Do You Have A Budget? Only Jesus Can Turn Water To Wine, We Use Grapes…. 
Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence with me, Ms. Roni, where I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. This week I want to touch on creating a budget when starting a music project. A realistic budget when working in music is essential and some independents are missing the mark in this area. Everyone does not get a record label advance. Having a small budget does not mean you can’t yield success; it means you have to exert more sweat equity into your project. So, in essence you are either going to save towards your budget or put the equity in yourself towards a successful project.
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Let’s start out with the definition of a budget. A budget consists of allowance or specific amount of money to be applied to set operational costs. According to the Music Biz Academy (http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/artistincome.htm), artist expenses to include in your budget are recording fees, graphic designing fees, marketing, publicity, promo, equipment costs, songwriter and registration fees, business team costs, taxes, merchandising, and so on. Weibe (https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/budget-next-music-project/#Work_Backwards_From_Your_End_Goal_To_Determine_The_Amount_Of_Money_You_Need_For_Your_Album_Or_Project) suggests that because tracks have to be mixed and mastered, and money has to be left over to properly market the release, working backwards can help you determine how much money you will need. Note he said to properly market the release. Not drop it on YouTube and call it a release, cause that is not a release…..moving on.

So, if you are in the music business and don’t have a large budget some of the things you can do to put sweat equity and reduce costs are record in a smaller, but quality more budget friendly studio. I have had artist to send me music they recorded in the living room. He said because he stays away from the hater….uhh huhh…moving on. Using apps to design your album cover may be more budget friendly if you cannot hire a graphic designer. Of course, you get what you pay for and if you don’t know how to remove the watermark then pay their fee. Another budget friendly option is to use a service for marketing and publicity. Some services to ease social media marketing are as low as $15 per month. Facebook and Instagram ads allow you to set your own budget and share on both platforms under one budget. If you do not register your music, it essentially does not count. If you do not have it in the budget, create your own accounts to register your music. For merchandising you may have to start out small, there is nothing wrong with hand made to start with if it is quality. The bottom line is the music industry is a business and exchange of money is involved, even with sweat equity.  Remember only Jesus can turn water to wine, because we use grapes….
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       Welcome to the week’s Blonde Intelligence with me, Ms. Roni, where I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Recently I had an interview with a producer and he said something that I found quite interesting. He said that he would rather work with a less talented artist with a positive attitude than a great artist with a negative attitude, nobody wants to work with a stank attitude. My thought was….I wonder do artists realize that, because I too share the producers sentiments. I wrote a blog, Are You Shittin Me or Kiddin Me: The Role of An Artist Manager. In that blog, I referenced another article about red flags to watch out for. (Thanks for the great feedback on the Cali.fm Cali’s Best Radio Station Platform…you rock!!!!). Check that blog out. I bet you are wondering about that new shit on top of old shit…lol…that’s something my mom used to say about bad attitudes….and bad breath….lol. Moving on…
       Attitude (Oxford Languages, 2020) a settled way of thinking or feeling, typically reflected in a person's behavior. In the music industry your attitude as an artist is going to determine your path. We all have free will, meaning that the choice is always yours in your career. In psychology there are three categories of attitude which are cognitive, behavioral, and emotional. Within those three categories are four types of attitudes, positive, negative, neutral, and sikken attitudes (Yashavi, 2019). The producer said a less talented artist with a positive attitude…right? What are traits of people with positive attitudes? According to Sasson, 2020, people with positive attitudes would not be stuck in a negative attitude of fear, lack of self-esteem, passivity, will not let failure or obstacles stand in their way, and will always try to find ways to overcome them. People with a positive attitude, view life and challenging situations with confidence and are sure they can deal with them. A person with a positive attitude does not dwell on the problems and difficulties of the past, they learn from past mistakes and move on. People with positive attitudes are easier to get along with (Sasson, 2020).
       I remember an executive saying that talent is only 10% of the music business. And if professionals would rather work with a less talented artist with a positive attitude than a great artist with a negative attitude…remember attitude…..and that Spotify had two billion new artists to enter their platform in 2014 alone….hmmm.  Executives, producers, label owners, publicists, managers, artists, A&R’s, venue owners, and any other music industry professional….Ms. Roni wants to know what you think…
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ReferencesSasson, R. (2020). Success Conciousness. Retrieved from What Is the Meaning of Positive Attitude – Definitions: https://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/positive-attitude/what-is-the-meaning-of-positive-attitude/#:~:text=A%20positive%20attitude%20is%20mental,they%20spread%20joy%20around%20them.
Yashavi. (2019, December 6). 4 Different Types of Attitudes of People As Per Psychology. Retrieved from Styles at Life: https://stylesatlife.com/articles/types-of-attitudes/

       Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence with me, Ms. Roni where I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. This week’s subject is domestic disputes turned domestic violence. Not to be confused with domestic abuse because there is a difference. I will clarify. Over the past several days I have had discussions with women on their personal experiences with domestic disputes and disturbances. Some of the experiences, I shall say aye yai yai…. First, just what is a domestic dispute?

       A domestic dispute is disagreement between a spouse, significant other or family member that escalates to the point of police intervention. Now if the domestic dispute turns physical then it is classified as domestic violence. The official definition of domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over the other partner in an intimate relationship (Hotline, 2020).  The subject is strictly isolated episodes not patterns of abuse to be absolutely clear. The point of the matter is, should the police be called and is it domestic violence? Because women can be MrHitDatHoe too.

