Apple May Be Producing Exclusive Apple Music Content In-House

[BPresh]

"We can no longer successfully defend Apple's new (screw the customers/profits first) direction, and Tim Cook's idiotic, indefensible company decisions. Quick, what do we do?"

"Call the critics racists! That oughta do it."

Ridiculous. That's not what I was addressing because that wasn't what the individuals here in question were talking about. I wasn't remotely commenting on anyone's opinions regarding any perceived, overarching new "profits-first" Apple strategy. I was addressing people that call all hip-hop -- and even all music, hip-hop or not, that they don't "connect" with for whatever reason (the artists?) -- "trash" and a "degeneration of society."

If you either aren't intelligent enough or are simply too lazy to actually address what I wrote re: the disturbing, exclusionary, intolerant, and frankly dumb rants of those I quoted, then don't bother responding to me. You didn't contribute anything to the discussion; instead, you completely shifted the goalposts because it was the easiest way you had to attack me. Laughable.

 

[scottsjack]

Personally, I now dislike Tim and the direction he has gone. I'm sure you will tell me to get over myself and imply I'm being racist, but nothing can be further then the truth. I really am not impressed with Apple's products (Apple TV, Mac Mini, 12 mabook pro, Apple Watch, Ipad) and after being part of the Apple ecosystem for 10+ years, I'm dabbling with Android products as I am really like Google's innovation. While I love OSX, loved my macbooks (hated not have HDMI but that is another issue) and love my iphone, I see it's core business falling behind.

I'm right with you on Tim's Apple. Besides having a Mac Pro and a MacBook Pro running Yosemite I have also had a mini running Windows 8.1 due to the fact that I run a few essential Windows apps. I have become more impressed with W8.1 all the time and am looking forward to the even better Windows 10.

In order to use more Windows features like Bitlocker I decommissioned the mini and bought an HP Z230, the first Windows machine I've purchased in about fifteen years. For the price of an OK two-core, low-voltage i7 mini I now have a very sturdy i7 quad desktop machine with a ton of USB ports, a Thunderbolt option and lots of RAM and GPU choices. It is now my primary machine and I only use the six-core Mac Pro for some specific Mac things.

Tim's Apple has helped me see how much machine I can buy choosing business-level and workstation Windows products. Most likely the 2012 MacBook Pro will find itself replaced by a more flexible, more powerful and slightly less expensive HP upper-tier laptop. I too must be a racist.

 

[aront]

The way so many of you are acting is an embarrassment.

Some literal statements have (give or take a word or so) have been "how DARE Apple align themselves with such people!"

Quit embarrassing yourselves.

Who is embarrassing themselves? Have you read any of the typical homophobic, anti-gay, racists, misogynistic, violent, illegal drug use promoting rap lyrics lately, especially those from Dr. Dre and Eminem? These are two individuals who Apple have chosen to directly associate themselves with. Have you bothered to look into their history of positions on major social issues?

Would you consider the following class or trash? Embarrassing or not?

https://medium.com/@byroncrawford/beatings-by-dr-dre-3c8e62bec8f1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dee_Barnes

And most would agree that Dre with 5 kids from 4 different mothers is trashy.

 

[BPresh]

Who is embarrassing themselves? Have you read any of the typical homophobic, anti-gay, racists, misogynistic, violent, illegal drug use promoting rap lyrics lately, especially those from Dr. Dre and Eminem? These are two individuals who Apple have chosen to directly associate themselves with. Have you bothered to look into their history on positions of major social issues?

Would you consider the following class or trash? Embarrassing or not?

https://medium.com/@byroncrawford/beatings-by-dr-dre-3c8e62bec8f1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dee_Barnes

And most would agree that Dre with 5 kids from 4 different mothers is trashy.

I'll well aware of their history, and I certainly don't agree with everything that's been done by every hip-hop artist. However, the problem here is the sweeping generalizations that were made by previous posters. All hip-hop = trash. All hip-hop artists = degeneration of society. Heck, as I said previously, people in this thread lumped Pharrell's new music video into their attack on hip-hop and called it "trash", too, even though 1. It isn't hip-hop. and 2. It's a video that friggin' promotes fundamental human rights.

