P-Duble http://PDuble.fuzz.com Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:45:06 -0700 Fuzz.com en http://www.fuzz.com/ http://www.fuzz.com/_/images/logo/blimp.png http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Do-Yo-Thang http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Do-Yo-Thang#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:13:03 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Do-Yo-Thang http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Curse-of-the-Me-Album http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Curse-of-the-Me-Album#comments
You know what I like about working for myself? No dress code.

You wear what you want every day of the week and nobody much cares. Frankly, it's gotten to the point where if I've got long pants on between Memorial Day and Labor Day, my kids want to know who I'm meeting with. (If I'm wearing a tie, they want to know who died.)

And so yesterday evening, when I arrived home wearing pants that weren't jeans and shoes that weren't sneakers, my family knew that something was up.

"Where'd you go today?," my ten-year-old son Brayden asked over dinner. I told him that I drove to see someone in Pickerington (pronounced "Pink-er-ington" for those of you not-raised in normal-speaking parts of the world), a city about 20 miles away.

"How long did it take you to drive there?," he asked.

"About an hour each way," I said. "Rounding-up the time and not explaining that there was heavy traffic while I was on the road.

I could see that the wheels were now turning inside Brayden's fourth-grade brain.

"Wait a second," he said. "Why did it take you one hour to drive just 20 miles, when we drove to New York City in 8 hours… and that's a thousand miles away?"

Now I was confused. Even ignoring the implication that my Ford Explorer could ever reach 250 miles per hour – something I doubt it could do if you dropped it out of an airplane – we live in Columbus, Ohio; New York City is only about 600 miles away.

So I asked him, "What makes you think New York is a thousand miles from here?"

"Easy. In that song Hey There Delilah, the guys sings: 'What's it like in New York City? I'm a thousand miles away, but girl tonight you look so pretty.'"

His reasoning was based on a bad assumption, of course, but I had to admit, in a kind of topsy-turvy, me-centric way, it almost made sense. (The thought crossed my mind that he may play an important media relations role in some future White House administration.)

For an eight-year-old, it's pretty normal to assume that the world revolves around you and everybody else shares your same perspective. Unfortunately, for musicians of any age, the same (flawed) assumption is often at work.

Here's what I mean. Many musicians – whether they say it out loud or even consciously realize it – work from the belief that the way they're organized, the people they've got on board, and the products and services they sell, are of keen interest to their fan-base.

It's a bad assumption. Here are some examples of how it often plays out: * Your musical content formula matches the structure of your band. Time, Inc. publishes Sports Illustrated for Kids, Woman's Weekly and Land Rover World. And yet I think you'd agree that if they ever tried to combine the three into one magazine, they'd be very successful in appealing to nobody.

By the same token, and while it's fine to have a company that sells auto insurance to consumers, health insurance to small businesses, and financial aid advice to college students, if you try to cover all those topics for all those audiences in the same publication – simply because it's what you do – you'll be wasting your time.

Pick a narrow content focus and stick to it time after time. How narrow? As narrow as you think possible, and then a few steps more narrow than that.
# Your music is influenced by several different sources that you're probably not even aware of. Some musicians even rotate contributors with the idea of "getting input from everybody possible and letting our fans get to know us." That's a nice way to get buy-in and participation from within your organization, but again, it's a capital-L-Loser from the point of view of your fan-base, who don't much care about any of that.

Settle on a clear, consistent, recognizable sound and stick to it time after time. Be willing to ignore certain groups of potential fans in the name of building a loyal following among others.
# Your music's topics and content all point back to you. As a marketing person myself, I appreciate the urge to keep citing your experience, pointing out your capabilities and gushing over your own wonderfulness when writing your music. After all, you may be thinking, isn't the promotion of our music the point of all of this in the first place?

Yes it is. The problem, however, is that the minute your fans see you wander from the bright and cheery land of useful, unbiased information into the cold and calculating campaign bus of self-promoting half-truths, you'll lose them (sorry about the metaphors; I think I'm watching too much political coverage).

Remember, you're building relationships, not closing today's sale – and relationship building is a strategy which in the long run is easier, more profitable and more long-lasting than trying to work the room at every turn.

