14 DAY TRIAL // The music industry may be shaken to its foundation because of the recession, but rapper 50 Cent knows the secret to staying relevant for fans until the end. In a lengthy interview with King magazine, Fiddy says that making music is not only about putting out records, but also about adopting a business model that ensures longevity in the spotlight, even when no new music is released.
Only two other people in hip-hop still know how to do the same, 50 Cent shares, and those would be Jay Z and Diddy, both successful entrepreneurs whose business empires span from music to fashion and then back to music again, with them as mentors or producers for unknown but talented artists. It’s this strategy that commands respect on the street and guarantees relevance for the fans, Fiddy adds.
“Puffy has the best model for staying relevant, because [he does it] without a song.” the rapper tells about Diddy. “He’s been able to maintain an interest and stay in a space to executive produce television and film projects, and stay relevant to hip-hop culture. What was the last record that made you feel like, ‘Oh, my God, Puffy is on fire’? You don’t need it. That’s what makes his business model exciting to me.” Fiddy pinpoints.
Although different, all three share in common the fact that their presence has changed the face of hip-hop for good. Similarly, all three will still be left standing against all odds, the rapper believes. “There are only three of us to look at: Jay, [me] and Puff. [We have] three totally different situations. We’ve just been a part of hip-hop culture. That’s the similarity. I still think they’ll be relevant. I just think they’re like the fire hydrant: You can’t move those guys out of the street. I think they’ll [still] be the guys you need to connect with [to] get a shot.” 50 Cent explains.
Speaking of music, Fiddy’s much delayed “Before I Self Destruct” album has just recently been pushed back, after being postponed a couple of times more. This time, the album will supposedly drop after Eminem’s comeback material, “Relapse,” which is scheduled for release on May 19. A specific date has not yet been set.