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--- David Banks, Professor of the Practice of Statistics, Duke University
(Vibe, Fall/Winter 2009 pg. 26; Vibe.com; *The New Vibe Maganzine)
"There's a negative relationship between the first week sales and the volume of tweets sent per day. So the more you tweet, the less you sell. My personal guess is that the relationship remains negative [as total sales increase]. But if we remove Maxwell, it looks like the line would have a positive trend. The reversals between Jordin Sparks apparently being the youngest, tweeting the most and selling the least, and Maxwell being the eldest, tweeting the least but selling the most, is an interesting aspect. They can possible be viewed as outliers since they're so far from the pattern of other artists. One explanation is that established artists sell a lot and they don't feel the need to tweet in order to boost their fan club. Even though sending a lot ot tweets is associated with lower sales, it may very well be a good strategy to build up visibility and gain more fans. If we look at the same people five years forward, we could perhaps find that Jordin Sparks is at the top of the heap."
Translation: Tweeting your morning routine to @randomfan doesn't send more consumers to the registers. - Tracy Garraud
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
World AIDS Day 2009 (Dec. 1st)
Tampa Hip-Hop Artists, Blac Soap, Support World AIDS Day ’09 With a Strong Message in Their New Music Video
ATLANTA, Georgia (November 30, 2009) – In support of World AIDS Day 2009 on December 1st, Richmond, Virginia-based X Records has released a music video from its newly-signed group, Blac Soap. “Lifestyles in the Hood” is the launching piece for the label’s forthcoming safe sex campaign in which its entire artist roster will participate. Tampa, Florida natives, Seif and Fly Beads [Blac Soap], worked with filmmaker, Arthur Muhammad of Sweet Chariot Productions on the project which was shot entirely in Dallas, Texas.
“The World AIDS Day campaign is bigger than a one-day event. We are supporting long-term healthy lifestyle choices for both the youth AND adults--and the best way we know how to do that, on a global level, is through our music”, says X Records President, Thomas “FAT Thomi” Hairston.
“Lifestyles in the Hood” Director, Arthur Muhammad, speaks about his work on the project: “Being able to bring to life a powerful message that can change people’s lives is my passion as a filmmaker”, he says, “Working with Blac Soap and seeing first-hand how serious they are about their art created an instant synergy between us”.
Watch the premiere of “Lifestyles in the Hood” right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fw5ovN2dHA
To learn more about Blac Soap, visit www.blacsoapworld.com or contact Thomas “FAT Thomi” Hairston for information on album releases and appearances at www.xrecords.biz or (804) 334-2262.
About World AIDS Day:
World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by San Francisco KPIX-TV reporter, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Bunn and Netter took their idea to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann approved with the concept, then and agreed with the recommendation that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be 1 December, 1988. World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'.
About X Records:
X Records was founded in 2001 and is manufactured and distributed by the Malaco Music Group. Founded by Thomas “FAT Thomi” Hairston after a ten-year career in the music industry with giants like Warner Brothers, American Records and Arista, X Records emerged as the creative outlet for his own roster of artists. After promoting major label projects for the Notorious B.I.G., TLC, Usher, Toni Braxton, OutKast, Tamia, Eric Benet, Diddy, Something for the People and the Wu-Tang Clan under FAT Thomi Promotions, Mr. Hairston has the knowledge and track record required to be an industry leader.
Contact:
Jennifer Colter, Media Relations
jcolter@sophisticatedpr.com
(404) 789-1570
ATLANTA, Georgia (November 30, 2009) – In support of World AIDS Day 2009 on December 1st, Richmond, Virginia-based X Records has released a music video from its newly-signed group, Blac Soap. “Lifestyles in the Hood” is the launching piece for the label’s forthcoming safe sex campaign in which its entire artist roster will participate. Tampa, Florida natives, Seif and Fly Beads [Blac Soap], worked with filmmaker, Arthur Muhammad of Sweet Chariot Productions on the project which was shot entirely in Dallas, Texas.
“The World AIDS Day campaign is bigger than a one-day event. We are supporting long-term healthy lifestyle choices for both the youth AND adults--and the best way we know how to do that, on a global level, is through our music”, says X Records President, Thomas “FAT Thomi” Hairston.
“Lifestyles in the Hood” Director, Arthur Muhammad, speaks about his work on the project: “Being able to bring to life a powerful message that can change people’s lives is my passion as a filmmaker”, he says, “Working with Blac Soap and seeing first-hand how serious they are about their art created an instant synergy between us”.
