Jackie O Speaks to the Youth About Hip-Hop Entrepreneurship at MOCA After School Program
August 8, 2005 In early June UAN had the pleasure of sitting through a special presentation by local rap artist Jackie O. She spoke to young people at a special after school program at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) about Hip-Hop and entrepreneurship. All eyes and ears were on Jackie as she exposed much of the realities of the entertainment industry as well as her own personal aches, pains and successes within it. The dialogue was very real as the youth present were given the opportunity to ask questions and Jackie very openly answered them. The gathering was hosted by South Florida artist/producer and mentor of the program, Brimstone 127. The purpose of this on-going program is to teach young people about art, art history and public speaking through the culture and business of Hip-Hop. Among the most important discussions Jackie O had with those in attendance included her personal feelings as a female rapper. She noted “When it comes to female rappers there is a double standard.” She expressed critical views in respects to the way that she has been marketed. She mentioned her disastrous experiences with two music videos off of her first album. She pointed out how in My Nookie she wanted to keep the sexual aspect of the song as an undertone in the video. She said that she would have preferred to be “drinking a drink” while saying “My Nookie feel good” instead of exhibiting straight up what the song was actually about (i.e. sex). As a result, the video was banned by BET. The same occurred with her second video involving body paint, which she admitted that she did not like. The second video, as a result, was also banned by BET. Jackie emphasized that the situation did not help sell records and in the end she is stuck with the bill for the production of the videos because as an artist by contract she needs to pay all of it back. She said “As an artist you need to stand up for yourself … There’s a lot of paper work they don’t want you to read, just sign it.” Jackie expressed how she has hired a personal lawyer who stresses to her not to sign anything unless he reads it. At the same time she noted the importance of staying humble as a key ingredient to success in the entertainment industry. In respects to her label, Poe Boy, she said that it “is a good label.” As to what artists she would like to work with in the future she mentioned highly successful ones such as 50 Cent and R. Kelly. Other artists she is really feeling right now include Mary J. Blige. She explained “I like real people. With Mary you get a sense of struggle. She’s real. She makes you feel human. She speaks about personal problems.” Jackie made the distinction between rap music and Hip-Hop music; rap music, which is what she does, Hip-Hop music which is what Common and Mos Def do. She noted that she believes that it will take another 5 years for Hip-Hop music to become strong once again. Reflecting on this, Jackie mentioned how she is preparing for her future. She noted “Since I don’t have a college degree, my music is all I have to depend on.” Jackie focused on the importance of publishing and how she currently owns her own publishing company, Jack Diesel Entertainment. With a publishing company checks go directly to her in respects to her music sold or compensation to however her music is being used. She added “You can’t be a rapper forever. Every artist has their time limit and you need to prepare for it.” She also mentioned how she wants to get her music career solid before pursuing other business ventures. Responding to a personal question, Jackie mentioned how she grew up poor and was tired of disappointing her mom, a single parent. She said how she remembers how music made her happy growing up and recalled how she made $3500 at her first show. It was these things that made her decide to go into music. She encouraged the young people present to pursue their dreams and not allow anyone to mold them or their ideas into something that they do not like. She recommended the book Who Moved My Cheese for inspirational purposes. Truly, it was an afternoon full of excitement, smiles, but most importantly, realness to the youth. For more information about MOCA’s programs for the youth, visit www.mocanomi.org.
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