1. NYT on Rap Lyrics as Criminal Evidence

    http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/14/opinion/rap-lyrics-on-trial.html?_r=0&referrer

    A strange and depressing read. Having your rap lyrics read in court is some Kafka shit. Murica.

  2. Uncommon Nasa Talks Yule Prog

    http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2013/12/yule_prog_christmas_party.php

    Great interview on the logistics, headaches and triumphs of organizing a big damn concert.

  3. Facebook on 2014: Fuck Independent Artists

    http://hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/12/leaked-facebook-document-reveals-free-marketing-will-soon-be-thing-of-the-past.html

    Not that Facebook was ever anything close to an open platform, but what little shine you were getting without handing them a credit card? Gone. Start thinking about what’s next…

  4. In the Lab with Marco Polo

    http://nahright.com/news/in-the-lab-with-marco-polo/

    A creative professional with serious skills talking shop about his process and product. Obviously, if you’re into rap production you need to read this.

  5. Praverb Interviews Wordsmith

    http://www.praverb.net/2013/10/the-importance-of-music-licensing.html?m=1

    We’ve covered Wordsmith’s bulletproof hustle before on Audible Hype — this is a 2013 update from the capable hands of Praverb. They’re talking business, front to back.

  6. Running an Indie Label in 2013

    http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/10/notes-from-the-indie-label-front-lines.html

    Great roundup of recent interviews & stories by Clyde Smith at HypeBot. Mr. Smith is really classing that place up with some substance and this piece is especially tasty.

  7. Small Pro Interview

    http://passionweiss.com/2013/10/22/question-in-the-form-of-an-answer-an-interview-with-small-pro/

    Excellent stuff. Covers tons of topics of interest to producers of any genre — Small Pro has been through it, learn from his hustle.

  8. Starlito & Don Trip on DIY Touring with an Actual Damn Budget

    http://www.complex.com/music/2013/10/starlito-don-trip-interview

    Two hungry and smart successful independents talking shop with Complex’s best author, David Drake. Blaow, basically.

  9. In the Lab with Roc Marciano

    http://nahright.com/news/in-the-lab-with-roc-marciano/

    A fascinating read about a fascinating rapper/producers. This “In the Lab” series is pretty much a goldmine, props to Nah Right.

  10. Vice on the Cassette Tape Comeback

    http://noisey.vice.com/blog/cassette-tapes-are-almost-cool-again

    Feels weird to be linking to Vice for really damn good tech/music biz journalism, but…this was a long-form, detail-packed, damn fine read.

  11. In the Lab with Oddisee

    http://nahright.com/news/in-the-lab-with-oddisee/

    Oddisee is, obviously, one of the best role models around for independent hip hop success. This is a detailed interview about his production process and full-time rap life. Gems abound.

  12. Dom Kennedy on self-management, big strategy & music promo in 2013

    http://www.laweekly.com/2013-09-19/music/dom-kennedy-other-peoples-money/

    An excellent read with a shit-ton of useful details. LA keeps winning.

  13. Nipsey Hussle vs. Complex

    http://www.complex.com/music/2013/10/nipsey-hussle-interview

    Wall to wall truth here … Nipsey Hussle takes on Complex and discusses the success of his infamous $100 mixtape.

  14. Long interview with Chicago's Tree

    http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-19/entertainment/ct-ae-0721-borrelli-20130719_1_fake-shore-drive-chief-keef-lil-durk

    Tree is dope, multi-talented, and well-spoken. Good insights here — an entertaining read.

  15. Roundtable on Hip Hop Artist Management in 2013

    http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2013/10/music-manager-2013/

    Shitty formatting, solid gold content — get ready to click a lot as you navigate through this superb collection of business advice from a diverse cast of managers who all have one thing in common: success at making money off music. Learn thyself.

Music by Justin Boland

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