I recently discovered whilst reading article on the Forbes website that the LA unsigned rapper Nipsey Hustle recently made $100,000 by selling 1000 copies of his new Mixtape entitled ‘Crenshaw’ for $100 each (Jay-Z bought 100 copies alone). This started a heated debate between my peers and I about the value we as a society put on entertainers. Now I am not a sportsman/sportswoman, nor comedian or even an Actor/Actress so I cannot comment on the difficulty of their jobs and whether the amount they receive is worth the job they do. I am however a musician so here is my argument.
As an artist and entertainer, in every song and every show, I reveal the deepest and most intimate side to myself every time. In the profession of painting it is unfortunately common that pieces of art increase in value after the painter in question is dead. However paintings are sold of in galleries and auctions for millions upon millions at a time. Every detail is appreciated. As a musician I look at at every Mixtape, E.P. or Album I make as a work of art. Let me be clear. I am not claiming that the Mona Lisa should be put in the same category as Ludacris’ song ‘Area Codes’ as those who are familiar with the lyrics would surely agree. However at what point do we draw the line?
On average Musicians (signed to a label) get paid more than Doctors, Teachers, Politicians, Nurses, Firefighters, Police officers and Lawyers. We can all agree that all these professions contribute hugely to society and deserve a pay rise. With that being said, musicians can spend months at a time being away from their families on tour. They constantly face the reality that a pay check is not guaranteed so if their fans do not like them or the music they make anymore they may face bankruptcy. They constantly are judged by people who do not understand their profession. They are needed by these same people in order to relax. I believe we can all safely agree that Mozart and Beethoven were borderline genius’ who composed master pieces. In retrospect why is it that a Vincent Van Gogh painting go for more money than a live recording of a Beethoven symphony?
In conclusion I would like to remind you that we musicians have bills to pay just as everyone else does. We may have found the perfect combination by being able to get paid for what we love doing. I can not speak for all musicians but on behalf on myself, i will continue to make music with or without the monetary value of it because i love making music.
Please find the enclosed link to the Nipsey Hustle Story Below should you want to understand his reasoning behind it:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2013/11/06/rapper-nipsey-hussle-and-the-100-mixtape/
Duke Ellington wrote ‘their is hardly any money interest in art, and the music will be there when the money is gone.’
Peace and Love
C.O. the Artist
memoirs of a musician 