First Woman’s Experience

       Lady One allowed her brother to move into her apartment with her. The first two months he did not have an income, but kept company every day. She spoke with him about his company and eating her food. She shared that in the third month that he came in and threw some money at her and said there’s your money. She picked the money up and slapped him in the face with it. She had to Buster Douglass him. She shared that if his friends had not been there to intervene, he probably would have beat her ass. I asked what were her intentions when she slapped him in the face with the money? Did she consider it domestic violence? Do you?

The Second Woman’s Experience

Lady Two had found out that her boyfriend had been cheating on her. She shared that one day she went to ask him the question at the park where he was playing basketball. She asked him, was he cheating on her with a specific woman in question….. Dude fell out on the ground crying in front of everybody saying that he would never cheat on her.  He went on to say he didn't know why anyone would lie on him like that and that she could go ask the woman. Lady Two went to ask the woman and her answer was, yes…. Long story short, later that night she caught them again. As he began to talk he began the lying….her hand laid one down….on his face. I asked her why did she do that….her answer was, I just wanted him to stop lying. Should the police have been called? Again, do you consider this domestic violence?

The Third Woman’s Experience

Lady Three shared an experience of when she was married to an alcoholic. The man had too many drinks and came home drunk. He came and got into bed and after a few minutes she felt something warm. This ninja was urinating in the bed. She pushed him telling him to get up. He was so drunk that he laid naked on the floor and urinated again. The woman got up, got his belt and whooped his ass. Had he called the police when he sobered up would she have been charged? Would you consider this domestic violence?

What do you think about these ladies’ experiences? Remember to Like, Share, Comment, Subscribe or even Disagree with Ms. Roni’s Blonde Intelligence

Domestic abuse is serious. If you need to report domestic abuse call 800-799-7233 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline

References
​Hotline, N. D. (2020). National Domestic Violence Hotline. Retrieved from Abuse Defined: https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/
 



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Did You Forget “Mentanglements”….Stop Lollipoppin Me
 
Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence with me, Ms. Roni, where I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. This week I have been gauging men reactions, reading comments and felt a need to discuss “mentanglements”. This is not to discuss anyone in particular, but the reaction from men and the cognitive dissonance on cheating. What I have observed is that is has sparked insecurities in men, but has it sparked men to examine their own behavior? Some comments made by men had me asking……are they inhaling chronic…dank…ganga…skunk…smokin smokin weed….or nah they on that shit out the pot…they got baking soda? Yeah…some comments were straight lollipoppin me. Lollipoppin’, is a term my daddy used that means jiving me, full’o shit, n@gga please. This week I had a friend tell me about a guy she was dating sneaking off getting married on her. Another said her husband wanted to bring another woman to live with them. Children, not child outside the relationship….see…lollipoppin.
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According to Psychology Today, men and women see cheating differently and that men are more likely than women to be able to compartmentalize sex and intimate connections. In other words, meaningless sex. In women there is usually an element of intimacy, connection, or love and men are more likely to cheat to satisfy sexual urges with no strings attached (Weiss, 2017). Dr. Powell explains that infidelity is seen as the highest form of disrespect by some men.  That some men can’t forgive infidelity because he feels that it is a reflection of him sexually and working it out would be seen as a sign of weakness, especially by friends (Bennett, 2014). The article goes on to inform that if the man’s fragile ego is impaired that it could possibly lead to violent behavior. I read some comments about beating ass and pulling up……
In another article a male participant felt that when a man finds out that his woman has been cheating, he gets mixed emotions; he's angry, sad, jealous, frustrated and he may not know how or who to express his feelings for fear of being ridiculed and his reputation being damaged (Weiss, 2014). How many times have we seen men rag other men in this area? Another participant stated that the man is in a position of power in the relationship and when he is cheated on, it is seen as a betrayal. See this guy is lollopoppin me…. Women will forgive and forgive and forgive again, even when the cheating comes with baggage like extra children (Bennett, 2014).
So, men don’t get emotions about cheating until it’s them that’s being cheated on? Is it then that they realize that it doesn’t feel good when the rabbit got the gun?
“Maybe I deserve…for
you to do all the things I did to you…Maybe I deserve”. (https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tank/maybeideserve.html)

“But silly me, silly me….Ohhh….Tell me how could I ever forget to be your lover” (https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jaheim/putthatwomanfirst.html)
“…All the things I took her through….I shouldn't have lasted this long….when a woman's fed up… then it's too late to talk about it” (https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rkelly/whenawomansfedup.html)
“This star of mine, is my star no more….I did you wrong and this I know…. I can't let you go, I won't let you leave…we’re made to be together” (https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/treysongz/madetobetogether.html)
Hmmm….don’t forget about your mentanglements….lollipoppin ass…you mad….you’ll be alright.
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References
Bennett, K. (2014, March 31). Men: Why we're so devastated when you cheat. Retrieved from Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/men---why-we-re-so-devastated-when-you-cheat_16362503
Weiss, R. (2017, July 10). Why Men and Women See Infidelity So Differently. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/201707/why-men-and-women-see-infidelity-so-differently

“ It’s not that I don’t enjoy your music…It’s just that I feel like I’ve heard your music before.
I keep wondering what the real Ray Charles sound like….who’s he…nobody if you don’t know”
​Bea to Ray (Hackford, 2004).

