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.

Coincidence or Not - Gate Keepers

I need your help in interpreting an occurrence and deciding whether or not it was a coincidence.

This is an excerpt from Dj Judge Mental Blog November 2007:
“Which brings me to this sickness that has plagued the rap segment of the music industry; I call it GDS or Gatekeeper Deficiency Syndrome. Artist are jumping the gun and distributing their work to the world without checking with any of the Gatekeepers! Here come the lashings….don’t worry I can take it. Why do we need Gatekeepers you ask? Gatekeepers help you keep from distributing your unprofessional/rough demo to the world before you are ready to be heard…”

This is an excerpt from the myspace page of a new DJ Coalition www.myspace.com/officialgatekeepers
“November 1, 2007 marks the official start date of the newest and soon to be nationally known coalition-The Gate Keepers. None other than, Florida's very own C. Wakeley, "The Record Breaker", has founded The Gate Keepers. C. Wakeley has long been known as one of the southeast region's top record promoters and managers. He is now using his expertise of the music industry as a launch pad to better advocate for artists. C. Wakeley has, for his entire tenure in the music game, championed and rallied for the cause of the independent artist. However, this rationale should not be mistaken as an effort to disregard the promotional needs of major artists also. The two aforementioned statements are what led to the formation of The Gate Keepers.”

Now coincidence or not, I would have expected at least a phone call. I have great respect for C. Wakeley and I’m sure he or some of the members are aware of my pleas for the utilization of more industry Gate Keepers. Whether I hear from them or not, I’m glad that they exist and I hope that the artists in their region utilize C. Wakeley and the Gate Keeper’s expertise.