By Tai Saint Louis
Now that a tumultuous 2008 has come to an end, a number of rappers and producers took time this week to plan the new year and reveal their resolutions for 2009.
The year which has now passed seems to have brought these artists closer to their fans, as their resolutions reflect that of the public at large.
Like most people in the United States, the most pressing concern for the artists who shared their resolutions with AllHipHop.com is financial.
Some, like Nappy Roots’ Fishscale are hoping to recover from losses suffered in the real estate market last year.
For Queens veteran Noreaga, the plan is simply to conduct business with a calm mind, leaving all emotion out of it.
“My New Year’s Resolution is to first and foremost keep a clear mind,” Naughty By Nature’s Vinnie told AllHipHop.com.
“Also to work hard promoting our new LP and to purchase more investment property to futher secure my retirement,” Vinnie added, a sentiment echoed by Grand Hustle recording artist Alfamega, who hopes to see the release of his debut album this year.
While the more seasoned artists are thinking in terms of investment, a bevy of newcomers are planning to take the entertainment industry by storm with new projects in 2009.
From Lil’ Jon’s latest discovery, Shawty Putt, to Hot Stylz, the marquee artists on Yung Joc’s new label, a new wave of artists are hoping to sustain the region’s hold on the airwaves. For one artist in particular, however, there is a little more at stake.
“I plan on putting out one of the best female albums of all time,” Warner Bros. recording artist Diamond told AllHipHop.com, after spending a relatively quiet year in the wake of her split from Crime Mob.
Despite their tremendous success in 08, producers like Swizz Beatz, Bangladesh, Don Cannon, and Shawty Redd have no plans on taking it easy in 2009.
As a matter of fact, all four revealed that they plan on using the momentum they built with their most recent accomplishments to achieve new career heights.
“Mine is simple: to win a Grammy and make more hits,” said Redd, who is up for his first Grammy this year, thanks to his production work on Snoop Dogg’s hit single “Sensual Seduction.”
Of course, like millions of Americans, several artists including Diamond D, Lil’ Scrappy and Shawty Lo plan on making 2009 a healthier year.
At the forefront is Bad Boy South recording artist Gorilla Zoe, who is determined to keep the changes he adapted with his “Don’t Feed The Animal” weight loss challenge at the end of the year.
Still, perhaps inspired by the unprecedented social impact the Hip-Hop generation had on the world during this year‘s presidential election, many are looking at 2009 as an opportunity to become better citizens.
“My resolution is to become more involved with giving,” Heavy D told AllHipHop.com. “I’ve never been a selfish person by nature. But seeing all of my blessing and recognizing them are two separate issues. Since the birth of my child nine years ago, I recognize all of my blessings. Now I want more so that I can give more. I want my daughter to understand that the pleasure of [lending] a helping hand is greater than any material gift.”