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Rap
Coalition, a not-for-profit organization, keeps artists from being
unfairly exploited. Since rap music has become profitable, many artists
are being taken advantage of, portrayed unfairly, and abused by the media,
the industry, managers, and record labels. Rap Coalition protects rappers,
producers, and DJs, from this hostile environment, and provides artists
with a place to turn when they need help or support, at no cost to them.
We are an artists' advocacy group dedicated to the support, education,
protection, and unification of hip hop artists, similar to a union.
According to the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA), rap
music accounted for over a billion dollars in sales again last year. As
long as rap music is profitable without rappers having control or power in
the industry, rap artists will continue to be underpaid compared to other
artists, mistreated by certain managers and some record companies,
exploited by anyone who can profit from them, and abused by the media (not
to mention the added frustration of being a person of color in America,
which includes the majority of rap acts). It's time to stop accepting this
as staus quo!
In March of 1992, a "watch dog" group called RAP COALTION was
established. The object of this organization is multi-faceted:
INFORMATION:
-to offer educational programs and information relating to the rap music
industry in order to create a solid understanding of how the music
industry works. Knowledge is power, and if artists are knowledeable about
the industry, know what to expect, and understand what's fair and
acceptable, there is less chance for exploitation.
UNITY:
-to bring together different artists who have similar needs and
situations, enabling them to help each other. There are many trustworthy
people in this industry willing to share information and experiences.
-to establish forums where rap artists can have dialog and exchange ideas
and information with each other.
SUPPORT:
-to access leagl help for artists, whether consisting of finding a
trustworthy entertainment lawyer, reviewing contracts, or obtaining
releases from current unsatisfactory situations. There are reputable
entertainment attorneys who are willing to help artists for reduced fees
or at no charge, especially to get the artist out of a bad situation.
Wendy Day, who founded Rap Coalition, has been an avid rap fan since the
late 70s and brings a strong business background to the organization along
with strength, commitment, and determination. With experience in media,
advertising, marketing, and public relations, she has an irreverent
take-no-prisoners attitude towards her role as organizer. The main
priority is to continue to make this a strong and supportive organization
with a unified goal: to support and protect rap artists, producers, and
DJs! Rap Coalition is not-for-profit, and funded through its membership,
its founder, and through donations from outside the music industry.
How do you get involved? All you need to do is email us at rapcoalition@aol.com....
It doesn't matter if you are signed or unsigned, where you're from or
where you're at, whether you've been rhyming, making beats, or DJing for
years or minutes; as long as you are an artist who takes the music
business seriously, we're here for you. If you are in need of help, just
call....we've got your back!!!
Rap Coalition is run by artists and for artists ONLY!!!
rapcoalition@aol.com
"Your struggle is our struggle, for if they come for you in the
morning
they will be coming for us at night." -James Baldwin (in a letter to
Angela Davis)
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