Next Up Music News: Public Enemy Number 1

Downloading music has made the joy of having some of our favorite musicians tracks easier and faster for our enjoyment. Downloading music is better than waiting on the release of their actual album release; especially, with itunes right in the palm of our hands, and at the point of our fingertips. Maybe for those who may own an iPhone, iPod, or even iPad. Even though downloading music in our current generation seems so easy. Many people make it seems so hard; especially, when doing it illegally. With fans downloading some of their favorite recording artists’ music illegally, they’re not only breaking the law. They’re also breaking the pockets of these same artists’.

When looking at the music industry, artists’ always seem to be behind and for some strange reason at a disadvantage within the music industry. They’re always cheated out of their funds and rights. At the end of the day, it seems as if the labels get richer, while the recording artist get poorer. It’s also important to remember that it’s not only the artist these illegal downloaders are cheating. Along side the recording artist and the record labels; there’s the producers and publishers/ songwriters, who do receive rights and pay to those same records that people illegally download off the Internet.

What really puts an artist at a disadvantage is the fact that an artist may sell 1000 units through digital download, and may absolutely see nothing in return from the record labels. When hearing this, you may think this is impossible. In recent news, Public Enemy’s Chuck D. claims that Universal Music Group artists get paid $80.33 for every 1000 download. Chuck D. has decided to sue Universal Music, believing that the label has miscalculated Public Enemy’s royalties for digital downloads. In the class action suit, he proves in a printed document that artists at UMG receive $80.33 for every 1000 downloads. When the group should've receive $315.85. Chuck D. trust that digital downloads should be seen as licenses and not have the same expenses as physical album.   

Next Up Artist Finance: Get Paid..

We often hear stories about recording artist selling a large number of records, but may still be in debt with their record labels or not even see close to the amount of money thought possible. Martin F. Frascogna who’s an entertainment attorney, music marketing executive, and also a co-author of the book, Entertainment Law for the General Practitioner; did an informational video post entitled, “How To Sell 1 Million Albums & Owe 500,000”. Frascogna covers, how if an artist were to see a million dollars after record sales, all the deductions that the record label takes out before even paying the artist.

Many of the deductions may be seen as uncalled for. For example, the uncollected account deduction is a deduction that covers, if a store carrying the artist album for sale, and happened to go bankrupt. Well instead of the record label picking a fight with that store carrier, they would just deduct a fee from the particular artist. This too many, maybe be seen as unfair or not right. Some of the other deductions that Frascogna goes in depth, which decreases an artist’s payday, are fees like breakage, free gods, container charge and reserves fee. Frascogna goes more in depth, on how advances, recording cost; producer and mixer fees are also deducted.

At the end of it all, it seems as if the artist is always held out and cheated at the end. With all these deductions an artist still has to pay his/her personal staff like a manager, attorney etc. It’s one thing, when talking about a solo artist, but it’s a sure thing that the money seems like peanut compared to pennies, when deal with a band or group. The video post by Frascogna has shinned a light on an area many may have seen profitable for an artist or even brand/group.  Artists have seemed to find new ways in making money, especially with the growing age of technology. 

Next Up Inspiration: Viktor Frankl

TED.com features a video on Viktor Frankl entitled, Why To Believe in Others. The video was shot in May of 1972 and was posted on TED.com, May of 2011. In the video Frankl speaks on the issues on what young peoples interest in their search for the meaning of life. He believes that our youth only focuses on the search for making money. His researches lead him to believe that 16% of all students in school, main objective goal in life is to make money. While 78% expressed that their main objective in life is to find meaning and a purpose in life. Mr. Frankl also trusts that as individuals, we should assist one another by helping each other advance in life. He states that, if we take man as he is, we make that man worst.  But if we take a man for what he should be, we can make him capable of what he can become.

Many may think differently about Viktor Frankl opinion, with how individuals may feel about their main objective in life; especially, young adults. Compared to when Frankl made his thesis, and how he feels about the new generation’s thoughts and opinions of living life. Some say that the main goal of making money is the goal of reaching for success.  In our society today, money is normally defined as how successful individual really is. Other may say that money can’t buy you love or happiness, but some say that money can buy you love and happiness. Then the question to the thought would be, “Is it real love?”

Viktor Frankl inspired the audience by trying to convey the understanding of what’s more important to life, money or understanding your meaning and purpose in life.  He conveys the significant events and how he over came adversity; with how time changed with the young individuals mind focus in life over the past few years.

Next Up Technology: Cell Phone Watch

Technology is seriously changing in a rapid, cool, and innovative way. We first, saw the development of the MP3/phone, and now the birth of an exclusive cell phone watch. The watch isn’t believed to be a hot item for everybody, but the concept of it gives an easy way to carry a mobile device without really having to carry it.

