MP: Michael Pacquiao or Money Privilege? - Artistry and Connections in the Art World.

Side confession: I had to search for his name multiple times because I didn't know the spelling.

I'll admit it: when the news broke out I really didn't care. I saw people complaining about how he became famous just because of his status as the son of that boxer in the Senate and such. But I don't how many people in my position, especially in the art world, really cared about it. In my semi-qualified opinion, I think there are definite merits to the complaints of other artists regarding Mr. PaRappa the Rapper.

Let's have some context so that we can approach it from the same perspective. Michael Pacquiao, recently blew up because of a feature on Wish Bus. In general, he was met with praise and whatever. I think the weird thing that struck me and probably most other people is this is the first time most people probably heard about who he is and his existence. In a channel and station that features established or rising artists how come a no-name personality was able to be featured on the program. This is weird because as our investigators (aka myself) searched on the website of Wish 107.5 there's no way to apply to be featured on the program. I don't know all (or any) of the mechanics of how one is invited but signs seem to point to connections on the inside.

And I think this is why most people are torching Sir Headphones Over Hoodie (Screengrab from Wish 107.5). Because how come out of the many artists that could be featured, why a no-name personality such as Michael Pacquiao.

Is the torching justified? To me: "Eh. Who cares?" The Entertainment Industry (AND ALSO OTHER EMPLOYERS) prefer to choose someone they know rather than someone who seems to have or is displaying a higher caliber of skill. I've always known that the Entertainment industry works that way that's why I know I won't ever succeed as a performer because 1. Skill and 2. I am not a people person. So if you're telling me that the Entertainment Industry is unfair, I'll just reply with my apathy.

Unless you're talking about changing the system and the culture: That's when I'll start talking. Let's talk about what us mere mortals with no power, influence, or connections can do about people like Mr. Michael 5 O'clock shadow.

If you want to be part of those large record companies, you'll have to face that just like applying for the job. It's not the person who is the smartest (academically speaking) that gets the job but the person who is smart enough to convince these big wigs that you're the one that they really need.

That how much I gathered so far, but I am not interested in that but I am more interested in the bigger picture. The shifting power from the record companies to streaming services such as YouTube and Spotify. (RIP Google Play Music). With that shifting power music-making and its sharing have been democratized. Instead of these unknowns in the record labels pulling the strings, it's the hidden hand of the algorithm.

I am optimistic to say that a platform where we are all seen as equals (to some extent) is the best compromise so far. I hope to wait and see what new innovation we will come up with to solve this issue. In a perfect world, I would call for a more massive shift but that's far from possible right now. We'll have to start with ourselves, as clichéd as that sounds. Be more open to listening to other people's music. Why not cover music from unknown artists (as long as you have their permission)? Things like this exist, I know but this isn't just for those who know but also those who don't know.

Will this solve people leveraging their power, money, and whatever to gain an advantage. Most likely, no. But unless people start choosing wisely by voting with their view (meaning giving attention to whom they want to grow) instances like this will still exist. And you thought that people going for a familiar name only exists in politics? That's where you're wrong.

Spend your time wisely. Don't waste your time watching something that you don't like or don't want to see become bigger.

Peace, love, and headphones over hoodies for you.