And true to word, Mac’s 148, 915 copies sold of his full-length debut Blue Side Park makes him the first independent rap artist since Tha Dogg Pound to debut atop the Billboard charts. And who says the Internets aren’t relevant in this day and age. Congrats to Mac, Rostrum Records and their entire team.
no one says that the internet isnt relevant meka… wtf?
anyways i seriously dislike this kids style and his music. i think the problem is alll these kids bought this guys album for the person and not the music. they all love mac miller’s character and demeanor and therefore his music seems better than it actually is.
theBroKing said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
this lil nigga did it big… he showed that hard work by being a dope mc and flat out being the best gets you money… he has the best pen game out by far, how else would he had gotten on top?… dude got a good fanbase too… even though he’s mixed with white, he still got hip hop fans… all my hoes say he’s good, but some dudes still hate smh
thefactz said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Any hot disses on that bitch? Hahah. “The 10 Best Subliminals of 2011 (So Far) #10 – #7″ http://www.kidswastingtime.com/2011/11/10-best-subliminals-of-2011-so-far-10-7.html
SOL said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
And let the hate and back handed compliments begin…
yup said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
PLEEEASE no-one reply to the troll (thefactz) searching for attention he does it all the time.
CodyB said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Thefactz didnt say anything bad so leave him alone. Congrats to Mac for doing it independant. Fuck the large record companies telling artists they must make shit to appeal to the masses.
Saxon said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
lol who ever hates this has to be od mad. There’s no reason to hate on him coz you nobody and ur opinion is only read here fuckers lol damn he sold od records. That’s lot of fucking money for his pocket. Everybody in the industry is showing love N shit how u guys hate on him here?
Yoo said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Tha Dogg Pound and Mac were the only artists PERIOD to debut on an indie and go #1
RSX said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Well done Mac…. BLP was dope btw
HermesArtificerGod said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@theBraKing: Prince said that the Internet is a fad & won’t be around much longer
HoesOnMyDickCuzILookLikeMickFoley said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@Yoo: so what you’re saying is if I don’t like Mac’s music I CAN’T comment on this post because he won’t see it, but if I’m on his dick like you are I CAN comment on this post?
HoesOnMyDickCuzILookLikeMickFoley said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
mac suckker fuck him
ja said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
damn thats a hell of a move….big ups to him
…
I been vacationing ALL this month http://t.co/CUntznv ..no way i could’ve done it wit my $$$ ..luckily twitter givin Hawaii vacays ..ONLY 24hrs left..b4 they stop
Jaimie said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
148, 915 units independently? Isnt that “still” the equivalent to selling amill with a major? If so, even though i dont care for his music that a power move
TonyStarks said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Iam not a mac miller hater but he had 100k PREORDERS he put the album up in August so he really sold about 48k in stores last week…just saying
texas said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I hope all the bad things in the world happen to Mac and his team. Anyone thought bought this shit should have just taken a shit on their money and then burned it.
Tyree said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@texas yes u are a hater because you have your facts wrong. He didn’t have 100k pre orders that is why he didnt’t release the album early. That was the deal he made to the people, if there was 100k pre-orders he would release it befor the due date. It didn’t happen.
yup said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Yelawolf’s album leaked who’s got the link…!?!?!
!?!?! said this on November 16th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
HAHA!!! TAKE THAT MAC HATERS LOL
Gee Dot Que said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Lol look at Mac millers cum slaves come and defend him he sucks and he had a Lot of preorders so stop acting like he did that 148k in a week cuz he didn’t fuck him and he’s fans ska cum slaves
Mark said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
^ is selling this much supposed to make me like him?… i give him props, that’s whats up… but he still sucks ass to me
McBreezy said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Idiot I don’t even listen to his music.
Yoo said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
I honestly think if he wasnt a white rapper or a white rapper who is hood/trailer trash etc he wouldve sold this much. Asher Roth had all the celebs come out n he aint do shit n plus MaC Miller is like a white drake yet not so sensitive. Its weird what ppl support n dont support these days you give the greats shit but the flunkies n fags get all the shine n gross yet you repsect the Slaughterhouses the D Blocks etc etc but support more money wise the Drakes the soulja boys the gimmick rappers shame it is. At least J Cole album did well n not hatin on Mac Miller just felt he isnt that good n way better MC’s shouldve gotten this kinda support but on a nother note he is hip hop wether ppl like it or not so its good to see it do well commercially
ummm... said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
We are talking about his album being number 1 and doesn’t matter how he sold it or how many per orders he had. His number 1 on the billboard. independently. I didn’t buy his album and I’m not his fan. you haters are just stupid I swear. No life motherfuckers. I’m typing this shit from my work. You guys hate on him like it’s ur job or get anything out of it
False said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
i dont know why people make a big deal about him being independent.. its a whole different game with the internet. What them boys did back in 95 wit ‘Dogg food’ IS amazing.