Here's the bottom line. If you want people to anticipate, open, read and pass along your music (and I'm guessing that you do), you need to put yourself in the shoes of your readers. Try to offer music that will help them live their lives better or will influence them in a way that you may never know, and your next fan will never be more than a few miles away.]]> Tue, 27 May 2008 06:56:17 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Curse-of-the-Me-Album http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/New-Magazine-Write-Up-on-P-Duble http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/New-Magazine-Write-Up-on-P-Duble#comments
As one of the hottest up-n-coming artists in the industry…and more than 10 years older than most of his comrades, P-Duble has experience and maturity to bring to the table. P-Duble is thirty-four and was almost 10 years removed from his last release, "Birth Uv A G," in 1999. The record, and P-dub's voice—classics in the now popular, but still young, Christian Hip-Hop World—set the stage for his hiatus and allowed him to learn some important life-lessons until the time was right for him to step back behind the microphone. Thanks to the persistence of such cultural icons as Sup C, Mr. Solo and T-Bone and reinforced by a mainstream culture that loves to occasionally dust off classic adages, P-dub has never really left the game, or missed a meal. He couldn't be happier that the Lord has continued to fuel his calling into the hip-hop ministry. "I appreciate that the Lord has allowed me to still stay in this game and I thank Him for the blessings He has bestowed upon me," P-dub says. "Not talking financially, just talking about my family, life and being relevant in His scheme." P-dub hasn't relied on samples alone to stay and get back into the game. He came-back on the scene with a vengeance with his 2006 release, "No One." This self-produced project tossed itself into more than 10,000 heads and set the stage for what has been a spiritual re-awakening on a major hip-hop scale. As for the rest of his history, P-dub first formed a group with some of his boys called "Dead On Arrival," back in 1990. P-Duble dropped himself from the group and saw the remaining duo sign with Philadelphia-based Bodybag Records and release an album…and then…saw it collapse on the shelves. P-Duble (known as Lil' Pookie at the time) then proceeded to drop his own underground projects, such as "Blak + Wyte" in 1992, "Bottom of my Boot" in 1994, "Pooc OG: tha' gangsta' chronicles" in 1995 and then "Birth Uv A G" in 1999. In between these individual releases, he combined with Michigan-based Luppy to form the "Outsiders." They worked together and collaborated on one-project that was released in 1996 and opened-up the door for Luppy to jump onto the scene with his own group, "LPOutsiders." Lup and P-dub saw a future together, but the business and differing aspirations ultimately took a toll on their relationship. "That relationship got really messed-up for awhile," P-dub says. "I was so immature that I wouldn't allow myself to see eye-to-eye with him, which was a mistake, because he was right and he was so talented and was really the heart and soul of what we were doing. The music business is notorious for breaking up relationships because of everything that it entails. Ego, money. Those are usually things that are pieces of the problem, but it never should've been, especially with where we were both coming-up from and the fact that we were both Christian artists." P-Duble laughs matter-of-factly at the situation, and then turns his attention to today. He's preparing to enter the game with a thump through his reincarnated Pike Street music, the same company that released the final three of his previous releases back in the day. "One of the singles off this one is called 'This Is Why…' and features Mims and is based on the concept of the old records and MC's." The album is titled "If I Die…," but P-dub believes that hip-hop is ready for someone to push the music forward creatively. "These topics they talkin' about. We already covered that in the 80's and 90's. You know, 'I Get Money?' Why hasn't the artist progressed conceptually? They're not diggin' deep enough. I wanted to dig deep and come up with neat concepts and things that haven't been done before." The high-pitched excitement that characterized his delivery as an MC also shows up in his speaking voice. In discussing his whereabouts, he's honest to a possible fault. He admits that he was and still is hesitant to pick up the mic as a mature adult because many may not want to hear a grown man rap. However that hasn't been the case at all. The public's reaction has surprised even P-dub himself. "The response has been crazy," he says about his comments in other interviews, which generated a great deal of fan reaction. "They didn't touch on the age thing. Maybe it's not as big of a deal as I thought it was, but then again the Lord has a way of over-coming even the most ominous of obstacles…there isn't any that He can't overcome. I mean, Jay-Z is older than me. I'm thirty-four. He says he's thirty-eight. We know Dr. Dre is in his forties. Even 50 is in his thirties. Personally, I would like to forget bout that and listen to the music. If it's hot, it's hot."]]> Tue, 27 May 2008 06:55:43 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/New-Magazine-Write-Up-on-P-Duble http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/RESPECT-hits-2-on-Charts-P-Duble-Featured-Artist-on-Audio-Street http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/RESPECT-hits-2-on-Charts-P-Duble-Featured-Artist-on-Audio-Street#comments
http://www.audiostreet.net/ This selection is riding on the back of the immediate success and popularity of his new single, "Respect," released on May 1, which debuted as high as #9 on the Christian Rap Charts and currently sits at #2. You can see the top 200 Christian Rap Charts by going to the following link:

