Be a Famous Rapper

Rap originated in 1970s New York as a combination of funk, soul, and disco. Since then, it has gone through several transformations and have made some artists wealthy and famous. Becoming a famous rapper is easier said than done, with thousands of young and talented artists hoping to make it big. While there's no guarantee you can become a famous rapper by following a set of guidelines, there are things that you can do to grow your career and refine your skills to increase your chances of being known for your music.

Steps

Mastering the Art of Rapping

1. Study the rhyming styles of legendary hip hop artists. Rap has evolved over the decades in not only the type of content that rappers talk about in their lyrics, but the way lyrics are strung together and delivered. Study the delivery of greats like Tupac Shakur, Notorious BIG, Nas, Grandmaster Flash, Rakim, Jay-Z, and the Wu-Tang Clan to get an understanding of different rhyming styles.
   • You can also get inspired by what's currently popular with artists like Fetty Wap, Drake, and Nicki Minaj.
   • Delivery is almost as important as the lyrics themselves. Take note on how some rappers delivery is faster, slower, smoother, or harsher than others.
   • Study the wordplay and context of songs. Look for double meanings and puns so you can incorporate these things into your lyrics.
   • Remain original, but draw from the skills of artists that came before you. You don't have to sound the same, but you must understand why and how they made music.
2. Master the various rhyming schemes that exist. Different rhyming schemes are available to rappers, from AABB to AXXA. These rhyming styles dictate which words rhyme in your lyrics. Study them and develop your rhyming versatility.
   • Most verses in rap songs are "16 bars" or 4 sets of 4 lines of lyrics in a song.
   • Start with simple rhyming schemes like ABAB and build up to include more complex rhymes.
   • An example of an ABAB rhyme is "That cat, over there, in the hat, on the bear." The last word in the first and third lines rhyme as well as the last word in the second and fourth line.
   • Some rhymes are known as half-rhymes if they have similar sounding ending consonant sounds but do not fully rhyme. An example would be "bald" and "held."
3. Build up your rhyming ability but keep it catchy. Some artists get so complex and into their art that they forget that it must also appeal to the general audience. As you build up your lyrical skills, make sure to keep the listener in mind and don't get too fancy or else you may lose fans.
   • Taking risks are a part of being a popular artist, but sometimes you can lose fans if they don't like the direction you're going in.
   • Just because a song is catchy does not mean that it has to lack substance.
4. Have the ability to deliver a good hook. The hook is the part of the song that is often repeated and is the portion of the track that's usually most remembered by fans. For other genres of music, this is typically referred to as the chorus. Having a good hook in a song is incredibly important if you want it to be popular. The hook should be catchy, memorable, and should embody the song.
   • A popular hook from the past is Chamillionaire's "Ridin Dirty." "They see me rollin', they hatin', Patrollin' and tryna catch me ridin' dirty. Tryna catch me ridin' dirty."
   • If you aren't a singer or aren't good with hooks, consider collaborating with an R&B singer who would be better equipped.
   • Think of something that helps support the verses in your songs.
5. Never stop practicing to stay sharp on your wordplay. Regardless of how popular or famous you get, it's important to stay on the top of your game. Rapping is a skill that requires discipline and practice so make sure to regularly practice to work out your rapping abilities.
   • Take every opportunity to show other people your songs and get feedback.
   • Practice in front of the mirror, while you're in the car, or taking a walk.

