" 5 Different Ways Of Maneuvering Through The Independent Music Scene "

    At the strategic level, maneuvering is a way of thinking about how you are going to act in a manner that  puts your opponent at a disadvantage. At the tactical level, maneuvering most frequently involves concentration or dispersing as you seek the most advantageous route. Without thinking about how to maneuver in today's independent music scene, the idea of becoming successful when outnumbered is ludicrous.

    Below are 5 ways of maneuvering through the independent scene for any D.I.Y artist to implement. These have been trusted, tried, and proven to be effective all throughout history.

1. Maneuver to Gain the Advantage: The longest way around can be the shortest route to success-  Since the easiest routes are often the most heavily defended, the longest way around can indeed be the shortest way home. The courses of action which appear most advantageous usually contain the seeds of disadvantage. The key to success is turning a circuitous route into a straight route for you alone. Granted, strategic initiatives can be either sequential or cumulative: A sequential initiative requires planned, consecutive steps to achieve success. A cumulative initiative is the result of a series of random actions piling on top of one another until at some undetermined point the critical mass is reached.
2. Achieve the Critical Mass: Apply overwhelming force at the decisive place and time- Strategic initiatives must focus on the critical factors that give you a competitive advantage. When you have a unique enough advantage, you should be able to get 100 percent of the market. The critical mass is simply the concentration of energy required to achieve success. What counts is not only the strength of your resources, but the speed with which they are delivered. That energy concentration can be in any facet of the organization.
3. Deceive Your Competitor: Deception is always targeted at the competitor; NEVER the fan or customer- Practice secrecy. This forces your competitor to second guess your next move. The bigger you are, the more psychologically threatened the unknown becomes to your opponent. The only thing better than having your opponent not know what you are doing is to have him or her think you are planning to do something entirely different from what you really intend to do. This is deception.
4. Develop Effective Internal Communications: Implement ways to get messages received and understood- Effective internal communication happens as a result of a well-designed plan. This plan is organized around the understanding that all messages are not delivered in the same manner. A single method of communication is not enough; every message needs to be reinforced by using different methodologies.
5. Gain the Mental Advantage: Understand the five psychological factors affecting human resources- 1.Attitude: A positive outlook and a cool head are the foundation of a good attitude. 2.Morale: The moral issues required in the independent music business are both the moral courage to make the right decisions and act on them, and the leadership style that helps make everyone feel good about him or herself. 3.Physical: Keep yourself physically fit and nurture a healthy business environment. 4.Adapt to Circumstances: No plan can see beyond the first engagement. Although it is important to follow the plan, it is equally important to know when and how to modify the plan. 5.Rewards: Internal motivators include profit sharing, gain sharing, glory sharing, and fame sharing. The simple pat on the back can accomplish much.

In case you missed them in the recent past post, here are the links to hear some of the latest underground sounds that I've been working on. I hope that this post has been helpful and I certainly hope you enjoy the sounds.

http://soundcloud.com/peta-loc/meet-the-parents-screwed-not 

http://soundcloud.com/peta-loc/as-is-underground-remix 

http://soundcloud.com/peta-loc/whatislife

" Meet The Parentz " ( These Are The People Who Gave Birth To Hip-Hop )

