Attention Rappers: How To Beat Writer's Block

Lately, I've been dealing with the challenge of just finishing ONE song. Yep, you heard it right: One song. I mean this is not just a one day thing or a one week thing. This has been going on for a little while.

A friend of mine asked me to write a song for a group that he's working with because they needed material. I accepted the challenge not having written a whole song for anybody before because I figured it would be a good way to branch out further into songwriting. I mean I've written verses for people to spit but never a whole song and being that its for a younger audience makes it more challenging.

The real challenge that I'm having involves simply staying focused on getting it done. I've come up with several song topics but actually writting about them has been difficult. 2007 has been a very strange year for me. I can't say its a bad one but its definitely not one of my most favorable years.

I not a big fan of excuses but it seems as if I've been cheering them on lately with this latest project.

So here is what I am proposing to do and if you think it will help you then by all means join me.

First, I need to seriously look at my "Why" for doing this project. Why am I doing this? Is it for fame and glory? Is it because I like to write? Or maybe its because I see dollar signs and a pot of gold at the end of the writing rainbow. What ever my "Why" is I need to clearly have that in the forefront of my mind if that is my goal and then the second step is to...

WRITE IT DOWN!!!

I heard some stats a while ago that said that people who have clear, specific goals with a deadline are usually more inclined to achieve them. I believe that figure was about a 97% achievement ratio. What's absolutely krazy is that I ususally write my goals down but with this project, I slipped. I'm only human.

Once I've got my goal for this project written down and my "Why" for doing it firmly etched in my brain. The next step is to break that main goal into smaller goals or milestones. How else do you eat an elephant but one bite at a time?

Okay, so now I got a reason and some written goals and milestones to look forward to. Here is the next and one of the most critical ingredients:

Action!!!

All this planning is cool but nothing happens without action. And while action is great, it helps to have a map of where you're going. That's what all the planning and goal setting was about in the first place. So you begin to take steps toward the first milestone.

For me that involves having at least 2 songs completed before the end of next week that I can submit to the group's manager for review. To do that I must schedule some time out of my busy life to sit with the pen, the pad and some fire beats to write to...let's say about 30 to 45 minutes a day. I can afford to do that even if it means getting up a bit earlier in the morning...without hitting the snooze button.

Today is Friday evening going into Saturday morning so by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, I should be reviewing my progress to see how far I am from completing the 2 songs. This is a good half-way point to access where I am and if something is truely holding me back, what is it?

Okay so here are the steps again:

1. Figure out your "Why" for writing the song. Why are you writing the song?
2. Write down realistic goals for completing the song?
3. Set milestones to help measure your progress
4. Action, Action, & more Action!!! Nothing beats action.
5. Track you progress to make sure you're on schedule to complete your song.
6. Finish the song.

With these 6 simple steps, anyone who chooses to use them should be able to knock out plenty of songs in a short period of time.

I'll let you know how this works out for me and please keep me posted how it works out for you.

Holla...

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 Free Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals, and R & B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.

Old Skool Music Versus New Skool Music

I've been listening to The Steve Harvey Morning Show (http://www.steveharvey.com/) for the past few days and one of his listeners wrote in that Steve and his crew should play more current music on his show. Well this listener was 20-years old so the crew just tore her down debating the value of the current music.

Before you get upset, it was all in fun and the first thing Steve did was play "In Da Club" by 50-Cent. That joint still rocks parties. Dr. Dre still gets props on that one fa sho! Steve came back later and played "Flashlight" by Parliment. I keep that 'Tear The Roof Off' CD close by because we all know how George Clinton gets down.

I didn't get to hear too much more yesterday but this morning they continued the debate. They threw on "Rock, Skate, Roll, Bounce" and I'm sure people were in their cars on the way to work going nuts. I know I was AMPED!!!

One of the points that Steve brought up was the long standing debate of live instruments versus digital instrumentals. I agree with him about the feeling that live music gives the listener. I was in the band growing up so I know what it does and I love to hear live music played in most venues.

In the letter, Steve's listener stated that he should play songs like Soulja Boy. He indicated that he heard Soulja Boy's song but could not get into it. Maybe the age difference is a problem as well. Also, most of the new music is not created by live bands and the tracks are very repetitive with very little change-ups.

For me, I like both skools of music: old and new. Although, I absolutely dig live music, I've worked with live musicians before and it can be a headache trying to get everybody together just to do one thing. BUT, I've had the same problem with Hiphop groups as well. Outside of that, either music will do me fine.

On the new skool tip, take an artist like Kanye West. His music is nuts and many old skool types dig his music as well. He blends instruments with digital tracks and so does Alicia Keys (who has worked with Kanye). Not only can she sing, but she plays the piano and well as produces. I think some artists just have an old soul and they just know what makes music good because all music ain't all good.

Let me know what you think about this debate.

Holla...

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

P.S. Download 7 FREE Rap Instrumentals, Free Hiphop Instrumentals, and Free R & B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com!

P.S.S Rest in peace to my uncle, Willie James Towns and Kanye's mom, Donda West

Hiphop History Month: My Earliest Hiphop Memories

My fellow Hiphoppas,

In my last blog, mentioned that November was Hiphop History Month. It's amazing how far the Hiphop Kulture has come since I fell in love with it back in the 70's. Back then, I was absorbing to do everything I could that had to do with Hiphop. I love rapping, breaking deejaying, and graffitti. I had my crew back down in ATL and we were a fanatics of the culture.

You could catch us in the neighborhood everyday with some cardboard, some fresh gear, a boombox, and a whole bunch of energy ready to get at it. Being Hiphop meant being cool and smooth and different. I remember talent shows at Samuel L. Jones Boys Club in the heart of Decatur where campers my age would win pop lockin' off of "It's Like That" by Run-DMC.

I can even remember being 13 and going on a cruise to Mexico and just being Hiphop to the fullest. I'm pretty sure I introduced a lot of passengers to Hiphop during that cruise. I was a breakin' machine by that point. I was eat, sleeping, and breathing Hiphop.

Today I am still like that young boy. I still get excited about this Kulture. I live, eat, and breathe it everyday.

Are you still true to Hiphop?

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 FREE Rap Instrumentals, FREE Hiphop Instrumentals, and FREE R & B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.

November is Hiphop History Month

Whassup folks? To all my Hiphoppas out there, Happy Hiphop History Month and many more.

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

Download 7 Free Hot Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals, and R & B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com!

The Hot Instrumentalist Has a Dave Chapelle Moment

Whoa! It's been 19 days since I posted a blog. I don't know what happened. I was so unmotivated to do anything but I know I needed to continue forward. I call it a Dave Chapelle moment because I just walked away from show business for while. So much crazy shit was happening that I just blanked out.

See I have basically been successful all of my life, meaning that I tend to move toward my goals steadily. As I put in one of my previous blogs (my last one in fact), sometimes this will happen to us where we get discouraged but we have to keep it moving.

Well, I think I have been revitalized!

I have some new information that I will be sharing with you that will help you along in your career. These things have helped me out tremendously and I'm sure they can help you out if you are looking to get more exposure and sales.

Until then, I'll holla...

