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.