what do i have to do as a very good rap artist to get a contract from a major music label?

Question

i make very professional stage apperances i am a very good recording artist as well

Answer 1

(from someone who has actually done this): My best advice is to first start READING. Two books to read that will help to answer some of your questions (and give you information as to what happens once you get noticed by a major)- This business of Music and All you need to know about the music business (but were afraid to ask)...these texts will tell you the truth behind the industry, and also will give you some insight into things (like how much do you REALLY make when you go platinum-hint: Much less than you think).



Also, realize that there are about 800,000 people attempting to do what you are doing...how would you make yourself stand out from the pack? Having a clue about marketing yourself makes a label more interested, because if they can sell you-they can sell the record...people liked Nelly because he's marketable and a bit different, not just 'talented.'



And...make sure you are thinking ahead musically...What's hot today may not stand up in 6 months to a year (or more if you get a deal with a major)...so consider working towards something musically and lyrically that will stand up and not just be a hit today, but have staying power-this type of thing gets labels hot for you.



Oh...and a couple of extras-



Never hand out a demo without email and contact info.



Never give your music to anyone who says they are a 'producer' or they "know" (insert name of famous rapper here)...chances are they aren't or they don't...and they want to scope you out...for this...I suggest the following:



Get a myspace page and put your demo up there. Make a business card with the address of your page on it...and anyone who wants to hear it, can. For free.



I hope this helps you, I wish you good luck-being a professional for over half my life (19 years) has not been easy at all, and sometimes you find out that doing what you like is better than making it huge.

Answer 2

You're getting WAY ahead of yourself. EDIT: Yes, but you see... Record labels don't have open door policies. You can't walk into an office and say, "I've chosen you, now give me a contract to sign". Major labels also don't take kindly to people showing them their music, totally out of the blue. Worry less about which major label you like best and more about your songs, your marketing, your contacts to convince ANY label to even listen to your music (if you randomly send it to them, they won't listen - they'll just throw it away and probably blacklist anything from you in the future), your management and lawyer (which you'll need to negotiate any contract), etc... Also, 16 may be more "mature" than 12, but no label is going to see you as mature (or value maturity when marketing a 16-year-old), even if you personally are mature. You need all of these in place, then negotiate a contract with any label that happens to be interested in you when that time comes - and it won't come until the above is in place, which is why THOSE are the things you need to focus on, not which label you like the most (because, frankly, there's never a time that's going to matter/help you out in the least).

Answer 3

Honestly in today's world, a producer will not pick you up until your known and the only way your going to get known is if your play live... a LOT! So if your really talented then play your music live starting at small clubs. Good luck.

Answer 4

I have two tips:

a.) Make up a really stupid name like ludicris or chamillionare.

b.) Only the terrible rap artists get signed so if you're good start sucking.

Answer 5

Demo tapes, lots of them. Show up in person and don't leave until they throw you out. Also, send music to local radio stations. I know in Atlanta on hot 107.9, they have an unsigned artist day every thursday. I know alot of people that have done it.

Answer 6

Keep on singing and follow your dreams. Perform at shows and public places and use the classifieds. Visit ihire.com or monster.com.

Answer 7

first be different (we have tons of Kenya and 50 cent wannabe's) and never give up your dream and if all else fails be like JayZ start your own company and sign yourself

Answer 8

man u got to grind go push your music on the streets and build your name.

Answer 9

learn to perform proper music

Answer 10

I'll tell u what to do. just practice if u wanna be perfect at it.

Answer 11

try makin ur own album and send it to them

Answer 12

u will never be a raper, dream on noob