Jeff Klopmeyer Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 Story on local NBC web site Home Invasion Caught On Film LOS ANGELES -- A group of men walked into a home recording studio, demanded money and jewelry and beat the occupants, according to television news reports, which aired video Sunday of the home invasion. The video taken from surveillance cameras at the home showed six men entering the house, carrying bats and a gun. One of three owners of the home, who was identified only as Andre on local stations, said they had invited two women to the home and that one of the women went outside to talk on the phone and then led the men into the house early Saturday. He said one man "put a gun in my face." The two other homeowners were tied up, the news stations reported. The story went on to say that the studio was used for rap, not that you should draw all your conclusions from that. It might as well have been used to record Yanni music. The point is, be careful who you invite into your studio, or home for that matter. - Jeff Marketing Communications for MI/Pro Audio My solo music and stuff They Stole My Crayon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylen Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I expect control rooms with bars and chain link like they have in NYC pawnshops will be the next upgrade in home Project Studios. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henryrobinett Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 We had several studio invasion robberies that hit the area about 5 years ago. Similar story. Only none of them were caught on film. The local rap industry was hurt in the process as people were reluctant to book rap guys afterwards. All the best, Henry Robinett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super 8 Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 Ha! Imagine trying to rob a bunch of musicians! I'd think maybe five bucks and a porno mag would be considered a pretty good haul... Super 8 Hear my stuff here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Klopmeyer Posted May 24, 2004 Author Share Posted May 24, 2004 Originally posted by Super 8: Ha! Imagine trying to rob a bunch of musicians! I'd think maybe five bucks and a porno mag would be considered a pretty good haul... Funny (and I know you're kidding, Super), but the reason that rap artists are targeted is that the cliche stereotype is that they do have a tendency to have jewelry and carry cash. That may or may not be true; it's something that's propigated by the videos and general PR about hip-hop. When I worked for manufacturers, I heard countless stories about studios getting robbed, sometimes with horrifying results. Suffice it to say that being careful with how you promote your studio, who you allow in and so on is important if you want to stay among the living. - Jeff Marketing Communications for MI/Pro Audio My solo music and stuff They Stole My Crayon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmurchison Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Gawdamn thugs www.osxaudio.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dementia13 Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 What was the deal with that guy from Public Enemy who got shot in his studio? Did anyone ever catch the killer, or find out why it was done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F7sound - Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 I've always been very careful of who gets invited over here. No surprises allowed, but on a rare occasion, I've been known to pack heat just in case. Michael Oster F7 Sound and Vision ReGurgiTron - commit a crime in this studio and get shot. Michael Oster F7 Sound and Vision http://www.F7sound.com http://www.regurgitron.com http://www.LaptopNoise.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip OKeefe Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Crap - I just saw the story on ABC channel 7 - turns out it was in Rancho Cucamonga - just a 10-15 minute drive up the road from here. Looks like they have an ID on the "main" perp - hopefully they'll catch these idiots RSN. Heaven help them if they try that here. Did you see the story of the liquor store out here in Colton that was robbed this morning? Three guys came in with guns and tried to rob the place - the owner's son shot all three, killing one and wounding two others. Sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind. Watch your six folks - oh, I started a "security" thread over on the project studio forum to discuss ways to help make your place less likely to be targeted by thugs. Thanks for bringing this to our attention Jeff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robman2 Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Some chick who was in the house, let the clowns in. Another stellar moment brought to you by the students of Rick Rubin's minions. Label on the reverb, inside 1973 Ampeg G-212: "Folded Line Reverberation Unit" Manufactured by beautiful girls in Milton WIS. under controlled atmosphere conditions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Klopmeyer Posted May 25, 2004 Author Share Posted May 25, 2004 Originally posted by Philip O'Keefe: Thanks for bringing this to our attention Jeff.No problem, Phil. Sorry to hear it was so close to you. And if I recall correctly, Rancho Cucamonga was the short-lived home town of the Wewus during his California stay. Lots of times, these invasion robberies of studios isn't about the cash and jewelry... it's about the gear. That's why before you publicize your studio's equipment, you need to think about who is looking at your list. Also (not to encourage paranoia)... you should have some idea of what you'd do if a person did attempt to rob your home or project studio while you were there. Being prepared, even by thinking things through, if better than being in shock and trying to come up with a plan on the spot. - Jeff Marketing Communications for MI/Pro Audio My solo music and stuff They Stole My Crayon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowly Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 I can't make out from the story what it being a home studio had anything to do with the robbery. It doesn't say they wanted gear. But still, home is supposed to be the safest place. Kcbass "Let It Be!