So beat society NC got cancelled. Initially I tried to write it off like it wasn’t a big thing. I tried to ignore it and say oh well, I’m used to getting so close and then getting a slap in the face. You see with me and music, something really cool always happens and then something shitty happens. I was so motivated when I knew I was going to be in beat society. I made some of the best beats I’ve ever made. Since the day I found out it was cancelled I’ve made one, and it hasn’t been anywhere near where it should be. Admittedly I haven’t been myself because of this. That killed my drive, and I haven’t been able to express myself creatively since. As any artist will tell you, that’s extremely frustrating and depressing. I let it affect me outside of music, and into my personal life. I thought I had a little anxiety problem for a few days, because all that creativity was just stuck inside, looking for a way to come out. Most of the times I went out I wasn’t acting like myself. So the past couple of times I went out I made an effort to just let go and have fun, and to ignore whatever it was that was bothering me. And I did, had a good time both times too. So for all of you who have been wondering what’s been wrong with me, there it is. I finally figured it out. It’s amazing what having a couple of bad weeks can do to your life. It makes people think you’re an asshole. It makes people think you’re not the same person anymore. It makes you seem so very boring and disinterested in life…..

This is my warning to all artists and musicians, hell anyone that creates in some way. Do not let problems with your music/art get you down to the point that you lose other things that are important to you. I’m sorry to everyone…especially to myself.

Don’t have time to make the full entry right now, but I just wanted to post up this flyer anyway:

I was talking to one of my friends (nickthe1da, loop digga numero uno!), and we were talking about how it’s the “new thing” to re-use drums. This came into my mind the other day as I was driving and the remix to “So Sick” by Ne-Yo came on the radio. As you know, it’s a popular thing for remixes to pop-up when it’s about time for the radio life of a single to expire, and keeping with r&b remix traditions, this one features a rapper (in this case LL Cool J) who is also trying to extend the popularity of his current single (let’s not even mention Jennifer Lopez ripping off Fergie’s style on that hook either). Anyway, back to the issue at hand. Before we continue, download the song and start listening to it.

Ne-Yo ft. LL Cool J - So Sick (remix)

The remix is dope, up and down. Those big drums and that sample make it sound like an early to mid 90s song. Which is exactly what they were going for. Why? Because Ne-Yo’s appeal is already solidified with today’s young radio audience, now they have to hit those people on the verge. The people that remember music like this from when they were the young radio audience. Smart move on the label’s part to push this. Shit, I keep getting sidetracked…..back to the issue at hand for the second time: DJ PREMIER CALLED AND HE WANTS HIS DRUMS BACK!! Ever heard “U Know My Steez” by Gangstarr? Even if you have, check it below and you’ll hear what I’m talking about:

Gangstarr - U Know My Steez

Ok, so using someone else’s drums is nothing new. That is the foundation of hip-hop, right? Truth be told these are breakbeat drums anyway. I’m not mad at anyone for re-using drums, I can’t tell you how much of my production has been created using other people’s drums (about 100% of anything I made prior to last year, haha). This is simply me noticing a trend.

Soaked all that in? Good, let’s move on to example number 2:

Also while listening to radio, I heard the new Christina Milian single. Anyway, “Say I” is produced by cool and dre. I’m a fan of theirs too, if only for their ability to make hybrid tracks and actually be good at it. Anyway, cool and dre basically re-used their drums from “hate it or love it” by the game. I wish I had an mp3 to share with you, but I couldn’t find one in time (if anyone has it, please email it to djforge{at}gmail.com and i’ll post it up). It’s actually quite blatant, and once again a smart move because today’s audience thrives on familiarity. Add in a version that features Young Jeezy and you’ve essentially got a hit on your hands.

If you need one more example of the continuing trend, just listen to Toni Braxton’s new single. If the drums sound familiar it’s because they’re ripped from an Amerie song. Both songs produced by Rich Harrison. Coincidence? Labels want to cash in on a formula that they know works. Those drums worked wonders for the numbers on Amerie’s single (1 Thing).

Once again, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, just a current trend that we noticed.

P.S. I have an important announcement coming in the next few days, once I make sure it’s 100% in concrete. I made it to one of my career goals. It’s not super-huge but it should garner me some alright publicity and help to get my name out there a bit more.