Words. Music. Money.

Lyric Financial is a service company that is a little different than the average. If you have ever wondered if your next royalty check is going to be enough to cover the bills, or need more support for an upcoming tour, this may be right up your alley. Most artists sell music to create their financial reservoir, but you may not have to!

Lyric Financial offers funding solutions with their Fast Forward my royalties service which allows you to draw advances in incoming royalties. There is no credit hassle because this is not a loan service. This is simply “fast forward-ing” the money you receive annually anyway.

In case what you are looking for is a loan and you feel funny applying at a normal loan company as a songwriter, Lyric Financial does offer loan services such as performance loans and bridge loans. Other services such as the All Access Line Of Credit are available too. There are certain stipulations that I suggest you read for yourself but it is important that you know there is something out there to help you. If you are an independent musician making moves for yourself but don’t want to work on an independent budget. Try Lyric Financial.

~Kitty Katana

Is DiscMakers For You?

As an entrepreneur I’m sure you understand the importance of professionalism. Professional is how you present yourself and how your product presents itself for you. So as the professional artist that you are, what would you look like promoting or dare I say, selling a low quality product? Sure, your music is fantastic and you’re what the hip hop world’s been missing but you must also look like what we’ve been missing. Your cd packaging must always be on point. It doesn’t matter if it’s just your uncle you’re giving it to or your friend, your cd must look professional as the crowd you’re competing with. If you’re competing with the people who don’t take their music seriously or don’t intend on branching out beyond your region, then a Philips blank cd with your name written on it in permanent marker is fine. If you want to compete with major labels your product must look like a major label product. That begins with a professional photoshoot & photo editing. Combine that with an overall theme, your music, & your logo and now you’re ready. Ready for what you might ask?

CD manufacturing.

Depending on the size and loyalty of your fanbase it may be time for you to sell your music to the streets. As you know, the streets need physical product. Discmakers is an awesome company to get the job done when it comes to selling your music in stores. You can visit DiscMakers.com and see all the services they offer which include packaging your cd in the quantity of your choice in professional jewel cases, digipaks, eco-wallets, or jackets. The prices are reasonable and can be worked into your budget. Discmakers is the reliable company you need when you need 100 to 5,000 or more high quality cds. They even create merchandise for you such as t-shirts, posters, postcards, hats, etc. If mastering is something that you need, they also have you covered. Maybe you have some live concerts filmed that you want to sell or give away on DVD… they do that too.

Perhaps your entrepreneurial spirit hasn’t felt anything I’ve said thus far. You need a little more do-it-yourself work. Discmakers also manufactures cds in bulk in case all you needed was 1,000 designed cds.You could say I’m a spokesperson for the company, but what I truly admire is not the company, it’s what they do. If you see things the ways I do when you visit their website you will be more fascinated with the ideas they have. You can take the ideas and mold them in way that best suits you. You may not need everything I mentioned above right now, but you will eventually. I don’t mean to overwhelm you, just be aware of this side of the music industry and make sure you’re taking the proper steps!

So is Discmakers something for you?

~Kitty Katana

Pay interviews Aaron Abernathy aka “AB”

Not only was Daru Jones on European tour with Black Milk, the very talented musician Aaron Abernathy, b.k.a. AB, was part of the band as well, playing the keys for Milk’s live shows. AB is not just skilled on the instruments, he is a great singer and songwriter as well. This interview got interrupted in every which way possible, yet AB remained a trooper and even caved in to singing and playing the piano live, just for me. Stay up on this guy right here, cause he is about to blow up.

www.aaronabernathy.com

Pay interviews Dubelyoo

Pay is really switching it up and throwing in different passionate artists out there. Not just musicians. Dubelyoo is a great artist when it comes to the visual aspect. I got up with Dubelyoo’s work through my good friend and illustrator artist Mike T. Of course I had to get up with Dubelyoo while I was in ATL. At a B-Boy event at this Hip Hop spot The Bench, I spoke to Dub about his art and his vision for the future of his art.

Pay interviews GLC.

During my stay in Atlanta, I got introduced to GLC, a rapper signed with Kanye’s label, G.O.O.D. Music. A Chicago native, now residing in ATL, he took the time out to talk about who GLC is and where he is going. He also explained what his upcoming album is about and what he is trying to tell with his music. Having traveled to Europe before, with Kanye West, he also spoke about some experiences he had on the other side of the Pond.

Watch the 20+ minute interview where GLC definitely (and luckily) wasn’t someone I had to challenge into talking.

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Shout out to GLC for sharing his time with me.

Politics gone “right” (read: wrong).

