Bulletin Board Archive

Topic: Growing Our Scene...

Mar 12, 2009 09:43pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
***PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a criticism geared towards anyone. If you interpret it to be such a thing, you either have not read the entirety of this post or you have been misled. If this were a criticism, I would be doing it to myself as well. In no way am I omniscient. I know there are numerous ideas. The purpose of this post is to express those ideas and find ways to bank on them in the spirit of community. If you disagree or agree please post*** You all know best, Kansas City Hip-Hop has come a long way. One can randomly cop an album whether that be on Dela, Atmosphere, Twista, Large Pro etc and can find a KC artist on it. That's remarkable. And to no extent are those KC artists being included the stretch of our success. In the sense that we are expanding musically and are collaborating is certainly key - and we have that DOWN - in growing our scene but it is only half of the battle. What we must continue to do, however, and with more force, is to involve more people into our art. I commend those who are doing just that but much more is needed. We cannot grow formidable in comparison to other cities if we continue the cycle of catering to an arbitrary group of a few hundred heads (who are mostly artists). Kansas City's metro has over 2,000,000 people. Why do KC Hip-Hop show's barely bring in single and double digits in terms of attendees? This must be addressed and acted upon. I've created a survey written specifically towards getting insight on how to fill this missing link. Although there are thousands in the city limits of Kansas City who are unaware of our local scene, this survey is geared more toward suburban dwellers of the metro who are in the age range of 15-35. If you have access to communicating with people in this demographic please have them take this quick 10-question survey: http://bit.ly/KChip-hop Three things that we MUST push for: [b:631f462d43]1. Either 18+ or All ages shows:[/b:631f462d43] Although some may have an aversion to the "kiddies" attending Hip-Hop shows, be it there apparent obliviousness, inability to buy alcohol, or giddiness, they ARE ABSOLUTELY VITAL in creating a scene/community. That same giddiness translates into other friends who hear about the scene and so on and so forth. We need that. The city of Kansas City does not appeal to the needs of families and the youth (sub-par school system mostly). Those kids are being averted to the outer-limits. THIS involvement can be an attraction to bring them back. I know that clubs/bars don't like the "kiddies" either because they can't make much money off of them because they can't buy alcohol. It is imperative that we meet them half way by providing wrist bands, stamps etc to prevent minors from attempting to buy alcohol while at the same time making sure that those who can buy alcohol are in the house with as much or more a vengeance of minors. It's not the minor's fault that the venue wasn't packed. [b:631f462d43]2. More aggressive marketing:[/b:631f462d43] We need more street teams, more time and more dedication. The loyal few, bless their righteous heart, can't do it all - especially with limited funding. Perhaps with the help of those minors and/or dedicated people with turf knowledge can remedy this void. We need to market OUTSIDE of the arbitrary bubbles of Westport and the HHKC community as well as continuing to do so in those bubbles also.. We need to hit the begrudged Power & Light District (I do see that progress has been made on this front recently) and put our attitudes aside. One of the best urban planners in America, Andres Duany, can attest to this. The draws of P&L, urbanity and walkability - the sense of community and human interaction - are what urban areas can provide best. Those folks are SEEKING culture. We need to capitalize and cater to them. It shouldn't stop there. We need to market to the suburbs. Those residents claim to live in Kansas City for a reason. They want to be a part of the urban environment. [b:631f462d43]3. Retention:[/b:631f462d43] An integral part of growing our scene is retaining those people. We can't just let them drift back to their previous life. Our art is life-CHANGING. We have to create an insatiable need. To do this we need to keep people looped. A lot of us actually do a terrific job of this by having ubiquitous presences on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and at social events around the city. What must happen, however, is much more interaction between "fans" and "artists", more effective integration of HHKC.com and other KC culture sites with tangible things: T-Shirts, Fliers, Banners, Tattoo (ha!), you name it. This can be gradual. But it must be apparent. This will add to the loop factor that is much needed. Now this may make some upset but it needs to be addressed. HiphopKC.com NEEDS to step into this millinium. If we are to attract new fresh blood and KEEP them we must maximize this resource and transform it into a web 2.0 site. As of now it looks like it's fresh out of Windows 95. These issues can be greatly expounded upon. That's what's needed. We need a coalition to meet the demands of a growing scene. The plaza has a team that determines every slight move of it's growth and transformation from store front facades to retail mixture - all in the name of growth and preservation of it's uniqueness. We need a diverse team of Hip-Hop figures to do so as well. Please PLEASE PLEASE feel free to ping pong about this subject. Time is a wasting and the train is moving. *** I'll post the results of the survey as they accumulate on here as well. Again, the link is: http://bit.ly/KChip-hop ****
Mar 12, 2009 11:38pm by MilkDrop - http://milkisrhyming.blogspot.com/ www.myspace.com/soulofmycity www.myspace.com/soulproviderscrew Location: First City, KS
The reason we don't have many if any all ages shows bc in the past that age group hasn't proved that they will come out and support a show at any venue. To alot of promoters and even emcees doing an all ages show has grown to be a waste of time and money. I myself would honestly be leery of performing at a show billed as all ages. Making anything less than gas money at a show is for the birds in my opinion. Hate to say it.
Mar 13, 2009 12:51am by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff... www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
here are some things to think about.... 1. The most interesting show lately have been with live instruments. Notice how much a band brings to your sound. (atmosphere with a band 2. More cross genre shows would tie in people who you might not be able to perform in front of. ( the dub step / ces cru show is a great example ) 3. Shows need to start on time...maybe i'm old but i think i you catch people at 10 with a good set instead of making them wait around till midnight you might start getting a good buzz that makes people want to get the show going on time. 4. All you scenesters between the age of 18 and 25...it's up to you to keep things moving. I've done what i can over the years...if you are interested in helping promote let people know that are doing shows or put together something cool yourselves...ha..let the old school heads rest...hahahaha 5. If you get on the mic and notice that half your audience went to smoke or get a drink, it's time to start working on a new hobby or step up the live show. 6. Tell your friends to come out and kick it and stop acting broke! hahaaha take that last one as you will....it's all good i like it when people bring up this topic every so often.
Mar 13, 2009 01:04am by _DEMENCHA_
A wise man once said on this board that this kind of thread gets regurgitated once a year on hhkc.com But in relation to what can be done to help grow the scene: I've noticed, just by selling magazines in venues and on the street, that a LOT of people are asking if there's a section in the zine for upcoming events. At this point, there's not (partially because we only publish quarterly and it's hard to get events mentioned in the zine that far in advance). But I refer them to this website, and tell them to come here to get the scoop on upcoming hip hop events. PROBLEM IS None of the people I have these types of conversations with have ever heard of hiphopkc.com. Therefore, I will be giving hiphopkc.com a free ad in the next issue of the zine. So next time when people get a copy and ask where they can find out about upcoming events, I can literally flip to the page and show them. Not saying that this is going to cure the scene or whatever, but it's just an attempt to put a small dent in this issue. PEACE
Mar 13, 2009 01:13am by _DEMENCHA_
[quote:d586951dc5]2. More cross genre shows would tie in people who you might not be able to perform in front of. ( the dub step / ces cru show is a great example ) [/quote:d586951dc5] Hopefully we'll be able to make another one of these happen, possibly this summer. [quote:d586951dc5]5. If you get on the mic and notice that half your audience went to smoke or get a drink, it's time to start working on a new hobby or step up the live show. [/quote:d586951dc5] WORD.
Mar 13, 2009 03:45am by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:02caf039ff="MilkDrop"]The reason we don't have many if any all ages shows bc in the past that age group hasn't proved that they will come out and support a show at any venue. To alot of promoters and even emcees doing an all ages show has grown to be a waste of time and money. I myself would honestly be leery of performing at a show billed as all ages. Making anything less than gas money at a show is for the birds in my opinion. Hate to say it.[/quote:02caf039ff] You're right. They have been a waste of time in most cases because there is no true dedication to making sure that they come. Actually, what you're referring too just sounds like bad promotion. Period. It's not their fault that they have yet to "show themselves." I guarantee that 99% of them have no idea the event is going on! There's a documentary called "Merchants Of Cool" that states that the buying power of young people has increased exponentially over the past twenty years. Going from about a billion dollars in the 80's to roughly 30 billion dollars!!! Someone needs to relate to these kids and make local Hip-Hop COOL. I went to speak with some 7th and 8th graders last summer and I mentioned a lot of local rappers and all they said was "WHOOOO?!" But when I performed they became incredibly interested. Here we have what they see on TV in the FLESH, is obtainable and is 100 times better. We can't sell ourselves short. We have to make ourselves cool. Some have even been criticized in the scene for having kids 18+ at shows unknowing that those people spend real money and promote better than anyone in the world. TRUST me, they will come. It's up to us to create an environment that doesn't seem to be a waste of time and money.
Mar 13, 2009 03:55am by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:fcafb01ec4="_DEMENCHA_"]A wise man once said on this board that this kind of thread gets regurgitated once a year on hhkc.com But in relation to what can be done to help grow the scene: I've noticed, just by selling magazines in venues and on the street, that a LOT of people are asking if there's a section in the zine for upcoming events. At this point, there's not (partially because we only publish quarterly and it's hard to get events mentioned in the zine that far in advance). But I refer them to this website, and tell them to come here to get the scoop on upcoming hip hop events. PROBLEM IS None of the people I have these types of conversations with have ever heard of hiphopkc.com. Therefore, I will be giving hiphopkc.com a free ad in the next issue of the zine. So next time when people get a copy and ask where they can find out about upcoming events, I can literally flip to the page and show them. Not saying that this is going to cure the scene or whatever, but it's just an attempt to put a small dent in this issue. PEACE[/quote:fcafb01ec4] Chris, that wise man was very observant - and so are you for quoting wisdom - but we need to make sure that this topic is risen [b:fcafb01ec4]daily.[/b:fcafb01ec4] Once a year is not enough. Cat's are getting older. I just turned 22. It's very much my intention to agitate. Obviously, if this is a recurring topic, there is a need to address it aggressively. We all want success, we need to grind more. With that said, what you addressed is probably the number one problem as far as getting flesh blood in the scene - awareness. Like I told you on the phone that one time, thanks for doing what you do with Demecha. It's so so so necessary to document this culture. So as far as putting a HHKC ad in the next issue, PERFECT! This WILL cure a lot of questions. People don't pursue confusion (intentionally) so you're making a LOT of things clear.
Mar 13, 2009 04:07am by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:44ce2df6de="sikestyle"]here are some things to think about.... 1. The most interesting show lately have been with live instruments. Notice how much a band brings to your sound. (atmosphere with a band 2. More cross genre shows would tie in people who you might not be able to perform in front of. ( the dub step / ces cru show is a great example ) 3. Shows need to start on time...maybe i'm old but i think i you catch people at 10 with a good set instead of making them wait around till midnight you might start getting a good buzz that makes people want to get the show going on time. 4. All you scenesters between the age of 18 and 25...it's up to you to keep things moving. I've done what i can over the years...if you are interested in helping promote let people know that are doing shows or put together something cool yourselves...ha..let the old school heads rest...hahahaha 5. If you get on the mic and notice that half your audience went to smoke or get a drink, it's time to start working on a new hobby or step up the live show. 6. Tell your friends to come out and kick it and stop acting broke! hahaaha take that last one as you will....it's all good i like it when people bring up this topic every so often.[/quote:44ce2df6de] Hey this is some GOLDEN advice Sike. Almost everything now-a-days is combined with something else. More than one element and appeal to more than one sense is extremely vital. So as far as cross-genre shows, that's PERFECT. We're not the only underground scene in the city. We should work together with the Dub Step, DnB, Punk, Electronica, Jazz, Rock etc. to move forward. And yes, WE DO need to start on time. Jaybird constantly lets me know about the Hip-Hop Night every Thursday at the News Room but me and all of my friends no longer go because it starts around mid-night! I have to go to school in the morning. That's way too late. Especially when it was supposed to start two hours earlier. Laughingly, it seems that it starts later than it should because they wait on Dutch! haha, gotta love Dutch but man come on! And yea, we can't have apathetic crowds. Haha, I'm with you on encouraging people to either hang it up or step their game up. I'm workin' on stepping my show game up!
Mar 13, 2009 09:53am by beatbroker - -beatbroker HHA/Symbol Heavy/IN crew Location: KCMO
Geezus. Now you're on a bitter subject for me. I'm so done listening to / reading these rants. I'll believe it when I see you all start to step it up. Also seeing your face at more shows won't hurt your cause Phantom. For almost two years ('06 & '07) almost every show I hosted/promoted was 18+ and it was virtually pointless. I know many others have tried it as well and it usually ends in disappointment. Nonetheless, I continue to flyer high schools, UMKC, JCCC, KU, KSU, Malls etc. I completely agree that It's going to be integral to future greater successes to lure more users to HHKC. We have only slightly over a thousand registered users and I KNOW the pool of potential users in our city is exponentially greater. I sent out PMs and emails MONTHS ago to many of you (primarily other working promotors and artsits) suggesting a plan to create a consolidated ad/promotion campaign for all our collective shows and releases. The goal being to tie everything back to the website. We could all save money on promotions and get the benefits of cross promotion (ie: for every flyer or e-flyer I distribute, I'm also promoting your show and anyone else who contributes. I've yet to receive a single reply. To say I was let down is a severe understatement. The least we could do is start putting the HHKC logo and URL on our flyers. I've been remiss in this as well though.
Mar 13, 2009 06:49pm by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff... www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
Hey Beatbroker, i do remember getting a phone call and talking to you on the street about that meeting you were going to set up. I think that was the meeting that was supposed to get everyone together to start with a new push to promote the site. I never heard back from you so i didn't know what to think. I guess you are saying that meeting never happened huh? This is what i think. I think that if we wanna get people excited about this site. It's gotta change. From the ground up. hip-hop kc dot com needs a rebirth... a fresh take on this site to give people a sense that something new and exciting is going on. Not the same old same that has been passing at a community web site for so long. I am not talking about fresh coat of paint or some new kids to start posting on this site. I am talking about a complete overhaul. 100% new site. This site has to be looked at as a product or a service. People take pride in a quality service or product and want to support quality establishments. I think people haven't been willing to step up and make a serious effort to support this site cuz it's so bad! I for one would love to rep hiphopkc.com but i can't. Not like this. This is one product i would not endorse. I know some people have put in hard work to make this site happen and i am glad they did what they did. But i really think it's time to reconsider a MASSIVE retooling of this establishment to get things rolling on a better tip. I am willing to offer some design help. I won't just call out this problem without offering a solution. I do have a plan for how the new hiphopkc.com can work and possibly succeed. I can't do it alone but i am willing to collaborate and make things happen. I say we take this good catchy name hiphopkc.com and the good logo that Gear did ( i think ) and start from scratch! I'll type my ideas out later if anyone is interested. peace
Mar 13, 2009 07:30pm by beatbroker - -beatbroker HHA/Symbol Heavy/IN crew Location: KCMO
Had a meeting with Necia, Reach and Les for the initial idea and I created a template for the flyer. The emails I sent out were requesting any upcoming show graphics & information so that I could create the first run of flyers free of charge. I'm believe I sent you one but I don't remember for sure. That was as far as I got. No one seemed interested in submitting graphics/info. I considered doing it based off the upcoming events section on the site but figured it best to get peoples' permission before doing so. As far as revamping and overhauling the site, I agree entirely. Not my call to make, but changes are needed.
Mar 13, 2009 08:19pm by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff... www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
There are some easy ways to start from scratch and not break the bank. i was thinking his site could turn into a blog site with a bigger visual presence when you 1st click on the site. something like: http://english.mashkulture.net/ or http://hypebeast.com/page/2/ both these sites can be built simply on the wordpress format and be super easy to update. A message board can be tacked on. There is free calendar software to use for events. Hip hop kc could get it's own Flickr account and be done with the antiquated photo gallery it currently has. Ad software can be used to run the ads on the side bars and top of the menu. Really. there is a lot that can be done that would make a HUGE difference on the site's presence. Like i said i am willing to lend a hand. I said lets rebuild her... bigger.. stronger faster! haha which actually means. sleeker meaner and super stylish! holla if ya feel me.
Mar 13, 2009 08:34pm by jayBird
i think everyone has said what needs to be said in here. without reiterating, i definitely think the younger generation needs to step it up (musically / business wise / however) to get their own age bracket up on the scene here. with that said, i still think the older heads need to help out as much as they can or see fit. kind of like how major league sports have coaches for all different positions. i think there needs to be total communication between the younger & older generations to even get any type of semblance on the rest of the things stated in this thread. i think if everyone unifies, has a meeting (weekly / monthly / whenever) about the scene (projects / shows / albums / distribution / or just to sit, chill, express thoughts & have fun) i think everything else will come into fruition. & phantom, it actually starts @ 10 - but i know what you're saying - all the fun shit don't pop off til later hah. either way, yeah, if something doesn't happen soon, the scene will just stay stagnant & everyone will be running in circles. let's get something going.