http://www.audiostreet.net/charts.aspx?genreid=163 "Kromed Up," also one of the singles from P-Duble's upcoming full-length release is sitting at #11 (debuting at #6) and "No Trouble," one of the singles from P-Duble's EP release, "My Album About Me," which came out over a year ago, is still on the charts; currently at #18 (debuted at #30). Besides reaching #2 on the Christian Rap Chart, the singles potential to cross-over into the mainstream market is becoming prevalent, as it also is currently sitting at #14 on the Overall Rap Charts. This chart can be found by going to the following link:

http://www.audiostreet.net/charts.aspx?genreid=148 With the success of these three tracks, P-Duble has risen up the overall music charts and is currently siting at #44 overall. That chart can be found at the following link:

http://www.audiostreet.net/topartists.aspx?page=2

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble

P-Duble's newest release "If I Die..." - 6/1/08!!!!!!]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 11:36:41 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/RESPECT-hits-2-on-Charts-P-Duble-Featured-Artist-on-Audio-Street http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-DUBLE-New-Single-Available-For-Streaming-May-1-2008 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-DUBLE-New-Single-Available-For-Streaming-May-1-2008#comments
"If I Die..." track listing:

01. Gangsta' Praya' (If I die...) featuring Bridget Winterman
02. Salvation featuring T-Huzzie
03. Kromed Up
04. Respect featuring Ty Wills...beat by Heavyweight
05. Beatin Down tha' Block
06. Bootshakles 4 da' Shorteez; Part 1 w/T-Huzzie
07. If I Die... (...cry no pity)
08. I Hope... w/Ty Wills
09. Untouchable
10. Testimony w/T-Huzzie
11. Mafia Style
12. Bootshakles 4 da' Shorteez; Part 2 w/T-Huzzie
13. Who's U'r Pappy featuring BW + LX
14. This Is Why... featuring Mims
15. Knightmare
16. Snap 2 This featuring Luppy
17. Suicide Letter
18. Bootshakles 4 da' Shorteez; Part 3 w/T-Huzzie
19. Spiritual Intelligence
20. ...Cry No Pity (Bury my soul...) w/Bridget Winterman

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble

P-Duble's newest release "If I Die..." - 6/1/08!!!!!!]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 11:36:12 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-DUBLE-New-Single-Available-For-Streaming-May-1-2008 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Dubles-new-single-Respect-debuts-at-9-on-Audio-Street-Charts http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Dubles-new-single-Respect-debuts-at-9-on-Audio-Street-Charts#comments
http://www.audiostreet.net/charts.aspx?genreid=163 The link to P-Duble's AudioStreet page is:

http://www.audiostreet.net/charts.aspx?genreid=163

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble

P-Duble's newest release "If I Die..." - 6/1/08!!!!!!]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 11:35:11 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Dubles-new-single-Respect-debuts-at-9-on-Audio-Street-Charts http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Almost-Famous http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Almost-Famous#comments
My son Brayden is now famous. Here's what happened…

About a month ago, Brayden and three of his 9-year-old friends got together on a Saturday afternoon and decided to make a movie. Using a digital video camera and thankfully not my basement, they spent most of the weekend making a 55 second epic.

That Sunday evening around 7pm (prime time for young computer users), I helped them post it on a makeshift facebook page that I quickly created for them page. Within minutes, they had several comments, and, according to Brayden, many more the next day at school.

And so the following weekend, they made another movie. This one was longer, more technically complicated and shot in more than one location. Sunday evening at 7pm, they posted again. More buzz, more interest.

