The use of mass communications can be easily abused.
But in many ways people are easily able to connect with one another at any
given time no matter how far or close a person may be. Not everyone you might
meet via social networks is harmful, nor should you always be ashamed to meet
people online. This post gives an example of the constructive use of social networks
in reference to the infamous Catfish that many of us have been exposed
to.
On Twitter, I interact with various people from all
over the country. I was granted the opportunity one day while promoting for my
blog to speak with Craigo Gettems,
Founder of TrapRock Radio from
Baltimore. I was granted to get to know the story of how Trap Rock was formed
and a little bit about the artists under TrapRock, Jase and Jayy Starr.
Craigo
started off TrapRock in 2007 as a DJ hosting mix tapes, influenced by DJ Drama
and Gangsta Grillz. In 2011, Craigo decided to expand the TrapRock brand with
adding artists, clothing, websites, etc. "As a brand, it will give artists
a platform to be heard, to reach a broad audience, to have support, to have
sharing network opportunities, and to come up with creative ideas in order to
make the brand stronger.”
Jase,
one of Craigo's artists under TrapRock, has been with Craigo since he first
started TrapRock. Jase rapped and Craigo DJ’ed, which allowed the
both of them to always have a voice and a vision. But they knew that they had
to improve themselves before they took on bigger responsibilities. By 2010,
with the help of Craigo, Jase came out with a mix tape titled,
"Waiting," which is now an album. "An impressive album that got
plenty of positive feedback and praises from his peers. Jase's one and only project so far,"
says the proud supporter.
"I met Jayy Starr in 2010 while networking on Twitter on Christmas
day. She released a video entitled "Grinchmas." Somebody who was
doing promo mentioned her music to her Twitter. I thought her video and song
was so on point, it caught me off guard cause I never heard a female artist
with so many flows as well as confidence and charisma. I tweeted her giving her
much props. I did my research on You Tube and heard more of her music. After I
heard this one song, "Fairy tale," I was completely sold. I haven't
heard a female MC as talented as her in a very long time. She defies the
stereotype that they give many female artists now day."
Around the same time, Craigo started up a new
venture TrapRockRadio.com with his
partner Big Dro. They wanted to create a platform for artists not just in
Baltimore, but also around the whole country; as well as to show artists from
Baltimore to the whole country.
Jayy Starr's
latest project can be downloaded on Datpiff and also found on TrapRockRadio.com.
"It is on a solid foundation starting with me
and provides a platform for the artists music. It is family oriented whether it
is support in music or in general. I care to know what is going on, like a
strong friendship. We share creative ideas and helpful suggestions to make the
brand stronger. Which I believe will make the bond even tighter and motivate us
all. There will be two songs dropping on Valentines Day, Jayy Starr Falling
Out and Jayy Starr featuring Jase Love Killer Pt.2," says
Craigo.
The independent label, Top Dawg Entertainment, influences Craigo.
"I like how the founder stands behind his artists. In a three to four year
span, Kendrick, Schoolboy, Ab Soul, and Jay Rock all have been successful from
the way their solo projects have been valued with presentation, quality and
merchandising. I really like how they use the music,
name and clothing to create revenue. As well Nipsey Hussle and his label All
Money In."