This article in The Source (Jan. '96) gives me a good laugh. In the midst of a second golden era, artists still had their frustrations with the music, the business and the industry as a whole. To all the fans complaining now: it's not a new concept! Commercialization, false images, poor live shows, props for the underground, business, rap vs hip-hop, wack lyrics, East Coast vs West Coast beef, drugs, credibility and classic responses like Erick Sermon’s 'my record sales’ to the irony of Puff to say ‘the egos’ lol Artists and fans will forever have their gripes, just like our parents hated our music, we take issue with the new generation's music. I'd argue that there has been a significant decline in what's covered in the mainstream - especially the diversity of it - but it's a circular argument, so I won't waste your time. I remember all the wack stuff I suffered through in my teenage years, but you didn't have as much noise and we had DJs that were better filters to provide balance in the underground. We had venues and record stores that were necessary to the culture as meeting places to discuss and break records. You don't have to leave your house now, but honestly, are you better for it? The one thing I'll forever agree, artists need to learn more about business so they can make the most of these assets (their songs) that they create. More below...