European Parliament Elections

Last week we had elections over here for the European Parliament. All I can say is “whoa” at the outcome. The day after we had to put our votes out, the results came in and they were shocking, well maybe not that shocking cause we could have seen it coming….sorta. But still. The PVV (Party for Freedom) came out biggest over here. It’s a right-wing political party. So now Geert Wilders, who runs this party is elected into the European Parliament. Google him.

I would have to go real deep if I wanna explain what this man has done the past years. In short summarizing style, and my opinion of course, all he does is spread hatred, discrimination and racism. The only stand his party takes today is getting rid of the muslims cause they are all terrorists. The Islam in his opinion is the enemy. He made a short film, documentary called Fitna where he spreads his opinion about this even more. He went on tour through different countries to show his movie. Google it, I am sure you can find it online. Honestly, he is lucky to still be alive today. The hard working man’s tax money is going to his security. Twisted. His public statements and shouts are plain out discriminating.

Geert Wilders

Anyway, still, even though I don’t know anyone who voted for the PVV, they came out as the winner in these European Parliament elections. What does that tell us about our society? What also has my mind boggled is that most of these votes came from people in the country. The urban areas, the big cities, where most of the “ethnic people” live, barely voted for the PVV. So my thing is, why would you vote against “foreigners” if they don’t even bother you where you live?

Mind you, I say “foreigners” cause I don’t know the right term in English for it. We have a term for it over here. But honestly, most of US (I am labeled one as well), were born and raised here and don’t know any different. I’m not converted to the Islam, but we all know that’s really not the issue. It’s people of different ethnicity than the white Dutchies.

Now, not only was this “shocking” to us over here. Also in Germany and in the UK, the same wave of votes came about. The right-wing political parties all got the majority of the votes there as well. Now I don’t know in detail what the rest of the European countries did election-wise but this means that a big part of the European Parliament is going to be seated with people who are in my opinion extremely wrong opinionated. Yes it’s an opinion but where will this lead to?

Where is the European Union going towards if the majority of the people living in Europe are voting away the freedom and liberal ways we’ve always lived by?
What does this mean for all those who are “foreign”, but most of all for all those who are practicing the Islam for religion? And mind you, Europe consists of a lot of different countries, so “how ethnic are we really”?

I find it also interesting, seeing how the USA elected a black president. It shows improvement on that side. Slow, but it shows that the people there are ready for change. And then over here in Europe, it seems we are going straight the other way. We are a bunch of different countries, formed (read: forced) into a union. It seems like the people in these different countries are really taking the same stand when it comes to running this Union. And it’s not one that I particularly like. I feel like we are going in the exact opposite direction of the freedom we once practiced here in our countries.

The media is the biggest instigator in all of this. The past few years they have spread nothing but racism and hatred towards every culture they don’t wanna know about, here in the “white” catholic-based, western world. You can’t open up a newspaper anymore without reading about some “ethnic” person having committed a crime. If it were to be a white Dutch person, race wouldn’t have gotten a mentioning. Maybe I am too strong opinionated about this but that’s how I feel how it is today.

And seeing that the same thing happens in countries around me, makes me wanna pack my shit and get the hell out of here. People over here keep saying America aint all that, the political system over there is corrupt and the system period is not one to take care of its people really. Maybe so, but at least the definition of Freedom is becoming bigger over there and seems to be shrinking over here.

Maybe I should just rob a bank (in recession time) and buy me a deserted island somewhere in the Pacific and live in peace. The world has gone mad. And Europe is where it’s gonna blow up in a bad way. This could be the prediction of WWIII. The Western World against the Islam. Who knows.

I can write hours about this and get way deeper into details, but my initial thought about writing this piece was to show all those, who have no clue about what’s going on over here, what’s really going on. People who don’t live here have no clue what we are dealing with in our direct society nowadays. Its not fairytale-land where everybody happily smokes weed and has sex at the red light district.

Now I don’t want to make it seem as if it’s hell over here. But I’m telling you, it won’t be long till all hell WILL break loose over here. This has been building up for the past years, everybody saw it coming. We can close our eyes for it and just live our lives, or we can face the facts that the freedom in our society as we knew it, is now slowly being controlled by the media and their brainwashing of the people. Freedom where a political figure can blatantly make discriminating statements against people of different culture and religion. Yet wanting to take their freedom away. He is doing the exact thing that he accuses his enemy of. What type of person does that make him?

Society and the government and all the extra rules have changed this place. The once so liberal country that we were, is now becoming part of a Union, a Union that I don’t necessarily support. The countries in Europe are slowly losing their identities. It started with the currency, and it probably won’t stop there.

Marinate on it. Think about it. The world is bigger than just the world you directly live in. We all have political madness going on, we all have rules in our societies to deal with. I just wanted to let people know what we are dealing with over here. And have been for a while. And unfortunately, it’s only getting worse.

