Drake isn’t ashamed to say he writes his rhymes and also says look out for upcoming collab with KiD CuDi and tracks Wayne and Kanye & Wayne and Jeezy, before his album Thank Me Later comes out.

    Welcome to Real Men DON’T Cry!!! The informative column designed to provide insight for ALL artists who have decided that Music is their favorite form of expression. I’d like to thank all the people who have supported this column. As long as you click here we’re going to bring you THE REAL!!!

    Nas said it best on “Represent” by rapping, ”Sometimes the Rap Game reminds me of the Crack Game!!!” If that’s the case then the “Writer’s Block” has to be one of the most lucrative drug strips in this game. “Writer’s Block” is just a metaphorical term for publishing. What is publishing? Why is it important? Well I definitely will have to do this subject in parts to cover this vast territory of income but let’s start with the fundamentals.

    For most, artist publishing is the equivalent to having a 401K (Which musicians do not qualify for). After getting an advance (which by the way is nothing more than a Loan) one of the main revenue streams for an artist is publishing. Publishing is accrued by the amount times a record is played on the radio or broadcast live to the public (This would be considered Performance Rights) and how many times it is physically manufactured such as CD’s ,streaming and DOWNLOADS (These would all fall under mechanical royalties). In order to receive checks for publishing you must set up a publishing company. There are 3 Major Performance Rights Societies for which you can set up your Publishing Company. They are BMI (That’s where I’m registered!!!),ASCAP & SESAC. They pay either quarterly or every 6 months depending on which one you choose.

    When you participate in the creation of a recording as a producer or songwriter you are entitled to publishing. A record is based on the theory of 100% in which you have the Writer’s share and the Producer’s share. Each party, provided there are no samples, is entitled to 50% each. Now if you have a situation where there are multiple writers then they have to split the Writer’s share and usually the Producer’s share would go untouched. If there were multiple producers and the artist wrote the record alone then the producers would have to split the Producer’s share. When a Producer uses Samples that’s when publishing becomes a Math problem. When you use a “Sample” you’re bringing in a Third Party who has the right to demand a certain percentage of a song. I’ll give you an example of what I’m talking about. On “DayJob” I had a song Kanye produced called “Don’t Forget’Em” in which the artist he sampled demanded 80% of the record which left us with 20% to split. I loved this record so I accepted those terms although I knew it would cut into my profit margin. Don’t get me wrong! If a joint with a SAMPLE is going to get you a HIT then jump on it. You’d rather have 10 or 15% of a Million then 50% of a DUD!!!

    I look forward to divulging into this vast subject in the weeks to come. Publishing is one the most important areas of the Music Business that an artist should be informed about. In this day & age it is vital that we understand HOW 2 GET PAID!!!

For the latest Consequence updates & info
Itsthecons.com
Myspace.com/Cons
Beat Submissions Consfromqueens@gmail.com

This week our Video Installment of Real Men DON’T Cry!!!
“Respect The DJ” features the Legendary Kid Capri

This week on Cons TV
We bring you Exclusive Behind The Scenes Footage
 “The Making Of Disperse”
Consequence’s NEW Video featuring GLC & Really Doe
The 7th Video off Don’t Quit Your DayJob

There will be plenty of SURPRISES in this one!!!

Don’t Quit Your DayJob
In Stores & Online NOW!!!

My in depth interview with newly signed Def Jam/Island R&B group Electric Red. Behind the scenes footage from N.E.R.D.’s Everybody Nose Remix video shoot after the jump!

My in depth interview with MTV’s own Sway!!! We talk about the article titled “Valleys & Peaks”.

Welcome to Real Men DON’T Cry!!! This is the informative guide for ALL artists who are attempting to navigate their way through the waters of the biggest cultural tidal wave in the field of entertainment, Hip Hop!!! I’d like to thank everyone who has followed and supported this column. It is my hope that whatever topic is being discussed “turns on a light bulb” in someone’s head and helps them to further the development of their artistry.