Watch the premiere of “Lifestyles in the Hood” right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fw5ovN2dHA
To learn more about Blac Soap, visit www.blacsoapworld.com or contact Thomas “FAT Thomi” Hairston for information on album releases and appearances at www.xrecords.biz or (804) 334-2262.
About World AIDS Day:
World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by San Francisco KPIX-TV reporter, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Bunn and Netter took their idea to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann approved with the concept, then and agreed with the recommendation that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be 1 December, 1988. World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'.
About X Records:
X Records was founded in 2001 and is manufactured and distributed by the Malaco Music Group. Founded by Thomas “FAT Thomi” Hairston after a ten-year career in the music industry with giants like Warner Brothers, American Records and Arista, X Records emerged as the creative outlet for his own roster of artists. After promoting major label projects for the Notorious B.I.G., TLC, Usher, Toni Braxton, OutKast, Tamia, Eric Benet, Diddy, Something for the People and the Wu-Tang Clan under FAT Thomi Promotions, Mr. Hairston has the knowledge and track record required to be an industry leader.
Contact:
Jennifer Colter, Media Relations
jcolter@sophisticatedpr.com
(404) 789-1570
Thursday, November 5, 2009
What does Def Jam mean to you?
B. Brown's thoughts: After watching the 2009 VH1 Hip-Hop Honors, I really looked back on what Def Jam Records meant to me and I must say that it was a great visit back in time!
Def Jam introduced me to my original favorite rapper of all-time, LL Cool J and my current favorite rapper of all-time Jay-Z! That is amazing!
When you look at hip-hop as a whole, Russell Simmons actually broke the mold by managing Run-DMC (actually signed to Profile Records) and taking them straight to the top of the charts and ushering hip-hop into the mainstream of the American Music landscape.
Check out what veterans in the game have to say about Def Jam:
Warren G - "By being at this event, I am certified as a vet in the game. People used to say I was a legend. And it was all good, but now to be honored with Def Jam ... Def Jam has been around for 25 years and I was with them for 15 of them. Ten Million albums sold and maybe more thanks to this show."
Nelson George - "I've known Russell Simmons, Chuck D, and Flavor Flav since before Def Jam, so it's amazing to see how large Def Jam has become. It's more than a label, it's a part of the culture. There are very few things in hip hop with real staying power and Def Jam is one of the few things still standing 25 years later."
--- Hip-Hop Weekly (HHW) Volume Four, Issue Twenty-Two pg. 21
B. Brown & the Bar-Red Entertainment Group Family salute Def Jam Records!
Long live Def Jam!!!
Def Jam introduced me to my original favorite rapper of all-time, LL Cool J and my current favorite rapper of all-time Jay-Z! That is amazing!
When you look at hip-hop as a whole, Russell Simmons actually broke the mold by managing Run-DMC (actually signed to Profile Records) and taking them straight to the top of the charts and ushering hip-hop into the mainstream of the American Music landscape.
Check out what veterans in the game have to say about Def Jam:
Warren G - "By being at this event, I am certified as a vet in the game. People used to say I was a legend. And it was all good, but now to be honored with Def Jam ... Def Jam has been around for 25 years and I was with them for 15 of them. Ten Million albums sold and maybe more thanks to this show."
Nelson George - "I've known Russell Simmons, Chuck D, and Flavor Flav since before Def Jam, so it's amazing to see how large Def Jam has become. It's more than a label, it's a part of the culture. There are very few things in hip hop with real staying power and Def Jam is one of the few things still standing 25 years later."
--- Hip-Hop Weekly (HHW) Volume Four, Issue Twenty-Two pg. 21
B. Brown & the Bar-Red Entertainment Group Family salute Def Jam Records!
Long live Def Jam!!!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Is Jay-Z bigger than Hip-Hop?
Interview by: Bonsu Thompson (XXL Mag.; Oct. 2009; pg. 72)
With a successful Blueprint 3, you could really make it cool to be a 40-year-old rapper. But, playing devil's advocate, success could also encourage 40-year-old rappers who should hang it up to continue rhyming professionally, because Jay did it. Ever consider that possibility?
No matter what I do, any person that gets to this stage of their life is going to do whatever is in their heart. I think people should make music as long as their heart is in it. As long as they're pushing past the deadline four times and they're still making more records. Like, there are thousands of boxers that could have retired before they had that fight, Muhammad Ali for one. But you never stop - because of one, your passion or greed, your financial situation, there may be a need, you know? The thing that I can do is stretch the subject matter. Whether Kingdom Come was your favorite album or not, "30 Something," you have to deal with that subject matter [in that song]. If [the target audience is] 15 to 25, that's too narrow. What am I going to listen to at 26 and beyond? That's a quarter of my life. That's such a small slice of the pie. We have to expand the genre. I would love to listen to hip-hop all day. Of course, now there are other things making their way into my CD changer or iPod, because of the lack of material. It doesn't speak to me. Everyone is speaking to the kids, thinking that's the key to success. The sad part of it is that all these [rappers] saying it are 30 years old, at least. Sometimes 35. It's misleading. It's that lack of growth that will keep us in a certain place.
