Here Are 3 Tips For Competing With Other Rappers

Every rapper wants to be the next breakout artist. However, there are thousands of rappers and only a few people who can have that title. This is what makes hip-hop such a competitive genre. Everyone wants to be next Jay-Z or the next Drake. If you’re a new artist, trying to make a name for yourself, this could be intimidating. You have the chance to make it, just like all artists that you’re competing against. But, you’ll need to stand out. Here are some tips for doing that.

1. Develop your style

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If you turn on the radio, you’ll likely hear a catchy song from a new artist you haven’t heard of. You’ll probably keep hearing the song for a few weeks and vaguely know the artist. After a while, the song will become played out and you’ll likely never hear anything from that artist again.  Artists come and go like this all the time, becoming one hit wonders.

If you are going to stay in this game longer, you need to a niche; you need something that makes you different from other rappers. Your audience has to see you apart from the average MC. For instance, Childish Gambino markets himself as the nerdy black guy. Chance the Rapper portrays himself as the nice guy. Kendrick Lamar shows the world that he is a woke street philosopher. Find an aspect of yourself that is special to you, and make that your brand.

2. Hone your lyricism

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Just about anyone can come up with a few decent lines, mix it with a beat, and call that fusion a song. Although, not everyone, can craft bar after bar of clever lyrics. If you want to better than other rappers, you’ll need to constantly work on your lyrics. People remember lines like “They say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice, I say the dark skin and the deeper the roots.” The greatest rappers in history are seen as great because of their words. It takes actual skill to get recognition in Hip Hop. If you want that recognition, then you need to develop your skills as much as you can.

3. Social Media

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It uses to be that you would hand out your mixtape on the corner or at a barbershop. The digital hand has changed that. Online is where most music promotion is done now. To reach fans online, you’ll need to know how social media works. While it may seem like it’s just random people posting random ideas, there is actually a social science to when people look at their feeds and what they look at. By understanding social media, you can reach a larger audience and spread your name.

If you really want to be the next great rapper, fight for it. But, fight smart. Know what to do and know how to get it done. Set up a plan for starting your career and then do it.