what is this article trying to say? it reads like it is talking in circles. it seems like people want to blame a system when it doesnt work for them. so Sick thinks “blogs dont break artist” because not enough blogs post Rich Hil music? as far as Odd Future and Lil B…there are tons of people who dont know what a Pitchfork or a Fader is, but they do go to CocaineBlunts and surf around on Tumblr.

And what blogger actually goes around saying “i broke this artist” anyway? I can only speak for myself, but, I can take credit for “breaking” artist, but I dont. Thats up to the readers to decide and for the artist to bring light to.

As far as the re-brewing of this DJ vs Blogger debate. Again, I can only speak for myself, but I think the frustration at large with DJs is that these cats have a way larger influence on the masses than blogs do. These guys are in the clubs, in the streets and on the airwaves. The frustration lies within them practically working for or working with the artists that they “break.” Most of these DJs have these artists locked into some sort of marketing or management partnership so the integrity or thought that they really even support that artist and believe in them is thrown out the window. Plus, the people listening arent really even given a choice as to if they want to keep hearing from that artist because the DJ is gonna shove them down your throat any damn way.

The other frustration comes from DJs not really knowing what the people want. Not saying that all the people want only what is on blogs, but that is where many people are. So to see a guy like DJ Enuff second guessing himself about wanting to play Jay Electronica is sad. Obviously there were ALOT of people who liked the song, why not take it from blog land into radio land.

But yeah, this article is kinda confusing, not sure what was really trying to be said. Maybe the article was trying to say “blogs dont break HIT records”…

Yeah…Lil B, Wiz and Waka. You need what I see there?

Style, but not much substance. Credit given b/c they're all essential to the big picture of keeping rap in the forefront of entertainment. But beyond that, I think what you're saying lacks a degree of merit. Most “blogs” are attempting to “break” radio hits or mainstream artists b/c most of original, respected sites align themselves with Hip-Hop, not rap.

Sam, Im talking about DJ like they have a choice on what they support period. I know exactly what goes on at radio, thats not what im talking about. However, the very DJs that are in question do have small slots called “mixshow” where they have a little more freedom to take a risk, if they believe in it. And they are on satellite radio too.

I believed you missed my point. The point I am making is that “blogs dont break artist” anymore is an empty statement that was made by and is usually made by people who work with artists that blogs do not support as much as they would like.

When I say “Thats up to the readers to decide” thats the same as you saying “the people do.” So we agree there. I was just confused as to what this piece is really trying to say.

I'm loving this dialogue though. No one better catch feelings.

If internet is the battlefield in discussion….then yeah, I think more artist are discovered on blogs. A person goes to a blog as a part of their daily routine and will see something new they like and decide that they like it. The blog is the filter. I dont know too many people that just go on Youtube/Twitter/Facebook and just set up a RSS for “new rap music!”

Artists themselves though, they use the youtube/twitter/facebook to break themselves. So I dont think it can be said that “youtube breaks artists.” People usually be in the streets or on a blog or at a friends house and they hear something new. They ask the name and then they go on youtube to find more.

The only artist twitter ever broke was Antione Dodson!

I really like what you said here, making it clear that this is the 'entertainment' industry. I sometimes get so annoyed when certain artists of less substance are getting signed over the more solid artists, however at the end of the day it IS the entertainment industry as well as a business which means fans x potential money maker = SIGNED! And I'm glad you reminded me of that! Luckily with the Internet, social media and artist's taking things into their own hands – there is enough space in the industry for pretty much everyone; its just a shame that its often integrity vs money and not often the two combined?!

I really like this article and think it makes for interesting discussion. But I'm unsure whether its either/or when it comes to Youtube/Twitter/Facebook breaking an artist or blogs. I think blogs help to ignite initial recognition for an artist, everyone has their fave blogs and checks them daily to see who the new artists are, they'd THEN go on to their Youtube/Twitter/Facebook to find out more about them and follow. A proposed future fan can't exactly go onto the Twitter page of someone they don't even know about. I definitely think that Social Networks are the prime source for developing an artist's hype and gaining a 'following', which record labels then see and hopefully sign the artist. In my opinion, they all work together to 'break' an artist, along with word of mouth; but I don't really think the social networks could work on their own, as I said earlier – you can't follow an artist you don't know about yet.

And really, you care about the general public? The general public is fucking retarded. Always has been always will be.