Last weekend they took it up another notch entirely, adding costumes, fire, moving objects, etc... and even a plot. This time, on Sunday at 7pm, kids were waiting by their computers. That Monday afternoon at school, the buzz had grown so large that the boys had to be escorted out of the building by two uniformed police officers.

Okay, I totally made that last part up. But you get the picture… lots of interest in the student body.

Some (actual) highlights from the past 30 days: * Over 100 kids from Brayden's class have posted comments about the videos on this Facebook page. Many are now clamoring to appear in future episodes.

# Several people in town have gone out of their way to mention the videos to my wife Jodie and me, some of whom don't even have kids in the same school.
# The teacher who runs the film program at the high school got wind of the videos, sought out the boys, and wants them to enter a local film competition.

"So what?", you ask. So this. What's happened to Brayden and his friends over the past month has everything to do with your project; whatever it may be. Because when you look at the impact they've had, you'll notice two important things: 1. You can't force a following. They didn't promote the videos, they just started posting them. Kids found them, liked them, and told other kids.

In this fickle music business, people are always asking me the same question: "How do we grow the size of our fan list?" My answer is always the same: "How did you find me?"

Ha, ha! I am kidding. My answer is always: "Have something that your target audience wants to read/hear/see and word will spread."

The Brayden Boys aren't creating their videos as a means to an end, they're just trying to create great videos. See if you can approach your own stuff in the same way.
# List size doesn't matter; talking to the right people does. 100 kids doesn't sound like a very big number. Until you realize that those 100 kids represent 80% of his entire class. In terms of getting the attention of the right audience (for them), these four boys are airing the SuperBowl every Sunday night.

Now look at what you're doing. Are readers eagerly awaiting your next e-mail? Are they telling other people about your music? Are they sending you feedback, making suggestions, clamoring to be included in future editions?

Until these kinds of things are happening with what you're doing, don't bother trying to grow your list. It doesn't matter. What you need are fans… not politely tolerant recipients. Because when it comes to generating actual fans for your actual project who will pay you actual money, ten of the former will outperform ten thousand of the latter.

Before you worry about making your list larger, figure out which narrow slice of the universe you're trying to influence. Then provide content that those people will anticipate and pass along. Fans.

Here's the bottom line. When it comes to your stuff, see if you can approach it more like a bunch of high school kids trying to stand out on Monday morning, and less like a marketer trying to sneak into someone's in-box. I know you want to grow your fan-base, but until you can crack the code on what your fans want, you'll remain invisible.

As for The Brayden Boys and their video fame, I have no idea how long it will last. I'm just glad they've felt what it's like to touch a nerve and develop a following. Once you've experienced that – whether in growing a fan-base or simply growing a high school reputation – there's no settling for anything less.]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 11:34:23 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Almost-Famous http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Changes-Are-Coming http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Changes-Are-Coming#comments
http://pduble.bravehost.com ...for more information. This is all in celebration of an album project more than a year in the making and what may be the final release from a veteran MC who has been spreading the gospel for more than 15 years. P-Duble's newest full-length release, titled: "If I Die..." is all set and ready to drop.. This Christian rap project is hard and rolls with a significant edge with a strong foundation in the scripture. Easy, right? Wrong! With many hours of writing, rewriting, recording, rerecording, etc....the project is strapped for those caught deep in the street game and may just be one of the edgier and harder Christian rap projects to have been released since the early 1990's releases from S. S. Mob, the CMC's and the Gospel Gangsters. This project includes 20 tracks and features cameos from the likes of Bridget Winterman, T-Huzzie, Ty Wills, Heavyweight, BW + LX, Mims and Luppy. Produced by the Kaulipepper Klik and co-produced by Quite Stankable Productions in conjunction with Stay Beat Music, the tracks are not only bangin', but the hooks are catchy and the delivery is on-point and constructed. This new release is not for the faint of heart, as it delves deep into subject matter than many turn their heads away from and may not even know exists, especially existing for the those whom have been saved by the Grace of Jesus Christ. We're really excited about the changes that we feel the Lord is planning to bring with this new project and we hope you are too. Remember, the Lord works in mysterious ways and even those trapped in the deepest of the concrete jungles need to hear the gospel and in a way they can relate to.