According to The-Gadgeteer, the Thrifty Cell Phone made by Nokia which is also known as a TCP. The TCP is displayed on 1.3 inch LCD touchscreen, with a 2GB internal memory life. It has the ability to hold one SIM card. It works a Global System of 850, 900, 1800, 1900, and functions on a General Packet Radio System (GPRS). It’s Bluetooth ability can works on a hands-free and headset process. The TCP’s Call Setting Options (CSO) works on a call waiting, caller ID, call divert, call barring, automatic redial, and black list. It massaging system seem to work the same as regular hand held devices, with picture, video, texting messaging, and voicemail. The TCP can also transfer its display language to English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Chinese. It also has video and audio player, and a built-in mic for its sound recording capability. It Power Source is a rechargeable Li-ion battery; it’s battery life woks very well, with a talk time of approximately 2-4 hours. Its stand by is approximately 120-150 hours depending on settings.

Like any other product, the TCP does have its advantages and disadvantages as a watch phone. Its disadvantages would be its screen size and its lack of buttons. When having a small screen and lack of buttons, it makes it difficult to text, dial, and read information. Another disadvantages would be the challenges of using a Global System Communication Service only. Some Advantages for the TCP would be its cost to customer at only $80 dollars, and its easy carrying ability. A big advantage is that when purchasing a TCP you wouldn’t need to sign a cell phone contract. A customer can just buy the phone, as long as they have a Global System Communication Service from a previous plan already in service, like a AT&T plan and just witch the SIM card. 

That's What's Up: Proving Everyone Wrong...

                   

Lil' Wayne numbers for the release of his front week sells for the release of Tha Carter IV, which released Monday, August 29. Tha Carter IV didn't necessarily sale what Tha Carter III sold in the release of its first week. Tha Carter III sold 1.5 million copies in its first week sales, the Tha Carter IV sold 960,000 copies. Though that's still about another 900,000 copies shy of topping Tha Carter III. The album still found success. Tha Carter IV even topped the release of Jay-Z & Kanye West collaborative project Watch The Throne, which only sold 436,000 in its first week. So Congratulation to Weezy and the YMCMB family.

The Next Strong Team Up: Maybach Music

In the Hip-Hop culture, when having a strong career as an artist; it’s important to have a strong team. When building a career as an artist and trying to build an empire, it’s important to have a firm-supporting cast. When we look back and think about legendary greats that changed the music industry, by expanding their names from a brand to a company, it’s amazing. When we think of people like Master P, we think of No Limit Record; Baby (Birdman), we think of Cash Money Records; Jay-Z, we think of Roc-A-Fella Records. The list just goes on.

One artist in our modern day generation who’s building an amazing team is no other than the Biggest Boss himself, Rick Ross. Ross, who is one of the biggest bosses in the game, is living up to his name now by building an empire with his very own label Maybach Music Group (MMG). Rick Ross who is also known as Rozay worked very hard this summer collecting and gathering some of the most talented unsigned artists to be part of his very own empire.

Maybach Music is featuring some extremely talented acts like Wale, Meek Mill and Pill.  Wale, is a native of Washington D.C. He released his first album Attention Deficit in 2009, under Interscope Records, which sold 130,000 copies.  Meek Mill is a street gritty, aggressive, smooth, swagged out street rapper, who is from North Philadelphia but was born in South Philly. Pill is a GA native, who has a very street and aggressive sound.  In 2010, XXL Magazine featured him as part of their Freshmen Top 10 line-Up. The three (Wale, Meek Mill and Pill) were also were featured on an album compilation under Maybach Music entitled, Self-Made Vol. 1.  Self-Made Vol. 1 was released in the summer of May 2011. It sold 109, 000 copies in the U.S.

Rick Ross worked very hard in in expanding his Maybach Music movement label; especially, after receiving a distribution deal from Warner Bros. Records. The MMG family is still hard at work. Wale is working on his second album Ambition, which set to be released under Maybach Music, and he recently released his mix tape The Eleven 1 Eleven Theory. Meek Mill has one of the biggest records in the country with his single from the Self-Made compilation album entitled, “I’m a Boss”. Pill has been hustling hard with a street hard single entitled “Pacman” featuring Rick Ross, he has also released a mix tape entitled The Diagnosed. 

Maybach Music has also signed talented acts like Gunplay, Torch, Young Breed, Teedra Moses, Stalley, and Masspike Miles. You can also check out more about Maybach Music on this month issue of XXL Magazine, who are also featured on the cover.  

What The.... A 21-foot crocodile captured..

A 21-foot giant crocodile was captured, Sunday September 4, 2011; in the Manila, Philippines.

Charisma, Fashion & Sound: Theophilus London

Born in Trinidad, Theophilus London who started rapping and performing at the age of 12; who picked the world of rap from his two cousins. The two introduced Theo to the world of rap and inspired him to continue to do more with the culture of hip-hop. London was also influenced by the iconic sounds of Prince, James Brown, Biggie Smalls and most definitely Kanye West. London and Mr. West seem to share the same mind set, when it comes to fashion.  

