50 Cent has taken on entrepreneurial and philanthropic adventures over the years, as well as launching his own label G-Unit and more recently G-Note Records. Speaking with WSJ.com, Fif explained how music marketing has changed over the years and how digital downloading should be embraced by record companies.
“That factor, now that 70 percent of the actual music is being consumed online, [users] have the option to steal it online or buy it online. I don’t think you fix it. I think Sean Parker has a pretty good idea with Spotify, because he’s aware of the damage done through Napster. And then he went forward with a model that could actually continue to at least have major corporations and major record companies feel like they’re taking a legitimate risk on marketing artists,” he said. “Because now, you’re meeting the new artist before the record company does. All you need is a camera and today, your telephone’s a camera. You film yourself in the studio, and it’s right on YouTube. If you can identify with talent and hear it early on, and start to develop a following online, then the record companies come. So we’re losing artist development.”
The G-Unit leader also spoke his venture with SMS Audio and the launch of his headphones, stating that he won’t just build up the company and then sell it if the product succeeds.
“This is something that I want to do in the long haul. I’ll be involved in this actual company. It’s something that will build up and then we’ll get rid of it. It’s exciting for me. Being part of this audio company is also a reflection of my passion for delivering music that sounds well.”
Watch the full interview below, where he also speaks on his Street King initiative and misconceptions about his character based on his music.
RELATED: 50 Cent Previews New Song “Girls Go Wild” In SMS Commercial
5o’s a smart dude but he’s missed the boat on Spotify. While Spotify is good for fans.. it sucks for artists. You’re earning like percentages of a cent for streams which is why even huge selling artists like Lady Gaga aren’t making shit from Spotify.
If you read music news in general and not just hip hop news (which you should be doing if you’re an artist anyway) you’ll see a ton of large Rock groups have not allowed their music to be on Spotify. We’re talking names like Coldplay, The Black Keys, etc.
They’re making a ton more money selling through sites like iTunes and Amazon.
Even if you’re an indie artist, I can’t much recommend placing your music on Spotify if you can really get it out there some other type of way.
50 cent always strokes his mouth/chin in every interview, lol. You can tell he loves the introduction he gets.
Look how another artist killed Drake on his own beat off The Motto >>> http://t.co/KXwn9l4z
real talk once agin grown man talk
Definitely a good article about artist development, I especially liked that part. Fifty is right though that record companies should embrace the digital music industry because it is not like people are going to revert back to buying CDs. Him along with Jay-Z and Dr. Dre are some of the best marketing entrepreneurs ever in the music industry.
dre doesnt market shit. he’s been pimped ever since he got into the industry…ex. eazy e n his wife still have a stake in his rights, suge took deathrow from him, now jimmy iiovine licenses dres name on beats but noo equity in the company lol
Good look 50. I see what you doing, can’t be outdid by jay by who makes the most money since for the pass 5 years you always been in the the top. So you come out with headphones at a good high price I got you yo… I want to get these cuz these skull candies are killing my big ears. Give me bout 3 months. ……… Now 50 you need to drop ” don’t make me do it” as a single off that street king mix tape , do it!!
50 might not be making good music recently but the dude is smart as fuck and making millions regardless.
REAL SH** FROM A REAL DUDE!!!
Fuck this wack ass bitch. Fake ass nigga!!
Shut up hater
LLoyd Banks is a fucking kiss ass he is eating what 50 cent eat up and shit out. This fool is poring money into wack ass rappers like Pauly D.When he has one of the most lyrical persons in the world on his label. As lyrical as banks is he is not tough enuff to stand up for himself.
Pauly D isnt more rapper than your mother. He is a DJ. And Lloyd Banks is Hot indeed.
banks is rich cuz of 50,you would lick 50’s ass if you were rich get ur nuts sucked by some supermodels right now…
everyday i see some bullshit news about 50 cent. whats up with that DX. If 50 tomorrow farts will you then also bring that news?
depends if he tweets i farted
I listen to every thing 50 say in interviews even if im not down with the music any more
Best Interviewees in Hip Hop
Tupac
Kanye West
50 Cent
Lupe Fiasco
Damn I’m blanking right now but those are def my personal favorites
o i forgot pimp c and X when he as sober as possible
I RESPECT 50 AND SUPPORT EVERYTHING HE DOES.
SK and SMS Audio!
its crazy 50’s music doesnt even fit into today’s lane of R&B influenced and emotional artist but he is still one of the biggest draws in music. Still one of my fav rappers jus because of the difference in his content compared to other rappers
Wat? He basically birthed that shit and destroyed Hip Hop once and for all.
SMS text marketing has been one of the most effective channels of direct marketing. Recent researches have shown that SMS is capable of reaching the mass market with better success rate. Recent reports suggest that 98 percent of all text messages are read by the recipient and 90 percent within the first three minutes. (http://www.txtimpact.com/SMS-Marketing-Solutions.aspx)
SMS text marketing has been one of the most effective channels of direct marketing. Recent researches have shown that SMS is capable of reaching the mass market with better success rate. Recent reports suggest that 98 percent of all text messages are read by the recipient and 90 percent within the first three minutes. (www.txtimpact.com/SMS-Marketing-Solutions.aspx)
TXTIMpact.com has SMS text marketing has been one of the most effective channels of direct marketing. Recent researches have shown that SMS is capable of reaching the mass market with better success rate. Recent reports suggest that 98 percent of all text messages are read by the recipient and 90 percent within the first three minutes.