🏆 Is Drake Returning to the Grammy Awards?

"Her Loss" at the Grammys: Is Drake Shifting His Awards Perspective?

Toronto rapper Drake has surprised the music industry by submitting his collaborative album "Her Loss" with Atlanta's 21 Savage for Grammy consideration. This marks his first official submission since 2021. Known for his Grammy skepticism, this move is unexpected. Although it's uncertain whether Drake or 21 Savage's team initiated the submission, if nominated, it could mark his return to the Grammy stage in 2024. Drake's relationship with the Grammys has been rocky, with him previously expressing that the awards "no longer matter to the artists." ➰ Read more

Jimmy Iovine: "Fame Trumping Greatness in Today's Music Industry"

Music industry veteran Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records and Beats by Dr. Dre, expressed concerns about the impact of fame on music quality in an interview with Consequence of Sound. He noted that many artists are making records with a formula geared towards platforms like TikTok rather than focusing on creating great music. Iovine suggested that this approach, combined with the rise of AI in songwriting and production, could lead to big hits but not necessarily great ones. The debate over AI's role in music creation and its eligibility for awards continues in the industry. ➰ Read more

Grammy-Winning Producer Drumma Boy Unveils Debut Book 'Behind The Hits'

Multi-award-winning music producer Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson is set to release his first book, "Behind The Hits," on October 17. Known for his chart-topping hits, Drumma Boy's book delves into his two-decade-long career and offers insights into his life growing up as the son of a Memphis Opera vocalist and the first Black principal clarinetist in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. This work also explores his introduction to the recording studio at a young age and reveals the story behind his iconic name, "Drumma Boy." The book promises to be a captivating journey into the life of a music production genius. ➰ Read more

Venture Capital Reshapes Sampling in Music: A Double-Edged Transformation

Sampling, a cornerstone of hip-hop, has evolved from a rebellious art form into a profitable industry, largely thanks to venture capital. Major-label artists can afford to clear samples, but for many, the cost is prohibitive. Private investment firms like Primary Wave and Hipgnosis have turned music publishing into a speculative market, encouraging sampling and treating music like "intellectual property" to monetize. While this approach can feel transactional, artists are still finding ways to sample creatively despite the challenges posed by AI detection and surveillance in the digital age. ➰ Read more

This Week’s Poll

If you could go back to any era to make music, which period would you choose?

1. The 80s.

2. The 90s.

3. The 2000s.

4. The 2010s.

Vote Here

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Snippets

✍🏼 The Game plans to sign a rapper from each of the 50 U.S. states, seeking submissions on Instagram. His 100 Entertainment venture is expanding into multimedia and Hollywood.

🏀 Shaquille O'Neal, the former NBA star and rapper, declared himself the greatest athlete-rapper. He also gave credit to NBA player Damian Lillard and others in the genre.

🙏🏽 Rudolph Isley, a founding member of The Isley Brothers, has passed away at 84. He was known for the group's hits. His cause of death is suspected to be a heart attack.

👨‍👩‍👦 Ed Sheeran embraces being a pop star but prioritizes personal happiness over industry pressure. He's chosen moderation over excessive drinking for his family's sake, leading to a fulfilling family life.

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