I hate when people blame the Internet for what's wrong with hip hop. I definently think its not dead because even with the low sales hip hop is still very much a part of pop culture. But the fans don't wanna support the artist, it's as simple as that. nikkas say the its easy to download albums which is very true but it's also just as easy for fans of other genres to download music as well but they still go show support. I will never understand up and coming artist not supporting artist either, do nikkas not know that the more that hip hop music sells the more that labels will be willing to sign new artist. And to the fans who want more substance or quality the more you buy of your favorite artist the more demand not only them but the type of music they make will be in demand.