I don’t assume most of you buy books or even read books for that matter, but there’s this little store called Chapters. The cool thing about Chapters is that they actually let you read or browse through the books while in the store, it’s a lot like your public library just doesn’t smell like an immigration holding cell (I’m allowed to say that as I am an immigrant).

I mostly go there to read the new XXL or whatever up and coming urban magazine that will be gone in five months has to say, but occasionally I venture into the business section and browse around. I am always astounded by the amount of people actually reading books cover to cover as I walk around. From a customer service perspective this is a great strategy as I always hated it when I went into the local corner store as a kid to read the new Source (does anyone read that anymore?) and the owner would tell me to get lost. Actually he would want me to buy based on the cover alone. Wow I guess he never heard the ol’ saying don’t judge a book by its….I digress.

Much like what goes on in Chapters, is what is happing to the music industry and in particularly hip hop music as it is the music of the young more internet savvy generation. Fans are “trying before they buy” like never before. We will no longer buy an album based on it’s cover -as in based on it’s first radio single. In the old days, say pre-2000, we would be hoodwinked by buying an album based of one good song, now a days your whole album better have hits or else that shit is getting bootlegged and even still that shit is getting bootlegged. What this creates is better more consistent artist, because in order for an artist to be successful they are going to have to come with the hits rather then based of their brand recognition alone (see 50 cent losing in sales to Kanye West). Ultimately all businesses should adopt the Chapters business model if they are to succeed in 2007 and beyond.

Also check out this deal for 500 free songs from Itunes (only for U.S residents). It’s good to stock up on some hard to find music, not to mention legal downloads that support the artist. Plus, Itunes makes it easier to find the damn song anyway.