Let's Make It Happen

Mello Melanin
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 FREE Hot Rap Instrumentals, Free Hiphop Instrumentals, and Free R & B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com

Working Through Mood Swings To Stay Focused On Rap and Hiphop

Have you ever had one of those days where you wanted to just quit working toward being a success in Rap music? I ain't gonna lie. I have and I'm having one today as a matter of fact. Yesterday was equally as blah as well.

The fact is we all have mood swings, especially when things or events are not going our way. I'm not motivated to do anything today, however, I know that I must move ahead and make progress. I learned something a few years ago about having emotional ups and downs when you want to achieve your goals.

Its called "working to rule not mood". Every now and then I forget this but most of the time this is what keeps me going and helps me eliminate procrastination. What it means is this in the simplest terms:

Work your plan to be a ruler, not just to change your mood. Also, it means don't let your mood deter you from you plan.

This is very important to us as artists and record label owners because sometimes things don't go as planned. Sometimes our jobs slow us down. Sometimes its our family or friends. Regardless, we are still responsible for the choices that we make in life.

For me, its a combination of things that have gotten me unfocused but I must continue to work. I must continue to blog. I must continue to market myself and others. I must continue on the journey I have started or else what? Quit? Naw folks, that ain't in my blood.

Here's what I do to work through it. I focus on something good that has happened in my life or someone I know. Sometimes this takes a while to work but it does work. So please remember to keep your eyes on your goals regardless of how you feel. The feelings will eventually pass away but if you change your goal every time something goes wrong, you'll never achieve anything.

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 Hot Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals, and R & B Instrumentals Right Now at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/!!!

P.S. My homie Jax knows all about staying focused with his new album "Sharper Images". Check him out at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

P.S.S. National Economic Boycott Day Nov. 2, 2007 - Let's not spend any money on this date so that we can let the justice system know we mean business.

Echo Project 2007 Wrap Up: The Recap of Hiphop Acts

Wow, by my standards, the first ever Echo Project festival was a success. I got to meet a lot of people and I had a great time. Big up to my J.O., A-Tow for picking me to go represent. Also, shouts out to the promoter, my main man Jason, for the lookout.

Hiphop was truly in the house this past weekend. The only show I really got to see was Common. He turned it out! His "band" included a live drummer, Kareem Riggins, a keyboardist, and a live deejay. It was dope to see.

I didn't get a chance to actually see the other Hiphop acts with my eyes but I heard them with my ears. The GZA/Slick Rick set sounded pretty good and Cypress Hill always puts on a good show. I missed The Roots and Collective Efforts altogether. They performed on Sunday but I was worn out by working long hours Thursday thru Saturday.

All in all, I think the festival was a success. I had a really good time and I would have loved to be onstage with all of those people in the crowd. People actually came and camped out for 3 days just to be in the place to be. $200 per ticket & $20 per car. I've never seen so many tents in my life.

Also, the other thing that was interesting (besides the naked lady trippin' on drugs) was the prevalent use of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). The partygoers would buy balloons filled with this stuff and just inhale it all. $5 per balloon! Too much excitement for me.

It will be interesting to see how next year's festival will turn out.

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 Free Hot Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals, and R&B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.

P.S. Don't forget to check out my homeboy Jax and his new album "Sharper Images". Check him out at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

Equal Justice In America!

Blogging Live From The Echo Project Festival in Atlanta, GA: Live Hiphop, Rap, R & B, Rock, & Other Genres

Yo, I stumbled upon a major music festival this weekend here in my hometown, "The A". Its the first year of The Echo Project Festival and people are having a ball. I've been here since 3pm Thursday and I'm not scheduled to leave until 2am Friday...then I'll be back at 11am!!!

DubConscious just got through playing some Reggae vibes and it was awesome. There are people here camping out until Sunday with tents and RV's. The food is good, the people are great and this outdoor festival is even set up for WiFi.

Some of the heavy hitter names in Hiphop are The Roots, Cypress Hill, The GZA and Slick Rick (performing together!!!), and special guest Common. There are also a couple of hometown acts as well like my boys Collective Efforts and Heavy Mojo. This is only a handful of the great acts that will be performing this weekend. All live music with live instruments!

I will definitely keep you posted!

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 Free Hot Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals, and R & B Instrumentals Right Now at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/!

P.S. For more great music, check out my man Jax's new album "Sharper Images" over at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Stop Unequal Justice in America!

What Rap Artists Don't Know About Marketing Can Kill Them!

So you think you know about running a successful business and you figure that since you can rap, it would be easy for you to start and operate a record label. You get some instrumentals from some producers and you hit the studio to record some of your best work.

You have 5000 CDs pressed up and your artwork is killer so you figure you're ready to "do it big". You tell a few people about your CD and maybe someone in your family buys a couple to pass out to their friends.

Then something weird happens...

You expect people to come beat a path to your door but it doesn't happen. The CDs begin to collect dust over in the corner of the garage. The people who you thought were going to buy because they told you they would, never showed up.

Now you're depressed and feeling like the music business is a joke. You blame all of your woes on the industry because you haven't blown up yet. This is a familiar senario for many Hiphop artists. "What went wrong?", you ask yourself. Here is the answer to that question:

Most rap artist fail because of one main thing: the lack of a solid marketing plan. I would even say that most artist don't even have a business plan because if they had a business plan, they would have a marketing plan.

Marketing is not hard. It is a science. It is measurable and it is do-able. It is a key ingredient to success in any business. As a matter of fact, all business are two businesses in one. Huh? What do you mean Mello?

All businesses are in the business of providing their products or services to their target market. However all businesses must market their product or service and that is a business all to itself. Marketing begins with identifying your target market. These are the people who are most likely to buy your music. You do this by researching your market with such things as surveys.

What type of music do they like? How old are they typically? How much money do they earn? What type of clothes do they wear? W hat kinds of food do they eat? Where they hang out? What was the last Hiphop album they bought? etc.

Once you've got this information then you are ahead of most artist and you are more likely to succeed. I will be giving out more music marketing information like this because I was once in the position where I didn't know what to do concerning getting my music out to my fans. Today, technology has changed the music business and the way we gather information is much easier than it was when I first took rapping serious.

So if nothing else, please learn who your target market is because I want to reduce the learning curve most artist have when they decide to pursue music as a career.

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download Free Hot Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals, and R&B Instrumentals right now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com!

P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

History of Hiphop

What's up folks? I was surfing the net as I do and I came across this post on Flixya where DJ Opor breaks down some nice Hiphop history. For the next 2 or 3 days I will be posting portions of his take on the History of Hiphop. For those that want to learn more about the Kulture, here is a good way. Read on!!!

History of Hiphop: "Rap music originated as a cross-cultural product. Most of its important early practitioners-including Kool Herc, D.J. Hollywood, and Afrika Bambaataa-were either first- or second-generation Americans of Caribbean ancestry. Herc and Hollywood are both credited with introducing the Jamaican style of cutting and mixing into the musical culture of the South Bronx. By most accounts Herc was the first DJ to buy two copies of the same record for just a 15-second break (rhythmic instrumental segment) in the middle. By mixing back and forth between the two copies he was able to double, triple, or indefinitely extend the break. In so doing, Herc effectively deconstructed and reconstructed so-called found sound, using the turntable as a musical instrument."

