Let’s start with this: How Do I Break Into The Global Hip Hop Market? Sure, we’re just diving right the fuck in, but that’s the goal, right? You want to be internationally known, respected and paid. Let’s not dick around here. (On that note, keep an eye on Global Hip Hop Market, the best international rap blog in the known Universe.)
2. Working backwards, check out How do I get on Soundscan and Billboard Charts? This tackles the technical tasks you’ve gotta deal with in order to get registered with the evil empire at Nielsen and start getting your numbers like a real rock star should. Spoiler Alert: It costs $500 a year so you better be planning on selling some records.
3. It could use some detail work, but The $0 Promotional Plan is still a solid map. As far as how to be worth promoting, well…that’s a slippery slope. Here’s the best summary piece: Be Innovative, Episodic and Interesting and Get Free Publicity. (That really is the formula, by the way…it’s just harder than it sounds.)
4. On the same media promo angle, up next we’ve got How Do I Get My Music Reviewed? For further advice, check out Adam B’s recent warnings for DIY rap stars, I Will Not Listen to Your MP3s and the follow-up rant, The Gripe List.
5. The DIY Hip Hop Business Master Class is a lot like the Case Study articles I do on hip hop producers: all the best stuff in one place. This article is more like a remix of the best business and strategy lessons from ?uestlove, Slug, Wendy Day, and even Paul Wall. Really. (And for more quality interviews, check out the archives at Art of Rhyme and Philaflava.)
6. Does Radio Play Still Matter? Uh….yes. Yes, it does. No-brainer, but still a must-read.
7. SOME HARSH TRUTH: First, start with Three Reasons I Stopped Writing Audible Hype, which basically boils down to: “a) “New Business Models” Are For Rich People, and b) Marketing is Simple and Boring as Fuck.” There’s more, but that’s the gist. Also, the manifesto-rant that started Audible Hype: Music Business 2.0 Without the Bullshit.
8. So far on the list, we’ve been overlooking the most important part: live shows. Start with How Can I Get More Gigs? For more to chew on, check out this series on the question “Is Touring Still Necessary?” Basically: yes, but not until you’ve got enough of a fan base to be turning a profit on the road.
9. If you’re doing hip hop production, go sign up for the RSS feed over at Crate Kings right now. Every day, dope videos…educational, inspirational, always on point. Definitely the best hip hop production blog you’re gonna find.
10. Finally, in case you’ve been skimming this list because you want a record deal, READ THIS. Then start over and actually read all the articles I’ve linked to here. You don’t want a contract. You don’t need a deal. You do probably need a loan, though…if that’s the case, start here: Investing in Artists – The Human Part of the Capital Attraction Equation, by Bruce Warila.
via Dj MSP
