What I See - March⁰⁷ by D2Nott

March madness, with the NCAA tournament coming and going and album releases from some familiar names as well as some new faces in the game. Becoming somewhat disinterested in an industry that is now based on gimmicks and album sales more than the actual music. Feeling something like Common, "I used to Love Her". Amongst all the rumors and speculations there are many artists still making good music and making business decisions to put them in a class all their own, moving past the stereotypes and category of just being rappers and poets. Its to the point that everyone wants to rap now, even Tony Parker is taking a shot at it.

On a more serious note, this month had its share of surprises and great moments in and out of the booth. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the first rap group to be honored, is a major stepping stone and helps lead the way for many of the rappers we look up to today. See the article Grandmaster Rocks the Hall for more information and background on this historic group. What other Hip Hop (Rap) groups are worthy of such an honor?

With rappers getting arrested or in the news every other day for one thing or another, the game itself might be in trouble. Major names such as T.I., Ludacris, Jay-Z and others showing up in commercials; now the object of the game is to make money. That's good as long as the integrity of the music is not compromised to make a quick dollar. Transitioning the game from street level hustles to money making machines. Putting yourself in position for a move is better than being caught off guard. I've even heard a statement saying that "Hip Hop is the new Disco." Not that I agree but a valid point still. Everyone has a story, what makes yours worth hearing, more than someone elses?

Whatever the case may be, the game provides an outlet for expression. The privileged few that get their message out should not only use it to make money and to gain fame but to educate and even put people up on game. Everyone seems to be a thug now. Like Jay-Z said, "Now you got these young cats acting like they slung cats. All in they dumb raps talking about how they funds stack". Ludacris provides the template for making money in the track "Tell It Like It Is" from Release Therapy; get your pencil out time for some quick schoolin: entertainment lawyer, own company, trademark, bank account, sign yourself, record, mix and master music, press, sell in your own hood and out your trunk; show all those non-believers what you destine for!! Go buy the album if you want the lesson with sound effects. For anyone who wants to be in the music business, some educate will help you keep a few more dollars, and that makes sense (Road To Rap Game Riches).

Speaking of making money, Jay-Z has agreed to sell the Rocawear clothing brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million in cash. Then Jay -Z will still oversee the brand, and remain in charge of all product development, licensing and marketing for Rocawear (Press Release details).

Young Jeezy's Thug Inspiration still in heavy rotation, along with The Drought 3, Lil Wayne's latest mixtape. The release of Biggies Greatest Hits earlier this month shed some light on where a lot of rappers get their styles from. Speaking of bringing New York back to the forefront of the rap industry the release of Mims, whose "this is why I'm hot" was at the top of the charts for a while should relate to decent album sales; don't hold your breathe though. Legendary producers Timberland and Swizz Beatz, along with southern pioneers UGK, 8ball & MJG and Devin the Dude are all scheduled to release albums soon. Young Buck's "Buck the World" is one of the most anticipated albums to be released. Sure to have a couple of bangers and look for the recent beef between him and Lil Wayne to boost album sales, you know how G-Unit does it. Lil Flip, DJ Khaled, Fabolous albums' are all scheduled to release soon just to name a few.

With March coming to and end, and Spring beginning, besides the faces, speculations and rumors changing the game stays the same but is ever-changing. With Hip Hop being more than money, hoes, cars and clothes there are more words that can be used to convey the messages.