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Given Quannum's success, as well as its ever-growing potential, major labels have made numerous attempts throughout the years to bring it into the fold as an imprint. But, understanding the value of artistic and economic control, Quannum has repeatedly declined their offers. "When you combine Solesides and Quannum, it's one of the longest-running hip hop labels ever," Davis says. "And it's important that we never bowed down to major labels."
"There's a lot of folks that went out for the money or the fame or the power and glory," says Chang. "But for us, we began as a bunch of friends who went out to change the world. And in many ways, we succeeded. We did change the world in a small way, and we've remained great friends. So it's a happy ending."
Balance's Budget
In his 10 years on the scene, Bay Area rapper Balance has worked with virtually every major player in town. He recently completed a collaboration with hip hop's violent demigods G-Unit, and is currently fielding offers from major labels. Coming up in the game, he always wondered why the veterans never passed down advice. So, in an effort to provide the next generation with what he never had, he's revealed his top five keys to success for a Bay Area hip hop artist. -- S.C.
No. 1: Study. "Whenever you're interested in something, you need to study the history of it. We're in the third decade of rap music, and a lot of young artists only study the artists out now, but now ain't the best time for rap. 50 Cent ain't good enough."
No. 2: Write and practice on the daily. "The more that you're in front of the mike, the better you'll sound. Even if you're not the most talented, you'll sound a lot better after you practice. It took me 10 years to get where I am right now, and that's a lot of hard work."
No. 3: Read All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman. "It tells you everything about the business, from how to deal with managers to the legalities of copyrights, publishing, royalties, and how to make your business legit. If you want to be a hip hop artist, you have to know about the business."
No. 4: Be self-sufficient. "Get a job and buy your own equipment. You don't want to be dependent on someone else. Own your own music, and don't let anyone else determine your future."
No. 5: Be prepared to give away your music. "If you have no fan base, how is anyone going to hear your music? If you walk up and down Berkeley and give away your music, you're going to get people listening. Master P used to give his CDs to the people in the neighborhood with the biggest car stereo systems. You have to be prepared to do a lot of stuff for free early in your career."
