Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Get Known As a Hip Hop Artist

Many well-known hip hop artists, such as the Notorious Big, Jay-Z and Eminem, found ways to start their hip hop careers. Whether it was with the help of a mix tape passed along to local hip hop radio stations in New York to participating in underground rap battles to even finding their own record label and producing their own records, you too can use these methods, and others, in order to get known as a hip hop artist.

Things You'll Need

Agent or manager
Demo or mix tape
Website or blog

Instructions

- 1
  Create a mix tape or demo. Make it available for fans for free, see whether a local DJ will play your music at a club or party or send a copy to your local hip hop radio station.
- 2
  Hire someone who has connections within the hip hop industry. You may have a better chance having your mix tape or demo heard by major recording labels than sending a mix tape on your own.
- 3
  Join social media. Whether its Facebook, MySpace or your own blog, social media is a tool to use to gain exposure as a hip hop artist. Upload an audio clip of your latest song on YouTube or let fans know where you will be performing next on Twitter. To keep the momentum going, be sure to update your social media websites regularly.
- 4
  Participate in competitions. Whether it's local rap battles or national "American Idol"-like hip hop auditions, sign up for each and every one. You never know who may be in the audience or who may be watching you on TV at home.
- 5
  Start your own record label. With the help of some friends, Jay-Z founded his own record label -- Roc-A-Fella Records. With his own record label, Jay-Z was able to produce his own records, many of which are now considered classic hip hop songs and anthems.
- 6
  Merge your talents with other hip hop artists. Check whether any local acts, bands or hometown concerts need an opening act, then sign up for an audition.

Other Hobbies