History of Hiphop: "While he was cutting with two turntables, Herc would also perform with the microphone in Jamaican toasting style-joking, boasting, and using myriad in-group references. Herc's musical parties eventually gained notoriety and were often documented on cassette tapes that were recorded with the relatively new boombox, or blaster, technology. Taped duplicates of these parties rapidly made their way through the Bronx, Brooklyn, and uptown Manhattan, spawning a number of similar DJ acts. Among the new breed of DJs was Afrika Bambaataa, the first important Black Muslim in rap. (The Muslim presence would become very influential in the late 1980s.) Bambaataa often engaged in sound-system battles with Herc, similar to the so-called cutting contests in jazz a generation earlier. The sound system competitions were held at city parks, where hot-wired street lamps supplied electricity, or at local clubs. Bambaataa sometimes mixed sounds from rock-music recordings and television shows into the standard funk and disco fare that Herc and most of his followers relied upon. By using rock records, Bambaataa extended rap beyond the immediate reference points of contemporary black youth culture. By the 1990s any sound source was considered fair game and rap artists borrowed sounds from such disparate sources as Israeli folk music, bebop jazz records, and television news broadcasts."

History of Hiphop: "In 1976 Grandmaster Flash introduced the technique In 1979 the first two rap records appeared: 'King Tim III (Personality Jock),' recorded by the Fatback Band, and 'Rapper's Delight,' by Sugarhill Gang. A series of verses recited by the three members of Sugarhill Gang, 'Rapper's Delight' became a national hit, reaching number 36 on the Billboard magazine popular music charts. The spoken content, mostly braggadocio spiced with fantasy, was derived largely from a pool of material used by most of the earlier rappers. The backing track for 'Rapper's Delight' was supplied by hired studio musicians, who replicated the basic groove of the hit song 'Good Times' (1979) by the American disco group Chic. "

History of Hiphop: "Perceived as novel by many white Americans, 'Rapper's Delight' quickly inspired 'Rapture' (1980) by the new-wave band Blondie, as well as a number of other popular records. In 1982 Afrika Bambaataa's 'Planet Rock' became the first rap record to use synthesizers and an electronic drum machine. With this recording, rap artists began to create their own backing tracks rather than simply offering the work of others in a new context. A year later Bambaataa introduced the sampling capabilities of synthesizers on 'Looking for the Perfect Beat' (1983).of quick mixing, in which sound bites as short as one or two seconds are combined for a collage effect."

History of Hiphop: "Quick mixing paralleled the rapid-editing style of television advertising used at the time. Shortly after Flash introduced quick mixing, his partner Grandmaster Melle Mel composed the first extended stories in rhymed rap. Up to this point, most of the words heard over the work of disc jockeys such as Herc, Bambaataa, and Flash had been improvised phrases and expressions. In 1978 DJ Grand Wizard Theodore introduced the technique of scratching to produce rhythmic patterns."

History of Hiphop: "Sampling brought into question the ownership of sound. Some artists claimed that by sampling recordings of a prominent black artist, such as funk musician James Brown, they were challenging white corporate America and the recording industry's right to own black cultural expression. More problematic was the fact that rap artists were also challenging Brown's and other musicians' right to own, control, and be compensated for the use of their intellectual creations. By the early 1990s a system had come about whereby most artists requested permission and negotiated some form of compensation for the use of samples. Some commonly sampled performers, such as funk musician George Clinton, released compact discs (CDs) containing dozens of sound bites specifically to facilitate sampling. One effect of sampling was a newfound sense of musical history among black youth. Earlier artists such as Brown and Clinton were celebrated as cultural heroes and their older recordings were reissued and repopularized."

This ends day one. Be on the look out for tomorrow's blog with more Hiphop History!

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 Free Hot Rap Instrumentals, Hiphop Instrumentals and R & B Instrumentals Right Now from http://www.free-hot-rap.com/

P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

Calling All Rap Artists: Please Fall In Love With Hiphop Again

I remember the last interview Biggie did with BET. I candidly remember him saying that he wasn't having fun anymore. It was kinda ill to hear him say that but for some reason I completely understood.

Biggie was on his second full-length album and he was on the top of the rap & pop charts. Bad Boy was dropping singles left and right yet Big wasn't happy.

The beef with Tupac had consumed him and Pac had died a few months before the interview. Big's heart was heavy and like he said, he wasn't "having fun anymore".

How many of us have reached that point?

I sure there are some current mainstream Hiphop artist our there now who has just been overwhelmed by this business of music. It's not easy and you have to pay a lot of dues to be successful in business. It's cool to be the freestyle champ but on the business side, you may suffer if you don't do all or most of what it comes with.

So Biggie was stressed out...alot!!! Rap artists and Hiphop emcees today can learn alot from what he was going through and what he was feeling at the time.

Getting bling should not be your sole objective: being successful and financial planning for the future need to be number 1 and 2 on your list because money may not alway be there. Like Big Boi said, "Can't gamble on that dope money. Might not always be sufficient."

At the same time, don't get so far fome the Kulture that you forget why you loved it in the first place. Money is good but there a alot more things that are better. Holla at cha...

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com

Download 7 free Rap, Hiphop, and R & B Instrumentals Right Now at http://www.free-hot-rap/.

P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

Hiphoppas: How Do You Feel About the Samples In Rap Instrumentals?

No Trivia: Post-Purist Sampling: "I never think too hard about sampling on any kind of ethical level until a sample jumps out at me as being particularly “bullshit” or I’m forced to defend sampling as a concept. "

Sampling in Hiphop is a art by itself. If it wasn't for sampling, Rap music would not be where it is today. So what makes a good sample?

I think the best producers can flip a sample and no one knows where they got it from. Sometimes a producer will just keep the sample raw but I think it's best to replay it or add effects to it to make it sound unique.

Most times it doesn't matter to me. I can rock over samples and a live band if the job calls for it so I don't really get to stuck in the samples vs. non-samples debate.

Well this post is going to be short tonight. I'll pick up tomorrow where I left off.

Let Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
mello@free-hot-rap.com
Download 7 Free Rap, Hiphop, and R&B instrumentals RIGHT NOW @ http://www.free-hot-rap.com/

P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax
Free The Jena 6!!!

Beware of the Rap and Hiphop Judges!!

Yo, I came across this article talking about the creativity in today's music and I was shocked. I'm tellin' you folks. Hiphop is under attack. Read this:

Counterpoint: Creativity In Today's Music - Opinion & Editorial: "Black Folk's music is travailing in creativity. Rap has dominated having no good purpose. Consequently, the music is recycled, lyrical contents are shallow, and it's onedimensional. Historically, black people are renowned for their musical influence on the world. Black musical creativity extends from musical instruments to the majority of musical genres (Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk, and Rap) that touch every aspect of the black experience while creating musical balance. Moreover, drums, horns, guitars, etc. are imperative to the expression of that experience. Unfortunately, since Hip Hop has become the dominant genre, black music has become one dimensional, stifling the balance and benefits of the others. The rhythms of R&B, Soul and Funk are gratifying and timeless; therefore sampling and remixing their tunes is undoubtedly the reason for Hip Hop's success and longevity. However, over time this has led blacks from musical innovation of the past. Most urban artists exercise no instrumental talent, so they are unable to bring raw melodies into existence. Instead, rap artists have convinced themselves that sampling beats and remixing is innovative. Besides lacking musical innovation, lyrical content is shallow. There is no depth because"

Now this writer obviously hasn't had much exposure to the full Kulture of Hiphop because she chooses to attack the music and how its affecting certain people. She stated that the music is one-dimensional and shallow. Maybe she's been watching BET to get her opinion of Hiphop. I don't know but I can tell she doesn't have a clue.