​       Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence with me, Ms. Roni, where I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. I was browsing on YouTube and saw someone that uploaded a creation and it said “Drake Type Beat”. I was like a what??? You know me, I decided to ask and put it out there.  This week I spoke with a producer and I asked the question what is a “Drake Style Beat”, he laughed and said ion’ know, but you’re going to make some ni@@as mad. My honest question is, how can you be original, being a replica? And the question remains what the f@ck is a “Drake Style Beat”, “Jeezy Style Beat” or a” Lil Wayne Beat”? So, I asked a local independent artist and he also laughed, but described it as a beat that he might do a song to…so I asked, is this based off of a previous song or what someone thinks he might do? The answer I got was….ion’ know, but I see that a lot.
       According to Google dictionary, a signature is a distinctive pattern, product, or characteristic by which someone or something can be identified. The keywords were distinctive, characteristics, and identified. A sound is the vibration that reaches a person’s ear by continuous and regular vibrations. So, your sound should have your distinctive pattern and characteristics that identify you…right? According to Weiss (2018) a signature sound is a set of attributes in someone’s music that identifies the artist or producer. Your signature sound is your sauce. Weiss states that a signature sound is derived from three places. Those places are your influencers, your natural tendencies, and your preferences. Notice all three are plural. Weiss also informs that imitating is a no-no and emulating is a must in finding your own sense of style. Is your sauce drippin’, are you authentic or knock off, do your biscuits melt like butter? Don’t have people wondering WTF is a Drake Style Beat…display your signature sound….who are you? Nobody if you don’t know.

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References
Hackford, T. (Director). (2004). Ray [Motion Picture].

Weiss, M. (2018, March 24). Finding Your Signature Sound. Retrieved from Pro Audio Files: https://theproaudiofiles.com/finding-your-signature-sound/

​“…Black Women are beautiful. The media has reduced them to nothing but booty walking around, but Black Women are more than that. They are friends, lovers, and the mothers of civilization” (Natalie, 2008).
 
Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence where I always seek to provide you with exquisite cranial repertoire. I feel that as grown women and being the mothers of civilization, we have to protect our young ladies. You have heard many say that what the industry and media portray affects our black girls.  At times people do things and follow trends simply because they did not know.  Have we really taught our young ladies what Black Queens are or have we left it to media? When I was growing up, I got up every Saturday morning to watch Teen Summit on BET. I learned that my black has always been beautiful and that Black Girls Rocked way back then, and that my creative talent should be expressed on the highest level. I listened to Yo Yo say “my name is Yo Yo, I’m not a ho”. Queen Latifah asking people…who are you calling a bitch? But my my my how things have changed…

       According to Urban Dictionary, a Black Queen is a beautiful, respected African American woman that is confident and selfless. Now we will move on to the “$40”. Urban Dictionary explains that 40 or 50 is described on the hoe stroll as $40 for head and $50 for the warm apple pie. Black Queen and hoe stroll don’t blend well, but yet….some are trying to make that oil, water, and bleach mixture.  Now I know you are wondering about the sex magick. Sex magick in simple terms are rituals and practices utilizing the energy from orgasms for manifestations. So, in essence this person who calls themselves a queen only manifests $40 from her sexual energy? Ummmm….let’s not glorify that. There are different levels of manifestations. Example: I’m going to have sex with Tom to buy me a pair of shoes, Harry to get some hair, Dick to get my nails done, Bob to buy me a car, and Dummy to buy me a house. All of these manifestations will be based on sex magick, either positive or negative.
Now I do realize that young people face depression, suffer from anxiety, and in blacks are normally not diagnosed. Binge drinking, smoking, illicit drug use, and prescription drug misuse are more frequent among Black and African Americans, who deal with these issues (https://www.mhanational.org/issues/black-and-african-american-communities-and-mental-health). And girls with those issues more sexually promiscuous. We hear it in the music and see it in the media. Women who have multiple sex partners also have a higher rate of substance abuse (Whitbourne, 2013). We see it all the time, girls gone off pills, drunk, snorting….all of those things to get ready for that sexual transfer of energy distorting the Black Queen. We have to show our young women how to be Black Queens. Remember to maintain your temple. Black Queen-$40-Sex Majick-Huhh???
       
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References
    Natalie, B. B. (2008, September 14). Black Woman. Retrieved from Urban Dictionary: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Black%20Woman

      Whitbourne, S. K. (2013). The Long-Term Psychological Effects of Multiple Sex Partners. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201304/the-long-term-psychological-effects-multiple-sex-partners

​“See, if you can't spatially expand my horizons
Then that leaves you in the class with scrubs, never rising…”-Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes (Burruss, Cottle, Briggs, & Lopes, 1999).
 
       Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence with Ms. Roni where I seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. This week’s subject is unprofessionalism (not really a word). Of course, before I get started, I need to explain a couple of things. The term suffering succotash means “suffering savior” (Urban Dictionary, 2004). In the context of this article, succotash refers to your moolah, your loot, your currency, your MONEY. Money makes the world go around, right?  We all know what your money suffering means…. Moving on… According to Oxford Languages, some synonyms for unprofessionalism, but not exhaustive are: unprincipled, negligent, inefficient, second-rate, untrained, sloppy, and cack-handed.  Thus, placing the unprincipled, negligent, inefficient, second-rate, untrained, sloppy, and/or cack-handed actions of the person in the class of “scrubs”, in which predicted, that the scrub is never rising.