yup said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@ummm…
Wait if he was a white trash rapper he would have done poorly? But Asher Roth isn’t trailer trash and he didn’t really sell? I don’t understand your point at all. And Mac Miller is like Drake? What the fuck are you smoking dude?
wackness said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
This niggas garbage, but congrats though, he made it to the top can’t hate that.
asdfghjkl said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
The appeal of an independent artist is something that cannot be measured in dollars. In a time when an economic shift has changed public perception, it has become even more “cool” and trendy to support the little guy. Artists like Tech N9ne have pioneered an independent movement based on touring and doing everything in-house with no help from the outside.
These independent artists boldly stand against the majors and push forward with integrity without the safety net of a million dollar signing contract. Major record labels have caught wind of the potential in independent music and just like anything else, they are looking to capitalize on it. The grassroots movement and fan base built up by independent artists is something that most major record labels can’t duplicate. They do although understand the commercial appeal of an artist who can claim, “I did it on my own.” Fans are smart, they see through a major’s attempt at pandering. What option are majors left with? Well, like most things, if you can’t pick up an independent artist, you make your own. Enter Mac Miller.
The 19-year-old MC out of Pittsburgh has created quite a buzz for himself with numerous hit singles, heavy radio play, and constant rotation on MTV. His social media and grassroots campaigns have earned him a very loyal following across the country, and thanks to his signing with an independent label, Mac Miller is said to be the first independent artist to do such things. So, how does an independent artist manage to take over the country? How does an independent artist manage to sell 25,000 pre-orders of his debut album, sell out show after show, get Donald Trump’s approval, and wind up on MTV every day? Simple: make believe. Mac Miller’s independent hustle is far from independent, something that despite having been criticized for is largely ignored.
The speculation behind Mac Miller’s independent status can be traced back to his record label, Rostrum Records. The Pittsburgh-based imprint first experienced major mainstream success through their artist, Wiz Khalifa. Wiz would eventually sign with Atlantic Records, but keep his Rostrum roots, thus creating a business relationship between the labels. This relationship is where the ball gets rolling for someone like Mac Miller. In 2010 after a hefty online buzz, Mac Miller signed with Rostrum Records and released his K.I.D.S. mixtape, which was by all means a critical success. Around this time, Mac Miller’s videos began airing on MTV. Now, it’s important to note that Mac Miller was signed as an independent artist. It is his quick rise however that is questionable on an independent level. On the road to his debut album, the 19-year-old MC has received radio play, enough MTV coverage to make sure even your kid sister knows who he is, and is plastered on every hip hop site there is. How did an independent act achieve seemingly overnight success? It’s not too hard with the help of major label machinery.
This is where things get interesting for the “independent” artist. With a working relationship between Rostrum and Atlantic Records, Mac Miller has received the kind of push that an independent artist simply could not receive on their own. Rumors of Mac Miller signing with Atlantic Records first began circulating this past year when Atlantic Records VP of Rap Promotions , Sam Crespo ,was found to be connected to Mac’s push. How was the Atlantic Records rep helping Mac Miller’s success? As it turns out, Sam Crespo, by his own admission, was pushing Mac Miller’s single, “Donald Trump”, to DJs:
“DJs I know I created some confusion by sending y’all the Mac Miller ‘Donald Trump’ record. I sent it out because many of you were asking me for it and also to turn y’all on to good and innovative hip hop.”
Disguised as “helping out a friend”, Sam Crespo helped influence and ultimately achieve major play for Mac Miller. Let’s think about that for a second. A representative for Atlantic Records, home to artists like B.o.B., Flo Rida, and Kid Rock, was pushing Mac Miller’s music. The chances of DJs turning down a request from Atlantic Records are likely very slim. In fact, as Sam Crespo himself states in this 2008 video interview, his clout within the rap industry is unlike most:
“I’m the first guy in line of any project, rap related. That means like, if you’re a soldier, the first guy in line – those are the soldiers that’s gon’ pop it off first. They’re gonna shoot first, they’re gonna take over. Some of them are gonna fall down, but some of them are gonna make it. Guess what? I’m that guy. I’m the point guy. I’m the guy they send out first. You know, when they put out a record, the president of the company Julie Greenwald and our head of black music, Mike Kyser, they sit down and say, ‘You know what, we’re going to put out this T.I. record.’ First person who touches that record is Sam Crespo.”