The 2 creative elements that keep the art form of Hip Hop music bound together are the “MC” and the “DJ”. If you do your research you will see Hip Hop was actually conceived by a DJ (Shout out to Kool Herc) so it is inconceivable to have one without the other. During the inception of Hip Hop, every rapper or rap crew had a DJ.

Think about it? The Furious Five had Flash,Rakim had Eric B.,The Fresh Prince had Jazzy Jeff, The Juice Crew had Marley Marl and the list goes on & on. Then as time moved forward we had the introduction of the “Mixtape Era” where DJ’s became the tastemakers for what the streets wanted & needed to hear. I feel that can say I came up in the “Golden Age” of the Mixtape DJ. The first Mixtape I ever heard was released by DJ Kid Capri (shout to Kid Capri who is one of my mentors) and he set the standard. But there was fierce competition! You had my man DJ Ike Love (who mentored DJ Clue & Irv Gotti to name a few) Ron G., Doo Woop, Clark Kent, Tony Touch, Dogg Time,Dirty Harry and that was just New York. All the DJ’s from this time period (1985-1995) brought so many “Classics” to the table that my generation became spoiled.

A “real” DJ provides many services that an artist should take advantage of. When I was in the beginning stages of becoming an MC, I had DJ’s like Ike Love, D-Lyfe, Koo-Fresh, Boo Da Barber& Brother Bill willing to give me guidance. At one time or another I sat in each one of their homes and got a chance to “dig in the crates”. For me this was a very important process in honing my skills as rapper, songwriter and producer. IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO STUDY!!! “Diggin’ In The Crates” essentially serves as a way to refresh your love for music. It jogs your memory and reacquaints you with the reasons why you loved a particular record in the first place. It even helps you to hear something that you may have never noticed was a part of a recording. The dope thing about something “Classic” is that it can always be pointed to as a source of “Inspiration”.

The DJ’s role in the formation and evolution of Hip Hop has definitely always been pivotal. DJ’s have gone on to become A&R’s,Producers and Artists. In my opinion, I will say that there is a difference between a DJ & a Politican. You have some folks who are in the game assuming the role of a DJ but they are truly Politicians. There is nothing wrong with using nepotism , influence or strategy to further your cause. I could be wrong but to me as a DJ ,from the ones I know personally, above personal gain is the love of the record that they’re spinning (This statement doesn’t apply to time slotted DJ who have to answer to Program Directors. That would be a whole column on it’s own!!!) Being a DJ in retrospect is a SELFLESS job. You really set out to make others enjoy themselves as well as help dictate to the public who you feel are the PRESENT & FUTURE SUPERSTARS. It is DEFINITELY the MC’s job to give DJ something worth playing whether it’s a Hot single,freestyle or LP for that matter. I would like to say thank you to ALL the DJ’s who continue to promote records and artists that they genuinely feel are “saying something”. You guys are the ones who help us as artists “G.et O.ut O.ur D.reams” and for that I say RESPECT!!!

For all the latest Consequence updates & info
Itsthecons.com
Myspace.com/Cons

This week’s video installment of Real Men DON’T Cry!!!
“Art Of The Deal Pt.1” featuring Sha Money XL

This week is “Deep In The South Week” on Cons TV via Kyte
Featured guests include Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Bun B.,Rich Boy plus many more…

Don’t Quit Your DayJob
In Stores & Online NOW!!!

The Cons Vol.6”King Of Queens”
July 2008

“Disperse” Video
July 2008

“Q.U.E. Another E.N.S.” Video
July 2008

Blonde Of The Week
Hosted by Consequence
Jenthepenbitches.blogspot.com

Band Camp Records
COMING Fall 2008

Three21 Films Present…
Inside A Change
Feature Film & Soundtrack
COMING 2009

Consequence NEW LP
“You Win Some, You Lose Some”
October 2008

It’s The Cons Fool
WORD!!!

My in depth interview with Money Management’s own Sha Money XL. We discuss some of the deals he cut for G-Unit outside of Music.

Welcome to Real Men DON’T Cry!!! The informative column for ALL artists attempting to find stability in the equivalent to a Crap Table for creative people. You guessed it, the Music Industry! I like to thank all the artists, DJ’s, execs & bloggers who have embraced this column and its intention with open arms.

