Satriani And Coldplay Settle Lawsuit Over Melody... Which Is Really Too Bad

50 Cent: Piracy Is A Part Of The Marketing

from the they-end-up-at-the-concert dept

Mon, Sep 14th 2009 12:29pm — Mike Masnick

Famed rapper 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) was apparently on CNBC recently talking about his "business acumen." I have to admit that having three different people all trying to interview him at once is rather annoying -- as they almost never let him complete a thought. However, when they ask him about piracy, and whether or not it makes him angry (around 2 minutes), he responds that: he sees it as a part of the marketing of a musician, because "the people who didn't purchase the material, they end up at the concert." He says that people can fall in love with the music either way, and then they'll go to concerts. He notes that you can't stop piracy either way, so why try to fight it? He also talks about other business opportunities for musicians.

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Filed Under: 50 cent, curtis jackson, marketing, music industry, piracy

67 Comments

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RD, 14 Sep 2009 @ 1:14pm

Not bad
Dont really care for him or his music, but he comes across very well here, and seems to take the whole "piracy" thing in stride. Notice the interviewer REALLY wanted him to be "angry" about it. Gotta love media bias in favor of the big poppa media company owner.
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Derek Kerton (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 1:19pm

Hmmm. Interesting Guy
I never gave this guy a second's thought. As a pop entertainer, most aren't worth even that much time. But his ideas are quite impressive. Despite the fact that his diction reveals a dis-privileged upbringing, what he says reveals a true thinker.

Makes me want to check out the book.

I need to listen to his lyrics, though. Too many rappers that I've found to be very smart STILL fill their rap songs with low-life mantas, misogynist claptrap, braggadocio and vulgarity. When I see such a rapper in a good interview, I am saddened that they pander to the lowest-denominator in their music, even as they are clearly capable of higher discourse.
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Vic, 14 Sep 2009 @ 1:25pm

The man turns out to be a very common sense guy. I have never heard him performing (for me rap is not music, so I am not into it), but he speaks as a smart educated person. Respect!
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Lucretious, 14 Sep 2009 @ 1:30pm

He was on Opie & Anthony a few months ago and I was taken aback at just how lucid and intelligent he was in terms of business (no, not because he's black but because of his music). He's one the few that actually gets it.
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PaulT (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 1:30pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
There are plenty of rappers who have thoughtful lyrics that don't glorify violence, misogyny or the "thug" lifestyle. Unfortunately, they're usually not the ones in the top 40.
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Alan Gerow (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 1:37pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
There's always KRS-One for the quintessential "conscious rapper". Mos Def tries to raise awareness over creating a thug persona. And Eminem goes back and forth between moments of inspiration, and slips with Slim Shady.
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stat_insig (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 1:56pm

Whatta loser
Now we know why he is 50 cents and not 100. He lost the other 50 due to piracy.
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Zaven (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 2:02pm

Re:
Same here. I'm completely surprised. His music while entertaining seems very shallow. But him talking seems so well thought out.
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Zaven (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 2:04pm

Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
We're all aware that there are rappers with thoughtful lyrics; we just never thought of 50 Cent as one of 'em. This interview is a shock.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 2:09pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
"Too many rappers that I've found to be very smart STILL fill their rap songs with low-life mantas, misogynist claptrap, braggadocio and vulgarity. When I see such a rapper in a good interview, I am saddened that they pander to the lowest-denominator in their music, even as they are clearly capable of higher discourse."

Take two doses of Del The Funky Homosapien and Common and call me in the morning...
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GZA, 14 Sep 2009 @ 2:15pm

message to 50 cent
You ain't nothin' but a pig in a blanket
Hoghead, the deadliest food at the banquet.
All this rap crap that's trapped in your colon
Only means, get rid of the wack sh-- ya holdin'
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Jason, 14 Sep 2009 @ 3:15pm

He's a businessman
Say what you will about his music, 50 Cent has always had a firm grasp on the business side of his celebrity. 2 words: Vitamin Water
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DJ (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 3:24pm

Bravo
I'd like to congratulate the regulars here for NOT giving some of the comments on this thread a response.

