JaThom Presents Count Coolout

The Fearless Leader

By the constant slew of emails that I continue to receive, I see that a little controversy has worked to wake some of you up. That's just fine with me because controversy is the product of change, and if there is one thing that is surely needed in today's music industry; it is change. In that, I mean that if it were not for change some of us would still be living in caves and using typewriters (type what ?).

Now that I have your full attention, let me proceed.

Once again, let me make it perfectly clear, this thing is not about me.
This is about the history of Hip Hop, the past, the present and the future as well. Where it came from, where it is now, where it is headed and where it needs to be. For those of you who have desires to learn more about me, you may find my history and bio strewn all about the Internet. However, I will say that in the earlier days when I released music, it was on a rather light hearted note, and somewhat profit driven as well. As one does need income to survive.

Nowadays, when I do decide to release a record on myself, it will be direct and to the point in regards to the issues that are taking place within the world at large. Raw, straight up and in your face as I did with my latest song "What's Going On America."

This site is mainly about the independent music community and what they need to know and understand in order to get to that next level. In the following lines I will intertwine all of the above and if you pay close attention you will clearly see what is necessary for you to do in order to find the success that you desire. In the immediate days after the tragic events of 9/11, when I decided to launch my organization I noticed that my previous songs were being sold throughout the Internet. Whereas any individual song was going from $30 to $60 dollars a piece, I knew right then and there, that Hip Hop and the music business was in trouble. I say this not because I was not getting a cut of the proceeds, but because personal greed and the commercialization of Hip Hop had gotten out of control.

You see, in the beginning stages of the game (78-80) we were simply trying to
establish a voice that would represent us and the things that we were faced with.
It was a very difficult time as most of the people in charge wouldn't give us any love whatsoever. The major labels would not touch us, the major radio stations would not give us any real rotation and our parents keep saying that we were not making music, just noise.
However, we forged on and kept the dream alive.

Let me state that a major part of our success is owed to Russell Simmons, Mister Magic, Medgar Evers College Radio and all the mom & pop independent record stores who which carried our product. You see, Russell was there from the beginning, long before Def Jam, MTV & BET. He held us down and gave us the guidance, care and consideration that was needed. In fact, the first box of pampers that I purchased for my son was done with monies that Russell helped me attain. I must also give much love and respect to a personal friend who is the actual person that brought the concept of Rap to the streets of NYC long before
it was done in Brooklyn or The South Bronx. That being, the one and only Chief Rocker, Frankie Crocker. (Do Your Research)

Another important person in the stabilizing of Rap was Kurtis Blow, who by he way was the first to get a major deal. When he released "The Breaks" he brought the older crowd into rap and for the first time our parents began to see that there was something to this thing of ours. The problem today is that in sharp contrast to the wonderful work that Kurtis had done, most of the Hip Hop released today has once again separated the family. Now, if the family is the foundation of the child and the child the structure of the community, the community the structure of the neighborhood---the city---the state and then the country-----then where are we headed as a nation?

Hip Hop has influenced the world--through music, clothing, movies and literature like no other musical style has, in the history of the business. We have established a voice that is powerful and mighty. Yet, the majority of Hip Hop artists have nothing to say. Let us not take for granted what we have been blessed with. Let us go forth and utilize this mighty tool to remove all negative barriers and create a monumental kingdom that will serve as a focal point for the restructuring of our lives, our neighborhoods, our communities and the futures of our children.

When I look at the game today it breaks my heart to see people killing each other over music that they would have received pennies per units sold. Where our woman are being degraded on songs and in videos for the sake of higher sales figures. A situation whereas drugs and violence have become synonymous with hip hop. Let me go on record and state that rap has nothing to do with drugs and violence. What has happened is that a couple of violent drug dealers have made some records and everybody got their signals crossed thereafter. Now it has gotten so bad that the federal government has stepped in to enforce restrictions upon our music, restrictions that we should have enforced ourselves (shame on us) years ago. Furthermore, let me state that if you are a rap or hip hop artist
(yes there is a difference), and the success of your next release is more important than the safety and well being of your family, friends and community; then you don't need a hit record, what you need is a whipping, and there ain't no whipping like an old school whipping. The kind where grandma used to get the switch from the tree and let it swing. Some of you know just what I'm talking about.

Be you an independent artist or one signed to a major label, you have the power to correct what has been wronged. For the independents who which have not been able to receive the recognition deserved, you merely have to understand that the necessary tools are right within your hands. By the mere fact that I am seated here in my boxers preparing a document that which can be received by the world in a matter of seconds, should help you to realize the power that you possess. You see back in the beginning days there were no major distribution deals in the hood and we did just fine. At this point and time I am working diligently with several independent stores across the country to help bring them back into the mix. With the Internet and several local record shops at your disposal you can sell millions of records without any major effort. All you have to do first, is believe.

You must come to the realization that regardless of what career path you choose, one fundamental rule must be established. That is, you must first and foremost know yourself.
For when one does not know who they are as an individual, any desires of ascertaining success will be reduced to a pipe dream. What did he say ?

I said that if you do not know who you are, yes, you might go ahead and make
a ton of money. But in the end you will be left penniless and heartbroken. Understanding that the process of making a lot of money and then losing it--is not what being successful is all about.

The successful person is the one that makes and maintains their level of success.

When opportunity meets preparation you get success.

And there is no other way.

Remember, no one gave us Hip Hop, we persevered and created it.
As such, let no one take it away.

Paying Respect

For those of you who which have made a successful bid in the fashion industry, always remember that if it had not been for my good friend Willi Smith, no one, from Karl Kani to Sean John might have ever gotten a chance. So do your homework and pay some respect.
Two thumbs up to my brothers KRS One, Afrika Bambaataa & Push for their positive contributions to the game. Much love & respect to my brother Jay Z for keeping us reminded that if they don't respect us---then we shouldn't buy it.

Much, much love and respect to the professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
FOR REALLY KEEPING IT REAL IN A TIME
WHEN IT IS CRUCIAL TO HEAR BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE

Lastly, much love & respect to the wonderful women over at
Essence Magazine in their efforts to Take Back The Music.

Well, that's all for now as I've got to catch a plane this evening en route to the next
stop on the JaThom Family Music Seminar trail.

Remember to stay focused, be determined and keep cool.

And keep those emails & comments coming.

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