In Him,

Keith Scarlett

P-Duble and the entire Pike Street Music ministry team]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 11:33:38 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Changes-Are-Coming http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/So-what-do-you-think-about-this-one http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/So-what-do-you-think-about-this-one#comments
http://pduble.bravehost.com

...and P-Duble's MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble This new project, a year in the making, features more than 20 tracks and is produced by the Kaulipepper Klik and Co-Produced by Quite Stankable Productions (the same crew that produced P-Duble's last release, "My Album About Me."). "If I Die..." features guest appearances from Ty Wills, T-Huzzie, Luppy, BW + LX, Bridget Wintermann and Heavyweight.

******REMEMBER, You Can Win A FREE Copy of P-Duble's New Release, as well as FREE copies of his past two releases, just by going to the following link and registering!!!!!!******

http://pduble.bravehost.com

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble

P-Duble's newest release "If I Die..." - 6/1/08!!!!!!]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:30:52 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/So-what-do-you-think-about-this-one http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Just-woke-up-with-it-in-my-head http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Just-woke-up-with-it-in-my-head#comments
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble Peep it out...and, as always...we'd love to hear what you think:) The new album is due out on June 1, 2008 and features cameos from Ty Wills, T-Huzzie, Bridget Winterman, Luppy, BW and LX, as well as Heavyweight.

******REMEMBER, You Can Win A FREE Copy of P-Duble's New Release, as well as FREE copies of his past two releases, just by going to the following link and registering!!!!!!******

http://pduble.bravehost.com

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble P-Duble's newest release "If I Die..." - 6/1/08!!!!!!]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:46:18 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Just-woke-up-with-it-in-my-head http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Dubles-If-I-Die-Album-release-date-June-1-2008 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Dubles-If-I-Die-Album-release-date-June-1-2008#comments
"The Naptown Soldjah is back with a surefire classic album set for a release in June 2008. The brand new album "If I Die.." features P-dub throwing dartz like nothing you've ever heard before." The website:

http://pduble.bravehost.com ...and the MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble ...has also been updated in anticipation of this new-release. Samples from the new project...ringtones, downloads, pictures, etc...are all available on both websites and will continue to be updated all the way through the album's release.

"If I Die..." listeners will find much to enjoy in this new CD, and rap listeners around the world will have a true phenomenal treat.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 01, 2008 – For more information contact:
Pike Street Music
Columbus, Ohio
(614) 409-0998 P-Duble, the talented rapper-producer from Indianapolis, Indiana, will be releasing his new full-length CD, "If I Die..." on June 1, 2008. This project is crisp and clean with a modern feel and strongly grounded in its Rap roots. With a wide range of sounds and guest appearances, "If I Die..." listeners will find much to enjoy in this new CD, and rap listeners around the world will have a true phenomenal treat. Always looking to push himself to the next level, P-Duble takes it a step further to incorporate both old school and new school for this exhilarating new album about individual eternal struggles in a modern world. Expect to see a lot more of P-Duble, as he is poised to become one of the more visible and influential artists in modern rap. "If I Die..." is being sent to retail, and will be available for purchase online at many digital distributors including, I-Tunes, CdBaby, Wal-Mart (liquid audio), and others. Raised in the Indianapolis, Indiana area, he spent his early years listening to the likes of early influential iconoclastic hip-hop and the early gangsta' rap artists, which strongly influenced his own unique style. Radio, press and bulk order inquiries can be directed to Pike Street Music at 614-409-0998. 'If I Die...' is currently going for ads.

Marketing, Distribution and Promotion by Pike Street Music
Columbus, Ohio
http://pduble.bravehost.com
614-409-0998

# # #

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble P-Duble's newest release, "If I Die...," - 6/1/08!!!!!!]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:11:00 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Dubles-If-I-Die-Album-release-date-June-1-2008 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Hey-Oh-no-you-didnt http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Hey-Oh-no-you-didnt#comments
In the meantime, check-out this brief write-up about the project and a couple of it's tracks. (free download attached to this e-mail!) Get your mind right with P-Duble and crew's latest release: "If I Die…." Packed with more than a dozen fresh spins, the album is a stellar blend of old-school gangsta' and new school-crunk that subtly elicit an honest and reflective perspective. It's music that will get you revved and focused - simultaneously.

