As the Industry Ends and the New Indie Is Born, Calez Urges Supporters to Organize
As you are all aware, I am a self-educated man from the Chicago area who has inspired and captivated people both inside and outside of my hometown with my musical talent, inventive endeavors, and intellect. Imagine a young man on welfare paying to jump start his career. Since then, I've amassed millions of views and listeners on various websites, including Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube. I've gained a supportive community, but I've also discovered the downside of the dying industry's lack of value in purposeful authenticity.
Could this explains the descent of mainstream rap music? Why? When one culture seeks monetary gain by exploiting another culture, particularly one considered "Black American," It is critical that they avoid telling only one side of the story. They must maintain an "ear to the streets" in order to provide the intended audience with the most accurate representation of that culture's true history, values, and trends. That is if they care to foster consumer trust in brand and product.
If those important components of history, values, and trends are absent, you might be getting the Taco Bell version of the taco instead of the authentic one. In my new project, "Original America Raps," I discuss being enmeshed in the real/raw but complicated history and background of America. I want to use this project to encourage young people to reject the pill-infused messages of popular rap that lead to tragedies like the ones we've witnessed and focus more on questioning the things that got them there such as their history, values, and trends.
Unfortunately I cannot bet on large corporations to support my cause. I can only hope that my community and day-one supporters will join me in my efforts to create pure representation through the developing artform of Rap for ourselves. Please consider becoming a patron below by leaving a donation and a message attached with your email.
- Ceito