Passing the torch?

[UNORTHODOX]

I know alot of the last generation of artist/producers are still working/recording. Question: How many of them have nurtured, brought up, co-signed or otherwise passed the torch? Why or why not?

It seems alot of them have fallen into this space in the culture where oldheads just watch or are disconnected. I know Premiere works with a select few, and I'm glad. He's also somewhat relevant for it, actually. Where as someone like KRS, who is a voice somewhat (mainstream/ in general) but is still irrelevant to the majority. If he had a successor that was active, and out here, would he be more relevant? Can I get some examples that confirm or deny my theory?

 

[LouBez]

I think this one of the differences/problems with hip hop today. The microwave generation waits for a hand out while the men you speak of built their brand on their own. This is why the south has done so well over the past 14 years, the go getter mentality, building something from nothing. While the format up top was to get co signed by a major act. What these new artists need to do is try to put out that torch.

 

[Ozmosis]

I can't remember where but Ice Cube said he used to try to work with younger acts, but they dont want to listen and think its owed to them. He said they would come to him for help, but instead of taking his advice they want to debate with him.

 

[Sucio]

I recall something like that with cube, as well. No one is owed anything.......the more people realize that the better.....I'm actually working with a kid on music.....he comes to me for advice on making music....so I give him some tips and stuff.....but that's it, really

 

[thedreampolice]

but they dont want to listen and think its owed to them. He said they would come to him for help, but instead of taking his advice they want to debate with him.

You would not believe how bad this is. We fire studio interns all the time because of this crap, people need to understand that TALENT DOES NOT MATTER! In this business its all about who you know, people skills and networking. Get the book "How to win friends and influence people" That will take you farther than knowing PT in and out.

The people that have been in the game a long time are just sick of this crap, so they don't deal with it anymore.

 

[Quality]

You would not believe how bad this is. We fire studio interns all the time because of this crap, people need to understand that TALENT DOES NOT MATTER! In this business its all about who you know, people skills and networking. Get the book "How to win friends and influence people" That will take you farther than knowing PT in and out.

The people that have been in the game a long time are just sick of this crap, so they don't deal with it anymore.

Great recommendation, that book does wonders..


As far as older cats staying relevant, the only one that comes to mind is Snoop Dogg, who has always been recognized as one of the top in the game and still getting radio play. He has done that through always staying up to speed production and lyrical wize, and doesn't do the same type of shit over n over. He stays continuously involved with tons of live late night shows, and is always making appearances whenever he can.

I could see acting potentially keepin interest in older cats..

 

[Ozmosis]

Ice Cube

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/...lains-why-he-refuses-to-work-with-new-rappers

 

[UNORTHODOX]

I feel yall on the "You gotta build from the ground up", cause I believe it myself. Build your house yourself and its your completly, you get full credit. But what about after you are established (someone like red cafe)? Is it cool to have a "mentor"(Like JayZ to JCole)? Can you keep a older generation cat relevant that way?

As far as older cats staying relevant, the only one that comes to mind is Snoop Dogg, who has always been recognized as one of the top in the game and still getting radio play. He has done that through always staying up to speed production and lyrical wize, and doesn't do the same type of shit over n over. He stays continuously involved with tons of live late night shows, and is always making appearances whenever he can.

Agreed! Snoop has MASTERED staying relevant! I think its because he's so chill and he never tried to command attention through hype (Vocally). If he did he'd be that old guy tryna seem young. But he's allowed space for him to saty chill (Like Jayz, who just had to change his subject matter alittle)

 

[Sucio]

IIs it cool to have a "mentor"(Like JayZ to JCole)?

It's that Jay-z saw something great in him, in talent as well as in the business aspect...thus decided to mentor him....

 

[UNORTHODOX]

right! so the question becomes, how much has JCole helped JayZ's relevancy? if at all.... Probably the latter... maybe not. I'm thinking out loud now lol

It's that Jay-z saw something great in him, in talent as well as in the business aspect...thus decided to mentor him....

 

[UNORTHODOX]

Revisiting this thread, I feel like the older heads should def try to mentor someone. It would be a good look for hiphop. (or maybe they are, but the right piece is missing. Just thinking out loud again lol)

 

[dacalion]

Theres a select few that care imo, I think that todays mentality is all about self. The olds heads should reach out to the new generation but at the same time, the new gens should have an open mind and be willing to learn and grow. I feel like this even applies to our community right here, not just signed artist.