       Think about it, your professionalism or lack thereof is a direct reflection on you as an artist, musician, independent record label, or anyone with a “brand”. As a show manager and in other management capacities, I have seen unprofessionalism on a level of the highest f*uckery to the quintessence of the terrestrial sphere….. One artist had to have another blunt before he went on. Another artist came in drunk and then accused everyone else of having an attitude. Cursing during interviews….Promotors that do not provide an email, only wants DM’s. I saw a post on Facebook where someone had booked radio interviews for artists and several artists did not show up simply because they forgot. It also seems that if it happened with several artists the problem could be elsewhere. Moving on….

       According to www.GodandGigs.com, there are five traits that are red flags to observe in musicians. I beg to differ and may just add to their list. Number one on their list is….the blame game, an unprofessional musician will usually be quick to blame the industry and other musicians for any lag in success. The second red flag is….the indecisive artist, artist that exhibits “analysis paralysis” will usually avoid making commitments. This means that they very well may not show up for a gig, a soundcheck, an interview. Third, rudeness…musicians, artists, promoters, record label owners, management, and etc. who treat others poorly, you should be extremely discerning of affixing with them. The fourth red flag is a musician that uses the word “I” or “me” in every other sentence. This variety of self-absorption gives a clear indication that this individual will not be a very good team member. Lastly, number five           is…ta-da…sensitivity to constructive criticism. If constructive criticism makes the artist etc…defensive, consideration needs to be given to whether you can effectively work with someone who is umbrageous.

       The moral of the lesson is your professionalism or lack thereof is a direct reflection on you as an artist, musician, independent record label, or anyone with a “brand”. If you are in any capacity… unprincipled, negligent, inefficient, second-rate, untrained, sloppy, and/or cack-handed….well, the scrub is never rising. Unprofessionalism will have your succotash suffering….let’s not be scrubbn’.
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References Burruss, K., Cottle, T., Briggs, K. "., & Lopes, L. (1999). No Scrubs [Recorded by TLC]. United States of America.

       Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence Blog where I seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. This week I wanted to speak about lyrics. I have heard many in the music industry say in the past few years that music used to have meaning and used to say something. Well….let’s skim the surface of the occult for a second. How many times have you heard an artist say they went to the studio and made magic happen?

       Magic is based on the assumption that a person or thing can be supernaturally affected through its name or the object representing it (Lexico, 2020). Simply put, the words in your lyrics represents the objects that supernaturally affect people through song. There are two types of magic. According to www.Brittanica.com, those two types of magic are high magic and low magic. High magic is magic used by the intellectual elite bordering on science. Low magic is used by low vibrational people and used for nefarious purposes. Sympathetic magic or contagious magic can fall under either high magic or low magic. Now I bet you are saying….what in the whole ham flank is she talking about….Just hold on.

       According to www.lexico.com, sympathetic magic is a magical ritual using objects or actions resembling or symbolically associated with the event or person over which influence is sought. In simpler terms for this context, the actual writing of your lyrics displays your thoughts and feelings that has a direct impact on your audience. So, when someone says “I feel that shyt”, you have cast a sympathetic magic spell on that listener through your formula (the lyrics and music). Contagious magic is magic done through association. According to www.merriam-webster.com, contagious magic is based on the assumption that things, once they associated are able to affect one another when separated. Your hook in your song would be an example….hence, to hook your ass into the song.

       For years music has been used as a tool for emotional management in counseling and the use of song lyrics is effective to evolve deep emotional responses from clients (DeDiego, 2013). Music is a form of expression using incantation (a magic formula intended to trigger a magical effect-Wikipedia). So artists, it’s okay to be truthful in your lyrics, but just be aware that your lyrics are magical formulas. Are you talking about poppin pills and bottles with bytches galore in your lyrics…..what kind of damn spells are you casting……shiiiid.

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       Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence where I seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Before I get started, I’m sure some people are wondering who in the helllzzznnnieee is Radio Raheem…Radio Raheem is the dude that always carries the boombox from the movie, Do The Right Thing (1989), directed by the legendary Spike Lee. Is your music Radio Raheem ready?

       Picture it, you’re in Blonde Intelligence Land and you hear an artist speaking. You hear the artist say….”I cuss in my music because that’s what I do and I ain’t gonna change”. The artist goes on to say that other artists are successful and they curse in their music, and names four artists. Yes, there are some independent artists that work with producers and do not get a radio edit. In Blonde Intelligence Land, that translates into confining revenue avenues.  According to Statistica (2019) U.S. Radio Industry Statistics & Facts, radio is one of the most powerful mediums in the United States with an adult reach of 90% on a weekly basis. In 2018 it is reported that 57% of the United States Population listened to online radio on a monthly basis (Watson, 2019). That means that you left a potential 43% of revenue out of your Sound Exchange check. Remember from a previous blog, you don’t leave money on the table you take the whole damn table.

       According to www.radiomatters.org radio is the number one source for new music discovery and that streaming is now playing an important role in determining which songs are played on the radio. It is also stated that playlisting/curation is important to streaming with 49% of AM/FM “over the air” discovering music from playlists(Radio Influence on Music). Artists, plan your release to have time to correctly register and submit to playlists (they want it before it is released). In Blonde Intelligence Land, it seems that independent artists that are trying to break into an industry that is clogged may want to put focus into making sure their music is always on that boombox (Tablet, computer, phone, car) cause if it ain’t you betta Radio Raheem that thang.
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Image Retrieved from Google

“If you don’t learn how to market yourself, your ideas, your vision, your purpose, and your business, then your life will be limited.” (Germaine Moody-LinkedIn, 2017).