Mar 13, 2009 09:07pm by Seph.Vs.TooN.
i really want to care i really do i've heard this convo so many times i'm just dead to it. the idea of freshing up hiphopkc is dope i'm fully behind that past that no one will be happy till this whole city is hiphoped out i would hate moving, again towards pulling more heads folks really look around there's 3 to 4 new heads at every show and they're coming out less talk more work (that goes for myself too) i've been in this scene for a long time and this is one of the better times... every week almost everyday if you want to hear hiphop you can. i can't remember a time when it was like that? we have six venues that allow us to put on shows that's crazy for all the kids who only had the next space. what else do you want... it's a slow walk of trees... we're no where from being "there" yet but a lot closer then last year
Mar 13, 2009 10:30pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:9b105234bd="beatbroker"]Geezus. Now you're on a bitter subject for me. I'm so done listening to / reading these rants. I'll believe it when I see you all start to step it up. Also seeing your face at more shows won't hurt your cause Phantom. For almost two years ('06 & '07) almost every show I hosted/promoted was 18+ and it was virtually pointless. I know many others have tried it as well and it usually ends in disappointment. Nonetheless, I continue to flyer high schools, UMKC, JCCC, KU, KSU, Malls etc.[/quote:9b105234bd] Ha, Broker, I know this can be a nerve tickling subject but first off, realize that it's all love. You've been one of the most crucial elements in keeping the seen going. I can count on one hand (to my limited knowlege) the cat's that KEEP the ball rolling like you. So propz. As far as the 18+ demo, I know from just getting my friends to come out that fliers alone doesn't work. Facebook invites don't work. Myspace invites DEFINITELY don't work. Word of mouth does and ONLY does because people like to copy what other people do. When we make local music COOL to this demo, THEN fliers will work because the past will speak for us. I mean yo, you know that best, you've been promoting shows for years. So I'll gladly put myself into the roll of getting the youth to step up but I'll need some help. I go to UMKC. Altough attempted, remains an untapped market. For instance, NERD is coming to UMKC in April. If cat's need there shows promo'd (if they're 18+) I need a few fliers so I can talk to cats - and maybe those who are headlining can come with me to talk to them. I know hella people at KU / UMKC / UCM and just people in this demographic in the metro in general. But we need to know information. Like how much they would pay to go to a show, if they even feel comfortable going to one of our shows - which can be a culture shock because a lot of cats already know eachother. So I've made a survey. I'm still getting results but when I close it, I'll post them up here so we can know more about this group. I'll say right now though that the results are encouraging. It seems you've put the whole responsibility on your back. That's not fair man. It's all love bro. It's my hope that cats will push just a little bit harder. I'm one of 'em. As far as me coming out to shows, I wish I could come to more but I haven't had a job since August. I can barely pay rent! Thank god for an understanding girlfriend. I finally got one so I'll be able to afford it now. If I could, I'd be there all the time. I know that some of 'em are free. But no one needs to go everytime, as you know.
Mar 13, 2009 10:42pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:32737270de="Seph.Vs.TooN."]i really want to care i really do i've heard this convo so many times i'm just dead to it. the idea of freshing up hiphopkc is dope i'm fully behind that past that no one will be happy till this whole city is hiphoped out i would hate moving, again towards pulling more heads folks really look around there's 3 to 4 new heads at every show and they're coming out less talk more work (that goes for myself too) i've been in this scene for a long time and this is one of the better times... every week almost everyday if you want to hear hiphop you can. i can't remember a time when it was like that? we have six venues that allow us to put on shows that's crazy for all the kids who only had the next space. what else do you want... it's a slow walk of trees... we're no where from being "there" yet but a lot closer then last year[/quote:32737270de] You hit the nail on the head man. Cat's like you are getting tired of doing this solely. And that's why this thread is very relevant. We wouldn't want you to move - that'd be tragic. But you're right, we need MORE WORK and less talk. Cat's need to get called out and designated with assignments. IF we truly love the scene then we'd work for it's success. I just want to see more unity and more movement...
Mar 13, 2009 10:49pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:b53825df2e="jayBird"]i think everyone has said what needs to be said in here. without reiterating, i definitely think the younger generation needs to step it up (musically / business wise / however) to get their own age bracket up on the scene here. with that said, i still think the older heads need to help out as much as they can or see fit. kind of like how major league sports have coaches for all different positions. i think there needs to be total communication between the younger & older generations to even get any type of semblance on the rest of the things stated in this thread. i think if everyone unifies, has a meeting (weekly / monthly / whenever) about the scene (projects / shows / albums / distribution / or just to sit, chill, express thoughts & have fun) i think everything else will come into fruition. & phantom, it actually starts @ 10 - but i know what you're saying - all the fun shit don't pop off til later hah. either way, yeah, if something doesn't happen soon, the scene will just stay stagnant & everyone will be running in circles. let's get something going.[/quote:b53825df2e] Jay said something that was very key. Why don't we have an open meeting on the last Sunday of every month or so? Who has a decently sized space to meet?
Mar 13, 2009 11:00pm by dublow - http://KCMusicScene.com www.myspace.com/dublowseven www.myspace.com/barbaricmerits http://barbaricmerits.com
As far as the online presence is concerned, I started a project back in November that is currently about 70% done that I've sat on for awhile now. I've briefly spoke with Sike about it, but it will address just about all the concerns people have with our local music scene and will reach far beyond just hip hop. If anyone wants to be a part of it, or you just have specific ideas that you would want in a website, get at me. Nothing is too far fetched.
Mar 14, 2009 12:10am by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff... www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
Dublow has the right idea... also.. what do we have to meet about on Sunday's to talk about? We can meet 24-7 online... i'm trying to watch Amazing Race yo! hahahaa
Mar 14, 2009 12:55am by MILES - [url]http://www.MilesBonny.com/[/url] Location: KCK
do
Mar 14, 2009 04:49pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
Yeo, Dublow. I'm with you 100. Sike - We need to meet to discuss the state of things in the scene, designate tasks, see how everyone's doin etc. There's nothing better than meeting in the flesh. I figure some of us, including you, are working on projects we can open that up (or those you're willing to open up) and we can get feedback, criticism, ect. I don't think it's completely healthy that we all just see each other at shows if we call ourselves a scene. These discussions and many more should happen. I'm going to start organizing this. PS: I'm sure that show doesn't play for 24 hours!
Mar 14, 2009 04:49pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:4af5df9181="MILES"]do[/quote:4af5df9181] Say Wah, Brotha Miles? HA
Mar 15, 2009 08:01am by AceFadal - [b:353f9d151d]k[/b:353f9d151d]inestheti[b:353f9d151d]C[/b:353f9d151d]~means To learn by doing www.dipity.com/acefadal WE ARE, Kansas City is [b:353f9d151d]k[/b:353f9d151d]inestheti[b:353f9d151d]C[/b:353f9d151d]! http://crushproofstudio.bandcamp.com/ Location: Downtown, Kansas City, Mo.
[quote:e17f77ddb0="sikestyle"] Not like this. This is one product i would not endorse.[img:e17f77ddb0]http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/blake/nike_swoosh.gif[/img:e17f77ddb0] [/quote:e17f77ddb0]Ima make some t-shirts withbig Picture of laborers on the back, with this in quotes..... 😈 Just kidding!! I know Ima catch heck but....... Wow....How many times have you promoted yourself here? fo free niguh thats b.s mane This is where I would delete all post by this person. You saying that you wouldn't bump this site, is a slap in the face of the person who has held this site down for people like you, for YEARS, to get to where you are. [b:e17f77ddb0]wtf[/b:e17f77ddb0], man? [b:e17f77ddb0]my opinion[/b:e17f77ddb0] entitled! free speech. stop hating! [quote:e17f77ddb0="sikestyle"] I know some people have put in hard work to make this site happen and i am glad they did what they did. But i really think it's time to reconsider a MASSIVE retooling of this establishment to get things rolling on a better tip. I am willing to offer some design help. I won't just call out this problem without offering a solution. I do have a plan for how the new hiphopkc.com can work and possibly succeed. I can't do it alone but i am willing to collaborate and make things happen. I say we take this good catchy name hiphopkc.com and the good logo that Gear did ( i think ) and start from scratch! I'll type my ideas out later if anyone is interested. peace [/quote:e17f77ddb0] Does your plan involve censorship or favoritism? Only showing love to those you or set crew feels that they can call the shots and decide who and what is Kansas City Hip Hop? Because that is the trend you know? I'm not saying you per say. I'm just saying........ Another thing that needs to be addressed is the fact that I can't talk to you like this without being labeled a hater, racsit, troublemaker, or being told I'm causing problems on the site. Once AGAIN..If I see a brother doing something I don't condone or think is right, I should be able to voice my opinion in a respectful manner without flak! Its b.s. I only say this because Ive joined 4 other forums in the last two weeks. Had deep and intense convos, and not only do I get love, respect and props. But I get validated as much as I get rejected. Wrong or right.... I get positive and negative feedback. Its helped me grow too. People actually take the time to comment on the things, art, music, pics, graffiti, guns, cars, or words, that people are trying to display or show. Very community like. Not here! And a new site won't change that! Too many people carry a chip on their shoulder, or have their nose in the air and can't be honest with each other. At the same time only bumping their "crew", or not bumping anyone in the city, outside their bubble..... I constantly hear "Oh you like so and so? I dont fkks with them." I know people don't fux w/ me caus I say what I want on the net and they don't have that freedom, they do have an "image" to maintain. but I'm just me.. I'm cool, calm, and humble, just like you are when we see each other face to face, but in some minds, people think and act like they know somebody.....its redic. I love ya'll but, you gotta be honest with yourselves. I heard it said best, more than once.... "Kansas City will never grow, because there is no unity." We are not a UNIT. People in St. Louis or Chicago don't care what bar or venue a show is at. They go for the music. They go to support artist. There is not a one of you that has mentioned supporting other genres. I stayed out of KC Hip Hop for this exact reason. Most of my friends are Punk or Rock and Roll heads. I grew up in the suburbs.. so what? When is the last time you passed flyers out at a Hearts of Darkness show? Or a Paper Tigers, Roman Numerals, The MuthrrFreaking Kick ass Architects, or Nomathmatics? ou don't have an idea about how far out the box you need to go/be.... You gotta focus on Music now, not just one genre of a culture. Hip Hop is evolving. Get on or get left out. ^^^^Bump!!^^^^^ Rappers are the most boring act in the biz. Unless you are LES. ^^^^Bump!!^^^^^ Shows always start at or about 10:30 or 11:00. Its the norm..... 10 is just too early People in KC Hip Hop only care about HipHop. Im not trying to cause any problems. I just wanted to address the ones we have! LUV and Ritalin af 😆 😆 😆 😆
Mar 15, 2009 09:39am by trystyl - www.myspace.com/trystyl Location: KCMO
[quote:a34085f90b="_DEMENCHA_"][quote:a34085f90b]2. More cross genre shows would tie in people who you might not be able to perform in front of. ( the dub step / ces cru show is a great example ) [/quote:a34085f90b] Hopefully we'll be able to make another one of these happen, possibly this summer. [quote:a34085f90b]5. If you get on the mic and notice that half your audience went to smoke or get a drink, it's time to start working on a new hobby or step up the live show. [/quote:a34085f90b] WORD.[/quote:a34085f90b] so effing true honestly i think there is a good 50 to 60 percent of people in the "scene" that should just quit
Mar 15, 2009 09:53am by trystyl - www.myspace.com/trystyl Location: KCMO
[quote:cb01bf7832="Seph.Vs.TooN."] i've been in this scene for a long time and this is one of the better times... every week almost everyday if you want to hear hiphop you can. i can't remember a time when it was like that? we have six venues that allow us to put on shows that's crazy for all the kids who only had the next space. [/quote:cb01bf7832] I was just having this convo the other day... My bedroom is damn near bigger than the next space. People should remember what it USED to be like. Beat Broker, Sike, Toon... I am so happy that you still have hope. Props
Mar 15, 2009 05:59pm by The_Abnorm
Man. i really aint in the "rap" scene of hiphop as much as i am the "bboy" scene of it. but i honestly think that alot of ppls down here in the rap scene has big egos when i first meet em! Except Seph cuz i remember we was freeing in a cypher in the backyard of a party like almost a year ago! and he was tellin me bout how sumbody tagged his front door or sumthin! but it was like he didnt care how new i was to the scene, he was still kool ppls! and Dutch. he always been my negro. but ANYWAY, its like when ppl dont feel love from the other mcs down here, thats not gonna like "fuel they fire" to keep goin or support ppl down here ya kno? i agree wit ol dood sayin we need to b a unit. we jus need more like...parties. Block parties, house parties, all that ish. Jus so that everybody came mingle, get to kno eachother, battle, all that good stuff. thats jus my 2 cents if it counts for anything...