There are some, above, that clearly either didn't pay attention to the interview, or didn't even watch the video at all. Those people prove, by their comments, that ignorance is NOT bliss. If it were, they wouldn't be so negative all the time.
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ScottNYC, 14 Sep 2009 @ 3:38pm

that was funny
"recessions are predominently for the middle class, where I come from people are always in a recession" lol that was good.
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anon, 14 Sep 2009 @ 3:52pm

I download music, and would NEVER EVER EVER EVER even dream of going to a concert. Who the hell would go to a damn concert? All the fucking "people" (if you can call that sort of sub-human trash 'people'), excessive noise level, ridiculously expensive food and drinks, etc, etc... I download it to enjoy in the quite comfort of my home. I'm sorry, but I will not pay $20 for a CD just to get one song. Not gonna happen. The musicians need to eliminate the record labels, and set up shop in their house. With today's technology, it is no longer necessary to have record labels. Spend a few grand on a soundproof room, and record direct to mp3 format. Sell it for under a buck per song, and you will make billions.
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soar (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 4:11pm

Well, as a geek, rap and hip hop lover (I do like 50 cent... His first CD is pretty good, don't like the new stuff) this is awesome. If only more entertainers thought like this instead of labeling pirates as criminals and thieves. Although it would be a little hypocritical if most of these rappers did get pissed about people "stealing" "their" music.
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fogbugzd, 14 Sep 2009 @ 4:24pm

Leading question
The thing I found entertaining was the way the anchor person asked the question about piracy. See obviously thought she knew he would dislike piracy and started asking the question framed in that manner. I have to give her credit for a quick switch in the tenor of the question when she got feedback from his expression.
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Lawrence D'Oliveiro, 14 Sep 2009 @ 4:38pm

Re: Whatta loser
He’s still richer than you are, asshole.
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Peter, 14 Sep 2009 @ 5:15pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
I agree on all accounts, but as far as I understand, it's just a business model that sells. Just as big corporate slim bags resort to all sort of shady business deals to get "rich quick", and banksters trade money like in a monopoly game -- many of these rapper guys just use this platform as a vehicle to make a name for themselves and get rich.

The few conscious rappers out there with some substance, well, they still drive and carry their own stuff, can't support a family of what they do, and are more in line with the starving artist.

Right or wrong, there it is.
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Anonymous Coward, 14 Sep 2009 @ 5:19pm

Re: Not bad
Thus the great divide in the world... Someone is singing about their pain and struggle and you dont give them a second thought... when they look you want them to look you listen to them. I hope white America remains this ignorant forever...
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Anonymous Coward, 14 Sep 2009 @ 5:22pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
low-life mantas, misogynist claptrap, braggadocio and vulgarity...

Like so many beer, car, clothing, vacation etc advertisements... Power and Sex sells... It was sold to them.. now they are selling it back... get off you high horse...
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smackofham, 14 Sep 2009 @ 6:27pm

Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
Ain't it Funkee? I'm pretty sure that change of letters makes him all the more funky. Also, it's a pretty scary world where 50 cent is the smartest guy in the room.
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Derek Kerton (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 9:17pm

Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
True. A paradox is that if one is "good at business" one's music will gravitate to whatever sells best, which is claptrap that makes one look like an idiot.
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Derek Kerton (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 9:27pm

Re: Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
He was definitely top two in that interview room! The author seemed aiight.
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Derek Kerton (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 9:34pm

Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
Yeah, you're right. Like beer ads, it was sold to the gansta rappers, so it makes all that misogynist rap OK. Great argument, thanks for convincing me.

Now that I'm off my high horse, I'll just go play some of that stuff for my daughters, because any misgivings I had about it were just my arrogance, right?
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Anonymous Coward, 14 Sep 2009 @ 10:14pm

Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
"Take two doses of Del The Funky"

Excellent rapper. What about the song Mastermind? Or Virus. Yeah, he makes good music all right.
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Raybone (profile), 14 Sep 2009 @ 10:52pm

Re: Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
Public Enemy, Jurassic Five, Blackalicious, The Roots, Gorillaz, the always awesome The Coup, I could go on...oh lets not forget The Fugees..
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Dark Helmet (profile), 15 Sep 2009 @ 4:48am

Re: Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
"Now that I'm off my high horse, I'll just go play some of that stuff for my daughters, because any misgivings I had about it were just my arrogance, right?"

Depends. How old are your daughters, do they have the ability to filter entertaining garbage from reality...and how hot are they?
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Lucretious, 15 Sep 2009 @ 6:01am

Re: He's a businessman
100 million. After fees and taxes no less. Good lord.

I tip my hat to the guy.
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kevjohn (profile), 15 Sep 2009 @ 11:08am

Re:
I download music, and it directly led me to going to a Tom Waits concert earlier this year, and a Leonard Cohen concert later this year. Thanks for your input though. It's always good to have divergent viewpoints voiced.
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iNtrigued (profile), 15 Sep 2009 @ 1:10pm

Re: Re: Not bad
"when they look you want them to look you listen to them"
First, I am assuming you were trying to say "when they look the way you want them to you listen to them." Second, there is now white America, or black President for that matter, there is only America and our President. Race doesn't need to be injected here. Third, everyone judges someone else by the way they are dressed and/or project themselves, whether it be conscious or subconscious. However, I would agree with you that there is a portion of America that is ignorant, but that reflects on the individuals not the race in general.
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iNtrigued (profile), 15 Sep 2009 @ 1:25pm

ooops...
*Second, there is no white....*
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Dark Helmet (profile), 15 Sep 2009 @ 1:46pm

Re: ooops...
freudian slip, you rascist :)
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John WOods, 16 Sep 2009 @ 4:52am

No way
Dude no way that is WAY cool!