Let's forgive her for being ignorant first of all. As the older folks say, "If you knew better, you'd do better" and this certainly applies.

But see, I can only blame her ignorance on us. Mainstream Rap music is filled with junk. Sometimes it's like opening a piece of junk mail and buying into it every 3 to 5 minutes. Rap music has become commercialized, criminalized, and just basically thugged-out, pimped-out and hoe'd out. But Hiphop is more than that!

With the way commercialism works, most people like the author of this article don't get to experience any other types of rap music or any other forms of Hiphop like real DeeJaying, Emceeing, Break Dancing, Graff Art & Fashion. She did mention some of these aspects of Hiphop (which she assumes Rap and Hiphop are the same things) but her whole article was just negative.

I can say in defense of Hiphop, that it saved me from who knows what. I could have been a completely different person. None of these types of effects of being Hiphop did the author cover and a real Hiphoppa know the Truth when He sees it.

Let me know what you think about this "opinion". Peace!!!

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Download 7 Free Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.

A Quick Lesson In Hiphop Marketing

Whassup folks? As always I bring you the real about the music business and business in general. Over the last 2 days I experienced something that might help you in your businesses.

I had the opportunity to have a conversation with one of my newsletter subscribers who was frustrated with several things concerning getting the 7 free Rap, Hiphop, and R&B instrumentals that I offer to visitors that come to my site.

He wasn't happy for several reasons:

1) He was upset because he felt he shouldn't have to give up his name and email address to take advantage of the 7 free instrumentals offer.

2) He also was frustrated that he couldn't download the beats from an attachment to the email that I sent to him that contained the link to the free instrumentals.

He got so frustrated that he eventually unsubscribed. Although he did leave from my list of people, he taught me a very good lesson.

This is golden information for people who understand marketing. I understood his complaints 100% although I don't agree with them all. But what I THINK doesn't matter when it comes to marketing because marketing is about building relationships and cold hard numbers.

Here's what I think about his experience:

1) I understand that the subscriber wanted to download the entire full-lengh beats directly from http://www.free-hot-rap.com/. However, there are 30 other free sample beats on the page that he could download and listen to for free right there on the spot.

I'll be honest, one reason I send the beats to my subscribers by email is so that I can keep up with who, when, and where they are heard. Thats is a part of the marketing research for my business. I like to keep my brand in front of my subscribers eyeballs so I send the free instrumentals over the course of a few days. This is real talk.

Another reason is that it simply keeps down confusion in the long run. We value our work and we want to keep our subscribers around a long time so that means finding good quality subscribers. A good quality subscriber really wants what you have or they wouldn't have taken the time to give you an name and email and they sure would not confirm that they wanted the free downloads.

The last reason is that the subscriber is ALWAYS in control. They have the option of opting out whenever they chose.

2) Not being able to click on a link in the email as an attatchment is a big red flag. The more technical savvy have no problem downloading the link but. Anyone who receives the email should have the option to be able to download the beats as an attachment.

This is the complaint that rang out the most. Why? Because if one person is having this problem, then how many more are having it and not saying anything?

So my response as a marketer is make it totally easy to download the beats when they come into the subscribers email inbox.

The lesson: listen to your customers. They will let you know what they want, then you should find a way to give it to them. Peace...

Let's make it happen!!!




Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

Download 7 Free Hot Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals Right Now at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/


P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

To Much News: Reissued Hiphop Albums and Mychael Bell Walks Out Of Jena's Jail Today!

Today was a great day. I got so much good news. The first BIG news is the release of Mychael Bell from prison in Jena, LA. This case is so foul and biased it ridiculous. Whatever the insane reason was for the District Attorney trying Mychael as an adult doesn't even matter right now. He's home. The battle is far from over though.

He is still being tried as a juvenille which is krazy because he's already served 10 months for a high school fight. I don't even want to get into that part of it right now. That's another blog or podcast in the near future.

Welcome home Mycheal!

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New Releases from Prophetix!

Real quick because I'm getting sleepy (what a productive day this was). Prophetix has some new joints coming out. 2 projects as a matter of fact that I can speak on:

1. Da Unfold EP - Rerelease
2. High Risk - Instrumentals

I'll keep you posted on some exact dates.

Let's Make It Happen!!!


Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

Download 7 Free Hot Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals Right Now at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/

P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

Does Expressing Hiphop Ever Go Out of Style?

I guess I should have titled this blog "Do You Ever Get Too Old To Express Hiphop?" I have heard several people attempt to put an age limit to being Hiphop or expressing the Hiphop Kulture. I even know several people who have bought into this way of thinking. Well, of course you know I have my opinion about this train of thought.

What makes a person Hiphop is not because they can rap, deejay, or bomb a fly piece on a train. Its not how many records are sold, shows are performed, how much time is spent in the studio, and that list could go on. Hiphip is much more than that. I read an article yesterday that I didn't have a chance to post a comment about. I could tell the reader had no idea what they were speaking of concerning Hiphop. Don't worry, they will be getting a reply soon.

The writer expressed their disgust that rap music had become the most popular genre of music. They said some pretty ill things about the music and Kulture but how many other people feel like this? I'm sure many more do.

As a person who's lived the Hiphop Kulture since "Rapper's Delight", I believe I have the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to speak about it and correct those who are in error. Those who want to debate me, let's do it. And I don't have a problems standing up for what I know, believe in, and AM!

With age comes wisdom (usually) and I'm wise enough to know that no matter how old I may be by the calendar, it doesn't change the FACT that I AM Hiphop.

Now in addition to being Hiphop, I am also a businessman, with Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. The rap music industry has taught me to be a businessman. Actually, I finished my degree just a couple of years ago so that I could be a better businessman and operate my businesses like businesses. So I am a Hiphop businessman. Or should I say, Hiphop produced a businessman, and a damn good one too!

So for those who've abandoned Hiphop because of their various reasons, I can't trip on you. They're your reasons. Peace and have a good one! I know what Hiphop has done for me and I know that it's not a fad. Fads don't last 30+ years. Most things don't last 30+ years for that matter.

I my world, expressing Hiphop never goes out of style because it is the style. In words of my boy Eddie Meeks, Gyeah!!!

You can get at me at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Let's Make It Happen!


Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist


Download 7 Free Hot Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals Right Now at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/!


P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

Should Hiphop Emcees Produce Their Own Rap Instrumentals

Okay, this question came to me earlier today based on a conversation I had with DJ Pocket this weekend. We were having a discussion about doing what you're good at (focusing) versus being able to do several things whether it be producing music, or emceeing, or whatever. For me, here are the facts: I am an Emcee FIRST and a producer second.

I like rocking over other peoples beats. That's never been an issue for me. Sometimes though, I like to hear the musical sounds manifested in real life that are in my head and that's ususally when I create my own beats.

I like to produce my own music but the thing is, there are producers like Pocket, Jon Doe, Ejay Jetson, ID 4Windz, Locksmith and a bunch of others that are better producers than me, hands down.

