This Type Of Change Is Bullshit!

Ok… I'm all about creativity and being inspired by something, but the "Give It Up" vs "Blurred Lines" this law suit is bullshit! Yes, they sound a lot alike and if you're doing a play on words, both songs have a sexual topic. But truly they're different songs. I interview artists, DJs, and producers and the 1 question never gets old..."Who's your inspiration or favorite artist?" 

After hearing the verdict I called my buddy Terrence Dawson a/k/a Dirty who is the former manager of the Ying Yang Twins. Their breakout hit "Whistle While You Twerk" was slapped with a cease and desist order as the songs popularity grew, and prompted Mr. Collipark and the group to rewrite the hook.  In our impromptu interview, T says, "there's a huge difference in the songs. If the instrumental for Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up" was the performance track, then I would side with the Gaye estate." The original is played by live instruments and has the musicians emotion embedded into to each note. That could never be reproduced, only the musician himself or herself could reproduce that sound in that moment. It's so many other distinctive characteristics that point out the differences between the two songs. Apparently Howard King, the attorney for Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, decided not to call the Shazam app to the stand as one of his witnesses! 

When I first heard Gucci Manes "Freaky Girl," I was excited to hear what he did to Joi's “Lick.” To those who are not familiar with this hit, it was featured in the Vin Diesel movie "xXx". Gucci's version, of course, was a huge hit for him, later reproduced and the sample was replayed giving it it's own creative voice. "Freaky Girl"...would not have been the huge strip club anthem it is if it hadn't been inspired by the Organized Noise production team and Joi. 

This lawsuit opens the door for many more of these song comparisons. If it's about the money… look out karaoke night! The song that sounds like the song you're singing could put you in line for a lawsuit. Ok that's a stretch, but "Blurred Lines" is an interpretation of a classic that has its own unique sound and lyrics, not to mention T.I. (I love me some "Trap Muzic" & "Urban Legend.”) 

Who can’t forget the club banger, "Throw It Up" by Lil Jon and The Eastside Boys. Yes, itwas inspired by the music from the theatrical trailer for "The Lord of the Rings, The TwoTowers.” Go ahead and listen from minute mark 1:36 http://youtu.be/Y4neBR0h39c of the trailer. And must we not forget the G-Funk Era!  I'll say it again..this lawsuit is bullshit! Music of today is an inspiration and the music of tomorrow will look back at our era and mention the producer, songwriters and DJs of today. This ain't that change!

Shout Out to Inspiration!

#LeslieMac

Uninspired AND Unexcited...That's some BS!!

Your music journey may have many highs and lows but one thing you must do is surround yourself with the "Real." Throughout my journey I've hit roadblocks and obstacles that only made me work harder. 

Over the weekend I was invited to the "I Am Dope Tour" where I heard a new sound Hip Hop, Punk Rap. The band "No Solutions" is going to be a game changer. Saturday I was in Denton Texas attending the Thin Line Music Festival. I saw AV The Great perform with a live band and I was like, "Damn! He killed it!" Headlining that night was the incomparable Devin The Dude who brought with him The Odd Squad and the artist RUMe of Coughee Brothaz performed the hit "Garden Tool" this is definitely one you need to have on repeat! At the end of Devin's performance, AV took to the mic and expressed his appreciation for Devin coming to rock the stage for the Thin Line Festival. I have to say that was a true moment of inspiration. 

Music should never lose its intent. I've traveled and have had the honor of meeting some of the most influential people in this business. All have given me the push and support needed in this industry. You can't do this if you're Uninspired and hanging around the Unexcited!

We all know how great music makes us feel. Plenty of life's quotes have come from Hip Hop and the DJs have been the physicians providing us the medicine to get us through each moment of our day. Most of these quotes are about girls, money and success, but there’s still great quotes about happiness in life and they inspire which turns into excitement! 

In 1995 Russell Simmons presented the world with the movie "The Show." To those of you

who don't know about this true Hip Hop classic, it's a documentary about the Hip Hop culture at that time. This opened my mind up to the stories behind the music. Before I was just enjoying the music and not giving a thought to the things that motivated them to write those lyrics. From Slick Rick to Snoop Dogg and from Dr. Dre to Andre Harrell... I fell in love with Hip Hop all over again!

Through every handshake and interview, I have been inspired to help others see their vision and grow this industry. Over at Fluence (https://fluence.io/alme214) I have the opportunity to expand your brand even more, now that is exciting to my soul!

As artist or a DJ, the only way that you can achieve the goals of your career is to surround yourself with an excited team. Not the ones who are excited to be getting in the club with the artist, but the ones who will pick you up when it's time to go to the studio, the ones who will tweet, retweet, share and repost. And

notice I didn't mention those who just hit the "Like" button. Likes don't put your music in front of new fans. So watch for those excited people. They will support your movement, they will believe in you and not just the perks. 

Hanging with the Uninspired and Unexcited is some BS! I have music submitted to me day in and day out and try not to miss a single beat. Don't hesitate to email me directly with your music or submit it to me over at Fluence. I can share to my vast network of industry colleagues. Stay inspired and excited!

#LeslieMac