RapRehab fully supports the efforts of Sebastien Elkouby
When I decided to leave the music industry this past January, I released a public “resignation” letter titled “Confessions of a Failed Hip Hop Publicist“ describing my personal experience in the business as well as my growing disgust with the corruption, carelessness and lack of originality in popular rap. The feedback I received was overwhelming and confirmed the fact that people around the world are tired of music which glorifies violence, crime, misogyny, drugs and other dangerous behaviors. Year after year,the mainstream industry aggressively promotes rap music which celebrates irresponsible and criminal behavior while ignoring the countless conscientious rap artists who deserve the same amount of publicity. Record companies, TV networks and radio stations make millions from this type of music which we all know has a huge influence on young people. While it is far from being the only contributing factor to the various ills plaguing our youth, mainstream rap music undoubtedly plays a significant part. At a time when urban communities are suffering due to high unemployment rates, limited access to quality health care, gun violence, failing schools, teen pregnancy and institutionalized discrimination, the last thing we need is a “musical soundtrack” to accompany these conditions. However, seemingly unbeknownst to industry executives, an increasing number of teenagers are also tired of negative rap music and have tuned in to the underground scene for alternatives. This could explain why rap music was virtually absent from the top 10 chart in 2012 and why sales are going down at an alarming rate.
I started this petition to let music industry executives know that:
A) There is indeed an audience for more “conscientious” rap music.
B) Providing those fans with the music they want is profitable.
C) Promoting more creative and conscientious rap music will positively impact young people which is a win-win for everyone involved.
We are seeking balance in mainstream rap music by asking that the following listed executives give an equal amount of marketing, publicity and airtime to more positive and conscientious rap artists who are either already signed but receiving very little exposure or unsigned but deserving of a deal. A committee consisting of artists and independent music tastemakers has been set in place for any company who may require assistance identifying artists who fit the “conscientious” category.
Record Companies:
*Jimmy Iovine, CEO of Interscope
*Joie Manda, President of Def Jam
Let’s make better decisions that will positively impact the music industry, rap artists and those young and impressionable music fans who can benefit.
@ Grindstone – He is taking energy to focus on what he likes…and whatalot f us would like. More diversity on the airwaves when it comes to hip-hop artist. Your head is buried in the sand if you have not noticed the silencing of the other side of the spectrum in hip hop in terms of how much push & support (dollars) are alotted to those type of artist. By stating what he is stating he is doing exactly what you are saying he should do (uplift the starving rappers he likes) by putting pressures on the gatekeepers of an arena and medium that is practically monopolized while being a valuable tool for these artist.
It’s about time someone addresed this alarming problem. Why has it taken so long?
Why not let those dudes do what they want to do as businessmen? Your same energy investment could easily be given to uplifting the starving rappers that you like. I wasn’t even thinking about Jimmy Iovine before I read this; now I’m thinking about Jimmy Iovine rather than Cee-Lo Green, Gods’illa, Damian Marley, or any other “conscious” rappers.
Artists & businesspeople are granted the right to do what they want to do, and it is the listeners’ right to find and choose what they prefer. As a proponent of conscious rap, I recommend that you spend very little time speaking on what you do not support, and much more time supporting what you like. Your audience would benefit and you would open doors for them as well as the aspiring artists who want to reach them….. But then again, you are indeed exercising your rights.