I'm more than down with criticizing some rappers, and anyone else, with a history of holding poor positions on social issues. But the people I quoted were not critiquing individuals or individual actions. They were attacking an entire genre of music and the group of people behind that music, and even Pharrell's "Freedom" for the same reasons despite the fact it's a complete logical failure on their part to do so. That's a problem, and there's no way around it. It's really weird, unsettling, and bizarre.

All that said, thank you for responding with a thoughtful post. I appreciate it.

 

[BPresh]

Sorry to double post, trying to figure out how to delete this message as opposed to just editing it.

 

[prasand]

I was going to write a longer reply to prasand's very thoughtful (and appreciated!) post, but I'm starving and have to run to the store. In the interim, simply quoting the above will do to reinforce my original point.

Featuring hip-hop music is contributing to the world's degeneration, apparently. I'm not 100% sure what some people's deeper issues are in this thread, but rest assured, there are issues, and the above proves it. Ridiculous, emotionally-charged responses with sweeping generalizations... all because a tech company decides to include hip hop among featured music genres?

Truly bizarre. If you think Apple should tone down featuring hip-hop, I may disagree, but cool, I hear ya. But the kind of garbage being written above? Embarrassing.

I'm glad that you appreciate what I wrote / it was well-received. Thank you.

However, the portion which you say reinforces your original post ... actually doesn't. He could've been specifically addressing Drake's lyrical content, which isn't uplifting. Many people (even many black people) prefer conscious rappers like Common, who posted a video to Connect of him reciting poetry. They feel that the current popular rap music degenerates our youth. -- The truth is, instead of being open-minded you are attesting that it's they who need to be more open-minded ... and that is why it's a projection. If their closed-mindedness is embarrassing then yours should be too. There are many ways to consider what they wrote, there's no need to take an offensive / offended stance. If you were being more openminded you probably wouldn't be bothered.

 

[aront]

I was beginning to wonder if I was the ONLY Apple fan left on an Apple fan forum.

If you're getting the sense that you might be "the ONLY Apple fan left on an Apple fan forum", then it should be quite clear that Tim Cook as CEO is doing something very wrong and the direction is not good.

 

[BPresh]

I'm glad that you appreciate what I wrote / it was well-received. Thank you.

However, the portion which you say reinforces your original post ... actually doesn't. He could've been specifically addressing Drake's lyrical content, which isn't uplifting. Many people (even many black people) prefer conscious rappers like Common, who posted a video to Connect of him reciting poetry. They feel that the current popular rap music degenerates our youth. -- The truth is, instead of being open-minded you are attesting that it's they who need to be more open-minded ... and that is why it's a projection. If their closed-mindedness is embarrassing then yours should be too. There are many ways to consider what they wrote, there's no need to take an offensive / offended stance. If you were being more openminded you probably wouldn't be bothered.

You're welcome.

That said, I disagree overall. While I agree that Drake's particular video can be perceived as a bit much and I certainly wouldn't/don't begrudge someone for thinking that video may be bad for society, when someone piggybacks on a series of posts that very clearly attacked ALL hip-hop music, and even music that isn't hip-hop such as "Freedom", with the intentionally inflammatory and generalized comment of "Wow... Apple is really doubling down on contributing to the world's degeneration," they should be criticized. That's an intentional attempt to not provide a nuanced comment. Really? Apple is intentionally "doubling-down" on degenerating the world's society? And how are they "doubling" on anything? What was Apple's first mastermind scheme to turn our youths into loser degenerates that they are now building upon by featuring a *gasp* hugely popular genre of music on a streaming music service?

It's a dumb, inflammatory comment that doesn't warrant respect, I'm afraid.

 

[dav1dd]

You're welcome.

