Two Years Ago…

…I stopped blogging.

At that point, I’d been running the Media Assassin site for 2½ years. I was publishing new content every single day, five days a week. I had an interested, growing readership. I was being noted in the mainstream press. I broke a story. I even got into a fight with Kirstie Alley.

But, two years ago, after 828 posts, I just felt I’d run out of things to say. So I stopped blogging.

I knew it would not be forever. I knew I’d be back when I had a different, more compelling way to express myself: Something interrogative, more varied, deeper.

As well, I knew I wanted to confront the state of hip-hop culture, above. I didn’t want to just talk about it. I wanted to mount actual projects, and use the blog as a central location for drawing visibility and help to those efforts.

We’re at a real inflection point. Hip-hop is bigger than ever, right. There’s more opportunity than ever. There are more ways than ever for artists to truly get their grind on: To reach audiences and to profit from what they make. This, even as the music business changes radically.

One thing that will never change, however, is that knowledge equals power. It’s one thing to work hard. That’s grinding. It’s another thing to work smart. That’s design. The most successful people effectively blend the two.

That’s why, for the first time, I’ve decided to not only share what I know, but who I know.

If the state of hip-hop music, the record business, or where they’re going mean anything to you, keep reading this blog. Follow me on Twitter (@harryallen). Friend me on Facebook.

Keep your eyes open for the hashtag #gXd.

I’m going to be launching a project that is really important to me. It’s going to be a game-changer. I’ll be inviting you to join me.

Artwork: “Wack Rappers,” silk screen and watercolor on archival paper, by Patrick Martinez, 2007

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6 comments ↓

#1 Renee Foster on 07.31.12 at 12:40 pm

Your voice is vital to the discourse. Welcome
back, you were missed. Hip hop certainly needs some clear, objective observation
right now. Love the Patrick Martinez illustration on this post. It captures
exactly how I feel about 95% of the new entrants into the game, but I still love hip hop.

#2 Loni on 07.31.12 at 10:33 pm

I’ve always enjoyed reading your work. I look forward to your new endeavor. It is needed.

#3 unitool on 08.01.12 at 11:57 am

Welcome back! I was worried about you; glad you are back and good to go!

#4 Darris Hoskins on 08.01.12 at 4:55 pm

Should you require a “Technology Assassin” in your endeavor, I’m available. We’re already connected.

#5 Bboycult on 08.02.12 at 12:19 am

I’m in.com …….and that’s all I wanted to say but apparently that comment was too $hort to play. So can we rock now or whut (the album)?

#6 Karen Durant on 08.02.12 at 2:11 pm

Yay, he’s back!

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