LIVING THE LIFE (TALK 2 ME!! ABOUT STEVE STOUT LETTER)

[SoldierSound]

Thank You For Sharing this!

[derion3i]

I knew it was over with Usher didnt win best RnB male for the Confessions album. Sure he lost to Prince but, it was definetly his year.

[massavetv]

JD put it simple. If you have the opportunity to vote, do so. If you don't, shut up. Can't complain about something you when you don't do something. These awards are judged by musicians, engineers, writers and so forth. It is not about who had the biggest tour. Musicians listen to music a little different than a normal fan. Anyone who is in the game can attest to that. Just saying.

[ThisManSays]

Good vid man. I try to explain to folks that bash the BET Hip Hop awards and other awards shows, that they need to be more active in improvement rather than demonstrative in defamation. BET is OURS, as much ours as we have right now. They give awards to the artists that the Grammys don't understand or refuse to accept. Right now, people are very vocal about what they don't like about Hip Hop, but less vocal when trying to correct it. Great vid JD.

[1EvidenceDaPrince]

wats up wit cha JD Thats some real talk i feel ya on that i never looked at it like that about the Grammys.. I am a Artist Living In Duval and its real hard tryin to make it down here mainly cause theres no unity alot of hate and greed.....I Figure leavin here is the only way ima get a break in the music industry if you get a check out some of my videos i direct and edited them all by myself tell me wats good......

1 Evidence Da Prince

[lyricmonet]

just wanna say that i appreciate you going in depth abt this issue JD... def leaves lots of room for thought on my end as a music exec and member of the culture! def inspires me to take a stand and become more active with my chapter

[ipiddydafool2]

You don't think it's because of the content of the music at all???R&B is mostly sexual and rap is mostly about drugs,alcohol,killing..etc.Wha­t do you expect?C'mon my people.

[dcwright]

I completely agree! I'm apart of NARAS (Texas Chapter) and I had to explain to folks that it's deeper than what they think. MANY "pop" acts have been looked over for awards and if you're not an active member and just starting out, chances are the voting members WILL NOT vote for you because they feel you aren't paying your dues. It's about politics and talent point blank... and in any industry you work in, you have to play the game to make it far.

[1EMPERAH]

FUCK THE GRAMMY'S THEY ARE IRRELEVANT. IT'S TIME FOR A NEW AWARD SHOW THAT'S FAIR, AND IS ABOUT MUSIC NOT THE CORRUPTED INSIDE BUSINESS AND POPULARITY.

[foolstyle]

Being honest, I'm in the Los Angeles chapter and I know exactly what you mean. You right there aren't enough people represented in NARAS. you took the words out my mouth my when you talked about the voting process. Also honestly people are being mad that "so and so" won or lost. But if YOU'RE NOT A MEMBER, YOU CANT VOTE. In order to vote you must be in the industry. So if you mad? You have a problem? You in the industry and HAVE CREDITS? join and be the change that you want. or shut up.

[foolstyle]

Being honest, I'm in the Los Angeles chapter and I know exactly what you mean. You right there aren't enough people represented in NARAS. you took the words out my mouth my when you talked about the voting process. Also honestly people are being mad that "so and so" won or lost. But if YOU'RE NOT A MEMBER, YOU CANT VOTE. In order to vote you must be in the industry. So if you mad? You have a problem? You in the industry and HAVE CREDITS? join and be the change that you want. or shut up.

[foolstyle]

Being honest, I'm in the Los Angeles chapter and I know exactly what you mean. You right there aren't enough people represented in NARAS. you took the words out my mouth my when you you talked about the voting process. And being honest people are being mad that "so and so" won or lost. But if YOU'RE NOT A MEMBER, YOU CANT VOTE. In order to vote you must be in the industry. So if you mad? You have a problem? You in the industry and HAVE CREDITS? join and be the change that you want. or shut up.

[evett726]

JD, you made some valid points. In the business world it’s the same way, you have to get in the game to play. I’m sure that I have mentioned this prior that I grew up right along with you. (Listening, buying your music) I think many artists sleep on your knowledge because every time you break something down about the music BUSINESS it’s a mirror in my own profession. (lcsw) Thanks again for your wisdom.

[thewestcoastdiddy]

This is the truth...thanks bro.....

[lilnette1]

Well I'm I get it but do 't get it. Like are you saying that you have to be on some board to really vote for who is going to be on the grammy's or what is it for.

[joeydixon3]

I GUESS THAT MAKES ALOT OF SENSE CAUSE I WAS LIKE WTF AT THE GRAMMYS THIS YEAR!!!

