How to Become a Recording Artist

Instructions

1. It's always good to know people. Get your name out there. The more people you know the better. Popularity goes along way in the music industry. Look at artists like Souljah Boy, Lil' Wayne, Waka Flaka Flame. They are notorious for puting out songs that have hardly any lyrical creativity. But, the beats "go hard". Creating your own beats is a must starting out. That way, you want have to pay and give credit to a beat maker and you want be sued for not sharing profits with them when you succeed.

2. Once you have enough popularity and swag, sit down and write some lyrics. Not everyone is lyrically enclined. It might be best if you did write down lyrics, just to have some bars stored in your head. Although, it does help if you're a good freestylist. Battle rapping is an easy way to get some swagger and popularity. The internet is a great way to publicize yourself and get recognized. Thanks to the web, you could probably get notice by a mogul and get picked up, if you're lucky.

3. Record a mixtape. You may not have the best sound eqipment money can buy. Find a recording studio in your local area. There might be someone who specializes in recording or rent out studio time. Then again you'd be surprised of how many bootleg studios I've seen. Just like the one in Hustle and Flow. Whatever works best for you.

4. Sale yourself. Real hip-hop fans would support a "good" up and coming artist. If you are well known in the community, they would actually buy your mixtape. If selling it doesn't work, give it away. Another excellent way to market yourself. Go to your local radio station and try to get your music on the air. If you're any good they might put you on. I live near Jackson, MS. WJMI (99.7) is always playing local artists. It's how David Banner got his start. Also, try booking a club gig for little or no money.