Mar 15, 2009 06:07pm by iamwatching
[quote:c51b5547a9="sikestyle"] I am willing to offer some design help. I won't just call out this problem without offering a solution. [/quote:c51b5547a9] what? copy & paste from google images? i'm pretty sure the geniuses that run this site can figure that out. [quote:c51b5547a9="sikestyle"]I do have a plan for how the new hiphopkc.com can work and possibly succeed.[/quote:c51b5547a9] Me too! stop censoring threads so some peoples feelings wont get "hurt". This place is supposed to be a place for expression? (well thats what NRG says in the "lively discussion welcome" thread. anytime some real shit starts crackin its "thread closed, thanks y'all" or some lame shit like that. basically, its like saying, "take that real talk somewhere else." y'all think that its only on the forums, this city is too small not to see the lame in the street and take it there, which DOES HAPPEN. im not even talkin about just name callin, or anything like that. double standards up in here. yall aint about progression. I mean, sure, there's gonna be haters, people that are jello, people that just like to start shit, and people that dont disagree with anything anyone says. Be fake like that, but moderators, y'all remind me of some power trippin pigs.
Mar 15, 2009 06:14pm by leonarddstroy
i would agree that censoring occurs far too frequently on this site. thats the one thing that really kills hhkc for me... just my 2 cents
Mar 16, 2009 04:14am by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff... www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
Hey Phantom, yeah i think the meetings could be productive. It would be cool to chop it up in person from time to time.
Mar 16, 2009 03:29pm by Lucidialect
[quote:19431fa0c6]Seph.Vs.TooN. wrote: less talk more work (that goes for myself too) [/quote:19431fa0c6] Phantom, my suggestion is, take note of anybody who's given constuctive responses on here. And then take time out of your life to make an effort to converse with them one on one. I honestly think you're best off to network with the cats that you want to network with. Have your 'go to' flyer makers, your 'go to' show promoters, get to know them and what it takes to get them to work for you. But getting people together once a week to talk about how to make it all happen, generally will be a waste of time for anybody that's already making anything happen. Does that make sense? Everybody in this scene that I know that's made a name for themselves, that's how they did it. None of them made it happen by organizing 'scene' meetings. They just started grinding, and never stopped. Once you get going, enough people will be excited about 'you', to work with you. But getting anyone who's really working, I mean really working, interested in a vague idea of regional collectivism is going to be difficult. I mean, its possible, and I'd love to see it happen. I'd even like to be a part of it if it did. But it might not be the best way to approach it.
Mar 16, 2009 05:14pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness, www.emceereach.com www.myspace.com/reach www.twitter.com/emceereach www.youtube.com/reachtv www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic2 www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic Location: Kansas City
Sigh.
Mar 16, 2009 10:53pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
This can seem frustrating but that's all part of it. But there are some things that must change if we are to get any bigger any faster. Some may be content with just the HHKC community as it stands - and there are in fact things to be content about - but we as group must change the GROUPS personality for the sake of advancement. We're way too egocentric, anti-social and downright too comfortable. I know first hand, I've been like that myself but it's recognizable that it doesn't end with thePhantom*. Obviously, I personally am not the community, but I think a new / gutted HHKC site is long overdue. Although there are charming sentimental attributes to this site, it simply will not due in retaining 21 century users / prospective HHKC. [b:9f3b09bd6a]Sike[/b:9f3b09bd6a], to me, is right and SOMEBODY has to support a man who is positively trying to advance US. There is the argument that a new site won't change anything as far as discussions and tendencies of moderators. Nothing can be further from the truth because, if done right, the new site will draw many more diversity, bring more discussion and encourage open discussion. Part of doing the new site right MEANS more focus on open-discussion. But just about everyone can attest to the fact that Forums are not BEEF PROOF. Just like relationships are not beef proof - so that notion is just false. Striving for that is counterproductive because you alienate users who want freedom of speech and those who love to read it. Some forums have actually created "Beef Threads" where you can just trash talk. We should do that. [b:9f3b09bd6a]Lucid[/b:9f3b09bd6a] made a good point about finding those who are adding constructive criticism / positive feedback and work with them. Although this would be good for a personal career - which is what I want to put second - it would only perpetuate exactly what is going on now in the scene - everyone working toward the same goal but NO groups working together. That's what I DO NOT want to do. What SHOULD happen is the formation of a more rapidly growing growing scene. This requires us ALL to be involved with each other in the flesh. Yes meetings may sound cute and cats would rather grind their ways into success but low and behold those who grind with many groups in collaboration grind the hardest because they have many parts in harmony. Besides, just by writing this post topics that I had no idea about were raised. Imagine what could be raised if we could talk in real time and make real moves not just via internet. Think about it.
Mar 16, 2009 11:59pm by NRG - livin the art that is life ! www.64111clinic.com fam www.nrginmotion.com massage www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
I think I've lost all hope for this city http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=4421 Is there really a hiphop scene? http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2571 I have to quit posting here http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2749 Just a few threads from the Archive Hall of Fame enjoy and add to if is will let you peace nrg some of the first discussion on this subject How do we create unity in the KC hiphop Scene http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=1&highlight=#1 Where the Love for KCHiphop Yall? http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=8&highlight=#8 How is the Scene? http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=35&highlight=#35 and just for Fun and laughs Forum Rules http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=67&highlight=#67
Mar 17, 2009 01:21am by Lucidialect
[quote:47e90a39ea]it would only perpetuate exactly what is going on now in the scene - everyone working toward the same goal but NO groups working together.[/quote:47e90a39ea] Approach, Mac, Miles, Deep Thinkers, CES, Joe Good, D-Will, JQuest, Reach, Anti-Crew, Sike, Human CropCircles, Archetype, Innate Sounds, Soul Servers, Blues Brothers, Toon... all local artists who have intermingled copiously. (just some names off the top) I'm not saying each of these artists has worked with every other one. But damn close to it. It's more a family than maybe anyone realizes. I mean, do what you're going to do. Just my two cents.
Mar 17, 2009 04:17am by NRG - livin the art that is life ! www.64111clinic.com fam www.nrginmotion.com massage www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
hey Lucid, where did your quote come from and what year was it written? asking for context of the quote if I recall 03,04, and if that was the time, not everyone from that generation of local artists were working together at the time. I remember threads on lawrencehiphop .com that were speaking on the closeness of soundsgood and the clinic or datura or sikestyles network/cescru and those who didnt have crews or wanted to work with miles and joe saying exactly they should work with others. the truth behind all this of course was that donnie, gunn jakc, joe good, asa barnes, frame, determintal, general and several others had spent years in school together and at the clinic afterschool as well. history does rewrite itself over time so as I often say to miles about innatesounds is that so many of the artists from that period are now innatesounds crew they honed each others skills with deep competition during those years.
