INDUSTRY TALK: The Definition of "MC"

Throughout the years, I have been privy to many a debate on this topic. I have been a connoisseur of fine hip hop since the late 80s and many of my peers respect me as an authority on the subject. That aside, I've noticed that peoples' opinions of what an MC supposed to be, within a Hip Hop context, tend to differ somewhat. On the day when we remember the late, great Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G, I thought I would deal with this issue a bit.

So I recently saw some of my peoples in a facebook group arguing (kinda) over whether a certain rap artist can be considered an MC (Nicki Minaj -__-). Some people said that she's not a good lyricist and therefore she should never hold that title. Well is this really true? Does being lyrical equate to being a real MC? It's all about perspective really. At the beginning of Hip Hop, the term MC implied "one who moved the crowd". It was actually closer akin in definition to the dictionary meaning "Master of Ceremonies". The earliest Hip Hop showcases were not so much about the rapper, as it was about the entire culture. The MC in those days basically hyped up the crowd with simple party styled lyrics ("throw ya hands in the air, and wave 'em like you just don't care") while the DJ did his thing on the wheels. Even the early songs by Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash and The Sugar Hill Gang were not lyrical by today's standards but they did in fact move the crowd. We could even argue about what "lyrical" means, as many people may say that the Furious Five's "The Message" was a lyrical song simply because of how they brought across the subject matter.

Fast forward to now. It's 2012 and the game has been significantly changed, time and time again. Now the most revered MCs are the lyricists (I use MC and not rapper. A rapper can be anyone who raps. Many rappers exist and are chart toppers not because of skill but because of marketing). As time progressed, MCs such as Big L, Kool G Rap, Biggie, Pac, Nas, Jay-Z, Common, yasiin bey (Mos Def) and others have made music that redefined how we judge an MC. Nowadays, if you're not lyrical, your "MC" status is dubious at best (except in the eyes of MTV). The use of metaphor, double entendre and punchlines is now a vital part of being an MC.

Even now in a time where success as a rap artist seems to be dependent on your marketing and your beats, real hip hoppers understand what it takes to be an MC. The real reason why I would say that being and MC now requires lyricism is because in many circles, that is how you 'move the crowd'. Even some of the most popular mainstream artists, such as L'il Wayne and Drake, are top notch MCs because of what they say and how they say it.

To any rappers or MCs reading this, aspiring or established, I hope it helps in some way. To the indie artists longing to claim your place among the greats like B.I.G, study your craft and do worry about hot beats. The beats are everywhere now and you don't need to have a Timberland sized budget to get them. Simply grab your debit/credit card and buy beats online. Respect the art. Peace.

R.I.P

Christopher George Latore Wallace

May 21, 1972 - March 9, 1997

INDUSTRY TALK: Five STUPID Things to Avoid When Becoming a Music Artist

I come into contact with aspiring artists all the time, as I am a music producer. While i'm not as successful as Timbaland or Dr. Dre in terms of international acclaim and exposure, my experience and associations are rich, strong and go back for many years. Now there are certain things I find to be common among inexperienced artists. The ones I'm about to talk about in particular just PISS ME OFF! These are 5 common ways I've seen artists take an epic tumble towards NOWHERE in terms of their music careers:

• Claiming to be too broke to invest in your music, yet you always have the latest Jordans. Seriously. What the f*ck. I can't tell you how many times I've heard an artist say that he/she can't afford to pay for studio time or even spend $15 to lease beats online. If you don't show that you are serious and willing to invest in yourself and your chosen career, how can you expect someone else to do it?

• Trying to get 'signed'. In this day and age every unsigned artist should be educated enough about the present state of the industry to know that it is futile to sit and wait for a magical deal to appear simply because simply because they sent in a demo. (A demo? Really? Who the f*ck does that?). Begin to grind on your own and establish your own real movement. Use the social media tools at your disposal and MAKE people notice you.

• Creating in your own little bubble. Ok so just because you think it's epic doesn't mean the world will always share your view. No man is an island (a cliche but a truth). I've found that drawing real inspiration from around you is vital, whether it be other artists music, people around you or just your natural environment. Open and expand your mind and understand what makes things and people tick. That will help make you a better artist.

• Procrastination. That's a no brainer. Seize opportunities and avenues when they show themselves. Makes no sense to sit and say 'I'll catch that when it comes around again' because it just might not.

• Last but not least (drumroll please): Using WACK ass beats. Obviously, everyone won't like the same type of beats and what's regarded as good can be a matter of opinion. However, there is a certain standard one should adhere to and there are beats that make you go 'who produced that sh*t? elmo?' Listen to the trends in music and understand the styles that garner the most positive attention. If you're into hip hop then you should know what feels hot when you hear it. Now comes the shameless self promotion. You can solve this particular problem by going to the best place to buy beats online, my site Stratcater.com.

This is Strat signing out. Hope this helped at least one person! Blessings coming to you live from the Stratosphere.

GRAMMY UPDATE: Jay Z + Kanye West Win 2012 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance

            
Jay-Z and Kanye West nabbed the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for ‘Otis’ from their blazing hot ‘Watch the Throne’ collaborative album, which dropped in the summer. Sadly, neither the Hova or Yeezy were in attendance to collect their statues at the ceremony, so presenters Fergie and Marc Anthony graciously accepted on their behalf.

So that was a bit of anti-climactic speech, since both rappers always make a splash and are consummate entertainers, even at awards shows; Fergie and Anthony didn’t have much to say since, well, it’s not their song or their award!
However, Fergie’s red lace peek-a-boo outfit did not go unnoticed. The singer’s black bra was fully visible in her see-through attire. That provided a little excitement to make up for the fact that Jay and ‘Ye weren’t there. Her choice of clothes will certainly be talked about tomorrow in fashion columns and roundups, that’s for sure.
Congrats to Blue Ivy‘s father and Kanye West on their big win at the 2012 Grammy Awards.
                   

ARTIST WATCH: A-GAME (toronto twin rap group) OH MY- MUSIC VIDEO

NEW DANNY REID MUSIC::: DOWNLOAD MIXTAPE TEASER!!!!

Download Mixtape here : Between The Lines (Teaser)