Is 50 Cent smart?… or just ballsy?

In a recent interview before a club concert, Curtis James Jackson III, aka 50 Cent gave some very interesting and well thought answers to questions regarding file sharing and the future of the music industry. 

After responding that his label (G-Unit Records) was not doing so good, 50 Cent also added this interesting tidbit.  “The advances in technology impacts everyone, and we all must adapt. Most of all hip-hop, a style of music dependent upon a youthful audience. This market consists of individuals embracing innovations faster than the fans of classical and jazz music.”

“What is important for the music industry to understand is that this really doesn’t hurt the artists.”

50 clearly does not agree with the RIAA on the subject of file sharing.  He stated that a fan will be a fan regardless of whether the music was purchased or stolen.  “The concerts are crowded and the industry must understand that they have to manage all the 360 degrees around an artist. They, (the industry), have to maximize their income from concerts and merchandise. It is the only way they can get their marketing money back.”

And finally the most interesting statement, I believe, of the interview is…

“The main problem is that the artists are not getting as much help developing as before file-sharing. They are now learning to peddle ringtones, not records”

“They don’t understand the value of a perfect piece of art.”

I understand that this guy has been a drug dealer, shot, and a huge music artist… but his statements are extremely well crafted for an interview right before a show.  Is he truly a businessman in disguise?

[via]

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