Retailers: Chris Brown Album 'Overstocked and Low Sales

Following in the footsteps of Miley Cyrus, the beleaguered R&B artist has shut down his Twitter account, a day after microblogging his butt off about Walmart and other big-box haters not stocking his new album.


Chris Brown's rant that U.S. music retailers are boycotting his new album "Grafitti," appears to be unfounded. Brown took to his Twitter account - which is now inactive - over the weekend to complain about the fulfillment and display of his album in a series of posts.

"im tired of this shit. major stores r blackballing my cd. not stockin the shelves and lying to costumers. what the fuck do i gotta do... ... yeah i said it and i aint retracting shit im not biting my tongue about shit else... the industry can kiss my ass," read messages posted.

He also noted specifically that he "JUST WAS AT WALMART IN Wallingford CT,844 north colony.. the didnt even have my album in the back... not on shelves, saw for myself."

A survey and store visits find that Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Trans World, Newbury Comics are all carrying the Brown record and sources say that his album received widespread distribution and promotion by his label, Jive Records, and his distributor, Sony Music Entertainment. Jive shipped over 400,000 units of "Graffiti," and also had it positioned in prime stores space at all key accounts, according to sources. In fact, sources suggest that Jive may have overshipped his record, as sales are slow.

'Overstocked'

"Not only am I carrying it, I am over carrying it, because it isn't selling," says the head of purchasing at one large chain. "I wish I could return it." He says the album's first week sales only reached 40% of expectations.

At 27-unit Newbury Comics, Carl Mello head of purchasing, echoes that sentiment. "We have it; it's not selling much."

He says the chain never even considered boycotting Brown - an accusation leveled by the artist on Twitter. Brown pleaded guilty to charges in connection with his attack of former girlfriend Rihanna in February, just before the Grammy Awards show. "We never considered not bringing it in," Mello says. "If we stopped bringing in records from every unsavory character that puts out an album, there would be tumbleweed floating around our stores."

When ordering the record, Mello says he took into account Brown's altercation with Rihanna from a sales perspective, only. After saying, "Let's see what has happened with his sales since the incident," Mello reports that "Exclusive," which was issued in November 2007, sold 11 copies chainwide in October 2008, 8 copies in November, 5 units un January, 4 in February, 2 in March, and 0 copies in April, May and June. "From July until now, we have sold 3 copies," Mello adds. "When you see an artist is going to release a new album and then you go back and see these kind of sales, alarm bells go off. You don't feel over confident about bringing in a lot of records."

Nevertheless, "we brought in the new album because you know you are going to sell some," Mello says. "We let the consumer vote on it."

And so far, consumers aren't flocking to stores to vote on behalf of Brown. Sources project that Brown sold about 100,000 units last week, well below the 150,000-175,000 units he was expected to sell. Mello says that the album is probably about the No. 40 best selling title at the chain.

Even Wal-Mart -- which was singled out by Brown on Twitter as one of the so-called merchants boycotting his record because the Wallingford, Conn., store didn't have it in stock -- says they are carrying the Brown album. "We are surprised at the comments on Twitter, since all Walmart stores carried the CD since its release, including the Wallingford store mentioned in the post. This store had in fact sold through their copies over the weekend. The majority of our stores are showing today they have copies on hand."

Likewise Billboard found plenty of Brown in stock at Best Buy in Union Square and on Broadway by Houston Street, in Manhattan, as well as at the J&R Music World superstore in downtown Manhattan.

Jive declined to comment.

Peep this one consumer comment:he embarrassed himself. His album sold less than Rihanna's first week. they both suck!

The New Digital Platform Is Now 19% of Total Revenues for MajorLabel

The Warner Music Group now generates 19% of its total revenues from digital music, and reported $171 million in digital revenue for its fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31 -- a 20% increase from the same period a year ago.

In the U.S., digital generated $99 million during the quarter, accounting for an even larger 31.4% of total recorded music income.

Overall, the company reported a net profit of $23 million for the quarter, compared with a net loss of $16 million a year ago, while revenue was off 11.2% to $878 million.

"Though facing difficult economic conditions and tough prior-year comparisons, we executed on our strategy and remain confident in achieving our long-term goals," said Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Warner Music Group's chairman and CEO.

"We continue to develop new music business solutions and maintain our digital leadership position, while managing costs, gaining share and delivering strong returns on A&R investments.",As we proceed into this new era and except these new concepts of the digital downloads of recorded music and multimedia files etc,hopfully
more new unsigned artist will get a better chance at promoting and saleing their music.

Jermaine Dupri Ousted From Position At Def Jam?