       Welcome to Blonde Intelligence blog with Ms. Roni where I seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Today subject is the value of paid promotion for independent artists. Google’s definition of marketing is the action of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. I hear many artists say that they dripp sauce like a boss so I like for them to tell me how. One request that I have when meeting with independent artists is for them to describe their process of releasing a project. In some cases, a budget for promotion is never mentioned. One artist told me that his promotion consisted of posting it on Facebook and hoping that someone would catch on. The artist’s strategy for promotion was hoping someone would catch on…there they go shittin me or kiddin me again. As I mentioned in a previous blog (https://www.blonde-intelligence.com/ms-roni/do-i-know-you) many artists have the product (the music), the artist also has the price (how much), and sometimes the place (distribution, performances, etc.). How much thought is given to the last P in the 4 P’s of marketing…….the damn promotional strategy?

       According to Nielsen (2017) the music business is in a continuous state of change making it difficult to devise the best organized, realistic, achievable path to reach each milestone towards success.  One of those changes, according to Damien Keyes (The 3 Best Ways to Market Your Music in 2019!), is that Facebook changed its algorithms for reach, meaning only about 2%-6% of your followers see your post. You can see how that change affected that artist’s promotional strategy? Some, but not exhaustive, avenues for promotion and advertising are: Google/Affiliate ads, social media ads, geo-fencing, live stream performance platforms, radio promo packages, radio/podcast interviews, blogs/vloggers and promotional merchandise. A couple of suggestions that I have for independent artists are Socialive and Dlvr.it.  Socialive (www.sociolive.us) allows artists the ability to live broadcast across several platforms such as Facebook Live, LinkedIn Live, YouTube Live, and Twitter all at once. According to Music Research (2018) 43% of the music industry overall revenue comes from live shows. Nielson (2017) predicted that by the year 2025 revenue from streaming will be 79% of all United States recorded revenue. Now throw in Covid-19 in that thang…. Dlvr.It (http://dlvrit.com) allows artists to post to multiple social media sites, recycle posts , power schedule posts, and allow the artist to build on many different levels.

Your sauce won’t drip like a boss….or at all… without a marketing strategy…..

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About the Author: Ms. Roni is a Multi-Talented Professional, Blogger, Manager, Tastemaker, Publisher, Strategist, Talent Scout, and owner of Blonde Intelligence LLC

Image retrieved from Google

       ​Welcome to this week’s Blonde Intelligence Blog where I seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. I will say, working with independent artists, one area of error I find is the lack of split sheets. Working with some of these artist will have you standing in the bed at 6:00 am screaming “No…split….sheets…” (In my Mommy Dearest, Joan Crawford voice….).

       Picture it, you’ve created a composition right (a song)? You worked with a producer in the studio. You wrote the hook and a verse of the three verses. Two other artists also contribute a verse each on the track. You release it and then, the song starts gaining traction. Assuming that the proper registrations were done, who gets paid what?

       I was registering some music for an artist and I asked him for the split sheet on a particular song that he had collaborated on. There was not one in existence. So I asked, did you write any portion of the song? He said yes, but its not my song. So, I was like did Ike get a hold of you too?
I am going to try to explain. When you collaborate on a song, everyone owns 100% of the song. The split sheet and the collaborative agreement determine who owns what percentage of a song. I run into many independent artists and even independent record labels that do not have any paperwork. The split sheet will include the song title, information about the artist, producer, publisher(s), co-writer(s) to include other pertinent information including social security numbers and birthdates.
According to www.TuneRegistry.com, all co authors can exploit to the fullest extent of the copyright law without split sheets and collaborative agreements. This means that without any permissions any co-author can make copies of the work, distribute the work, license it, perform it publicly, and issue non-exclusive license.

You’re collaborating without split sheet? What in the hellzzznnniiiieee?
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About the Author: Ms. Roni is a Multi-Talented Professional/Blogger, Manager, Music Reviewer, Publisher, Strategist, and owner of Blonde Intelligence LLC

