In my previous article "Demystifying Marketing And Promotion For Rappers Part 1" I explained the difference between marketing and promotion along with how you can identify your target audience and I even shared one powerful technique on how to reach and promote to them. In this article, I'm going to share another promotional strategy that I recommend. And don't feel obligated to pick just one of these promotional strategies, but rather feel free to use as many of them as you can. If your promotional tactics are more diversified you will likely have a higher success rate in gaining … [Read more...] about Demystifying Marketing And Promotion For Rappers – Part 2
Artist Tips
Demystifying Marketing And Promotion For Rappers – Part 1
Sadly this is where it ends with most rappers. Most rappers only want to make music but if you don't market and promote your music the likely hood of you growing a fanbase is slim to none. I discussed the reasons why most rappers don't put enough focus on marketing and promotion in my previous article "Why Wack Rappers Are Getting Famous". But just to recap, these are the main reasons. They are insecure and scared of rejection Lazy Prideful and have an entitled mindset because they think their talent means that success is owed to them They set unrealistic … [Read more...] about Demystifying Marketing And Promotion For Rappers – Part 1
A Case For Biting Rappers: Pioneers, Innovators And Thieves
Within any craft, there are three types of people; pioneers, innovators, and thieves. And sometimes the lines that divide each of them can become blurred. This same concept certainly applies to this craft we love and know as "rapping". But at times it can be difficult to pinpoint where you personally fit into all of this. Are you a pioneer, an innovator or just a thief that's bitting off of other rappers hard work? Well, after reading this you might have a slightly different perspective on all of this. Let's first take a look at each of these roles. PIONEERS Pioneers: "a … [Read more...] about A Case For Biting Rappers: Pioneers, Innovators And Thieves
What You Think Freestyle Rapping Is, May Actually Be Wrong
There's a common misconception floating around about what freestyle rapping actually is. Many people think freestyle rapping is completely improvised, meaning you come up with all of your lyrics and rhymes "on the spot" or "off the top" of your head. The Freestyle Rap Dilemma In many cases, those who've adopted the above definition of Freestyle Rap view people who spit written rhymes and call it a Freestyle as fraudulent charlatans who are trying to fool the listeners into thinking everything they're rapping is being improvised live in that very moment. They often feel the need to … [Read more...] about What You Think Freestyle Rapping Is, May Actually Be Wrong
How To Improve Your Rap Freestyles With Rhyme Lists
Today I'd like to share with you a very practical way of not only improving your rap freestyles but your songwriting as well using something called Rhyme lists. As the name implies, Rhyme Lists are simply a list of rhymes. The Struggle If you're freestyling off the dome your biggest struggle is going to be coming up with rhymes quickly before your bar runs out. In fact, while you're rapping one bar you should already be thinking of the word you're going to rhyme with it on the next bar. That Guy We've all heard that guy freestyling who keeps using the same words over and over … [Read more...] about How To Improve Your Rap Freestyles With Rhyme Lists
Building Up The Confidence To Rap In Front Of Others
So you've been working hard on improving your rap skills in the privacy of your bedroom. But at what point should you step out and share your talent with the outside world? And how can you get rid of your fear of rapping in front of others before doing so? I'll be sure to cover all of that within this article so LET'S GET IT! Are You Ready? First things first. Before you start putting yourself out there you should spend some time developing your rap skills. You don't have to "master" the art of rapping first but you should at least be decent at rapping already. If you're not sure if … [Read more...] about Building Up The Confidence To Rap In Front Of Others
Double Time And Trap Beats Explained
If you've ever found yourself trying to rap over a "Trap" style instrumental you may have difficulty figuring out where the beats are landing at first. This is because the instrumental was likely produced in double time. In this lesson, I'll be breaking down what double time is and how it can influence your approach to writing your rap songs. So without further ado... LET'S GET IT!!! Double Time And Trap Beats Explained https://youtu.be/r5WjzkPkwdA Normal Time Now if you've watched any of my previous video lessons you've seen me break down normal time at nauseam. But if you happened to … [Read more...] about Double Time And Trap Beats Explained
Don’t Go To The Studio Before Reading This First!
If you've never been to a recording studio before it can be quite intimidating! There's a lot that you need to know before you hit "the booth" to ensure your recording session is as enjoyable and productive as possible. If you follow the steps below you won't have to worry about being viewed as the "newbie" at the studio! Better yet the studio personnel will just assume you're a regular. House Keeping Before you go to the studio there are a few things you need to know first or you will run the risk of wasting your time and money. Quality Control Don't even think about going to the … [Read more...] about Don’t Go To The Studio Before Reading This First!
How To Write A Rap Song Using Storyboards
We've all experienced that moment when you attempt to write a song but "The Force" just isn't with you! Regardless if you're struggling to get your song started or are having difficulties staying on topic throughout the songwriting process using this simple Storyboard technique will prove to be an invaluable asset. Let's get straight to it, shall we? The picture below is a realistic example of how I use storyboards. I'll expound on each step so that you understand my thought process within each section. Music That Moves This is the first step. It's important to pick an instrumental … [Read more...] about How To Write A Rap Song Using Storyboards
The Four Bar Theory – How To Keep Your Listeners Hooked!
Today I'm going to share something with you that will not only make you a better rapper but it will make you an outstanding entertainer! This "thing" I'm talking about is called "The 4 Bar Theory" and it doesn't just apply to rapping but it's also useful in songwriting, music production, and mixing as well. The 4 Bar Theory is simple. 4 bars isn't too long nor is it too short. If you can create a payoff for your listener every 4 bars you will have them locked in because your song will be highly entertaining! Let's take a quick look at the word "entertainment". To entertain means to … [Read more...] about The Four Bar Theory – How To Keep Your Listeners Hooked!