Wednesday, April 24, 2019

How Artists Fake Authenticity & Identity To Make It In The Industry



In this video, I give my opinion on the Season Finale of BET (Black Entertainment Network) Show "Rules To This Sh!t" titled "How Artists Fake Authenticity & Identity To Make It In The Industry - Finale | Rules To This Sh!t". I prefer not to associate the word "fake" with the Hip Hop Culture. The Hip Hop Culture is very real and we've seen our share of casualties. If you want to survice in the music business, then the word "fake" should not exist in your vocabulary. There's nothing fake about making music and building a fan base. It takes hard work and sacrifice and I tip my hat to anyone who has found a way to generate income, from their art/craft. I responded to this video after getting a tip from a viewer named @ebonblak and I'd like to thank him for inspiring me to make this video. I understand that BET is looking to make content about the music business, but every time I watch this series, I feel as if their content is very misleading. Don't spend your time questioning if people are "faking authenticity". Spend your time building your brand and honing your craft, and you will be successful in the music and entertainment business.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Devin Malek - Caviar Malek (Music Video)



First music video I shot on my Panasonic GH5. Had to use Adobe Premier Pro CC to edit it. I've been using Final Cut Pro 7 all this time and it doesn't recognize certain new file formats, from the GH5. Check out the new music video for Devin Malek "Caviar Malek" from "ROSE GOLD LIFESTYLE" Available Now http://smarturl.it/rosegoldlifestyle

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

How To NOT Get SHOT By Police (The Danquirs Napoleon Franklin Story)



You wont make it far in the music business, or any business, if you become a victim of a police shooting. In this video, I discuss the untimely death of Danquirs Napoleon Franklin and I talk about how you can avoid being gunned down by the police. After having an argument with his girlfriend, Danquirs Franklin went to the Burger King, where his girlfriend worked, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reports say that Danquirs was in the Burger King, acting erratic, with a gun in his pocket. Two witnesses called 911 and the police arrived to find Danquirs, hunched over next to a burgundy Honda Accord. Suspecting Danquirs had a gun, police demanded that he drop the gun and put his hands up. Danquirs failed to follow the cops orders and he was shot twice, shortly after grabbing the gun out of his pocket. Before he could even drop the gun, a female officer named Wende Kerl fired on him, for fear of her safety and a possible victim. The whole incident was captured on officer Kerl's bodycam. The officer claims that she acted accordingly, based on the circumstances. To me, it looked as if the officer shot Danquirs before he has a chance to put the gun down, but this is the sort of thing that happens, when you play with the police. This was an unfortunate situation, and I hope no one else goes out like this. In this video, I talk about how to act when the cops pull a gun out on you, so that you can avoid being killed by the police. Rest in peace to Danquirs Franklin.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Red Rose Panic "GET BUSY" Music Video (Akron, OH) [Life of Artist Manager]



(3/25/19) - Back in Akron, OH working with Red Rose Panic on their new music video for their song "Get Busy". It was a cold night, but we managed to make it work, and get some good footage. Make sure you check out Red Rose Panic's YouTube channel and check out the finished music video below ► https://youtu.be/C3W57jun2Ys



Red Rose Panic "GET BUSY" Music Video

Monday, April 8, 2019

Should YOU Sign with a RECORD LABEL in the SOCIAL MEDIA Era???



I'm really tired of these new "social media marketers" acting like "social media", is a new thing. Social media has been going on for over a century. Anytime, media is used, and it gets people talking, that's social media. A "social media platform" and "social media" are two completely different things. Social media can come in the form of a billboard that you see on the highway, or a commercial that you see on TV.

In this video, I explain why record labels were the original "social media marketing agencies" and how record labels used social media, such as flyers, magazines, commercial and billboards, to get their message across, socially. Word of mouth has always been one of the best forms of advertisement and "social media" is really just a fancy way of saying "word-of-mouth". The goal is to create media (content), which will get people talking. If you think that buying a "social media marketing" package, from some random guy on Instagram, is all you'll need to win, in the entertainment business, then you may need to watch this video and do more research on the topic.

Instagram, is an outlet for media, which allows people to be social, with others, in real time. I recently came across a paid promotion, on Instagram, where a marketer was selling his "social media marketing" program, catered to independent music artists. He then said, on the video, "Don't sign with a record label. Sign with a social media marketing agency".

In 2019, you may ask, "should one sign with a record label?". My answer to the question is, yes. If the opportunity is correct, getting with a good record label may be one of the best choices that you can make, for your music career. A team of talented people may be able to help you with planning, production and brainstorming, which is important, if you want to be successful. All of my best ideas and creations were the result of having a team. I run ideas by my team, and they often help to further enhance my ideas. If you are lucky enough to find a good record label, who has your best interest at heart, give them a shot.

Signing with a record label doesn't necessarily mean you're "selling your soul" or that you are about to get ripped off. Have mutual agreements in place, with your team (record label) and focus on your role, within the team, and you should be fine. I also discuss the success of Lil Nas X and his hit song "Old Town Road". There's a saying, "there's no I, in the word team".

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Nipsey Hussle MURDER & the Price of FAME



In this video, I discuss the tragic death of Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle. On Sunday, March 31, 2019, music lost another star, due to senseless gun violence. The alleged shooter, Eric Holder aka Shitty Cuz, is currently being held in solitary confinement by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The hip hop community is currently in shock. Nipsey, who was only 33-years-old, at the time of his death, was a thriving songwriter and business man, who was also recently Nominated for a Grammy Award. As far as I can remember, Nipsey always preached about unity and entrepreneurship. Nipsey's spirit will forever live on and my condolences go out to his family and loved ones. In this video, I discuss Nipsey Hussle's untimely death and I also discuss XXXTentacion and the raised risk factors, that come with being famous.