These guys produce hot rap instrumentals like I like to write: daily. Writing is easy for me. Producing music is easy for them. But does that mean that they shouldn't write lyrics or visa versa? I don't think so, why? Because this is still Hiphop. Peace, Unity, Love, and Having Fun.

Now at a minimum, as I told you before, I strive to write everyday. It's that serious with me. I've been doing good so far. I might not make any instrumentals for days but I know who is making them. I'm listening to a DJ Pocket joint right now as a matter of fact. Number #9 in his catalog at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/.

So what do you think? Emcees have always produced. Producers have always emceed. Once again this is Hiphop. Hiphoppas, let's continue to express ourself how we do. Like Russell Simmons says, "Do You".

As always, what are your thoughts? Post them here or at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Let's Make It Happen!



Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Download 7 Free Hot Rap, Hiphop, & R&B Instrumentals Right Now at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/.

P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

Should Hiphop & R&B Music Be Classified in the Same Billboard Category

Today I found out that my main website, http://www.free-hot-rap.com/, ranks #7 and #8 for my search term (aka keywords), "free R&B instrumentals" in the Google search engine. This is dope as I told you all that I'm striving for #1. Okay on to today's topic...

There has been a long standing debate as to whether R&B and Rap/Hiphop should be on the same chart in Billboard Magazine. The theory is both genres are lumped together as "urban" music so that's what makes them fit on the same chart.

I am one of the voices that begs to differ. Although some the actual instrumental music parts of the genres may be the same due to popularity of Hiphop and the ease of making rap beats, they are hugely different.

Rap music involves rapping. R&B involves singing and a totally different song structure. Both genres may appeal to the same market but they are different types of music. I heard a R&B artist being interviewed on the radio recently and he mentioned his disdain for the combination of both genres on the same chart. He said realistically, how could he compete with artists like Jay-Z in the charts when they do 2 totally different styles of music.

How real is that?

I am a Hiphop emcee. I don't make the same type of music a Jagged Edge and Beyonce so why put me in a catagory with them because the same people that like my music also like their music? I like Justin Timberlake's music but just because Timbaland made some hot beats for him should I look to find his album in the Rap section of the music store. NO!!!

So as I always do, I ask you what do you think. Should Hiphop & R&B music be classified in the same Billboard category? Hit me at mello@free-hot-rap.com or post your comment here on The Hot Instrumentalist blog. I don't think they should but I'm just one voice.

Let's Make It Happen!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Download 7 Free Hot Rap, Hiphop, & R&B Instrumentals Right Now at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.

P.S. Check out my main man, legendary Hiphop artist, Jax and his Hot new album "Sharper Images" at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

"Sharper Images" by Jax

Free The Jena 6!!!

A Story of Hiphop Perseverence: Percee P Drops His Debut Rap Album

Yo, I just wanted to drop some jewels on you this evening. For those that don't already know, Hiphop IS a beautiful Kulture. I was wondering what I should blog about today and I came across the TUNETOURIST. There was an interesting commentary on the re-issue of the Wild Style movie soundtrack. It will be the 25th Anniversary this year of the movie and soundtrack which is a must-have movie for any true Hiphoppas collection.

The next article really caught my eye though. It was about the new debut album by Hiphop legend Percee P. Many people have heard of Percee P from his work with various artists but a full-length album has never been released. The author of the article even took some shots at Percee but he managed to redeem himself toward the end.

TUNETOURIST: "It’s a long story but somehow Percee managed to play his part in both the late 80s and mid-90s hip hop boom periods and this album, appropriately titled “Perseverance”, manages to summarise much of the best of both. Stones Throw’s special weapon, Madlib, steps up to produce and sounds great delivering a more straight-up set than his recent jazz and beatstrumental excursions, making this one of the strongest artist albums the label has released in a while."

Basically, the author originally took a shot at Percee saying the album is long overdue by 10 years. Well that may be true but being a Hiphoppa is not just about putting out albums. That's part of what we do but that ain't all emcees do and Percee is an EMCEE.

There are too many politics to list about the inner workings of the music business but I will state this truth: Before the rap deal, had to come the rapper and the rap. Hiphop doesn't care how many albums you put out. Some of the dopest cats haven't even put out an album yet and may not even plan to.

Although I did do a show with Percee P on the bill a few years ago, I don't know him personally but I do know that what he is doing personifies Hiphop and is a 100% total expression of it. What type of drive do you have if you are in front of Fat Beats in Manhattan daily, pushing your goods for years? That's that kind of drive he has. Most people would have given up.

So hats off to you Percee P for staying true to Hiphop and congrats on your debut album!

Let's talk! You can post a comment here or send me an email to mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Download 7 Free Hot Rap, Hiphop, & R&B Instrumentals Right Now @ www.Free-Hot-Rap.com

Free the Jena 6!!!

From Free-Hot-Rap.com: Rap Instrumental Competition is Fierce on The Web!

What's up folks? I just wanted to thank you for stopping by www.Free-Hot-Rap.com. We are moving closer to the number #1 spot on Google for the keywords, "free rap instrumentals" and "free hiphop instrumentals".

There is alot of competition on the web for rap instrumentals. What I can say about my site is that we understand business and marketing and we can help you get instant Hiphop credibility to your songs. Do you really understand what that means?

This means that not only are we committed to helping you add instant credibility to your career but we are committed to being the number #1 supplier of Hot Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals on the Internet...period!

So to prove to you that we are striving for the number #1 spot, here are the webstats results for my most popular keywords as of 9/20/07:

For www.Free-Hot-Rap.com (main site)
Keywords in bold

Free Rap Instrumentals - 2,650,000 listings
Google Ranking: #29!!!!
Yahoo Ranking: #27!!!

Free Hiphop Instrumentals - 2,620,000 listings
Google: #30!!!
Yahoo: # #200

Hiphop Instrumentals - 3,080,000 listings
Google: #132
Yahoo: #331

Rap Instrumentals - 3,480,000 listings
Google: #69
Yahoo: #123

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For http://hotinstrumentals.blogspot.com
Keywords in Bold

Free Rap Instrumentals - 2,650,000 listings
Google: #112

Free Hiphop Instrumentals - 2,620,000 listings
Google: #46

Hiphop Instrumentals - 3,080,000 listings
Google: #121

Rap Instrumentals - 3,480,000 listings
Google: #97

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Why am I telling you these figures? It's because I want you to have only the best and I want to be the best. Second place is the first loser and who wants to follow a loser??? If you are serious about your rap career, then you deserve to get hot music from someone who's been where you are trying to go.

Do I have all the answers? No! I would be a fool to say something like that so I want you to realize that I am the truth. This is business and that's were most of my competition, whether it be producers or emcees fall short: they fail to treat this like a business and the best way to survive and thrive in this rap business is know what your target market wants and give it to them.

Then, and only then, is it truly a Win-Win situation.

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On another separate note, the march for the Jena 6 is going down right now in Jena, LA. I've had my radio on all day tuned in to Grown Folks Radio at 102.5 FM in Atlanta, GA. I also have on my black today as well as those that are closest to me. We need equal justice in this country and I must represent the truth because I have no choice. I'd like to thank Micheal Baisden, Rev. Al Sharpton, Warren Balentine, and Steve Harvey for bringing this crucial infomation to the forefront.

What are you going to do right now? What if this was one of your kids, friends, family, classmates, etc.?