​Welcome to Blonde Intelligence Blog with Ms. Roni where you will experience exquisite cranial repertoire.  Let me say before I get started that I have an undergrad in Sociology and a Masters of Science in Counseling Studies so I am going to try to explain to some degree for those that don’t understand.
There are a few words that have to be understood. The first being “white privilege”. According to Oxford Languages, white privilege is the inherent advantages possessed by a white person on the basis of their race in a society characterized by racial inequality and justice. In other words, getting by with something or not punished simply because the person is white. Some example of white privilege (Greenburg, 2017) www.yesmagazine.com are a general positive relationship with the police, being favored by school authorities, attending mostly segregated affluent schools, the privilege of learning about one’s own race in school, finding children’s books that reflect own race, media blatant bias towards one race, the privilege of escaping violent stereotypes associated with race, the privilege of playing colorblind to wipe away the history of racism, the privilege of being insulated from the effects of racism, and the privilege of living ignorant to the actual racism occurring today. There are two forms of racism, overt and covert. Overt racism is racism shown openly. Covert racism is racism that is hid behind closed doors.  Example: using the “N” word in a derogatory way to describe a person of color. Whether it would be said openly or just with a select group of friends as a joke determines if the racism overt or covert. The next word is racial discrimination. According to www.equalityhumanrights.com, racial discrimination is when someone or an institution treats a person or a group of people worse than another in a similar situation or a policy is built to disadvantage that  group of people based on race.  Example: football players kneeling and the officer kneeling in the Floyd case.
Just this morning I witnessed a reporter being arrested and treated differently than another reporter of the same organization and notably the only difference was one’s race. I asked a group of African American women their emotions after watching the video of the officer’s knee that resulted in the death of another unarmed person of color.  Some of the emotions were angry, hurt, disheartening, weak, tired, and exhausted. Angry that people try to justify what is wrong. Hurt that the same thing keeps happening over and over. Disheartened because the feeling is always defense mode. Just exhausted and tired because people keep choosing denial instead of self-reflection. One of the African American women from the group, who happens to be a licensed therapist, feels that the problem is people saying they don’t see color is using that an excuse to not acknowledge the problem.
Lawyer Brigance said “Now close your eyes…….close them…now imagine that he was white” (A Time To Kill, 1996). Imagine that a white man was handcuffed and a grown man of color had his knee in his neck. Imagine a white man being handcuffed and shot in the head by a person of color with the excuse of he thought it was mace. Imagine a young white boy just going to the store for Skittles and fought and shot by a grown man of color. Imagine a white man just plain pleading for his life simply because he was being deprived to breath.
Remember that rope burns won’t heal with your knee on my neck and yes it an uncomfortable truth.
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​      Welcome to Ms. Ron’s Blonde Intelligence Blog, where I provide exquisite cranial repertoire. Today’s blog subject is the role of an artist manager. New independent artists coming on the scene and even some seasoned independent artists have a slight confusion in the role of a manager. First question, what is a manager? The reason we have to ask this question is because there is a bit of cognitive dissonance (what a person believes to be true but is not reality) in what some artists believe to be the role of a manager and what a manager’s duties actually are. According to Oxford Languages, a manager is a person who controls the activities, business dealings, tactics, and other aspects of the career of an entertainer, athlete, group of musicians, etc. So, on a basic level, the artist and the manager have a relationship based solely on trust. The artist trust that the manager will make the best decisions beneficial to the artist in all aspects of the artist’s career.

       How does a manager go about making the best decisions beneficial to the artist’s career? This is achieved by a clear understanding of the what a manager actually does. According to music-jobs.com, the responsibilities of a music manager include: negotiating contracts and fees, finding bookings/venues that aligns with the artist’s CAREER STRATEGY, input in career decisions, publicity and promotion, Input on producer selection, input performances, etc. Music-jobs.com summarizes the role of an artist manager as a person who works on behalf of an artist or group to promote the artist career and run their business affairs.
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       Now let’s get into the cognitive dissonance. How shall I pose this? Is there any listening involved in the communication process? Does a strategy have to be devised?  Do time schedules have to be adhered to? Do directives have to be followed from the devised strategy? Does a team have to be built? Is being open to working with new people involved? The reason I asked these questions is because I spoke with several managers of struggling independent artists to research for this blog. Some of the stories will make you cringe. One manager had a story of the artist not showing up for an event and then replaced as a manager via social media. One manager had a story of his client only wanted to work with one videographer, but the videographer was always out of town leaving the manager to stall on projects. One manager had an issue of the artist not wanting to make any explicit free music. Another, a client rushing music registrations but not meeting strategy deadlines. Another, artist secretly booking shows without manager knowledge so that the manager would not have to be paid, etc.

       In a nutshell, if a music manager works on behalf of an artist to promote their career and run their business affairs….know the role of the manager. Do not leave the manager asking, “Are you shittin me or kiddin me”
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u       This week I had the pleasure of speaking with new and upcoming Hip Hop artist, Big A Da Boss. We spoke about his inspiration for each track on his first official EP, Pressure, as well as his upcoming musical plans. Aaron Laron Lasley Jr, also known as, Big A Da Boss is a new Hip Hop artist on the scene straight out of Humphrey, Arkansas.  Big A’s lyrical style brings a new flava to gangsta rap. His lyrics are saturated in truth, honesty, a reality that is faced by many, with his unique style and southern slang.

       Big A has opened for 8 Ball & MJG as well as performed on a small tour with a local radio station. Big A began recording under the independent record label, Barnone Money Gang, created by Terell “Barnone” Mac. It was there that Big A linked up with Demetri “Meechie Capone” Duren who produced two tracks, 10 Toes and Young Nigg@ Shyt, on the Pressure EP. Other producers on the EP include Kodi “Phunkifoot” Owens (Pressure, I’m A Bo$$) and Twizz (My Word & My Balls). I asked Big A what was it like to collaborate with E Side Shawty and Keisean Da Don on the project? He response was, “Keisean my nigga so I work with him every day.  Working with E Side was cool because I like his music”. He also stated that he felt that My Word and My Balls might be the realist lyrics that he ever wrote because everything he said was facts.
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       Big A displays his personality through his lyrics. Pressure, “I know my nigg@s ride with me till the death, but I don’t need help cause I bring the pressure myself”. The song, 10 Toes, “I’m a boss and I stand 10 toes, with big nuts and they hang down to the floor”. I’m a Bo$$, “Keep money on my mind, the only thing I think, you got to hustle or struggle, I learned that from the street”. Big A is currently promoting his first release from the Pressure Ep entitled, I’m A Bo$$ and shooting the first two videos to the release. He has an on air radio interview coming up on The Real Reality Radio Show with Houston’s own, DJ Headstrong. Big A will also be out networking and promoting his latest single at the 2020 SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, TX.
 Big A Da Boss’ new EP, Pressure was released on February 24, 2020 on all major platforms.  He can be found on social media using @BigADaBoss1. Inquiries can be sent to BigADaBoss2020@gmail.com
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​Hi, this week’s Blonde Intelligence Blog is on female Hip Hop Artist, Bad Azz Becky. I first saw Becky a few years ago on Facebook doing a Monica “So Gone” challenge. I thought by far that Becky’s challenge was one of the best. She has a beautiful singing voice and a strong lyricist.

