So you want to be a rapper? OK that's fine if you're still young and you have true lyrical skills, musically inclined and have the buzz and connections... but some of you young Black brothers need to understand that you are simply going to have to get out here and get JOBS. Now don't get me wrong because I'm not on here to discourage anyone, and if you keep reading, you will find that I'm actually on your side. It's just that you need to know that there are thousands of people trying to enter the music business as rappers, singers, songwriters, producers or instrumentalist and the truth is... "not everyone is going to make it and only a select few as a matter of fact." So what's your plan B and C?
You need to make it a point to at least finish high school; don't get caught up in drugs, violence or other types of crime. If you have the opportunity to get a higher level education or get into the military for training that can be used out here in the civilian world then do so, and don't forget... you can ALWAYS go to a trade school or take a job and try to work your way up in the company while taking courses over time. There's any NUMBER of things you can do to earn an honest living and succeed in this world. Learn how to think beyond rapping "just in case" no matter HOW much you love the music game because rap career or no rap career... you still have to eat, and you want to be able to sustain yourself and your family in relative comfort in the future.
If you live in "The Hood", then don't let let your current socio-economic condition or PEOPLE make believe this is where you belong or have to stay or that being a rap (or basketball) star is your only way out. That whole mentality is nothing but a bunch of low self-expectation, limited world view, tribal and "crab-in-the-barrel" bullshit!!! Check this out: NO ONE is obligated to "remain in the hood", "stay true to the hood" or be ghetto just because they're Black or because their family and friends can't or don't want to leave. If you REALLY want to get out of there, then you will whether you become a rapper or not. Just sayin'.
In the meantime... I do wish you luck, and please take this advice as you pursue your career in rap and hip-hop music:
· Make sure to learn some basic music theory (at least).
· Expand your vocabulary, and learn something about life and the rest of the world so you can rap about more things than the "The Hood" and gangsta crap.
· For Black rappers - Don't call your Black brothers the N-word in your lyrics just because a record company wants you to believe this is what's going to make you seem more "hard, ghetto, authentically Black and more believable." Most of this stuff is all gimmick, but I think most people know this by now, and you don't want to be a negative influence on your own impressionable young Black brothers and sisters... do you?
· Work on your diction and phrasing so your fans can really understand what you're saying. You really CAN be articulate and "cool with it" at the same time.
· Learn as much as you can about copyrights, music publishing and the types of music publishing contracts, recording contracts, royalties (and types), master tapes, standard manager fees, and learn the actual purpose and use of the record company's "sign-on advance" so you don't fuck up and owe them a lot of money after you make it big.
· Avoid thug-ass record producers, promoters and all things that remind you of "a certain well-known person in the rap music game."
· Do not allow your old friends to guilt-trip you, leech off you or try to keep you part of the same crime and crap that you SHOULD be trying to get AWAY from and outgrow.
· Keep it professional... keep it legit... keep it legal... keep it real, and you should be fine.
Now... for all of you would-be rappers who are 35 to 40 something that have your woman supporting your ass while you chase your dream of being the next 50 Cent... here's my advice to you. Negro get a damn job!!!
You heard it from a Black man.
Peace!
