Why New Musicians (Rappers) Fail: Three Reasons and Solutions
Despite the title of this article, the purpose of it is actually to HELP new emcees AVOID some common traps on their journey to learning how to rap better. You can come up with a million reasons why new rappers fail?or why any artist fails for that matter, but we've boiled the list down to three specific to new emcees.
The three reasons simply put are:
1) The Hobby Factor
2) The Experience Factor
3) The Focus Problem
Through dealing with countless aspiring rappers, we at The State of Hip Hop have noticed that most problems emcees face can in one way or another be traced to these three root troubles.
Simply stating the problems is of use, but of more use is what I'm sure you all are looking for?a solution.
So let's begin?
1) The Hobby Factor:
Millions of people around the world play poker. Of those, only a few thousand are professional. The remainder would probably like to be?they sincerely like the game, yet they don't have a passion for it?for them, poker remains simply a hobby.
This is the case with a good many aspiring emcees. They love rap, they have favorite rappers, know all the words to their songs?but in reality, hip-hop is simply their hobby ? enjoyable entertainment. Even so, there is nothing wrong with this.
There are a good many rappers who are successful and yet don't take rap very seriously. For every KRS-One and Common Sense, you have a pair of Ying Yang Twins or a Master P.
The idea of "not taking rap seriously" does not necessarily refer to the art of rhyme, but instead to rap as a career or business opportunity. So while Master P may not rack his brain trying to craft the most amazing rhyme, he does seriously analyze marketing strategies, distribution outlets, promotional events, etc?all part of the rap game.
But I'm jumping ahead. You may not think this pertains to you. You may think, "I'll worry about that if and when I get that far." But therein lies the problem?a mind that is not preparing itself for the big picture. It goes back to the old "thinking ten steps ahead" philosophy.
Some common signs that a new rapper is stuck in this rut are that they try and come up with good ideas, have writer's block, and stop. Or come up with a few bars or verses, think they're no good, get upset, give up for a while, and pick the pen up again in a couple of days or weeks. For these people rap is a hobby.
Rap is made a hobby by others because they are afraid to fail at it...Remember this! And it applies to everything you do; Success is achieved only after many failures. If you can't handle failure, you're not ready for success.
The Hobby Factor - Solution:
Make rap a priority, set some time aside to dedicate to it. This doesn't mean "forget all your other responsibilities, but do write every day. Writing every day sounds very simple, agreed, but it is rarely practiced. The practice becomes understood to be "write a hot verse/song every day"?which it is not.
"Write every day" simply means that. Write down your freestyles, a poem, the opening page of a short story, ideas for a song, literally anything! You'll be amazed at how drastically this will speed up your learning curve.
Another good idea is to change your entire frame of mind. Let's say you're living at home with your parents. Things are pretty straight, you're not starving. You plan on being a mechanical engineer?What then is motivating you to improve your raps?
Now let's say you got your girlfriend pregnant, are living partially on the streets, working two jobs to eek out a living?and you see rap as your way out. Well now you got some fire under your ass don't you?
The point is not that you need to be in any particular circumstance to be a good rapper?but that if your situation isn't motivating you, you need to force that motivation on you by some other means.
Rap with a hunger?like you literally need it to eat! Don't treat it like a pastime. Whether you end up becoming a successful musician or not, the time you dedicated is never wasted. Good rap skills and song writing skills are amazingly beneficial to developing a good ability to express yourself in any field.
2) The Experience Factor:
This problem is very common among new rappers.
In the hood you might hear a 12-year-old kid spitting a raw 16 bars. That's because 12 in the hood is like 21 anywhere else.
A lot of new emcees are hesitant about what to actually write about because of a lack of experience. They haven't really seen the world first hand. It's hard to write good raps when you don't really know yourself yet?because part of what a rap does is communicate to the listener the personality and character of the rapper. Still, not knowing who you are is nothing to be ashamed of.
So while the 21 year old from the outskirts of New Zealand may be intelligent, he may not be quite sure he knows who he is, what he stands for and what really matters to him, perhaps precisely because he thinks too much.
On the other hand, the 12 year old from the slums of Tokyo may be illiterate, irrational, and arrogant, but he has already come to understand himself?he's comfortable in knowing who he is (regardless of whether he is wrong or has limited his growth).
The Experience Factor - Solution:
Have fun, live, read, and think about who you are.
The best way around this obstacle, really, is just to put yourself into various situations, open your ears to knew ideas, learn your history, etc?All the while asking questions, analyzing things, finding out what in this world matters to you?
Everyone gets around this problem eventually, but for many it's too late. Try to understand who you are at any given time, and spit your rhymes in that image?amped up a few notches?that's what makes it art ;)
3) The Focus Problem:
We've realized that a lot of people who are interested in rapping are simply naturally artistic and expressive. I personally have always enjoyed drawing since I was a child and could always appreciate a well-written book as well as various types of music.
Being as I grew up in the "hip-hop generation" I naturally gravitated towards the art form of rapping. I loved it, the rhyme, the rhythm, the meaning and wordplay?
