Philadelphia Rapper Freeway Music and Islam: Balance Music and Religion

The rapper Freeway stated his career with Roc-a-fella Records over decade an ago. In 2003, he released his debut album “Philadelphia Freeway” it landed at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and since then has sold 542,000 copies. In late of 2007 Freeway decided to part ways with his former boss Jay-Z and Roc-a-fella. He decided to part ways due contract disagreement and lack of support with his last album.

In recent article Freeway explained how he is able to balance his religion and making music. Freeway mentioned he is a Muslim and it’s a difference of opinion if music is haraam. Haraam according to the rapper it means something that is not lawful. The majority of all Muslim scholars believe that music is haraam. Freeway had very difficult time coming to grips with still being a rapper and being a good Muslim. After taking time off and leaving the rap scene he made the decision to keep making music.

I feel when you a have serious passion to pursue your dreams no matter what go for it.  The main thing people don’t understand about music industry it hard to make money when you are new artist. Therefore, Freeway made the choice to continue because this how he provides for his family. Every religion has some sort of rules and guidelines. But I feel Freeway thought about how he could take care of family. I agree with Freeway with his points to making your own decisions. Lastly, I feel religion can separate people from all different types of ethic backgrounds. But many times society criticize rappers for violent harsh music lyrics. The best way for Freeway fans to know him is by telling the truth even if its breaking Haraam.

Tune Core Chief Jeff Price wakes up the Music Industry with his own Words.

According to the New York Times article by Ben Sisario Tune Core, “one of the world’s major suppliers of music. Tune Core was founded in 2006 by Jeff Price, “a veteran independent label owner, as a service for artists working under the radar of the mainstream music industry.”  For just a small fee of  $50 a year Tune Core will place any album on I-tunes, Spotify, Rhapsody, etc. Tune Core accounts for 10% of 20 million songs on I-tunes and 4% of all digital sales. Mr. Jeff Price is also very public about the rights of artists being paid fairly from major record companies. Accordingly New York Times, Jeff Price through blog posts aggressively on the company’s blog with titles like “How They Steal Your Money Legally.” In his own words Jeff Price stated “ he started his company that righted a wrong. He believes that music industry typical practices are wrong and he wants to make it right for the artists. Tunc Core last year expanded into music publishing this makes sure artists receive writing royalties. Now that we are in a digital age it’s became more of a challenge for artists. Lastly, with the middlemen and all parties being involved unclaimed royalties Tune Core customers may be owed up to $70 million. I feel this website in the end will give new artists a since of life and hope. Tune Core just like other website such as CD Baby are new vehicles for the music business. I feel with I-tunes and this new digital era the entire music business could operate online be biggest e-commerce in the world. The music business continues to take bigger leaps into this direction then the future of digital marketing, publishing, and distribution looks bright.

Source : http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/07/business/tunecore-chief-shakes-up-music-with-his-own-words.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 

Industry Expert Blog

Option #2

Lawyers, Libel, Logos and Lollipops

Episode #2

This podcast was about various topics such as UMG versus Vevo sharing

video website. Vevo failed to alert UMG about video used on the website

which caused UMG to fail copyright infringement lawsuit. How do video hosting site suppose know when they can held liable. The case is still pending but they are various aspects of the case being reviewed. The next case deals with Funny Junk/Oatmeal fair use and lawyer use. Matthew Emon an Internet cartoonist and Funny Junk a site that host funny pictures. When Matthew Emon discovered the website Funny Junk there were over hundred pictures taking from his cartoon Oatmeal. He sent a blog post publicly about Funny Junk and the owner of the site took down some of the photos. The Oatmeal and Funny Junk users went back and forth about the images. One year later Funny Junk lawyer issued a letter demanding Matthew Emon pay $20,000 claiming the blog was defamation of character. Mr. Emon had fundraiser able to get the money together and decided to give all the funds to charity instead. The lawyer decided to file a suit against Emon solely by himself. Lastly, the case concluded were in my opinion Emon really won and the lawyer loss.

Episode #18

Beauty Queens and Sandwiches

This podcast was about several topics such as Jimi Hendrix estate is suing Jimi Hendrix merchandising website. The case started as a trademark case but new law writer publicity act was implemented in the state of Washington. The case was converted and new action was added to the existing case. The Judge granted the defendant claimed the publicity writers act rights were violated. Actually the decision came up unconstitutional     because Jimi Hendrix died in New York but he lived in the state Of Washington. Secondly, the podcast Attorney Firemark speaks about Miss San Antonio pageant de-throne files suit. In the Miss America system after you win get a scholarship but most winner still need sponsors. The winner of Miss San Antonio pageant was stripped of her crown failing to show up at appearances. The case has a lot of loopholes as far as a contract with sponsors. There are some unanswered questions in this case. The contract that was signed with sponsor and the director of pageant claimed participating party must make public appearances. If the person failed to do so then that person would be revoke from the pageant contest. Lastly, I feel it the obligation for the person or persons involved the pageant to be a role model and set examples for next model in the future. Therefore, being in the public eye it very important and keeping positive attitude towards your job.