[mbjones15]

Hey you Guys, I'm a Jazz, Rythm and Blues Singer, Check me out okay and COMMENT AND RATE I guess that is needed LOL. Thank You Each

[MzFufu]

To anyone that is saying that they never heard of Esperanza until the Grammys.

Just because you never heard of her until that day, doesn't mean she isn't talented & deserving of her award.

It just means YOU are MUSICALLY IGNORANT!

Stop listening to songs you only hear on the radio & explore new genres!

[likwid2kg]

@MzFufu Exactly!!

[IumSOOOnewJersey]

JD I commend you once again for stepping up to the plate and letting the fans know what the truth is behind things in the music business! Your insight is always on point and always very informative! Lifer for life! I AM THE OCEANS 8TH MEMBER!!

[Twinn0709]

Current Hip-Hop is a joke. Unless you related to someone famous you ain't acknowledged. Awards should be earned by talent, not industry friends & money. The labels suck. Do a criminal or copycat gimmick & you signed, no talent needed but rapping w/a cause isn't considered. The integrity of Hip-Hop was turned into a marketing tool, now they want recognition for it. Those millions you got were reward enough for being good house niggas!

[jovanlakey]

JD We gonna get that gm in on 2k11 are whatttttt!!!!! Ill ply u are your boys for whatever all bets are covered!!! Will fly to u just name the price & its covered PEACE.....

[ItsMeFawn]

Also many entertainers so focused on becoming a celebrity that they completely forgo reading a book or sitting in a class on entertainment law and contracts so they can understand truly what they are involving themselves in. The money is no longer and truth be told was never made by the artist persay it was always made by those who held & developed the contracts, produced,wrote or engineered the said work at hand. When musicians realize this they will begin 2 see a change in their bank account.

[ItsMeFawn]

JD I would say that not only is this applicable w/in the music industry but various industries on a whole. Often times people yell foul *after the fact* yet when the time for your voice to clearly be heard w/in policy and development and voting -- they either skip those meetings or don't pay attention or not even hold membership as you stated. Change does not begin on the day *of an event* it is the process that leads up to the event.

[paysh73]

Most new artists are not concerned with the Grammys, all they want is the girls, money and flossing. Its sad when you think about it because the Grammys is the highest award an artist can get in the music industry. There needs to be a mind set change with these artists and that will be the hardest to do JD.

[TheLouiV]

People need to know this! We always complaining but its time to do something! Get Active!

[Futurempmw]

they did it to drake eminem 50 cent but the grammies is not all about hiphop or r&b but at the same time the grammies have been doing this. why does mariah carey have 5 grammies? thats crazy right there. they didnt show who won best R&B album of best r&b song. it should be based on a combination of things and it should be sales and stats and the quality of the music.

[RightEarMuzik]

@Futurempmw the r&b awards are never apart of the show. it always happens b4 the show while ppl are still on the red carpet. they act like its not even a genre. SMH.

[THAxViLLAiN]

Drake was robbed....No one has ever heard of this Esperanza Spalding and he loses to her? Like really....

[likwid2kg]

@THAxViLLAiN That's not true, just people like you have not heard of Esperanza Spalding. You have to step outside of what is thrown in your face. It's sad that some people only absorb what is force feed to them.

True music people all ready knew about her. I mean she has been on tour with Prince for almost a year,

played at the White House, and yet you say no one has heard of her? Whatever. You have to seek real music.

It's like eating McDonald's for the rest your life instead of real food.

[THAxViLLAiN]

@likwid2kg and I guess I'm not a true music person. I don't listen to Jazz. I listen to R&B, Rap and Hip Hop. Don't sit there and try to say that I'm not a true music person because I don't listen to all the genres of music that are out there. And I was never forced to listen to what I like I CHOSE to listen to it.

I don't like McDonalds ;P

[huhreally]

Wow, I feel like I just had a class! Amen! I need to check out this letter... and if i have more to say i'l return! Thanks JD!

[malik910]

if thats the case MTV and a couple of other award shows are guilty of the same thing. They only use black entertainers to draw a larger audience which translates int advertising dollars. they have no real interest in recognizing or awarding black talent.

[kiamuze]

JD speaks truth. We gotta join NARAS and we gotta participate year round. It doesn't make sense to put out all this music and not belong to the one organization that gives the highest honors in our field. If we don't participate we can't complain.

[MusiQKisLiPHe]

12,000 music experts are voting, not the fans. So its definetly not a popularity contest like the VMA's or the Teen Choice Award & I respect their decisions because it doesn't just look at one genre of music like those other award shows.

[YoshiMystu002]

So totally agree JD - From Canada.