However, I actually dove into my obsession with rap before I fully developed any of my previous interests.
There is a negative side effect or problem that comes about here.
An aspiring rapper, for example, might be naturally more skilled at or inclined to being a poet, novelist, journalist, public speaker or other type of musician. He or she might then decide to pursue an interest in rap, essentially ignoring their other talents. This is not fundamentally problematic, however?
Rap is NOT (contrary to some beliefs) the same as poetry. It is poetry and more. There are innumerous factors involved in making good rap music. One factor is the fact that it is a form of music?which separates it from other forms of literature on a number of levels.
Furthermore the skills necessary to writing well, speaking well, etc?are all forgone if one decides to skip these optional outlets for expression. This is a HUGE mistake.
The Focus Problem - Solution:
Stay on track and stick to what you're good at.
This not only applies to the above-mentioned outlets of expression but ANY outlet of expression. Dance, art, ANYTHING. You will learn tremendously from these. I can't even begin to explain how much you'll be missing out on if you decide to forgo these means of expression.
Everything that you learn about being a good public speaker, for example, can be effectively applied to rap?whatever you learn about developing a good storyline?can be used in rap, non-verbal communication techniques you might subconsciously pick up in dance class?they help in rap?the list goes on and on.
So there you have it, 3 of the biggest reasons why new rappers fail or quit?
Another additional reason why rappers fail to succeed is that they don't fully understand the business of music. Our section www.thestateofhiphop.com/rap-industry.html can begin to help you understand the workings of the music business. We'll refrain from further detail until a future article.
Until next time, stay on the grind and you should be fine?
See you around!
-prof
TheStateofHipHop.com was created out of the tremendous worldwide demand for practical advice, pointers, rap tips, and more that aspiring musicians need on their journey to learn to rap. Visit http://www.TheStateofHipHop.com for more great articles, tips and information on the music business all 100% free!
Hip Hop fans, don't forget to sign up for our FREE E-Zine where you'll get free hot new and classic rap songs sent to you, rap tips, hip hop news, rapper and producer interviews and more! Check it out at http://www.TheStateofHipHop.com
Copyright 2005 TheStateofHipHop.com All Rights Reserved
 Google News Updated : Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:25:40 GMT Earwax: Too Much of a Good Thing? - WebMD
WebMD - By Kelley Colihan Aug. 29, 2008 -- The body is a miraculous mechanism. Consider the once-lowly earwax. People used to try to remove it. Leave That Ear Wax Alone National Guideline Against Ear Poking Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:32:14 GMT Obama’s Plane Palin Problem - FOXNews
FOXNews - by Major Garrett Reporters covering Barack Obama heard the news aboard Obama 1 (the campaign for the first time chartered a second plane for the swelling press corps), just before takeoff. Video: Raw Video: Schwarzenegger Praises Palin “Tougher in Alaska” host Geo Beach discusses Sarah Palin Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:07:29 GMT US Economy: Spending Slows, Inflation Accelerates (Update1) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Shobhana Chandra Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- US consumer spending grew at a slower pace in July as the impact of the tax rebates faded and a pickup in inflation eroded Americans' buying power. Bonds fall on mixed economic reports Consumer spending flags, but confidence rises Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:25:06 GMT Microwave baby killer convicted - BBC News
BBC News - A US court in Dayton, Ohio, has convicted a mother of murdering her one-month-old daughter by burning her to death in a microwave oven. Video: Prosecutor: Ohio Mom Killed Baby in Microwave US jury convicts mom in microwaved-baby case Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:30:22 GMT Boeing union leaders recommend strike - MarketWatch
MarketWatch - By MarketWatch Leaders of the International Machinists and Aerospace Workers on Friday rejected Boeing's third and final contract proposal and recommended its workers vote to go on strike. Union Leaders Reject Boeing Contract Offer Boeing Union Urges Workers to Reject Offer, Setting Up Strike Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:15:15 GMT Aid agencies scramble to help flood victims - CNN
CNN - (CNN) -- The grinding misery triggered by the massive floods in a downtrodden part of northeastern India and across the border in Nepal persisted Friday, with government and aid agencies swinging into action to help the 2 million-plus people fleeing ... India: Up to 2000 feared dead in Bihar floods Millions displaced in Bihar floods Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:45:57 GMT Protests Rise in Thailand In Challenge to Regime - Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal - By JAMES HOOKWAY and STEPHEN WRIGHT BANGKOK -- Waves of antigovernment protests spread beyond Thailand's capital Friday as clashes between police and demonstrators intensified, forcing the closure of several regional airports and disrupting rail ... Thai protest alliance not so happy with democracy US asks Thailand to end crisis through democratic means Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:33:23 GMT Amazon Content |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Since chords (the main component of harmony) are one of... Read More Before the internet, unsigned music artists couldnt make a living,... Read More CORRECT PRACTICE IS INDISPENSABLE!Your success or failure at the keyboard... Read More Guitar amplifiers are a major part of your tone. Some... Read More While it probably doesn't seem like this would help -... Read More How To Construct Basic Chords on the PianoThe easiest way... Read More Pop/Rock Recording Artist Amber, who has scored seven #1 Billboard... Read More This months tip deals with micing kick drums.You wouldn't believe... Read More Both of these timbers make great soundboards on flat top... Read More Have you ever done any of the following?1. Made excuses... Read More Performance anxiety is not something that only happens to musicians,... Read More Your best music will always come when you are in... Read More You know your songs are great (and so does your... Read More Rarely is a chord played with its tones contained in... Read More The Open Position Chord (OPC) allows you to create a... Read More The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments... Read More It's all over the news these days. Download music from... Read More "But I'm not in it for the money" you say.Me... Read More Are you a perfectionist? Does every note have to sound... Read More There are basically two ways you can compose a piece... Read More If you've been playing piano for some time, you may... Read More As industry insiders, we sometimes forget that when discussing the... Read More Playing the ModesWhen I used to use this pack with... Read More The idea originated with singer Jon Bon Jovi. Jon kept... Read More Do you sit down at the piano and feel anxiety... Read More
Adsense
websites
How Many Chords Are There, Anyway?
