$14.99 / Perfectbound
ISBN: 9781608443567
160 pages
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Introduction

Welcome to That’s a Rap! - A Music Industry Source-book for Generation Next! What is “Generation Next” you might ask? Well, I see it as the opposite of what some people call “Generation X”, or the so-called lost group of young people being raised in today’s fast paced society. The problems kids face nowadays at an early age are well known – drugs are everywhere, violence is widespread, crime is rising, most urban families are lead by women with no male authority figure, reading levels are on the way down, general morality is declining, and the list goes on.

Some people say that today’s youth, living in a culture defined by hip-hop and rock music, are trapped in a vicious cycle of underachievement and hopelessness. However, I see this situation differently where Generation “X” is actually Generation “Next” and destined to inherit the earth, regardless of whether or not we think they are ready. The bottom line is that more adults need to look beyond the musical tastes, dreadlocks, tattoos and wardrobes to respect the ability and potential of our youth, and feed that potential with books like these that interest and inspire them.

On the other hand, young people need to recognize their own great potential, and work harder to get proper education so that they can compete in this ever changing technology driven world. To help in this cause, this book is written to help teach middle and high school students about the many careers and occupations in the music industry, most of which require no musical ability. It also encourages them to use the media to their advantage by writing and recording positive songs to encourage their peers and improve their communities.

That’s a Rap!
A Music Industry Sourcebook for Generation NeXt
by Thomas W. Demerritte
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by DJ Khaled – Miami’s hip-hop impresario gives love to the new book.
Chapter 1. Introduction - This is to introduce readers to the way this book looks at the music business, while attempting to engage and educate its young readers.
Chapter 2. The Music Industry & How It Works -This chapter outlines several interconnected music business careers and strategies, and explains the importance and longevity of behind-the-scenes music industry occupations.
Chapter 3. The Artistic, Business & Technical Sides - This chapter explores various music industry careers while showing how these three sides of the music business interact with each other to keep the industry going.
Chapter 4. Deciding What Music Career is For You - Chapter 4 helps the reader to decide if a music career is something that they would enjoy working in.
Chapter 5. The P.L.E.D.G.E. Principle - This chapter introduces the readers to the authors own original keys to success in the music business, including people, location, education, determination, goal achievement, and enjoyment.
Chapter 6. Creating Your Image - Chapter 6 explains why it is so important for artists and labels to establish and maintain a certain image to their fans and the public.
Chapter 7. The Song - The value of songs is examined in this chapter. The song (through songwriting) and rights to them (through music publishing) are what really drives the music industry.
Chapter 8. Management - The importance and process of artist management, often through a management team, is examined here.
Chapter 9. The Production Process - The ever-changing process and technology involved in creating and recording the music is the focus of this interesting chapter.
Chapter 10. CD Mastering & Manufacturing – Creating and duplicating the actual CD for public release is covered here.
Chapter 11. Promotion – The all-important aspect of promoting the music of artists is the subject of this Chapter. See how some artists are made to be stars by promotion strategies rather than talent.
Chapter 12. Touring & Concerts – This chapter involves putting the artist on the road for promotional and financial reasons.
Chapter 13. The Recording Artist in Videos & Films – See how LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Will Smith and other artists have used music to cross over into TV and the movies.
Chapter 14. Distribution (Wholesale) – Getting the CDs to discount wholesalers is important to large scale sales.
Chapter 15. Selling the CD (Retail) – It is possible (and sometimes the best strategy) to sell your own CDs. This Chapter will explore this idea.
Chapter 16. Legal Issues in Music – Contracts, music pirating, sampling and other legal issues are addressed in this interesting Chapter.
Chapter 17. Social Responsibility – What are the artist’s and the record label’s responsibilities as to what they represent in their music and their image? The late great Michael Jackson’s artistic and personal legacies are also explored.
Chapter 18. Hip-Hop: The Problem or the Solution? – The rich history of rap music is examined, as well as how hip-hop music, with its great popularity, can be used for positive outcomes.
Chapter 19. Technology & Other Changes – Changes in the music business occurs on a daily basis and this chapter explores what we can expect in the future.
Chapter 20. In Closing – A summary of the book is presented here with an invitation to gain further knowledge through more advanced books, classes and courses.
Appendix A: Suggested Reading & Surfing – A brief list of interesting and informative books, magazines and websites is provided to further educate the young reader.
Appendix B: Acknowledgements – This final section shows love to the many supporters of this book.