It ain't nothing but a G-thang. Since me and Cali did our thing, niggaz rap about the set  they used to  claim. It's been all about the Benjamin's, baby, the choice is yours. I'm about to show up at this Source Awards in a Porsche. Black sheep, sneakers on my feet. Creeping on the red carpet for my people's in the streets. Mary J's all I need. To get by I shine. I'm Mr. Scarface, mother fucker this is mine!
I'm the Don. I should be rapping with a Turban. And I would be but my future wasn't certain. We were standing at the crossroads. Out of harmony with everything that's real. Born thugs lost codes.
You don't know what's the scenario; we used to wear each others clothes like a tribe called Quest. But where do we go when it's no limit soldiers and it's no dope flowing through the corner of the city? I'm showing love to California.
You get one more chance. Stay with me, I'm like Biggie.
I graduated from the School Of Hard Knocks. I write history.
I'm a Roc-A-Fella offspring. Will they reminisce over you and your crew every time he do his thing?
I'm just trying to get the ring.
I came to this game.
I showed Mr. Peta'Loc when he was slanging cane.
I just write about this pain. There's no hope for the attacker.
I see digits like the rain man, I should have been a hacker.
But it wasn't in his game plan. My mind is playing tricks on me. The Feds are trying to find a new
indictment that they can stick on me.
I'm an outlaw. I'm what Rosie Parks saw...I mob deep. Outcast. I shook one...running from the narc car.
More money, more problems. I got five on it.
Shit be getting hetic in the summertime don't it?.
Niggaz, tell me how you want it. My pocket's are full of stones.
I'm sipping gin and juice. I'm smoking chronic to the dome.
I'm the underground king. I fiend for this cream.
Cash rules everything around me. I get the cheese.
Dear Mama, I hit them up and regulate the scene. Put your hands where ya eyes can see!
It's L-O-C.
Come clean. I fuck a beat with no vaseline. I triumph. How many M.C.'s want to try him?
Until they finally see there ain't no nigga like me.
We see money, cash, ho's. What's the sound of the police?
Running down with the kings. How about some hardcore?
It really isn't my fault. I got caught up in this war.
I don't think you understand this. I'm damaged!!
The Peta-Loc's a hustler that lives by the Ten Crack Commandments.
I'm far from being Hov; I'm the baddest on the planet.
I escaped incarceration. Rhythm Nation, feel me, Janet?
I'm High. My names is....Slim-Shady's brother.
And I didn't get in this so I could play with mother fuckers.
Deep cover.
Hip-Hop is my bitch. I used to love her until niggaz starting fucking with that shit without no rubber.
No daddy or no mother. I'm insane in the membrane. I'm the story of a soldier from beginning until the end....Man'.
The flavor is in your ear. Protect your ear protect your neck. You and I, are U-N-I-T-Y.
Niggaz rep ya set. Make em' say " annnngggghhhhh ".
Murder was the case. Let me ride.
If I ruled the world what's my name? Who am I?
I never seen a man cry until I seen a man die. Natural born killer. Po' pimping. Do or Die. Funkdefied.
I was brought in the space age, banned in the USA. I got front back and side to side.
Chiefing hay. All I got is you. People everyday.
Dead Presidential. Politics as usual.
Brooklyn's finest. I'll be missing you. Welcome to the terror dome. Hate me now, I'll carry on.
Jeeps, Lex, Coupes. Benz and Beamers. Money, power, and respect.
Shoop. Can we talk about sex? Have you seen her?
Let me clear my throat. Treat them right? Not tonight.
M.C.'s act like they don't know that I was dope before the mic.
I'm like Super Dupa Fly. Can fools stand the rain?
Hail Mary. Do dudes know the ledge? Bring the pain.
It ain't hard to tell that I ain't mad atcha. Uptown anthem.
Deja' Vu and it's time for some action.
It's Hip-Hop's infamous seed. I got it won.
If Carter is the father...P-Loc is the son.
This is Hip-Hop's infamous seed. I got it won.
If Carter is the father? P-Loc is the son.
Meet The Parents.......

" Is There A Heaven For A Gangster ? "

       Yesterday, marked the birth of one of our Nations most honorary soldiers. A lot of you may say, but hold on, " you have the dates mixed up ". No, The reasoning behind me saying Happy Birthday on the day that what we have been trained and programmed to view here in the west as the date of death is as follows: On the day that 2Pac died, he actually didn't die. 2Pac is still alive and well. On that day 2Pac was born into eternal life to live in a Thug-Mansion with his most loving Father. He left all the pain and struggle behind for us here on earth to deal with....and he was born into Freedom. Happy Birthday, Pac. Don't trip...
I got you.
" As Is " ( underground remix ) by Peta-Loc

" 3 Extraordinary Ways To Use Your Energy In Any Industry "

In 210 B.C. Petronius Arbiter wrote: " We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up in teams we would be reorganized. I was to learn in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing, and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization. "
     The entire flow of life is mathematics and science. The universe contains order and structure. Most of our most fundamental principles found within all disciplines are cross-over skills to other areas of our lives. Mankind has a tendency to make things complicated for themselves.

1.  Build A Sound Organization Structure-The organization exists so that tasks can be managed, people supported, and results achieved. Systems and processes should not be designed to accommodate the strengths and weaknesses of individuals. Instead, the requirements of the system determine where people are placed in the structure. Structure follows strategy, always. First determine the strategy to achieve your vision, and then develop the organization structure. And when you do put your organization together....Put the best people first. You cannot by any means permit your emotions to make this decision for you. 
2. Apply Extraordinary Force-Use the normal to engage, the extraordinary to win. The powerful idea of moving from the normal to the extraordinary achieves results at every level and in every situation. Whenever you give extraordinary attention to a small group of members within your cipher, production increases. It doesn't matter whether their working conditions enhance or are made worst.( For instance, whether or not they're working from home or at the office, on a 4G phone, a laptop, or a desk top). The key is the extraordinary attention. Make " audacity " and not " caution " your watch word and watch what happens. People need to be recognized for whatever it is that they bring to the table.
3. Create Momentum and Timing-Momentum provides force; timing applies strength at the right moment. Momentum and timing are most often combined. The simultaneous use of multiple principles or techniques can apply a lot of pressure. It is not that victory is achieved with the application of a single principle, but rather the use of multiple principles achieves a reinforcing momentum. The cumulative effort of doing a lot of right things right multiplies into awesome power! (Remember what Robert Greene told you in the 48 Laws Of Power? Master The Art Of Timing.

