For Whom the Bottom Line Tolls

Public Enemy, meanwhile, has long championed file sharing and was among the first hip-hop acts to distribute its music online. The group also understands that the genre is a global phenomenon. "We have to watch out who we give this power to," Chuck D states. "And I've long since stopped giving the MTVs and Clear Channels this position of power. 'Cause when it comes down to, I'm a world artist...and the digital world is everywhere that they are."

And though article after article bemoans the disintegration of the music industry, and particularly the hip-hop genre, the doomsday scenarios are a bit disingenuous. The labels' quandaries should only trouble you if you're an exec or perhaps one of the lucky few who expect to go platinum. For artists who just want to get their work out, and for fans with a thirst for the kind of diversity, quality, and accessibility on display at Rock the Bells, the future looks golden.

MSO

Clint Eastwood's first attempt at casting 'Flags of Our Fathers' was ultimately rejected by DreamWorks SKG

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More About

• Talib Kweli
• Nas (Rapper)
• Public Enemy
• Hip-Hop and Rap
• Underground Hip-Hop

ROCK THE BELLS includes performances by Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Immortal Technique, Jedi Mind Tricks, and MF Doom, on SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, at MYTH NIGHTCLUB; 651.779.6984