Published: Friday - June 27, 2008
Words by Donny Goines
Donny Goines (Photo: Don Michaels)
If you've been keeping up with me and the things I'm doing, you've probably seen my "Bars" series by now. Essentially it is a weekly video series that shows me introducing artists that I feel are dope to my listeners and then spitting some bars on camera with them. So far I've had Mickey Factz, Nina B, Esso, The League and A.Pinks just to name a few, and there are a lot more on the way. But needless to say, co-signs are something I think is important.
The series has many different purposes, but overall the main objective to showcase other talent from my city that some people may not be familiar with. Something I feel that is missing in this city of mines, besides unity, are things like this. When someone gives you a co-sign, it really can validate what you're doing as an artist sometimes. Co-signs can come from anywhere though. Other artists, magazines, websites, producers, etc. and if you are lucky enough to get some they can really help to open up doors for you. I have gotten many co-signs from a variety of different sources and honestly speaking they have helped me to grab the attention of others within the business. From the Scouting Report on Ballerstatus to Dame Grease speaking on my talent and many other things in between, these co-signs have really helped me in ways you can't imagine. I hate to say it, but people validating what you do as an artist sometimes is needed in order to make progress or reach certain point in your career.
I know what you're thinking now, "How do I go about getting co-signs from people?" Well here's your answer. You don't. The truth of the matter is co-signs are something that need to come about organically from others and aren't something you really "ask" for. When someone co-signs you or your music, they are putting there reputation on the line and that's something that is very important. Many people within this business depend on these co-signs and they are not given lightly. The best thing I can tell you when it comes to getting co-signs is to not worry about them and focus on making great music. Once you get the ball rolling and people start to notice you and the things that you're doing, they will come. Co-signs are essentially recognition from other sources and the only way you can usually get those is by working hard. You wouldn't walk up to someone and ask them for a compliment, so why would you do that with a co-sign? There are certain times I would suggest asking someone for a co-sign like when you're doing a press release, trying to get a meeting or people to listen to your music, etc., but usually it's something that should come about without you asking for it. Use your own discretion and judgment.
Bars is something I wanted to do for artists that I feel are talented and might need to be seen more. Maybe they don't, but at the end of the day people have helped me get where I'm at, so why wouldn't I do the same for others? As long as the hot they got my co-sign.
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