Episode #15

This podcast is about the dispute with the show “Cake Boss.” The Masters software Inc. had software titled “Cake Boss” The Company began to dispute over the very popular show “Cake Boss.” This Texas Company stated getting all these emails made it confusing. But both company decided to keep the same name and try to work it out. Girls Gone Wild lawsuit the plaintiff were all underage during the taping of the show. They are suing for privacy right and violation of their rights. But they want to remain anonymous because don’t want do anymore damage to their self-image. Lastly, I feel this not right for the plaintiff identity to be revealed for many reasons it will cause more banishing in the media. This will always be factor in public eyes and even behind closed doors.

Industry Liabilities

Case One: Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records

Over the last five years Lil Wayne and Cash Money have been sued by several producers. In 2007, Lil Wayne released his high-anticipated album The Cater III. The album sold a recorded breaking 1.1 million records in the first week. Lil Wayne and Cash Money worked with many producers. Firstly, super producer Jim Jonsin sued Lil Wayne for $500,000 for unpaid royalties. According to the producer song he produced “Lollipop” “he said it’s one the biggest single Lil Wayne ever had.” “He claims he’s yet to receive a royalty check from the single.” Secondly, “Lil Wayne was sued for $2.5 million for copyright infringement over his single, “Mrs. Officer.” The producer indicated he stop receiving royalties after a period of time. Lastly, Cash Money Records in 2008, the “company was sued by Karma Ann Swanepoel and her publishing company over samples used on Lil Wayne track “Dying.” All lawsuits at this time were settled out of court for a undisclosed amount of cash. I feel that Cash Money Records has a reputation for keeping money from artists and now producers. The bad business surrounding the Hot Boyz is direct result of Brian Williams the CEO of Cash Money failing to pay proper royalties. Lastly, I think Lil Wayne and Cash Money learned a lesson pay people for their services and your business reputation will be positive.

Case Two: Real Rick Ross versus The rapper Rick Ross (Lawsuit)

Real Rick Ross Pofile:

Ricky Donnell Ross is better known as “Freeway” Rick Ross a drug kingpin who sold tons of cocaine in Los Angeles area during 1980’s, and made more than $600 millions dollars during his time in the streets.

Rick Ross the rapper made his debut in the music industry on August 2006 with catchy single “Hustlin” and followed up with next single “Push It”. Rick Ross first album “Port of Miami” received Gold certification from the R.I.A.A. in November 8, 2006. “He came up with stage from drug kingpin “Freeway” Rick Ross to whom he had no connection.”

The lawsuit against rapper Rick Ross came from the Real Rick Ross. The original Rick Ross filed lawsuit against the rapper for using his name. “Freeway Ricky filed copyright infringement lawsuit in the State of California on June 18, 2010.” The case was dismissed on July 3, 2010. Real Rick re-filed his case in California Superior Court and Los Angles Superior Court with no success. The case currently dismissed but Freeway Rick Ross claims he will continue fight for his rights.

I think this case is sort of childish on the part of Ricky Donnell Ross. The name was your nickname for being a drug trafficker. I feel all Americans have the right to establish any nickname he/she wants to have. I really don’t believe having a certain nickname will generate you income based on your name. Rick Ross built his career on hard work and making good music for his fans they can care less about his name.

Case Three: Jim Jones sued for track with Ashanti

This case is about Producer Christopher R. Liggo he is suing Jim Jones for sampling Liggo’s song without permission. In the case of rapper Jim Jones he allegedly layered artists Ashanti vocals on his song “Changing The Locks.”  Mr. Liggo pursued the suit and is seeking over $300,000 dollars for copyrighted sound recording, court fees, and lawyer fees.

Jim Jones has been in the music industry for over 10 years so there is no excuses. The reality is most rappers fall victim to having the wrong representation. Many hip-hop artists have personal assistants or lawyers who direct their careers in the wrong direction. I feel that it’s the responsibility of the artist camp to give the artist’s good sound advice. However, the artist must lead by example and follow directions given as well.

An Artists Image Versus Trends.....

