The Ike Jackson Report: Reckless State of Hip-Hop Union 2009

As a corporate owner of music and copyrights, I believe that I have a unique perspective on how the entertainment industry affects society and the government. In my world and yours, it is the New Year of 2009 and we have to get our businesses in order.

President Bush, Hip-Hop accepts your apology for the economic crisis. Only a real man can say he is sorry for his mistakes. You’re no George Bush Sr., but you are OK in our book. On your watch we were not safe from financial terrorist. Big American business in general is now run by a collective of robber barons who are bound at some point to get extra greedy and destroy the fragile economy. I know you are going to help Obama transition well so the American public and Hip-Hop will continue to think well of you.

"Where there is no vision the people will perish" this quote goes for Hip-Hop too. I will now give Hip-Hop its vision for the New Year. To survive and prosper for 2009 and the next (5) years Hip-Hop companies having the most vertical integration (controlling Production, distribution and exhibition) will win. There will be four billion people using mobile phones in 2009. Netflix, I-Tunes, (120) million Myspace users on deck and Youtube make it very easy to reach your customer. I have seen the future of Hip-Hop. It is green and in the billions.

The beauty of this is that it comes at a time when the nation calls for unity. I know there will be none even though our new business model calls for it. You are your brother's keeper (that can earn). Hip-Hop support services must work with production to keep the present flow of premium products available to our customer's. The Late Isaac Hayes told me a story of caution and direction of time and energy. Mr. Hayes and I shared the same accountant for a time (shout out Mr.Comart) and I was making a weak point about Hip-Hop needing to unite for the love of the music. Isaac listened politely. Mr. Hayes, the humble and wise man he was, told me to stop that "bulls#$@" and continue excelling in the corporate arena because Corporate strength leads to cooperation, not the most popular music. “What?” I interrupted. Mr. Hayes explained that in the past he had won a Grammy and an Oscar and remembered the night of the famous "Stax "concert (Jesse Jackson introduced him on stage that evening too). He threw the parties of all parties in his mansion. Every black executive worth anything was in attendance. Every black recording artist and producer was in attendance. He said he then shut and locked all the doors. Mr. Hayes said he then told the captive audience they should form a major label and work together.

Surely, after earning every accolade in his chosen business and being on top of the game with sales, his intentions were pure and necessary but his call for unity was soundly rejected. Mr.Hayes then said to me since Hip-Hop entities are already corporate, they should to set up holding companies, merge corporations or trade stock. That is what will keep Hip-Hop music alive and in front of consumers. Personal beef and financial
Misunderstandings have no place in this world. You are now corporate professionals.

As most misidentify Hip-Hop as a social toll instead of a capitalist tool, it causes unnecessary division among the creators, curators, merchants and ultimately the consumers of Hip-Hop-premium products. Our collective musical experiences from 1986 to 2008 prove we know the depths of our capacity for cruelty and evil to each other. Now Hip -Hop must work together toward a shared financial interest. Capital consists not only of money, but also more particularly of highly organized intelligent groups of people who plan ways and means of using money efficiently for the good of the public and profitability for themselves. Hip -Hop participants must make a decision of collective success.

It is obvious the Republic is awash with reckless consumerism that has lead to us to bankruptcy (morally and soon financially). At this point, the American citizens that are resistant to change are demonstrating treasonous behavior. Politicians, police officers, soldiers, or anyone charged with the highest public trust must be removed from their positions so America can get it’s money and it's mind right. As of now, Funk Master Flex is the "Federal Chairman" the head of our central music bank. Set the "tone" for the whole country. The more new premium records you pump into the system the more money is made by all in Hip-Hop. Listen up Snoop, Jay-Z, 50 cent, Diddy, Ice Cube, Dr.Dre, Baby, Lil Wayne, Slim Hood, (shout out to Charlotte, NC) and the rest of you in Hip –Hop: it is time for a 24hr Hip-Hop only video and movie channel (OK, some Mary j too). This channel will have lady VJ's hosting content online and off.

The world is in a financial recession and we have to start taking direct care of our consumers and advertising partners. And hurry up about this. That's right, hurry up. Every one can participate, especially Master P. He already has a channel for families so he can help make a collective one for Hip- hop commerce. This is a quote from Franz Fannon that may help focus you for 2009 and stay out of the way of those who want to get our great republic on track. "Each generation must out of obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it". Until next time this is Ike Jackson and you have just been scolded.

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