Blog #7

First, briefly summarize the overall argument(s) of the deBourgoing piece. 


The article entitled, Hip Hop Goes Transmedia: Seven Laws, by Marguerite de Bourgoing, explains how the hip hop community has taken advantage of the new digital age in order to continue a thriving culture, that will continue to produce even more works. First, the key to becoming successful is the ability to promote yourself online. For rap artists, this means a strong web presence is required, and directly relates to a bigger following, which ultimately gives the artist recognition in the music world, as well as a greater attendance at their performances. What is key is that each artist creates an image, or as deBourgoing explains it, a self brand. With the idea of creating a 'self brand' in mind, the second key aspect of deBourgoing's piece, is understanding how create more then a brand, but a style that influences their communities. With the popularity, that comes from the online recognition, the self brands often take on new aspects, especially clothing. This was seen in the past with Run DMC and Adidas shoes, and is still evident today as styles and products follow what these artists choose to wear. It is also key to understand that the creation of these styles means that the artists are getting more recognition, through the promotion of these styles the clothing companies feel it is important to not only sponsor them, but to also allow them to express themselves in innovative clothing lines. The third point explains that will all this recognition, there comes a great deal of power, as these artists are seen as becoming more politically influential. Collaboration is the forth key element in this seemingly individualized realm. Collaboration has become more then just the interaction between the DJ and the artist. It is seen as artist work together to produce music, bringing together multiple fan bases. El Prez compared it to superheros, since many superheros are know for their individual qualities but tend to work together. This was an intriguing connection as the ability of these artist to work together, can help them promote themselves even further. The fifth augment focuses on the fact that these artists are skillful with their word choice and are able to get messages across. Female artists are the sixth argument in how the Hip Hop industry is taking advantage of the digital revolution. Though the sexists and bias remarks of many of the artists may create an image of a male dominated industry, the fact is that many women work within this rap world, and are crucial in the promotion of an artist work. Finally, deBourgoing points concludes with the point that the hip-hip is a great example of how oral cultures manifest in ways that are not just verbal.  




Second, briefly describe any connections you see between her argument(s) and the things we discussed in the first half of the course. 


This article provides an example for many of the ideas we have discussed in class during the first half of our course. Considering the Web2.0 and Web Squared articles, I drew connections between how the artists are choosing to use the internent in order to self promote their 'brand'. Using Twitter, Tumblr, and other websites that allow for fans to not only follow their favorite artists, but in some ways interact with these artist. Drawing connections to Weinberger, this book shows how powerful the 'one leaf on many braches' idea is, as seen through the ways the artist promote themselves. Especially when deBourgoing  discussed how these artists are collaborating together, which made me think of how the followers of one artist might follow a link to another artists page. Another connection is how the artists are choosing to put music and music videos online, now free for the viewer, because there is a connection between the amount of people viewing their music and how many people choose to attend a performance. Building on this online arena of music, I think it is cool how the ability to not only listen to the music, but the chance to watch the music videos, has pushed for more innovative ways to self promote an artists brand and style. 




Third, the Miller book is a bit tough to read, but do your best to summarize his key argument(s). 


I also drew connections between what I have stated above and the assigned reading from the book by Paul Miller, Rhythm Science. Though abstract in his explanation, I believe that there was three main points. The first key point was the connection between writing and music. As Miller explained it, those who write books and those who create music are one in the same. Just as writing requires building on knowledge of predecessors, so too does music. While unrecognized by many, Miller explains how he can draw connections between modern music and ancient music. Second, Miller discusses the idea of a multicultural 'melting pot' in which each person has a greater opportunity, due to the digital age, to create a unique self, separating oneself entirely. Lastly, Miller discussed the revolutionary effects that were caused by the ability to broadcast sound, and how society is encountering the same revolution with this digital age as people are exploring and creating new ways to interact with each other. Overall, I believe the key of the section was understanding how our digital abilities can not only change how we see ourselves, but how we communicate with others, both having enormous emotional impacts.  




Lastly, make any connections you can between deBourgoing, Miller, and any of the topics we've discussed in class so far.


The connection with others that Miller has explained relates to many of the things we have discussed in class this semester. However, I see a strong connection between Miller and the thought inspiring 'so what' question that follows many lecture conversations. I see Miller as trying to delve deeper into understanding how this digital realm will change society on a mass level, focusing specifically on how it is going to shape how individuals express themselves.