That said, I disagree overall. While I agree that Drake's particular video can be perceived as a bit much and I certainly wouldn't/don't begrudge someone for thinking that video may be bad for society, when someone piggybacks on a series of posts that very clearly attacked ALL hip-hop music, and even music that isn't hip-hop such as "Freedom", with the intentionally inflammatory and generalized comment of "Wow... Apple is really doubling down on contributing to the world's degeneration," they should be criticized. That's an intentional attempt to not provide a nuanced comment. Really? Apple is intentionally "doubling-down" on degenerating the world's society? And how are they "doubling" on anything? What was Apple's first mastermind scheme to turn our youths into loser degenerates that they are now building upon by featuring a *gasp* hugely popular genre of music on a streaming music service?

It's a dumb, inflammatory comment that doesn't warrant respect, I'm afraid.

You know what? I didn't mention hip-hop in my post, and I didn't bother reading all the other comments before putting in my comment. I read the article and then commented. So you are reading something into this that simply isn't there (ie. me piggybacking on posts) - that was just poor timing on my part.

As for my comment, I think you said it best: "While I agree that Drake's particular video can be perceived as a bit much and I certainly wouldn't/don't begrudge someone for thinking that video may be bad for society..."

 

[BPresh]

You know what? I didn't mention hip-hop in my post, and I didn't bother reading all the other comments before putting in my comment. I read the article and then commented. So you are reading something into this that simply isn't there (ie. me piggybacking on posts) - that was just poor timing on my part.

As for my comment, I think you said it best: "While I agree that Drake's particular video can be perceived as a bit much and I certainly wouldn't/don't begrudge someone for thinking that video may be bad for society..."

I apologize for presuming you had read the previous posts. However, even if you're only commenting on Drake's video (which I agree can be perceived as a bit much), I don't understand the "doubling-down" by Apple to degenerate society. That implies that they've been working toward that goal before this point. Care to elaborate? Now I'm just curious. *shrugs*

Or am I reading it wrong and you're saying that Apple is doubling-down on others' policies that have contributed to the degeneration of society?

 

[prasand]

You're welcome.

That said, I disagree overall. While I agree that Drake's particular video can be perceived as a bit much and I certainly wouldn't/don't begrudge someone for thinking that video may be bad for society, when someone piggybacks on a series of posts that very clearly attacked ALL hip-hop music, and even music that isn't hip-hop such as "Freedom", with the intentionally inflammatory and generalized comment of "Wow... Apple is really doubling down on contributing to the world's degeneration," they should be criticized. That's an intentional attempt to not provide a nuanced comment. Really? Apple is intentionally "doubling-down" on degenerating the world's society? And how are they "doubling" on anything? What was Apple's first mastermind scheme to turn our youths into loser degenerates that they are now building upon by featuring a *gasp* hugely popular genre of music on a streaming music service?

It's a dumb, inflammatory comment that doesn't warrant respect, I'm afraid.

I don't recall him quoting anyone, and if so, how would you know he's piggy-backing or are you projecting that he is? I think it's possible that your feelings on the matter are causing you to see what you want to see. He could've been reacting to the original post of the thread. However, it seems you recall what they write more, so I'll assume the commenter posted a previous comment also. But as far as I see it I don't see him piggy-backing anything, I only see how he "might" be piggy-backing. But I also see how you might be accurate (if he commented prior).

Funny thing is, I actually don't agree with the black community's perception that rap music contributes to the degeneration. I actually grew up fighting on the streets and some of my brothers are rappers including JUMZ. And my 6'1" 210lb frame with 28+ years of full-contact martial arts experience, truly enjoys fighting. Funny sh-t is, I'm the one that no longer lives in the hood / am in the 1%, yet of my brothers I'm the only one that still likes fighting, lol. So I'm a bit grey, because while I strive to see people with loving eyes / with a loving heart, I'd still render them unconscious faster than even my brothers who are hood would. I don't think my actions or ways are right, they are merely my preference which has pros and cons like any other. But my position affords me the ability to not negatively judge those within that world. I see that people write or freestyle about frustrations, interests, desires, whatever moves them or that they think moves others. And a lot of people who come from that community although they may not be uplifting the larger community, they are giving voice to many within it. To me, that's all that's necessary to warrant their actions, because many aren't heard yet feel their words. And that, can be something which brings relation / alleviation to their feelings of loneliness. So I say to others like Drake ... keep on / do you.