What kills me is when the old heads gripe over todays music but where are they? If they're gonna publicly talk ish about the new heads then they need to be out there helping them and offering guidance, or else stfu!

Back to our community...if the old heads aren't providing ish like tutorials, info or sharing knowledge then we shouldn't even complain. Just sit back and watch it all fall apart. We (the old heads) need to be talking, communicating and giving these new cats tips and encouraging them constantly... on the other side...the new cats need to stop being shy or whatever...ask questions, speak out, get involved.

Newbies - you cats are the future, if you guys like ILL, you need to be getting involved. Get a VIP, ILL4LIFE, or THE VAULT account. That will do atleast 2 things...It will open a whole new world of info and access to you and it will guarantee you another day at ILL. The least you can do is click ads...just support your spot.

 

[Ominous]

I'm still too busy trying to catch fire to be passing a torch. I don't feel worthy enough to mentor anyone, LOL.

 

[UNORTHODOX]

Dac: agreed and agreed. On the digital side, its not like we can all have a sit down and rap and build repore with each other either. Digital is tough for the new, shy, or uninterested. Some people are intimidated and others just arent interested unless your are physically present.

Actually, that applies to the music side as well

Omni: I understand completely

 

[dacalion]

After reading what I said earlier, it sounds like a rant...lol. Everybody needs to be involved in some way, some of us don't have the means to be here all the time and I understand that totally. Any info or contribution would be good at this point in the game though. The key to the success or failure of anything is mainly the body of it. If the body isn't functioning correctly, everything eventually shuts down. I don't want to see that happen to hip hop or illmuzik...just sayin...

 

[Sucio]

Well these days mentors aren't really "needed".... You don't need someone to really co-sign you to make it......the dirty south movement is a prime example.... It's about hustle hustle grind grind hustle hustle grind grind. They of course bring people with them......(gucci mane bringing up waka flocka)

But they aren't bringing up YOUNGER people...they are just bringing up their people...J-Cole mentored by Jay-z is a different example because Jay is such a prominent name in entertainment, not just music...So for him to co-sign anyone is a big deal. Dr Dre with Em, 50, etc...because Dre was a huge name in entertainment, not just music even though these people have gotten where they were through music.

Artists these days aren't around long enough to bring up anyone of a different generation because their careers are very short.....Now if 10 years from now Lil Wayne brings up someone, then they may get that play because Lil Wayne is such a huge name and has been around for a while....and during that time he's been up at the top for most of that time... Also these artists have been around enough to affect MORE than just one generation of listeners.....

We were all fans of Dr. Dre (for the most part) in the 90s.....It's 2011...and Dre is still popular...as well as Jay/Wayne....so the fact that they've been known for so long and had so many fans, people will accept those who these artists bring up...they've developed that credibility to the listeners because of the amount of success they've achieved....

I help out those younger than me if they have questions, if they are having issues with music and getting their music out there and things like that.....I'm really a nobody but from the time I've been at this, I've learned a lot of things and I feel that I would be doing hip-hop a disservice if I didn't pass at least something to someone who is on the come up....even though I didn't know anyone who's been doing this before me, so in turn learned a lot on my own and from my peers...but here I am being offered that opportunity...this is also how you're able to out live yourself..because what you've given to someone can be used to help someone, even after you're gone.

 

[dacalion]

I disagree and here's why...

Maybe the word "Mentor" is confusing...it means "serve as a teacher or trusted counselor". The way "in" is through a labels A&R Department which stands for - Artist & Repertoire whose responsibility is to scout and develope (counsel) their artist into something marketable. That process is BEFORE getting signed which means that you have to not only convince the A&R that you're ready but the label has to cosign with them. Thats almost as big as hitting the lottery!

The Dirty South's success was based more on a movement sparked by The Goody Mob, Outcast and a few others. Their success came from doing songs for other artist who in turn "spoke for them" (mentored/counseled). The rest is history but even still, they "needed" and got a foot in the door which opened doors for the other artist that came up behind them.