Mac Miller himself recently tried to downplay the rumors with a statement on the issue:
“Sam Crespo, a dude who helps send out records for me to see if we could get them on the radio, works for Atlantic but he has his own independent thing that he does to help an independent artist get on the radio. It’s still funded by us to try to get it but it’s not like we get hella spins. So, what happened was, he was supposed to send out an email from himself but he accidentally sent it from his Atlantic email [address].”
According to Mac Miller, Sam Crespo made a human error and sent the single out from his Atlantic Records email address. Normally, this might seem like innocent play, but Sam Crespo is not just another desk jockey. This individual is responsible for leading major efforts to break new records with DJs and radio stations across the country. Sam Crespo does this every single day and he does it well. Are we to believe that he accidentally sent an email with the Atlantic Records name attached? Are there no repercussions for such actions? Regardless of whether this e-mail was a mistake or not, the moment it was sent, Mac Miller ceased to be the “100% indie” artist that he claims to be.
The emails didn’t exactly go unnoticed. Such mistakes can bring an employee under heavy fire from a label like Atlantic Records, and Sam Crespo is not the mailroom clerk. He is in charge of rap promotions for one of the biggest labels in the country.
His efforts certainly paid off though, as it wasn’t long before major DJs on hit radio stations were putting Mac Miller’s “Donald Trump” into rotation.
Influential people like DJ Enuff, DJ Reflex, and DJ Kast One were spinning Mac Miller’s music on powerhouse radio stations like Hot 97 and Power 106. These are DJs who are normally responsible for breaking some of the biggest records in hip hop, and here they were spinning an MC whose claim to fame was independence. Having your record spun by someone like DJ Reflex, whose list of clients include Tom Cruise, Nike, and Disney, seems to be a little off the independent trail.
Yet, there was Sam Crespo standing behind it all as Mac Miller celebrated his success.
Just an act of kindness from Atlantic’s Sam Crespo. Plausible? Maybe. Probable? Not at all. Major record labels aren’t interested in investing time and money into someone out of kindness. The end game is to make money and Mac Miller is just that for Atlantic – money. So, with Atlantic Records in his corner, Mac Miller’s success is not such a mystery. Then there’s the speculation that Atlantic Records handles Mac’s merchandise, which is a hot seller at Hot Topic. For those of you keeping track, that is now radio play and merchandising (allegedly) that is being handled by a major record label machine. Not quite what most would label independent. Don’t try telling Mac Miller that though. The MC still claims independent, despite practically having an Atlantic Records rep in his pocket.
A label like Atlantic Records realizes the potential in cashing in on an artist who is “of the people”. When artists like Tech N9ne are praised for their incredible success, it’s easy to see why the independent image is an important marketing tool. Have Mac Miller sign too soon and you take away his credibility with the hip hop purists who have supported him along the way. The game plan that seems to be unfolding is for a major to push an independent artist using its industry resources, allow him to claim independent success, and then cash in on the buzz. After all, Mac Miller moved pre-sales at an unbelievable rate for an independent artist. Isn’t that more impressive with the independent tag line attached? Almost like mascot of sorts, it’s as if they are allowing Mac Miller to take the #1 independent spot, run with it, and then when things look good, have him sign.
From a marketing standpoint, it’s pretty brilliant. The self-made artist is easier to sell to people. Then of course, there is the popular theory that Mac Miller has actually been signed to Atlantic Records this entire time. That might be a bit of a stretch, but when you take everything into consideration, it starts to make sense.
When asked about Mac Miller, Tech N9ne famously replied, “I don’t even know if he’s really independent,” Tech was speaking with no prior knowledge as to who Mac Miller actually is. The ironic thing is that Tech might have actually slipped some truth out by accident. Following that interview, Mac Miller sent out a tweet directed at Tech N9ne with the words “I’m 100% Indie My G.”
A bold statement. One that doesn’t exactly appear to be completely accurate. Did Mac Miller really just lie to Tech N9ne? Well, actually, he lied to the world first. Tech N9ne was just another individual that needed convincing.
The grind of an independent artist is not easy. To someone like Tech N9ne, hailed as the #1 independent rapper in the world, it meant sacrifice. The same sacrifice tattooed on his chest in large letters. The kind of sacrifice defined by his separation from his wife, his time not spent with family and his years spent on the road. To someone like Mac Miller, it means being the new poster child for independent success, regardless of how easily you get there. Perhaps when Mac Miller sells 100,000 copies of his debut album, as he’s expected to do, he can get the Atlantic Records logo tattooed on his chest. It seems appropriate after all of the sacrifice he’s had to make.
Regardless of any artist’s status as an independent or major-backed entity, Strange Music applauds the success of Mac Miller and any artist who is bold and courageous enough to follow their dreams and pursue a career in music, a hard and unforgiving field that holds no guarantee for anyone. The purpose of this article is to clarify and to protect the sanctity of something that Strange Music holds very dear, a true independent movement built from the ground up and solidified with over a decade of endless touring, recording, and most important, fan interaction.
