I routinely say at the end of each of my videos "And remember, when it comes to rapping, there's no rules, there's only techniques". Now please allow me to seemingly contradict myself for just a moment. If I were to tell you that there was one rule it would be this... "Always...and I mean always... follow... the inspiration". https://youtu.be/LEd71cK5eKA You see if you always follow the inspiration you will be much freer throughout the creative process. I've found that the creative process is very much about getting out of your own way. If you follow the inspiration then you … [Read more...] about The Only Rule Rappers Should Follow
encouragement
Writing A Song With A Fresh Perspective
Have you ever began writing a song and everything seems to be coming together perfectly? Then after a few more hours of working on it you seem to no longer love it? In fact you start questioning everything and end of backtracking and changing things? In this article I hope to shed some light on what's actually happening when you are experiencing this common occurrence among songwriters. Newly Acquainted Have you ever discovered a new song that you love and then after listening to it over and over again you notice your excitement and admiration of it diminishes significantly? Are you just … [Read more...] about Writing A Song With A Fresh Perspective
Overcoming Writers Block
We've all at some point of time dealt with the frustrations of writers block. You're excited about finally getting to work on your new song only to be greeted by absolute nothingness. In this article I will shed light on a few things you could do that may liberate you from this artistic stronghold. Flatline Have you ever wondered what prompted you to write in the first place? Was it inspiration? How about desperation or even frustration? Music is all about feelings and emotions and often times that is exactly what causes us to express ourselves. But what if our emotions are completely flat, … [Read more...] about Overcoming Writers Block
The Importance Of Purpose
Before you embark on any journey it's wise to know your purpose of going. I've learned over the years that the most critical part of constructing anything is laying a solid foundation to build upon. If your foundation is not solid the slightest storm will cause your entire structure to collapse into ruble. The foundation I'm speaking of is what I like to refer to as "defining your why". Vision The reason why most rappers fail at what they're trying to accomplish isn't due to a lack of discipline but rather a lack of vision. A vision is a vivid picture in your mind and soul of where you … [Read more...] about The Importance Of Purpose
How To Create A Unique Rap Style
A common question I constantly get asked from up and coming artists who are learning how to rap is "how can I create my own unique rap style?". This is actually a really good question and you may find my answer quite shocking at first but before you discredit what i'm about to say please hear me out. If you're wanting to create and cultivate your own sound you need to first accept the fact that you're not original. I know this can be an offensive notion to entertain and I myself am not excluded in that regard. But before I'm bombarded with 4 letter objections allow me to … [Read more...] about How To Create A Unique Rap Style
Handicapped One Legged Man Inspires Others
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7hbfcyK4nc Reminiscing Every so often you come across videos or articles about amazing people while browsing the internet which leave you inspired and encouraged in a positive and challenging way. But it's even more rare to be close to one of those kinds of people in your personal life. 10 years ago I met a handicapped one legged man who is partially blind in both eyes who has since left me and the majority of people who cross paths with him inspired in a deep and profound way. His name is Richard Edens and he is by far one of the most unusual, … [Read more...] about Handicapped One Legged Man Inspires Others
Words Of Encouragement: They’re Watching You!
Switching It Up I often post articles centered around teaching people how to rap and becoming more established artists. But sometimes I like to share what I refer to as words of encouragement. We all need encouragement and we need it often so I hope this is a nice pick me up for you. Slangin Debbie's I work part time merchandising Little Debbie's for my parents distributorship. It's a sweet gig and it get's me out the studio and allows me to mingle among my fellow contributors to society which prevents me from becoming a total recluse. Something happened to me today while working my part … [Read more...] about Words Of Encouragement: They’re Watching You!
Why Being Narrow Minded Can Be A Good Thing
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Nate Fancher on the CMB Podcast. During the interview Nate asked me what was my biggest struggle with running my business. As I began to ponder and spend a moment in deep self reflection I became readily aware of what it was; a lack of focus due to not being narrow minded! Over the past few years I have gradually began to overextend myself with tasks for my business. While it has been rewarding financially it has also caused me to start losing focus on what my primary objectives were in the first place. I have come to the realization that I … [Read more...] about Why Being Narrow Minded Can Be A Good Thing
Dare To Be Yourself
Under Pressure Regardless if you are a recording artist or not in general we as people struggle with authentically being ourselves. Why is that? Could it be peer pressure, parental pressure, political or religious pressure to be something that you are truly not? Or how about a fear of rejection that may consequently leave you feeling irrelevant? Maybe you feel like you won't be accepted unless you replicate what already seems to work for others? Who Are You? Perhaps you have never taken the time to consider who you truly are. What makes you tick? What brings you joy? What gives you … [Read more...] about Dare To Be Yourself
How This Cheap $10 Dollar Mic Catapulted Me To New Heights
How This Cheap $10 Dollar Mic Catapulted Me To New HeightsYou've got to start somewhere I recently was going through some of my old data cd's that I had burned to keep backups of from back in the day. I came across this one particular cd that had some of my very first recordings on it! Talk about going back in time! As I began listening to them isolated in my studio with no one else around I was overcome with embarrassment due to how terrible they sounded. The recordings were distorted because I recorded to loud, The volume of the vocals was inconsistent due to me moving around while … [Read more...] about How This Cheap $10 Dollar Mic Catapulted Me To New Heights