An Artists Image versus Trends

(An artist’s manager vision to produce the best image)

According to the book “The Business of Artist Management” an artist’s image will be displayed through “artist’s goals, abilities, values, resources, and the existing commercial setting.” The best way for an artist’s manger to formulate his/her career is to learn the target market of the artist. The artist’s manager must build a rapport that leads to a good professional relationship.  Moreover in some cases many artists and managers become very good friends. I feel sometimes that can be a gray area because money being involved can also ruin friendships. Image is the nucleus for musician to be successful in any music genre. For example, the rap artist 50-cent image is gritty, street, and hardcore. The image is how he was able to become multi-platinum successful rap artist. The audience brought into the tough thug image he presented in his records. Lastly, the image was believable because he was shot 9 times and came from the streets of south side Jamaica Queens, New York.  If 50 cent made a song about being a nice guy and or being a family man the audience would never accepted that image. Chris Lighty 50-cent manager indicated, “Were are in the business to sell records but without image or fans records won’t sell.” The difference between having an image and setting trends as an artist are as follows. A trend is not permanent unlike and image stays with you during your career in most cases. Trends change constantly as a manager you must be aware of the trends to keep your artist relevant and visible. However, trends can play a key role in artist’s development because if an artist existing image set trends this will allow him/her to build a larger fan base. Lastly, the vision of an artist’s manager coupled with a distinctive image and setting trends; will give any artist the best chance to succeed.

Redemption: The LeBron James Story (Nine Years in the Making of a Champion)

Early Years at St. Vincent High School

            LeBron James started his career at St. Vincent High School in Akron, Ohio back then he was dominating the High School basketball circuit. He created a road to make it in the NBA at an early age with his ability to be best High School player in the country. According to www.espn.com, “LeBron James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.” When LeBron James was a freshman, he averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds per game; he also led his team to a 27-0 record and a Division III state title. In addition, the article from www.espn.com, mentions “James became the first sophomore player ever chosen to the USA Today All USA First Team after averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Lastly, he won his second straight Division III state title.

Drafted to NBA out of High School

       LeBron James was selected in the first round as the 1^st pick overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by Cleveland Cavaliers. When LeBron was drafted at same time as his best friend and became new teammate Dwayne Wade in the future. But the most opportunity was being able to stay in his home state of Ohio. According hoop media article, during LeBron Rookie season he was named the “Rookie of the Year.” He joined likes of Michael Jordan and Oscar Robinson by being the youngest to ever receive this award. 

The Decision

The decision for LeBron James was one of most televised non-sporting event in 2010 on ESPN Network with over 9.95 million viewers being ranked 3^rd among all programs in 2010 on ESPN. This opportunity was made clear LeBron James decided to leave his hometown team Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James indicted “ I have decided to take my talents to south beach and join the Miami Heat.” After this announcement the room was very quiet with couple of grunts. When LeBron James decided to leave Cleveland and play for the Miami Heat. The critics and entire city of Cleveland, fans, sports analyst, and owner of Cleveland Cavaliers really became angry. During this time Cavs fans burned James jersey and the big billboard of James in downtown Cleveland immediately was torn down. The owner of Cleveland Cavaliers publicly talked about LeBron James. He stated live on ESPN “ You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.” He also finally mentioned “Cleveland will win a Championship before Miami Heat and LeBron James and you can take that to the bank.” But most famous critic is Skip Bayless of critically acclaimed ESPN First Take Show. The First Take most popular topic has been about LeBron James not being great or the Chosen One until he gets a championship. Skip Bayless is relentless about the downfalls or mistakes LeBron James makes in the final key moments of a basketball game. Therefore, tried to prove his doubters wrong in the 2010-2011 finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Finals 2011-2012

LeBron James indicated during last year finals "he played like a villain and mad at people who constantly talked negative about him." In June 12, 2012 when the finals started in Oklahoma City, OK. The energy felt at Chesapeake Energy Arena sports fan knew this would be sporting event to remember in the east Miami Heat versus the west Oklahoma City Thunder. Well the excitement definitely didn’t come short making a good series by the Miami Heat. After Game 1 loss to OKC, Miami just dominated the rest of the games left. Miami Heat and LeBron James won 4 straight games beating the Thunder in five games out of best seven series. On June 21, 2012 this is best day of the young LeBron James life but more importantly it was a sweet redemption to seize the moment and put to rest all the haters. After the game LeBron James first words were “It’s about damn time.” Well could you blame him it took 9 years, a new team, and lost in the finals previous year? Lastly, this great road of redemption lets all humans know that our dreams can be far away but with great will suddenly become so close. Congratulations to the 2012 NBA Champions Miami Heat and Finals MVP LeBron James.