Working with internet startup Sellaband, Public Enemy hopes to turn its fans into investors, bucking The Man in the process. For as little as $25, you too can become a greedy record executive. Just like those slammed by Public Enemy.
The rap band has been a pioneer in digital media, selling MP3 files and building a collection of websites, including a rap portal, well before other artists. Frontman Chuck D has also been a frequent critic, going back at least two decades, of the recording industry. So while investors in the new album will get a cut of revenue, according to TechCrunch, they shouldn't emulate industry high rollers, at least if they're fans of the talent, who famously sang in "Swindler's Lust:"
Hand in my pocket rob me for my chocolate (eheheheh)
Mo' dollars, mo' cents, for the Big Six [record companies]
Another million led to bled, claimin innocence
...No pressure, tell me why they don't care
Rap and R&B pavin the streets of Bel-Air
From the sales of singers, no longer here
The bigger killer, get the bigger share (eheheheh)
Hands off Chuck's chocolate, crowdsourced investors. It's right there in the Terms & Conditions... boyyyyy.
Send an email to Ryan Tate, the author of this post, at ryan@gawker.com.







