Rap Attack Rap Attack Rap Attack Rap Attack Attack Attack Attack.............
Was in the house so I got the chance to listen to the whole show. It appears that they are trying out a new format (w/ segments - call ins/shout outs [
I heard you Horseman Ent and Welding Productions], musical flashback, independent spotlight, etc).....ME LIKE!
The even have a new slogan.....I don't remember it doh....sorry!
LOL!I also think that last night was an anniversary of some kind - 10 years maybe? Has Rap Attack been on that long? If so....I would have expected the Anniversary show to have waaaay more pomp and circumstance, but oh well.......
So that I am not accused of being a complete
HATER...
LOL!
I definitely think Cinnamixx adds something different to the show. She appears to be knowlegable about all the latest industry gossip, has a quick wit (she got jokes!) and seems real (and not an uninformed female voice - I MEAN, the show is called
RAP ATTACK). Keep up the good work!!! I see that she is effectively integrating herself into all thing "BMORE"....they even got ole gurl hosting Choices....she is a REAL trooper!!! I wonder does club music get on her nerves...LOL! Like she would really tell.
Back to the show:
one segment in particular will be of particular importance to all Baltimore MCs. The name of the segment is escaping me, but.......... NOW each week they will do a spotlight a local act. I did not hear the part about where you should send you materials (sorry - I'm not a rapper), but they went on for a few minutes about the jacked up condition (and/or unorthodox circumstances under which people try to pass them off to radio staff people - SOMEONE TRIED TO GIVE PORK CHOP A CD WHEN HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR THROAT SURGERY) of a lot of people's press kits or "consideration packets" ( I'm calling it that because.....I only met one rapper in B'More with an official press kit. Most folk will give you a CD and a bio - Maybe.). My advice to all of you......PUT THE WORK THE IN!!!! One part of a press kit is PRESS.....go figure. Getting favorable press requires work! (That's if you don't want to pay for it! Please note, most press agencies are on the up and up, but there is alway$ away to make things happen) A press kit is a representation of the kind of artist you want people to think you are ...how serious are you about furthering your career.....Did you care enough to have it professionally prepared, etc. When you present information in a systematic and professional fashion it is more likely to be considered. I would assume that 92 Q will have to build in some kind of system to weed out potential acts....so if you knew like I know....don't let your press kit be the thing that takes you out of the running - EARLY!!!!
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Last night's feature was B'More vets and world renowned recording artists Blank Man and Neil Norris of
PX (STREET LEGAL ENTERTAINMENT -
HOOD THERAPY IN ALL MUSIC STORES NOW!!!). Everything went well...the guys did an excellent job! Each (once the interview was underway....and each knew who was going to talk first....LOL!) proved himself to be excellent spokesman. It was very refreshing to listen to an artist talk about his project in clear English. Slang is fine, but under some circumstances, it is more important that you message or plea is understood and not washed out in a sea of yaddamean. Plus...that would have been out of character for them and that is THE ABSOLUTE WORSE....dressing like a punk rocker, cussing for no reason or using an excessive amount of slang for any reason other than BECAUSE YOU DO IT ALL THE TIME. I really liked the song they selected....It has a real FUN old school feel and kinda reminds me of an old B'More club song, but since I am not sure if that was their intention. Only recently has a Baltimore Hip Hop song being compared to a Club song become praise......it was tantamount to calling his music "gay" (<-------- that is a serious infraction)
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If I had a complaint to make.....the interview was conducted over the phone.
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That was different...in the past, if there are going to have an act/guest on the show.....they are in-studio.
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I think this set up leaves a little to be desired. Let me say up front.....
BIG UPS to the station for giving local artists this shot. This is what folk have been asking for, for the longest time. My complaints are not to belittle the progress.....
quite the contrary I offer them because I am opinionated and because I have something to say about everything.
IMO the studio gives the artists the opportunity to develop their public persona and it also helps them to become more comfortable with delivering sound bites. In studio interviews are essential to artist development. How well you respond on the fly can exponentially affect your bottom line (
money). Look at how 50 responded to Cam......some may argue that Cam got out on him or that he didn't get into Cam's
derriere the way he should have....well....because he is a master of manipulation....he knew he could get a bigger bang for his buck by
not carrying it like the norm (cussing fussing....responding with several equally annoying
CAMERON'S)....and those of us that love this stuff and
know 50's MO (
modus operandi) were sitting back like I knoooooooooooooooooow this is not over. So he took an opportunity in the spotlight and stretched it out for days......That is what he always does. I'm sure that he was not always the best interviewee , but now.....IMO 50 is one of the best MCs to do it. If you listen to the recent interview with Angie Mar....she was like,
"you look like you were gettin heated over there are few times" and 50 admitted that he was, but as a listener of the interview I must note, his voice never wavered or gave any indication that he was being thrown off of his course or that he was pissed.
That takes finesse. This skill is practiced. This guy's interview etiquette should be a model. I
never heard 50 use excessive slang while being interviewed. I've never heard 50 raise his voice come to think of it.
If anything...his interview demeanor makes me think that perhaps we are the ones
not in on the joke. 50 knows he is an entertainer......the
big bad gangster rapper is a
big bad gangster persona - he saves it for the records and talks when its time to communicate what he is selling. Most of the in-studio interviews I've accompanied folk to were fun and that Im sure that came across to the listeners. If the interviews are going to be taped I would suggest coming up with a question or something that will make the artist prove that he/she is not a puppet or scared....
LOL! what's up with all these scared and nervous rappers.
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Big Ups to Rodd Madd Flavor, Cinnamixx & Supa DJ Big L!!! I was feeling the music this also!!! Waaaay to add some real (I mean, East Coast) Hip Hop! He he! Big Ups to Skarr Akbar!!! His Rap Attack intro is HOT!!! <----- one of the best I've ever heard.
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