From Mos Def to Common and even The Black Eye Peas (who started out as more underground artists), going commercial and/or mainstream has been considered as the point in your career when people truly know who you are.

SIDE BAR: When I say Common and Mos Def, I’m not talking about in a “selling-out” aspect. They aren’t the stereotypical “mainstream or commercial” artists but they are considered two of the few conscious emcees that are actually widely known .We are looking back at a time when people once said their name and no one had any idea who they were outside of the underground circuit. Now of course, that is not the case. In my opinion both Common and Mos Def are two who emcees make “mainstream” look good, if you’d even consider them “mainstream.”

I believe that the main reason why the words mainstream and commercial are sometimes deemed with a negative connotation is the fact that people have so many different definitions of the two words. To some, going commercial means that you sell-out or neglect what’s important just for the fame and cash. To others, going commercial is simply becoming a household name. So is it possible to become a household name without selling out? Many would argue that it’s impossible but others would disagree listing names like Common and Mos Def as two artists who have become both household names while still properly representing what it is they do.


Here is another problem with an artist going mainstream; primarily underground artists. It seems as though sometimes the fans get upset at the artist for switching up their style a bit and trying new things. Let’s take for instance Common’s Universal Mind Control Joint. It was so left field from what Common was used to and because of it, many of his fans said he was beginning to sellout. However, has anyone ever actually stopped and listened to the words? What everyone was complaining he was doing, he was discussing it in the song. Think about it, the song is called UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL, and yet people heard a different sound and started assuming he was trying to be someone he’s not. But so what if he does want to switch it up. Does that make him a sellout because he wants to try new things, or more of an innovator for being creative and fusing different genres and decades of music together?

It seems that going mainstream/commercial is only used negatively when dealing with underground artists. No one says “Oh Lil Wayne is a sellout” or “Jay-Z is such a sellout” and both are artists who have become both household names and the epitome of a mainstream artist.

So what exactly is the issue? Could it be that underground artists have a stigma? Do people believe that underground artists should never switch over to a mainstream artist? Or is it that typically when some artists switch from underground to mainstream their music looses its flair?  It could very well be a combination of all three. Especially when dealing with the quality of the music. Many underground artists put out groundbreaking mixtapes but once they go mainstream, many of their albums never seem to live up to expectations of the fans. Why?  Does going commercial mean you sell your soul to the music execs?

I wanted to know the answer to this question. I find myself often having conversations and interesting debates over this entire issue, but no one ever comes up with a complete answer and perhaps there isn’t one.  Whichever you believe is up to you; but I came up with a variety of questions to see if someone could help me figure out why “mainstream” is so bad.

1. How do you feel about underground artists who neglect their roots and become more mainstream?

2. Is it possible to make a more positive transition from underground to mainstream without selling out? Why?

3. When is going commercial not good? Why?

4. Why is it that some artists have better material on their underground mixtapes but once they do a more mainstream album its not as quality as the mixtape?

5. Is going commercial for everyone or are some artist just simply meant to be underground artists? Why?

6. Does being commercial mean you neglect quality music? Why?

There has to be some common ground on this issue. If I ever were to become a mainstream artist, I would definitely find a medium between keeping that underground flavor while appealing to the masses. There would be no way I’d be able to sell-out for a little cash. There is always a balance, the question is will most artists use it?

Read below what the people had to say!

Blair S.
University Of Phoenix
Business/Education

“For starters, I can’t really consider Mos going commercial considering he’s been acting before he was rapping (hence the cosby mysteries).
1. Im all for progress, but never forget where you came from
2. Common did it. Even with his acting he’s still putting out quality music. Universal Mind Control was left field, but it’s still common.
3. When … you start losing sight of who you are.
4. Mixtapes are more free flow, more loose. Just as would most independent projects are. Considering the usual norm of music is about bullshit now, these record labels are focused on one thing, making money!! So whatever caters to the masses, when your an artist locked in over a million dollar deal for a label and knowing if you buy out your contract it’s going to cost more money, you’ll do anything those label execs who know nothing about music tell you.”
5. Believe it or not, who said underground artists aren’t eating? In rare cases they make more money than mainstream artists do, they just have to work harder. As to a mainstream artist, considering how many contracts they are tied in, their pockets are being dug into constantly.
6. Not necessarily, I would say if you stay true, being commercial is only a spring board to other outlets. I do understand what you mean. I remember first hearing “Resurrection” and “Black On Both Sides” when I was a kid. I would be in class with my super huge headphones just blasting it while studying and kids would always ask, “what are you listening to?” as if it were like nonsense for music or something. I would say Common, Mos, … Kweli, Company Flow, Masta Ace, etc… and cats would be like huh?? Now I can go overseas, hit a record store and find a rare vinyl press of Mos’s first album or Common’s “Can I Borrow A Dollar”, like seriously, how many pople do you know, have common’s very very first album??? Im still bumping it till this day!!!! Hip-Hop is my life, I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s sad to see what it has become today.”

