All Outlets

I seriously think the best way to reach your fan base is to try to have something on every electronic or web based media out there. Whether its myspace, facebook, twitter, youtube, or whatever, its best to have something for everything. With Ha-Style Music TV I can attract more people to my music through visuals. People like seeing things more than just listening to them. If you can find a way to make some sort of iPhone app to where people can download your music or use it as a ringtone that would be a pretty good outlet to use. I think that's why its so important to have an independent mindset when starting out because when you start developing your own fan base, then you have much to bring to the table because you'll know how to do most of the things they are trying to do for yourself. Plus not only that, people will start to think that you are everywhere. That's how Diddy developed such a large brand. Hmm...sounds like another blog may be needed to explain that one too.

2009's Top Rapper #4 is....

Now wait, you guys should've known that this was coming. Wale pretty much came from the underground and took it. That's it period, mixtape full punchlines, metaphors, and concepts. He's pretty much a rappers rapper and can deliver a flow that's uncanny enough to either put him in the clubs or a movie soundtrack. (no diss by the way) Wale is best listen to when you want to hear something witty and fun. No real swag music, however, the flow is easy and doesn't make you cringe at all. The DC artist is on his Go-Go.

2009 Top Rapper #5

Eminem, M.I.C., and now Slaughterhouse. Doesn't really matter where you put Royce Da 5'9" he's pretty much gonna kill everybody lyrically. Don't forget this guy was the one who originally featured on "Renegade" with Eminem before the beefing started happening. This guy makes all rappers want to step their game up because, like Wayne, he lives in the studio and drops mixtape after mixtape after mixtape. He established himself after dropping his infamous Bar Exam mixtape with DJ Premier. After that he got with the underground's 4 deadliest emcees and formed a group that one really wants to touch. (except wu tang, but that's over now) Royce is best to be heard when you wanna go hard in the studio, you want to hear punchline after punchline and hear something witty. Next time you want to hit the studio up, make sure to listen to about five of his tracks and watch how much the engineer spazzes out.

You Got 10,000 hours to Spare?

When I went to SXSW (South by Soutwest) in March, a life skills teacher stated that after careful studies done on Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Tiger Woods that they all had something in common that made them excellent at their sport. No it wasn't talent, nor the team, nor luck. They all told the researchers the same thing which was that they all spent a lot of time practicing and playing. When they told the researchers what age they had started playing all the way up to their prime, the researchers discovered that all three of them had played over 10,000 hours of their sport each! How does this apply to you? Well, how much time have you been in the studio, rehearsing, recording, or promoting? I think I'll leave it at that for today, and let you figure out the rest.

2009 Top Rapper #6

This man is responsible for half the earth chanting T. Swift and also responsible for inspiring the cross genre rapper to come out. Mr. West came on the scene strong when he said the most infamous line of his career, "Everybody's self-conscious I'm just the first to admit it." He has influenced people to change their lyrics, fashion, and beats. Ye made the sped up sample popular by producing for artists such as Cam'Ron, Jay-Z, The Game, and even Fallout Boy. Ye's been on the grind and shows us how to be passionate through rhyme and beats. Kanye West is best listened to when you're having a bad day or want some laughs. Doesn't really have club bangers even though "Jesus Walks" was played in the club a couple of times. The Louie Votton Don scores at number six.

2009 Top Rapper #7

Coming in at #7 is the new face of Cali rap, Nipsey Hussle. Duke reminds of Snoop a little bit, but not too much. He's definitely got his own style and looks to be the new fore front for California. Of Course guys like The Game, Planet Asia, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Ras Kass all have legacies there, but its time for some new blood. Best believe I'm coping this guys mixtape as soon as I get off this computer. Man, Nipsey is best to listen to when you just want to chill. I wouldn't recommend trying to bump his music when trying to get the party started, but definitely when you want to turn the tempo down a bit. You wanna chill at the crib or just zone out, this is the guy you need to bump. Duke's flow is nice and smooth. I think personally, his biggest hit is when he comes out with a nice radio single for the ladies. Nispey, keep the Hussle up homey.

Who You Wit?

