Want to be a successful rapper? Well The Epic Net is here to show you what it takes now a days. The music business is a tough business these days, especially with the change from retail to Internet downloads. Also the Hip Hop game specifically has changed so much that it has become so hard to break a new artist than it was years ago. Rappers aren’t praised so much for their lyrics anymore, it’s mostly about image and buzz.

So here are a couple things you will need on your quest for dominance in the Hip Hop scene.

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BARS
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Like I said, MC’s aren’t just praised for slick lyrics anymore. Regardless though you still need bars. You still need to be able to create great verses and especially hooks. Even the crappiest of MC’s, still need to be able to put them together. Though many of the most praised MC’s are most likely using ghost writers. However you shouldn’t have to rely on a ghost writer. And besides, if you are an excellent song writer you may even be able to consider ghostwriting as a side hustle too.

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A FANBASE
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People in the industry are not going to take any notice of you unless you already have a strong fanbase. Once you can secure this fan base, it will give you more legs to go further also. Once people are already a fan of your music, it makes it easier to get new fans based on word of mouth. The best way to do this, is to create a local buzz in your area by doing shows. The more shows you do in your area, the more people hear of you and begin to know about what you have to offer. If you stay consistent, this will only continue to make your buzz stronger.

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RAPPER HOMIES
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If you get cool with some other MC’s that are doing the same thing as you, it increases your chances to get known. You’ll be able to feed off of each others presence in the Hip Hop game. If you collaborate then their fans will become your fans, and vice versa. Also if things pay off for one of you, it will be a positive thing for the other.

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BUSINESS MENTALITY
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Now a days the music industry is more business minded than ever. With things like the recession and piracy taking it’s toll on the industry, people are obsessed with making money. There is no more love, just business. You have to approach your rap career like it’s a business. Networking with the right people can really get you far. Try to hook up with some Hip Hop blogs online, give them exclusives. Treat bloggers like DJ’s. These bloggers most likely have a lot of connects, and can get the right people hearing your music.

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CONNECTIONS
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This ties in directly with with the Business Mentality tip. You have to make connections, and the way to do this is networking. Networking is the key to success for many people. Not just rappers, but business entrepreneurs period. The more people you tell about what your doing, the more people that know about it. Even if you feel like you aren’t talking to someone that is important, it’s good to tell that person all about yourself. You never know who that person will talk to in the future. Making connections just makes the whole process that much simple.

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A PLAN
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You have to set out a plan for yourself. Don’t just tell yourself that you want to blow up and be the hottest new rapper on the scene, or be the next Drake. Sometimes you may have to settle for less fame, but a shit ton of money. Don’t rule out the possibility of just being an indie rapper. You can make a whole lot of money on the indie scene, if you have a good hustlers mentality. In some cases this may be as far as you can get in the game. Big record labels aren’t investing in new artists like they used to, and even if you get on a major, the deals they offer may be straight up robbery. Plan where you want to go to be successful, don’t set yourself up for failure.

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GET INTO PRODUCTION
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Don’t be one of those people who downloads free beats and rap’s over them on your computer. Take your time to learn production, and perhaps buy all the equipment you need to perfect your sound. Either do that, or pay for studio time. Maybe you can find someone who will give you free studio time (if you have the connections), or find a friend with a studio. You won’t be taken seriously other wise.

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IMAGE
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You may have some of the nicest lyrics, and some hot songs. But without image, you wont get too far. Be sure to inflate your personality to ten times it’s current level. You know who you are, but the world has to know who you are even more. To do that successfully you have to push the bar further than you usually world. Sometimes that means being over the top, but hey you have to stand out some how. Having a lot of ice is not the answer, people do not care how many jewels you have, if they don’t even know who you are yet.

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That’s all for now, look out for volume two. I will stay dropping these gems for you wannabe rapstars out there.

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