The Law’s Conspiracy Theory

“…and alleged that from 2000-2003 I committed copyright infringement. They were even petty enough to sue regional mixtape DJ’s who put Ras Kass freestyles on their tapes. Mind you, these were songs they neither wanted to use nor were the majority ever paid for including studio time. Also, it is normal music industry practice to release unused, or “exclusive” songs to the internet and mixtape dj’s to promote the album and create a ‘buzz’’.

This is an excerpt taken from rapper Rass Kass’ letter to Capitol Records requesting release from his recording contract. The letter hit the internet on January 9 then, in Georgia a week later, the Fulton County Swat Team along with assistance from Clayton County Police raided the Aphilliates Music Group office resulting in the arrest of DJ Cannon and DJ Drama on Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) charges for reproduction of copyrighted materials. Officials took 17 of its employees into custody for questioning, seized computers, recording equipment, cars on the premises, and allegedly close to 50,000 CD’s to be used as evidence that later will be destroyed.

I find this to be very coincidental and ask myself, who benefits from this if DJ Cannon and DJ Drama are found guilty of racketeering and why? Let the theory begin:

Who: The Music Industry

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While adding little value to the process of creating and distributing music, and technological advancement making their role even more irrelevant, they are the first ones with there hands out for profits, placing limits on what is released and how we listen to it. From TV networks, radio networks and newspapers, the music industry is reluctant to change along with advancing technology and cultural shifts. This correlates directly with the mix-tape, major labels have no control and gain zero profits from a 13-30 track CD that a major artist puts out independently.

Why: Control

In 2005, Universal Music, the world's largest record company, announced that it is "transforming itself into a broader entertainment company that derives more revenue from untapped sources like advertising and apparel," according to Reuters. The goal is to "tap into the enormous demand for free music, and generate revenue from those who can't or won't pay." No wonder Jay-Z, CEO of Def Jam, which was sold to Universal suddenly is promoting beer, ‘’revitalizing’’ Cherry Coke, creating new car paint, and looks technologically suave.

Being that the mix tape is used as a promotional device, this is clearly an attempt to control another way the music is heard as well as gain from its potential net gains. A DJ or artist that put out a mix tape can make up to 90% profit. The industry has even had dialogue on selling rights of the songs to consumers! Stefan Roever, CEO of Navio systems that supplies technology to record companies says, “The idea is that these rights would offer more flexibility, because listeners could use the right to access the content on multiple platforms, for example, or to download the file again if your media was lost or destroyed”.

The mix-tape is one of the few platforms (especially for artist on major labels) that display the ingenuity and integrity from both the M.C and DJ. It has been an effective and lucrative marketing tool. It does not abide by sampling laws, corporate setbacks, or budget issues. With a click of a mouse, music is exposed to over 30 years worth of hip hop culture and someone is trying to control this.

James Law
jlaw@thisisrealmusic.com