As always, you can post your comment here or email me at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Peace!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Download 7 Free Rap, Hiphop, & R&B Instrumentals at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com!

What's Hotter: The Rap Instrumental or the Rapper?

I recall a few years ago a statement that Dr. Dre made about what makes a rap song hot. He said that you could tell a song is going to be hot within the first few seconds. I don't know about you but to me that means the beat has to be bangin'!!!

We all know there are alot of famous rap stars but think about it for a second: The music is what makes you move. A skilled emcee will compliment the instrumental and be in harmony like a symphony. A poor emcee can make a dope beat sound horrible.

For me I've always liked to nod my head to some good music. The passion comes out when I recite the lyrics but the beats have always keep me groovin'.

I remember growing up a die hard LL Cool J fan. What's funny is I heard 2 songs by him on the radio, "Bad" and "Rock The Bells" today and the lyrics and beats fit perfectly. But still, I could've heard the instrumentals only and been cool with just that.

I personally think the beats are hotter than the lyrics of a song. On one final note, an acapella would be pretty hard to dance to! Give me the beats anyday!

Whadda ya think? You can comment here or reply by email at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Let's Make It Happen!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist
Download 7 Free Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals at www.Free-Hot-Rap.com.

7 Things You Can Do With Free Rap Instrumentals

Hey I was just chillin' one day last week and one of my homeboys called and asked me about writing some lyrics for a kids group that he wanted to put out. I jumped on the opportunity immediately for several reasons, most importantly because it was for kids and being a parent myself, I monitor what my daughter listens to on the radio.

Why am I telling you this? Well, simply because there are other things you can do with Rap and Hiphop instrumentals. Immediately off the top of the head I've come up with seven.

1. Produce Rap Albums
2. Produce Instrumentals Albums
3. Produce Jingles & Commercials
4. Produce Soundtracks
5. Make Ringtones
6. Produce Documentaries
7. Dance!!!

I have used my music to do several of these things. I'm sure there are other things that can be added to this list but for now that's what I came up with.

I'm very excited about this new project because it offers me a challenge where I can put my personality into some kids rap. I will be ghostwritting for a good cause. What else can you think of to do your music?

I'll let you know as this project unfolds. I promised my homeboy I'd have it completed by Friday.

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin
Download 7 FREE Rap, Hiphop, & R&B Instrumentals at http://www.free-hot-instrumentals.com/.

New www.Free-Hot-Rap.com Hiphop Instrumentals

Finally, I got some new beats on the site! Running an online business is not as simple as it seems folks. Anyway, I got some hot new free rap instrumental samples from DJ Pocket posted for your enjoyment at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/.

I really got a chance to listen to Pocket's beats last night and the joints are HOT! I've rhymed over some of his beats before and I was definitely diggin' the 10 that are posted at the site. He's a HOT producer and an all-around good-hearted dude.

You can learn more about DJ Pocket and some of the projects he has his hand in at http://www.seriousknockent.com/.

One Love!

Mello Melanin
Download 7 Free Hot Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/

Will The Real Hiphop Stand Up?

Aight, usually I like to talk about creating Rap music especially instrumentals because I enjoy being Hiphop and expressing it. Today's blog is gonna be a bit different. There is alot of disturbing news in the media lately and its all madness.

The media has always overlooked certain types of stories because they didn't have "sex appeal". It's amazing how stories like the Jena 6, Genarlo Wilson, the Maryland college noose story, the kidnapping, torture, rape, and attempted murder of woman in West Virginia, and countless other stories never get told in the mainstream media. These stories all involve different types of injustices.

We have to be able to spread the word ourselves and we have the vehicles to do it. Our young people are under attack. Our older people are under attack. We have the ability to speak truth to power peacefully. It has been proven. Let's use it.

I had many emotions about the news that I heard today. God bless the victims of the earth quake today as well. Things seem to be out of sync but ACTUALLY it is Divine Order. Things will begin to move faster so please, let's be ready.

What do YOU stand for? That's the question I ask and many great men before me. Right is right and wrong is wrong! What are you going to do about it? My core audience is primarily hardcore Hiphop. Hiphoppas what are you going to do about it?

For the Jena 6, we can support by going to Jena, Louisiana and/or at least wearing black on September 20th, 2007 to show support.

What if these children were YOUR children, or brothers, or friends?

You can learn more about the Jena 6 situation at http://www.minglecity.com/.

You can get at me at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Peace,

Mello Melanin
Download 7 FREE Rap, Hiphop and R&B Instrumentals @ http://www.free-hot-rap.com/.

Get at me...

The Fine Art of Hiphop Street Promotions

Okay so you've finished your album so now its time to let the streets know about you. How do you do this? You use what I call The Fine Art of Hiphop Street Promotions. What is it? Well let me break it down for you.

First of all, before you do anything you should have identified your target market. These would be, in so many words, the people most likely to buy your music. You need to know as much about this market as you can.

Once you've found these people and finished your album you should let them know about your album. This will take some footwork and its not a short term plan.

You need to have some flyers made. A flyer with some fancy graphics is great but a flyer with text on it is good enough to get the job done.

Get as many flyers made that your budget calls for (yes, you need a budget). Then go to the places where your target market hangs out. This could be clubs, restaurant, obviously record stores, health food store, etc.

What most street promoters do is put flyers under the windshield wipers or in the door jams of the cars in the parking lots of clubs. Sometimes you might get chased away by a property owner so if they tell you there's no soliciting, just leave.

Most of the time you won't have that problem, but if you do, just go to the next venue. On any promotional material, always make sure you put your contact information on it so that people can connect with you. You'll miss out on some opportunities if you don't.

And make sure you put on there where they can buy your music and have some samples of it on you. I learned that one the hard way! I ran into the Hiphop legend Scarface once and I gave him a flyer. He said, "I hear you talkin' bout the music but I don't hear it. Where's yo CD?"

I'm glad I had one in the car or else I would've looked really amateur.

Always keep samples while you're out!

The key to this strategy is to use repeat marketing. This means that you have to hit those same spots and keep promoting your music more than once. Your budget is going to dictate how many flyers you can distribute.

You will meet alot of people while you are out so make sure you have a pen and paper or some way to collect contact information. You will never know who you'll run into on the street.

Now this may take a while to generate a buzz but let’s look at it from a numbers perspective:

Let's say you have an opportunity to run a full page ad in a major rap magazine like The Source or Vibe. Well let's throw out a cost of $30,000 for the ad. Okay so you got a nice beautiful ad that will ONLY RUN ONE TIME in the magazine.

Plus people will generally respond to a marketing message over period of time. Research shows that it takes approximately 7 times so that ad ain't gonna cut it.

On the other hand if you had invested that 30 grand in street promotions you could have hit your target market at least those 7 times and then some. Do the math!

I hope this gets your creative juices flowing on how you can get your name and music out to the streets. If you have any questions you can email me at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Mello Melanin
Download 7 FREE Rap Instrumentals @ http://www.free-hot-rap.com/
Your Source for Hot Rap, Hiphop, and R&B Instrumentals

How to Work with Hiphop Producers

Whassup to all my readers?

