It is true that it is hella hard to remain as an independent artist, especially when going mainstream is the most financially appealing path. But I feel it is important to stay true to yourself and what you feel is most important. Having potent lyrics is important. Having a clean ass beat is most definitely important. Independent artists, such as Souls of Mischief/Hieroglyphics, Mos Def, and Jay Electronica, whom have proven to successfully combine the two are the artists that I respect because they ain’t sell outs. Those are the artists that I would pay to see live at the Paramount because you paying for quality on both levels feel me?

And just look at it this way, what is more important…money or respect? Money can only get you so much, until people start getting hella tired of you. Respect, on the other hand, runs deep. Loyalty goes hand in hand with respect.

In the long run, people can go to the club to listen to your auto-tune music. I ain’t gonna knock T-Pain though cuz he is hella good at what he does in terms of lyrics and beats, but the club don’t make you money…live shows do. When you stay true to yourself like Erykah Badu and Mos Def, people want to see you live. People will pay to see you…only after they didn’t win free tickets off of KMEL of course, but they are more willing to throw down because they respect the artist and the quality of music produced by that artist.

The industry needs a huge makeover. However, some independent artists stress that they want to remain independent because they refuse to fit into the “quota” that indsutry heads set. If I was an artist, i’d probably be independent too. Yet at the same time, it’s always nice when your God-given talent can make you money.

Let me stop before I write another article…excellent topic though!