Being a local/unsigned artist is really tough. Not only do you have to go through the ups and downs of putting the project together. One must deal with struggle of hand to hand distribution tactics. Bottom line "It's a cold world". Which brings me to the topic at hand. The above cd is fictional but it serves as a great visual aid. Recently I attended the annual Hip Hop Expo held every year in the convention center. After taking a quick smoke on the balcony I made my way back to the ballroom. Before I could reach for the door I was stopped by a cat who wanted me to check out his music. He proceeded to tell me he was selling his product for three dollars, then he showed me his cd. I was disgusted at the sight of his product. As I said the above pic is just an example but it's pretty spot on to what he showed me. I can think of numerous excuses I have given people with sub par product over the years, but on this particular day I couldn't bring myself to say anything but what was on my mind. Long story short I told him that he might want to invest more money into his product if he wants more consumers to take him seriously. I even took the time to mention @cridiemac and @hensleyurban two people that I know could get him together with great cd duplication services. Although he kept eye contact with me I doubt my words changed his life or made his day. For me the encounter was a breath of fresh air. I felt I was doing the city and the game a service by telling this man to get his shit in order. If you are an artist and you reading this don't be so quick to give me the blah treatment. Aside from visual aids I brought some great insight along for the ride. If MC Shitnutz is selling his music on a cvs stock blanks accopanied by marker print, what are the chances it sounds good. What are the chances he went to a good studio to record and mix? Is it even mastered!? The minute I set eyes on such a product these are the exact thoughts I began to process. Unsigned/indie artist must understand that to a custie the way your package looks speaks volumes about the way your project sounds in the deck. Artist dont be so eager to put out music that you shoot yourself in the foot. Be professional! STAY PHILTHY!