So, last year when me and my boy B.$imm$ were on our promo run for the Ha-Style VS B.$imm$ mixtape, we ran into a group of guys that stated they would help us. Not going to say their names because it wouldn't make a difference now, plus, I'm not helping to plug them anyway. Last year we did right around 30 shows and collabed on a lot of events. It all came to an end when the promoter of this group cheated me and like 20 other artists out of some money and stage time. Later on, the promoter was thrown in jail for drug possession and was losing friends crazy quick because he was shady. Now a year has passed and he's out now and decides to hit me up asking if I could collab with his artist. Nothing against the artist, I think he's great and very intelligent, but ol boy. Nah, not so much. Now he's hittin me up telling me he's mad cause I won't respond to his comments after his whole escapade. (there's a Kanye line that I'm thinking of that rhymes with loser) The point that I'm trying to make here, is watch the company you keep. If I kept running with this duke then I would probably be in jail because HE got caught up in some mess with the cops because of drug possession. Or better yet, have like 100 enemies cause he's been cheating people out of their stage time lying to people. But watch the company that you keep, because who you hang around with also represents you.

2009 Top Rapper #8

YES! One verse, one verse is all it took. And of course a couple more songs in the long run. Cole came out on the scene on Jay-Z's Blue Print 3 and killed it. Cole isn't a gangsta rapper, he's more focused on his production and the lyrics he produces. Cole is best to listen to when you want to hear some new blood and just having a regular day and feel like just being you.

Is It Worth It?

LOL! I decided to have a little humor today because its needed. Can't be too serious all the time. But what I'm trying to show here is that anything that's easy, isn't really worth it. I put on twitter one time "How successful will you be? How much did you struggle today?" I know it would be fun to have everything easy and to show everybody that its a piece of cake, however, it really wouldn't be. If rap came easy, then everybody would be great at it. If grinding was for the faint of heart, then everyone would be millionaires. I've already stated before that it takes time and patience to make it. But to ease your mind and not to burn out, you have to remember that anything worth having is not going to be easy to obtain. I think a lot of us forget that and want an easy way out at times. Its normal to feel like that, but the best medicine to laziness is a goal. But we'll leave that one for another time...

Consistency is What Counts

I put up 2 C-Notes you couldn't do that. (don't email me if you can) I was visiting Kobe Bryant's website to see what changes he made and I came across an interview one time where the reporter asked about what makes him the best player in the league. All my hoopers know its the training. When I played street ball, what helped me win the Defensive Player of the Year award was the fact that I trained harder than everyone else....everyday. Everyone has those days in the studio where you recorded like 6 songs in one night and others where you recorded like half a verse. Well I'm here to tell you that its time we start taking notes from the greats again. (refer to my blog, Walk Like the Greats) Since this industry is referred to as "The Game" how about we treat it as such. Start making time to practice your rhymes and to record. I heard Kobe gets up crazy early in the morning and trains anywhere from 4 to 6 hours a day. Imagine if we did the same for being in the studio. There would be a lot more good emcees out there. So start scheduling time to upgrade your rhyme scheme, flow, recording knowledge, or whatever your craft is. I know I will.

2009 top Rapper #9

Once again the rapper with the lyrics that actually make you think hits a top spot for 2009. The reason I chose Lupe Fiasco for this spot is because of his consistency in the underground. After the huge commercial success of "The Cool" Lupe did fall out of the scene but did show love to the underground after releasing various singles via the net. Though the title of his upcoming project has changed and he may not be retiring anytime soon anymore, he still has that unqiue flair that you can't miss. He has also stated that he will be making more mixtapes for his hardcore fans. He gets this spot this year because he didn't forget about us. Lupe Fiasco's music is best heard when you have those days you want to be different and really have some sort of self-expression through whatever means that you choose. Cause at the end of the day, we are not losers...WE ARE LASERS.

Its Never That Bad

Remember those times when you would sit in your room and just dwell on past mistakes and the things that are going on in your life. Sometimes you felt so bad you just didn't want to do anything else but mope around and not talk to anyone. Its called depression and there's nothing wrong with feeling that way, especially if you feel that no one really appreciates your art. But I'm here to tell you that no matter how bad things get, its never that bad. Think about it, yeah things may be down financially, but at least you're able to pay rent and put food on the table. Yeah that last gig may have ended bad, but at least you're able to perform. Some people are too scared to get up on a stage, or just can't. So whenever you feel as though things are bad. Just remember that it could be worst, just imagine being in someone else's shoes. I don't think you want someone else's problems because you may not be able to handle them. Things may be bad for a day, hell, they may be bad for a week!! But at least you're still breathing, and at least the music will never stop. And you shouldn't either.