 

[BPresh]

I don't recall him quoting anyone, and if so, how would you know he's piggy-backing or are you projecting that he is? I think it's possible that your feelings on the matter are causing you to see what you want to see. He could've been reacting to the original post of the thread. However, it seems you recall what they write more, so I'll assume the commenter posted a previous comment also. But as far as I see it I don't see him piggy-backing anything, I only see how he "might" be piggy-backing. But I also see how you might be accurate (if he commented prior).

Funny thing is, I actually don't agree with the black community's perception that rap music contributes to the degeneration. I actually grew up fighting on the streets and some of my brothers are rappers including JUMZ. And my 6'1" 210lb frame with 28+ years of full-contact martial arts experience, truly enjoys fighting. Funny sh-t is, I'm the one that no longer lives in the hood / am in the 1%, yet of my brothers I'm the only one that still likes fighting, lol. So I'm a bit grey, because while I strive to see people with loving eyes / with a loving heart, I'd still render them unconscious faster than even my brothers who are hood would. I don't think my actions or ways are right, they are merely my preference which has pros and cons like any other. But my position affords me the ability to not negatively judge those within that world. I see that people write or freestyle about frustrations, interests, desires, whatever moves them or that they think moves others. And a lot of people who come from that community although they might not be uplifting the larger community, they are giving voice to many within it. To me, that's all that's necessary to warrant their actions, because many aren't heard yet feel their words. And that, can be something which brings relation / alleviation to their feelings of loneliness. So I say to others like Drake ... keep on / do you.

I totally agree that this time I got so wrapped up in responding to so many comments I went too quickly and thus incorrectly assumed he was piggybacking when he apparently hadn't read some of the comments. That's my bad, straight up. I'll take him at his word.

 

[dav1dd]

I apologize for presuming you had read the previous posts. However, even if you're only commenting on Drake's video (which I agree can be perceived as a bit much), I don't understand the "doubling-down" by Apple to degenerate society. That implies that they've been working toward that goal before this point. Care to elaborate? Now I'm just curious. *shrugs*

The whole doubling down was an off-the-cuff referral back to May 2012, when Tim Cook said they were doubling down on secrecy: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/tim-cook-were-going-to-double-down-on-secrecy/

My opinion is that the angry gangster culture that comes with a lot of hip-hop is not productive. I used to like Eminem, but now I just think he's a whiny douche. He is a very good example of someone with talent that used it to promote and spit anger, hatred, violence and self-indulgence, instead of striving for legitimate societal change. He says it best himself in the lyrics to "Say what you Say": "If I could only use this power for good. I wouldn't, not even if I could."
And here's Dre in the same song: "And I can pull any string, Don't have to prove anything, Catch a contract on your head, You headed west, talk **** about Dre, You better get a vest and invest in something to protect your head and neck."

A pair of fine, upstanding gentlemen who want nothing but the best for society and anyone that listens to their music, I'm sure.

 

[BPresh]

Gotcha. I do recall Tim's comment, although I failed to make the connection in your writing initially.

You appear to have a substantive issue with specific actions taken by certain artists, unlike some on this thread who just believe all hip-hop is bad, "trash" and effectively "anti-Apple," and that it shouldn't be featured on the service. I appreciate your clarification.

 

[utahman130]

Music videos are becoming fragmented.

 

[prasand]

That's my bad, straight up. I'll take him at his word.

I didn't see your apology until after I commented, but kudos.