My fellow-writer on here, Fyza, lives in the UK. She is experiencing the same thing and she was encouraging me to write this piece. I love Amsterdam, it’s my home. I love my city, but Fy and Pay will be packing their bags if this madness over here continues.

Love your fellow-humans. Spread positivity in –our- society. If we don’t do this together, the changes I wrote about, will continue to happen.
Peace & Blessings. <3

-Pay

European Parliament Elections
PVV (Party for Freedom)

PS. The latest news on Wilders and his madness is that he has made statements about wanting to deport millions of muslims out of Europe if they cause problems. He claims that millions of people want to turn everything into an Islamic state enforcing the Islam on the Western World. Other political parties are going against this now and a certain Foundation is considering pressing charges for instigation of hatred and discrimination on grounds of religion.

The Concept of Appreciation

I know “It’s been a long time”-Rakim, but I’m back in effect ladies and gentlemen. I had to take it back to my old school roots real quick.

Being a human being on planet earth is a very interesting experience. I’ve come to realize that this planet is a large classroom filled with many lessons to be learned. These universal lessons promote growth and spiritual awakening. I appreciate the gifts and lessons that are available for all of us.

Showing appreciation gives insight to how in tuned you are to the infinite source(GOD). I’ve recently experienced a lack of appreciation from a former friend. You wouldn’t believe how much I’ve done for this person over the years. On top of all that I received negative energy from this person for trying to help them. If that is not ironic I don’t know what is.

Fortunately, this happened now instead of two years ago. If this would have happened in the past I would be angry and cleverly project the same energy back. I am not the same person and that explains why my friends had to change as well.

You get what you give. Instead of focusing on the people that don’t appreciate me, I’ve decided to focus on the people that I appreciate instead. All of my friends and associates that are reading this I want you to know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

My emotions no longer have full control of my actions anymore. I appreciate the opportunity to learn, grow and evolve. On that note I would like to say all praises do to the creator of all.

Please take the time to show appreciation today to those in your life that deserve the affirmation. You’ll be surprised how much that would mean to them.

Jason Hairston

My random thoughts

My mind is full of interesting things it wants my opinion on, thought I’d share my random thoughts with you. Share some of yours with me too in the comments.

 
At first its all about who you know but then it quickly becomes about what you know.

 
Competition kills creativity.  Don’t compete, just do you to the fullest. Your gift is unlike anyone elses.

 
So many people strive to have the best/finest things in life.  More times than not, no where on the list is anything internal.  Like mind, body, and soul.  Really, is the external things really that important?

 
Take time to study life.  No matter what you know, know that you can learn something else.  Know a little bit about a lot.

Life becomes unbelievably simple when the only thing you seek to control is…..yourself. 

 

Let go.

 

Make the time to work through issues and build relationships stronger rather than running away and preparing for the re-up.  Running is running no matter what you say to justify it.  Know that you more than likely need some polishing up too and they have been patient with you.  

Learn the difference between honoring yourself and being stubborn.
 

Instead of metaphorically running run literally; you’ll get much better results.

My friend Sam Salter always reminds me to “BE UNDENIABLE”! Perfect advice don’t you think?

Fullfillment comes immediately after realization.  Realize that you can create anything and be fulfilled.  Be diligent and specific about what you are creating and why because you are more powerful than you really know.

Heres an example of our power: Ever notice how a person or even yourself adjusts their personality to each person they are dealing with?  Our own energy can actually manipulate another persons energy into behaving how we want them to.  So if you are surrounded by negative energy, drama, take a look at yourself for the solution. 

Are we really that busy?

The desire to not suffer is sufferage in itself.

Tiffany Janay

Events: The Chronic Lounge in San Diego

FINALLY there is something refreshing to do in Daygo.  The Chronic Lounge is bought to you by Never Satisfied and Rashad Ent.  A celebration of Mary Jane via Chronic Ice drink specials all night long!  DJ Smooth will be spinning the best of Rasta, Hip Hop, and R &B. 

Come enjoy the scent of incence in the air, the beautiful people, environment created for the High Life lovers, and our recession respectful door costs ($5 only!!)

AND its hosted by Tiffany Janay from Hip Hop Entrepreneur’s!!  How exciting this is going to be.

 

May 15th @ the Rhythm Lounge.

*Love the design of this flyer as much as we do? Our boy Dox designed it.  Hit him up to design your next project, tell him we sent you for a special deal.

HipHopEntrepreneurs.com with DJ Rock T

The Hip Hop Entrepreneur sits down with DJ, nationally syndicated radio personality, and T.V. host; Rock T in an exclusive interview covering his journey in the entertainment industry. DJ Rock T has made an easily recognizable brand for himself covering his personality, humanitarianism, and style. Rock T’s story began in an unusual way and has skyrocketed tremendously since then. The man himself will also share his empowering outlook on personal life with a successful career and give up the secret for his popularity.