Tracy B.
International Academy of Design and Technology
Game Design

“1. I personally dont think that being “underground” means you have any roots. It just means your not that popular. You can still be saying the exact same things as commercial artist and not be mainstream Like Currnecy or however its spelled.
2. I think anything is possible. Do all artist do it? No, but thats up to the individual. Look at Lupe Fiasco. He has Great media success but has not sold out or changed his messages and who he is. I personally believe that mainstream america doent really undertsand him but im glad he is doin well al the same.
3. Goin commercial is bad when you give up on being who you are. Most artist do but its only cuz money is there prime objective….
4. Most artist dont understand the concept of an album. There are unwritten rules to making albums. Such as song concepts. You cant just make an album and spit. You gotta have some depth or something.
5. Everyone cant make albums or sell out. Plain and simple.
6. No! Just be careful who you sign with.”

Raven N.
University of Cincinnati
History

“1. I think anyone can progress but it can be dangerous if you lose ur fanbase….

2. It is. Lupe Fiasco did it. I think its difficult if what you are about isn’t what’s hot.

3.Going commercial isn’t good when it means you change who you are just to make money.

4. When its a mixtape, an artist has a lot more creative control, and they are doing what they want on their terms. Plus they are selling to people who require quality….

5. Mainstream isn’t for everyone.

6. Not all the time. You can come out with qualtiy music and give the masses what they want. Its a tricky thing to do today because dancing and bullshit is what’s hot.”

Eternanda F.
University of Maryland, College Park
Theatre Major


“Alright…I don’t listen to or know too much about hip hp but I’ma attempt to answer from an actor point of view.

First…what is your definition of neglecting roots and going main stream? Mine is when people COMPLETELY STOP representing the issues import to them and start rapping about cars and clothes and making dance songs and never stand for another thing in their career. Like Mase.

2.it’s complicated…yes and no.it’s almost like you gotta go with the flow to even get a voivce..to even get the spotlight. I think that artists who feel they have to do that should transition this way…..go with the flow, making the least amount of compromises..but compromising. kEEP a strong and firm grip on your beliefs and what you stand for and when you make a name for yourself..gradually step back the passion you’ve had; mixing it with the new you and if it works….stay in that lane …
 
3. Going commercial aint bad if you need to make a name for yourself UNTIL….you’ve completely erased all possible traces of who you REALLY are…when you can’t stand the TRUTH…you’ve gone too far.

4. Because radio and television and mainstream media DON’T WANNA HEAR THE TRUTH. They are based off of Illusion, and they wanna keep it that way. They want people wrapped in illusion at all cost including: if people are losing their respect… Read More for themselves and others; if people can’t seem to see themselves in a positive light because their is no image of them in a positiv light (i.e. black kids never seeing themselves other than a basketball player until Barack Obama gets into office) Media doesn’t care and in order to ge media’s attention….you must drop the truth for a while…UNDERGOUND STUFF COMES STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART…ITS REAL AND IT’S THE ARTIST’S TRUTH

5. IF YOU ARE STRONG AND MATURE ENOUGH TO COMPRMISE UNITL YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED…YOU SHOULD TRY COMMERCIAL….IT’S CALLED PIMPIN’ THE SYSTEM…..If you not strong enough to hold on to your beliefs and easily infl5uenced and got good material…DON’T DO IT…JUST WORK AT MC DONALDS! If your art i s already commercial…go right ahead and get on…comercial is your thing!

6. Nah…quality is all in the sound, the sway and the music that sticks and how many times have you found yourself singn along to “do da stanky leeeg” and you know that’s wack. one line from the song says ….” now get low/ lean bakc and show ya soookcs” ……come on now!!!!

Oh. and by the way…Mos def is a man who went comercial to make a name for himself…make money….he will never leave his principalss…he just compromised a little to get where he’s at…but he is still representing what he stands for”

Enigma S.
FAMU
Journalism ’06

“1. It’s going to hurt the artist because they will lose what made them popular in the first place…

2. Yes, the artist just needs to maintain their core values be it lyricism, storytelling, goonery, etc. LOL @ goonery

3. When an artist go against their forte to do something that popular.

4. Their creativity gets bottled up by big time producers, money, executives, record sales, expectations, etc.

5. Mainstream is very fickle. You can probably make a career underground because once you have a loyal fan base, you’re going to get paper each time.”

Gerald C.
FAMU
Economics 2010

“I feel nothing for them, cause they neglect the people who were with them before the mainstream

Yes its very possible. Its possible due to you sticking to what you have been doing and how youve been doing it. Dont allow money or the fame to change you.

Not good, when it shows the ignorance and stupidity shine through. Allows others to see how our music demeans, detains and discourages our own race…its pitiful

They forget their roots and move on to make money..not music. So now its Money Over Music…

5. Simply meant for some and not all. Some can make the transition without selling out and others cant. Its up to that artist.

6No not always..just means you are into making your money…and not your high quality music. Great music quality doesnt need money or fame, just a mic…a simple beat (or no beat) and your voice and mind.”