There seems to be a growing trend of independent artists on the rise. The main stream market is still going strong on radio and television, but the Internet is growing as the home to independent artists, internet radio stations, and indie labels, with their own distribution deals. One example of an independent artist quickly making his way to the top is Macklemore. He has released one mixtape, three EPs and two albums and significantly collaborated with producer, Ryan Lewis…all independently. Macklemore has reached the #1 spot on Billboard without the help of a major record label, the first artist to do so since the mid-90’s. 
Though the market is saturated due to the equal access of promoting, independent artists have become business savvy, learning new ways to use the global reach of the world wide web to reach their fans directly. The internet is slowly taking the middle man out out of the equation. Crowdsourcing tools like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo are helping artists, music and otherwise, to raise money to fund their own projects, all while keeping them connected to their fans. It’s a win-win situation for artists…though exhausting, leaving little time left to be an artist. Independent artists are paving the way for creative outlets and means to get their music to the masses. This is a trend that will only grow over time. Don’t believe me? Just watch!
This is what’s hot in hiphop. If it’s not here, it’s not hot.
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