I have another verse that I must add to my Change Demand prose. I was listening to Race for the Whitehouse on MSNBC today (in the kitchen cooking up a storm), and I heard the host David Gregory start talking about Barack Obama and Ludacris, so I had to run to the TV (or shuffle in my condition) to see what that was about. As he and his guest started the conversation, I shook my head in disbelief…”Here we go again”, I thought. Luda posted his newest rant “Politics (Obama is Here)” on YouTube just slashing all of Obama’s major opponents both past and present including the current Commander in Chief?. In presidential form the Obama camp released the following, “As Barack Obama has said many, many times in the past, rap lyrics today too often perpetuate misogyny, materialism, and degrading images that he doesn’t want his daughters or any children exposed to. This song is not only outrageously offensive to Senator Clinton, Reverend Jackson, Senator McCain, and President Bush, it is offensive to all of us who are trying to raise our children with the values we hold dear. While Ludacris is a talented individual he should be ashamed of these lyrics.” Yeah the song was just that rough. But this time , unlike the Jeremiah Wright situation, I didn’t even question Obama’s move. This statement had to be made, he had to make it known that as a Pro-American Presidential Candidate he had to detest this “noise” from Ludacris, even though it fully endorsed him, and probably got some Luda listeners even more “crunk” about Obama.

I make no assumptions, this was a disappointing moment and decision for Obama, but it had to be done. He had to seperate himself from Ludacris and this song. When in the past Obama was proud to say that Ludacris was on his Ipod playlist .  In 2006 he met with Ludacris to discuss the empowering the youth of the country. Now don’t get me wrong, I too enjoy listening to Ludacris because he is a vicious lyricist and he does have a conscience (his work through the Ludacris Foundation and the YouthAIDS “Kick Me” campaign), but does that discount his sometimes misogynist lyrics.  Again we have the issue of balance and maturity. Sometimes we have to make tough decisions when we are on our journey of change. With that it forces us to make the hard choices and separate ourselves from people and situations that we were once proud of. Don’t be mad at Obama about this statement because this is how a presidential candidate gets his “Grown Man” on. When’s the last time you had to make a hard decision and change what you demand from the people in your society. All we have is time and opportunity.

Over the years their has been an ongoing sentiment among reformers in the youth development community, get rid of BET. I, myself, confess to sitting down one day and writting a chain letter demanding that the network clean up their act. I did nothing with the letter because the network is not at fault…ok maybe they should have guidelines for their videos, but that messes with the freedom of self expression. Yesterday, I read a blog on www.hiphopgrowsup.com, which out rite asked “Should We Blame Viacom?” and the writer stated what I realized years ago, the Network is a business that has to meet and exceed the bottom line for both it stockholders and other shareholders. We can’t expect this for-profit business to operate any differently that any other company. So how we change what we see and hear in urban music?

The fearless social revolutionist Mahatma Ghandi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I say, “Create change and ultimately you will change demand”. There has been a powerful move on the Go Green scene. People developed organizations, these organizations networked, blogged and developed disciples. These disciples made demands in the marketplace and as a result we have eco- friendly cars, houses, appliances, food, clothes, more people recycle, think of any product in the marketplace and there is an eco-friendly version. This started with people creating synergy, creating change and as a result they changed demand.

Changing minds is a challenging task. However, if a group of individuals organize, network and create a synergy around the cause re framing the music of the hip hop culture, Music and Black Entertainment Television along with artist, record labels and radio would have to Supply more entertainment with positive, tasteful and meaningful messages. I’m not saying every song should be “Kumbaya”, “We Are the World”; but it wouldn’t hurt to have one less “Kill, Kill, Kill, Murder, Murder, Murder”.

The time for change is NOW! So connect with us and create the change you want to see in the world!

