5 Tips for Up-And-Coming Rappers

I've spent roughly a decade booking and performing hip-hop shows. Before that, I was playing live in punk, ska and metal bands. I've thrown incalculable amounts of energy and money into putting on fun, memorable events. I've celebrated successful turnouts and I've beaten myself up over failed projects that were doomed from the start. Ups and downs are inevitable. If you want to build a successful career as an independent artist you should never stop learning. There's always something that you don't know and there's always ways to reinvent your brand and evolve as an entertainer. Here's 5 key points that are consistently overlooked.

1. Promote Your Show- Seems simple enough, but a lot of times artists will get on a show and suddenly act like their work is done. If you want to make a career out of your music you need to treat it like a job. You are a business and businesses need customers. Go hang up flyers. Engage with people. Explain to them why they need to go to your show.

2. Show Up On Time- If your set is at 8, that doesn't mean show up at 7:45. Show up when the show starts, or earlier. Watch the other acts. Mingle with your fans. Make new fans. Interact with promoters and club owners. Maybe you can squeeze in a soundcheck. If you don't care, why would anyone else?

3. Network- Collaborate with other artists. It might be the best way to advance your career and build your fanbase. The same goes for promoters and venue managers. There's always somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody, so talk to people. Not only does it show people that you care but you never know who you might run into.

4. Don't Rap Over Your Vocals- Secure your instrumentals. Rehearse your live set. Practice your lyrics. Do not rap over your finished track. Not only is it unprofessional, but it's incredibly lazy. You're not performing live, you're lip synching.

5. Stage Presence- Don't just stand in one spot and recite your lyrics. If you're fortunate enough to have an entire stage to yourself, utilize it. Move around. Get psyched. People respond with the same energy that you give out. If your crowd is bored it's because you're boring.

*BONUS*- Before you start negotiating pay, ask yourself how many people actually came to see you and how much you would pay to watch a boring, unrehearsed, painfully arrogant performance.