[mowhit1]

All the awards shows suck now. The talent is not there anymore. It is all recycled ideas and people give them standing O's like it is the greatest thing they have ever seen. ie Ga Ga, Bieber, Rihanna, Cee Lo Green too. All their performances I have seen before. It is a slap in the face to the originators of those ideas. Madonna, P funkaldelics, MJ, Velvet Rope. It is embarrassing. I hope they all lose.

[xoxoJOHNxoxo]

I completely agree with you JD.

[mbendinmusic]

!00% on everything you said. We can not talk about be about. Real Talk JD

[413NOTSREHTAEF]

I realized that the grammys sucked this year mainly because you had artist like Curren$y put out 2 classic albums in 2010 & he didnt even get nominated for adleast independent or hiphop album of the year. On top of that they always cheat ppl out of their awards..As much as we hate on bieber, nobody had a bigger year then him last year..this Esperanza Spalding is talented, but we havent ever heard her music? like or knew of her existence. Im proud she got a grammy, but cmon.

[nishabusy]

grammy sucks ass cheeks. they cheat black music so much 2 me and some definitely needs 2 b done. because how can u pick ezsperalda spalding as a new artist over drake are u serious!!!. its almost like they are all about white people

[12245950856]

I agree, if nobody is representing the artist ALL YEAR with the grammy's, what makes them feel worthy of a grammy to help advance their career. It makes sense. Nobody wants to put in the work anymore and wants everything given to them like they invented the industry. People need to pay attention how this works so the grammys can be enjoyable again. Thanks for the insight JD!

-Tasha

[yelloke2006]

All I want to know is if the GRAMMYs are about TALENT & TALENTED ARTIST why the fuck did Lupe Fiasco lose to Lil Wayne??? The Cool shits all over Carter 3. sry if your feelings are hurt, but it's true.

[thalifechanga]

Im just counting how many times JD says.." I WAS THE PRESIDENT" , and i think im up to 7, LMAO!!!

[ks71983]

@MzAttitude1986 Obviously you don't know music! I never said that her albums weren't good. I said that her last two albums, "As I Am" and "Element of Freedom" were more deserving of all the awards and acollades. Her first two were great but you can tell her writing, production, and arrangement of the music matured alot on the last two albums. Just because someone can play a classical instrument doesn't mean that they should be a shoe in for a Grammy. Simple as that!!

[JosueDinero]

my whole problem with the GRAMMYS is that you have artists or group nominated in the best new artist or album of the year or record of the year that DO NOT even win there respective category. Arcade Fire won the Album of the Year and the didnt even win their "Best contemporary Album or record of the year". The Black Keys won. IF YOU DO NOT WIN YOUR RESPECTIVE CATEGORY...... YOU CANNOT WIN THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR OR RECORD OF THE YEAR. It only makes sense that way

[Shivante83]

@JosueDinero definitely agree with this

[aserv948]

What are you trying to say ? your mad that esperanza spalding and arcade fire won ?

[DamitaJoBoy9]

Honestly, as a music fan, I let go of the grammys years ago when I was a kid. I never felt they represented the general public opinion. Thanks for the vid, JD.

[theskorpionshow]

Until you listen to every song or album nominated in a specific categories how can you decide who really won. Judge music on its artistic value and not by the popularity of the artist!

[ounb]

@theskorpionshow Music is subjective. Popularity IS the way you judge.

[yungworldz]

who cares about a damn grammy..

[reecepillay]

@yungworldz Oh hell no you ain't just say that?!

[jsamari]

People, realize that YOUR opinion is not a fact. just cuz u dont like a song, artist, album... doesnt mean its no good. remember that when someone you do like wins, there are ppl that hate them as well. dont take these award shows so seriously. it should all be in fun and ppl shouldnt feel entitled. its REALLY not a big deal

[ballajb]

Thanks for sharing the behind the scene of the Grammy voting process because i know there are many that did not know about who actually does the voting.I agree with what you said about artist needing to make sure that they sign up for the NARAS in the state they are actually from, but not only sign up but actually be active through out the year.Not only when it is time for the Grammy Awards Show and if you dont you cant say anything.I agree too with the statement that they use artist for ratings

[kandiali]

Dear Steve Stout,

Music aint all about the contemporary. There are real musicians who use real instruments, who understand how to read sheet music and make real music everyday. They are members of the voting academy and they voted. Now shut your bitch ass up.

Signed,

Sick of the whining.

[theskorpionshow]

I hope Jermaine approves my video. We discuss Steve Stoute's letter for about 15 minutes.

