What Yal 'Bout To Witness Is Big Business, Kid!

In the July 2007 issue of the XLL magazine, theres a very interesting and thorough article about the pros and cons of an artist being signed to a major label versus an artist being signed to or owning an independent label. Its a really good read for those interesting in learning about or getting involved in the business side of the music industry.

Ever since Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin co-founded Def Jam Recordings in the mid 80s, Hip-Hop music and culture has been an inspiration for youth who live and embrace the movement in terms of business and entrepreneurship. Back in the 60s and 70sMotown Records produced great music that became the soundtrack for millions of youth. But also Im sure that Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, was an inspiration to many young black men and women during that period who desired to own and operate their own businesses.

Now I love the music that has come out of Hip-Hop culture. But being an entrepreneurial-minded writer, I have always been more inspired by what brothers and sisters in the game have done and are doing in businesses. How many businesses; record labels, marketing & promotion firms, graphic design firms, t-shirt vendors, etc. have been started due to the emergence of Hip-Hop?

Its a beautiful thing to see young (and old) entrepreneurs starting and running successful businesses that service the Hip-Hop centered demographic. I believe that the practice of entrepreneurship is pivotal to uplifting people out of poverty. Entrepreneurship is the key in giving the working class and middle class financial independence. What really appeals to me about business and entrepreneurship is that it enables self-reliance and can provide a stable foundation in which families and entire communities can build upon.

Entrepreneurship has historically thrived in black communities. Some would even say that black business thrived more before integration. Black leadership has dedicated most of its efforts to civil rights and social issues. However, Im not so sure that enough has been done to promote entrepreneurship and economic empowerment by black leadership. My generation (Hip-Hop), we want equal treatment, respect and rights, but make no mistake about it-WE WANT TO GET PAID! Entrepreneurship is the key that unlocks the door to personal prosperity and the economic empowerment of disadvantaged communities in which Hip-Hop was birthed.

Lets be clear: We all want to get paid, but its what you do with wealth that really matters and makes a difference in your life and the lives of others. Hip-Hop culture has made a lot of people a lot of money. From the music to the clothing, movies and television inspired and influenced by it, many folks have gotten rich from the mass consumption of Hip-Hop culture. Of course we know that many of these entrepreneurs and corporate types are just opportunists who have little to no genuine love and passion for the culture and are out just to get paid.

I believe that there can be a balance between passion and profits. The entrepreneurs that are doing their thing selling rap music, clothing, making films, publishing books, etc. because of the love and the desire to create wealth and give back can be positive role models for all of us.

Duane L. Lawton is a writer and avid Hip-Hop fan (especially Hip-Hop from the Golden Era). He lives in the Washington D.C. metro area. Visit http://DuaneLawton.com