Just when the music industry is tightening its grip against file sharing, Hip Hop artist 50 Cent is quick to claim that it doesn’t hurt artists and the music industry must learn to support this.

According to TorrentFreak, this former drug dealer was interviewed by his friend Pal Nordseth minutes before his stage performance in Oslo. While it focused mainly on his drug habits, one question was asked about his own label, G-Unit Records.

Question: How are G-Unit Records doing in these times of file-sharing?

“Not so good….The advances in technology impacts everyone, and we all must adapt. Most of all hip-hop, a style of music dependent upon a youthful audience. This market consists of individuals embracing innovations faster than the fans of classical and jazz music.”

“What is important for the music industry to understand is that this really doesn’t hurt the artists.”

“A young fan may be just as devout and dedicated no matter if he bought it or stole it.”

“The concerts are crowded and the industry must understand that they have to manage all the 360 degrees around an artist. They, (the industry), have to maximize their income from concerts and merchandise. It is the only way they can get their marketing money back.”

“The main problem is that the artists are not getting as much help developing as before file-sharing. They are now learning to peddle ringtones, not records. They don’t understand the value of a perfect piece of art.”

Well said! It’s very refreshing to know that some popular artists view file sharing from a consumer perspective and not from the viewpoint of music producers. I could only wish he was not high on some sh*t when he made these bold statements.

Originally posted on December 10, 2007 @ 5:40 am