Jermaine Dupri is no longer president at Island Records Urban Music, according to reports.The rapper/producer, who has head the position for nearly two years, oversaw all of Island Def Jam's urban music business, and served directly under Chairman Antonio "LA" Reid and President and COO of Island Def Jam Music Group Steve Bartellis. Insider music industry sources revealed that a formal announcement could be made this week. It is as of yet unclear what the source of the change is.These aren't the first reports of Dupri's termination from the storied label. Rumors began circulating this past August that Island Def Jam was displeased with him - citing lackluster album sales for projects he helmed such as Janet Jackson's Discipline.This goes to show once again that experience is the best teacher,there is no way any rapper should have been allow to be a record executive,in any shape form or fashion this is why alot of the major labels are finding them selfs regrouping to possibly be apart of the future which has already proceeded to take over with the new digital recording platforms.

Rapper T.I. Has Still Got The Heat!

During the last several months for atl hiphop rap star "TI" in his personal life there has being some very serious rides of not smooth bumps in the roads,but by his faith and favor in our creator he has shown resilience and perseverance to the world and the music business with his latest Cd "Paper Trail" and here are the lastest developments of those efforts .Kids went crazy once it was announced that TI would be performing at Roxborough High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Prior to even hitting the stage rumors were in full effect that the King of The South would be in the building.

Once he hit the stage there were no empty seats! Cameras were flashing, girls were screaming and all of the latest dance moves were on display in the auditorium. After the roars of the crowd calmed down TI encouraged the senior class of Roxborough High School by telling them to get involved! He opened the floor for questions, and stressed the need to be Patient while at the polls. The lines are expected to be very long so you must be Persistent and don’t allow any confusion to deter you from casting your ballot. In concluding his speech TI challenged the students to prove those wrong who claim that young people don’t vote!

After being asked multiple times what candidate he endorsed TI made it a point to stress to the students that their voting decisions should be solely based on there needs because if your casting your vote based on the decision of your favorite celebrity then you are doing yourself a disservice. The issues that face people are very different and you must be sure to choose the candidate that will impact your needs in a positive manner.

The surprise TI visit concluded by a young lady by the name of Shayna Safford sharing a poem she wrote for TI. She was not scared to share her poetry with all those in attendance and she informed me that this poem is something she always keeps with her. What a lucky girl she is to have had the opportunity to share it with TI.This goes to show us grown ups and the kids that even doe sometimes we all make the wrong choices and the decisions our faith in our creator the great "Iam That Iam" will always be the most powerful spirit to show the world the outcome if will stay focus.

Getting Signed to a Major Record Deal

As the this season of American Idol begins, the show has helped to perpetuate the notion that getting signed to a record label is easier than it really is. How many times have viewers seen Randy “The Dog” Jackson fondly remark to one of the show’s competitors, “I’d sign you tomorrow.” Or likewise, how many times has even Simon Cowell himself -- who certainly has not been shy in cutting down talent he believed did not make the cut -- nevertheless lavished praise on select candidates with such remarks as: “I don’t think you even needed this show to get a record deal.”

Comments such as these seem to imply that the competitor -- bless their heart -- could have otherwise strolled up to The Dog’s production offices or Simon’s Welshire estate, announced their presence, and wowed them with their rendition of everyone’s favorite karaoke classics, all of which we are treated to hear weekly on American Idol. In truth, it just ain’t so.

The fact of the matter is that if you (i) don’t write original material, and (ii) don’t perform as part of a group or band (or play an instrument yourself), you are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to the possibility of being signed to a major record label. For these candidates, in today’s market, auditioning on the show is probably the only realistic chance they’ll ever get. Or, to put the point in Simon’s terms: they do need the show to get a record deal. Here’s why.

There are many, many people out there with great voices -- more talent than there are slots available on major label rosters. Imagine if each of these individuals (not to mention the untalented ones) routinely bombarded A&R representatives at the major labels with unsolicited demos consisting entirely of cover songs. Even if the reps were willing and able to listen to the unsolicited material (which, in reality, they are not), where would that leave them? What good does it do to have a database of 10,000 capable singers, each of whom has to be developed from the ground up in order to bring them to market? What separates one from the other? That’s not to say that one of those ten thousand can’t possibly be plucked from the files with some timing and luck. But it is to say that the odds of being that one person out of ten thousand are not good.

In other words, pasting some cover songs on a demo -- no matter how well sung -- won’t distinguish you from your competitors, because there are plenty of other talented folks doing the same thing. Unlike American Idol, where each contestant -- no matter how worthy or unworthy -- gets their chance to shine before the judges, and where weeks are spent attempting to parse the field of candidates down based on singing ability and “star potential,” in the real world, demo tapes sent to labels by these same competitors would be thrown in the garbage. In today’s market, labels are not developing artists; they are acquiring them. This means that labels want: (i) artists with radio-ready original material; (ii) an act polished enough to be promoted with minimal development costs; and (iii) some strong “buzz” surrounding the artist. Now we have criterion that gives A&R reps a more workable screening process, and which minimizes their investment costs and risk. After all, this is the music business, not the music charity.