This week my secret word has to be “Entitlement”. I was having a conversation with a couple of colleagues and I brought up the word “Entitlement”. I said, “Personally, I’d rather a person be jealous of me then feel like they had the right to feel some sense of entitlement”. On The Firm’s “Affirmative Action” AZ said it best ,” Niggaz don’t understand the 4 devils! Lust, Envy, Hate & Jealousy”. Well if those 4 devils were the Lions then “Entitlement” would be their version Voltron. Because a person who with a sense of “Entitlement” will let one of these devils cause them to WRONG you and believe that they were RIGHT to do it. People seem to think that in the Music Business if your man is “poppin” that there should be a trickle down effect. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but that time has come and gone. You have to WORK!!! It’s NOT “Hollywood” if your guy doesn’t want to baby sit you and your career. In the current state of the business nobody can afford to hold another artist hand unless it’s a “sure bet”.

Well what makes an artist a “sure bet”? There are a few attributes that you can see in yourself and others that will let you know if a “career” is realistically on the horizon. “They say your ATTITUDE determines your LATITUDE” as stated by Ye. Your attitude towards your business is reflective in the initiative you take to show people your value. If you’re too busy worried about why someone hasn’t done this, that & the 3rd for you, ultimately you will end up watching the game slip right out your hands. By the same token if you are diligent enough to remain consistent through whatever circumstances, people will eventually have to honor what you bring to the table. In this game everybody is watching everybody but the smart people are the ones who OBSERVE (That means to study!!!)

What really irks me is when a MFer starts feeling like they should receive the “Star Treatment” before they have accomplished anything. There are a lot of “upstarts” who have this “come-up” shit twisted. If your man gives you a “look” you should be grateful. But some rappers think that once that happens they should get the crown by default. Sorry fam!!! This is a gladiator sport and you only get the crown by earning it. When you’re attempting to elevate your career there is NO room for an EGO. Allah bless his soul, my man Shaka used to have a saying, “Individually, sacrifices have to be made in order to attain greater GOALS”. Meaning, there will be times where your pride has to play the back burner if you want to achieve the things your heart truly desires.

The reality is no one OWES anyone anything in this life. Whatever you stumble upon to help through your journey is a BLESSING. It’s our job to take what we are blessed with and nurture it into something long lasting. I only want what I EARNED and not what I DESERVE. To all my upcoming creative people never lose sight of the fact that “Hard Work Pays Off”!!!

For all the latest Consequence updates & info:
Itsthecons.com
Myspace.com/cons

This week is Summer Jam Week on Cons TV
Featured guests include Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy ,Busta Rhymes, N.O.R.E. plus many more!!!

Don’t Quit Your DayJob
In Stores & Online NOW!!!

The Cons Vol.6 “King Of Queens”
COMING SOON!!!

“Disperse” Video
COMING SOON!!!

“Q.U.E. Another E.N.S.” Video
COMING SOON!!!

“Job Song” Video
COMING SOON!!!

The Natives Are RESTLESS Mix CD
July 2008

Job Training DVD ”The Making of Don’t Quit Your DayJob”
Fall 2008

Paula, Patrick, Rik & Raymond ARE Band Camp
Band Camp Records COMING Fall 2008

Three21 Films Present…
Inside A Change
Feature Film & Soundtrack
COMING 2009

Consequence NEW ALBUM
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Hits Stores This Summer!!!

It’s The Cons Fool
WORD!!!

Welcome to Real Men DON’T Cry!!! Which is the informative self-help guide for ALL artist who are attempting to secure a position in this financial funnel we know to be “Hip-Hop”. As I have stated in the past, my sole intention for doing this column is to help those who may involuntarily have a blindfold on. It is my hope that there is SOMETHING in these entries that help you to OPENS YOUR EYES!!!

