If I Can't Google You, You're NOBODY!

INDICATIONS FOR THIS TYPE OF BLOG:

1, This is not a throw off on any Promoter, Self-Employed Music Mogul/Exec, or anybody that's on the major come up in doing what love in the Music Business.

2, This is to make Unsigned Artists aware of what fraudulent games are happening in the Major & Underground Scenes of this industry.

3, THIS IS STRAIGHT TRUTH WITH NO CHASER, SO TAKE IT HOW YOU WANT IT!

Hear me well and where I'm going with this subject. In my journeys as an unsigned artist, I've got to meet a lot of profound & influential people in the game, and even had to rock on the same stages as these artists, both Christian and Secular. I've won artist showcase competitions coming in 1st place, been nominated with an Underground Music Award in 2007, been featured on mixtapes with DJ Tony Tone (BKS), on through to DJ Kay Slay. But in the midst of all the great things I've experience the lows in my career dealing with "Shady" individuals claiming to be something when they're not.

My advice to you all my fellow unsigned artists; whenever you come across an individual that claims to be somebody of importance, whether an A&R, Asst. VP, or producer, do your research and ask around about them. Hence, leading into this blunt topic; "IF I CAN'T GOOGLE YOU, YOU'RE NOBODY!" Like I said this is not a put down to those that are striving and are on the come up. This is simply going out to the one that are perpetrating the fraud to infringe on many gifts and talents trying to make a profit their musical gifting. Anybody can build a website, join other social sites just to build web presence. But there are questions that looms; What are their motives in this Music Business? Are they in it cause they have natural gift of melody & talent? Are they in it to help somebody make it successful through the knowledge they've gained in the business? Or are they in this business to rip off other talents for their personal success and longevity?

You may think this music industry is very huge and large; but you have no idea how little and small a circle this industry is. And you think folks don't know what's going on, well you better open up your eyes to see the hell that is happening in the music business. Thus you must keep your focus on where you're going, what you're doing, and who's in your circle, if you plan on becoming successful. And based on my experiences I had to eat the meat and spit out the bones on many occasions. Meaning I had to separate the real from the fakes and the haves from the have nots. Don't go on their words but go based on the fruits (accomplishments) of their labor that they've produced. And the consistency of their work ethics. Anybody can talk a good talk and claim that know this person and that person; but the question is what kind of relationship do you have with that individual? This music industry is based on relationships; and it's not what you know, it's about who you know. Taking pictures with Diddy, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Usher, or whomever, does not denote that you have a relationship with them, that's just you being in the right place, right time, and catching them in a good mood for them to take a flick with them. DON'T GET IT TWISTED!!!

If you come across somebody who claims they're someone of importance, that their interested in you as an artist, want to work with you, get you out there and take you to that next level, do your research on them by Googling them. Check their resume of the work they've done and ask other people around about them. Be straight up with them ask questions. And if they really are who they say they are, it's all good. If not, you know what you should after that. This will save you from being conned into giving up any money. There are many no named fraudulent music companies trying to con you into investing money into them cause they ain't got no job, they barely got their stuff together and their trying to get known themselves, cut them off. Obviously they came to you with the right intentions, and they themselves should have some capital to fund into you. If that's the case, invest in your own self, until God allows you to meet the person who's going to invest into you largely to help take you to that next level. Not to knock NOBODY'S hustle. I understand we're in a Recession, times is hard and we're all trying to make it in this life keeping our heads above the waters. But for crying out loud be real & straight up about who you are, and what you are trying to do before you waste my time and patience. #IMJUSSAYIN

Next step all artist should do their Google research on is Showcases and the Promoters of them.

These are my Showcases & Promoters that I highly recommend and approve of for all artists. And their resumes speak for themselves:

1) J Hatch of Inasirkl Music Group - Get Your Buzz Up Showcase

2) Adante Ace of AOS Entertainment - The Streets Have A Voice Showcase

3) A.D. The General & Team N.A.N. - Elegant Hoodness Showcase

4) DJ Ace of Spades & Team Spades - Indy 500 Showcase

5) Jesse Jess Atkinson of Urban Threshold Enterprises - A&R Revue, A&R Power Summit, Underground Music Awards.

6) Slims Da Bank of F.L.O. Empire - Lights, Camera, Action Showcase

7) Chalant of Faces In The Crowd Showcase (4 Artists signed to Major Deals through this showcase)

8) Rham Robinson of Protege Magazine - Storm Watch Showcase

9) Quintessence of Hip-Hop Savior Showcase

and last but not least 10) LaRue of The B.U.R.N. U Movement (Check our resume of shows and events and then holla back.)

Their showcases have helped my career a whole lot. And whenever they say they have major folks from the industry in the building there, they are 100% on their word that they're in the building. And artists get a lot out these showcases when they network and build relationships with these folks of importance in the industry. However, there are some out there that lie, charge artists a whole bunch of money just to be in their showcase, tell them that so and so from this label will be there, and they're not there. Artists are disfranchised, frustrated and aren't getting anything out of their showcases. Some of these promoters don't have real jobs, so they'll be like 25 to 50 acts in 1 night, charge them $250 to $300+ to rock on stage for 15 minutes, all this just to pay their rent and their bills off your money. And you're not getting to where you need to go as an artist.

If I didn't mention any other showcases or promoters out there, either cause I don't know or did any shows with them whether good or bad, or simply I don't want to put anybody on blast of the ones I do know, #REALTALK

Like I said I'm not here to impress anybody, or try and please anybody, as if I got it all together. I told y'all what I've done and achieved. I want to see my people make it and I show love to every artist I come in contact with. I'm always here to give advice and share wisdom with others from what I've learned these past few years. I own my own indie label with major distribution with Universal Music Group. I'm a living witness of what hard work and patience brings about. Thank you all for your taking your time and reading my blog. All my fellow unsigned artists be bold and courageous in pursuing your career. Don't let nobody waste your time. Just simply tell them IF I CAN'T GOOGLE YOU, YOU'RE NOBODY!!!

SHALOM

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