Of course, this presents a problem. How can a “mere” singer -- a singer who, despite loads of natural talent and ability, does not write original material and does not perform with a band -- win gigs at venues that allow for opportunities to showcase the artist’s talent and generate buzz? Without a band performing with the singer, and without original material to actually perform, the singer is not bookable. And therein lie a greater concern that the majors are faced with when the N.Y. Post decided to focus on the trend of declining compensation for record execs. For example, incoming EMI CEO Elio Leoni-Sceti will be paid less than $1 million a year plus incentives. "The era of the standard promo guy making $350,000-$700,000 a year is over," said one source familiar with the situation. "There's not a lot of million-plus players on the label level outside of the label heads."

There are exceptions, of course. While WMG Chairman Edgar Bronfman Jr. has a base pay of $1 million, he can pocket a bonus of up to $6 million a year. He collected $3.4 million in total compensation in 2007, according to a regulatory filing. The topic of music industry pay stepped into the spotlight last week when one Wall Street analyst took Lyor Cohen to task after Cohen sold a quarter of his shares in the struggling company for a whopping $6.8 million. Critics charge that kind of money is symbolic of the business' excesses and a pay scale that is out of whack with its declining fortunes.

In contrast to other media executives, CBS boss Les Moonves collected $33.7 million last year, while Comcast chief Brian Roberts made $38.9 million and Disney CEO Robert Iger made $20.71 million, according to Forbes’ latest roundup of CEO pay.

Multiple sources said that labels have cut back on long-term contracts with guaranteed money. New deals tend to be more performance-driven and are often limited to 2-to-3 years in length. Private-equity players investing in music are also demanding belt-tightening. Pali Capital analyst Richard Greenfield—a noted critic of the salaries for Warner's senior execs—pointed out last week that the company is scaling back compensation for its employees.

One source who controls the purse strings for a major record label has a different take than Greenfield on the industry' executive compensation. According to this source, music companies are suffering a brain drain because the plunge in their financial fortunes are preventing them from competing aggressively for top talent. "Record companies can't keep their top people anymore," this source said.So now new artists have to consider what the key concepts are now and this is share and share alike which is the reasons the at the end of the day you just want to build new music fans and hope they will love you efforts and your creations of song,music and performance well enough to wna to download it and share it with all of their friends on a social level.

More SuperStar Artists Prepare for Digital Futures

It all Started with the recording artist Formally know as Prince .In May 2000 Prince dropped the symbol O(+> he adopted as a name. He had used the symbol because he considered his record contract with Warner Bros. Records oppressive, which ended in 2000.And from his efforts as a free agent prince enabled the digital concept of his own website where his fans would have direct access to his music and the rest became an historic event(the first digital artist to sale over $7,000,000.00 in the downloads digital concept)of what is seen as now a smart business move by many past decade superstar recording stars,that now are starting see that the majors can't compete with the digital concepts and have no more control over the media and the old payola system which went something like this "Pay-for-play," in which airtime is bought but the payments are disclosed, is still around. In January 1998, Flip/Interscope Records paid a Portland, Oregon radio station $5,000 to play one Limp Bizkit song 50 times over a five-week period. The band was able to generate enough interest to play a successful concert there. Other stations showed interest in their music, and Limp Bizkit broke into the music biz in a big way--a great argument for free enterprise if you're a Limp Bizkit fan. However, the argument against pay-for-play, even if the parties are upfront about it, is that it allows big labels to buy their artists' way onto the charts.So this is where we are at now the new digital multimedia sharing,marketing and promotions of media platform where everybody is all on the same playing feild to control their careers and can't get cheated no more out of whats real and whats fake the next superstar artist to know see this change come and also was apart of that old payola system of pay for play,and now less sales is none other than janet jackson as apart of the change thats coming and has conceptually arrived(they can't pay for play no more so now the real talent can be heard seen and make a living form their passions and life long dreams.

After less than two years on Island Def Jam (IDJ) Janet Jackson has announced her departure from the storied label.

Janet inked a lucrative deal with Island in July of 2007 and released her first album, Discipline, on the label in early 2008. When sales failed to meet expectations, the Grammy award-winning singer expressed her dissatisfaction with Island Def Jam(IDJ) telling the reported media outlets that the label stopped pushing the disc.(Pay4Play) its over now.

“They just stopped all promotion whatsoever on the album,” she said in a previous interview.

Janet has since asked to be released and Island Def Jam has complied.

“At her request, the record label has agreed to dissolve their working relationship with the popular artist,” Jackson’s rep said in a statement. “Now, more than 20 years after the release of her iconic album, Control, Janet will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system.”

According to Jackson’s publicist, she is looking forward to being one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom that comes along with being a free agent.

Currently on the road for the first time in 7 years, Jackson’s “Rock Witchu Tour" features LL Cool J and Donnie Klang. It kicked off on September 10th in Vancouver, BC and will make stops in major cities across the United States and Canada.