I'm biased in that I think one of the greatest acts of love we can do is to see other's views outside of our own. To listen, accept, understand, and embrace them even if they would not do the same. I actually have a friend that is a white supremacist ... that justifies his association by saying my East Indian genes are why I'm "not like them". But when we talk, I honestly agree with many of his perceptions about the world / situation. I also have a brother (non-biological) that is pro black who I laugh at and say, "so, reverse racism, kudos to your brain!" lol. I do it to be silly, but he knows I truly have nothing but love for him. Throughout our day JUMZ and I make racist jokes about our own community (because it's funny!), and in those same conversations which my closest lover partakes in I say "heil Hitler" to her because she's German / lives in Germany (though she's purely of East Indian descent). I make gay jokes with my gay friends, despite that my mother married her partner in New York recently. And they know there's love in my heart for them. One of my friends had a sex change yet I still call him Cory. Even my brothers who grew up with him look at me like I made the greatest sin when I call him by his birth name. So one day I said to them, "to you Cory's changed, and it's appropriate to call him by a new name, but to me, Cory's still Cory." And he later said to me one day (not knowing what i said to them), that the reason I'm the only person he doesn't get bothered by calling him Cory, because when we were children and he was attracted to me, I never treated him differently. Still invited him to my house, etc. He said I always saw him and accepted him as who he truly was. He even changed his Facebook name back to Cory after that conversation.

None of this is to say I'm a good person or anything of the sort. I'm actually quite corrupt / ruthless, in ways most people would be too p-ssy to be. I'm grey at best, dark at worst but I in no way see myself as light. I even say to others, that someone like me is more dangerous than someone who is limited ... because those who are limited cause limited destruction, but someone like me is capable of utter / complete chaos. I advocate that it's better to be blissfully ignorant. My ways are not "the right way to be", so I do not convey these things as noble. There's pros and cons to everything. -- Instead I convey them to say, simply ... there's no need to get wound up until we are left with hate in our hearts / minds, and that's all or mostly what we see. We often do ourselves an injustice with such limits. However, if we want, even the things that were once most hurtful can cause us to genuinely smile. We can be grateful to those racist, because even if they are stuck they can help us grow, and if we embrace them perhaps we can help them too ... even if helping them means not trying to change them.

None of this is to change you, because even as being embraced can help change ... so too do those that reject. So do you. Just offering a view that I hope makes you smile / feel lighter.

 

[aront]

And here's Dre in the same song: "And I can pull any string, Don't have to prove anything, Catch a contract on your head, You headed west, talk **** about Dre, You better get a vest and invest in something to protect your head and neck."

Coming soon to the Apple store:

"A nice accessory for those loyal Apple customers who might "talk **** about Dre", our newest executive employee/company representative."

"And for "head and neck" throat slashing protection":

 

[prasand]

Coming soon to the Apple store:

lmfao. Should've been a white vest.

 

[aront]

lmfao. Should've been a white vest.

"Future "refresh" will include additional color options, as well as thinner design."

 

[matthewhuk]

It will all be crappy urban, dance, rap, garage, shed crud so won't interest me in the least!

 

[dav1dd]

FWIW, I think it's healthy for people to develop the critical-thinking capacity to challenge Apple's motivations and direction, rather than simply following along blindly. A lot of the 'inflammatory' comments are simply people sticking their heads up and going 'wtf?'.

 

[unplugme71]

I use music videos for listening to music while it plays on my tv. It's nice to have during parties and brings up some cool conversations.

 

[jkruehne]

are those all "Done on an iPhone 6 (plus) ?" : D

 

[dusk007]

I am not a rap fan but I think if you run a radio station you have to pick a type of music taste and stick with it.
Who wants to tune in when every know and then something you like might play? You pick something make those happy that like that kind of music and get people that have a reason to listen regularly.
Everything else would be just some completely random jukebox that nobody has a use for.
They picked what is hip among young listeners for beats 1. Anything else they picked would probably have been frowned upon even more. It is popular stuff. They can only target different tastes with more stations. Cramming everything in one station would just be stupid.

BTW my dislike for rap is not racist. I dislike german rap even more and that is only white guys, because there are just no black guys in Germany. I do dig some of the electronic stuff though. Hip Hop for me only works when I am in a club and I am properly drugged with enough alcohol.

 

[buzzardo]

They will redefine corporate rock I guess. We'll end up with more lame U2 albums.