Punching Your Clown Card
November 26th, 2008 by Infinite Skillz in Local Music, Making N.O.I.S.E.I’ve been called a lot of different names thus far in my life: jock, nerd, fat boy, lightweight, goofball, transplant, outsider, new guy, frat boy, weirdo, and cool kid. Those were all while I was in school.
Nowadays, I pretty much just go by Infinite Skillz or Infinite for short. My mother just calls me loud. As the middle child, I’ve kind of always needed to be that way. I’d speak early and often, flexing my vocal cords to get noticed. After every loving admonishment, I’d always tell her that one day I’m going to get paid to make noise.
Officially, N.O.I.S.E. stands for the Nation of Infinite Skillz Entertainment, which is my official fan club. Making N.O.I.S.E. is the name of this blog, but it is also my motto. When asked about Hip Hop, President-Elect Barack Obama said that one of the things he admired most about rap artists is their entrepreneurial spirit. He liked the fact that many of my colleagues have started their own record labels becoming moguls instead of commodities. That’s Making N.O.I.S.E.
I too respect hustle and hard work but there is a limit to that. Are you really doing big things if your label roster consists of your hype man and your roommate? That is not Making N.O.I.S.E. That’s you and your homeys playing House: The Hip Hop Edition.
I love meeting new people when I’m out promoting or doing a show, but if I had a nickel for every time someone came at me with “Yo man, I liked your set. I’m the CEO of (insert wack name) Records and I’m always looking for new talent” I’d have enough money to make Diddy go hiking for cheesecake.
Stop it. You’re clowning yourself. Instead of spending money on those double-sided triple glossy full-color business cards, try investing it in your business so you can approach artists from a position of strength and actually be able to help something besides your ego. And spare me the speech about how the underground needs to stick together. You are not the underground. You are a confused individual trapped in a rap role playing game.
Question of the day: How do you tell the grinders from the gamers?
Infinite Skillz is an emcee based out of St. Petersburg. To hear some of his music, go to www.baseincmusic.com.
November 27th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I have no idea how to tell the difference between grinders and gamers. That is why I assume everyone is full of shit until otherwise noted.
November 27th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Good job Infinite. I agree with you, wholeheartedly. I’m currently in Fort Hood, Texas and people claiming that they’re underground are putting out tracks called “Do the Stanky Leg” (look it up if you think I’m lying). People are so worried with “making it” that they’ll do anything to do so, including sell out.
Its weird to say, but I can usually tell the difference between grinders and gamers by their clothing and the way they carry themselves. Gamers tend to have some really expensive clothing with as much jewelry as possible, even in their mouths. They carry themselves as if they’re better than you, and if you don’t buy into what they’re selling then YOU are what’s wrong with music today. Grinders I can usually see in a hoodie and jeans, or maybe a t-shirt (regular sized). They approach you in a humble manner and usually give you a sample of what they’re selling, or even just giving away for free sometimes. They always seem appreciative, even if you don’t buy into what they’re selling.
I like grinders :)
November 27th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
“Are you really doing big things if your label roster consists of your hype man and your roommate? That is not Making N.O.I.S.E. That’s you and your homeys playing House: The Hip Hop Edition.”
Dear Infinite,
Please stop talking shit on me and my crew.
November 27th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Gamers play pac-man,
You eat grinders.
Easy, next question.
November 28th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Grinders don’t do too many excessive things. I know thats a pretty vague statement but whatever.