VIE FOR ATTENTION

With so many celebrities pushing for space in the media it seems that there are those who are going to increasingly bizarre lengths to get noticed.

In a week that has seen Taylor Swift dancing with a swastika-sporting young man (he said it was supposed to be a cross that got altered through the evening – yeah right!) and Puffy being spotted on a balcony with his baby mother, Kim Porter, T-Pain sporting a t-shirt showing an Internet leaked shot of Cassie sans clothing and even the Roc turning on each other as Beanie Sigel took shots at Jay-Z, it gets increasingly difficult to see what is a publicity stunt and what is real…

Of course there is no such thing as negative press – or at least if there is it can easily be spun around to something else. The danger is in getting no press. This is something that sources have reported LeToya Luckett is facing as Matthew Knowles is alleged to have been paying DJs to block her airplay in an effort to protect the status of Beyonce. True or not, this tactic has backfired as the story has given some more publicity to LeToya and her single. It seems that sometimes you can’t win for trying.

The fact also seems that people don’t want to hear too much good news as gossip sites seem quick to jump on the slightest negativity but few reported the opening of Mary J. Blige’s Center for Women in Yonkers (we did!). Still, you have to give the people what they want – even if it might just be dramatized and set-up to get the press baying. Which reminds me – have you ever noticed how some ‘reality TV shows’ have a disclaimer saying that some scenes are for dramtic purposes only. Does that mean they are set-up, staged and acted by the supposed ‘reality stars?’ Like Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five – it makes you wonder…

Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC)

© 2009. All Rights Reserved. All Original Works of WWW.Grindmodeconnect.com. No Duplication or Reprint without Written Permission. (11.02.09)

HALLOWEEN HIP-HOP

As I write October 31st approaches and that, of course, means Halloween, a time when people dress up and in their own way celebrate all things ghostly and ghoulish. Of course this date was not always synonymous with things that go bump in the night, but history aside, it has a long tradition in both the U.S. and abroad.
The interesting thing is that even today, in this age of technology, science and rational thought we are still interested in the paranormal and supernatural. Whether it is Internet footage of an apparent sighting of Michael Jackson’s ghost or the many horror films that seem to have gained renewed popularity in recent times we seem to have an appetite for the scary and the supernatural.
Interestingly, this has seldom transferred over to hip-hop music. Of course there are notable exceptions – most famously perhaps Whodini’s ‘Haunted House Of Rock’ and the Gravediggaz’s 1990s output. Perhaps this is because hip-hop is more generally concerned with reality with little time for anything outside of the everyday. While other genres have a playful spirit that allows them to delve into more fantastical topics (Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ being an obvious example) hip-hop finds it’s own shock value in the grim realities of life.
This doesn’t look like something that is likely to change anytime soon as, despite other times being celebrated by hip-hop (notably Christmas) Hallowe’en, and more generally horror, is something that is generally overlooked by the genre.
That said, whatever you do, have a safe and enjoyable hip-hop Halloween.
Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC)
© 2009. All Rights Reserved. All Original Works of WWW.Grindmodeconnect.com. No Duplication or Reprint without Written Permission. (10.29.09)

BLOG WARS

Grind Mode is not and has never been a ‘blog’ site. However, in our work we are abviously aware of the bloggers out there and they often do a sterling job of uncovering information and there are those who are famous in their own rights.
However, as we are not in the same game as them we don’t tend to get pulled into their world and so I, for one, was surprised to see just how serious some of these people take their blogs. There are blog-beefs raging across the Internet as I write this with people throwing accusations, cutting off friends and generally putting each other down. Who knew? Isn’t the blogging thing supposed to be a fun way to get your opinions out to the world?
Fair enough if somebody is using their forum to publicly attack you and your credibility – but isn’t that what defamation laws are in place for? If somebody was calling Grind Mode out on a personal level I know that we would seek to get it dealt with legally. No need for running around throwing insults back. If it is taking food out of the mouths of our children then there is no time to play.
While a little verbal sparring can be fun there comes a time when you have to realize that matters have gone far enough and deal with it through the correct channels. Besides, an ongoing online beef is bad for business. The readers don’t really care about the bloggers’ beefs – not to the degree of celebrities themselves at least. This is where the line between journalism and celebrity can become blurred and people feel that they are a somebody. It’s funny though as life has an amazing way of bringing you back down to earth as soon as you start getting too full of yourself. Not just bloggers, but everybody. I know you can think of some names right now who are facing the fallout from the egos getting too big.
So the moral of the story has to be not to get carried away with who you are and remember there is always someone out there waiting for you to fall so they can take your spot. Protect yourself of course, but at the same time try to continue through life with a little light-heartedness. You should find you swerve most problems that way…
Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC)

