blurred Lines", but also money made from touring. In addition to profits made from the song, the Gaye family also sought actual damages to compensate for a reduction of the market value of "Got to Give It Up". Furthermore, Thicke and Williams were accused by the Gayes of infringing upon yet another song of their father's. According to them, the song "Love After War" allegedly borrowed elements from Marvin Gaye's "After the Dance". ! The eight person jury, comprised of five women and three men, decided that Thicke and Williams would be ordered to pay a total of $4 million in copyright
"If we lose our freedom to be inspired, we're going to look up one day and the entertainment industry as we know it will be frozen in litigation." damages for "Blurred Lines", in addition to profits attributable to infringement which, for Thicke, was determined to be $1.8 million and for Williams $1.6 million. They were also found guilty in reference to the second song in question, for which they were ordered to pay a total of $9,375.! This monumental decision was unexpected to say the least, but was it a fair judgement? Musicologist Sandy Wilbur testified that "there are no two consecutive notes in the two songs that have the same pitch, the same duration, and the same placement in the measure."
However, musicologists brought to trial by the Gaye family testified of similarities in signature phrases, keyboard-bass interplay, hook, lyrics and theme of the two songs. Thicke's lawyers argued that "Blurred Lines" was meant to "evoke an era", and that the Gayes are claiming ownership of an entire genre. But when all was said and done, it was the Gayes who reigned triumphant with an unexpected victory over Thicke and Williams. ! In a statement released to Rolling Stone, the Gaye family responded, "(exerpt) Great Daughter Nona Gaye and ex-wife Janis Gaye of late singer Marvin Gaye, leave court in Los artists like our dad intentionally Angeles, California March 10th, 2015. build their music to last, but we as the caretakers of such treasures, have an obligation to be vigilant about preserving the integrity of the music so that future generations understand it's origins and feel its effect as the artist intended, and to assure that it retains it's value."! Unfortunately winning the biggest pay out in infringement suit history was not enough for the Gaye family. They have since asked the court to amend the jury's verdict to include Clifford Harris Jr., otherwise known as rapper T.I., and affiliated record companies, both of whom were previously exonerated. They have also had their lawyer file permanent Marvin Gaye injunction to immediately force Thicke and Williams to stop reproducing, distributing, and performing "Blurred Lines", as well as impound all copies of the song. ! In response to the jury's verdict, the three recording artists released a statement to U.S. Weekly stating, "While we respect the judicial process,
!
!
we are extremely disappointed in the ruling made today, which sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward. 'Blurred Lines' was created from the hearts and minds of Pharell, Robin & T.I. and not taken from anyone or anywhere else. We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter."! Pharell also released a statement on his own, reflecting a view that many who disagree with the jury's verdict share. "The verdict handicaps any creator out there who is making something that might be inspired by something else. This applies to fashion, music, design... anything. If we lose our freedom to be inspired, we're going to look up one day and the entertainment industry as we know it will be frozen in litigation... Everything that's around you in a room was inspired by something or someone. If you kill that, there's no creativity."! Even singer & songwriter John Legend weighed in with his opinion to the Associated ! Press. "You have to be careful when it comes to copyrights, whether just sounding like or feeling like something is enough to say you violated their copyrights.... And you don't want to get into that thing where all of us are suing each other all the time because this and that song feels like another song. I think we have to be careful about that and I'm a little concerned that this verdict might be a slippery slope." !
Other high-profile copyright infringement cases:
!
- Justin Bieber and Usher sued for $4.6 million for copyright infringement by Virginia- based songwriters over "Somebody to Love" - Found not guilty.
!
- Alicia Keys was accused of infringing upon a song written by Earl Shuman called "Hey There Lonely Girl" with her song "Girl On Fire". The case was settled.
!
- Jay-Z has agreed to pay 50% of royalties from the song "Versus" to jazz artist Bruno Spoerri. Claims Jay-Z copied his song "On The Way" without seeking permission.
!
- Sam Smith will be sharing 25 percent of his songwriting royalties for "Stay With Me" with Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne for similarities to "I Won't Back Down".
!
- BeyoncĂŠ's "Drunk In Love" was hammered with infringement allegations for the exotic vocals in the opening of the song. Hungarian artist, Mitsou, never agreed for them to be used in the Jay & Bey duet.
