Editorial: Aftermath- Organized Chaos Or Train Wreck Waiting To Happen

[D-Nice]

http://illuminati2g.com/site/2011/01/11/editorial-aftermath-organized-chaos-or-trainwreck-waiting-to-happen/

Note: To all Aftermath artists, producers, or staff….sorry if you take offense but this is simply my view on this. If you take offense, that’s on YOU.

With the release of Detox approaching, according to leaks,  it makes you wonder about the future of Aftermath post-Detox. Since Aftermath’s foundation in 1996, talent has jumped on and off the label like a trampoline. Even rap legends such as Rakim and King Tee weren’t immune to facing one of the things that has plagued Aftermath since it’s founding – Dr. Dre’s perfectionist mentality and Jimmy Iovine’s need for a hit.

This leads me to discuss the next batch of artist Dr. Dre has recently signed – Hayes and Slim Da Mobster who are the only two artists currently signed to Aftermath minus legendary lyricist Eminem. There is a shroud of mystery surrounding Hayes and Slim Da Mobster’s projects, possibly due to lack of a project itself or possibly due to Aftermath being the record industry’s Area 51.  If Hayes and Slim do not drop and Eminem retires sometime soon like he originally planned, what will happen to Aftermath? And even if they do drop, what if they are not commercially successful in Dr. Dre’s eyes?

Due to Aftermath’s lack luster track record of releasing artists among other factors, I’m personally doubtful that either Slim or Hayes will see a release under Aftermath Entertainment. What are the other factors you might ask? A.) They both lack commercial appeal other than subject matter, B.) They both lack super star quality, and C.) Dr. Dre. Let’s break down each individual artist starting with Slim Da Mobster.

Slim is an enigma when it comes to Dr. Dre’s artist’s. Unlike the last batch of signees (Bishop Lamont, Stat Quo, The Game, and even Hayes) Slim has stayed quiet as a church mouse minus a few Youtube videos with co-signs from Mr. Choc as well as D.O.C. and one mixtape (South Central’s Finest) which can barely be found on the internet.  He recently did an interview with DubCNN which had people questioning the state of Detox as well as Slim’s career being legit.

Some theorize that Slim is a ghost writer not meant for a release, while others suspect Slim is simply just protection for Dr. Dre. The reason people question Slim’s career as a legit artist is due to the lack of publicity, and lack of talent and marketability according to the fans. It is also possible that Slim is a tax write off for the Aftermath family, due to he inked a deal with Aftermath/Shady/G-Unit; however one other artist known as The Game has had such a deal. Whatever the case maybe, his future is in question by the fans.

Now onto Hayes, Hayes has been in the music industry since the age of twelve. He originally started off his career signing to Young Black Brotha Records then moving to other labels such labels as Rap-A-Lot and Interscope, before signing to Interscope/Mosley Music Group/Aftermath Entertainment.  Hayes has been slightly more exposed to the public via releasing multiple mixtapes, having his music featured on the TV show Entourage, and touring with Timbaland. However, Hayes has recieved very little push from Aftermath or Dr. Dre which makes me wonder about his role in Aftermath as an artist. It would seem that Hayes has more of a future with Timbaland than Dr. Dre, because unlike Dre, Timbaland has given Hayes some good publicity.

Another thing that has the fans and myself questioning Hayes as an artist under Aftermath is his lack of super star quality. He has done records with producers (J.R. Rotem, Midi Mafia, Timbaland, etc.) who normally produce hits that have been reviewed as lack luster or boring. Without a so-called hit record, Hayes wouldn’t have backing from anyone minus Timbaland; this has been demonstrated via Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre’s track record.

Does Dr. Dre have a secret plan to release Hayes and Slim and guarantee a successful record or does he plan to add them to the list of shelved artists that Aftermath has accumulated over the years? Will Dr. Dre sign a new artist in order to save the label, if Slim and Hayes don’t drop, or will Aftermath continue to piggy back off the career’s of Eminem and 50 Cent till the well has ran dry then be stuck? Only time will tell.

[Chamillitary Click]

Who cares? Once Detox drops all you need is a new Eminem album & that sells more copies than some labels sell put together.

[Action!]

I'm a fan of Hayes music so I care from that perspective.  I casually look forward to Eminem and don't care much about Detox.

I believe the worst thing that can happen to a Hip-Hop artist is the lack of an official debut.  As long as they drop a debut album, then they can either prepare a solid career be in underground or mainstream or disappear. 

Imagine if Nas never released Illmatic.  The acclaim of the album allowed him his success, not necessary the number of sales

[Native American]

damn, what is it about Dr. Dre that has you guys ''splitting pubes'' all day every...?

Its not enough for you to not like Dr. Dre, you have to try and convince others to do the same ?....

get a girlfriend or switch hands for a week, LMAO you need a life, no matter what you say Dr. Dre is not gonna live for you.
whats even funnier is i bet this aint the only forum in which you bitch about Dr. Dre.