Mar 17, 2009 04:57am by Lucidialect
[quote:9291bb38c2]where did your quote come from and what year was it written? asking for context of the quote [/quote:9291bb38c2] Oh, that was from Phantom* just two entries up. It's relevant, I promise. 😉 I see what you're saying though. It took a while for everyone to start to cross-collaborate. The first time CES and Guild met at a house party, they almost brawled in the street. Next thing you know Donnie's living in Vert's attic. But really, I think most artists are open to collaboration. We all just need to be prompted to believe we want to contribute to someone's project, and it's on. I've personally done cover designs and logos for over a dozen local hip hop artists. Combine that with guest spot verses, fliers, and just performing shows together, I've worked with most the artists in this scene in one way or another. I believe that most of the artists I listed are probably much the same. But how would it be more productive, or meaningful to package all that up into one conglomerate? It is what it is. I understand the desire to consolidate resources. But as one of those resources, hell if I'm giving my time for free to someone that either isn't a good friend, or I'm not REALLY feeling your music. If I'm not getting dough, it's because I'm behind your music because I want to be a part of it. The way I see it, the conglomerate just happens, when everyone is out there grinding, doing shows, making records, and just happen to end up on each other's shit.
Mar 17, 2009 06:30am by swayzorbladez - www.myspace.com/swayzorspitsbladez
It's all about your music.. worry about that before anything else.. you wanna be big.. Move away... Or enter grindtime and start writing battle raps.. my 1 cent -sway
Mar 17, 2009 02:59pm by iamwatching
[quote:978a3c2687="swayzorbladez"]It's all about your music.. worry about that before anything else.. [/quote:978a3c2687] this advice is what 95% of people always forget.
Mar 17, 2009 05:02pm by Seph.Vs.TooN.
[quote:4363adaa74="NRG"]I think I've lost all hope for this city http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=4421 Is there really a hiphop scene? http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2571 I have to quit posting here http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2749 Just a few threads from the Archive Hall of Fame enjoy and add to if is will let you peace nrg some of the first discussion on this subject How do we create unity in the KC hiphop Scene http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=1&highlight=#1 Where the Love for KCHiphop Yall? http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=8&highlight=#8 How is the Scene? http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=35&highlight=#35 and just for Fun and laughs Forum Rules http://www.hiphopkc.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=67&highlight=#67[/quote:4363adaa74] what happen to all the people who use to post on here? that's the real question
Mar 17, 2009 05:15pm by Lucidialect
[quote:e215c4ffad]what happen to all the people who use to post on here? that's the real question [/quote:e215c4ffad] I'd wager the gratuitous ranting and childish bickering of some drove away a good amount of people. I'm sort of surprised I still post here.
Mar 17, 2009 05:29pm by sikestyle - -Stuff and Things...Things and Stuff... www.sikestyle.com Location: Kansas City
Wow Toon... i was thinking the same thing! haha i haven't see some of those names on this board in a while. That says something... what exactly it says is up for debate...but it says something none-the-less.
Mar 17, 2009 06:59pm by NRG - livin the art that is life ! www.64111clinic.com fam www.nrginmotion.com massage www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
[quote="Lucidialect"][quote:89f3495c9f] The way I see it, the conglomerate just happens, when everyone is out there grinding, doing shows, making records, and just happen to end up on each other's shit.[/quote:89f3495c9f] I agree. yeah so getting busy creating is the real and talking and sharing is a part of that. sounds good to me. go conversting wid ya peace to you and your wife congrats
Mar 17, 2009 10:07pm by Lucidialect
[quote:336a2243ac]peace to you and your wife congrats[/quote:336a2243ac] Thanks Necia. Much love.
Mar 18, 2009 09:24pm by Deta!L - I just said that so you would stop bothering me.
re-up, re-up! I thought it was time to renew this subscription.... I got nothing to say about this shit, just make music! worry about the rest later, if you make dope enough music-people will want to see you live, then you do a show, then you sell merch, then you make more music, then someone respects you enough to want to collab, then you make music, then you do shows etc. etc. there is more of a scene here than people realize I think I'd just be happy with being able to visit hip hop KC dot com without having to look at anti-crew for 60 seconds 😕 I mean what's your end goal? yall want a major label record deal? ehhh, not many of those left.......
Mar 19, 2009 04:14am by JDFlow - [url=http://www.my.rawkus.com/profile/jdflow]JDFlow on Rawkus[/url] [url=http://www.myspace.com/jdflow]JDFlow on Myspace[/url] [url=http://ccedistribution.blogspot.com/]Distribution & Marketing[/url] Location: Seattle
One thing I noticed in the scene was the lack of leadership. I think it just needs honest direction. The upgraded site's a good idea too. 206proof.com is seattles hip hop forum. They post a song of the week from user submisions and post almost everything under "discussions". I like it.
Mar 29, 2009 08:08am by Cu_Cu Location: Top Sit-Tay
Aint read much but the 21+ and over wasnt my thing all the time. I was digging the old soundsgood, archetype, deep thinkers, approach. Lets see yea i was bout 15 or so when i really got on to the local scene. Week or so ill finally be big 21 but im all the way in Top City. 90% of topeka is on some bull-ish music, aint no scene here. Lawrence dont like topeka and were an outcast any where in KC. I have to be like one of 3 people in the top who even use an mpc. Ehhhh what am i blabbering bout... Its late and ive had to much to think,
Apr 1, 2009 12:24am by _DEMENCHA_
youtube video titled "why the kansas city hip hop scene hasn't blown yet" [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Eb-CEKFPU[/url] i don't know who this dude is, or where this was shot at... just something i thought i'd throw up here.
Apr 1, 2009 03:30am by Black
OG is that dude. So Is Hobo... Don't sleep.. Church
Apr 1, 2009 04:09am by DR.T - nuts .. haha Location: KCMO
[quote:74749762b0="_DEMENCHA_"]youtube video titled "why the kansas city hip hop scene hasn't blown yet" [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Eb-CEKFPU[/url] i don't know who this dude is, or where this was shot at... just something i thought i'd throw up here.[/quote:74749762b0] yes
Apr 1, 2009 04:14am by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:7a8d4e3d2d]youtube video titled "why the kansas city hip hop scene hasn't blown yet" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Eb-CEKFPU i don't know who this dude is, or where this was shot at... just something i thought i'd throw up here.[/quote:7a8d4e3d2d] Yeah, that brotha is up in there PREACHIN'. That's what I like to see. Keep it real.
Apr 1, 2009 06:18am by Reach. - Peace and oneness, www.emceereach.com www.myspace.com/reach www.twitter.com/emceereach www.youtube.com/reachtv www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic2 www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic Location: Kansas City
I respect the brother's motivation, but I think he's being idealistic. I think it's quite a bit difficult to expect that artists will always support one another aside from their own musical standards and tastes, personal experiences with their peers, and philosophies on the genre and its accompanying culture. We struggle with finding our interconnectedness in our lives-at-large. Why is Hip Hop expected to operate in a vacuum free from the challenges we face as humanity? I fully understand that our lives often take cues from the ideas that Hip Hop espouses, but it can never fully transcend our failings as human beings. What's more important, I think... Is the fact that the kind of unity being called for isn't as vital to our pathway to success as maybe some of us think it is. There are highly publicized rifts in some of the most well established markets in the country. And those rifts don't appear to hurt the visibility of those markets. I doubt seriously that other genres of music in Kansas City, that've enjoyed commercial success, have unity atop their list of priorities. I don't know... I just think this continues to be the primary issue bandied in our community while other equally and perhaps more important issues always fly under the radar. I liken it to African American people who debate the use of the "n-word". There are bigger fish to fry.
Apr 1, 2009 12:46pm by Lucidialect
[quote:925cfdd7b7]I doubt seriously that other genres of music in Kansas City, that've enjoyed commercial success, have unity atop their list of priorities.[/quote:925cfdd7b7] I agree.