This particular entry “Valleys & Peaks” is one that hits home for me. I first heard this term from my brother Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Ali always was the one who kept me grounded during my days with Tribe. I knew I was skipping the line by joining the group and he would remind me of that fact when it was necessary. I always took it with a grain of salt because of their storied “Industry” experiences. He would always say, ”This game is filled with valleys & peaks. Little brother you haven’t been through NOTHING yet!” I’m glad he did because it always served as a reminder to never severe my ties “In The Hood”.

The allure of the music business is the perception that the unattainable is attainable. One verse, cameo or record can “make you a celebrity over night”. In the wink of an eye the average “Joe” can become the landing strip for flies aka “The Shit”. There is no course in high school or college to prepare you for how it will affect your psyche. For some it is the fuel to rise to another level and for others it becomes the plateau they always wanted to acquire in order to look down on others. But what happens when that song gets old? Or that video is no longer in rotation? And the PHONE STOPS RINGING??? It is the inevitable in this business. Once you get that LOOK you now are under the microscope!!! (By the fans,the haters, the chicks, your friends, the bloggers and even the broke MFers. That’s just the game !!!) But once you get a taste of “The Life” how can you live any other way? Well how you move from that point will determine how you are perceived for the rest of your career.

If anybody could speak on this topic it’s definitely ME. I went from the highs of recording and touring with Tribe to basically starting from scratch. That’s an extreme shift!!! I’ve never ranted about my situation with Tribe because I am a student of the game. A teacher can only teach after being a student. If I didn’t allow myself to learn then I would be the cause of my own discontinued growth. When I opted to walk away from Tribe I was definitely in “The Valley” but having scaled such a huge mountain at such a young age (By being in Beats,Rhymes & Life in the first place) I was confident that without a grappling hook, so to speak, I could do it again. Yes, what took 2 years the first time took 10 years the next time but was well worth it. This is because when I connected with Kanye I valued every opportunity that came my way. Whether it was something successful (Spaceship) or some bullshit (They Say…) I embraced it, learned from it and continued to climb. When it came time to climb Mt. Everest aka Sony, all the preparation and careful notes I had had embedded in my brain up until March 6th 2007 would help me to pull off the IMPOSSIBLE. I swear to ALLAH if it wasn’t for what I went through in the past, “DayJob” would have never seen the light of day. I will admit I’m a writer but NOT a reader. The one book I have read over and over is the Quran. This book’s sole purpose is to embody the reader with wisdom.( Which makes it a GIFT) There is a passage in the Quran that says something to the affect of, “Do you think that you will say that you are believers and NOT be tested”. On a religious level that means if you say you believe in God be sure that Satan will test you various ways. If you believe in yourself (abilities) then know you’re going to be tested by obstacles & adversity. The jewel is if your heart is truly dedicated then you will reach your goal no matter what the circumstances.

In my opinion every “Valley” is the pathway to a “Peak”. Without struggle there is NO true success. The one virtue that will get you through “The Valley” in Music Industry is consistency. If you’re a writer then no matter what happens knock out a song as often as possible. If you’re a rapper never be content with one HOT verse. If you direct never let anything block your imagination. If you’re a blogger post that exclusive before anybody else gets their grubby hands on it! And if you’re Cons then finish your 2nd Album already!!!

Check out Real Men DON’T Cry!!!
This week’s Video Installment
“Hit The Road Jack” featuring Chrisette Michele
Next week’s entry “Art Of The Deal”

For all the latest Consequence updates & info:
Itsthecons.com
Myspace.com

Check out my Kyte Channel “It’s The Cons TV”
This week’s features include P. Diddy,Beyonce,Jay-Z,John Legend plus many more…

Don’t Quit Your DayJob
In Stores & Online NOW!!!

“Disperse” Video COMING SOON!!!
“Q.U.E. Another E.N.S.” Video COMING SOON!!!
“Job Song” Video COMING SOON!!!

The Cons Vol.6 “King Of Queens”
June 2008

The Natives Are RESTLESS Mix CD
July 2008

Job Training DVD “The Making of Don’t Quit Your DayJob”
Fall 2008

Paula, Patrick, Rik & Raymond are Band Camp
Band Camp Records Coming Fall 2008

Three21 Films Present…
Inside A Change
Feature Film & Soundtrack
Coming 2009
Consequence NEW Album
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Hits Stores This SUMMER!!!

