DAY 23, what's it's gonna be??? It's getting real Searius up in here! Today's interview is with my homie, Searius Add. He's a BUSY man between being a father, Hip-Hop artist, spoken word artist and entreprenuer; “Nine-Tenths Media Groups LLC” and “Backpack Developments” (non-profit) His schedule is about to get *that* much more crammed because soon he is to begin his "Black Tuesday" tour which corresponds with his May 2010 release of the collaborative project with producer/rapper Sinatra. The tour is set to start July 8th in Pittsburgh, PA.
http://www.twitter.com/SeariusAdd
http://www.seariusthoughts.com/
1!> How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry in general?
Music is music and business and business. Personally I think they both are fine (largely because I understand what and how both are made and ran).
The bottom-line to any industry is profit. The music industry tends to cater a similar image largely because they think the image they show is more likely to bring a profit back in comparison to others. The entire business model of the music industry has changed drastically. Some complain about it- I see it as an opportunity for growth and expansion for artists and fans alike.
Nowadays the accessibility to your favorite or preferred artist and their music is historic. That’s definitely a good thing for fans of all genres.
Don’t wait to be told what to like, find it on your own. Don’t wait for anyone to make your career, make your own.
2!> What do you think of when you hear the words "Record Deal"
Slavery. Popularity. Show Money. Someone’s probably getting jerked. Someone has worked hard. Success.
5!> What steps do minorities need to take to create a better community for our children?
Better self education (which starts at home). The lack thereof prompts a conscious or unconscious desire to create an alien self-identify based on your surroundings. If your surrounding aren’t positive or progressive…then you get what is plaguing many communities throughout the country (check the evening news for examples).
7!> What beliefs do you hold onto that motivate you to do what you do?
Many. At the end of the day I value a strong work ethic and value system above all- character, integrity, honesty, etc…
8!> Who in your life has pushed you the hardest concerning your dreams?
My “uncle”- David Allen Curry a/k/a “The General” a/k/a “The Reverend”- lol. I can’t really express in words my gratuity. As a young man he essentially saved my life when I was headed down the wrong path. He taught me to be a critical and independent thinker and instilled in me a love for knowledge. I have never seen anyone with a stronger work ethic. He was a street hustler, con artist and former pimp who went back to school at the age of 37 to be a better role model for my younger brother, sister and I. It took him 11 years to get his degrees b/c one of his programs got haulted due to his past felony convictions. He got them all expunged by the Governor and graduated with 2 degrees. He was that dude foreal foreal, R.I.P.
15!> "Lyricism is the AIDS of Hip-Hop. Young rappers (and some older ones) want nowhere to be found near a lyrical rapper or MC—for fear of contamination, and subsequent public censure." thoughts???
I don’t agree. Different people like different things. There are some people who only want “lyrics”; there are others who want no part “that.” The jewel is to find those who like what you do.
16!> Athletes receive multi million dollar contracts but we still have uneducated children and hungry people on the streets… How do YOU feel about this and what, if anything, can we do to change it??
Athletes get paid millions b/c they directly or indirectly bring in many more millions. It isn’t personal- it’s principal. People have different takes on the downtrodden. Some say THEY are their own blame- in which I disagree (in most cases).
Individuals truly have to set the example of the change they seek to see in the world. If you feel that more can be done- you do it. From there, connect with like minds- and you ALL do it. From there more will catch on. That is true change. I do not advocate waiting on anyone to do anything for you, that you can do for yourself- ever.
21!> Today more than ever, it is becoming increasingly important to generate your own revenue and income because of the slim pickings in the job market. What would you as an entrepreneur tell someone looking to make their passion a career??
“There’s gonna be dark days, player. But it’s not how you fall, but how you get back up!”
There is no substitution for work and effort. There is no avoiding the oscillation and seasonal ups and downs that come with any business. Nonetheless, stick it out, adapt and be wise- and you will be all good. Have more than one hustle or pipeline of income.
3!> What do you think about the way the media portrays or covers affairs dealing with African Americans?
The media is the media. They thrive off sensationalizing everything- black, white and blue. They want stories that keep viewer’s attentions.
The reality is, some of what they portray- is true. How the media portrays somethings is totally accurate. The parts that aren’t, shouldn’t come as a surprise. I’ll be honest…I don’t watch much TV, and I don’t read the paper. I’m focused out here, lol…
10!> What do you feel about the influence the entertainment industry has on children and adults alike?
Music and entertainment are undeniably powerful influences- ALWAYS have been. That isn’t new.
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