© 2009. All Rights Reserved. All Original Works of WWW.Grindmodeconnect.com. No Duplication or Reprint without Written Permission. (10.15.09)

HAPPY ACCIDENTS

There I was, it was Sunday afternoon and I was at a loose end. I had been waiting for a friend to drop over but they didn’t show up so, in order to pass the time, I got on the turntables to play some tunes. As I got into the afternoon’s DJing I decided that I might record something onto MP3 so that I could drop it onto my player and listen back later on in the week.
So, it was on with the PC and I got the program booted up to make the recording. However, while playing with the computer program I came across a new functionality which I had never used before (you have to understand that I didn’t read the manual!). This new function opened up all sorts of possibilities for me both in my DJing and for music production which I now hope to explore further, given another free Sunday afternoon in the future.
But why am I telling you this seemingly trivial snippet of my recent life? It is because this new discovery was completely unlooked for and accidental. If my friend had made it over, if I had decided to watch TV rather than DJ, if I had decided not to record the music for later (and many other parameters) I may not have had this happy accidental discovery – and that’s how life is.
You know how sometimes you may think, for no apparent reason, that you’ll take a different route home and, in doing, you meet someone who changes your life? Or you decide to go out to the club or a bar when normally you might not and you end up having one of the best nights of your life? That is the same sort of thing, something that happens to you in your life without planning that changes it for the better. It may be something as small as my DJing discovery or it may be something massive and life altering.
The key is to keep yourself open to such changes and see that things do happen for a reason, even if they’re bad. You might not see it at the time. However, keep yourself open to the good things and you will find more of them come your way. The same can be said for the negative things in life, but who wants those anyway?
Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC)

© 2009. All Rights Reserved. All Original Works of WWW.Grindmodeconnect.com. No Duplication or Reprint without Written Permission. (10.12.09)

OVER-EXPOSED?

They say that bad press is better than no press at all – and in many ways this is true. Even negative publicity keeps your name out there in the world and on people’s lips. You are then often given a chance to defend yourself against the accusations and negativity which only adds t your exposure. However, there is such a thing as too much exposure – and I don’t mean as in nudity…
Let’s take the case of Rihanna right now. She is undoubtedly the darling of many a media circle as even without any new music having been released she is seldom away from the spotlight. Barely a day passes where her image isn’t plastered onto websites as she steps out almost daily in a new or different outfit. Of course this shows good work by her publicists and an amazing level of interest by the public in general. But the question is, how much longer can our appetite for pictures of Rihanna’s alternating fashions continue?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreicate that Rihanna is a pretty enough woman and pictures of attractive people will always get attention but it is surely reaching somewhere near breaking point. The gossip sites and magazines are chock-full of photographs of Rihanna with ‘scintillating’ headlines like ‘Look at Rih Rih’s new boots.’ There is only so much I (for one) can take of this kind of tedious over-exposure. I understand it is not Rihanna’s fault and, of course, she is not the only person whose name is rarely off the mopuths of the media irrespective of if anything is actually going on or not – so please leave the death threats at home. She is merely an example at thsi point in time of someone who is in danger of becoming over-exposed. Over-exposure can then lead to boredom or even contempt.
Publicists make their money by keeping their subjects in our minds but these same publicists may also damage their employer’s reputations by being overly pushy. While working at Grind Mode I have come across plenty of examples of publicists who over-egg the pudding (as it were) with pushing their people. Let me put it this way, I don’t need twenty or thirty emails a week asking about an artist. This form of over-exposure never makes it out into the public eye but is just as damaging to an artist as by harrassing the media you are in some respects biting the hand that feeds you. No media coverage equals no exposure, which equals no audience connection and subsequent career decline. I add this piece because I know we have a lot of artists and label people dropping past here at Grind Mode and it is something that many are afraid to address in the industry. I tis not about a powerful black-listing in the game but more an irritation that anyone can feel if they are constantly plagued.
Before I go I would like to add that the vast majority of people who we deal with at Grind Mode do not have this oppressive, constant harrassment about them and I would like to thank those people who have worked alongside us over the years. On behalf of everyone at Grind Mode I would also like to take a moment to thank all of our supporters, be they industry bigwigs, artists, PR people or even you, our respected readers. Remember, if you’re not in Grind Mode, you’re not really grinding.
Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC

SELF BELIEF VS. EGOTISM

Ego is often seen to be a bad thing. Big-headed people are seen as bad for their arrogance, but a level of self belief is integral to success. It is self-belief that allows you to make a step forward, to feel that you can achieve something (whatever your chosen path may be) and to conquer obstacles. Without self-belief we wouldn’t open the curtains or go outside, we wouldn’t approach someone in a bar and ask for a date and we would never get a promotion in our jobs.
Musicians need a great deal of self-belief to succeed, a self-belief that will overcome the many knocks on the way to the top. Even to just stand on stage, in a recording booth or at a laebl audition and show what they can do. It is not by mistake that it seems that many of our stars have self-confidence that can at times appear to brim over into arrogance. No prizes for naming names, but without a sense of self – an egotistical swagger – a lot of the household names we have come to enjoy and admire would simply not be there.
Can you imagine a successful MC hitting the stage and saying, ‘I’m pretty good, but not that good, you know? I’m sort of OK at rapping…’ There is no doubt that they wouldn’t last too long. While such self-belief is sometimes taught (often by parents who will push their children along while praising their efforts) it is something that you can achieve by yourself. Believe in yourself, believe in your talents and of course work on your craft and you can and will succeed. Yes, you need to pick the right craft to suit your skills (or work extra hard to create them) but, once you have doen that you can make it..
You are unique. There is nobody like you in this world, nobody has seen and felt all that you have, had exactly the same upbringing as you. As you see this you can feel that you are special and that you may just have a purpose that nobody ekse can fulfill. It may require work but with the right belief you can make it happen…
Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC)
© 2009. All Rights Reserved. All Original Works of WWW.Grindmodeconnect.com. No Duplication or Reprint without Written Permission. (9.24.09)

STICK TO YOUR GUNS OR CHANGE AND SWITCH?

The last two weeks or so has seen new album releases from Jay-Z and Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan and, while both have titles that name-check a previous release (‘Blueprint’ and ‘Only Built For Cuban Linx’ respectively), there are marked differences between the two releases.Jay-Z has come under fire for changing his sound with the times and as such some quarters have it that his latest release doesn’t deserve the title of ‘Blueprint 3.’ This is as if to say Jay-Z latest is a shadow of it’s predecessor and has somehow sullied the quality of the original. This is perhaps going a little overboard – but is never-the-less how some seem to feel. On the other hand Raekwon’s latest release is a much closer match with the original ‘Cuban Linx’ album. Almost as if Rae has stepped out of a time warp from the mid-90s to deliver his slice of vintage hip-hop.
The fact is that both albums have a mark of quality about them as Jay and Raekwon are certainly talented individuals. However, it does raise the question as to whether an artist should stick to what they are known for (Raekwon) or switch up their sound (Jay-Z)?
Of course, in pointing out Raekwon and Jay-Z I am somewhat simplifying the argument – as Jay-Z maintains many elments of his original style while Raekwon has certainly progressed and developed. But, for the sake or argument, these two names seem to draw a quick parrallel to the two approaches.
The difficulty lies in how each technique is percieved by the audience (that’s us). If you don’t move with the times you run the risk of being seen as stale and out-dated. However, on the other hand if you do change up the sound that brought you fame you can be accused of selling out or jumping on the bandwaggon to make a quick buck off of the latest trends. So what is a self-respecting artist to do?
In fact it seems that both Raekwon and Jay-Z have got it exactly right. Firstly they have created art that is true to themselves and what they want to do, as well as who and where they are. This is the key. You cannot sell out if you are doing what you feel. You are sim;ly doing what feels right, and if it feels right then that will translate across to the audience. Secondly they both seem to have taken their old work into consideration before continuing. Jay has certainly pushed further from his original ‘Blueprint’ but Raekwon has not stood still either.
So do you stick to your guns or switch things up? The answer is you do a bit of both – so long as it feels right to you. The main focus is in creating something that reflects who you are at the time when you created it. Many artists have grown and developed over the years – Dr. Dre is no longer creating the same sounds as he was with ‘Dre’s Beat,’ Nas is unlikely to be able to make another ‘Illmatic’ and jay-Z has gone beyond ‘Reasonable Doubt.’ As consumers we need to recognize this need for growth, watch for the sell-out money moves, and let out artists breathe.
Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC)
© 2009. All Rights Reserved. All Original Works of WWW.Grindmodeconnect.com & www.grindmodemag.com . No Duplication or Reprint without Written Permission. (9.17.09)

