“Let’s look at what the value of a record label is in this day and age. We’ve already cut artist development, so you need to get your music right on your own without A&R guidance.

Promotion and marketing: Labels are good at going from 60-100, but not 0-60; artists still need to get their buzz going themselves.
Videos: Labels can provide the true budgets needed for traditional videos, but now with technology, artists can team up with great up and coming directors to create visuals for next to nothing.
Radio: Labels again are good at going from 60-100 but often look for early starts they want the artists to contribute.
Setting up distribution and monetizing: Selling/getting your records in stores is obviously important, and, to their credit, labels have gotten better in the last year at monetizing other avenues, yet still aren’t great—a good manager and team is much more crucial in this role, in my opinion.”

An extremely well-written article by DJ Skee for XXL Magazine in which he analyzes whether Drake would have been better off continuing on his independent route instead of signing to a major label. Personally, I agree with a lot of what Skee says, as with the digital revolution, it is now possible for artists  take advantage of new technology (with a little bit of creativity and connections with the right people) to make their product as professional as someone with a major-label budget. In my opinion, signing to a major label in this day and age is the right thing to do only when you have already firmly established yourself and need them to supply more capital to take you to make you a household name. I think Drake probably felt that way and also felt a certain sense of loyalty to Wayne, which might played more of a factor than anything in his decision, and I can definitely respect that, but like Skee said, he had the perfect setup to change the game. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE and drop your comments below.

- (Man Like)Keezy

  1. LoyLin Said,

    I agree with Skee, but we don’t know whats in Drakes head. If his dream was to sign to a label he achieved it. If he was looking for a bidding war he achieved it. Our dream (as watchers/participants of the music industry) was to have an artist buss totally independent of greedy record labels. As a Canadian I would have loved if he said “f-you Universal, I got this.” and continued to independently blow world wide. but such is life. I will continue to support Drake because he stands out in a world of lafffy taffy ringtone selling useless tattoo getting wrappers(yea I spelled it right). I support MC’s. It has been said before: Hip Hop did not die. It moved up north.

  2. vatkeezy Said,

    Great points LoyLin, it would have been great to see Drake continue to pursue the independent approach just to prove to up-and-coming artists that you don’t need a major record label behind you to succeed but he did get a deal on his terms and is still going to do very well regardless.

  3. Amelie Griffiths Said,

    Monetizing websites, blogs, etc is a good way to earn some passive income.`:,

  4. Reece Khan Said,

    monetizing a website is really a great way to earn money in a passive way just like real estate.”;.

  5. Corner Cabinet  Said,

    monetizing stuffs is the best thing that i do, i love to monetize internet traffic through ppc programs.,-

  6. Plastic Holder Said,

    well, monetizing websites and stuffs should be great. making money on the internet is a great way to earn money ‘:.

  7. katalog seo Said,

    Marvelous. What to add? Nothing because there is no such a word which can describe this piece of work.

  8. Filmy do pobrania Said,

    Hey there, You have performed a great job. I will certainly digg it and individually recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

  9. Frederica Lascaro Said,

    betting bonus bettingbonuses.biz

  10. Monty Brakebill Said,

    bettingplay.net casino betting

  11. nd yag laser hair removal Said,

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  12. Alpha Hoberg Said,

    Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back from now on. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job, have a nice morning!

  13. Kallie Sowers Said,

    Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. However imagine if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site could certainly be one of the best in its niche. Fantastic blog!

  14. Miquel Linck Said,

    I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my own blogroll.

  15. pure ephedrine hcl 25mg Said,

    This is the right web site for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for ages. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

  16. Vincent Mugge Said,

    Awfully illuminating thanks, I do think your current visitors may perhaps want a whole lot more content material such as this continue the wonderful effort.

Hollerate!

Subscribe to