Apr 10, 2009 07:26am by maclethal
Kansas City's music scene is no different than anywhere else. I've always been kinda blown away by this "WE GOTTA BLOW THE CITY UP" shit. New York City is hardly a unified music scene. In fact, Joe Budden was whining about that on one of his Joe Budden TV Youtubes one day. Google it. The name of the episode is aptly titled, "Fuck New York." Just because there are a couple hundred New York City music success stories, does not mean that New York City has their shit together in some sort of organized, self-sufficient fashion. The truth is, New York City has more lazy, unorganized, unmotivated, failed music acts than anywhere else. I'm sure Los Angeles is right behind it. Followed by Chicago, then Seattle, then everywhere else that has birthed successful musical talent. There's a certain thought that runs through my head all of the time. Honestly, it should probably run through yours if you plan on approaching music seriously, in hopes of success. The thought is this: [b:0af8ae8443]Do people think your music is as good as you think it is?[/b:0af8ae8443] I don't mean that stellar Pitch Weekly review you/your group got. Where they said it's only a matter of calendar burn before you are standing on stage in front of 5,000 festival goers, rooting you and your new sonic movement on. I don't mean the 50-100 local people that are behind you, and want to see you blow up, so they praise you as a musical genius that just hasn't had his proper chance yet. I don't mean your friends. Who smoke Saudi Arabian kush with you, and tell you that you are a savant-like artistic being. The prodigious commander of entertaining scales, tones, beats and raps. I mean in mass quantities. These droves of people that you feel you deserve as fans. These droves of people that some of you even feel blatantly do not support you, or the *scene* you represent. So, I ask again: Is your music as good as you think it is? I feel mine is (which you may not.) But if you feel yours is (which I may not.) You can at least rest assured that you have step 1 completed. Step 1: You are good enough. Ok, that's about 3% of what is required to be a successful musician. Let's move to step 2, and we will speak in local terms. Kansas City is boring. It's edgy and competitive. It's violent and in need of release. There are around 2 million people who could definitely use some good music to listen to. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that these people would go as far as attending a good musical concert on a Friday night if they heard about it. Let's break that paragraph down into a few predicaments. 1. Kansas City is edgy, competitive, and violent. A lot of people don't like to go to shows. Period. Too much testosterone and conflict. Too much buzz kill. In the KC rap world, there are too many rappers on stage dissing things, and proclaiming city dominance. Yelling about their dick, balls, and sick syllables at a few cute girls who stumbled in by accident. 2. There are 2 million people here. You gotta spread 2 million people out around a gigantic radius. It's weird to imagine, but Westport and Lawrence are only fractions of the locations people visit in Kansas City. 18-35 year old people living in Lee's Summit may not be in the mood to go to MC Dope As Fuck's Mixtape Release Party at the Riot Room this Wednesday night. 3. People would be willing to attend concerts, IF THEY HEARD ABOUT THEM. So Step 2: Do people know about you, and what you are trying to do? One of the thing that fucks me up about some local cats, is they have absolutely no promotional grind what-so-ever. Don't get me wrong, there are several cats out here (and you know who you are), that can get a show cracking with hardcore promo and networking. But the dudes out here acting like our *scene doesn't support you* need to get over it. 1. Why should we support you? 2. Why should fans support you? 3. Are you actually making your show and/or album release seem like an event that is bigger than life, that CANNOT be missed? Or, are you just dropping a stack flyers off at the Record Bar, and not even passing them out. Just kind of on some "Fuck this city. They don't support anyways." Shit, and failing to even promote yourself. 4. ARE YOU OVER-EXPOSED? The achilles heel for any form of entertainment is over-exposure. Stop doing 49 shows a year. Especially shows that have no mystery or excitement billed behind them. Treat each show like Christ is coming back to life for 1 night, and you are co-headlining! 5. What scene are you even talking about? Musical scenes are not immortal entities. They happen because all the stars align at the right time. When Bad Brains blew the asphalt off the Washington D.C. ground, it was not because everyone in Washington D.C. had a message board thread about how "D.C. doesn't support the punk rock scene. Let's grow our scene!" Bad Brains came out at the right time, in the right location, and there were enough people in that location that hungered to be apart of what they were doing. It was a classic moment in musical history, that eventually spread all over the North East and spawned hundreds of other offspring that emulated them, their stage show, their essence, and their movement. But it dissipated and vanished. Not because the scene fell apart and they stopped supporting each other. Not because H.R. and Dr. Know got on some ego-trip shit, and alienated the fans. None of that. It vanished because the moment was over. The sound had been heard. The words had been said. People's energies shifted. Can you honestly say that Kansas City is in dire need of hip-hop music right now? I mean, yeah, there are fans of hip-hop. There are even HARDCORE fans of KC hip-hop. But that obviously isn't enough people to comprise a scene. If it was we wouldn't be having this conversation. How many times am I going to go a club where someone is playing "'93 Til Infinity", "Who Got the Props?" and "T.R.O.Y."? On the flip side, what makes you think I want to go to a club and hear Kid Cudi, Mickey Factz and whatever else is *hip* at the moment? Whether it's the past, present, or future, a lot of people are kinda over it. I'd suggest this: Do you, and you only. Unity exists amongst friends, not a scene. I just made a song with Ces Cru the other day. That doesn't mean all of Ces Cru's fans will be at my next show. I am giving Lucid some sponsorship on my website. That does not mean all of my fans will buy Lucid's record. Don't depend on Kansas City for your success. Don't blame Kansas City for your lack of success. Don't depend on Kansas City artists for help. And don't blame Kansas City artists for not helping. The biggest show I ever did in Kansas City was last Summer. There were close to 600 people at the Beaumont Club. It was an all ages event. We promoted the FUCK out of it. Impressive? No. But to me it felt good. Like, damn, that's one of the biggest local shows I'd seen outside of The Get Up Kids and Tech N9ne. Obviously there will be detractors that think I suck, or have no business making music. But that's not the point. I thought it was good. However it's only good on a relative scale. Obviously MGMT could come to Kansas City with a 3rd of the promotion, and get 3 times as many people. But I was still proud. Why? Because I did it all by myself. You can too. This town is no different from New York City, Chatanooga, Miami, Portland, Springfield etc. You gotta put your boots on and grind, man.
Apr 10, 2009 03:17pm by trystyl - www.myspace.com/trystyl Location: KCMO
[quote:63f38837db="maclethal"]Kansas City's music scene is no different than anywhere else. [color=red:63f38837db]I've always been kinda blown away by this "WE GOTTA BLOW THE CITY UP" shit.[/color:63f38837db] I don't mean your friends. Who smoke Saudi Arabian kush with you, and tell you that you are a savant-like artistic being. The prodigious commander of entertaining scales, tones, beats and raps. I mean in mass quantities. These droves of people that you feel you deserve as fans. These droves of people that some of you even feel blatantly do not support you, or the *scene* you represent. So, I ask again: Is your music as good as you think it is? [color=red:63f38837db]1. Why should we support you?[/color:63f38837db] 4. ARE YOU OVER-EXPOSED? The achilles heel for any form of entertainment is over-exposure. Stop doing 49 shows a year. Especially shows that have no mystery or excitement billed behind them. [color=red:63f38837db]Can you honestly say that Kansas City is in dire need of hip-hop music right now? [/color:63f38837db] [color=red:63f38837db] How many times am I going to go a club where someone is playing "'93 Til Infinity", "Who Got the Props?" and "T.R.O.Y."? [/color:63f38837db] Whether it's the past, present, or future, a lot of people are kinda over it. I'd suggest this: [color=red:63f38837db]Do you, and you only. Unity exists amongst friends, not a scene. [/color:63f38837db] This town is no different from New York City, Chatanooga, Miami, Portland, Springfield etc. You gotta put your boots on and grind, man.[/quote:63f38837db] These points ring so very very true. That is why I only work with a handfull of people, most are also close friends, people I came into this whole mess with, Or people that are so hard on their grind of dope that they [color=red:63f38837db]deserve[/color:63f38837db] my praise and support.
