16 Ways To Get Put On in Hip Hop
Find out the best ways to make your music heard.
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Package Demo On A Thousand - Send a music manager a distinct demo package. Love & Hip Hop’s Yandy Smith (former manager of Jim Jones) says she only opens up demo packages that look presentable and leave an impression. Some of her favorites have included beautifully wrapped packages with Godiva chocolates, a CD player and someone even sent polaroid photos with boxers on (we don’t recommend this), but the point is you have to make yourself memorable! (Photos from left: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BALLY, Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS, Mike Windle/Getty Images for WE Day)
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Use the Tube - YouTube is a powerful tool that can help you gain the hype you need, especially if the video quality is right and your lyrics are on point. Soulja Boy actually got his single “Crank That” on the charts after posting the accompanying music video on YouTube. (Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage)
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Social Media Love - Many artists have used Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and even Myspace (back in the day) to get people's attention. You never know who’s watching. Take Meek Mill, for example, he shares new artists that he’s feeling on the gram all the time. (Photos from left: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat, Youtube)
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Invent the Next Nae Nae - From the “Milly Rock” to the “Shmoney Dance,” everyone loves knowing the newest dance moves on the streets. And, even though these songs get played out after a while, their relevance can last a lifetime and make fans pay attention to your other music. Just ask Silento -- white kids are still trying to whip! (Photo: Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Freestyle Like a Pro - If you have nasty memorization and rhyming skills, winning battle raps will get you the credibility you need and can help you go viral. Fans are obsessed with people who can freestyle and lyrically assassinate their competition. (Photo: Jon Feingersh/ Getty Images)
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Seize The Right Moment - Some artists have waited for hours just to give famous rappers their mixtapes. If your mixtape is lit, you might want to take the chance because you never know if a rapper will feel your flow and help you get signed.
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Mixtape Game Strong - Your mixtape needs to be amazing. Have your mixtape reviewed many times by people that you know will be honest and have an ear for music. If your mixtape gives people the vibes, they will naturally spread the word and tell their friends about it. This is how many rappers have gotten put on from Drizzy to J. Cole and Future. You have to make a quality project for people to take you seriously. (Photo: Radius Images/Getty Images)
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Proper Distribution - If your mixtape is dope, pass it out for free at parties, events, and on the block. This way, you’ll get people talking and interested in your music. (Photo: Mads Perch/ Getty Images)
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Attend Music Events - Get to know artists of the moment and use all your connections to meet people who are producers and work in the A&R departments at music labels. They can help introduce you to the right people. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/ Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Hill Street Studios/ Getty Images
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Meetings For Days - If you look at the biggest moguls in the Hip Hop industry, they are not afraid to ask for an expert’s advice. After going to major events where you can meet people with influence, make sure you are asking them for their cards/phone numbers and hitting them up so they can advise you with whatever challenge you are facing. (Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/BET/Getty Images for BET)
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