How to Become a Successful Local Rap Artist

So you want to rap. You love listening to Dr. Dre, 2Pac and DMX. Maybe you know all the lyrics to Eminem's second and third albums. You can rap it up with the best of them. However, you are just now getting the idea that maybe this is something that you can do. It's best to smart with the little leagues. You can work your way up to the majors. Being a successful local rap artist is essential before moving your way up the ranks to a national rap star. Don't waste any time in starting on this path.

Instructions

1. Write your own music. Lyrics are the foundation, heart and soul of any rap song. Make sure that you have strong lyrics. Dig deeply into your soul, and write the truth from your heart. You don't have to come from a place of great drama in order to have a lot on your heart and mind. Think about the places from which your heart aches. Express your feelings in the music.

2. Record the lyrics with beats. There are now ways to record a demo at home, but it's best to go into the recording studio. Expect to spend from the low hundreds to low thousands in order to record a modest demo. Asking friends for help, or recording at a studio for free or a discounted rate will decrease that amount by an extreme amount.

3. Send your demo to all the local clubs and performance spaces. Follow up by placing a call to those in charge of local hang outs. Ask about the response to your demo. Be firm, and be sincere. Get yourself gigs by being persistent.

4. Invite everybody you know to support you when playing locally. Also invite record producers and other booking agents in your town. Get the word out about your music.

5. Create a website. include ways to download your music, a link to purchase your compact disc demo and a link to contact you. You should also put up photographs from past shows, and try to have someone videotape live performances in order to showcase them on your website as well.

6. Promote yourself in every way possible. Hand out brochures and cards, send your music to record labels and give out a business card to everybody you meet in the industry.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't ever steal the ideas or themes from other rap music. Be original, and pave your own path in the industry.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish