16 Ways To Get Put On in Hip Hop

Find out the best ways to make your music heard.

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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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) 

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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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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Hit Submit! - Submit your work to competitions and online contests. BET’s Hot 16 contest and recent One Shot competition are great examples of TV channels that love to find new talent and give them exposure. Always keep your eye out for these kinds of opportunities that could put your name on a major platform. (Photo: Halbergman/Getty Images) 

Photo By Photo: Halbergman/Getty Images

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Get On Stage - Perform at different events. If you can get enough popularity on the internet, you may be able to get down Nicki Minaj style and start performing at local clubs. You can use the footage from those clubs to give you more publicity and showcase your skills on social media. (Photo: Brand New Images/Getty Images)

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Build relationships with DJs - If DJs don’t know you, how will you get played at clubs and events? This doesn’t mean act thirsty every time you see a DJ, but always show respect and ask for feedback. If they like the music, they will play it and they may know artists themselves. Do your research and be strategic about which DJs you approach. (Photo: Brand X Pictures/Getty Images) 

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Listening Parties - Once your project is complete, invite journalists, people of influence and music fans to listen to your music and give you their honest thoughts. Invite anyone that can pass your music to industry employees. Music lovers are always keeping their ear out for the hottest upcoming talent. (Photo: Ryan McVay/Getty Images)

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Media Connects - Music journalists can put your music on the map and feature you in known publications. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the blogs as well because they have a huge following and many times are willing to give you publicity. You may have to pay for promotion, so use your money wisely. (Photo: Pamela Moore/Getty Images)

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Remember the Homies - Network with other up-and-coming artists as they will definitely remember you, your grind and how you treated them. If they get put on and are a fan of your work, they can feature you in their music. Collaborating is key to exposing your music to new fans. Just be sure that whoever you collaborate with has skill. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/ Getty Images)