The last thing I ever try to do is shoot down dreams but I have a few things I need to get off my chest. It seems that in 2012, more of you people want to be rappers than ever before. Is "rapper" the only job title left out there? I say job title because you can't possibly be making music because you love it. I mean, can you? Not sounding like some of you do.
I'm a helpful and giving person by nature. Shit, I'm a woman so that's predetermined. Music is my FIRST love and I could leave it behind for no man. I speak on music and critique artists from across the country not only because I love it but because I'm convinced its what I was born to do. I have an ear for great music, great production and fresh talent. Not to brag but I've seen a lot in this game. From rapper controversies & sex scandals to hip hop politics and breaches of contract. Nothing is foreign to me. So when I sit here and scroll down my Twitter timeline, I can pretty much tell you where your "rap" career is going to go.
I just wanted to take the time out to tell you all why you will never ever make it in the rap game... So, take notes or bookmark this post for future reference.
1. Perfect Your Craft
Before anything else, you have to be able to RAP. If you can't rap, you have to have a flow and appealing lyrics. If you don't have a flow, at least come up with a catchy phrase like "Popped a Molly, Im sweatin!! Wooo" OR "Love Sosaaaa" If you have none of these things and can come up with none of these things, maybe you should just say fuck it and apply to Everest.
2. Be yourself.
All around the board. I'm so tired of seeing you niggas out here building your "careers" off of other people. Whether it be promotion, artwork, FLOW, style or even beats. Is individuality really dead?
3. Invest in Thyself.
Everybody wants to get on. Believe me, I know. A lot of people that know me & what I do/ have done seem to think I have Jay-Z on speed dial & I can just get a nigga signed. Nah homie. That's not what we doing. A nigga won't even spend $20 on a beat or $300 to attend an industry expo but always looking for a hip hop handout. You have to spend money to make money. You have to put in work to get results. That's just the bottom line.
4. Be Your Biggest Critic
You know what really pisses me off? The apparent lack of loyalty you "rappers" friends have for you. You guys go to the studio or sit and listen to the mixtapes before they drop and honestly endorse this shit? If Jay-Z or Jeezy dropped songs like this would you deem them acceptable? Probably not. Be honest with yourself. Be honest with your homies. Imagine someone else making that track you just made and decide if you'd like it. Be a critic not an asshole.
5. Perfect Your Craft
Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was the Titanic (even though that shit sank, making it a poor example but moving right along). Everything takes time. Fame, fortune, even talent. You've got to practice at whatever you do. I hate how most of you out here just assume you're the best at rapping. Like y'all were born with golden pens or the ability to not write any lyrics down and produce hits. Practice makes perfect and these egos will get you nowhere when you're just a local rapper.
I can go on for days. I can give advice for weeks. I can shower you all with my amazing wisdom forever. That obviously doesn't mean you'll listen but, whatever. I'm merely trying to help. Ten years from today, I don't want to see the same niggas TRYING to get on. Problem is y'all have the game fucked up. Realize that you're not Jay-Z, you're not B.I.G. and you're not Chief Keef either. You're all local niggas until you can prove otherwise; not an insult just a fact. Your heads are too big and your egos are even bigger. You can't possibly expect people to be fans of your work if your personality is nastier than these hoes. Real niggas/ bitches respect REAL. Point blank. Not the extra shit. How is that building your brand? Don't you want fans? Or that's not cool anymore? I see this EVERYDAY. The music doesn't always speak for itself and if you pay any attention to the game, you'd know that... Please remember that the public will inevitably make you the money. You might be too good for niggas now but you ain't too good for the list of failed local rappers.
I'll use Pittsburgh as an example since that's where this blog was originated. I follow a lot of the local rappers & listen to a lot more. You all sound the same. (Dont get me wrong, its the same in NYC) You're not bringing anything new to the table. Everybody wanna be Wiz. But my nigga.... Wiz is already Wiz. Feel me? Be yourself but PLEASE be humble. Perfect your craft. There are a million niggas out here doing the same thing as you, a million niggas probably working a little harder, a little more humble, a little more thankful and even more deserving. So, when you're still dropping free mixtapes on DatPiff in 2 years & struggling to break 2,000 listens, remember my words.
PS: Stop rapping for record deals especially of you're not in that ignorant Chief Keef/ Trinidad James lane. The money is made independently. Build your brands. Copyright your music. Get your ASCAP cards (I bet 75% of you don't even know what that is), start your own labels, promote your own music, print your own CDs. Build a team. BUILD A FANBASE. Then if the labels come knocking, cool. But trust me, you don't need a major label to get known & get music money. Build and execute a plan. Read more books. Learn new things. Personal growth is necessary for any type of success in life.
See you at the top! Or not.
Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ILhuGmsOxs
Written by guest blogger Killa Kia (@KillaKia)
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