2009 Top Ten Artists

Since the 4th quarter is almost coming to a close I decided to go ahead and post up my Top Ten Rappers for 2009. I'm not MTV or Vibe so I'll post the reasons WHY I've chosen these artists for their respective spots. I will post one up everyday counting down from 10 all the way to one. For the day I post the number 1 spot I'll leak a song that you'll be able to download.

Here we go!!!

At the number 10 spot is BUN B
I've chose Bun B at number ten for 2009 because he has become the new face of Houston rap and he has held his own. He's already proven that he didn't need Pimp C to do it and he's shown that southern emcees are still alive. Bun's music put's him in the top slots for this year because of the content that he's been releasing. Bun's music is best to listen to when you feel like you're being surrounded by drama, feel like you're the only one being real, or just relaxing in the whip and going for a long drive to the next spot. The UnderGround King has certified himself as a legend.

And I'm Waiting For....

I really wouldn't be surprised if you guys don't remember this game. I'm talking mid to late 90's here. So its okay if your first game system was hand held and had color.(awesome) At the opening of this game, the camera goes over a huge mountain covered in snow and you here a lady's voice go "And I'm waiting for..." Now before I sound all philosophical, I just wanted to point out that there are certain things in my life that are given to me as tools to figure what I need to do next. Yeah, let's leave it at that. So the lady says that and then you see a whole bunch of snowboarding highlights. Now here's how that statement applies to you. You want to rap and do big things right? I mean, that's why you're reading this so you can get some info. at least on how to start all that right? Okay, but why do you want to rap and be big? Throughout my career I've proven people wrong and had the luxury of staring my haters in the face and smiling when I won an award, accumulated more money, or was just flat out happy. But one of my mentors asked me "Why do you rap?" Do you know what that one question did to my mind!? I didn't know, I knew that I loved to do it and that I was good at it. Over time I developed my own reasons which can be seen more through my actions then my music, I think. But ask yourself, Why DO you rap? Seriously, it takes hard work, patience, and originality to make it in this game. So what happens if you don't become big. Better yet, what happens if you never got more than 100,000 plays on your Myspace? Would you still love to rap, or would you just put the mic away and move onto something else? Honestly, if you're not trying to make a career (definition: an occupation or profession, esp. one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework) out of it then you might as well put it down. Because the super highs and even greater lows aren't worth your time. You have to have a hunger to do this no matter what. If Def Jam never calls, Jay-Z doesn't hit you up for a collab, Ester Baxter never even knows your name, or you never sell 100,000 units...would you still do it? So the question you need to ask yourself while doing all the promotions, recording, and strategizing is "And I'm Waiting For....?"

How to Mix Vocals

Websites-R'-Us

A website is very important to have because its the one thing that your fans will refer to when they mention you. Chamillionaire has Chamillionaire.com, 50 Cent has Thisis50.com, and Russell Simmons has GlobalGrind.com. The reason why owning some web space is important is because its just like owning a house. Music in today's era has officially gone digital so much that even Timbaland has released an album that you can only get by downloading it to your phone. When plugging yourself (promoting yourself, not what you thought) its good to have one site where everyone can find you at. Its a mouthful when you say "catch me at Myspace.com/SuchandSuch213." When its much easier to just say "hit me up at suchandsuch.com" (MAN! That's sounds professional) I am in the process of doing this myself. I'm using a free web service right now http://www.freewebs.com . What that server does is allow you to take a template and design your own site. However, it'll come up as suchandsuch.webs.com. So your next step would be to buy a domain name. This is pretty much buying the title to the house. A domain name is what people actually type into the address bar to get to your site. No matter what web host you use, that will always be yours. You can buy them monthly for like $10, yearly for $35-$45, or for even 10 years for $89.99. Once you've gotten that far, I would recommend learning as much as you can and playing with the site to learn how to add flash, pictures, music, and make it as interactive as possible. You want this site to be fun and for people to really get something out of it, and add value to their experience. I'm still in the learning phase, however, mine is interactive and informative. http://www.hastyle.webs.com Check it out and enjoy.

