Things I've Noticed

I've been doing a lot of observing lately and I've noticed some interesting things. So….check it out!

It's amazing to me how many times I've heard people say over the years…"Don't forget about us little people when you make it big". My usual response to that is that if I forgot about you, you didn't mean much to me to begin with! If you meant something to me, you'll never be forgotten! If you sit back and think about it, it makes total sense. People that are forgotten, usually didn't mean much to that person or organization. They were forgettable. But, people that made an impact or leave an impression will always be remembered. It's human nature! Most of us can remember a person in our lives that has had a major impact. But, we don't remember the people that didn't have an impact or left an impression. That's just how it goes. So…people shouldn't get offended when they're forgotten if they didn't make an impact or leave an impression on that person. In my case, the people that I remember the most have always been there in some form or another. I still remember friends from elementary school. Why…because they had an impact in my life. I'm sure there are a lot more people that remember me. But, that is because I have a personality that leaves an impression. I say all this to say that if you want to be remembered by anybody, you have to leave an everlasting impression that makes you hard to forget.

In relation to music, I remember all the people that have been there for me since day one and even those that have turned their backs on me. I wish that things could be different. But, the reality is…it is what it is! I just accept it and move on! But yet…they are still remembered. They've left an impression and had an impact in my life. Some good! Some bad! But once again…I still remember them! Now…there is a person that is on my Top 24 on MySpace for a reason. This person has bought 6 of the 8 CDs that Sweat Shop Recordings has released. The 2 releases he didn't buy were non Rap/Hip Hop. No problem! We can understand that. But, he's been showing major support for what we do! On top of that, this person is in Japan! This person is remembered for their support and love for what we do! There are so many people that want to be remembered by us. But, do nothing to make themselves memorable. How can you be remembered when you don't support the very people you want to remember you when they're "famous" or "made it big"? The ironic thing is that we're accessible! We respond to people and all that! But yet…lack support!. But, these same people will break their neck to try to talk to major celebrities who really don't care if they exist or not! I know that I would feel good knowing I was part of someones success. To a certain degree, I already have. What about you?

Now…on another page…it's amazing to me how many producers and artists want to be Superstars. But, not willing to put in the time or effort. I see producers and artists that literally just lock themselves in a room, do what they do, and expect that success will come to them. Success is not going to come knocking on your door! You have to go knocking on its door! One way or another! You want to be a big time producer? Put your beats out there! Let your beats be heard! Take time to really learn and hone your craft! But, yet…too many upcoming producers want to take short cuts! I have nothing against looping software such as Fruity Loops, Acid Pro, or even E-Jay! It's a creative tool and can be fun to use. But, how many upcoming producers really know how to play an instrument these days? How many really know how to make a beat from scratch without the use of loops? Technology has made a lot of the upcoming producers lazy in my opinion! The same goes for artists! I know artists that all they do is smoke a blunt and write. They want the hottest beats and studio time…all for free! All they think about is putting out a CD. But, yet…they want to get stupid paid off the same CD that they wanted to pay nothing for to make it. Wow! That's bold as hell to me! But hey…there are people out there that do it. I was one of those that did for a long time. I gave and gave. But, not anymore! I have learned that people just use you for what they can get out of it. They only think of themselves. I do what I do because I love doing what I do. But, no longer am I going to allow someone to use my love for music for their personal gain. You want to work with me…you got to play the game right!

In relation to putting in time and effort, for example, my brother, Mad Man Smooth, and I hit the streets to look for prospective spots to sell CDs. In all honesty, we didn't have to do it. We're the owners of the label. But, we did it. Why? Because the artists aren't doing what they're supposed to do. While we were out, we sold some CDs. That proved to us that it's not that hard because we weren't really trying. We were in a different mode. But, yet we did!

So...this is how I feel. If you're too lazy to take pride in your own craft and make something happen, then don't expect to be successful!