piracy funds terrorism
I don't write a lot about the goings on in the rap game, mostly because, despite my semi-avid fandom, I don't really feel all that qualified. I'm sure Graham will chime in shortly in a much more informed and eloquent way, but I had to add my two cents as well. The question is, where does one even begin with this?
For those of you who haven't already read it elsewhere, DJ Drama and DJ Don Cannon have been arrested for "making and selling illegal CDs," namely the much celebrated Gangsta Grillz series. For the uninitiated, these aren't just collections of bootleg tracks thrown together and sold. The mixtape is part of hip hop culture. Amongst rappers it's a universally accepted way for up and comers to get their name out and for established rappers to release freestyles, remixes, dis tracks, and to generate hype for forthcoming releases. It's that last motivation that also led to labels embracing mixtape culture, and thus they've become an important part of the larger marketing machine. DJs are regularly sent exclusive content, pre-release tracks, etc to fill out mixtapes and help labels create a street level buzz for their next big rap release.
So, while this latest action falls right in line with the type of things the major labels - via the RIAA - have been doing for the last several years, it's particularly insidious, since they've targeted a part of the industry underground that they've actively encouraged.
The saddest part about this is that it honestly doesn't shock me much.
In related news, the Lefsetz letter email of the day talks about the lack of competition amongst the majors and their unwillingness/inability to innovate.
And so I make my CanCon requirements, Metro reports on how the Tories' copyright amendments would radically change what constitutes fair use. You can email Heritage Minister Bev Oda at Oda.B@parl.gc.ca to tell her what you think of the plans. Hopefully she ends up going the way of Sam Bulte after the next election. (Metro link via Beyond Robson)
CocoRosie is at Richard's on May 5th. If you go make sure you ask Bianca Casidy if she's still a racist bitch.
Wolfmother are at the Forum on February 22nd.
CJSF is having a party! No Luck Club, Yukon, and Great Aunt Ida help SFU radio celebrate at the ANZA Club on February 9th.
The Glenn Kotche/Nels Cline show has been moved to February 22nd, and also from the Media Club to Richard's.
Oh, and those mixes are both back up on ZShare so they should be working. I'm taking them down in a week, so if you want them grab them. Also, if I get sued next make sure you donate to the Quinn Omori defence fund.
Finally, I will leave you to contemplate the fact that while the talented Trevor Risk will be a fine opener for Of Montreal on February 7th, two days later in Seattle, Kevin Barnes and company get support from both Ariel Pink and the Blow. Considering that it's also the Plaza vs. the Showbox, that one might be worth a drive. Note to the kids in the audience: the Seatown show is also all ages. Note to the adults in the audience: you can also drink with ID, because our Washington neighbours don't have archaic drinking laws.
now playing: Elevator to Hell - A-Void the Out-Side
5 Comments:
Totally unrelated to your posting, but thought you'd be interested that the nominations for the 2007 Indie Awards have been announced...
http://www.cmw.net/cmw2007/media_details.asp?media_ID=83
By 
, at
8:55 a.m.
very much so.. thanks.
By 
Quinn, at
12:36 p.m.
Every "indie" rap party, whether it's in Parkdale, the DTES or Brooklyn is pretty racist. I think it's a bit unfair to single out Bianca Cassidy as a racist bitch without also calling out the whole white girls with grills, ironic crunk, indie dance rap scene. It distracts us from the discussion we should be having, about just how awful her music is.
By , at
4:58 p.m.
while i see where you're coming from (aaron?), this quote in particular, i think, takes her to a whole other level...
"A regular Kill Whitie partygoer, she tried the conventional (that is, non-hipster) hip-hop clubs but found the men "really hard-core." In this vastly whiter scene, Casady said that "it's a safe environment to be freaky.""
By Quinn, at
11:54 p.m.
i don't really think that "quote" says much. it's a quote from saying she felt intimidated at hip-hip clubs. then the writer putting words into her mouth. then another quote from Casady. really not as scandalous as you're making it out to be.
i don't think you're a racist if you like hip-hop but don't feel comfortable going to hip-hop club nights.
By , at
1:14 a.m.