4 Heads Better Than Yours

Ever feel as though you have to be the promoter, the president, the CFO, the producer, and oh yeah the artist all at the same time? Yeah a lot of us do, that's why its so important to have a team behind you. There's no possible way to get everything done by yourself, its just not going to happen. When Kanye West first started out he had GLC and Consequence to help him along the way. When T.I. was just starting P$C was the name of his team and they helped him get his name out there. You may be the face because you're the artist, but the efforts of your team and the collaborative front is the reason you're going to be a success. That's why people are doing label deals now, big record companies such as Warner Bros. and EPIC records now want people that bring a team with them because now that means less work for them and less money that has to be spent to develop an artist. Now I think you guys are starting to understand why going independent is so important at a time like this. If you can find people that are willing to help you get your name out there and they benefit from it as well, you now have a team. Develop a name and a common goal and you now have your own record label/company. Of course the best thing for you to do is to go outside your box and start incorporating people that bring something different, not everyone can be great at producing, somebody is going to have to promote and design the flyers. Anyways, find out what you need and start developing your team. As far as leadership is concerned...well, you wouldn't be reading this blog if you wasn't one.

Keeping the Pace

One issue that a lot of us Ha-Styliens have is that when we grind we see the end result and become dissatisfied when we don't get there as fast as we want to. We see the end goal and feel as though no matter how fast we run it just isn't fast enough. One thing I've learned from being on the music grind is that its better to go at your pace, in fact, its better to just go at all. Some people don't even put an idea on paper when they talk about how great they're going to be one day. The best thing to do when combating that feeling that you're not moving fast enough is to enjoy the little successes that you have. You produce one song this week, that's great you're one step closer to that hit. You only released one mixtape this week, that's fine, some rappers didn't even leak a track. Its the little things that count and also its your blessings as well. You got your own studio, cool, some people are paying $60 an hour to do that same exact thing you did for 4 hours on your own time. So be thankful and also realize that the pace you're going at is great and to keep it up. You'll be there when you're ready.

Who You With?

Never thought publishing and performer rights organizations would be looked at as a gang. Well not really but you get what I'm saying. The primary organizations are the infamous BMI and ASCAP. There's really no difference between the two, however, ASCAP does cater more to the Hip Hop genre while BMI does the same for Pop and Rock. ASCAP has a Song-Writers Conference in Atlanta which features Lloyd, Jermaine Dupri, Kerri Hilson, Bow Wow, and many more. That's usually where all my hip hop heads need to go. BMI would have a conference in New York featuring Willie Nelson, John Mayer, Brittany Spears, Jimmy Buffett and many more. The purpose of these conferences is for networking and learning. Now what these organizations do is record every time your record is played on the radio or on television. They track it and you get something in the mail called a Royalty Check once every quarter, or 3 months. (how much depends on how many times it gets played or performed at clubs or events) Now this is the FIRST thing you want to do when you are taking music more seriously and want to step into the league of professional musicians. Why? Well what if that track you have sitting on Garageband is the next Thriller? Yeah, its real simple. It usually only cost $35 to sign up, so it shouldn't take you long to sign up for it. Now which one to sign up for is totally up to you, you don't have to sign up for ASCAP if you rap. Just do your research and choose the one that you're most comfortable with. But save those quarters, do your research, and go do this first.

It Ain't Good if it's Easy

What was the infamous line Jay said on Unreasonable Doubt? "At your wake as I peak in, look in your casket feelin sarcastic, "Look at him, still sleepin" One of my favorite Jay lines that can be related to anything. But let's relate it to life cause this blog is about music and life or the music life. (sounds like a subtitle) When it comes to trying to make it in this game, the best thing you can do is go get
it yourself, however, what if you are presented an easy way out that almost sounds to good to be true? What do you do? Well, some say go ahead and take it, but what if you take it and its not what you thought it was. This is what separates the hustlers/grinders from the bums. Its not about pride here either, but if there is an easy way out, more than likely its not meant for you. For example, you are almost dead desperate to get this mixtape out and generate a strong buzz for it. Now some guys that have been making a little bit of noise in your local rap community hits you and says that you can use their studio. Now of course, this would sound awesome when you're boys because studio equipment isn't cheap, however, these are guys you barely know. Now you in there doing ya thing and the next thing you know they talking about you gotta pay money before you leave and sign a contract. What kinda stuff is that right? Well it happens, how do you think these great artists get on these wack labels? What I suggest as most hustlers do, is try to get it on your own. I know it would be real cool if Joe Budden came up to you asking you to join Slaughter House, but come on man, why not do your own thing. Or Better yet, the Kings of Leon need some additional vocals from you. That's what separates the boys from the MEN!!! If it sounds to good, it probably is. No one in this world got anything great off a hand out. Not even Memphis Bleek cause he had to impress Jay first before he started writing for him. (C'mon man he impressed Jay, that has to count for something right?) Anyway, the point of this post is to tell all you suckas out there to go and get it in. Matter of fact, stop saying that, leave that to the Enforcer DJ's and just go. Quit talking. GET OFF MY SITE BOY AND GO WORK!!!

