Bringing Local Hip-Hop Talent to the Forefront

No, South Carolina doesnt have any platinum-selling rappers...at least not yet. Being a state that has one of the highest percentages of black populations...youd think a logical-thinking A&R of one of these major record labels would be combing the state looking for the next big artist in the industry. But once artists realize that these labels follow trends just like the music buying public, theyd realize that they have to create a buzz in order for the labels to come beating down their door. And this is where Sumter, SC native, Marlo Frierson, and Talented Tenth Management comes in. Theyre putting together a compilation for local artists called South Cak: Tha Next to Blow."

Tucker, GA (PRWEB) December 12, 2004 -- Asking about the nature of the project, Marlo explains: We wanted to create a local in-state following for these talented artists. With the popularity of mixtapes in the market, we wanted to do something a little bit different. With mixtapes, theyre considered promotional material, which cannot be sold in retail stores. We want to make sure that these artists can have their material in the retail stores, online, and in the streets. The compilation will still have that mixtape feel, with a hosting DJ, drops from various artists & personalities, but it will be totally original music. Were also providing the artists with free promotional material (flyers, posters, cds) so that they can be their own street team. They also can purchase cds in bulk, and resell them on their own. And with artists from all over the state on one project, and everyone marketing this project, plus having the cd in retail stores....we think we can make quite a buzz. And once that happens, when these same artists drop their own projects, fans will already know who they are, and itll create a fan base, which creates sales. And thats the bottom line. We want these local artists to be successful, independent artists. Once they do that, the majors will come to them...if thats the route they choose to go."

Talented Tenth plans to release the first of their compilations in January 2005. With a solid plan in place, and hungry artists eager for their chance to shine...South Carolina hip-hops future is looking pretty bright.

Artist submissions for the first release are being accepted through December 31.2004. The compilations will be released every 3 months.

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