''BUMPMING KUSH RIGHT NOW"

[Smackdog]

this is a great editorial..............disregard the haters....

[Lunatic]

this is a great editorial..............disregard the haters....

[NoobCake]

Will all due respect but the premise of this editorial as all wrong.  You assume that Dre or even Interscope and Jimmy Iovine have any say in who gets released.  Interscope is owned by Universal Music Group.  As Stat Quo said in one of his interviews after he left Aftermath, the shareholders decide who gets released.  And of course they want releases that will make the most money.  That means Eminem, Lady Gaga, used to mean 50 cent, etc.  There really is no Aftermath at this point.  I think if it was up to Dre he'd do away with it completely.

[DTG Entertainment]

Will all due respect but the premise of this editorial as all wrong.  You assume that Dre or even Interscope and Jimmy Iovine have any say in who gets released.  Interscope is owned by Universal Music Group.  As Stat Quo said in one of his interviews after he left Aftermath, the shareholders decide who gets released.  And of course they want releases that will make the most money.  That means Eminem, Lady Gaga, used to mean 50 cent, etc.  There really is no Aftermath at this point.  I think if it was up to Dre he'd do away with it completely.

Jimmy still has say in what goes on and can release whatever he wants - he just has to please the investors. You do realize Universal is owned by Vivendi, correct? So, of course, there's the ladder effect. However, Jimmy still has say over what Interscope releases and what Interscope doesn't.

[Lunatic]

Will all due respect but the premise of this editorial as all wrong.  You assume that Dre or even Interscope and Jimmy Iovine have any say in who gets released.  Interscope is owned by Universal Music Group.  As Stat Quo said in one of his interviews after he left Aftermath, the shareholders decide who gets released.  And of course they want releases that will make the most money.  That means Eminem, Lady Gaga, used to mean 50 cent, etc.  There really is no Aftermath at this point.  I think if it was up to Dre he'd do away with it completely.

Jimmy still has say in what goes on and can release whatever he wants - he just has to please the investors. You do realize Universal is owned by Vivendi, correct? So, of course, there's the ladder effect. However, Jimmy still has say over what Interscope releases and what Interscope doesn't.

Preach. Jimmy still the man. The money people don't give a fuck really. They just wanna keep makin money. Jimmy wants to keep his investors therefore must keep them happy by making sure they make money. How do you make them money? Put out successful releases (Gaga, Dre, 50, Em, etc)

Vicious cycle.

[xxrayrayxx]

I thought that was a good read and dude pointed out a lot of good points. What many people dont realize about Dre and its been said many times in the past by many artists, Dre focuses on the music. He signs people and developes their music, their relationship is always about talent development and music. Dre doesnt like to get involved in the mangement side of things. He has a huge staff to do that for him giving him the time he needs to perfect his craft. Do I agree with his method? not really, as his brand has deminshed a great in the last 5 years and as the head of his brand he should take more care of it. I think the problem with Dre is that he as grown insecure. He knows hes getting really old in hip hop and hes scared that WE(the fans) wont accept him anymore. Now its obvious we will otherwise non of us wouldnt be talking about him even more. Even the haters, the only reason they are hating is because they are tired of waiting on Dre to give them what they want. I dont blame them sometimes cause I even feel that way from time to time. So what does he do? surounds himself with younger guys to learn whats still IN and whats OUT. Wheather Hayes or Slim Da Mobster drop is irrealvant. Hayes' career will continue regardless because he has Timbo behind him. Slim Da Mobster doesnt have that mainstream appeal and will fall into the shadow like others that have. Aftermath will grow once Detox is out, not because of Detox itself but because Dre will no longer be worried about his own shit and he can focus on other artists once again. As far as Jimmy not having control, thats not exactly true....As President of Interscope he has the final say of all creative control. PERIOD POINT BLANK. As far as Universal's Board of directors....Their only job is observe and manage their appointed executives as any board does in any coorperation. They do not get involved in creative matters, they only measure performance and results. Unfortunately the music industry has abbandonded the idea of trying new things and they follow trends. Dre's golden era (mid 80s-mid 90s) was when everyone wanted that new sound. Now they want the popular sound.

[sofdark]

Basically, the article speaks what we've been saying about Aftermath. I don't expect major labels to take a risk anyway, gave up that dream long time ago.

[HighEyeCue]

this is a great editorial..............disregard the haters....

[Digital Pimpin']

this is a great editorial..............disregard the haters....

[Stan]

this is a great editorial..............disregard the haters....

It is... It's thought provoking.  I'm a huge fan and have been listening since The Chronic but I have to agree with a lot of the editorial.  Aftermath brand is suffering and stagnant, and it almost seems like anyone who signs there gets shelved.  At least the majority... If I was an artist I would probably turn down an offer from the biggest rap producer of all time... kinda fucked up to think about it right?

Seriously though, if you want to have a career, you probably shouldn't sign to Aftermath.  Too many artists to list...  Guys like Bishop and Stat gave years of their life and where are they now?  Damn shame.