RT
www.web-privacy.de.tc
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Alf Meyers, 16 Sep 2009 @ 8:15am

Re: Whatta loser
That is the worst attempt at wit I've seen all year.
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David Gustafson, 16 Sep 2009 @ 8:18am

Re: Not bad
this really isn't as much of an interview show as it is a panel of semi-experts who discuss the happenings of the day. Imagine sports-center only about stocks and business.
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anon, 16 Sep 2009 @ 10:33am

Re:
TO YOU rap is not music
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Sep 2009 @ 3:12pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
holy crap you sound white dude.

"braggadocio"? have you ever slapped someone across the face with a leather glove by any chance?
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anonymous, 16 Sep 2009 @ 3:18pm

Re:
Um, get rid of record labels? What about publicity and marketing. That's how musicians start and get picked up. You can't do that kind of thing on your own.
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Sep 2009 @ 3:30pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
"Despite the fact that his diction reveals a dis-privileged upbringing"

Most of that is due more to the fact he was shot 7 times and one of those bullets was lodged in his jaw.
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Sep 2009 @ 4:57pm

Re:
you clearly know nothing about what it takes just to get one song finished
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Sep 2009 @ 9:03pm

Re: Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
Why is it scary. Is he supposed to be stupid? Who said so?
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Anonymous NCT-er, 17 Sep 2009 @ 4:31am

...
If only more artists felt this way. Everyone knows the real money is in touring, not the album/single sales. I find it's important for building up the fan base of up-and-coming artists as well, as no one wants to shell out $30 (AUD) on a band they know nothing about. Piracy allows people to try out all kinds of different music and prevents the resentment of buying a disappointing CD. And generally when someone likes what they hear, they'll buy the album anyway. I don't think record labels should be abolished nor do I think piracy should be harshly reprimanded. Neither will disappear so people should just quit their bitching.
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ConcretelyAmbiguous, 17 Sep 2009 @ 5:55am

Tell Kanye this.

http://concretelyambiguous.com/todays-truth/if-you-thought-you-were-mad-at-kanye/
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brandvegn vontrap, 17 Sep 2009 @ 6:27am

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
eh...you're smart.
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brandvegn, 17 Sep 2009 @ 6:30am

Re:
Neither is anything with a guitar or loud drums. Just classical and big band.
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Aiden R., 17 Sep 2009 @ 8:27am

Fiddy
Wow, pretty smart statement actually. Fuck record companies.

http://ctcmr.com
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not important, 17 Sep 2009 @ 10:29am

Re:
you are a bit off the mark in many aspects although i understand your jab at the labels. But who will administer your publishing, who will administer or litigate your mechanical rights for sync, who will engineer your recordings, who will be in charge of marketing (and with what connections), who will be in charge or PR (and with what connections)? these are just a few of the many many parts of being a recording artist that actually makes money that a label actually provides (if you maneuver correctly). Please reevaluate your "billions" earning forecast.
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Anonymous Coward, 17 Sep 2009 @ 12:04pm

Re: Whatta loser
I'd rather have 50 percent of a hell of a lot, than all of a little.
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Balzac, 17 Sep 2009 @ 2:38pm

LOL

half these comments translate to: "wow he speaks very well, i assumed he would be semi-retarded"

also i love how violence/sexuality/crime is fine in movies and tv, but when its in a song its completely different for some of you. If you watch movies with this type of content, but shit on 50 cents music for the same content, you are a hypocrite.
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Chief Rocka, 17 Sep 2009 @ 3:05pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
Dog.... Ur A Bitch. Its Music Man. Quit Looking For The Meaning in Every Little Thing. Using Large Ass Words For Hip Hop. lol have u listened to the music. Hip hop is music D-evolved in sound to the point where its strips music to its more basic forms of rhythm. ANYONE CAN MAKE IT!!! the older pioneers of hip hop werent musicians. They were men that knew how to make people move. They did interesting things yea... but still man Rap has never been about Projecting a GRAND image. Its rough Raw.. and Fun. Now take the criticism and look at rap a different way.
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rocker, 19 Sep 2009 @ 4:54pm

what the hell..
dude you have issues 50 cent is so right i would download the music to try it out and if i like it i would buy it. I would also attend the concert to support the band and enjoy the live show! YOu have issues man obviously you don't get out much and don't know what a concert is! You are the people who the music industry hate!
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random guy, 21 Sep 2009 @ 2:25pm

Re: Re:
um yes you can. put up a torrent and simply ask people to take a listen.
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Alex, 21 Sep 2009 @ 7:02pm

Pop?Rap
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Claire, 21 Sep 2009 @ 9:17pm

Perhaps you should listen to what Stephen Fry had to say about music downloading during the Itunes Live festival.

