The Top 5 Reasons Rappers Fail

Greetings from your friendly neighborhood Murderer.™

We're on the cusp of a brand new year, and nothing would make me happier than to see the artists I work with succeed! I put together a quick list of what I feel to be the top 5 reasons rappers never make it out the gate.

In no particular order...

5 Ego

An over-the-top ego is never attractive. Whether it be in personal relationships, or in business. You must learn to keep the super-inflated ego on the tracks you're rapping on, and maintain a humble confidence in dealings with the public and possible business associates.

4 Not Staying True to Yourself

The purpose of making music should always be self-expression. Through expressing your thoughts, emotions and ideas, listeners will connect to your message. Compromising yourself by adopting gimmicks or jumping on the bandwagon of fads is a surefire way to fade into obscurity. That is, if you've risen above obscurity to begin with.

3 Lack of Business Skills

The music business is a BUSINESS. If you are seeking to enter & excel in it, you must learn basic business principles. Sales, marketing, promotion, etc. is just the tip of the iceberg. Those who excel with their music careers do so because they treat it as a career. A tenet of business is you only get out what you put in. A lot of artists are not willing to invest in themselves, yet expect others to do so. Do not fall into this trap.

2 Laziness & Wishful Thinking

Laziness is a killer. It will kill your bank account assuredly. The only way to rise above the sprawling mass of rappers out there is to be constantly working. Releasing music is only a facet. The music must then be put in front of possible fans and consumers relentlessly to have any kind of impact. A common flaw in rapper think is that a magic music industry fairy will come and pluck them up out of their current situation. This is so far from truth it is laughable. Do your research. Any musician who is on now, was hustling fervently on the independent circuit to get themselves in position to move to the next level.

1 Lack of Direction

If you don't know where you're going, how will you ever get there? Write out your goals daily. This keeps them fresh in your mind and maintains your focus on the outcome. Each day take steps in that direction and before long you will be writing out new goals because you've already attained your original ones.

I truly hope you found this useful! Be honest with yourself and see how you measure up in each of these 5 areas. If you'd like to discuss improving on any area, please don't hesitate to contact me! I love to discuss this beautiful business of music any time.

Have a great day!
-Mike