Technology has given many artists a chance at stardom. Artists that would usually confined to regional success are now have the opportunity to get on the on the national stage. Now people can express their opinions on hip-hop blogs and stream studio sessions live over the internet, so if major labels choose to ignore you, now you can create your own following through Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and other networking sites. In addition, if you can create a substantial following, then you have more leverage when negotiating with labels. When artists like Ludacris, Lil’ Flip, and Master P and No Limit, and Bryan “Baby” Williams and
Cash Money were able to sell records without the push of a major label; they were able to leverage for a better deal. Now artists don’t have to go around selling CD’s out of the trunk, they can sell their products online thru sites like itunes with the possibility to gain international fans.
However, technology also comes with a price. The internet is inundated with would be artists that are only interesting in their fifteen minutes of fame, often drowning out quality artists who actually love hip-hop and try to advance hip-hop as a culture. In addition, when rappers like Soulja Boy Tell’em are able to achieve success through the internet, now we are seeing a long line of copycats presenting carbon copies of artists with no originality. Now no one wants to tell their own story, they are only worried about creating an image they think will be appealing to the masses. Just like Pandora’s Box you have to accept everything that comes with the package. So in the final analysis, I wonder will technology be the vehicle to take hip-hop into permanent dominance or will it be the leech that ultimately sucks all the life out the culture? What do you think? Peace.
1 comment:
I agree with your post. Far as hip hop culture, technology has given way towards a wider audience and a better understanding of the overall presentation.
That said, I feel if the artist is well rounded he or she will benefit tremendously. If the artist is on some mo' ish or it's a simple case of, as you stated, fifteen minutes and out, then hip hop will lose even more credibility.
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