Apr 10, 2009 04:19pm by mythik - www.myspace.com/mythillogical www.myspace.com/barbaricmerits www.barbaricmerits.com Location: Kansas City
[quote:5a5727a458="maclethal"]Kansas City's music scene is no different than anywhere else. I've always been kinda blown away by this "WE GOTTA BLOW THE CITY UP" shit. New York City is hardly a unified music scene. In fact, Joe Budden was whining about that on one of his Joe Budden TV Youtubes one day. Google it. The name of the episode is aptly titled, "Fuck New York." Just because there are a couple hundred New York City music success stories, does not mean that New York City has their shit together in some sort of organized, self-sufficient fashion. The truth is, New York City has more lazy, unorganized, unmotivated, failed music acts than anywhere else. I'm sure Los Angeles is right behind it. Followed by Chicago, then Seattle, then everywhere else that has birthed successful musical talent. There's a certain thought that runs through my head all of the time. Honestly, it should probably run through yours if you plan on approaching music seriously, in hopes of success. The thought is this: [b:5a5727a458]Do people think your music is as good as you think it is?[/b:5a5727a458] I don't mean that stellar Pitch Weekly review you/your group got. Where they said it's only a matter of calendar burn before you are standing on stage in front of 5,000 festival goers, rooting you and your new sonic movement on. I don't mean the 50-100 local people that are behind you, and want to see you blow up, so they praise you as a musical genius that just hasn't had his proper chance yet. I don't mean your friends. Who smoke Saudi Arabian kush with you, and tell you that you are a savant-like artistic being. The prodigious commander of entertaining scales, tones, beats and raps. I mean in mass quantities. These droves of people that you feel you deserve as fans. These droves of people that some of you even feel blatantly do not support you, or the *scene* you represent. So, I ask again: Is your music as good as you think it is? I feel mine is (which you may not.) But if you feel yours is (which I may not.) You can at least rest assured that you have step 1 completed. Step 1: You are good enough. Ok, that's about 3% of what is required to be a successful musician. Let's move to step 2, and we will speak in local terms. Kansas City is boring. It's edgy and competitive. It's violent and in need of release. There are around 2 million people who could definitely use some good music to listen to. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that these people would go as far as attending a good musical concert on a Friday night if they heard about it. Let's break that paragraph down into a few predicaments. 1. Kansas City is edgy, competitive, and violent. A lot of people don't like to go to shows. Period. Too much testosterone and conflict. Too much buzz kill. In the KC rap world, there are too many rappers on stage dissing things, and proclaiming city dominance. Yelling about their dick, balls, and sick syllables at a few cute girls who stumbled in by accident. 2. There are 2 million people here. You gotta spread 2 million people out around a gigantic radius. It's weird to imagine, but Westport and Lawrence are only fractions of the locations people visit in Kansas City. 18-35 year old people living in Lee's Summit may not be in the mood to go to MC Dope As Fuck's Mixtape Release Party at the Riot Room this Wednesday night. 3. People would be willing to attend concerts, IF THEY HEARD ABOUT THEM. So Step 2: Do people know about you, and what you are trying to do? One of the thing that fucks me up about some local cats, is they have absolutely no promotional grind what-so-ever. Don't get me wrong, there are several cats out here (and you know who you are), that can get a show cracking with hardcore promo and networking. But the dudes out here acting like our *scene doesn't support you* need to get over it. 1. Why should we support you? 2. Why should fans support you? 3. Are you actually making your show and/or album release seem like an event that is bigger than life, that CANNOT be missed? Or, are you just dropping a stack flyers off at the Record Bar, and not even passing them out. Just kind of on some "Fuck this city. They don't support anyways." Shit, and failing to even promote yourself. 4. ARE YOU OVER-EXPOSED? The achilles heel for any form of entertainment is over-exposure. Stop doing 49 shows a year. Especially shows that have no mystery or excitement billed behind them. Treat each show like Christ is coming back to life for 1 night, and you are co-headlining! 5. What scene are you even talking about? Musical scenes are not immortal entities. They happen because all the stars align at the right time. When Bad Brains blew the asphalt off the Washington D.C. ground, it was not because everyone in Washington D.C. had a message board thread about how "D.C. doesn't support the punk rock scene. Let's grow our scene!" Bad Brains came out at the right time, in the right location, and there were enough people in that location that hungered to be apart of what they were doing. It was a classic moment in musical history, that eventually spread all over the North East and spawned hundreds of other offspring that emulated them, their stage show, their essence, and their movement. But it dissipated and vanished. Not because the scene fell apart and they stopped supporting each other. Not because H.R. and Dr. Know got on some ego-trip shit, and alienated the fans. None of that. It vanished because the moment was over. The sound had been heard. The words had been said. People's energies shifted. Can you honestly say that Kansas City is in dire need of hip-hop music right now? I mean, yeah, there are fans of hip-hop. There are even HARDCORE fans of KC hip-hop. But that obviously isn't enough people to comprise a scene. If it was we wouldn't be having this conversation. How many times am I going to go a club where someone is playing "'93 Til Infinity", "Who Got the Props?" and "T.R.O.Y."? On the flip side, what makes you think I want to go to a club and hear Kid Cudi, Mickey Factz and whatever else is *hip* at the moment? Whether it's the past, present, or future, a lot of people are kinda over it. I'd suggest this: Do you, and you only. Unity exists amongst friends, not a scene. I just made a song with Ces Cru the other day. That doesn't mean all of Ces Cru's fans will be at my next show. I am giving Lucid some sponsorship on my website. That does not mean all of my fans will buy Lucid's record. Don't depend on Kansas City for your success. Don't blame Kansas City for your lack of success. Don't depend on Kansas City artists for help. And don't blame Kansas City artists for not helping. The biggest show I ever did in Kansas City was last Summer. There were close to 600 people at the Beaumont Club. It was an all ages event. We promoted the FUCK out of it. Impressive? No. But to me it felt good. Like, damn, that's one of the biggest local shows I'd seen outside of The Get Up Kids and Tech N9ne. Obviously there will be detractors that think I suck, or have no business making music. But that's not the point. I thought it was good. However it's only good on a relative scale. Obviously MGMT could come to Kansas City with a 3rd of the promotion, and get 3 times as many people. But I was still proud. Why? Because I did it all by myself. You can too. This town is no different from New York City, Chatanooga, Miami, Portland, Springfield etc. You gotta put your boots on and grind, man.[/quote:5a5727a458] Very well put.
Apr 10, 2009 04:27pm by _DEMENCHA_
mac, check your pm
Apr 10, 2009 05:05pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness, www.emceereach.com www.myspace.com/reach www.twitter.com/emceereach www.youtube.com/reachtv www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic2 www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic Location: Kansas City
[quote:7e61b2fd4e="maclethal"]Kansas City's music scene is no different than anywhere else. I've always been kinda blown away by this "WE GOTTA BLOW THE CITY UP" shit. New York City is hardly a unified music scene. In fact, Joe Budden was whining about that on one of his Joe Budden TV Youtubes one day. Google it. The name of the episode is aptly titled, "Fuck New York." Just because there are a couple hundred New York City music success stories, does not mean that New York City has their shit together in some sort of organized, self-sufficient fashion. The truth is, New York City has more lazy, unorganized, unmotivated, failed music acts than anywhere else. I'm sure Los Angeles is right behind it. Followed by Chicago, then Seattle, then everywhere else that has birthed successful musical talent. There's a certain thought that runs through my head all of the time. Honestly, it should probably run through yours if you plan on approaching music seriously, in hopes of success. The thought is this: [b:7e61b2fd4e]Do people think your music is as good as you think it is?[/b:7e61b2fd4e] I don't mean that stellar Pitch Weekly review you/your group got. Where they said it's only a matter of calendar burn before you are standing on stage in front of 5,000 festival goers, rooting you and your new sonic movement on. I don't mean the 50-100 local people that are behind you, and want to see you blow up, so they praise you as a musical genius that just hasn't had his proper chance yet. I don't mean your friends. Who smoke Saudi Arabian kush with you, and tell you that you are a savant-like artistic being. The prodigious commander of entertaining scales, tones, beats and raps. I mean in mass quantities. These droves of people that you feel you deserve as fans. These droves of people that some of you even feel blatantly do not support you, or the *scene* you represent. So, I ask again: Is your music as good as you think it is? I feel mine is (which you may not.) But if you feel yours is (which I may not.) You can at least rest assured that you have step 1 completed. Step 1: You are good enough. Ok, that's about 3% of what is required to be a successful musician. Let's move to step 2, and we will speak in local terms. Kansas City is boring. It's edgy and competitive. It's violent and in need of release. There are around 2 million people who could definitely use some good music to listen to. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that these people would go as far as attending a good musical concert on a Friday night if they heard about it. Let's break that paragraph down into a few predicaments. 1. Kansas City is edgy, competitive, and violent. A lot of people don't like to go to shows. Period. Too much testosterone and conflict. Too much buzz kill. In the KC rap world, there are too many rappers on stage dissing things, and proclaiming city dominance. Yelling about their dick, balls, and sick syllables at a few cute girls who stumbled in by accident. 2. There are 2 million people here. You gotta spread 2 million people out around a gigantic radius. It's weird to imagine, but Westport and Lawrence are only fractions of the locations people visit in Kansas City. 18-35 year old people living in Lee's Summit may not be in the mood to go to MC Dope As Fuck's Mixtape Release Party at the Riot Room this Wednesday night. 3. People would be willing to attend concerts, IF THEY HEARD ABOUT THEM. So Step 2: Do people know about you, and what you are trying to do? One of the thing that fucks me up about some local cats, is they have absolutely no promotional grind what-so-ever. Don't get me wrong, there are several cats out here (and you know who you are), that can get a show cracking with hardcore promo and networking. But the dudes out here acting like our *scene doesn't support you* need to get over it. 1. Why should we support you? 2. Why should fans support you? 3. Are you actually making your show and/or album release seem like an event that is bigger than life, that CANNOT be missed? Or, are you just dropping a stack flyers off at the Record Bar, and not even passing them out. Just kind of on some "Fuck this city. They don't support anyways." Shit, and failing to even promote yourself. 4. ARE YOU OVER-EXPOSED? The achilles heel for any form of entertainment is over-exposure. Stop doing 49 shows a year. Especially shows that have no mystery or excitement billed behind them. Treat each show like Christ is coming back to life for 1 night, and you are co-headlining! 5. What scene are you even talking about? Musical scenes are not immortal entities. They happen because all the stars align at the right time. When Bad Brains blew the asphalt off the Washington D.C. ground, it was not because everyone in Washington D.C. had a message board thread about how "D.C. doesn't support the punk rock scene. Let's grow our scene!" Bad Brains came out at the right time, in the right location, and there were enough people in that location that hungered to be apart of what they were doing. It was a classic moment in musical history, that eventually spread all over the North East and spawned hundreds of other offspring that emulated them, their stage show, their essence, and their movement. But it dissipated and vanished. Not because the scene fell apart and they stopped supporting each other. Not because H.R. and Dr. Know got on some ego-trip shit, and alienated the fans. None of that. It vanished because the moment was over. The sound had been heard. The words had been said. People's energies shifted. Can you honestly say that Kansas City is in dire need of hip-hop music right now? I mean, yeah, there are fans of hip-hop. There are even HARDCORE fans of KC hip-hop. But that obviously isn't enough people to comprise a scene. If it was we wouldn't be having this conversation. How many times am I going to go a club where someone is playing "'93 Til Infinity", "Who Got the Props?" and "T.R.O.Y."? On the flip side, what makes you think I want to go to a club and hear Kid Cudi, Mickey Factz and whatever else is *hip* at the moment? Whether it's the past, present, or future, a lot of people are kinda over it. I'd suggest this: Do you, and you only. Unity exists amongst friends, not a scene. I just made a song with Ces Cru the other day. That doesn't mean all of Ces Cru's fans will be at my next show. I am giving Lucid some sponsorship on my website. That does not mean all of my fans will buy Lucid's record. Don't depend on Kansas City for your success. Don't blame Kansas City for your lack of success. Don't depend on Kansas City artists for help. And don't blame Kansas City artists for not helping. The biggest show I ever did in Kansas City was last Summer. There were close to 600 people at the Beaumont Club. It was an all ages event. We promoted the FUCK out of it. Impressive? No. But to me it felt good. Like, damn, that's one of the biggest local shows I'd seen outside of The Get Up Kids and Tech N9ne. Obviously there will be detractors that think I suck, or have no business making music. But that's not the point. I thought it was good. However it's only good on a relative scale. Obviously MGMT could come to Kansas City with a 3rd of the promotion, and get 3 times as many people. But I was still proud. Why? Because I did it all by myself. You can too. This town is no different from New York City, Chatanooga, Miami, Portland, Springfield etc. You gotta put your boots on and grind, man.[/quote:7e61b2fd4e] FTW! Couldn't have said this better myself. Perfect summation of this conversation.