​As an artist it is important to have a signature style and sound that sets you apart from other artists. Lauryn Hill comes to mind, in respect to having a powerful rap voice and an angelic singing voice. After writing the blog on some of the “So Gone” challenges, I observed some of their personal projects. I think Jay Z is resurrecting the element of truth in Hip Hop as do Bad Azz Becky in her lyrics. Who is she? I think she best introduces herself with her single, My Story. This song gives some synapses of her early struggles in life; child abuse, loss of a parent, domestic abuse, and her relationship with God. 

I can see Becky as a spokesperson for young women/girls empowerment due to her style and the truthfulness in her lyrics. Becky’s way of sharing her experiences through music is an attribute of a true artist.

​As always Like, Share, Subscribe, Agree or even Disagree with Ms. Roni’s Blonde Intelligence 😊.

Originally published May 22, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

Image retrieved from Google

​ Hello everyone. This week’s blog is about criticism. According to Merriam Dictionary the act of criticizing involves observing unfavorably. I taught a class that teaches criticism in negative and confrontation is positive. The reasoning is criticism focuses on the negative that confrontation is positive and promotes clear understanding between two parties.  According to Business Dictionary, constructive criticism usually ends with suggestions of positive change. Yourdictionary.com describes another type of criticism, destructive criticism. Destructive criticism is described as criticism performed with the intent to harm someone, derogate one's creation, prestige, reputation and/or self-esteem.

       So, if a professional provide criticism how do you take it? How do you determine what type of criticism is being provided? If you are a professional how do you give criticism? How do professionals handle the confrontation process of their criticism? Just food for thought, be conscious as a professional between constructive criticism and destructive criticism because it matters in the confrontation process.

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Originally published March 15, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

​This week’s blog is on a very phenomenal woman, Ms. Kimberly White. She is an artist, and educator, and a mentor. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. White on last week after viewing a documentary on her that she co-created. Kimberly shared her emotional scars and journey of being in an unhealthy relationship that lead to depression. She shared her experiences and physical scars of becoming overweight and developing health problems, which added to her emotional trauma. Kimberly also shared her spiritual journey and how her support circle was important on her journey. Her circle includes both her mother and father, step-mother, her pastor and his family, and special family and friends.

On this journey Kimberly temporarily lost her mobility and ability to care for herself leaving her with a life changing decision to make. She had to decide to have gastric bypass surgery in which part of her stomach was to be cut out. She had to weigh the safety risks against her life. She stated that the process in her decision-making process involved heavy input from her support circle, the people whom she knew loved her.

For as long as I can remember Kimberly had a love for drawing and art as a whole. Kimberly used art to positively channel her energy. Many people internalize their struggle and develop destructive behaviors towards themselves and others. This is not the case for Ms. Kimberly M. White!!!! She externalized her struggle to achieve positive outcomes through art and shares her triumph with anyone who needs her. She has always had a warm spirit and a soft heart. I label her a phenomenal woman because through all that she has been through she still has joy and spreads her light. #Facts. Maya Angelou wrote in her poem, Phenomenal Woman, “Pretty woman wonder where my secret lies”. Phenomenal Woman is about a self-confident woman and expresses it to the world with class, style, and grace just as Kimberly. Kimberly's secret lies in her soul. She is extraordinary and a remarkable woman because her focus is to help others despite her own trials with life. In her own words she states, “You never know what a person is going through and I may be the encouragement that they needed for that day". In my expert opinion that makes Kimberly a phenomenal woman.

​Soon Kimberly will debut some of her original art pieces, watch out world!!!! She shared that the counseling she receive at Arkansas Baptist Health was wonderful. Shout out to Arkansas Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas. Please let her story be an inspiration to you 😊.

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Originally published February 1, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

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The Mt. Olive C.O.G.I.C. Refurbishing Our Youth Program has teamed up with youth group, Gloves Not Guns. The collaboration is to help curve underage drinking and  encourage positive life choices. The ROY Program (Drinks ? Drugs? Nah!) is currently recruiting participants. . The collaboration between the two organizations focus on character building, youth leadership, parent/child interaction, physical fitness and activity. The event itself took place this past weekend in Pine Bluff, Arkansas at the Merrill Boxing Center. I can see the strength-based component of each program by the large turnout of parental participation. Good job!!!  Coach Brewer said he wanted to promote self-discipline, positve self-efficacy, and healthy lifestyle..

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If any youth or their parent want to be a participant in ROY contact Lavern McDonald at churchmtolive202@gmail.com. To participate in Gloves Not Guns please contact Coach Brewer at (870) 329-3875.

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Originally published February 7, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

​Today's Blonde Intelligence Blog is an artist showcase. I searched through many links in several different music groups and decided to showcase the top four.