After releasing his first album, Timez Are Weird These Days, under Warner Bros. Records, London seem to have turned a lot of heads. Theo’s new sound seems to have come from the assistance of top record producer Mark Ransom, and the singer-songwriter Damon Albarn. His album, Timez Are Weird These Days, brings a range of style; from both soul-pop and post punk to electro and contemporary R&B. Theophilus London is believed to be the next big thing with a big buzz. In 2011, London brought major attention with his performances at the Cannes Film Festival, he also brought a large crowd when he was one of the headliners at the Northside Festival, in Brooklyn.

So what’s next for the Brooklyn raised fashion sense rapper, too much. Theophilus London is working on a new mixtape, dedicated to all the sexy women. The most interesting assignment for London is putting his fashion sense to work, by designing a shoe for designer Cole Haan. The shoe designed by Theophilus London will be set to release sometime soon. London will also be working on his newest video for his single, “Girls, Girls $”. The work doesn’t seem to stop there for the 24-year-old Trinidadian native. London will be touring all through Australia, with recording artist Big Boi and Friendly Fires. London is mostly excited about performing at the festival, in Austin City Limits, Australia.     

Up Next in Sells: "Tha Cater IV...

With Lil'Wayne's "Tha Cater IV" set to release Monday, August 29. Everyone wants to know, will it top his last album, "Tha Carter III", which released in June of 2008. "Tha Carter III" sold over 1.5 million copies in it's first week. "Tha Carter IV" released several great singles to help push its release like "6 foot 7" featuring Corey Gunz, "John"featuring Rick Ross, and his last single "How To Love". But with the "Tha Carter IV" leaking over the internet on Wednesday, the sells maybe be disappointing.  While Jay-Z & Kanye West release their collaborative project, "Watch The Throne", which sold 436,000 copies in its first week. On the note of Jay-Z, Weezy seems to take a shot at the Jigga man for his remarks at his father (Birdman), "Baby Money", on the record "It's Good". When his states:

Talk about baby money, I got your baby money.
Kidnap your b!tch keep that that how much you love your lady money
I know you fake nigga, press your brakes nigga.
I’ll take you out, that’s a date nigga.
I’m a grown ass blood, stop playing with me.
-Lil Wayne

Look Out: Kendrick Lamar....

Coming Straight Outta Compton, crazy mad rapper named Kendrick Lamar. Who in 2009 released a EP entitled, "The Kendrick Lamar EP". In 2010 he also released a mixtape entitled O.D (Overly Dedicated). In the summer of July 2, 2011, he released his third solo project "Section 80". The release turned some heads and built a fan base, with the release of his first single "HiiiPower". Which was produced by Roc Nation artist J. Cole. In recent events Lamar, was crowned by Snoop Dogg, The Game, and Dr. Dre as the "New King of The West Coast". 

What's Next For Apple...

With Steve Jobs stepping down as the head man of Apple. Many has the question, "What's next for Apple". Many believe that Apple is in for a rude awaking. Steve has been the force behind Apple's latest and greatest creations from the iPhone, iPad, and what started it all the iPod. The former CEO's, medical issues came about in 2004; when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and two years later received a liver transplant. Tim Cook, Apple's Chief Operating Officer (COO), will be taking over as Apple's new CEO. With Jobs stepping down, Apple will still release their new products as planned; especially, the iPhone 5 which is set to debut in the fall, and the new iPad 3 to be released sometime next year.

Just May Be Legendary...

Roc Nation artist J. Cole, who is a North Carolina resident. In a article by Rap-Up, his boss and idol Jay-Z state, that his up coming album "Cole World", maybe a classic.

The Next To Blow: Who Is Frank Ocean?

        

Born Christopher Breaux, the New Orleans born, Los Angles based singer/songwriter has elevated his character as an artist. Since the release of his download free album Nostalgia, Ultra. Frank Ocean, who was originally known as Loony, whose name seems to have grown throughout the industry. The 23-year-old musician, who is also a member of the group Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA); has often times been compared to Young Money artist Drake. The comparisons seem to come with both artists having the similar smooth, hip, and swagful deliveries. Many may see this comparison, but others see different.

In his latest creation “Nostalgia, Ultra,” Ocean caught a lot of attention, on the EP (extended play) with songs like, “Song For Women” and “Swim Good”. His radio banger, which created major, waves “Novocain”. The song basically describes, how he fell in love with a female college student, who couldn’t deal with her stress so she steals Novocain to ease the pain. “Novocain” has seen some success, hitting 82^nd on the “U.S Billboard Hot 100 Charts”, 7^th on the “U.S Billboard Heat Seekers Songs,” and also reaching 17^th on the “U.S Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs”.

The future looks very bright for Frank Ocean. His name is making its way around the world. In recent activities, Ocean has received major exposure working along side legendary hip-hop artist. His skills and talents, has seem to have made an impression on greatness like Jay-Z and Kanye West, on their collaborative project “Watch to Throne”. Ocean is featured on two tracks, “No Church in the Wild” and “Made in America”. Frank Ocean appears to be new to the industry as a recording artist, but has been helping numerous artist pen point artists like John Legend, Brandy, and Beyoncé.  Ocean will continue his work, by joining his group OFWGKTA, for the first time on tour.