Today's blog is for all of my aspiring artists, particularly the emcees. I came across a dope interview with 9th Wonder and Dirty Angel. Here is the link if you want to read the full interview:

http://insomniacmagazine.com/interviews/9th-wonder-interview-by-dirty-angel/#comment-1012

Basically, you can tell 9th is a true professional by some of his statements. Never mind all of his accomplishments and the A-list artist he's worked with to record music.

Dirty Angel asked 9th what qualities a great producer must have. Here is his response:

"Direction of the song, man; to take full control of the song. I know a lot of rappers might not like this, but (a producer should) tell them the way a rapper should rap, dawg. That’s very, very important. But one thing I really commend Kanye West on when it comes to these Common records (is) that… you can hear him giving Common the flow on these records.

"On (Common’s song) “The Corner”… (9th mimics a few lyrics from the song) That’s a Kanye West flow. But, that doesn’t take anything away from Common; it takes an emcee to relinquish his power to a producer like that to do that. Tell the rapper, “Nah, say that over, man, that ain’t right.” You know, stuff like that is very important when it comes to making beats, especially in the world of hip-hop.

"That’s some of the rules we have that a lot of other genres of music don’t have, man. And you know it’s hard to break that down to another genre of music but I guess you just got to be in it, you know what I’m sayin’?"

9th hit it right on the head. As an artist I have worked with many Hiphop producers and the good one's are actually like coaches. The producer and/or recording engineer and the artist work hand-in-hand when recording to make the song sound the best that it can.

Keep that in mind when you are recording. Just because a producer can make some hot beats and instrumentals does not mean he is the good at bringing the best out of the artist that rhymes over the track.

If a producer has the guts to tell you the verse you just spit into the mic was wack and you should try it another way, try it his way. This means he cares about putting out quality music and really you should too!

As always, I welcome your comments. You can post them here or hit me at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

For all my emcees out there, if you need hot Rap, Hiphop, and R&B instrumentals, I got 'em at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/.

Starting a Hiphop Record Label vs. Getting Signed

Here is an article I wrote and published in my Hot Instrumental Tips newsletter. Enjoy and as always I encourage your feedback...

As a Hiphoppa whose been in the music industry for years, I have seen alot of changes. I've seen the cassette come and go, vinyl get pushed from everybody to only deejays, and the birth and near death of the cd.

I've also seen the rise of many independent record labels and fewer and fewer artists getting signed by record labels.

I've seen artists get signed and blow up and I've seen them go independent and blow up. So which is better: Going independent or getting signed? Both have their pros and cons. Let's take a look at a few.

The benefits of getting signed can be huge...if you got the right things in place. Generally to get signed, you need a marketable demo, an 8x10 head shot, a bio, and a whole lot of patience and hustle.

This is typically not an overnight process. Depending on your budget, it may take months to complete your demo package. With today's technology, lets say it takes you 2 months.

You are going to need a place to produce your music and if you don't have your own studio you either have to build one or find one to record your music. You also need to find a good photographer for your professional 8x10 glossys.

The final major step is writting a compelling bio about your group.

This is just the beginning! Once you've got that done, you need to be able to reproduce it and solicit it to different labels and A&R's. I remember sending out countless demos to labels. An artist could easily get discouraged at this point.

But if and when you get a record deal there is still more work to do.

Now you have to actually negotiate your deal, promote your album, and hopefully make some money at the end of the day. Its a simple process but not an easy one.

A good label will offer marketing and promotions dollars for your project(s), distribution and fair accounting so that you can keep up with your sales, expenses, and true profit. You may even get tour support for your album.

Sometimes artists get advances for the expenses and they often have to be repaid or recouped. These fees must be paid back to the label before you as the artist see your profit.

So how does going independent differ from getting signed?

Well, generally as an independent you don't have the big budget that a big label has but you should definitely have more creative control over your career and business. That's not to say its easy. Its not. Once again, simple but not easy.

To me the independent route is better for several reasons though:

*More creative control of your music
*Easier to build a niche following
*You control distribution of your music
*You can sell your independent label for profit in the future
*You can create powerful strategic alliances
*You keep more of the profits
*Different tax benefits, etc.

The list could go on.

However, and being real, it is a very rough road. For most independents, there are no overnight success stories. Its a daily grind with much to learn.

It helps to have some written goals so you know where you're going.

The music business is a business. Never forget that. You should study businesses in the music industry as well as other industries to help make your business better.

Still, this knowledge doesn't guarantee success but it helps you get closer to being successful in the long run than someone who doesn't know.

And some of the steps for being an independent are the same as the steps for getting a deal. Recording 10 to 15 good songs, pressing them up on a cd or downloadable mp3, and marketing your work are almost the same things that need to be done when shopping for a deal.

With todays technology its not difficult to do these things. Why not press some up to sell and still shop for a deal?

This is the way to generate income and still look for other opportunities? Once again its not an easy road but the lessons learned will be invaluable to your career.

And even though you are handling business, you still have to make sure you are creating songs. Don't stray away from being creative.

Whether you are going the independent route or shopping for a record deal, the best way to success is to study the business. It has the potential to bring you many rewards.

Much success!

Mello Melanin
mello@free-hot-rap.com
www.Free-Hot-Rap.com
Your source for Hot Rap and Hip Hop Instrumentals!

Just a Little Tidbit From A Rapper On This Holiday Monday

Whassup folks? Big new developments in the world of Mello Melanin and www.Free-Hot-Rap.com. The main thing is that I got my desktop computer back. What a long story! I'll make is short by saying my motherboard went out a little over a year ago and I borrowed a laptop computer from my brother-in -law. I truly thank him for his kindness.

Well now that I have my desktop back, I have so many options:

1) I can continue to make more hot rap instrumentals (yeah I said my beats are hot!), podcasts, videos, etc.
2) My web presence will rise dramatically because I will be able to go faster and post more in forums, MySpace, etc.
3) My blog that you are currently reading is about to be off the chain.
4) And everything else goes under #4 including bugeting and basic computer operations that I was unable to do consistently for so long.

As you can see, I'm very excited to have my desktop back. You will notice the increase in Rap and Hiphop instrumentals that I put out and I'll also be able to make some more Free joints since I'm in a generous mood.

As always, feel free to comment here of by dropping me a line at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

"Plan A" for Hiphop Artists

I'm getting pretty good at daily blogging. Believe me its a challenge just to find the time. Today I was thinking about what I was going to blog about and came up with some philosophy that I heard from comedian/entrepreneur Steve Harvey.

He stated several times about not having a "Plan B" for your life and being totally committed to your "Plan A". He says if you have a "Plan B" then you are not totally committed to fulfilling your "Plan A". He says you should put all of your energy in to making your "Plan A" a reality.

As his words sank into my mind, I began to think about how I could and could've applied this train of thought to my life. I used to be the type of person who tried to do too many things and got hardly NOTHING accomplished. For example, I have been a Hiphoppa since I was 8 years old. Sometimes its hard to believe that but its true.

In my Senior year of high school, I started getting serious and started making demos. I kept on pluggin' away at the music business and eventually some people thought me and my group were good enough to go perform at the Apollo. That's when I figured I could make a career out of music. I started researching this business and trying to learn all I could and I still do today.

Unfortunately, things weren't moving fast enough for me when I was younger. I went from job to job and I even got a real estate license because I wanted a better life. While I was doing these things, I never stopped loving Hiphop. I learned how to make beats and instrumentals along the way but I just had too many other distractions. Hell, I even bought and sold a few houses but the lack of focus was just killing my enthusiasm to do what I really loved.

