B.E.T. Cypher 3 Mos Def, Black Thought, and Eminem. Now, I know I’m late, but this is dope no matter how you look at it. Enjoy

Now, if you dislike an artist, or a specific song, wouldn’t it be better to say you dislike it for your own personal reasons, rather than saying it sucks? If you dislike something, then it just so happens not to appeal to what you’re listening for. If you expect to hear a southern influence in your favorite music, but you happen to hear something with a western or northern feel, then you’ll end up disliking it whether its good or not. Its all in what you’re listening for. I constantly express that I’m not a fan of Joe Buddens… he just doesn’t appeal to what I want to hear. I think he makes good music though. If you dislike something, you should also be grown enough to be able to say whether or not what you dislike still is worthy of another persons ear. You never know how far your influence may reach. If you’re an artist, do you want people to be discouraged towards your work all because someone that dislikes “you” says your work sucks? If you say you don’t care… you’re full of shit! Be real with yourself for once.

Okay… onto music that sucks. Again, this is something that is purely based off of opinion. Like, for me, a song can suck simply because the quality of the recording, or because the high hat isn’t quantized to the track… making everything in the song sound off. The song could suck because the production is bad, or because the lack of lyrical ability of the artist. The song could simply suck because of the lack of content or direction. You should have some sense of reason in your opinion. As much as I would like to think there is reasoning behind most peoples opinions, there really isn’t. We live in a society that places a heavy influence on being cool to be a bandwagoneer.

Needless to say, before you go and say something sucks (pauze), be man/woman enough to say that its just something that doesn’t appeal to you. Lil’ Wayne’s Carter III didn’t/doesn’t appeal to me, but with 3 million plus copies sold, it must appeal to someone. I don’t think it sucks though, dude has talent. There are songs that I like on the album, but the album as a whole just didn’t appeal to what I want to hear. Grow the fuck up people. I know what I’m saying won’t change much… especially for those that are full time professional bandwagoneers (if you take offense to the explaination of anything in this blog… YOU are the bandwagoneer I’m talkin about).

Lets GO people!….. Stay F.R.E.S.H. with whats next. I. N.ever F.ail

Fabolous – Money Goes. Honey’s Stay (Ft. Jay-Z)

Busta and Spliff

Visually, noone wants to see 100,000,000,000 people on stage yelling out your lyrics. Also, if you have a “hype man”, please make sure he knows your lyrics. Not only does his energy help your performance, it also helps you keep your breath, and it helps you remember your material should you lose place during a bar. The chemistry between artist and hypeman comes over time. The two of you should practice your performance songs often. The best example of hype man/artist chemistry is Busta Rhymes/Spliff Star. As Spliff Star often demonstrates, your hype man should perform as though its “his show”. His energy and interaction on your songs will bring your performance energy to an entirely new level. Both hype man and artist should show that you enjoy doing what you’re doing. The crowd seriously does enjoy you enjoying your performance. Next, if you have a dance song, it does help to have dancers to come out for that performance. That’s pretty self explainitory though. Also, don’t be afraid to use props during your show (as long as its relevant).

Auditory performance. Well, where to start? First and foremost, similar to what was covered in the visual part of the blog, “noone wants to HEAR 100,000,000,000″ yelling out your lyrics. Even though you’ll be using your “performance voice” on your songs, it comes out as muffled garbage if too many people are saying the same thing. Vocally interact with your audience. Don’t think you’re too good to say “Let Me Hear You Say Hooooooooooo” or “When I say ______ You say ______”. You are the conductor of your entire performance. Feel free to stop your music, talk to the crowd, talk to your band/DJ, or even talk to your hype man. Doing any number of these things can turn what may have been just another “open mic performer” to a feature at the spot the open mic is held.

Please don’t get it twisted, you still have to have songs that the crowd can remember. You also should have a project, and/or something to give away at your show (e.g. stickers, t-shirts, lighters, pens, wristbands, etc.). We’ll elaborate on the  “songs that the crowd can remember” on a later date.

With all that said, who here didn’t know you should “stay F.R.E.S.H. with what’s next” I. N.ever F.ail

Jay-Z – D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune)

Premiered last night at the end of the B.E.T. Awards. Hip-Hop Lives On!

Let this day be a day to remember. MJ, the “King Of Pop”, has passed away. This is a monumental passing, as he has been an american Icon for many generations. Feel free to leave comments of your condolences. R.I.P. MJ.

Method Man and Redman – Ayo (ft. Saukrates)

This is the lead single from their 2009 album “Blackout 2″. This is how music is supposed to sound!

With that said, know your market. It may be the difference between they types of responses you receive when you perform. Once you have your buzz going, the “market door” can be removed due to your fanbase being the main population at your shows. This business can make even the most well-known artists go back to taking babysteps, so don’t be ashamed of what you have to go through to get to where you want to be. Sometimes, it will take for you to get a buzz in a market away from home before home loves you.

Until next time, I’m gonna apply this shit to myself…and… I’m gonna stay F.R.E.S.H. with what’s next I. N.ever F.ail

Kashe – Guess Who’s Bizzack Freestyle (Kashe’s Way Unreleased)

Video Of The Week 4-25-09

Lin Que – Let It Fall (Ft. MC Lyte)

This is a very important time of year. Aside from the holiday festivities, artists can use this time of year to put out music that people can enjoy with their windows up during their day to day travels. What does that mean? It means album cuts. It means singles from the upcoming album. It means give people new music, to new beats, from new artists with new ideas.

*Sidenote* The Word Up Circuit will now be posting individual songs/freestyles from new and established artists, as well as mixtapes. Email info is on the site.

Back on subject, get new music out. There are tons of outlets waiting for you to get your music to them. Not all outlets are free, you should know that by now. You know that what we do is a crapshoot… throw your name in the barrel and hope that when it gets shook up, your name happens to go to the top. Am I gonna name drop an outlet… of course. One outlet that you can check out is The Wonder Twinz. They have a record pool, they do digital distribution, they have their own show on Sirius Satellite Radio, and the homies Sonic and Vader are cool as fuck. On my debut mixtape, they hosted it… not knowing me from adam and eve, dig me? Most importantly, they have the Connex List. You’re gonna have to check all this out yourself though, I just drop gems.

With all that said, ya’ll know what you have to do now. Get up off ya ass and start pollyin’. If need be, go back and read the Motivation vs. Procrastination blog again. Shit might do you some good. Until next time… Thank you for comin’ out, God Bless you, and stay F.R.E.S.H. with what’s next I. N.ever F.ail

Kashe – Blackout