Digital Phantasy

Kanye vs Trent Reznor

Posted Thursday, September 20th 2007

I found a really interesting post that I just had to share. As most people know, I’m very interested in DRM, Copyright Protection, etc, and I have a very vocal stance when it comes to those matters. I found a great post that really coincides with what I believe in.

A clip like the Reznor video wouldn’t exist if most acts had their way. NO CAMERAS! NO VIDEOS! Why? You’re pissed people love you so much that they want a recording, to show to others? You’re not a magician, fearful of your tricks being revealed, you’re a MUSICIAN, and the more people who want to join your club, the better. And, if you’re good, and say interesting things, people will be drawn to you.

50 Cent’s record was hampered by his personality. Just like Kanye’s was boosted by a fawning press thrilled that they could promote someone not dangerous. What has this got to do with the listening experience? NOTHING! This is a game concocted by desperate labels mired in the twentieth century to assault the populace with their wares, to browbeat them into buying product. Seems to have worked for Kanye’s first week. But how about his twentieth week? And, if labels want a piece of that road revenue, was this good for career longevity?

That makes a very valid point, and I’m sure that most people will agree with me.

I was always angry at the “No Cameras, No Recorders” rule at concerts, because let’s face it - you’re paying (quite substantially, might I add) to see a band/musician/group - you obviously like them. So it’s a bit stupid.

Anyway, read the whole post here. It’s really worth it.

And just to round things up, here’s Nine Inch Nails - Only.

Posted in Personal and Music | Trackback | Leave a Comment »

Xzibit - Thank You

Posted Monday, September 3rd 2007

It’s been a while since I’ve posted some music.. So here’s Xzibit - Thank You. Somehow, it gets to me..

Posted in Music | Trackback | 1 Comment »

Hip-Hop is dead. Long live Hip-Hop!

Posted Wednesday, July 4th 2007

I just finished reading an article in the Sunday Telegraph, and I honestly feel good about what I read.

Those that know me, will know that I’m a huge fan of Hip-Hop - the lifestyle, the messages, the music. I, however, despise what “Gangsta Rap” is - it turns what is an important cultural and political, not to mention social movement into a parade of sheer meaninglessness, kitsch and overblown hilarity.
I despise poster-children, that are there just for the shock value, playing on the fact that children are easily influenced, and selling what is obviously a fake image to a crowd hungry for recognition. I hate Eminem. I hate 50 “I got shot 9 times!” Cent. They are the epitome of what is wrong with hip-hop nowadays. I hate Dr Dre, and all of his henchmen. Pathetic.

Hip-Hop is not about bling. It’s not about 24 inch rims on your Escalade. It’s not about Cristal. It’s about conveying the everyday reality of our social existence, interaction and growth. Hip-hop is intelligent, it should reach out to people on an intellectual level, with a strong social background. What’s intellectual about “I’ll take you to the candy shop..”?

And although Hip-Hop does originate from the states, from black culture, it has now evolved. It is no longer solely black music. Yes, the most popular and most prominent artists are predominately black - and don’t you dare mention Eminem, he’s a squeaky toy - but Hip-Hop has evolved into a global, multiracial and multiethnic phenomenon, and it will not go away. People will simply recognize what it’s really about, and embrace what is really meaningful, good and needed, and what’s just fluff.

Hip-hop is a movement, a philosophy, a tool and a way to make a point. The vocabulary might sometimes be simple, but the message of real hip-hop is always strong.

Posted in Personal and Music | Trackback | Leave a Comment »