In many ways American society (much like integration) makes the most important people in the equation (the artists and the consumer) feel like they’re nothing. When I was first signed to a major label I already had more radio spins than 80% of the artists on the label! After being signed, however, I saw less money (per CD), had less control of my creativity and, by virtue of being one of many artists on the label, saw a drastic reduction in the time, energy and effort dedicated to my promotion. So, just as the lessons of integration have taught us the value of owning our own businesses and institutions, the lessons of the industry teach us that we should be responsible for our own music, movies and networks and not look to those outside of our culture to fuel, push and direct our culture. Just ask yourself; how can those outside of our culture properly depict or support something they didn’t come from. Now is the time to stop begging and to start spending some of the billions that we spend annually on ourselves.
So what are the implications and long-range goals of the 2M1 Movement? First, the 2M1 Movement represents a shift in the way both the artist and consumer approach each other. For some time now artists have saturated the market with free mixtapes and low quality projects. As a result of this devaluation of the music the consumer has responded by buying less. The 2M1 Movement changes this dynamic. It is the artists’ responsibility to provide quality content and products that give consumers a reason to support them. At the same time, it is the consumer’s responsibility to support an artist who is trying to raise the bar and offer products of value.
The effectiveness of the 2M1 Movement is in its ability to provide a high quality product at a cheap price. I am able to do this by going straight to the fans. Far too often we spend money on designers and companies that think nothing of reimbursing our community for our support. Will YOU continue to spend dollar after dollar on companies who have no consideration at all for our community’s well being while refusing to support artists from among our community trying to make a difference?
On a much broader level the 2M1 Movement also represents the foundation for more than just music and entertainment. By participating in the movement the two million supporters become more than mere fans or consumers, they become a base. Having a base of two million people can effect real change on not only an economic level, but also on political, educational and social levels as well. Two million people moving as one is enough to move any mountain and to assert our will!
Lastly, the 2M1 Movement is not just for supporters of David Banner. This movement represents something much bigger; it represents the ability to be financially and creatively free. This movement allows people no matter what race to move a collective creative movement. Transforming a culture of I to WE. As a movement, 2M1 is inherently broad based. The inspiration for my idea came from a comedian, Louis C.K. It was he who organized a similar campaign with his fans and supporters that turned out to be a resounding success. To me, this shows that all consumers are ready for a change and with the 2M1 Movement at DavidBanner.com both I as an artist and you as a consumer can now do our part to transform our reality and our community $1 at a time.
God bless.
Watch below as David Banner continues his campaign to put power back in the hand of the people.
Video shot and edited by Brain Food Film.