[4lifeent215]

TALK YO SHIT JD!!! It's al apart of participation and not being fully educated on the system as a whole. This v-blog had enlightened me more in addition to Steve Stoute's letter. All goes back to voting as a power of influence and authority. If you ain't at the table then you don't eat. the music entertainment industry is deeper than most would assume. I think these last few Award show "snubs" will motive and educate these artist to be more active in these organizations. Thanks for sharing!

[ks71983]

Also, I think sometimes artists or groups win off of hype. For example, Alicia Keys winning all those Grammys her first year. I don't think she should've won all those awards. I think Best New Artist and maybe Best RnB Song would've sufficed. Her first two albums weren't all that great but she won because she plays the piano. Don't get me wrong, I love Alicia Keys! Her last 2 albums were great. She should've won all the awards for these two albums!

[MzAttitude1986]

@ks71983 If you dont think all her cds were good you dont know music simple as that

[ParisBaileyTV]

@ks71983 This comment is just too stupid she as real talent that's why she won. She does a lot for music. It just doesn't make sense to judge a artist because they can play the piano. SMFH!!!!!!!!!!!

[ks71983]

I agree with Shivante83 that the Grammy Awards should be like the Oscar awards for music. Sometimes I feel like the Grammys are too political. I think the award should be given to the artist or group that deserves it. Back in the day, when Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and other artists of that caliber were awarded, you understood why they won! Now a days, you're scratching your head and you're confused. I think the Grammys are all about upsets to be honest.

[DuceUtight]

@ks71983 True Story

[shonuffLA]

if dude wanted beiber to win then go watch the mtv awards

pepole who write their own music and songs >

arcade fire >

[fratbrotha]

I will agree with the other commenters in that I don't think the grammys should be a popularity contest but about awarding someone for the quality of their music. I think many are confused on how you do you vote for best new artist because you are comparing different genres.

[Shivante83]

I for one like the change in the Grammy awards the world should be introduced to new artist not just the most popular acts it should be about music and not a popularity contest save that shit for the peoples choice awards the Grammy's should be like the Oscars for anyone to question Esperanza Spalding even being in the same category as Drake or Justin beiber is out of their fucking mind about time music gets the respect for music and not for hype. low brow has been the cool thing for to long

[DuceUtight]

@Shivante83 U don't make sense, that's like saying If Esperanza Spalding was popular and hyped up more and Justin Or Drake were on her level that she was at the grammys they would deserve it more?Hype goes off what? Fans right? success, you get noticed, people want to invest in your talent, fan base grows, now they drown out you noticing the talent cuz of there hype overtaking it, now all you see is hype and you have forgotten there talent, how do you think they get there hype, it's a catch 22.

[Shivante83]

@DuceUtight i don't know how you got that from my post

[ounb]

@Shivante83 Dont they have new artist awards? you want grammys to be about new artists?

[ItsMeFawn]

@Shivante83 I 100% agree it was completely absurd the backlash that Esperanza has received all because Justins's sensitive ass feelings were hurt. Esperanza has paved her own road within the Jazz field and when these 25 and below age group realize their is more to music than Pop, Rock, or Rap hopefully their eyes will open. Esperanza earned and deserved that award and it is horrible that some attempted to take from her moment all because of envy and jealousy!

[prontothasuperstar]

that is very true...the grammys are some bullshit when it comes to picking and choosing and have been since the boycott after W Smith one back then.. but more artist should be apart of it.. headed to the site now thanks jd..

[VenessaVB]

Truth, if nobody is involved in building the grammys behind the scenes why would you expect for that not to translate on the night.....

[jmillerz5555]

JD, I love the fact that you put yourself out there like that. Keep banging for HIP HOP man. I wish people like Diddy would standup for HIP HOP like that. He's running around slanging vodka and shit or "keeping BIG's name alive". wish people like that would be more political when it comes to keeping there craft honest. ****Gold Star for J.D****LOL

[GurlCaa]

@jmillerz5555 So True. This is why I admire JD.

[htowngurl17]

I DIDNT LIKE HIS WHOLE LETTER BECAUSE TO ME HE SAYING WHO MOST POPULAR SHOULD WIN THE GRAMMY..I LIKED SOME PART OF HIS LETTER...GRAMMYS ARE FIXED IN MY OPINION BECAUSE NO ONE NEW WINS P.S GO BUY JANET JACKSONS NEW BOOK IT SO GOOD

[supermunyi]

lil b based world alrightt

[MrJPJacks]

Students can become active members for $25 at GRAMMYU.com

[TruthFLA]

I stopped watching the Grammys amny years ago because i didnt see many faces that looked like mine. The reward foolishness and not quality music.

[Lokuss09]

@TruthFLA not any more they did it this year they finally rewarded quality music.