Gettin' Jacked On Tha Road!

Ok, I know none of us like to think about this, but I've heard so many horror stories over the past week , that I have to address this one! You just got through rippin' it up on stage! You and your crew decide to stop, and get a bite to eat, come out your van is gone! All your sound equipment, instruments, your favorite mic>>Gone! This could happen to you in your town. That sucks, but it sucks even more when your out of town! Most Indie artists can't afford security, and unless you always go on tours and out of state gigs with a couple pit bulls in the van, it is highly likely that this someday could happen to you! I know , I know , I know,  you think it could never happen to me! Before you arrogantly insist on clingin' to this false sense of security, please allow me to point out a few facts. Most indie artists announce gigs online prior to attending the show. Do you realize that this means hundreds, and for some indie artists thousands of people know exactly where you are going to be! They know when, where, and it's quite easy to guess how long you will be on stage! It is also quite easy to see what vehicle you came in! I have talked to a professional drummer who was loading up, after a gig, and he came out to put more gear in a van that had been stolen! One of these artists came with 4 other people riding in the car with him! If you use facebook, twitter, myspace, reverbnation, soundclick, your own artist website, blogs, fan mailings, or any other kind of internet accessible means to promote upcoming gigs. Please don't wait until you've been robbed, or jacked to take security measures seriously! Just because you are licensed to carry a gun, doesn't mean you will be in the parking lot at the right time! One of the rappers i spoke to left his gun in the car! So now he has lost that too! Here are a few words  from Wize for you to consider. Rather you are performing in the city you live in or are out of state! Always leave valuables at home! Decide which jewelry your going to wear! Don't be a Male/Female indecisive diva and carry alot of expensive items that you may or may not wear! You know what i mean? Plan what you are going to wear before you even go on tour, or to a gig! Bring only that! If your going to change clothes, they should be in an area in the building just offstage, being guarded by someone you trust! Don't depend on Club Managers, Security, and Club Bouncers to protect your gear! When it all comes down to it, protection of your valuables are on you. Always load and unload gear quickly! Even if your tired, don't be even remotely lackadaisical! Do this task, quickly, directly, and with a no nonsense, non-approachable attitude. Don't let fans distract you! It can also be a good idea to use one of the front men/women in your group to exclusively deal with the afterglow of fans that hang around and want to talk, while the rest load up , and literally ignore the whistles, catcalls, and screams!  Keep a person on your team who is willing to stay with your vehicle during the whole show! It would be better to park your vehicle in a secure garage and taxi to the club or venue! Find out ahead of time where to park off-site of where you are performing! All indie artists can't afford a limo ride to every show, but if you can hire a a limo, or a  driver for your vehicle, then by all means, do it! Don't rely on local law enforcement to be able to quickly , and seriously search for your stolen vehicle, gig van , tour bus, or truck. One of the rappers i spoke to, told me that clearly the police did not like his rap image, or presence in the city, and were very hateful towards him! Another tip i would like to pass on, if you are part of a group, or you roll with a crew of people with you, when your out of town, rotate watches! All of you shouldn't be asleep in the hotel! Someone has to guard the vehicle, and valuables at all times. Take turns! One of the rappers i spoke to, said, "they took the laptop that has all of our business information in it!" They lost their list of fans that they send mail to monthly, list of club manager phone numbers, irreplaceable photos, demos,  articles that they had downloaded, and more! Despite the fact that they party with their fans, , allowed strangers to ride with them, they still didn't even see the value of investing in a car alarm! He said that he knows there were times that he trusted people he doesn't know that well to go get stuff out his car for him, and get this, he admitted that he din't always lock up the vehicle! This came out when he said ," I never had to worry about stuff like that, I've been places that I didn't even have to lock up my shyt, becuase people don't phuck with me!">>>Don't think because you are an indie artist, that noone would want to rob, or jack you! You are in the public eye, and it's wise to remember that we live in an unpredictable world! Sounds like common sense right? Probably won't ever happen to you right? If you said , "right", then you are vulnerable, because this is touring and gigging 101. You've been lucky so far, hope your "right" though, and it never happens to you. #WordFromWize
(Image found at imageshack.com)

Back In Tha Music Saddle!

Wazzup Wize One'z! Been a long time since i have posted in the hip hop gumbo blog! MJ went on to glory>missed alot of oportunities to write about alot of significant things that happened in and out of the world of hip hop and music! But I am back! Glad to be back>and i appreciate tha love u showin' >and have always shown me>new music comin' soon>and my own personal style of blah blah blah will be here! lol luv ya'll stay blessed!