Top Tracks:

"Beatin' Down tha' Block
Progresses from slow beats to a rocked-out tempo; good to add to your warm-up mix.

"Untouchable"
Aggressive guitar riffs and piano chords and high-energy drums balanced with speak-easy lyrics; good for the locker-room, pre-game.
-Sarah Gearhart
******REMEMBER, You Can Win A FREE Copy of P-Duble's New Release, as well as FREE copies of his past two releases, just by going to the following link and registering!!!!!!******

http://pduble.bravehost.com

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:07:40 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Hey-Oh-no-you-didnt http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Follow-The-Not-Bouncing-Ball http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Follow-The-Not-Bouncing-Ball#comments
I coached my 9-year-old son Brayden's basketball team this winter. Lest you take this as proof of my coaching prowess, I share with you in its entirety, the transcript of my "job interview" with the guy who runs the fourth grade basketball program:

Guy who runs fourth grade basketball program: "Do you have a son in the fourth grade?"

Me: "Yes."

GWRFGBP: "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"

Me: "No."

GWRFGBP: "Practice starts Saturday; pick up your uniforms and whistle at the front door."

With that settled, and still giddy in the knowledge that I had survived the grueling vetting process, I drove home thinking about how to structure our practices.

If you're not familiar with basketball as played by 9-years-olds, I can tell you first hand that it has a tendency not to resemble the real thing. The problem, I discovered, is that the ball itself holds so much fascination, that the kids do nothing but chase after it, each hoping to get his hands on the magical orb.

As a practical matter therefore, the 9-year-old game involves little real teamwork, and instead, leaves onlookers with the vague impression that they've happened upon a contentious, five-way custody battle among competing relatives.

Luckily, however, I came up with what turned out to be a pretty good idea: I told the kids that they were not allowed to dribble (bounce) the ball. Five on five, full court basketball, and the only way you could advance the ball was to pass it to someone else.

This had a number of immediate, positive effects: 1. The kids became aware of the other players. If you're going to pass, you need to see where your teammates are, so they all started picking their heads up and looking around.

# The kids spread out on the court. Knowing that once you got the ball you'd be frozen in place, there was no point in running over to the kid with possession. Instead, positioning yourself to receive a pass became the best strategy.
# The kids worked together. With dribbling off the table, even the best player on the team couldn't do much by himself. Teamwork became a necessity.

You'll be pleased to know that the story has a happy ending. After six weeks of practice, we played our two-game season last Saturday. We won comfortably in both instances, largely because the kids on our team succeeded in moving the ball around so well. (Oh yeah, and because I slipped $20 to the referee at halftime, but I'm not proud of that.)

"So what," you say? Hang on, there is a music connection.

In the game of music, the "ball" (i.e. the fascinating thing responsible for endless distraction) is design. People get so excited about how things are going to look that they tend to forget about the content. Here too, this often leads to an end product that is painful to hear.

That's why – and regardless of how long the artist in question has been in existence – we make sure to separate the writing process from the production and recording process. The procedure is always the same: 1. Write the song and all of its ancillary sections (lyrics, hooks, etc...) down as ideas.

# Make changes, edits, etc...until you're pretty much satisfied with the final product.

# Then (and only then) begin the musical production.

Bottom Line: It's fine to make tweaks and small adjustments within the final design. That said, if you try to create – or God forbid, write – from that point, you're likely to be so distracted by appearances that you'll end up with inferior content.

Instead, I recommend first shaping the content to your satisfaction, and then, marrying it with your production. Don't make me blow my whistle at you.]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:06:28 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Follow-The-Not-Bouncing-Ball http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Hey-You-what-do-you-think http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Hey-You-what-do-you-think#comments
Top Tracks: "This Is Why..."
Urbane like Kanye West, this tune flows with rhythms and easy lyrics; features Mims. Good for a pregame road-trip or to pump you up as your rollin' to the court.