Music Industry Secrets Revealed - How To Become Succesful The Music Industry Without A Record Deal
Automatic Control of Chords
Things To Know When Shopping For A Guitar Amplifier
Musical Improvisation Basics - Four Strategies For Playing Wrong Notes
How to Construct Chords and Improvise
CD Review: Amber - My Kind of World
Micing a Kick Drum
ADIRONDACK versus SITKA SPRUCE
A Guitar Lesson to Help You Develop Your Vision
Performing, Whats the Big Deal?
How to Be in the Moment when Playing Piano
Tips for a Great Recording Session
How to Create Hip, Mature, and Lush Harmonies [correction]
Open Position Piano Chords - Perfect for the New Age Style
What is Guitar Tablature and Can I Find It Online?
Legal Free Music Downloads - Songs You Want at No Cost
How To Make a Fortune Teaching Piano (or Guitar, or Drums, or Singing, or?) To Beginners
Piano Lessons and Perfectionism
Chords or Melody First... Which is Best?
Music Making as Spiritual Experience
Formation of a Song (Recording)
Modal Theory for Guitar Players - Part 2
An Interview with Jon Bon Jovi ? 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Cant Be Wrong
Common Thoughts That Kill Inspiration
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Guitar Buying - The Pros and Cons of Vintage vs. Reissue
To most people, owning the "genuine article" is the only... Read More
Is Rhapsody Music Downloads Service Getting A Good Rhap?
Rhapsody music, from RealNetworks is one of several reputable legal... Read More
How to Create an Original Melody
Here's a method I use that works. First, sit down... Read More
Musical Improvisation Basics - Four Strategies For Playing Wrong Notes
While it probably doesn't seem like this would help -... Read More
Liberate your iPod
When Akio Morita came up with the idea of the... Read More
Karaoke Singing
This article is designed to help anyone to enjoy karaoke... Read More
Review: The Dissociatives - Self Titled
In 1994 Daniel Johns and his group Silverchair were catapulted... Read More
Music and Healing: The Power of Meaningful Words and Music
We All Have a Favorite Piece of Music that Moves... Read More
12 Reasons You Should Learn to Play the Piano
All right, folks, here you go: My 12 reasons why... Read More
The Flower Garden and New Age Piano Music
If you've ever looked at a flower garden, not only... Read More
Be Your Own DJ - Digital Audio Processing Tools Overview
SoundEdit Pro http://www.deprice.com/soundeditpro.htmSoundEdit Pro is a digital audio editor for... Read More
Story of 50 Cent
G-Units 50 Cent , was born 6th of July 1976... Read More
How to Use the Entire Piano Keyboard
There are 88 keys on the piano keyboard. Most pianists... Read More
Five Great Practice Ideas I Learned From My Piano Students!
Sometimes the teacher learns more from the student than the... Read More
Paint Your Own Musical Landscapes!
I don't know why, but I find the idea of... Read More
Singing: The Tonic of Life
Most people these days would associate singing with the popular... Read More
Piano on the Right-Side of the Brain
Some of you may remember a book titled "Drawing on... Read More
Oh My Aching Head! Can Music Really Make You Feel Better?
We all know, if only instinctively, that music has a... Read More
Guitarists...Are You A Victim and A Loser?
I was thinking today about THE most dangerous enemy of... Read More
Play Piano As Fast As Possible!
One of the rules of practicing we all hear over... Read More
Establishing Your Mix
Now that you've spent hours and days and weeks and... Read More
Play The Piano Like A Pro
Meet the 12 Major Notes:1. C (do)2. C# - Db... Read More
How to Make State-of-the-Art Video Singles Cheaply
When it comes to promoting their new music releases, I... Read More
Piano Music - How to Begin and End a Piece
How do you begin a piece of music? That's a... Read More
Les Paul Vintage Gibson Guitars
Les Paul vintage Gibson guitars were first produced in 1952.... Read More
Music & MP3 |