djchameleon

So if an underground artist in your opinion was given the opportunity to get radio play and have interviews they would turn it down?

Or if they were given an opportunity to sign to a major label?

__________________

Fame, fortune, power, titties. People say these are the most crucial things in life, but you can have a pocket full o' gold and it doesn't mean sh*t if you don't have someone to share that gold with. Seems simple. Yet it's an important lesson to learn. Even lone wolves run in packs sometimes.

CJLEDJ

Not necessarily turning every opportunity down, but to be cautious of the involvement in today's music industry. From my point of view I see underground artists wanting true hip-hop fans to take the time to dig, and truly appreciate their work. I feel like a large portion of our society is so zombified to radio play. By listening to a song over and over again their forcing people to like what that artist or group has created. It really all boils down to money, fame and power. It all depends on what that specific artist or group wants. You can still be radio played and have all kinds of interviews and be signed to a major label and have good music, but in my opinion you are no longer considered "underground".

You should listen to Bumpy Knuckles "Industry Shakedown", great explanation of how artists are treated in labels, and how corrupt the hip-hop world is in our society today.

Key

So, Kendrick Lamar shouldn't be famous then?

CJLEDJ

I'm not saying Kendrick Lamar should not be famous, I respect Kendrick because he went out and made his OWN label, and his values on life itself and the music industry are fantastic. Do I like his new S***?, meh not really, I liked him a lot better when he came out with Section 80, great story teller.

Key

But your point was only underground artists are trying to make a connection to the listeners. A lot of rappers that aren't underground do that as well.

Terrapin_Station

You're reminding me of this guy on another board I post on who always says he likes artists' stuff prior to getting famous best. If they had a demo tape that got circulated among fans, he always thinks the demo tape is the best thing they ever did.

Blank.

Oh god! Another elephenor? Just what this site needs, more elitism.

CJLEDJ

I'm not singling out underground artists, absolutely new artists make a connection with listeners. My point was more directed towards exposure, and the fine line between underground and fame.

Key

ftfy

Key

Underground artists have no problem gaining exposure. Especially with Youtube and Soundcloud and Bandcamp being as big as they are. Unsure as to what you'd consider exposure, but there's plenty of underground artists that have an enormous following.