Fort Minor Remember The Name video review

Rating: 4.5 stars
I have never really been into Linkin Park and co. I had heard about Mike Shinoda, but never really focused on his music. However, I recently stumbled across Fort Minor’s Remember The Name video and found it really good.
Introduced by violin and keyboard sounds, the video introduces you into an artist’s world.
Not only do I find the musical background interesting, the lyrics are very much appealing to me, because they enlighten an artist ‘s hard sweat before he wins an audience and becomes famous.
The chorus summarizes it well.:
« This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name! »
Many people don’t realize it, but when an artist gets displayed on the media for the first time, he has nearly ten years or more harsh work in the shadow behind him. You think it is easy to be an artist? Then step 24 hours in his shoes and live his life!
I have heard so many people say : « I wish I was Eminem! I wish I was Dre or Busta Rhymes…I wouldn’t care having their problems…if only I had their money! »
You fools. Have you ever considered that behind the music that pleases your ears, there is a human being. A person who feels the same emotions that you feel, an individual who is going through the same shit you do?
There is a lot of stress attached to artistic professions. Not only do artists experience the same problems as we do, they have a crazy schedule and a lot of stress due to the music industry’s numerous pressures to sell their « product » (the artist) the way they want to.
You gotta struggle hard when you’re underground, but you gotta fight even harder when you’re in the media’s spotlight.
Also, touring is tiresome and requires a lot of energy.
An artist makes a lot of money, but he also deserves the money, because he offers you all a gift through his music. Have you ever considered it this way? If not, you definitely should. If you really like an artist, he deserves your respect too: for staying on the grind for years like a true soldier until reaching success, for his performances on stage, for the numerous hours he dedicates to the music that pleases your ears.
An artist also sacrifices a great part of his life to his fans and listeners. So show him some respect, that’s the least you can do.
What is an artist’s main purpose? To be heard, as the song points it out:
« Mike! – He doesn’t need his name up in lights
He just wants to be heard whether it’s the beat or the mic
He feels so unlike everybody else, alone
In spite of the fact that some people still think that they know him
But fuck em, he knows the code
It’s not about the salary
It’s all about reality and making some noise
Makin the story – makin sure his clique stays up
That means when he puts it down Tak’s pickin it up! let’s go! »
It is not about the salary. It is all about reality. It is about enjoying putting words to rhyme together. Sometimes, the artist is like a lone wolf and needs to isolate himself and concentrate on the passion that makes him tick:
« Who the hell is he anyway?
He never really talks much
Never concerned with status but still leavin them star struck
Humbled through opportunities given to him despite the fact
That many misjudge him because he makes a livin from writin raps
Put it together himself, now the picture connects
Never askin for someone’s help, to get some respect
He’s only focused on what he wrote, his will is beyond reach
And now when it all unfolds, the skill of an artist… »
Let Fort Minor’s members talk about each other and describe the passion that unites them:
« They call him Ryu, he’s sick
And he’s spittin fire with Mike
Got him out the dryer he’s hot
Found him in Fort Minor with Tak
What a fuckin’ nihilist porcupine
He’s a prick, he’s a cock
The type woman want to be with, and rappers hope he get shot
Eight years in the makin, patiently waitin to blow
Now the record with Shinoda’s takin over the globe
He’s got a partner in crime, his shit is equally dope
You wont believe the kind of shit that comes out of this kid’s throat
Tak! – He’s not your everyday on the block
He knows how to work with what he’s got
Makin his way to the top
He often gets a comment on his name
People keep askin him was it given at birth
Or does it stand for an acronym?
No he’s livin proof, Got him rockin the booth
He’ll get you buzzin quicker than a shot of vodka with juice
Him and his crew are known around as one of the best
Dedicated to what they do and give a hundred percent… »
Remember that to get noticed an artist needs a little dose of luck and some good skills, but the determinant part is all about tenacity and willpower. Next time you’re about to give up, remember that only people with a great willpower have the best chances to win in the music industry and in other fields as well. Keep on grinding until you reach success.
Check out Fort Minor’s video on their my space account and live out the passion with them.
Good job, Mike Shinoda and his crew!