I agree J and MR combs run the industry no 2 ways about it.
I don't care how much a rapper makes in $$$$ to me that means nothing, which is why the industry of urban music is filled with idiot "rappers" like Nelly ,cassidy and other morons.
The true icons are few and far between in the game nowadays. Like commons original joint "i used to love her" all about the hip hop music industry and its straying from its roots.
That being said ,i still believe Kanye is a moron as well for his badly delivered message, he should have been prepared and made a heartfelt plea to the people of the world using his influence in a much more enlightening way rather than a scolded xgirlfriend thing.
Kanye is not a political figure but a great producer and i actually like his lyrics as it makes sense.He talks about the ignorant who go around buying stupid things trying to impress people without 2 cents 2 rub together. Reminds me of many who own nice cars and can't afford to fill their own tanks( even when gas was cheap).He brings a level to the game that people left off.A consciousness of self worth ,not materialism and gang banging.
Any one of these new rappers make 100 times more than the ones of even 10 years ago did.Think of it as the Motown days of music when they worked every night and made enough for a new Cadillac. Now a rapper brings in enough for 10 of them in one night. Different markets with wider distribution networks as well as the number 1 thing ,they have a lawyer read and renegotiate there deals before signing the car and jewels line then make nothing for 5 albums if they actually even make it past a single from the record companies A&R.