The first is artist Stephen James with his feature on SO BEAAST" by M.O.D.E.S.T

​The next artist is Tyron' with In My Zone

​ LCYAHBOSS-"Ain't Heard of Me"

​ ELOHIN - Lost In You Ft. Ashley Garza

​I hope you enjoy. Remember to Like, Share, and Subscribe to Ms. Roni's Blonde Intelligence

Originally published March 8, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

​Gloves not Guns is a participant of the Region 6 USA Amateur Boxing Organization. The Gloves Not Guns Organization is striving towards refurbishing our youth. Coach Albert Brewer began Gloves Not Guns about five years ago in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. At one time if you Googled Pine Bluff, Arkansas it would name Pine Bluff as the worst little city in America. I myself have lived in Pine Bluff for many years and the song that comes to mind is Tye Tribbett’s, It’s Good In The Hood. The song says that “Everybody ain’t walking around carrying guns thinking it’s fun...some of us are really good people just had a crazy life, and now in jail with long nights...some of us are taking good care of our kids, making sure they got clothes and something in the fridge…Good in the hood”. This is true for Pine Bluff because of mentors like Coach Albert Brewer.

​The main event of the night is the Arkansas State Golden Gloves Heavy Weight Championship Bout. This Boxing match will name the Arkansas State Golden Gloves Heavy Weight Champion!!!  Professional Referee, Tony Weeks of Las Vegas, Nevada is the special guest. Weeks has refereed over 600 professional fights including, Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao vs. Marco Antonio Barrera!!! There is also a special honoree for the event, Mr. Roy Rodgers, who is in his eighties and has been a servant leader for the Golden Gloves Boxing Association for years.

​I hope everyone will come out and support. Pine Bluff is going to do it Vegas style. March 10, 2018 from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm at 1 Convention Center Drive in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A special thank you to the Humphrey Mt. Olive C.O.G.I.C., The Delta 42 Coalition, and the City of Pine Bluff.

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Originally published April 12, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

This week’s Blonde Intelligence Blog is a showcase of new Hip Hop Artist, Lil Mario. Lil Mario is a 17-year-old Hip Hop Artist out of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He started writing and producing his own music about a year ago.  One thing that I admire is the support of his parents in his quest into the Hip Hop World. He says that his style is him, that he just does it how he feels it. He will be dropping his new mix-tape complete with videos and live performances soon. Support our youth!!!
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Originally published May 3, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

​This week I decided to check out some talent. It is easy for an artist to rap to popular beat, but to add their own individual style is the true essence of an artist. I hope you enjoy my picks for the best Bodak Yellow Challenge!!!!!

Originally published May 9, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

​This week I wanted to focus on Female Hip Hop Artists. I remember watching a So Gone Challenge on Facebook and I was blown away by some of the talent I saw. When I decided to write this blog I knew one artist in particular that had to be one of my picks. She goes by the name of Bad Azz Becky. Bad Azz Becky is a very versatile artist. She has a beautiful singing voice, an exceptional tone, and can flow!!! Beck's challenge will be followed by Yxngqueen. Yxngqueen reminds me alot of a Mc Lyte. Yxngqueen seems to exude a quiet confidence. Last but not least is MzGemifly.. She is right at home with her unique style and grace. I hope you enjoy and remember to Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe to Ms. Roni's Blonde Intelligence!!!! 

Originally published June 12, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

​ Hi everyone, today I am doing something a little different. When I began writing Blonde Intelligence, my goal was to provide entertainment as well as information to who needed it. I have written "The Link-Syndrome", which is about how artists send a list of links to professionals in the industry without a proper EPK. I also wrote blogs on professional communication, friends in the industry, how quality affects your quantity, where is your video, criticism, and new music technology. Coupled with  industry research, interviewing various artists, attending events, observing, and working at Team MASHN Entertainment gave birth to my new initiative, Blonde Intelligence LLC. Blonde Intelligence LLC is strategic planning for the serious Hip Hop Artist. I have noticed that many artists are just putting out product without direction, releasing music without videos, trying to be all the positions in their business, not using analytics to monitor progress, not understanding the business side, or just not investing in themselves. Blonde Intelligence Strategic Plans are S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Focused).  
and includes and in depth S.W.O.T. Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) with goals made by the whole team in the best interest of the artist with traceable measurable results. 

I would like to give a special thank you to my team😊, Crutch Music, Jordan Robinson, Dozrvizion, and Montoyia Key. I would like to give Multi-Platinum Producer, Keith Clizark a thank you for waking up the beast😊. Also, last but not least Ronald Parks Jr. As always Like, Share, or even Disagree with Ms. Roni's Blonde Intelligence.

Originally Published May 27, 2018 on www.rpentradio.com/ms-roni

Model: Kayla Banks
​Photographer: Cary R. Clayton

​It’s graduation season!!! There are graduations from pre-school, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, middle school, high school, college and so on. One of the most significant is graduating from high school. Graduating from high school comes with going to prom, getting senior pictures, applying for college and or employment. It is one of the milestones that traditionally goes along with the transition into the real world, better known as adulthood. FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, spoke at one of my graduations and one thing she said that stuck with me was that earning would come eventually and never quit striving because success would come. Our young people face many obstacles so we should celebrate our graduates. There are many proud parents and grandparents out there, know that even after graduation you are still the most instrumental instrument to our youth’s educational journey. I don’t want to dwell on the obstacles that new graduates face, but to celebrate the accomplishments of all the graduates!!!!

Congrats from Blonde Intelligence 😊. Remember to Like, Share, and Subscribe to Ms. Roni’s Blonde Intelligence!!!