Creating Your Music

1. Write original songs that illicit an emotional response. While copying popular or iconic music may get you a small amount of success, it will never make you as popular as the artist that you're trying to be. It's important to draw from personal circumstances, events, and emotions from your life and the lives of people around you.
   • If you've been through tough times it is likely people have shared similar experiences. Being open and genuine will affect people more than copying a lifestyle you've never lived.
   • Try to mix up your catalog of music. Don't always rap about the same thing and make sure your songs don't all share the same mood. Showing a range of emotion will allow you to connect to more fans.
2. Collaborate with producers to create full songs. Unless you plan on mixing and creating your own beats, you'll most likely have to meet a producer that's already good at it. Try to get producers that have created successful songs in the past, and meet with them so that they can cater their beats to your unique style and voice.
   • Talk to other rappers to find local producers that would be willing to collaborate.
   • Send local recording studios a demo of your music if you're still unable to find a producer in your personal network.
   • If you can't find a producer, consider learning how to create your own beats or use royalty free music.
3. Record music in a studio. A music studio will be able to refine, mix, and remaster the music that you make. In addition, they will have the hardware and equipment, like mixers and mics, to make sure that the best quality music is produced. Call a local studio and ask for rates and schedule a time to record.
   • Make sure to have a game plan before going into the studio. Studios usually charge an hourly fee, so wasting time is not smart.
   • Some musicians record in their bedroom, but it requires skill and knowledge on how to mix sound. You will also likely need expensive equipment like a powerful laptop and a good microphone in order to create high-quality music.
4. Upload your songs and create videos on YouTube and Soundcloud. You can only become famous if your music is popular, which means people need to be able to listen to it. Before you get signed to a label or release a record, exposure online can be an early springboard towards success. Partnering up with a video producer to create a music video can also help get your music out there.
   • Artists like Soulja Boy and Macklemore got their start on YouTube.
5. Develop your own style. Being a top rapper means that you can be innovative, genuine, and likable over the long run. Developing your own unique style and sound is critical to standing out from the crowd. Take the unique aspects from your personality and integrate that into your music, and never stray away from what makes you different and unique.
   • Artists like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are different than most of the rap mainstream due to their lyrical content and production, but were able to pick up multiple Grammy nominations.

Networking and Staying on Top

1. Play local shows or open for bigger artists. When you're first starting off, you're probably not going to be headlining your own show. It's important to get performing experience before you being to play in front of a large audience. Hang around local venues and get to know the staff there. Ask the talent manager or booking agent there if you can open for other hip hop acts.
   • Talk to other local artists. If you become their friend, they may want you to open for their shows.
2. Hire a manager to take on booking responsibilities. If you're not able to book any shows, then a manager may help in directing your career. They can use their pre-existing relationships with venue owners and people in the industry in order to get your foot in the door.
   • Managers typically take 15% -20% of the income that you generate.
   • Before you hire a manager, make sure that you've exhausted your own personal networking connections to land gigs.
3. Keep good relationships with people in the music industry. Getting into personal arguments with other people in the music industry will most likely come back to hurt you. Don't do anything that violates your own personal set of ethics, but try to maintain good relationships by remaining respectful and not spreading rumors or holding grudges against those that you work with.
4. Have a strong social media presence. Social media has given the ability for artists and rappers to directly communicate with their fans and has completely revolutionized the rapper and fan relationship. Staying active and relevant on social media will allow you to hype new tracks and promote your music, as well as stay in touch with the people listening to your songs.
   • Try to stay away from arguments or starting "beef" with other musicians unless it advances your career.
   • Be careful about what you post because it could ruin your career.
5. Merchandise your brand. Branching out and merchandising your brand will give you another revenue stream and will increase your exposure to the general public. Many of the most famous rappers have merchandised in some way over the span of their careers.
   • Popular rap driven clothing brands include Drake's OVO apparel, Kanye West’s "Yeezus" and "Life of Pablo" merchandise, and Yung Lean's SBE Gear.
   • Dr. Dre owns Beats Music and Beats which increased his net worth to $800 million.
   • Merchandising will get people who don't like rap aware of your brand.
6. Stay relevant and do research on new music. Musical evolution is critical, especially in the case of hip-hop and rap. As you age, it becomes harder for you to stay relevant, so you must be up on the latest trends in the rap industry. Integrate what's popular into your music and make it your own.
   • Don't be judgmental of younger rappers if you don't get why they are popular. Instead, try to see the perspective of the fans and figure out the aspects that make it sell.
   • Do not get stuck in your ways when you're rapping. Rap has evolved and will continue to evolve with or without you.

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Sources and Citations

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