D.P. said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@yup
I agree back then niggas werent up on the internet. DPG had to put in work for that
asdfghjkl said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
What is his target demographic I wonder? He did it really big, but I am just honestly wondering, who bought this album?
Turtle said this on November 16th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
“Mac Miller debuts at #1 on Billboard”…. Who Cares
allergic2wakness said this on November 16th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
you haters make me laugh dude, nigga made #1 on the billboard.. independent or not… preorders or not.. who gives a fuck. nigga made it.. he is getting money.. but where the fuck are y’all? oh yeah staying on the blogs waiting for something to happen and waiting to hate on shit.. get a life, make a dollar.
HoesOnMyDickCauseILookLikeRickyMartin said this on November 16th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
This retard D.P. wrote a 1800 word dissertation disclaiming Mac’s alleged “indie cred”, yet I bet he can’t even finish his 3-paged research paper for English 101. Get a life, brochowski.
As for Mac, he’s chill; he’s on par with Breakin’ 2 in terms of lyrical prowess but he has an ear for knockin’ beats and his overall message is so lighthearted that it’s hard to hate him. I don’t hate dude in the slightest; in fact, I’m glad this type of whimsical rap shit is debuting at #1. Some of ya’ll really get worked up over this chipmunk motherfucker, like he pillaged your village and raped your mother or some shit.
Fuckyoupayme said this on November 16th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
If you don’t like mac no doubt but respect the crazy work. Congratulation to Mac Miller. I’m not a die hard fan but big big respect he work hard to do that.
rock n roll music said this on November 16th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Irony in somebody making a post stating that anybody who comments on a blog is a nobody and nobody cares? Independent or not; he’s shit. A hell of a lot of what D.P. said makes a lot of sense. The guy looks like a cuddly toy for god’s sake….. Plus he raps about weed. Now if this isn’t what is defined as selling records on purely image, i don’t know what is. If dick sucking was seen as positive commercially, no doubt this guy would be on his knees pointing for where to put it. How can you appreciate anybody THIS fake? People who like this shit must be like those guys who try to watch all the TV shows everyone else watches, purely because everyone else watches them…. Regardless of ‘personal’ taste, because the people who like this guy have no ‘personal’ taste, because what they like is whatever is popular, which is whatever a heads of the media WANT you to think. Shame on you if you think this guy is anything more than a white boy who looks like a cuddly toy who raps about weed.
Toby said this on November 16th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
tl;dr
mikey said this on November 16th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
I’ve got to congratulate Mac for these great numbers, but I can honestly say that the album was not good. Unimaginative beats/lyrics just make it hard to listen to for me. Oh well, at least I’ve still got K.I.D.S. and The High Life to entertain me.
JA said this on November 16th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
suck on that shit u fucker bloggers, this is a new day where fans dictate the shit and not radio promos, so expect all these people to be selling, including MGK, all the ones who rock out their shows HARD. I dont understand why you care if someone else is successful? Like wish bone said ”If you spent,more time, focusing on your own shit, then playa hating mine, you might make some, mutherfuckers.” – Hatin Nation, Art Of War, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
zachariah said this on November 16th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
“people don’t listen to Mac Miller because they like his music. People listen to Mac Miller because they think it’s cool to like his music.”
shrug said this on November 16th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
oh look, 148,915 people have shitty taste in music.
h said this on November 17th, 2011 at 12:07 am
[x] white guy
[x] rocks entry level street wear
[x] panders to suburban brats (weed, snapbacks, we’re gonna be kids forever!)
[x] his voice doesnt “harsh” anyones “mellow”, not like those angry black guys with their scary voices yelling at their audience
[x] is five foot two
[x] has a creepy fascination with kids and playgrounds, shits not gonna look cool in 5 years (just sayin brah), #amberalertswag
[ ] will be around long enough for anyone to give a shit
[ ] isnt just the flavor of the week for white people
nahfuckyou said this on November 17th, 2011 at 11:42 am
I didn’t write it, I just copied and pasted the truth. Dude ain’t independent.
D.P. said this on November 17th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
not a fan, but thats cool…
zany blunts said this on November 17th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Did the guy diss anybody on wax? “The 10 Best Subliminals of 2011 (So Far) #6 – #3″ http://www.kidswastingtime.com/2011/11/10-best-subliminals-of-2011-so-far-6-3.html
ZZ said this on November 17th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Man Wakes Up From Death, God’s Miracle?
TOKAMOFFLOX said this on November 20th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Hey D.P. Can I have the link? Thanks for a great read, there was too much truth for the wack miller dick riders to handle.
Apache said this on November 20th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
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