Signs You May Be Outgrowing the Current Sound of Music
“It looks like it’s about to rain….” said the bouncer looking at the dim sky as he lightly patted me down. “You good G.” I walked into the Taj Lounge with some friends hoping to make the most of my downtime as it was just announced that an album I got a placement on would be released soon. It’s a time for celebrating and I wanted to be at one of the hottest spots in Manhattan; or at least where we felt the music would be lit. The Golden State Warriors were playing so more than a few guys’ eyes were trained on the flatscreens above the bar. “Bobby B*tch” starts playing loudly over the speakers and the place erupts. At this time, Bobby Shmurda was in prison so his music was still resonating in the clubs as the city continued to show support. I bobbed my head looking over the crowd when then suddenly the DJ plays another song and the crowd gets even louder. I looked around noticing almost everyone in the club reciting the song word for word. Unfamiliar with the tune everyone in my group turns to each other with confusion. “Who’s this?” says one of my homegirls as she lowly points to one of the speakers. I shake my head looking back at bewildered faces as I’m the music head of the group and I don’t know the record that’s got drinks flying every where. This is when it hit me.
I’m starting to outgrow the current sound of music.
A harsh reality that hits everyone at some point. For me it was a stark reminder that even though my journey into dancehall and reggaeton had began I should still keep up with the current sound of hiphop. New artists drop everyday and I prided myself on being the first one to tell my friends about Wiz Khalifa, Nipsey Hussle, and Tyga. However, that was ten years ago and those artists (especially that year) were vets; i.e. old heads. So I took it upon myself to get back on SoundCloud and find budding talent. I had just missed the beginning of Lil Uzi Vert’s run, A Boogie with Da Hoodie had pretty much established his presence and I found an album called “Collection One” by a guy named SAINt JHN. Rediscovering the curiosity to find artists way before they blow up took practice as I had been focused on studying classic records. I mean, I was working on an album and we were trying to make just that. A classic.
There’s no shame in stepping away from what’s hot for a little while. Sometimes its necessary so you can go back in with fresh ears and get a better perspective of what’s needed in the market. Just be sure you’re not one of the old people in the club asking “Why’s the music so loud?”
That’s embarrassing.