Jonnette S. Fair

Founder, Hunter Reign

The night of the banquet for my 10 year high school reunion, I met Da Truth.  My husband came and got me out of  the ballroom. He said “babe guess who this is”, I said, “your cousin” ( a running joke that we have going).  He said, the “Open Book” and I was still trying to run him through my mind, then finally my husband said, “Da Truth”.  Of course then it clicked.  So we hugged and I ran through some songs that touched me and names some of his cohorts on his label Reach Records.  We talked for a brief moment about his performance in the “Good Life City” and uh…well… I guess that’s all I’ll say about his warm reception.  We must face it.  In some circles in the South, Holy Hip Hop is still taboo.  Someone tell me why??? (someone please answer)

My biggest issue was not knowing that Da Truth was in Albany, GA that night.  And no I don’t listen to the AM Gospel station in my town.  Maybe I should, but I don’t.  Why? Because of the format…it’s for some folks, but it is not for me.  The few times I have listen to the station I’ve heard no Holy Hip Hop or Urban Gospel and I need that in my life.  There seems to be a lack of marketing and promotions for this type of event in my area, even though there is a need.  (All my closet HHH/ Urban Gospel Listeners of Southwest GA stand-up and be heard).  In order to keep good life music coming to the area, we must support these artist and surpass their expectations because I’m sure they dread coming to the South (most parts of GA South of Atlanta).  Let’s start the discussion, because the world really needs to know what you think.

Cultivate Intelligence. Be Change.

Jonnette S. Fair

Founder, GoodMusic Advocate

Soundproof Radio a Movement of HunterReign, LLC

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At my Bible Study last night our instructor mentioned the Power of Synergy. He was talking about Corporate Worship and how we all have a part in the service regardless of whether we have a technical roll in the service or if you are a member in pews. When we all get together and are active in service, singing , clapping, declaring God’s word in the atmosphere…that Synergy causes a shift in the service and changes lives.

The same Synergy resides in the business arena, especially with start-ups. When you find businesses that have the same target market of your business it is benificial to partner with that business and build a lasting relationship. Develop a marketing relationship which allows you to market for each other. This multiplies your companies exposure to its target audience and minimizes the time it takes to reach that audience. So imagine if you build relationships with businesses in different industries, your business has the potential to multiply exponentionally. Is’nt that powerful. That is Synergy in it’s simplest form. How have you built synergy for your business? Share with us your story.

JFair
SoundProof Radio

In the coming week Soundproof Radio will be connecting with businesses to provide a verity of talk programming all in stride with the Filtered Lifestyle. Stay plugged into Soundoff! to get the latest news from Soundproof Radio.

The SoundProof Team

There are thousands and thousands of online radio station, but as I continue to build SoundProof Radio’s network, there is a niche market for every broadcast that asserts itself to claim its rightful place on the web. Tonite I finished my first interview with Sean Hardin a dynamic Gospel Artist and when we talked yesterday he echoed something extremely profound, continue to promote your company on the web. Promotion is the key on every level, so hear I am contiuing to carve my name into cyberspace.

Listen to the Sound @ www.hunterreign.com/soundproof.html

B.Blessed

J.Fair

Tonite I will be interviewing Sean Hardin “The Hardest Working Man in Gospel Music”, you can find him on myspace at www.myspace.com/seanhardin. I am extremely exited about the beggining of big things for SoundProof Radio. The interview will air on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 7:00pm at www.hunterreign.com/soundproofradio.html.
Advertisers, if you are looking to market your products and/or services to high school and college students, as well as young professionals (25-35) we want to be your avenue. We have various levels of support and can provide our marketing package upon request(email: advertise@hunterreign.com). So consider sponsoring an online show or a live event.
Did You Know?
-Christian/Gospel recorded music sales have increased from $188 million in 1990 to almost $700 million annually! (www.gospelmusic.org)
-that Black Gospel is the second highest selling genre of Christian/Gospel music to date
-That Christian/Gospel music has trancended beyond traditional television broadcast (TBN,The Word Network, etc.) and can be seen and hear on major shows for example Group1Crew’s “Let It Roll” can be heard on an episode of Run’s House on MTV and Da Truth was a featured peformer on MTV’s My Sweet Sixteen.
- In 2006 the Southeastern United States was identified as the region of the country generated the highest revenues in album sales and was also the highest listening audience.
For new, independent and unsigned artist with a positive message have your music rotated on our new music program its as simple as emailing us your mp3 file and calling us for a telephone interview. Your interview 4 times in one week and will be added to our interview archive the next. This is a great way to maximize your marketing efforts while minimizing your cost.