The officer then contacted the Recording Industry Association of America, which represents the recording industry. Drama and Cannon were investigated after a Georgia task force officer said he found mixtapes supplied by Drama that were for sale without the consent of record labels at a kiosk inside a south Atlanta mall. In efforts to crackdown on pirated music, special task forces focus on copyright infringement in the recording industry. "Rappers can easily go on mixtapes and say whatever they want about an issue at that moment, without having to wait for their album to drop. "It's a way to create a buzz in the streets," he said. Isaac Hayes III, son of soul singer Isaac Hayes and a music producer, said mixtapes have benefited unknown artists in the urban market and record labels as well. Even though record labels often support mixtapes for their marketing strength, they also have been wary because bootleggers often sell the music for profit. Artists often use them to gain extra exposure. Mixtapes are a compilation of songs that includes teasers for upcoming albums, freestyle rhymes and remixes of popular hits.
"I hope people learn more about mixtapes after our situation." 50 Cent, one of music's top moguls, wouldn't even be where he is at, if it wasn't for them. So many people have capitalized off mixtapes.
Though the case is still not resolved, Drama is looking to clear his name as a criminal and show people that mixtapes are an asset for the music industry. But as his star rose, he and his partner Cannon were arrested in January for reproducing recorded material for sales, violating Georgia's Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization law.īoth were jailed one night and were released on $100,000 (euro74,260) bond. Mixtapes are promotional CD compilations featuring top rappers and are often sold on street corners and on the Internet.ĭrama had just signed a record deal, which is rare for a DJ, and was co-hosting a local and satellite radio show. and Lil' Wayne through his popular "Gangsta Grillz" mixtape series. "I said to myself, 'God, give me a bail and a bond.'"ĭrama, born Tyree Simmons, had become one of the top DJs in hip-hop after working with rappers such as Young Jeezy, T.I. "I wasn't thinking about a photo shoot," he said. Just everyone having a good time.Ī few months ago, Drama thought such an enjoyable moment would not come anytime soon. His friend DJ Don Cannon suddenly starts crooning, the entire clique bursts into laughter. With arms folded and a grin that shows much bravado, DJ Drama stands alongside his nine Aphilliate group members for an album cover photo shoot.
0 kommentar(er)
