The Cost of File Sharing: 50 Cent

File-sharing networks have found an unlikely ally in the form of rapper 50 Cent, who disclosed in a recent interview that it is up to the music industry to learn to adapt to the changing nature of music marketing. (Source: dslreports.com)

Cent's position is in stark contrast with that of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which has intensified its prosecution of individuals it claims to be illegally sharing songs.

The interview conducted by journalist Pål Nordseth (translated by TorrentFreak.com) reveals the lack of consensus amongst mainstream musicians as to the degree that file-sharing is a threat to the modern music industry. (Source: blorge.com)

On the issue of how detrimental the effects of file-sharing networks are to artists, 50 Cent responded, "What is important for the music industry to understand is that this really doesn't hurt the artists." This admission supports a growing trend among artists whose music is orientated toward youths, to not vilify their fans for downloading songs on the internet rather than purchasing CDs. (Source: techcrunch.com)

This group includes popular British rock band Radiohead, who have attempted to downplay the threat posed by file-sharing networks. The RIAA has used what it sees as the 'destructive powers of file sharing' to aggressively attack peer-to-peer users, which this year led to its first anti-piracy victory against a middle class single mom in Minnesota.  Jammie Thomas was ordered to shell out $222,000 for making 24 MP3s available on Kazaa. (Source: audioholics.com)

What is the solution for the music industry in the file-sharing era according to 50 Cent? He claims that his fans still attend concerts and are still interested in purchasing merchandise.  (Source: techcrunch.com)