My thoughts: Drake hit his stride just as the old model of the music industry was starting to fall apart. He just missed the what I like to call the “new fan” syndrome. To me, this plays a huge part in him being successful. No pun intended. I believe he is still riding the waves of the old model of the music industry.
In my opinion, Aubrey Graham is not apart of rap’s “new school.” Based on the year he began to pop as an artist, I feel as though he is one of the last artists that is currently taking advantage of what the consumer used to be. The new consumer is not as concerned with the music as they are the hype that surrounds the individual creating the music. This has always been an issue, but these days, this type of consumer has become the majority.
Enter DJ Khaled and his new level of fame via Snapchat. Khaled’s new found success comes at a time where the “new fan” syndrome is at an all time high. In my opinion, Khaled will be the ultimate music industry test. I believe there are a ton of executives waiting impatiently to see if the snapchat success will turn into sales.
The bottom line is, If his album doesn’t sell, the “new fan” syndrome theory will be confirmed. You see, the “new fan” is not a fan at all. Just a spectator that follows the oohs and ahhs of the Internet. The “new fan” is just waiting for the new thing or individual to cheer for. The crazy thing is, they know little to nothing about the new thing or individual they are cheering for. What they do know is that this thing is getting a lot of attention. And as a “new fan” they thirst and hunger to be apart of the conversation.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the new music industry. Better yet, this is the new world. That’s the state we are in. Don’t worry though, nothing is new under the sun. This too shall past. I hope.
