His music had nothing to do with hot chicks.
(ie: see "Fight the Power", "911 is a joke", and/or "By the time I get to Arizona").
PE's music had nothing to do with swag or bravado but more geared towards civil rights and civil liberties, so I don't think it's a good comparison..
I bet you Chuck D was dancing with hot chicks after shooting the videos, though.
It's not about selling out, but becoming relevant and finding a formula that works and using that formula as long as the success lasts. Mr. Buffet explains it as well.
And a lot of people want to be like Jay-Z, now..not because of just the music, but because of the success. His success isn't just putting out records, anymore.
@ Sucio :"PE's music had nothing to do with swag or bravado" > I disagree on that.
They included lots of "bravado" elements even on political tracks. Remember "Give it Up"? "Louder then a bomb"? ............and What about "Miuzi Weighs a Ton"? It's all about bragging rights.
@ DP : Flavor might be a sell-out , I was really referring to PE in general.
I have actually had a beat jacked and it ended up on TV. That was the beat that Queen used on the DP record.
But honestly, my approach is two fold.
#1 Most of my music is registered with ASCAP so they track it anywhere. If someone uses my stuff they will know. In turn I will know.
#2 I am totally unknown, so honestly if someone actually does jack one of my beats its a paycheck for me. And for the most part if someone has no money and needs a beat I will probably just let them use it assuming they are talented and will do something with it. If they ASK FIRST. If they just jack it, then its on!