Monday, February 4, 2013

Blogging

For some people who grew up with computers being readily accessible, blogging is a norm. It is a way for people to connect with others throughout the world wide web. It also gives people a place to voice their opinions, when they might not have the means to do so outside of the internet. Some people choose to show their true selves on the internet, others may make up a persona. However a person blogs, it will clearly be around as long as the internet is.
This is one of my first blogs, the other being one for a previous English class at Rhode Island College. That class I only blogged about certain books, where as in this class I can blog about numerous topics. This makes blogging for the class easier and harder at the same time. Prior to that class, I had never blogged before in my life. Although, I was members of various forums, which also require a username. But that was more private and secluded than a blog with my name attached to it. From this class I hope to become more comfortable in the blogging world, and not "lurk" on other peoples blogs and forums, and post more.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Funny or Die Macklemore 


 Just like the e-book is becoming the dominant form of books, music has been widely distributed through the internet for years. People do not buy cds, vinyl records or cassette tapes. The physical aspect is disappearing. This is especially the case for Hip Hop music, where most artists release free mixtapes through various blogs, and have their following through the internet. Due to this most artists today do not even have a record deal with a major record company, like Def Jam, Aftermath, or Roc Nation.
Macklemore certainly fits this mold of new Hip Hop artists. He is an independent rapper from Seattle, Washington who started his career around the year 2000. Since then its been a long road, due to him never being picked up by a major label. He recently  released his debut album The Heist on his own label Macklemore LLC. He made his fan base releasing mixtapes, and eps. All of which can be found online for free, and not seen in stores in the physical form. The Heist is his first piece of work which can be seen in stores, although it is not widely distributed. Due to the fact that he is not backed by a major record company so the majority of his sales are through iTunes.The song "Thrift Shop" is making him a household name due to its youtube hits, which is around 72 million, and appearing on various music charts at #1.
In this video part of the Funny or Die series, Macklemore and his producer Ryan Lewis spoof a meeting between "major" record label executives. They want to sign the duo, due to "Thrift Shops" success. Most would think a major record deal would help out Macklemore, but for some artists it hurts them. They are not able to have as much control over their music, and some artists get lost in a major labels collection of artists. The deal offered to them is also a joke, which is also the case for most first major deals given to up and coming rappers. Macklemore and Lewis do not take any of the suggestions given by the executives, but in the end sign with the label for a free meal.
The future for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is yet to be seen. He can carry his success from "Thrift Shop", and his debut album and become a well known rapper throughout the world for years to come. But whether or not he needs a major label backing him in order to do so also remains unknown. For some it needs to happen, but Macklemore might just be a better independent artist.

Monday, January 28, 2013