Well, earlier this year, I had a life changing experience and I decided to get really focused on one thing and that was making beats. There are more people who are in need of production than need rappers. The rappers even need producers and I'm sure the rapper/producer ratio is more skewed toward the rappers!

For me this meant letting a lot of other things go UNTIL I get my "Plan A" right. Once that happens, yes I will pursue other interests but not until then. I can site numerous examples in Hiphop alone of people who started off doing one thing, became successful, then branched out to do other things.

So I hope this makes you think a little and helps you get focused on what you really wanna do. We can be good at many things but unless we have a 'laser-beam' focus, we will only produce mediocre results at best.

As always I encourage feedback. You can post your reply here or send me an email at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Oh yeah, I'm doing some site redesigns. Be sure to add www.Free-Hot-Rap.com to the Favorites tab in your browser.

Let's Make It Happen!

25 Must-have Rap Albums for Hiphop Artists

Whassup Y’all? (Don’t forget I’m from the ATL!)

I stumbled across a nice blog today called rap, lies, & videotape by Craig Belcher where he list 25 classic Hiphop albums. This list of albums is a must have for anyone serious about the music business, rap and Hiphop especially. In KRS-ONE’s book, “The Science of Rap”, he lists a few albums that aspiring Hiphoppas should pick up. Some of them are on this list as well. Here is the Craig’s compiled list along with his comments on each album:

1. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back/Public Enemy
Conceptually sound, impeccable production and powerful lyricism. I memorized every word, sample and sound of this record. I might still know it, too.

2. 3 Feet High and Rising/De La Soul
A groundbreaking declaration of individuality and creativity. The album proved that it’s okay to be different, as long as you're dope.

3. Amerikkka's Most Wanted/Ice Cube
Anchored by Bomb Squad production, Ice Cube make one of the edgiest records of his time. Nothing set me off like hearing these songs back in the day.

4. Black Star/Mos Def and Talib Kweli
Indisputable proof that real hip hop can still be made, if you're willing to try.

5. Ilmatic/Nas
Perfect poetry and production from hip hop's greatest beat makers. No one tells a story like Nas.

6. Bazerk Bazerk Bazerk/Son of Bazerk
I've already written a lot about this group on this site. The most explosive release of the '90s.

7. Criminal Minded/BDP
KRS-One's voice was the primary instrument of the minimalist production of BDP's debut. His timing, inflection and emphasis are impeccable. The politics and philosophy were often confusing, but that only made things more interesting.

8. The Cactus Album/3rd Bass
Deadly serious and seriously funny at the same time. The best hip-hop duo, pre-Outkast.

9. De La Soul is Dead/De La Soul
A skillful reinvention complete with a read along storybook. I listened to this so much, the lyrics became part of my everyday conversation. Sometimes this manifests at inopportune moments, like when we group last week, and there was a debate over seating arrangements, and I said "I'm Hemroid! I'm the leader!"

10. Hard to Earn/Gangstarr
Consistently indestructible beats and rhymes. It took a guy from Boston and another from Texas to make some of the best NY hip hop ever.

11. And The Winner Is .../Chubb Rock and Hitman Howie T
Chubb Rock's compelling delivery belies his intelligence and sharp sense of humor: "Some artists mix me with go-go/Def lyrics but it sounds so-so. Howie T's production chops were at their apex here and the Chubbster was in rare form.

12. Young Black Teenagers/Young Black Teenagers
The Bomb Squad and four guys rapping at once, none of them black or in their teens. That's keeping it real. The Bomb Squad nearly outdid themselves here, giving the YBT a potent sonic landscape that matched frustration and rage of their lyrics.

13. All Hail the Queen/Queen Latifah
One of the best releases from the Native Tongue collective. The Queen rapped and sang over beats from hip hop's A-List of producers with gratifying results. The chorus of Wrath of My Madness still haunts me. What is she saying?

14. Straight Out The Jungle/Jungle Brothers
I really got into this after the Native Tongue had begun. I was aware of it when it came out and I was attracted to their laid back style. This was an innovative record that launched a musical movement and the first rap hybrid - hip-house.

15. Blue Funk/Heavy D
The Heavster didn't make this one for the ladies who loved Keith Sweat and Bobby Brown. Blue Funk, with production from Pete Rock, DJ Premier, was for the heads. Classic material.

16. Sex Packets/Digital Underground
The closest any hip-hop group got to the conviction and spirit of P-Funk. Shock G came with dual identities, tales of fictitious sex drugs and everything on the one. I still have my ticket stub from Gutfest '89.

17. Outkast/Aquemini
Hip-Hop's most consistent duo proved they were here to stay with their third solid release. The ultimate Outkast record is tainted only by the ungroovable "Mamacita."

18. Brand Nubian/One For All
Politics, religion and social commentary over phat loops and inspired production. Puba, Derek X and Lord Jamar's relaxed deliveries made making a classic look real easy.

19. Eric B & Rakim/Follow the Leader
Rakim's verbal dexterity grew more complex on their second album. The instrumental tracks, a rap rarity these days, were needed to digest Ra's vigorous wordplay and furious styles.

20. Run-DMC/Raising Hell
This record is so full of timeless tracks, it sounds like a compilation of hits. Raising Hell was a landmark moment for hip hop, after "Walk This Way," there could be no turning back.

21. The Notorious B.I.G./Ready to Die
Radio friendly hip hop with a street edge from Brooklyn's finest. This record would be the blueprint for any rapper dreaming of commercial success. But nobody could do it like Biggie.

22. Dr. Dre/The Chronic
The Doctor prescribed a heavy dose of funk, replaying the sounds of soul hits interspersed with the original voices. Rhymes from Snoop Dogg and humor from the D.O.C. made this operation a success. Dre created a professional reputation with this record that remains unshakable. However, his personal reputation ... let's just say were it not for Dre, there would be no DBC.

23. Pharcyde/Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
The Pharcyde rapped songs about lost love, regret, drugs and ya mama. J Swift's production on this record was jazz-influenced by its samples and spontaneity. It was the roller coaster ride the record cover promised, thrilling from end to end.

24. Redman/Whut? Thee Album
Redman introduced the WTFF factor to hip hop. He steered clear of preset categories of rap music and created a lane for himself, with fearless approach to making songs. He even freaked in Korean.

25. A Tribe Called Quest/The Low End Theory
The promise of "People's Instinctive Travel ..." was fulfilled on this release. The sounds were sparse, yet more effective and integral to the work as a whole. Phife came into his own as Q-Tip continued to perform at the top of his game.

Like I posted on Craig’s site, I could think of some others but why? Yes there are other classic Hiphop albums that could be on this list but this list is SOLID! I think all rap artists should study this culture fully to really embrace it and this is truly a great list to start your research.

If you are having trouble writing I’m sure at least one of these albums will give you some inspiration to get your pen moving.

With that being said, what are you still reading for? You should be writing something dope. Maybe in a few years it will be on somebody’s Top 25 list.

As always I encourage feedback. You can post your reply here or send me an email at mello@free-hot-rap.com.

Also (here comes the shameless self plug), be sure to check out the hot Rap and Hiphop Instrumentals at http://www.free-hot-rap.com/.

Let’s Make It Happen!