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!