 

 

Kitty Katana: Rock T is a household name now, who is DJ Rock T?

Rock-T: Rock T is a very humble and blessed man who appreciates life.

 Kitty Katana: Often times people have much more respect for certain careers when they know how much effort is put into the occupation. Is there more to being a DJ than meets the eye?

 Rock-T: Yes, a DJ is more than just a person who plays music at clubs and on the radio. A DJ has the opportunity to influence many people through music. Good DJ’s also spend many hours researching music and new artists. As a DJ, you are PRAISED when you’re correct about picking a future HIT record, but CRITICIZED when you’re wrong about a record.

Kitty Katana: Where did your career start?

Rock-T: My radio career started at K104fm in Dallas ( 6 years @ K104) and (6 years with 97.9 The Beat)

 

Kitty Katana: Who in the Hip Hop industry has been an inspiration to you, and has motivated you to grow as large as you have?

Rock-T: Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Entertainment Attorney Ward White.

Kitty Katana: So you’re a member of Core DJ’s. What is Core DJ’s and how did you become a member?

Rock-T: CORE is the center. CORE DJ’S represent the center of the music industry. DJ’s are probably the most important ingredient in the music biz. To become a Core DJ – A DJ has to be recommended or recruited by another Core DJ.

Kitty Katana: What is a day in the life of a nationally syndicated DJ?

Rock-T: Wake up at 3:30am, on the air from 5am – 10am, meeting to discuss tomorrow’s show from 10am – 12noon, visit schools to speak, more show prep for the next day: News, Sports, etc…, traveling from city to city; for most of us – we do all of this while raising a family.

Kitty Katana: How much of a challenge was it to become a radio personality on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and Deez Nutz?

Rock-T: Actually, that was the biggest blessing of my radio career.  Rickey requested for me to be a member of his team. Of course, I graciously accepted.

Kitty Katana: What is your ultimate goal with your career?

Rock-T: To build an entertainment empire and continue to help others fulfill their dreams.

Kitty Katana: How do you balance having beautiful children and a wife and a full fledged entertainment career?

Rock-T: I Prioritize my life around my Family.  Family is first, then everything else comes after that.

Kitty Katana: How did you get to be the host of Dance Club 21? Were there any classes you attended to fully project your hosting skills?

Rock-T: This was another blessing for me.  Dance Club 21 asked me to be the host and once again I graciously accepted lol.  I’ve never taken any acting or hosting classes. I just go with the flow.

Kitty Katana: Why did you make the switch from playing 4 years of professional baseball with the New York Mets, to join the world of DJing, television hosting, and being a radio personality?

Rock-T: In the world of being a pro athlete you eventually come to a cross roads when you have to make a decision to move on to a second career, mine came a lil earlier than most.  I had a great radio opportunity that was offered to me that was hard to turn down so I went for it.  I’ve been rolling ever since.

Kitty Katana: How much of DJ Rock T’s promotions are done by DJ Rock T himself?

Rock-T: 90% – but I do have a Team that contributes to the DJ Rock-T Brand…I follow the old proverb: NO ONE CAN PROMOTE YOU BETTER THAN YOU!

Kitty Katana: For someone who is just coming up in the industry and wants to become a national or international DJ, what game can you give up?

Rock-T: You have to make yourself a very popular brand.  You have to be everywhere, doing everything at all Times.  It sounds crazy but you can’t sleep in this business if you wanna succeed.

Kitty Katana: Many don’t know about your humanitarianism. You’ve even started The Rock T Foundation to service the community and the children in the community. What is the Rock T Foundation doing in the community now?

Rock-T: The Rock-T Foundation is an non-profit educational program which provides positive influence for youth and young adults.  The main purpose is to effectively educate, inspire, and empower our youth, also help raise them to be successful and productive members in our community.  The Rock-T Foundation encourages the youth to break the bondage of mental imprisonment and write new productive chapters in their lives.  Our motto is: NO EXCUSES! GET IT DONE!

Kitty Katana: The Hip Hop industry is known to be very secular. How did you find the common ground between the bold image and reputation of Hip Hop and being a family oriented celebrity that teens can look up to?

Rock-T: You can’t allow the industry to dicate your life.  It’s easy for me because of who I am as a person.  I am a role model so I have to make sure that I’m reppin positivity at all times.

Kitty Katana: Tell us some other facts about Rock T that the Hip Hop world may not know.

Rock-T: Check out ROCKTHOLLA.COM to find out all about me.

Kitty Katana: Where is Rock T in 10 years?

Rock-T: On top of the world helping many other peeps achieve their goals.

Visit RockTHolla.com

~Kitty Katana