So what's your take on the situation? Do you feel that Robin Thicke and Pharell Williams intentionally (or possibly unintentionally) ripped off key elements from Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up" to create the song "Blurred Lines"? Or do you feel that the Gaye children are opportunists who took advantage of a Marvin Gaye-inspired song to try and lay claim to an entire genre of music? Well the jury's still out on that one, but whatever your opinion may be, the verdict still remains the same. The outcome of this trial is one that will resonate throughout the music industry - an industry where copyright suits are common but hardly ever make it to trial. It is an outcome that could set the precedent for many lawsuits to come, and could change the way music is created. It could stunt the creativity of the artists we love most, and spawn a new genre of fearful and doubtful writers. But whether you agree with the jury's decision or not, one thing's for sure - you "Got to Give It Up" to them for officially "Blurring the Lines".
s o h T n e ISe
Hip-Hop! It's not just music, it's a lifestyle. It's all-inclusive, all-encompassing, and it can also be "So Epic Everyone Notices". Spreading from the homes of the suburbs to the subways of the city, hip-hop transcends into life and fashion. However with the forecast changing so often within music and fashion trends, it's hard to keep up and stay ahead. And that's where ISeenThos (I Seen Those) Clothing comes in to make a statement. The fashion brand created by Corey-Ty is making it's way from the New York streets to the LA runways with a mixture of edge, a grain of urban, and a spoonful of creativeness.
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Residing out of Suffolk, Long Island NY, Corey-Ty, the creator of ISeenThos, began his journey straight out of high school in 2003 by creating logos and printed garments. Growing up in Long Island wasn't much inspiration for the designer, so he monitored the world of trends and created his own esthetic. After graduating from Berkeley College with a Degree in Fashion Merchandise and Management in '06, he put his skills and knowledge into the birth of the line. While designing custom clothing, and destroying and rebuilding garments, embellishments and printed tees were made to soothe the fashionable expression of the time, and inevitably became the tone of the brand. Luckily, not only does the line cater to men, but women and children of all ages can be seen in the looks as well.
ISeenThos design ethic is a considerably High Street Fashion-forward look and vibe. With the maturing rate of the company, new features have been added to satisfy an entire wardrobe including hats, sweat shirts, sweatpants, embellished hats, jackets and shoes just to mention a few. The goal for the brand is to become a mass production company, and with a number of runway shows and growing clientele it's sure to happen. ISeenThos clothing will be featured at Malvern High school fashion show in New York on April 24, 2015 and will be featured in runway shows within the New York City region and Baldwin, Long Island, alongside several up-and-coming Long Island based designers. Music has given hip-hop a voice to be heard, but fashion has given it an avenue in which to be seen. With the creative talent, impeccable execution of styling, and flawless detailing from ISeenThos Clothing, it's definitely "So
Epic
Everyone Notices". Written by: K. Teyrell Gettys
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KING TIGER
Juan OsWaldo Cayetano Jr., better
known by his stage name King Tiger, proudly proclaimes that he is the first American-Garifuna Hip Hop Artist to go mainstream in Garifuna History. Being of Honduran and Guatemalan descent, he is also part of the Garifuna culture (Decendants of Caribe, Arawak, and West African People). One of King Tiger's visions is to use his lyrics as a catalyst in uniting people, specifically the Garifuna people, in peace without violence. Born in Harlem and raised in the South Bronx, he has learned from his experiences in a South Bronx Blood street gang set and has chosen to evolve as a leader.
In the summer of 2013, King Tiger released his first mixtape on DatPiff.com, which he dedicated to his brother who passed away unexpectedly. The mixtape was titled "Streets and Romance" and was published a day after his brother's passing. He performed his final Tribute Concert to his older brother on December 20, 2013 at True Sound Lounge in the Bronx, New York. King Tiger signed his first deal with Top Shotta Recordz Wu Federation for a substantial distribution deal in February
of 2014, under a former Wu-Tang / New Wu Generation / Protect Ya Neck Records Reggae Recording Artist G Tee Shotta. King Tiger is best known for his first single "Started Off" which was released world wide on March 27, 2014 under the leadership of G Tee Shotta's record company. However due to unfortunate circumstances King Tiger soon parted ways with Top Shotta Recordz, and he shocked fans with his retirement announcement on 107.3 music show in December of 2014 at the age of 23.
