back-words... another chapter in music vs law...

Friday, April 13, 2007
another chapter in music vs law...
i get the feeling sometimes that music is going to be outlawed, because rules keep establishing barriers for creativity and promotion. i think if music were illegal for everyone, then those who support music creativity and promotion wouldnt be viewed to be so evil. music has often been a source of rebellion, protest, and a powerful deliverer of various messages. perhaps these walls are made to stop our ability to support such messages. perhaps we have forgotten our ability to rise against powers that limit our freedom of expression- a constitutional freedom. perhaps its merely done against us in the name of money. to those who oppose us, i say: "we are the music makers; we are the dreamers who dream..."



April 13, 2007, 8:53AM
DJ Drama vows to continue making mixtapes despite arrest

By JONATHAN LANDRUM JR.
Associated Press

ATLANTA — With arms folded and a grin that shows much bravado, DJ Drama stands alongside his nine Aphilliate group members for an album cover photo shoot. His friend DJ Don Cannon suddenly starts crooning, the entire clique bursts into laughter.

No worries. No conflict. Just everyone having a good time.

A few months ago, Drama thought such an enjoyable moment wouldn't come anytime soon.

"I wasn't thinking about a photo shoot," he said. "I said to myself, 'God, give me a bail and a bond.'"

Drama, born Tyree Simmons, had become one of the top DJs in hip-hop after working with rappers such as Young Jeezy, T.I. and Lil' Wayne through his popular Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. Mixtapes are promotional CD compilations featuring top rappers and are often sold on street corners and on the Internet.

Drama had just signed a record deal, which is rare for a DJ, and was co-hosting a local and satellite radio show. But as his star rose, he and his partner Cannon were arrested in January for reproducing recorded material for sales, violating Georgia's Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization law.

Both were jailed one night and were released on $100,000 bond.

Though the case is still not resolved, Drama is looking to clear his name as a criminal and show people that mixtapes are an asset for the music industry.

"They're the bloodline," he said. "They're the vein. So many people have capitalized off mixtapes. 50 Cent, one of music's top moguls, wouldn't even be where he is at, if it wasn't for them.

"I hope people learn more about mixtapes after our situation."

Mixtapes are a compilation of songs that includes teasers for upcoming albums, freestyle rhymes and remixes of popular hits. Artists often use them to gain extra exposure. Even though record labels often support mixtapes for their marketing strength, they also have been wary because bootleggers often sell the music for profit.

Isaac Hayes III, son of soul singer Isaac Hayes and a music producer, said mixtapes have benefited unknown artists in the urban market and record labels as well.

"It's a way to create a buzz in the streets," he said. "Rappers can easily go on mixtapes and say whatever they want about an issue at that moment, without having to wait for their album to drop. They help a lot."

In efforts to crackdown on pirated music, special task forces focus on copyright infringement in the recording industry. Drama and Cannon were investigated after a Georgia task force officer said he found mixtapes supplied by Drama that were for sale without the consent of record labels at a kiosk inside a south Atlanta mall.

The officer then contacted the Recording Industry Association of America, which represents the recording industry. An investigation was launched and about a month later, local police raided the Aphilliate Music Group office in downtown Atlanta.

The company's assets were frozen, more than 81,000 mixtape CDs were destroyed, recording equipment, computers and cars were taken by officers. Even files for Drama's first mixtape album release under a major label — T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records, under Atlantic Records — were seized by police. (The RIAA declined The Associated Press' request for comment).

As Drama described the entire scene, a small frown appeared, then his head dropped in disappointment. He said it was disturbing when officers repeatedly asked them if they had "guns and drugs" in their office.

"Cops jumped out, M-16s were drawn," he explained. "They threw us to the ground and arrested me and Cannon. Drug-sniffing dogs went inside and they confiscated everything we worked so hard to achieve."

Cannon, born Donald Cannon, said he thought the police made a mistake at the time.

"I've never been to jail," he said. "I saying, 'Wow. What did I do wrong?'"

Cannon, who also is also a hip-hop producer, insists that they don't make money off mixtapes, but it does provide exposure from them. He said DJs try to gain recognition and get the major bucks through separate deals, like their own radio show, party performances or going on tour with an artist.

The Aphilliates host an evening radio show in Atlanta and a program on Sirius Satellite Radio. Drama is also the official DJ for the best-selling rapper T.I.

Drama and Co. have huge support. Many wrote uplifting messages on their MySpace page, they were embraced at events and "Free Drama & Cannon" T-shirts were made.

After the album he had been working on for a year was taken in the raid, Drama recreated a whole new mixtape album in three weeks. OutKast, Busta Rhymes and Beenie Sigel were some artists who took part in the album, which is set for release in June.

Drama's first single, Takin' Pictures, speaks specifically on the raid and the importance of mixtapes. The track features Young Jeezy, his artist Willie The Kid, Jim Jones, Rick Ross, Young Buck and T.I.

"I didn't have nothing, but everyone came to my aid," said Drama. "My engineer thought I was crazy about putting out an album in such short time. But I had no choice. This album represents the game and the obstacles that comes with it. It's a testament to all the grindin' that was put in over the years."

The 28-year-old Philadelphia native built a strong clientele while attending Clark Atlanta University here; he graduated in 2000. His hyperactive voice over thumping but synthesizing beats made him popular on his first southern-based mixtape, Jim Crow Laws. Drama decided to rename the series Gangsta Grillz, producing over 40 mixtape albums. Grand Hustle co-CEO Jason Geter recognized his skills and later signed him onto the label in 2005.

"He had hustle just like me," Geter said. "I'm glad he is with us now. He is the best in the world."

With the case still pending, Drama is hopeful that the charges against him and Cannon will be dropped soon.

"It's another chapter in my book," said Drama, father of two daughters. "I realize it's another challenge to overcome. I'm here to prove that I can put the game on my back and the Aphilliates can't be stopped. We are here to stay."