Money, Power, Respect

So, you wanna rap?

Well, like anything else, if you're going for something, the first thing you should consider is "what is my goal?"  What are you seeking with this?  Doing music (well, at least) takes a non-trivial amount of time, effort, anguish, and work to do, so you're actively doing music and releasing it to be public, you've got a reason, but what?  At the end of the day, those reasons usually fall into one of three infamous category: money, power, or respect.  That reason can and should shape your approach and outlook on music.

For The Money

If you're going to do music for the money, as so many aspiring rappers are, then you're looking to build a business on the back of your passion to perform.  Money is the motivation, and, as such, your decisions should take on more of a business perspective.  You'll want to follow business trends, manage your finances properly (or get someone who can), budget your projects, and invest in yourself and your work.

Those are the obvious things, but one thing many artists who rap for the money fail to remember is to account for a return on investment.  If you're considering putting money behind your music, you need to first have a plan on how you are going to at least get that money back; ideally, how you can make more than you put in.  If you don't take that aspect seriously, you're essentially throwing cash into a black hole.  Would you invest money in a business where the owner had no plan?  Of course not, and you shouldn't treat your own business any differently -- fail to plan and you plan to fail.

Rapping for the money may also mean you get to a point where you're doing music that will sell, not necessarily music you want to do.  But at this point -- even if you're independent or self-employed -- you work for the people.  Fail to please your customers and you'll find yourself out of business.

You can be a successful rapper financially, even independently.  You may not be rich and famous, but following proper business techniques, along with a lot of hard work, can allow you to make steady income doing something you enjoy.

For The Power

The power of words can not be understated.  The influence that one person -- politicians, celebrities, teachers -- have over masses of people can be tremendous.  Being an artist gives you that potential to truly shape the lives of others, to make a difference in society, to influence your peers, break down barriers, and connect with people.

The best music is timeless, it transcends generations, cultural walls, and infiltrates pop culture.  Songs like Edwin Starr's "War," Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us," and Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" deliver messages that mobilize people to think and act.

As a rapper, you have that potential.  You can make a difference in someone's life on a large or small scale.  Songs that people can relate to are the most powerful.  The songs above connected so well because of their timely releases during eras where they gave a voice to the voiceless.  They provided an anthem behind which groups could unify.

Not all powerful songs need to be societal anthems, they can be about love lost, about family, about perseverance, about happiness, but meaningful songs that connect can be used to infuse strength, hope, and power into people.  And regardless of whether or not power is the reason behind doing music, the potential is always there.

For The Respect

If you're looking to get respect for your craft, you better sharpen your bars.  You'll be looking to impress folks, ironically most of which will be your peers, with your ability to maneuver words seamlessly together so nicely that your friends and magazines will want to get a quote.  Respect, anywhere but especially in rap, is earned.

Just because your work is profitable does not mean you've gained respect for your music, it just means you're a good businessman.  Similarly, some of the most powerful songs are not the most well-written or polished.  They tend to be very raw, and many times it's those imperfections that make them what they are.  But if you're yearning for respect, you want to let it be known that every time you step behind a microphone, there's potential for spontaneous combustion.  Lightning may strike thrice.  Beats will be shredded.

That respect also implies that you take pride in your work.  You take the time and care to make sure that every track you release is something your listeners know you put your heart into to ensure they got your best work.  It means that you feel you are second to none, and you go in on every track to provide the proof.

So, which are you?

Some may say none initially, but the fact of the matter is, if you're putting music out for others, it's going to boil down to one of those three categories.

Others may say all of them, but that's nearly impossible.  Often times the business aspect means relinquishing some of that perfectionism you hold on to for respect in order to make a buck.  Or it may mean making music that the people want, for profit, rather than making what (you feel) they need, for change.  Being able to combine the three in harmony can be a beautiful thing, but many have spent their lives trying and failed.  Sometimes, it's better to be a jack of all trades than a master of none.

In the end, it's ultimately your decision.  But know that if you want to rap, making this decision early on will save you a lot of headache, heartache, and pocket-ache in the future.  Choose your path and be good at whatever you choose to do.