It’s The Cons Fool
WORD!!!

The Video Installment of my self help column Real Men DON’T Cry!!! This entry “Hit The Road Jack” features Chrisette Michele.

Welcome to Real Men DON’T Cry!!! This is the informative self-help guide for ALL artists who are intent on making an IMPACT in the Music Industry. I’d like to thank all the bloggers across the Internet for your positive feedback regarding this column. The sole intention behind this column is “pass-on” some of the insight I have been privy to as an artist to those coming up in this game. It is my hope that any thing that is picked & applied in these entries helps alleviate some of the frustrations that artists are unfortunately subjected to.

The term “Global Warming” is in partly defined as “an increase in the world’s temperatures”. Well if you were to apply this term to branding an artist you could say “an increase in temperature for an artist around the world”. How can you get HOT around the world when most NEW artist never have traveled outside of the HOOD??? And how can you generate a buzz across the Earth without having the ability to physically move about? You can answer these questions with one acronym “www”.

That’s right the World Wide Web better known as the “Internet” has given us the ability to have access to the world with the press of a button. There was a time when your music couldn’t reach people in Africa, Asia, The Americas, Europe or Australia unless you were a BIG enough act to be booked in these places or months after the initial release of your LP when it was finally distributed there. As an artist when you make a record or record a freestyle, customarily, you want as many people to hear it when you release it as possible. In the past when labels would service a single they would have what is called a “Mailing List”. The list would be composed of prominent DJ’s & Taste Makers that they would mail either 12” vinyl or CD’s to. The method is still utilized which leads me to ask the question. What happens to guy who’s NOT a priority at the label? Does he sit back and hope that eventually somehow his Product Manager will get a budget APPROVED that will enable the Radio Promo Dept. to press up “X” amount of CD’s to service to the Mailing List which may or may not be even concurrent. The hard truth is that there only a few recording artist who make untimely coded music. Most records are reflective to the time period in which they are made. The beauty of the web is a gift & a curse. Nobody can stop you from attaining access to it as long as you have a computer. With so many sites that post music you can literally reach tens of thousands, if not millions, as soon as you post online. The detriment though is that once a song is online it’s essential out there. Bare in mind you always want to time your looks in order maximize the most of out that moment. The worst thing to do in this business is to throw away a hit!

It is NEW day for artist across the board. You have to be a member of the online community. As you can see by the climate of the music business people are NOT buying into artist they don’t trust. To trust is to have a familiarity with a person to the point you can let your guard down. You want your followers to be so acquainted with the movement that they “TRUST” when they buy your album they won’t be let down. Societal sites such as Myspace, Facebook, Imeem and others are great breeding grounds for Fans to become engaged with you and what you bring to the table. I wish someone would have been kind enough to tell me the RAW while I was working on “DayJob”.

Fuck it!!!

“You Win Some, You Lose Some”

Look forward to the latest video installment of Real Men DON’T Cry!!!
“Hit The Road Jack” featuring Chrisette Michele

For all the latest Consequence updates & info
Itsthecons.com
Myspace.com/Cons
It’s The Cons TV via YouTube

Check out my Kyte Channel “It’s The Cons TV”
This week’s features include Lupe Fiasco, Chad Johnson, Chris Brown & DJ Khaled

Blonde Of The Week
Hosted by Consequence
Jenthepenbitches.blogspot.com

Don’t Quit Your DayJob
In Stores & Online NOW!!!

The Cons Vol.6 “King Of Queens”
June 2008

The Natives Are Restless Mix CD
July 2008

Job Training DVD “The Making of Don’t Quit Your DayJob”
Fall 2008

Paula, Patrick, Rik & Raymond are Band Camp
Band Camp Records Coming Fall 2008

Three21 Films Present…
Inside A Change
Feature Film & Soundtrack
Coming 2009

Consequence NEW Album
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Hits Stores This SUMMER!!!

It’s The Cons Fool
WORD!!!