Ring tones are good as gold
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rapper Rick Ross' ring tone is now a bling tone.

Ross' song Hustlin' is one of 128 recognized as the first batch of gold and platinum ring tones. Just like vinyl, tapes and CDs, the sounds of ringing cell phones will now translate into awards for sales of 500,000, 1-million and beyond.

"The ring tones are just another gateway to connecting with the kids and the fans," said Ross, whose award, presented last week, sported a shiny cell phone rather than the usual gold album. "That's just the next level."

Ross was joined in the ring of honor by big-name acts including the Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, 50 Cent and Kanye West.

In all, 84 acts were cited as gold winners, 40 platinum and four multiplatinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The awards are given based on downloads of the ring tones.

"Just a few short years ago, it was unthinkable for sales on ring tones to go platinum," association chairman Mitch Bainwol said. "But here we are. We're transforming the way we hear our music."

According to industry experts, about 10 percent of music industry revenue worldwide now comes from ring tones.

Rapper Bubba Sparxxx, who was cited for the gold sales, said he was unaware of the ring tones' popularity.

"I had no idea about the importance of ring tones," Sparxxx said. "But I do after (getting his award). I sold 800,000 ring tones. Now I know it's an exciting innovation."

Ross said when he goes into the studio in the future, the idea of making a popular ring tone will definitely be a part of the process.

"You want to do a record so catchy that everybody wants to go out and get it as a ring tone," Ross said.

Sparxxx is thinking the same way. "I'll be more conscious of making exciting melodies to put on the ring tones," he said.

Sparxxx noted another good reason for good ring tone quality: "It's a new revenue stream."

A typical ring tone can cost up to $2.99.