New Peta'Loc track ( hit the link to access)- http://snd.sc/qUV4HB
This song is called " What Is Life ? " , a classic underground release collaborated by P-Loc and GhProductions. A birthday present  to the late and Great Immortal Thug 2pac. Please download and share. 

" 3 Keys To Unlock The Strength Of Your Team "

1.  Be Invincible: Build strengths that take advantage of opportunities- Ever noticed that within any of the companies/organizations that we consider " power-houses " that they all share a common characteristic? They all have a leader who sets the direction and keeps the organization on course. What it boils down to is that STRONG COMPANIES are founded by STRONG INDIVIDUALS. Furthermore, when those individuals leave, the stamp of their culture becomes the core of the organization's future. ( Think Steve Jobs ). If every member of your cipher brings on deck someone who is smaller than they are themselves, then you can expect to become a cipher of midgets; BUT, on the other hand, if every member of the cipher brought on someone bigger than themselves....your destiny is to become a cipher of GIANTS! Understand: NO LEADER DOES IT ALONE.
2. Attain Strategic Superiority: A successful strategy achieves victory before the battle- Although conflict within or without your cipher cannot be avoided, a well-planned strategy will nullify most opposition. Fighting and winning requires less strategic skill than winning without fighting. Here are a few places where opportunities for attaining strategic superiority can be found...

•  The product or service that is so clearly unique and carefully targeted that it has no competition.
• The idea that is so completely researched and validated that no other seems viable.
• The fundamental truth that's presented with such moral strength that any other approach appears immoral. 

3.Use Information to Focus Resources: Use data to plan overwhelming ad-

        vantages- Focus on defining and aligning performance in several key areas: financial, customer, em-

         ployee, innovation, and learning. Then, implement a measurement system to track performance so that

         everyone is on the same page to achieving the desired results. To put it in layman's terms, linking your

         vision to your performance improves productivity and profit potential.

" I've played chess with lifer's, had shoot out with snipers,
 been paying the fucking piper's back since I was in my diapers.
Became famous, the day I came off the chain bus,
We gangstas and hustlahz with no luck to change us.
It's no thing we slang dust,
cause having things is a must
But...
It's pain in this game that I still won't discuss.
That's a plus not a minus,
My street-cred is silence,
To beat FEDS we keep bread,
My peeps' led in violence.
Like INC.
I beat cops walking....
I keep stalking blocks for scilla',
til the snitch's in the spots, start talking.
I'm iller than the realest condition,
I'm not going back to prison, yall...
better recognize my position!!
I'm a hustlah'
8K4UFUBJKBDC accept that: NO Cor-rect-ional Facilities can correct that.
My nigga Jigga spat that,
I took rap and used it,
My notebook is fat with stacks....don't confuse it.
This is Mr. Peta'Loc, nigga......AS IS.

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_7993621 Here's a free download for all those who love good music.



" Never Put Too Much Trust In Friends, Learn How To Use Enemies "

I'm more than sure that if you're an individual who seeks power that you are familiar with the title of those words,and with  whom America deems the author of them. " Do you claim that you don't know " ? That would be a remarkable man by the name of Mr. Robert Greene. ( A man to whom a lot of psuedo-gangsta's and gamesta's owe their " School Of Hard Knocks " diplomas to.  On behalf of all  The Last Real Hustlahz that are  still  walking amongst us in the flesh today, WE'D like to take this moment to thank you for getting them out of our way to success. You saved us all a whole lot of trouble. Lol. But seriously.....

It is a business fundamental that the strategy must be correct for the tactics to succeed.( Trust me: I think that dipping down Interstate-10 in a 1999 Cadillac with a half of a kilogram of crack-cocaine in my trunk clearly will illustrate the truth within that business fundamental. ) There's no chicken and egg problem anywhere in that equation. It's simple mathematics dating back to, " what, I don't know....Egypt...Greece? ". The strategy must be right first; you must be doing the right thing. Then the tactics can support the strategy by doing things right. Excellent strategy at higher levels can sustain many tactical failures at lower levels.

Whatever your strategic plan is, it cannot be conceived in a tactical vacuum. Strategies must consider tactics, and successful tactical implementation requires an appreciation of strategy. Otherwise.....the tactician will not understand why he or she is doing what. When we do not understand the underlying concepts, we do not have the ability to improve or improvise properly.

 Be wary of friends...they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them.

P.S.- Note: Free downloads are included in the widget.  ( Just for the record, this post was inspired by my friend and comrade Angeloi Mon Cagliostro. Thanks for consistently asking me thought provoking questions. I love you for that. Hope my answers are sufficient. )