Will Your Label Last 20 Years?
It’s the 20th Anniversary of Ruthless Records and I’m sitting here listening to Bizzy Bone (Bone Thugs In Harmony) tell a heartfelt story about how Eazy E took Bone Thugs under his wing; how they trusted Eazy and how he believed in them. (see video) How Eazy was with them all the way to the charts as a brother and even a father figure at times. History is a funny thing when you get a chance to experience it as it happens and you feel a connection to it. Watching now as Eazy’s wife Tomica Woods-Wright (who continues the success of Ruthless Records) introduce their (her and Eazy’s) new artists is an amazing thing. From being an NWA and Eazy E fan long before enjoying the Ruthless Records offspring (50Cent, Eminem, Bone, etc.) it’s inspiring to know that there is such a thing as an independent label that truly handles its business. Not only once, but enough to build a legacy. I’m here with them celebrating their 20th anniversary. 20 years! With hit records to show all along the way. How many of today’s independent labels will be here 2 years from now let alone 20?
Lately I’ve been consulting several labels and doing a lot of speaking engagements (I’ve got my 20 years experience). Last week when I was speaking to a room of “new” industry folks, I asked “How many Artists are in the room?” Many hands went up. Then I asked, “How many Labels?” Damn near the exact same hands went up! Quite honestly I don’t expect to see any of these “Labels” here in 20 years. Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians; Too many Rappers and not enough Business Men. Ruthless Records comes from a different era obviously, but I would hope that some of the current indie labels would do some research and learn from Ruthless’ history (outside of just listening to the music). Let’s make some Artists and Labels that will be here 20 years from now.
So the Anniversary show continues and I’m watching the stage. Ohh wait Eazy!? What is this ‘ish? As they announce that they are from my city, I’m thinking “Please represent Atlanta well. Please don’t lean and snap the first chance you get! If so, I’m getting up and LEAVING!” The song starts… Damn! There it goes. I’m outta here people.
Lately I’ve been consulting several labels and doing a lot of speaking engagements (I’ve got my 20 years experience). Last week when I was speaking to a room of “new” industry folks, I asked “How many Artists are in the room?” Many hands went up. Then I asked, “How many Labels?” Damn near the exact same hands went up! Quite honestly I don’t expect to see any of these “Labels” here in 20 years. Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians; Too many Rappers and not enough Business Men. Ruthless Records comes from a different era obviously, but I would hope that some of the current indie labels would do some research and learn from Ruthless’ history (outside of just listening to the music). Let’s make some Artists and Labels that will be here 20 years from now.
So the Anniversary show continues and I’m watching the stage. Ohh wait Eazy!? What is this ‘ish? As they announce that they are from my city, I’m thinking “Please represent Atlanta well. Please don’t lean and snap the first chance you get! If so, I’m getting up and LEAVING!” The song starts… Damn! There it goes. I’m outta here people.
posted by Dj Judge Mental at
6:23 PM
2 Comments:
How very insightful DJ. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians. I'm gonna have to steal that from you. I doubt you'll remember after being swarmed by many of those same chiefs last Thursday at Apache for "I DO Music," my name is Chris..I work for www.dynamicproducer.com. you can also check us out at www.dynamicproducer.com/blog
Being an online organization that hosts great unknown producers from all over the world, I'd like to explore some ways that we can be of service to eachother, perhaps there is something we can do for DJ Judge Mental. Please let me know and please contact me at [email protected] / 734-657-2176. Thanks again for the words of wisdom. One
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