3 posts tagged “jay-z”
The heat might smother you...
Last night I was listening to Your Mac Life. Shawn King brought up the news story about Jay-Z not wanting to sell his new album, American Gangster, on iTunes because it's a concept album and wants it sold and promoted that way (instead of by single download). I quickly realized that I was the minority voice (in more ways than one) as the chat room chatter turned to slams on Jay-Z and rap music on a whole. The repeated rant of a respected colleague (and friend) was "HE'S A GREEDY BASTARD!" I'm sorry you feel that way, Lesa. I know many share the sentiment, whether it's him or Metallica (they get the same complaint so there's no reason to play the race card as someone suggested). After seeing her post that over and over it got me thinking about something...
Flash back about three years ago to the advent of the iTunes Music Store. As a Mac enthusiast, I remember the excitement of seeing my favorite musician or band's label make the decision to add the artist's catalog to iTunes. While I usually had most of the catalog it was cool to have access to alternative mixes and tracks. When new albums became available at the same time as the retail chains we all thought it was cool that the labels decided to do that. Flash ahead to present day and the scene has changed so drastically. Now there are singles released on iTunes that aren't available anywhere else. For many, iTunes IS the way to purchase music. I know of at least five people who haven't bought a CD in two years. I also know people of the other end of the spectrum, who have never bought anything on iTunes because of the lack of availability of certain indie labels. And they're OK with that too. Somewhere along the line, especially among those of us who listen to popular music, we have come to demand the availability of music in iTunes. For proof just Google search "Beatles on iTunes" and enjoy over 2 million hits of expectation and anticipation. The way I see it, if Jay-Z was truly "greedy" he would exploit his artistic work for every penny possible, making it available to every venue possible in every form. He actually has the ability to do that since he is the CEO of his recording label. But he chose not to do so because he wanted people to experience a modern day concept album. If you're not a rap music fan it must be hard to see it as an art form compared to "insert your favorite genre of music here." Not growing up listening to classic rock, metal, and country I felt the same way before taking the time to listen with an open ear and mind. And when compared to classic concept albums like Pink Floyd's The Wall and The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band it may even seem trivial. But isn't the decision still in the hands of the labels, let alone the artist? Personally, I had no problem spending the same $9.99 at Best Buy for the CD, bringing it home, ripping it to iTunes, and syncing it to my iPod. Different "experience," same result. I just don't see what the big deal is.
Now if you want to talk greedy, let's talk baseball and Alex Rodriguez...
Last night as I stopped to get gas in the hood (KCMO) I was blasting my iPod and playing this song, cause that's how I roll...