"All Kromed Up"
Poppin' with beats and P-dub's fresh lyrics, this song is great to bang out your trunk. Great for intense workout sessions.
******REMEMBER, You Can Win A FREE Copy of P-Duble's New Release, as well as FREE copies of his past two releases, just by going to one of the following links and registering!!!!!!******

http://pduble.bravehost.com
or
http://pduble.bravehost.com/guestbook]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:05:29 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Hey-You-what-do-you-think http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Wow-I-goofed http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Wow-I-goofed#comments
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestbook/2660780430 ...AND...you'll win a copy of my most recent release, " My Album About Me,"... ...AND...my initial release from 2006, " No One." ...all three free to you! ...just by clicking on this link and signing the guest book...

http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestbook/2660780430 ... AND...guess what...there is no limit to the number of times you can sign-in...the more times you sign-in, the more chances you'll have to win! Good-luck...sign-away!

In Him,

P-dub

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:03:56 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Wow-I-goofed http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/YO-Im-finally-spilling-my-guts http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/YO-Im-finally-spilling-my-guts#comments
Too many Christian hip-hop artists I meet have no patience. They get all amped up about a new single they are going to drop or a new album they are planning and they are gung ho! After a few hours in the studio, they lose motivation, they lose their drive. "Why is this not working?" They frustratingly ask. Then they get mad, "why doesn't my stuff sound like this or that?" Or they complain that they don't have enough money or time. That is a bunch of bologna! What it is, is they have no patience. Rome was not built overnight. When you began your training as an artist, it did not come overnight. You did not practice for a year and sound like a pro. It took you years. Why not, then, look to the people who have been doing music production for years, people who have been in the game to help with your project. I mean, if you're going to represent the Lord, then represent Him! If he's called you to minister through music, then do it to the best of your ability; don't rush it to just get something-out...don't cut-corners because you need to keep-up with the artist down the block...listen to those whom He has placed around you with more experience and what they have to say, advise, etc...they are there for a reason: God put them there! I have been practicing my delivery, patter and writing for years. I have fallen and I got back up and became stronger each time. It takes trial and error to get good at this stuff. Paul says in his letter to the Colossians (3:17) - "Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory and Honor of your Lord Jesus Christ." Do you really want to represent Jesus with some half-way done, mediocre production and lyrics that were thrown together on a napkin while you were eating at the local Taco-Bell? Doesn't the Lord deserve the best you have to offer; even if means taking more time and spending more money? "Well, if I spend more time, I'll run out of money and then I'll never get my message out..."...yada, yada, yada...I've heard it all before and you can keep it...I mean, whose message is it really?...and who always has the right timing? Paul speaks about this in his letter to the Phillipians (4:13) - "I can do all things through Jesus Christ whom strengthens me." So, don't give me this I can't afford it or I don't have the time excuses for your uninspired and mediocre releases. I don't care how often other artist's release stuff, it's not a race against anyone, but rather, isn't it a quest to produce something that is going to reach those that need to be reached? If you understand music and production enough to even be in a studio, then why not pull-back, not release something till it's completely ready for release and ride with the Lord much more quickly than most. What we, as Christian Rap Ministers need to understand is that once you drop something, it's dropped and there's no retracting it. So, when you drop it...really drop it! Like the bomb it is! Through prayer you'll find the right guidance. For example, what works good for one artist's hook and sound might not work good for another. That is why you need to understand who you are, whom God has made you and what direction He is leading you. If you don't understand these three aspects yet, then, you may need to spend some more-time in prayer than in the studio. You see the key to reaching the sick, is giving them the medicine they want and need...even if they don't know they need it.]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:03:08 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/YO-Im-finally-spilling-my-guts http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/E-WIRE-PRESS-RELEASE-New-MySpace-Website-Featuring http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/E-WIRE-PRESS-RELEASE-New-MySpace-Website-Featuring#comments
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE

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New MySpace Website Featuring "P-Duble."

http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble

The Redeemed Original Gangsta' (R. O. G.) Continues Soaring Into Cyberspace With a Brand New MySpace Page.

