DJ Drama, the Mixtape Matyr

Earlier this week Jay Smooth made a great video about DJ Drama’s bogus arrest for selling counterfeit CD’s:

Click To Play

I love how Jay cuts through the silly reporting done by the local news station who first broke the story. Why did they inject the possibility of finding drugs in a bust that was about bootlegging?

Unfortunately, I think Jay sidetracked his argument when he went into the comparison of this arrest to America’s crazy history with setting up, then destroying dictatorships around the world. It reminds me of when I watch certain Black leaders on a cable news programs imparting incredible insight on a current issue, but then veer off into the unrelated Grand Conspiracy. Now’days you have to know when to take a man’s mic away, or he’ll connect the significance of James Brown’s death to America’s involvement in Israel, Cuba, and Venezuela in a heartbeat.

I call this the “Ras Kass Faux Pas”.

 I also think that some bloggers, in their defense of DJ Drama, are overstating the influence of mixtapes. T.I.’s mil-plus selling disc and blockbuster first week sales had more to do with the hit movie he was starring in at the time, not any Gangsta Grillz series.

Ever since 50 Cent used mixtapes to get rich without dying trying, we’ve been hearing the myth that dropping some teaser songs with DJ’s yelling over it will pump up your demand. Well, if that were true, the Clipse’s latest would be platinum, Dipset would be diamond, and Papoose, Grafh, and Siagon would be working on their third albums by now.

But it’s not true. And I think record companies know this. I don’t think record companies suits care about mixtapes one way or the other, though I’m sure the low level A&R’s are complicit with the DJ’s every step of the way.

My theory? A rival DJ or crew spilled the beans on Drama, unknowingly killing the whole the party for everyone.

Though I hope Drama is cleared of all charges, and doesn’t have to pay a cent in fines, it would be interesting to see this go to trial and perhaps find who tipped off the RIAA and the Feds.

Comments

[P-Matik]

I agree with you on your point that the mixtape's influence being somewhat overblown but they still have influence nonetheless. 50 Cent's getting nine shots to the dome probably had way more effect than any mixtape he did.

What is really good is that the mixtape help keep rappers relevant while labels bullshit on releasing their albums.

If you go back and read some of the articles, the local police had been investigating AMG for a month and tipped off the RIAA and they gave the go ahead.

[Jay Smooth]

you're misinterpreting my post.. I simply pointed out that there is a similar dynamic, I didn't imply any conspiracy or connection between the two. If you are saying the dynamics are not similar, please substantiate.

[jay again]

And as for the influence of mixtapes on major label sales, I think it is overstated at times, but your assessment is equally overstated in the other direction.. the fact that every single artist who has mixtape buzz doesn't sell is not proof that mixtapes have no impact on sales, it merely indicates that mixtapes are only one of numerous factors.. in the cases you cite there are other weaknesses that override the mixtape buzz, while in other cases artists have been better positioned to capitalize on the buzz. Mixtapes don't singlehandedly decide your fate, but they are a factor.

[myspaceblogger]

Does anyone ever had the chance of converting some of the tracks into mp3s? I want to use a myspace mp3 player for it so I can display it in my myspace profile.

[Tariq King]

This is one of only 2 good hip hop blogs I've seen on the web so far. Everyone support this blog and make sure u check out my new hip hop fiction novel ADDICTED 2 THE GAME (http://tariqking.wordpress.com) which many are calling the best book ever written about hip hop culture and "thug life", hustlin and the dope game. Holla at me with any questions or comments! Tariq King

[gman]

I enjoyed the video blog...and the fact that you even know what the hell a Papoose is, shows the power of the mixtape.

And the fact is, TI's first Drama mixtape that helped his buzz was released before his third album and not King. And Jeezy's first Drama mixtape sold 100,000+ in the streets. Def Jam had a link to sell them on their web site (you'd probably consider that hearsay). I would say that helped break him as an artist.

The mixtape should be one of the elements of hiphop. From DooWop to Mister Cee to Clue just to name a few. They have been around since the early 90's.

If you cant understand that, you are a corporate pawn with no sense of history and have never been exposed to hiphop on a street level.

Blog about suburban hiphop John Brown
Hallelujah Holla Back

[the label]

http://thelabel.blog.com

[TM]

"though I’m sure the low level A&R’s are complicit with the DJ’s every step of the way."

This could be true, these guys get paid peanuts and are looking for the big score with their projects.

As far as mixtape buzz contributing to LP success, I think the jury is still deliberating.

There's a lot to consider (niche audience, different material than commercial release, lack of reliable sales data etc.) -but I would bet on an artist that can move even 10,000 mixtape units independently over a new jack with no recognition every time. It speaks volumes about likability and potential audience size.

[pitchy scratchy]

worked at a hiphop label for years. mixed tapes are important for getting the word out about a new artist of for letting folks know that an established artist has something coming up.
http://myspace.com/hiphopworld1 http://www.hhworld.com

[eskay]

>>T.I.’s mil-plus selling disc and blockbuster first week sales had more to do with the hit movie he was starring in at the time

^tell that to Outkast.

in any event, in re-reading my post, I probably would've phrased it differently:

"They didn’t seem to mind a year ago when Drama was promoting T.I. and helping to push his album to Gold status in a week."

[Hashim]

Eskay, I would say the difference with Outkast is that they had an ok movie, and a lopsided album. Compare that to T.I.'s quality work with King. and the hit that ATL was in theaters. Mixtapes weren't the difference makers, I think.

[eskay]

If I was gonna rate T.I. solo albums, King would rank 3rd or 4th.

I agree that mixtapes weren't solely responsible for King's impressive numbers, but I'm sure they didn't hurt either.

[wiseguysbeats]

wow

http://www.wiseguysbeats.com/

"Cheapest Beats Around "

[JoFresh]

the new Wyclef and Drama mixtape, From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion!!!! bananas yo. gotta get it

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