Now King Tiger is back with a vengeance, releasing his new hit single, "Taking You Home" featuring Mic Massive, a club knocker that's landing on music charts from here to the Dominican Republic. He's now affiliated with INgrooves Fontana | Universal Music Group and inspiring listeners across the world. However King Tiger's plans don't end with music. Not only does he have ambitions to enter the realm of acting and film, but he's also launching a clothing line later this year. Currently he's in project negotiations with Kelly Anne, who has created custom pieces for Steven Tyler and Travie McCoy, participated in the 2014 Grammy and BET Awards, and can be seen on Angie Martinez, Alicia Keys and Joe's R&B
Sensation. King Tiger is also the CEO of King's Label Whisky Rum which was Discovered Produced and bottled in the Dominican Republic by: J. Armando Bermudez & Co. These days the East Coast MC has been spending a lot of time in the studio preparing to release his first debut album titled "Tha 999 Album" dedicated to his 3 triplet baby boys. His vision is to create music and to share it with the world. When asked what motivates him to make music he states: “I believe that the violence and stupidity on our planet's ghettos can be reduced through good music because I learned through High Priests and Priestesses that music affects the Spirit/Psyche of human beings."
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To find out more about King tiger:
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www.reverbnation.com/kingtiger www.jango.com/music/King+tiger www.cdbaby.com/cd/kingtiger1 twitter.com/kingtigerbx1
STRAIGHT STITCH & CO
R.E.D
Wise and in Charge It's none other than R.E.D, short for Rhymes Extraordinarily Dope and this NY spitter has a lot to say. Aside from being socially conscious he is also a street poet. Born Daniel Ofori Jr. on May 5th, 1978 in Brooklyn, New York, and the eldest of 2 children, R.E.D grew up with his brother and both parents in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn. Coming up in the 80s and 90s, R.E.D. was surrounded by music constantly. His father’s extensive record collection covered the best in Blues, Soul, Funk and early Hip Hop, and served as a major influence. Young R.E.D showed a desire for music at an early age and was heavily influenced by the legendary Video Music Box TV show created by Ralph McDaniels. These music videos exposed him to a myriad of artists from New Edition to RUN DMC and Rakim. His focus then began to steer towards Hip Hop music and it's artists who polarized life on the streets verbally. His need for wisdom, knowledge and understanding began to increase the level of complexity in his wordplay, accompanied by a rapid delivery. This style became the root for which R.E.D deliveres his music. Even at the age of twelve R.E.D was crafting lyrically driven styles of poetry and verbiage unlike most. In his high school years he was well known throughout Brooklyn as a lyrical arsonist. In 1998, R.E.D joined forces with various artists, singers, and producers to start the music production and management company Five 5 Dynasty Entertainment. The first single produced and distributed by Five 5 Dynasty Entertainment was called “Megatron” which featured R.E.D, Lovox Sharpe, and Deeno Snuff. The release of this song allowed for
exposure up and down the East Coast and landed all three artists into the well-known talent showcase called the B Bernard Brown Showcase at the Soul Café, owned by actor Malik Yoba. R.E.D continued to receive even more exposure once he started to attend Pace University from which he graduated with a B.A. degree in International Banking. At Pace University he performed at five yearly talent showcases. He won 15 showcases out of 20. After graduating R.E.D started a movement called Line For Line. It attracted the attention of several up and coming rappers who joined his e!orts to continue and promote Hip Hop that focused on lyrical ability. Line For Line released an album that gained R.E.D more exposure in the independent underground Hip Hop world and also attracted Ralph McDaniels, host of Video Music Box." Ralph McDaniels enjoyed R.E.Ds music so much that he allowed R.E.D to record his voice as an introduction for one of his songs. R.E.D released another solo album that continued to build on his previous works. After taking a year o! to re-focus and start a family, R.E.D entered the studio once again, with his younger brother Ghost Ryda behind the production, to create his newest album "Spitting To The Masses" which features artists such as Ghana Sands, TripleXXX, R.O.D, Jasz, and many others. " R.E.D has created a body of work that is raising eyebrows and pushing the envelope of what was once considered “Backpack” Hip Hop. From his first solo release in 2006 named "Street Poetry", his second release "Issues of a Poet" in 2008, then the Line For Line group self-titled EP in 2010, then his Showcase album in 2012, to his 2014 album answer to Pop Hip Hop “Street Poetry, and now his latest classical e!ort Spitting To The Masses, R.E.D continues to provide top shelf music that takes listeners on a lyrical safari through the concrete jungle.
Jango
BedStuyFly
http://www.bedstuyfly.com
http://airplay.jango.com/
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JANGO
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