COLUMBUS, OHIO, Jan. 11 -/E-Wire/-- On MySpace.com he's received almost 3,000 plays of his music in the last-year and he goes by the name of "P-Duble." He makes his home in Columbus, Ohio, but is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. Meet Keith Scarlett, the 33-year old Christian MC with a special mission to minister to people and to spread the Word of the Lord. - including bringing salvation and a place in eternity to young people absorbed day and night with the Internet. With kids spending substantial amounts of time everyday at their computers and fewer hours playing outdoors appreciating the natural world, P-Duble - who has two children of his own; a 9 year-old son and an 8 year-old daughter- is soaring into cyberspace to try and reach the lost there. Not new to the internet, P-Duble and his Pike Street Music Ministry have now upped the ante' for internet ministry with not only a brand new, upgraded website on MySpace.com, but also a new and improved separate ministry specific website [http://pduble.bravehost.com], both which include several of the hottest singles from both of his previous albums ("No One" and "My Album About Me") - including free downloads and lots of new and fun interactive activities that makes both sites even more user-friendly.

"Many youth today are not spending as much time in church and involved in fruitful lifestyle activities. With most having cell phones, instant messaging and various personal on-line websites, they're spending many hours absorbed in a wired world," said P-Duble. "That's why we're taking the Message of the Lord into the electronic playground they now favor and frequent. Hip-Hop [and rap] music is well-known to many of these kids already and makes a big impression on them." Off-line, too, P-Duble is no stranger to the hip-hop music scene. For over 15 years, he's been rapping and recording and performing at events coast-to-coast. Along with his high-energy appearances, P-Duble has two recent releases to his credit, "No One," released in 2006 and "My Album About Me," released on April 1, 2007. P-Duble will soon even be releasing his newest full-length album (to be released sometime in 2008). A full, almost 80 minutes in length project, that tells the entire story of P-Duble's life from his time on the streets to the present; as a father and a husband serving the Lord. The project is scheduled to feature guest appearances from such reputable Christian hip-hop artists and vocalists, such as Lady Extreme, Jacob Israel, Luppy of the LP Outsiders, Riddler, T-Huzzie and others...

"Since millions of young people are spending so much time on the web and in front of the computer screen, it makes a lot of sense for us to reach out to them right in the very places they gather daily," said P-Duble. "The Lord doesn't just stay with what has worked in the past, He has a special way of connecting with everyone, young and old." P-Duble's new MySpace.com webpage can be found at: http://myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble. For more information about P-Duble and Pike Street Music, or to make a donation, contact:

Pike Street Music – Col. 3:17

1685 Spruce Drive

Columbus, Ohio 43217

614-354-1086

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To Transmit Your News Over E-Wire, visit http://www.ewire.com or
call 1-800-343-9013. E-Wire Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:55:17 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/E-WIRE-PRESS-RELEASE-New-MySpace-Website-Featuring http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Duble-Unveils-Brand-New-Website-for-2008 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Duble-Unveils-Brand-New-Website-for-2008#comments
COLUMBUS, OH -- In another phase of a strategic branding initiative that began earlier this year with a new logo and graphic identity, Pike Street Music has launched a redesigned Web site created by Bravenet.com. The bold, freshly designed site ( [url=http://pduble.bravehost.com)]http://pduble.bravehost.com)[/url] provides expanded information about Pike Street Music's Christian hip-hop recording artist, P-Duble. The site supplies permanent fixtures, special exhibitions, and educational programs, as well as information on P-Duble's ministry, music and even offers online shopping in an easily accessible format. One of the many features of the new Web site will be an easy-to-navigate front-page, which will provide simple one-click access to every area of the site, and serves as a returning point for many of the site's features. The website includes current and upcoming special events as well as news feeds for adults and activities for children. The site also provides information on P-Duble, his biography and articles and reviews written about him, his ministry and his music releases; the ministry's mission statement, music samples and downloads, a photo gallery, a chat room, message forum, and a message from P-Duble himself.

###

Contact: Keith Scarlett, (614) 354-1086

pikestreetmusic@gmail.com

http://pduble.bravehost.com

http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble

1685 Spruce Drive, Columbus, OH 43217

T (614) 354-1086 & (614) 409-0998

http://pduble.bravehost.com

http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble

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Pike Street Music - Colossians 3:17
http://pduble.bravehost.com
http://www.myspace.com/pikestreetmusicpduble]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:50:31 -0700 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/P-Duble-Unveils-Brand-New-Website-for-2008 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Yo-Im-here-now http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Yo-Im-here-now#comments
Post yourself...and let me know what's up with you...]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:38:04 -0800 http://PDuble.fuzz.com/blog/entry/Yo-Im-here-now