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I can't remeber the last time I felt HONORED to personally know someone so talented & be in complete joy for him! Chris Classic (previous spoke on his in my interviews post) has been an awesome pal of mine for a good 6 plus years, over the course of this time I have watched & heard his musical talent grace the cd's of some of the best movie sound tracks ever - many that I have purchased because my son is a HUGE fan of the movies they albums belong to. To name a few Meet The Spartans, Never Back Down, The Air I Breathe, Transformers, Underdog, Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four Rise of The Silver Surfer, American Pie 4,5 and 6, Date Movie, Alvin & The Chipmunks, etc..Not to mention the Ford & McDonald commercials that feature his music - I call it getting money for your musical craft the SMART way, lol.
All of his HARD work is paying off! Currently working on his first album (he just dropped his first mixtape THE AUDACITY OF DOPE), his authentic sounds on The Alvin & The Chipmunks are up for an AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD for best soundtrack for a movie! He is up against Juno & Mamma Mia. Did I mention he plays The Chipmunks DJ in the movie? lol. The soundtrack went Gold last time I checked - which is a HUGE accomplishment! Now its time for him to get that award! 
I am ASKING from my heart that EVERYONE take a second to vote for this amazing man! Visit http://abc.go.com/amavote and cast your vote! Heck while you're there, vote for your other musical favorites - Alicia, Wayne & Chris Brown are up for Artist for the year. Kanye, Wayne & Flo Rida (err) are up for Favorite Male Hip Hop artist and a HOST of other categories!
Although I rarely mention this, because everything that he has done he has done on his own. BUT being in Marketing & such I know that sometimes you have to encourage people to do things - Chris Classic is indeed the nephew an artist apart of one of the GREATEST HIP Hop groups in the WORLD & one of the most influential African American entrepreneurs ever! Again, not taking away from his gift of talent because he has had NO hand outs with the projects he has done, but I will express that he is inspired by Hip Hop Pioneers that we ALL look up too - really ALL of us. I believe his bio says more on it, so you can read more about him and or just google him - www.myspace.com/chrisclassic
Be sure to tune in November 23rd and see who takes home the American Music Award of YOUR choice!
HEY! WHEN YOU CHECK OUT THE SEX DRIVE MOVIE, LISTEN CLOSE FOR A FEW SONGS FROM ME! IN THEATERS FRI OCT 17!! - Chris Classic
CONGRATS again Sweets! Mad, LOVE & RESPECT! Good Luck!! :) - KiTTeE CaT
Saturday, October 18, 2008
American Music Award Nominee: Chris Classic
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Contest: Welcome To Dreamland UPDATE!
Saw this over at www.rahiemshabazz.blogspot.com Phone number & date have been changed! Please take note!
Turner Broadcast & Peachtree TV is looking for female singers between the ages of 18-30 years old, this is your CHANCE and OPPORTUNITY. The new reality show called "Welcome To Dreamland" is looking for those who are confident, driven and hungry for success and ready to take on the music industry or someone who possesses the innate ability to claim their victory under the spotlight. The show features platinum hitmaker and super producer Jazze Pha and many more hitmakers. OPPORTUNITY ONLY COMES ONCE. Make your dream come true.
On Monday October 20th bring your head shot and be prepared to perform.
Location:
Marvelous Entertainment
Artist Development
1345 Boyd Street
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-367-9122
Time: 2 PM-8PM
Let them know Rahiem Shabazz over at Rasha Entertainment sent you.
Tips to Reach & Win Over New Fans
When it comes to Major Labels and them investing in to an up and coming Artist they tend to spend a lot of money on "shotgun" marketing. They promote the artist and material to target a segment of the population (which is usually millions of people), knowing that only a small percentage will be interested enough to respond and become fans. This widespread tactic often works well enough to sell a lot of CDs and concert tickets - but it is very expensive.
Realistically, underground artist can't afford "shotgun" marketing. You have to find effective, low-cost ways to go directly to your one-in-a-thousand fans. Here are four simple steps you can take to reach and win over new fans:
1. Define Your Distinct Musical Identity -
Have a firm grasp on what your music is about. What sets you apart from other acts? What attitude or social statement do you make? Being an R&B or hip-hop act won't do it. You need to dig deeper and discover your uniqueness. When you finally reach your rare potential fans, don't lose them by not being clear about your music identity. If you can't readily tell someone exactly what motivates your music, take the time and focus on this step.
2. Describe Your Ideal Fan
Once you know who you are musically, it is time to figure out your ideal fan. How old are they? How do they dress? Where do they live? Where do they work? What TV shows do they watch? What do they do to relax? Who are their cultural hero's? Pay close attention to the types of people who come to see you perform and take notes about what they have in common. If you know exactly who your fans are, you will be able to decide which avenues you use to reach them and how you communicate your message once you do reach them.
3. Determine How to Get Access to Your Fans
Once you know exactly what type of music fan you need to go after, make a list of the resources and venues these specific people are attracted to. What magazine and newspapers do they read? Where do they hang out socially? What radio stations do they listen to? What retail outlets do they frequent? What web sites do they surf to? What e-mail newsletters, blogs and pod casts do they subscribe to? Make list of the gold resources you find.
4. Network and Promote Your Music
Get busy and use your targeted list of contacts and resources. Send e-mail press releases to niche media outlets. Make contact with the webmasters and editors of appropriate publications. Post messages and comments in specialized forums and on blogs. Visit and interact via web sites of similar-sounding bands. Contact organizations and charities related to your music niche.
I sincerely hope you readers are taking note of this - know it sounds corny to say do research and learn your fan base but I promise it is needed. A friend told me yesterday that Beyonce was washed up - I pointed out to him that he is a complete hip hop/ neo soul black male over the age of 25 and that Beyonce's music isn't geared towards him so of course he is going to feel that way. You can't please everyone in the world but there are a host of them that will appreciate your music if they are just like you!
