Digital music sales have risen by 33 percent for the first nine months of 2008 - a lot changes in just a few years. Music has evolved from the age of free music downloads at Napster and Limewire. Music lovers and music fans that appreciate the value of good music eventually turn to paying money for things they love and music is no different.

Musicians just have to continue to record, produce and distribute great music and fans will buy those new songs for their iPods at retail stores such as iTunes, rhapsody, Amazon and more. This is evident by the recent news that Warner Music Group beat Wall Street expectations on Tuesday. Warner Atlantic Records reportedly now sells the majority of its music as digital mp3s and music downloads against the backdrop of aggressive CD sales declines.

Hip hop heads and rap music fans must be at the forefront of this new music trend. Teenagers and 24-34 year olds are buying new rap songs for their iPods in increasing numbers. Some are actually searching for new hip hop songs to buy and give as gifts to their friends because of the compelling need to share their digital music experiences.