In Music Industry Slump, Survery Says 70% Of Hip-Hop Fans Uninspired By New Music

[ChrisZimbo]

In Music Industry Slump, Survery Says 70% Of Hip-Hop Fans Uninspired By New Music

A recent poll conducted by SOHH reveals that 70% of music consumers surveyed admit they don't buy CDs as much as they once did because they are "not inspired by many albums."

The survey, which included feedback from music consumers between the ages of 12 and 35, was conducted in light of the recent 32% drop in overall CD sales. According to the survey, 76% say that "many good songs throughout the album" is the number one factor that makes them want to buy an album. By contrast, only 18% say a "connection with an artist outside of music," inspires them to buy albums.

The survey also pointed out that 82% of the participants revealed that they have found themselves purchasing less full-length albums than in recent years.

When asked if they would ever download an album for free instead of purchasing it, a resounding 67% responded with a yes. An almost identical amount at 68% of those polled say that they would still buy an album they've already downloaded for free if they enjoy the music.

The industry as a whole has been feeling the crunch of the recent dip in sales, as it has been effecting the bottom lines of many major labels. As previously reported by SOHH, storied hip-hop label Def Jam recently let go of many of its employees including the entire staff of Roc La Familia, which handled the label's international promotions.

The recent findings of the survey seem to echo the sentiments of Brooklyn's own Talib Kweli, who in an exclusive interview with SOHH, pointed out that a lot of music is continuing to sit on the shelves because of its lack of both quality and substance.

"If you look at the CD sales of rappers who are talking about that stuff, it's on the decline. It's been on the decline for years. And it's not because it's misogynistic, and it's not because they calling them hoes, it's because a lot of it ain't good," said Kweli. "The art of the music has suffered where everyone wanted to get in the game and just hustle. There's nothing wrong with hustling and getting your money, but when no one focuses on the art, when the art means nothing, then people are gonna stop buying."

 

[samtarin]

amen....i've been buying a lot less cd's because the stuff is shit. you get like one good song and a bunch of fillers. dont get me wrong some good cds have came out, but so has tons and tons of shit

 

[ARon]

By contrast, only 18% say a "connection with an artist outside of music," inspires them to buy albums.

That I do not agree with at all. Isnt that what makes these guys superstars, the whole idea of chasing their lifestyle. I bet if you asked these same questions to the audience sitting in the TRL show(the main people buying the albums) the answers would be completely different.

Also, why does music with quality and substance continue to get shelved? Since when was something without shelved? I just saw a video on MTV with a little ass girl talkin bout lip gloss, I mean come on, shit that doesnt have quality and substance is getting shelved?

How about, you cant find inspiration in music that isnt meant to inspire.

 

[Confucius87]

I just saw a video on MTV with a little ass girl talkin bout lip gloss, I mean come on, shit that doesnt have quality and substance is getting shelved?

She may be gettin' airplay, but when it comes to those first week SoundScan results, I bet any amount that she will not sell over 120K. Mims had the #1 single in the country, he only sold 144K the first week. Crime Mob got plenty of airplay with "Rock Dem Hips", they only sold 40k their first week. Now-n-days airplay doesn't mean guaranteed record sales like it used to. So believe, chances are her album is gonna get shelved too.

 

[_carmi]

halleluyah

 

[roaches]

It's SOHH... nuff said.

 

[ARon]

It's SOHH... nuff said.

I've never been there. Explain.