Apr 10, 2009 09:52pm by dirge
Damn, Mac! That summed it all the way up. Next time there is a "Build The Scene" post, we should all point back to Mac's response as reference. -Vrt
Apr 11, 2009 12:23am by NRG - livin the art that is life ! www.64111clinic.com fam www.nrginmotion.com massage www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
truth laid out here. and yeah let's just point to this next time will go in the thread of fame at some point.
Apr 11, 2009 08:40pm by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
[quote:0d1e8da07c]New York City is hardly a unified music scene. In fact, Joe Budden was whining about that on one of his Joe Budden TV Youtubes one day. Google it. The name of the episode is aptly titled, "Fuck New York." [/quote:0d1e8da07c] Mac laid out some very important points but I must add that this example is misleading. The implication here is that NYC is successful while not being unified. But might I ad, with history as proof, that their scene was incredibly tight knit when it was burgeoning. Joe Budden, for example is single handedly destroying his legacy all for the sake of outlandishness. Outlandishness that was caused by the de-unification of NYC hip-hop. As of late, NYC is trying to regain its dominance in Hip-Hop in a southern dominated game. (If you notice a lot of New York stuff sounds straight from the south.) This doesn't sound healthy to me, Mac. Hence it shouldn't justify the current apathetic, egotistical notions that are prevalent in the scene now. [quote:0d1e8da07c]Let's break that paragraph down into a few predicaments. 1. Kansas City is edgy, competitive, and violent. A lot of people don't like to go to shows. Period. Too much testosterone and conflict. Too much buzz kill. In the KC rap world, there are too many rappers on stage dissing things, and proclaiming city dominance. Yelling about their dick, balls, and sick syllables at a few cute girls who stumbled in by accident. [/quote:0d1e8da07c] This is a very very good point as far as conflict. Exemplary proof why a unified scene must be sought for. [quote:0d1e8da07c]3. People would be willing to attend concerts, IF THEY HEARD ABOUT THEM. [/quote:0d1e8da07c] Haha. This is true. But throwing fliers at people or even saying come to my show won't cut it. The simple truth is, if you just talk to people their more likely to come out. Unfortunately, even with how simple that sounds, it's often times the most difficult thing to do...as artists are not the most social beings in the world. [quote:0d1e8da07c]Can you honestly say that Kansas City is in dire need of hip-hop music right now? I mean, yeah, there are fans of hip-hop. There are even HARDCORE fans of KC hip-hop. But that obviously isn't enough people to comprise a scene. If it was we wouldn't be having this conversation. How many times am I going to go a club where someone is playing "'93 Til Infinity", "Who Got the Props?" and "T.R.O.Y."? On the flip side, what makes you think I want to go to a club and hear Kid Cudi, Mickey Factz and whatever else is *hip* at the moment? Whether it's the past, present, or future, a lot of people are kinda over it. [/quote:0d1e8da07c] This is to suggest that most people in Kansas City don't love Hip-Hop. This is clearly far from the truth. You can't escape Hip-Hop in this city. The most challenging thing is appealing to the very numerous styles and tastes of those appreciators of the music. Not the lack of those appreciators. No one can entirely predict what EVERY single person wants to hear. Which is why we cannot deemphasize the importance of variety - something KC has a lot of - but to cut off the roots of our existence and to reject the every important pipeline of contemporary hip-hop is something we must NOT do. Why? Because eventually, when you're sick of hearing that Techno, or that Jazz or that Rock, or that House, or that D&B, or that Funk, or that Afrobeat, or that Pulse or that Dubstep, we will find ourselves reminiscing and desiring to reestablish ourselves on the very moments in time when Hip-Hop meant that much to us. Needless to say, "being you" is essential and absolutely vital. But try being "you" without a team. Try being you all by yourself. It takes many bones to create a body. Many roads to create an infrastructure. Many voices to make a choir...yes these roads may conflict at time, they may even harmonize at others, but the point is they did it TOGETHER. A scene doesn't exist only among friends, Mac. It exists among GROUPS of friends. So we cannot succumb to a molded more glazed version of the corroded model that we currently follow. Obviously, this independence is what we would like to hear, it sounds good, it gives the INDIVIDUAL the power, but the world is interdependent. We absolutely cannot grow without the support, criticism and encouragement of each other. [quote:0d1e8da07c]This town is no different from New York City, Chatanooga, Miami, Portland, Springfield etc. You gotta put your boots on and grind, man.[/quote:0d1e8da07c] Sure. But the one difference is that they are ESTABLISHED. We have not completed that process. Yes, you have to put on your boots and grind, but it [b:0d1e8da07c]MUST MUST MUST[/b:0d1e8da07c] be done together. I know this is easier said than done, and I know that some of us who have experienced some success - in relation to the rest - are saying "what will benefit me?", but to lay the pipeline for the future, to point the trajectory of our legacy into the right direction, a growing, more unified scene MUST be administered. My late grandfather once said, "You done swam the whole ocean. Aint no sense in drowning in knee deep water." Call this naive if you'd like but we are getting there. We must swim on.
Apr 12, 2009 05:24am by trystyl - www.myspace.com/trystyl Location: KCMO
[quote:ca5a71f006="thePhantom*"] but to lay the pipeline for the future, to point the trajectory of our legacy into the right direction, a growing, more unified scene MUST be administered.[/quote:ca5a71f006] What exactly is your end goal? why must these things be done? i am sorry, i am still unclear of the point
Apr 12, 2009 05:36am by thePhantom* - Vessel for the muse. http://phantastic.me
Trystyl, are you asking why we must grow and be more unified?? That can't be your question. What I'm suggesting here is that if we don't act more aggressively to unify on almost every level, our growth will be slow. We are getting older. What I'm saying is, unless one wants to be comfortable with just being the local dude from KC that happens to rap, break, DJ, etc, OUR time will have lapsed. That's not something that can be allowed to happen - unless, of course one wanted it to. BTW, if Hip-Hop is a hobby to some, by all means, feel free to keep it that. That's encouraged. The point is simple. We must be more organized, more efficient, more prompt, more encouraging, more open and more progressive to name a few. Or cats will end up disillusioned and grow apathetic. That's kriptonite to any scene. THAT'S IT. Unfortunately, the complexity is in the simplicity. Things in theory work much different in reality, as you know. This thread, in my opinion, with the different views and inputs shared, is a great step.
Apr 12, 2009 06:00am by trystyl - www.myspace.com/trystyl Location: KCMO
i am still not getting the whole point behind the unification? How does that help? I am all for growing..because many of us..myself included are getting older. As far as I know the scene is pretty unified... everyone knows everyone, its the same people at every show, the same people putting out actual real products. And i am sorry to say that i enjoyed the "scene" much more about 10 years ago when it was new and exciting to me and i didn't really grasp the whole bs that goes into it.
Apr 12, 2009 06:09am by trystyl - www.myspace.com/trystyl Location: KCMO
[quote:d4611a6346="thePhantom*"]What I'm saying is, unless one wants to be comfortable with just being the local dude from KC that happens to rap, break, DJ, etc[/quote:d4611a6346] also this is just the sad fact, if you are hoping to "blow up", its not going to be because the scene is unified..its going to be because YOU, and only YOU, went out and got on the grind. Mac already laid down the truth. He didn't get to where he is because of a unified scene. He got their because he was on the grind, day in day out, non stop, and he is still doing it.