You can download the podcast from here:

http://www.stephenfry.com/2009/07/27/series-2-episode-4-itunes-live-festival/
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Jamp, 21 Sep 2009 @ 9:45pm

Wow.
When he first came on to the scene I didn't think much of him. Wasn't really into his music then thought less of him when there was a game with him in it and thought his films wouldn't be worth watching (most probably aren’t). But got to give it to the guy he's really interesting and smart. Think I might actually read his book after this and I don’t normally read books (lol). At least he acknowledges that piracy can't be stopped that easy and doesn't rant about losing a bit of cash when he still makes a fortune anyways.
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Brenda Walker, 22 Sep 2009 @ 5:13am

The Stones shunning business
It's funny that the CNBC commentator described the Rolling Stones as rebels who shunned business. That may have been the image they projected, but their music production/touring operation is the epitome of being "in business" and has been for many years. Certainly it has been that way far longer than people have been downloading music.
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Derek Kerton (profile), 22 Sep 2009 @ 10:45am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
No. Their definitely not old enough to filter crap from reality. They can barely understand that Dora isn't real. The get angry when a map doesn't leap out of their backpack and tell them three steps to get to the birthday party.

On the serious side: at what age do most kids get the ability to filter entertaining garbage from reality? I'd say it's way after they get exposed to the crap.
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dumbass, 22 Sep 2009 @ 12:38pm

so, i think whoever shot him, was a horrible aim.. should have aimed lower or higher. stupid man needs to die.
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camarillo key, 24 Sep 2009 @ 9:44am

Re:
ggfgfbvb
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camarillo key, 24 Sep 2009 @ 9:48am

Re: Re:
hmhmnb,mnb,mnb,mnbmnbmnbmnb m nbmnbmnbm
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MP, 5 Oct 2009 @ 9:52am

Re: message to 50 cent
hahaha fuckin eh
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teri abel, 6 Oct 2009 @ 1:54pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
"I never gave this guy a second's thought. As a pop entertainer, most aren't worth even that much time."

I hadn't given him serious thought previously---but maybe that's the point: perhaps more than we imagine are actually "worth the time", but are reflexively not assumed to be.

Much of entertainment is a ruse---and business too. I think we really pay entertainers to lie to us---maybe 50 Cent has done it so well we believed him.

As I've witnessed, there are public figures with impeccable public images and sanctioned professed values in media, but with surprising and disappointing personal deficits--sometimes exactly counter to their public brand---it can startle you. Here with 50 Cent, the opposite (in some real sense) seems true---he appears to harbor more sophistication, multidimensionality and complexity than we assumed. He's not the first in this industry or genre though---Master P clearly comes to mind (all nearly half billion of him---$361 million of which came by age 29).
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Nov 2009 @ 3:43pm

Re: Hmmm. Interesting Guy
Jay-Z said it best:

The music business hate me
Cause the industry ain't make me
Hustlers and boosters embrace me
And the music i be makin
I dumb down for my audience
And double my dollars
They criticize me for it
Yet they all yell "Holla"
If skills sold
Truth be told
I'd probably be
Lyricly
Talib Kweli
Truthfully
I wanna rhyme like Common Sense
(But i did five Mil)
I ain't been rhymin like Common Sense
When your sense got that much in common
And you been hustlin since
Your inception
Fuck perception
Go with what makes sense
Since
I know what i'm up against
We as rappers must decide what's most impor-tant
And i can't help the poor if i'm one of them
So i got rich and gave back
To me that's the win, win
The next time you see the homie and his rims spin
Just know my mind is workin just like them
(The rims that is)
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Chris Antonelli, 4 Jul 2010 @ 7:46am

Re: Who Would go to a concert?
Well in reply to your comments, I like you do download too, I have been to download festival since 2006 and i numerous gigs/concerts why? Because nothing can beat the atmosphere of a live performance granted I listen to a diffent style of music in the form of Metal and mostly Melodic Death Metal bands like Devildriver but still i'm sure the same theory applies to all music fans unlike Rap, Metal is still a very underground genre with most bands on home true breed record labels who make 90% of their money from gigs and selling to straight to the fans home grown for the fans to the fans...
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dwg, 22 Jun 2011 @ 9:18am

Re: Whatta loser
yea, he's almost completely broke now. his 2009 earnings are barely enough to live on. did you out-earn 50 last year, mate?
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davidbarcomb, 3 Dec 2014 @ 6:34pm

Very nice article.
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