"Tech, don't go mainstream!"
Category: Blogging
This must be addressed. Many out there keep hating becuase Tech is on MTV, especially the Juggalo family. Many say, "Tech don't sell out, don't go mainstream....what the hell does that really mean...
better yet, do those that make those statements even know what that means?
Musically, mainstream music denotes music that is familiar to the masses
Interesting term. You can not GO mainstream, the masses make an artists MAINSTREAM through acceptance of the music.
I ask this question before I go on...
Did anyone really get the meaning of Slacker?????
When someone gets into the music business, they do it for the love of it and no matter what anyone says, the ultimate goal is to do it for a living. Now lets look at those who are out there and successful. A lot of Alternative groups are huge today. No one is telling them "don't sell out, don't go mainstream". Slipknot, Green Day, Weezer, Staind, Linkin Park...etc
They do what they do, were embraced by people that believed in them and they are successful (getting a lot of video play too mind you) and make a great living making music (By the way, Tech N9ne is in the top ten worldwide on the myspace alternative charts). Did anyone ever consider Iron Maiden or Judas Priest "Mainstream"??? No but they were because they were familiar to and loved by millions of people around the world.
Let's take a look at Hip-Hop music.
Over the years Hip-Hop has evolved far beyond what anyone dreamed. There is a lot of great Hip-Hop and a great deal is bubble gum bullshit but there are those that stand out and send a message. Tech N9ne has always been Tech. Tech N9ne is not changing to conform to what the industry wants. Anyone remember the FTI campaign????
Strange Music is INDEPENDENT. There is not a commitee up in New York or in L.A. dictating the image of Tech N9ne or yelling about the musical direction. Tech N9ne is the musical direction of Tech N9ne.
Does anyone remember a group called NWA??
Love em or hate em, the fact of the matter is, the industry had to bow down and allow them to be the dominate force they became. I do not remember anyone telling them how to record. Didn't Dre then and to this day write his own ticket? People emulate not dictate what Dre does. Ice Cube?? Independent artist...and the author of an album called "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted". Sold millions and got airplay, video play, did he sell out?? Pac was all over MTV...for a while every rapper wanted to be Pac, was he a sell out? He has as many albums out since he passed than when he was here.
What about Ice T?? Anyone remember a song called Cop Killa?, Hustla? 6 in tha Mornin'? Millions of records later..still the same person. A little older and wiser but he never changed his style.
Point of the matter is that Tech N9ne is an innovator another in a long line of musical pioneers. Quincy Jones said it best...'Tech N9ne is the Charlie Parket of Rap." Acceptance the answer to the burning questions. There is no semblence of sell out coming from Strange. Kutt, Krizz, Skat, Snug, PDM (definately not sell outs) and now Critical Bill...
I believe on Everready (The Religion) Krizz Kaliko said 'Strange Music, where bullshit aint nothin'
This is hard core VIRAL HIP HOP a true V-HOP nation. "Infecting the world with beautiful music", as Tech so elequently puts it. You can love it or hate it...it is what it is. It is the industry that is doing the selling out, water seeks its own level. You can not argue with the success of Kansas City's own. What happens is that the industry takes notice and says..."hey, we might have something here". How long did you honestly think that a man with that much talent was going to kept in the dark? I know I read somewhere that what is in the dark will eventually come to light! The time has come for enlightenment...
Reality is this, if they are thirsty and you build a well, people will come drink from it. Tech N9ne is an oasis and people who have been yearning for something unique and innovative keep coming. This creates awareness on a mass scale thus catapulting Tech N9ne into the MAINSTREAM.
CAN YOU HEAR STRANGE MUSIC KNOCKIN????
You can support the movement or move out of the way...cause we BOUT TA BUBBLE round here....