With a successful Blueprint 3, you could really make it cool to be a 40-year-old rapper. But, playing devil's advocate, success could also encourage 40-year-old rappers who should hang it up to continue rhyming professionally, because Jay did it. Ever consider that possibility?
No matter what I do, any person that gets to this stage of their life is going to do whatever is in their heart. I think people should make music as long as their heart is in it. As long as they're pushing past the deadline four times and they're still making more records. Like, there are thousands of boxers that could have retired before they had that fight, Muhammad Ali for one. But you never stop - because of one, your passion or greed, your financial situation, there may be a need, you know? The thing that I can do is stretch the subject matter. Whether Kingdom Come was your favorite album or not, "30 Something," you have to deal with that subject matter [in that song]. If [the target audience is] 15 to 25, that's too narrow. What am I going to listen to at 26 and beyond? That's a quarter of my life. That's such a small slice of the pie. We have to expand the genre. I would love to listen to hip-hop all day. Of course, now there are other things making their way into my CD changer or iPod, because of the lack of material. It doesn't speak to me. Everyone is speaking to the kids, thinking that's the key to success. The sad part of it is that all these [rappers] saying it are 30 years old, at least. Sometimes 35. It's misleading. It's that lack of growth that will keep us in a certain place.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
How Free Music Spreads - and Why?
By: Keith Murphy & B.W.
VIBE MAGAZINE (June/July 2009; pg. 44)
How It Should Work
Step 1 - Artist creates track in studio.
Step 2 - Track goes to engineer for mastering.
Step 3 - Track is approved by artist/producer to be sent to record label.
Step 4 - Producer/artist/manager e-mails track.
Step 5 - Record company sends approved album to printing plant to create CD's.
Final Destination - your hard drive
How It "Leaks"
The Artist Leaks record seeking positive feedback.
The Engineer Leaks record.
Hackers access e-mail account, steal song & leak it.
The Label Leaks to build buzz for artist's upcoming project.
The Plant Employee steals copy, leaks it.
Last Words on the Leak (Play of Production Duo Play-N-Skillz) -
"I want to blame the artists and the producers for the leaks because we are not giving enough music to the fans. This is 2009. You have to go at the pace of Lil Wayne, Kanye and T-Pain. These are the guys that are winning. You can't really be mad at the rap blogs - all they care about is the actual music. Just be careful who you have in the studio."
VIBE MAGAZINE (June/July 2009; pg. 44)
How It Should Work
Step 1 - Artist creates track in studio.
Step 2 - Track goes to engineer for mastering.
Step 3 - Track is approved by artist/producer to be sent to record label.
Step 4 - Producer/artist/manager e-mails track.
Step 5 - Record company sends approved album to printing plant to create CD's.
Final Destination - your hard drive
How It "Leaks"
The Artist Leaks record seeking positive feedback.
The Engineer Leaks record.
Hackers access e-mail account, steal song & leak it.
The Label Leaks to build buzz for artist's upcoming project.
The Plant Employee steals copy, leaks it.
Last Words on the Leak (Play of Production Duo Play-N-Skillz) -
"I want to blame the artists and the producers for the leaks because we are not giving enough music to the fans. This is 2009. You have to go at the pace of Lil Wayne, Kanye and T-Pain. These are the guys that are winning. You can't really be mad at the rap blogs - all they care about is the actual music. Just be careful who you have in the studio."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848) - It's Real!!!
House Judiciary Committee Okays Performance Rights Act
Washington, D.C., May 13, 2009 – Today the House Judiciary Committee approved the Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848). The Bill will close a loophole in copyright law that allows music radio stations to earn billions of dollars each year without compensating the artists, musicians and rights holders who bring music to life and listeners’ ears to the radio dial. The following statement may be attributed to musicFIRST Coalition Executive Director Jennifer Bendall:
“We applaud Chairman Conyers and Committee members for their work on the Performance Rights Act and for supporting artists, musicians and rights holders in their fight for fair compensation when their music is used by AM and FM radio stations.”
“Our continued momentum in Congress is proof that it’s well past time to recognize the importance of fairly compensating the artists and musicians whose talent and hard work allows radio to generate billions of dollars in ad revenue each year.”
