Thoughts on the Economics of Hip-hop
Some thoughts on the economics of hip-hop that I shared on my twitter. Wanted to repost them here for those that missed out or don’t follow me on twitter. Follow me there now if you don’t already.
The current plight of hip-hop can be summarized by the term “sell-out” but not in the artistic sense; in terms of ownership
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Those in the forefront of hip-hop do not actually own any of it. The previous generation never sought to own hip-hop
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
The idea of culture is pushed to the back when none of those practicing hip-hop own or control it. — BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Those playing the short game only seek to participate. But those playing the long game seek ownership. — BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
So having talks about the state of hip-hop without speaking on the economics of it is almost pointless. — BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Our elders should have learned from Jazz, Soul, & Rock n Roll that ownership is everything and shared w/ the hip-hop youth.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Instead, they were too busy locking younger artists in shitty deals and doing piggyback deals, instead of seeking ownership
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Short game vs Long Game. Now even in an environment where you don’t need to be signed, artists wanna be signed, not own. — BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
If these so-called rich rappers actually had the economic power they claim, where is hip-hop’s infrastructure? — BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Hip-hop doesn’t own the means of production, the means of distribution, or media outlets. Effectively a bunch of employees.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Without ownership you have no platform; marginalized by institutions like the Grammys who never really wanted us in their house.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Hip-hop shouldnt be asking for the Grammys acceptance, it should be huddling up to create it’s own platform for recognition.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Hip-hop lacks honesty because most artists are employees, forced to speak on platforms that can shut them down @ anytime.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
You can be considered a mogul in hip-hop without owning anything. Not your house, your masters, or even the clothes on your back
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
My point is to bring up the economic issue that has plagued black music for centuries. Barry Gordy even sold Mowtown! smh
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
I was really disappointed that Kendrick and TDE signed to a major. They could have ushered in the new era of ownership & control.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Now TDE artists have to write hit songs and play speed chess. They’re all better than that & their fans dont care.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
Ok. This is getting long so I’m gonna chill here. Just some thoughts that I hope to spark conversation.
— BLUEPRINT (@printmatic) December 20, 2014
My latest album Two-Headed Monster is out now. Order/Listen here HERE
