You might laugh when you read this, but to stand out from the vast field of rappers and singers, you have to have great music. Your music has to be captivating to the point where it gets stuck in your listeners’ heads even when the track is ready. The foundation of all good music is a solid BEAT.
In the hip-hop industry, the beat is what makes or breaks you.
Choosing a generic beat and rapping is not enough, you have to find quality material to get attention. There are thousands of websites offering top-of-the-line beats, but it’s up to you to find the right sound to complement your talent.
Before you even pick a beat, you need to know what kind of sound you need to bring your song to life. As an artist, it is your responsibility to make sure your rhythms and rhymes are the same to complete your artistic vision. You also have to make a connection with your audience through the music you create.
Finding your own unique sound will take a lot of time, patience, and experimentation. Jay-z didn’t become Jay-z overnight; it took him years to become the artist you see today. The same rules apply to you; you have to find what beats suit your style and what you need to do to bring out the best in you artistically.
For example,
o Are you more of an R&B type of rapper or do you have more of a west coast style?
o Do you have an east coast style or are you more laid back and jazzy?
There are many genres in the hip-hop industry, and depending on your style, you need to figure out where you fit in. this will help you when choosing your beats because if you already have a general understanding of the type of style you are in, then half the job is done.
The beat you choose should have the same vibe as your lyrical content. For example, you can’t rap about gangsters over an R&B track, it just doesn’t work. You have to make sure that both elements of the song are balanced.
The last thing you have to do is practice. Lil Wayne said it best: “Repetition is the father of learning.” To be great, you have to hone your craft, which means you have to READ, LISTEN AND PROPERLY READ music every day. Talent will get you nowhere if you don’t practice and progress. With every beat you rap, take your time. Make sure every word you spit has your heart and do whatever it takes to make your song your own. What I mean is never stop honing your skills because practice equals longevity in the music industry.
Remember to work hard, spit from the heart and have fun with it.