Grind Mode Magazine Covers Losing Lauryn Hill

Innovative, Free Digital Entertainment Magazine Examines the Rise & Fall of Superstar, Lauryn Hill

Philadelphia, PA -There can be no doubting the influence that Lauryn Hill had on music, with her ability to cross boundaries she changed the landscape for those artists who followed in her wake. Grind Mode Magazine asks the question, where is Lauryn now and can we expect her to come back, while also looking at her musical legacy.

Looking forward, Grind Mode Magazine also took some time to connect with New York lyrical sensation Nut-Rageous and got gritty in the streets with HB Da Great. Chris J injected a little soul into proceedings while, finally for this week, Visionaire Media Group give you the inside line on the industry through their work in the field of video production.

Check out www.GrindModeMag.Com today. But that is not all as the sister site www.GrindModeConnect.Com keeps things moving daily with all the news, reviews and editorials as well as the reknowned ‘Industry Empowerment’ section. Add to this Grind Mode radio and the networking area and it is clear why people are saying that if you’re not in Grind Mode, you’re not really Grinding.

Keep it locked to Grind Mode every time, every week and every day.

GENDER GAMES

With hip-hop music having existed since the early 1970s it is somewhat surprising that females are still under-represented in the culture. Other musical stlyes, such as jazz, blues, soul and gospel have all managed to see a strong female representation to prove that music is far from just a man’s thing – and yet a look at hip-hop would make you feel that may be just the case.
Of course there are some well-known female names in hip-hop, from the AWOL Lauryn Hill and the reality TV struck Lil Kim to incarcerated rapstress Remy Ma and Foxy Brown. Going back further Roxanne Shante, Salt N Pepa, MC Lyte and Monie Love all made their own impact (and still do) – but when compared to the men this is still a very small representation. But why is this?
Some of the disparity may come down to traditional gender roles, with a particular argument being made that young girls are led towards activities around the home, like cooking and cleaning, and so have less time for music. However it is clearly deeper than this facile explanation, and maybe it is the case that hip-hop is not considered ‘ladylike.’ The bragging testoterone fuelled image of hip-hop music may not seem overly appealing to a young girl when compared to R&B’s calmer feel. Of course, that is also a simplistic argument that says that women should or would simply try and mimic the styles of men and have no recourse to bring their own twist to the hip-hop swagger. Lauryn Hill showed that you can be lady-like and remain 100% hip-hop.
Chances are the disparity between men and women in hip-hop has a lot to do with record sales and labels. Record labels have seldom seen a great deal of sales success with female hip-hoppers as the men were first out the gate with platinum sales and awards. This will lead to a hesitancy to push female MCs on the part of the record labels. With less signed and less in the marketplace it is only natural that their will also be fewer girls inspired to pick up the microphone. And so the vicious circle begins. So it seems that even in hip-hop’s apparently forward-thinking and independent culture there is a strong hint of sexism…
There are plenty of very good female rappers out there, it is just about getting exposure and the correct marketing to allow them to shine on a larger stage.
Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC) – WWW.GRINDMODECONNECT.COM AND WWW.GRINDMODEMAG.COM

GRIND MODE MAGAZINE’S LATEST ISSUE IS OUT

Philadelphia, PA – Grind Mode Magazine is back again as we keep it moving with The Clipse who are preparing the release of their latest album, ‘Til The Casket Drops.’ We caught up with them so that they could give us heads up on their new album, the music industry as it stands today, and more.
Of course it wouldn’t be Grind Mode if we didn’t also bring some knowledge and so we took some time out with Tachelle Wilkes to talk about her new book and how she hopes to help raise young people up through her writing.
That aside we checked in with underground phenomenon and Temple of Hip-Hop inductee TLM, Seattle’s very own Aquino and the one-man grinding machine that is Bishop The Overseer.
With all the usual news, reviews and features over at www.GrindModeConnect..Com you really don’t need to go anywhere else.
Check out www.GrindModeMag.Com – today. If you’re not in Grind Mode you’re not really Grindin’.