EGO? For what?

Now look, I'm not knocking anybody walking around confident or anything, I'm really not. But when is having confidence start to become arrogant. For instance, if you are still in your up-and-coming years why are you charging people for them to get on their track. Unless you produced the track, wrote the track, and the chorus, keep your mouth shut. We're tired of running into artists/bands that feel all because they have 10,000 hits on myspace that we should bow down to them. It don't work like that. In this life you gotta earn respect through work, otherwise, you're just another person acting out. You want people to pay for your studio time and to record a verse or two, how about doing something for them. Better yet create such a strong buzz, that their record won't get off the ground unless you're on it, even then at least be humble about it. Until then, leave the ego stuff to the pros. Even then, they have a REASON as to why they're acting like that. (Its called promo by the way) You on the other hand with no Grammys should just chill. How are you going to be arrogant with a part-time gig, still living at your parents place, and no car to call your own? Hit the ground and start running, cause the guys who are hungry for it are going to pass you right on by. Don't believe me? Who won, the Turtle or the Hare? (or rabbit, whatever its name is)

Bottom of the Map

Alright, how many of us would rather have 1000 mixtapes/albums pressed up with full uv colored booklets in jewel cases. Now how many of you reading this can actually afford it. Yeah thought so. I spoke with my partner (twitter.com/snap_jr) and he made me realize that I don't need anything fancy when trying to distribute music, especially if its free. So why not take all those blank cds you have and start handing them out. Of course, my recommendation would be to put your info on there. Your name, website, and email is good. If you want to put your number that's fine. Now if you decide to pass them out to A&R's you're just asking for trouble, because they are going to want something that is pressed up. But what I'm talking about is your friends/family/coworkers and whoever you may run into. Start focusing on generating a buzz and getting your name out there. Its only smart to do so. If you do have the money, here's how you do it. First, if you can, get the printer sheets that allow you to print cd covers. Produce a design, then label your cds with the design. Next, you can (A) contact a print shop and have them make the cd inserts or (B) you can print them yourself. Either or is fine, just make sure the design is eye catching. Also, make sure the back has the information of the label, artist, track listing, sponsors and how to get in contact with you. After that, purchase some jewel cases and pass them out. On average, it shouldn't cost you any more than $150 bucks to press up 200 cds, if it does, keep looking for ways to cut cost. Well that's it for production of your mixtape/album. Just make sure to stick with it, and keep grinding.

All-Together-Now

Now this has GOT to be one of the illest collabs of the year, if not the decade. I posted a question to DJ Willtothe (@willtothe) and asked him what would happen if everybody pushed they're egos to the side and came together on tracks. Do you know how much money you could make if you and another artist got together and joined forces and fans. If he has 100 fans willing to buy and you have 100 people willing to buy, that's 200 cds you guys can sell together. (by the way, if you sold each cd at $5 a pop that's $1000 you guys made. wow) Now Wayne has showed that he broke into everybody's iPod just by collabing with every artists on the planet. Now what if YOU did the same thing. Instead of charging everybody, how about you do it for free and start attracting listeners from other states. Now you got fans all over the country, and if you play it right, you'll have fans all over the world. (i.e. my first mixtape INFLUENCE: The Mixtape got me fans from Budapest and Australia, mate!) You want to do a show in Seattle, find a local artists and collab with him. Set it up to so when he comes to your town, he can perform with you, and when you go to his, you can perform with him. The possibilities are endless. You said we all can't get along!

Lil Wayne-No Ceilings Review