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip OKeefe Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Originally posted by Kcbass: I can't make out from the story what it being a home studio had anything to do with the robbery. It doesn't say they wanted gear. But still, home is supposed to be the safest place. KcbassI wondered about that too. According to the news reports, they took "money, jewelry and other valuables", but no mention of any studio related gear - even though the fact that it was a home studio figured prominently in all the press reports. After thinking about it, I think I might know of the studio in question. I don't do much rap - it's really not my thing, and I've never felt it was fair to the clients or to me to do something that far afield from my experience and tastes... so I refer those who call and ask about that to a couple of local places that I've seen advertised as specializing in rap and hip hop. Based on the name they reported in the press, I think this guy's place is one of them. I might just give him a call in a couple of days to check - and to see if he still wants the referrals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ani Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 I've got some rap / hip-hop artists that got my name from Star Polish. They have been very persistant in trying to get a home meeting arranged. I finally agreed to meet them out at a public restuarant tonight, of which they complained about Applebee's. They are trying to get me to do some professional photography and build a web site for them. Tonight they were complaining about how this one guy wanted to charge them $500.00 to do a website for them. I told them that they wouldn't find a PROFESSIONAL web designer that would touch their site, for what they were wanting, for $500.00. I asked them if the guys' price included graphics and photos and they told me that they would have to supply their own. Then I told them that a professional photographer in the Midwest ranged between $40.00 an hour to $2,000.00 per 3 hour gig. I told him that I would charge $100.00 an hour for a prime time wedding gig with a minimumm of a 3 hour set. For less desirable settings, such as a nightclub in the roughneck of town, the prices went up considerably. Again they wanted to know when they could "COME OVER" to my place to see my gear. I told them that I didn't do business AT my home and that, although my business was home based, all of my business transactions were conducted in the field. I'm beginning to get a very uneasy feeling with these guys and I've been trying to shake loose their interest. If they are complaining about $500.00 for a web site; they sure are not going to be able to afford a minimum of $300.00 for a photo shoot at a gig.... for night time hours in a bad neighborhood during the weekend, they are not going to touch my services for $100.00 an hour.... more like $175.00 to $200.00 an hour because of it being a weekend, late night, and the need for traveling with security. NO WAY would I take the kind of gear that I own for pro photography into the neighborhood and at the hours they are suggesting without a bodyguard. Weddings are posh, band gigs in the HOOD are not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F7sound - Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Ani, Smart move. You've got to be careful in this business, and especially so, when prospective clients are so interested in only seeing your gear. If you stick to your prices (which are reasonable), these guys will probably go away, unless they're serious. Oh, and I hope you ask for a deposit up front. Be careful. Michael Oster F7 Sound and Vision ReGurgiTron - so you want a \'tour\' of the place, huh? Michael Oster F7 Sound and Vision http://www.F7sound.com http://www.regurgitron.com http://www.LaptopNoise.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nawledge Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 how do you think I feel, I am a rapper, and now I'm afraid of myself and worried sick cause I know my own address. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrancedelicBlues Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Originally posted by Jeff Da Weasel: The story went on to say that the studio was used for rap, not that you should draw all your conclusions from that. It might as well have been used to record Yanni music. The point is, be careful who you invite into your studio, or home for that matter. - Jeff[/QB] Yeah, those New Age music fans are a shifty lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ani Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Originally posted by F7sound -: Ani, Smart move. You've got to be careful in this business, and especially so, when prospective clients are so interested in only seeing your gear. If you stick to your prices (which are reasonable), these guys will probably go away, unless they're serious. Oh, and I hope you ask for a deposit up front. Be careful. Michael Oster F7 Sound and Vision ReGurgiTron - so you want a \'tour\' of the place, huh? The guy claims to work for the KCPD, but for being a part of the police force, the lyrics in their songs don't relate to law enforcement. They provided me with a CD which was respectable in it's recording quality... but the lyrics are very much about violence and street talk. The guy has been using his pseudonym for all discussions, yet his full name appears in his email. I'll probably make an inquiry to the KCPD as to his employment (employment verification) prior to continuing this venture. If he would lie about being employed by the KCPD; there's no telling what he's up to. I don't mean to hijack this thread, just a little cautious right now after already having bad vibes and then coming on here to read this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nawledge Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 smart move Ani, anybody who wants to do business and will only use their nickname should be checked out, especialy cops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ouizel Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 I'd say you were very correct in being cautious, Ani. I would be... Be careful. **Standard Disclaimer** Ya gotta watch da Ouizel, as he often posts complete and utter BS. In this case however, He just might be right. Eagles may soar, but Ouizels don't get sucked into jet engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rog Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Originally posted by Nawledge: how do you think I feel, I am a rapper, and now I'm afraid of myself and worried sick cause I know my own address. lolHey, watch out and never turn your back on yourself ... even for a moment "That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." - Banky Edwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henryrobinett Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Originally posted by Nawledge: how do you think I feel, I am a rapper, and now I'm afraid of myself and worried sick cause I know my own address. lolLOL! But I tell you . . . I don't know. I have all this gear right here in my home. I get just a little paranoid myself sometimes. My sons are basketball playing fanatics and their buddies come by the house sometimes. My wife coached a couple of teams. Hey! I'm a musician not no athlete! I over heard a kid telling other kids when we took them all out to dinner during some tournement in LA, about how we're millionaires (?!!) and how I have millions of dollars worth of microphones and stuff. (!!?) I glared at him sternly and pulled him aside. Anyway I'm not overly excited about a lot of traffic coming by the house. Has nothing to do with skin color or rappers, but rather lifestyle choices. Not those basketball kids - they love us, but it's who might find out beyond the sphere of my knowledge and control. If I start seeing some gang colors or affiliations I get nervous. All the best, Henry Robinett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowly Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 Everybody, just be careful, huh? Kcbass P.S. I had this guy who wanted me to program him some beats. I was unavailable until he just stopped asking me. His nickname signafied that he had killed before. "Let It Be!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nawledge Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 I won't let gangsters Know where I live much less into my house, but as far as hiphop beats go, I don't let anybody into the lab, I meet people at starbucks and let them audition beats off of cd, this is 'standard practice' and people are not in the least offended when I tell them no one is allowed at the studio. but this article is not about rapmusic or gangsters but a local studio that got robbed, sorry for digressing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Klopmeyer Posted May 26, 2004 Author Share Posted May 26, 2004 No, this defintely isn't about hip hop. I think any studio for any genre of music is at higher risk for these crimes compared to residences that don't have audio gear. Why? Because we are more likely (and perhaps more accustomed) to be inviting strangers into our homes. And, like anything else, 98% of the time, it's all good. But look at the case here: the guest he had over allowed the people who robbed the place to come in, probably through plain stupidity. You should make it clear to clients, even when they're no-charge friends, not to ever invite people you don't know inside. Of course, most of you know that already, but I'm preaching to those who don't, so they don't find out the hard way. - Jeff Marketing Communications for MI/Pro Audio My solo music and stuff They Stole My Crayon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrancedelicBlues Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 Originally posted by Super 8: Ha! Imagine trying to rob a bunch of musicians! I'd think maybe five bucks and a porno mag would be considered a pretty good haul... I hope your Porno collection is insured, Super... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super 8 Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 Originally posted by TrancedelicBlues: I hope your Porno collection is insured, Super... Just why are you so interested in my porno collection??? Hmmmm??? I'm not letting you anywhere near my studio... Super 8 Hear my stuff here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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