“Corporate radio’s days of hiding behind a loophole in the copyright law are over. For over 80 years, Big Radio has had a free pass to play music. All other music platforms – satellite, cable and Internet radio stations – pay artists, musicians and rights holders for the use of their music. It’s only fair that AM and FM radio be held to the same standards.”
“The Performance Rights Act is fair to artists, musicians and rights holders, fair to other radio platforms and fair to radio. It includes accommodations for small and minority-owned broadcasters.
“musicFIRST looks forward to working with Congress to ensure that U.S. artists and musicians receive the performance right they deserve.”
Washington, D.C., May 13, 2009 – Today the House Judiciary Committee approved the Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848). The Bill will close a loophole in copyright law that allows music radio stations to earn billions of dollars each year without compensating the artists, musicians and rights holders who bring music to life and listeners’ ears to the radio dial. The following statement may be attributed to musicFIRST Coalition Executive Director Jennifer Bendall:
“We applaud Chairman Conyers and Committee members for their work on the Performance Rights Act and for supporting artists, musicians and rights holders in their fight for fair compensation when their music is used by AM and FM radio stations.”
“Our continued momentum in Congress is proof that it’s well past time to recognize the importance of fairly compensating the artists and musicians whose talent and hard work allows radio to generate billions of dollars in ad revenue each year.”
“Corporate radio’s days of hiding behind a loophole in the copyright law are over. For over 80 years, Big Radio has had a free pass to play music. All other music platforms – satellite, cable and Internet radio stations – pay artists, musicians and rights holders for the use of their music. It’s only fair that AM and FM radio be held to the same standards.”
“The Performance Rights Act is fair to artists, musicians and rights holders, fair to other radio platforms and fair to radio. It includes accommodations for small and minority-owned broadcasters.
“musicFIRST looks forward to working with Congress to ensure that U.S. artists and musicians receive the performance right they deserve.”
Sunday, April 12, 2009
A Grammy Win and/or Performance can increase Album Sales!
By: Edna Gundersen
USA TODAY (Thurs., Feb. 19, 2009; D1)
The 14% ratings spike was just the beginning. Now the afterburners kick in. Performers and winners are seeing sales leaps after appearing on the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards, chart fuel given greater thrust by this year's increase of 2 million viewers.
Best album Raising Sand by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, who swept five awards, enjoyed the biggest gain, selling 77,000 copies, up 715% over the week before, according to Nielson SoundScan. The duo jumps to No. 2 from No. 69.
The pair was blocked at Billboard's summit by Grammy performer Taylor Swift, whose Fearless sold 92,000 copies, a 44% increase, and climbed three notches to reclaim No. 1.
Coldplay, winner of best song for Viva La Vida, jumps to No. 8 from No. 31 with 62,000 copies, up 271%. And debut 19 by best new artist Adele rises 17 slots to No. 10 with 57,000, a 218% uptick.
Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III, which generated four wins, added 27,000 copies, up 34%, to his 3 million total.
While noteworthy, those figures pale against post-Grammy yields in the music industry's healthier days. In 1999, Santana's Supernatural sold 364,000 copies, eclipsed four years later by Norah Jones' Come Away With Me, which sold 621,000 copies, the biggest surge ever.
Double winners Sugarland, John Mayer, Ne-Yo and Brad Paisley saw hikes ranging from 37% to 91%.
Jennifer Hudson's You Pulled Me Through boosted her album 112%, while Radiohead's 15 Step goosed In Rainbows 130%. The Rap Pack's Kanye West, T.I. and M.I.A. also advanced, as did performers Jamie Foxx, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Kenny Chesney, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Estelle.
Not everyone scored. Jay-Z, who joined the Rap Pack and Coldplay, did not resurface on the chart. Nor did Al Green, despite a performance and double wins. Yet Duffy, who briefly harmonized with Green at the podium, got a 41% bump.
USA TODAY (Thurs., Feb. 19, 2009; D1)
The 14% ratings spike was just the beginning. Now the afterburners kick in. Performers and winners are seeing sales leaps after appearing on the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards, chart fuel given greater thrust by this year's increase of 2 million viewers.
Best album Raising Sand by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, who swept five awards, enjoyed the biggest gain, selling 77,000 copies, up 715% over the week before, according to Nielson SoundScan. The duo jumps to No. 2 from No. 69.
The pair was blocked at Billboard's summit by Grammy performer Taylor Swift, whose Fearless sold 92,000 copies, a 44% increase, and climbed three notches to reclaim No. 1.
Coldplay, winner of best song for Viva La Vida, jumps to No. 8 from No. 31 with 62,000 copies, up 271%. And debut 19 by best new artist Adele rises 17 slots to No. 10 with 57,000, a 218% uptick.
Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III, which generated four wins, added 27,000 copies, up 34%, to his 3 million total.
While noteworthy, those figures pale against post-Grammy yields in the music industry's healthier days. In 1999, Santana's Supernatural sold 364,000 copies, eclipsed four years later by Norah Jones' Come Away With Me, which sold 621,000 copies, the biggest surge ever.
Double winners Sugarland, John Mayer, Ne-Yo and Brad Paisley saw hikes ranging from 37% to 91%.
Jennifer Hudson's You Pulled Me Through boosted her album 112%, while Radiohead's 15 Step goosed In Rainbows 130%. The Rap Pack's Kanye West, T.I. and M.I.A. also advanced, as did performers Jamie Foxx, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Kenny Chesney, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Estelle.
Not everyone scored. Jay-Z, who joined the Rap Pack and Coldplay, did not resurface on the chart. Nor did Al Green, despite a performance and double wins. Yet Duffy, who briefly harmonized with Green at the podium, got a 41% bump.
Monday, January 26, 2009
What are you going to do in 2009?
Thoughts By: B. Brown
It’s 2009 and it’s time for your goals and aspirations to manifest into reality!!!
Barack Obama is the 44th President and the 1st African-American President of the United States! It is an exciting time to be an American! We as Americans are embarking on a new adventure and it sure feels great!
I am personally very excited about the history that has been made with Obama leading the U.S. into a new positive direction. I am truly grateful for my parents, grand parents and the rest of the generations before me that paved the way for this great moment to take place. If you go and ask any person white or black that is over fifty (50) years old, the majority of them will tell you that they did not expect to see a black man in the White House in their lifetime. Oh, what a wonderful time it is right now!
A lot of different things have been put out there in regards to Obama being President, but the fact is that he has a tremendous appeal to people all around the world and that his appeal along with his economic and political strategies have a great chance of pulling the U.S. out of one of it’s most challenging economic downturns ever! I believe we as a nation are going to be ok in the near future.
What ever you aspire to be and whatever your goals are, there is no better time than now to actually write them down, visualize them and move forth with action to achieve your goals. Action is the key! It is just like Faith. Faith without action is dead. The time is now for each and every one of us to improve ourselves and make a difference. The time is now for us to take advantage of education and use that education to parlay ourselves into new fields of business and new opportunities. Focusing on your goals everyday and actively working towards them will allow you to have a drive and desire that can be unstoppable and that day will come when you realize that your life has changed and beautiful things are happening to you! Close your eyes for a moment … isn’t that a beautiful vision?
Your goal may be to spend more time with your family --- do it!
Your goal may be to lose weight --- do it!
Your goal may be to get a better paying job --- do it!
Whatever your goals and aspirations --- there’s no better phrase to use than Nike’s awesome slogan --- just do it!!!
“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” – Bobby Knight
It’s 2009 and it is truly your time!!!
It’s 2009 and it’s time for your goals and aspirations to manifest into reality!!!
Barack Obama is the 44th President and the 1st African-American President of the United States! It is an exciting time to be an American! We as Americans are embarking on a new adventure and it sure feels great!
I am personally very excited about the history that has been made with Obama leading the U.S. into a new positive direction. I am truly grateful for my parents, grand parents and the rest of the generations before me that paved the way for this great moment to take place. If you go and ask any person white or black that is over fifty (50) years old, the majority of them will tell you that they did not expect to see a black man in the White House in their lifetime. Oh, what a wonderful time it is right now!
A lot of different things have been put out there in regards to Obama being President, but the fact is that he has a tremendous appeal to people all around the world and that his appeal along with his economic and political strategies have a great chance of pulling the U.S. out of one of it’s most challenging economic downturns ever! I believe we as a nation are going to be ok in the near future.
What ever you aspire to be and whatever your goals are, there is no better time than now to actually write them down, visualize them and move forth with action to achieve your goals. Action is the key! It is just like Faith. Faith without action is dead. The time is now for each and every one of us to improve ourselves and make a difference. The time is now for us to take advantage of education and use that education to parlay ourselves into new fields of business and new opportunities. Focusing on your goals everyday and actively working towards them will allow you to have a drive and desire that can be unstoppable and that day will come when you realize that your life has changed and beautiful things are happening to you! Close your eyes for a moment … isn’t that a beautiful vision?
Your goal may be to spend more time with your family --- do it!
Your goal may be to lose weight --- do it!
Your goal may be to get a better paying job --- do it!
Whatever your goals and aspirations --- there’s no better phrase to use than Nike’s awesome slogan --- just do it!!!
“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” – Bobby Knight
It’s 2009 and it is truly your time!!!
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