Ep.12 - Independence - a podcast by The 5th Element Podcast Network/Hip-Hop By The Numbers

In Part 2 of DITD's mini-series "Major vs Independent", we finally get to talking about the side that we cherish so much. The Independents.

As independent writers and Podcasters, we value the fact that we don't have anybody to tell us what we should do because it helps the bottom line. The thing that we forget is that Hip-Hop is, was and forever will be a culture & lifestyle. NOT a business.

With that in mind, we begin with defining "Independent". What is an Independent artist exactly? The differences between Majors & Independents. Why it may be beneficial for you to go with a Major in the long-run, you risk having your art pimped out to marketing ploys, advertisements & put plainly, put on things you don't give the time of day.

There are a lot of long-winded answers on this one, it'll be the last big topic we'll do for a while, so strap in and enjoy. And don't hesitate to let us know where you stand on the monolithic Majors against the DIY Independents.

TIMESTAMPS:
Topic Intro - (7:25)
Define "Independent Artist" - (12:13)
Even Kanye feels the thumb of Major Labels - (17:07)
Statistics on how rare charting Independents are - (20:45)
What can a Major Label do for YOU? - (26:05)
What it took "back in the day" to get your name up - (32:06)
Independents are the tastemakers - (35:57)
Charlie's final say on the value of Independence - (49:58)
Ben's final say & what he wanted from this mini-series - (57:58)
Lighter Notes - (1:04:30)

Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!

Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Records for the right to use)

HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers
5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK
5E Community Discord
ChillHop (Twitter) - @Chillhopdotcom
Bonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92

Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:
"What's Good?" W/ Charlie Taylor
In Search of Sauce
Black Women Watch...
5EPN Radio
The Beauty Of Independence

Further episodes of Diggin' In The Digits

Further podcasts by The 5th Element Podcast Network/Hip-Hop By The Numbers

Website of The 5th Element Podcast Network/Hip-Hop By The Numbers