When did you realize that music wouldn't be your career & just a passion/hobby?

[Shadow King]

Breh you're never too old to make music and make money doing so. Some of the highest paid producers in the game are in their 30s 40s even 50s

Maybe being a rapper would be harder as you get older. But never give up on a dream. 2 chains popped at like 36 breh. He's a millionaire now. Grind hard doing your day job and spend all your free time pursuing you're dream.

Focus on your craft.

Failure of pursuing your dreams is a zero risk venture. If you can't fail doing it it's not worth doing.

The biggest risk you can take on impacting your life negatively is being complacent and not willing to pursue what you know makes you happy. Do your thing breh. If you don't want it to be a hobby then keep pushing. You'll get there.

At the end of the day bro I realized I have one thing, and the one thing that matters least; talent. 2 Chainz blew at 36 because he was willing to pander to his era sonically and do what's hot by being a swag-driven club rapper. Not that he was lyrical anyway but still he gave people what they want. Imagine we never hear Jay Electronica because he too in his 30's decided to change up and pander. Instead we get Yung Jay or some other shyt. What does the culture get from that?

Hip-hop is no longer a medley of various lane but it's homogenous; it's social soundtracking, backdrops for "events".

Image. Perception. Lifestyle. Sociability (social media included) >>>>>>>>>>>>> Talent. I don't know what you've read me post but in a nutshell to level up in rap I'd have to change to a point where I'm not myself both in my art and most importantly in my lifestyle. I'm not willing, and even if I made 50 million from switching up I'd loathe myself for not being able to say I did it in my true form. All the "stars" are willing to change. Not I...if an A&R type nikka scooped me in 2012, I was still young and naive enough to be made as marketable as possible. Today, I know exactly who I am and that person does not cut it in 2016/2017.

To keep pursuing a music career would be the 16 year old kid making decisions from the heart. The 23 year old man who uses his head says I don't belong in hip-hop. I am doing a collaborative project with my cousin but that's my last.

 

[One20ne]

That means you started off making music for the wrong reasons. Some people will start making beats or rapping to be the biggest like you said. Ultimately that stifles creativity. All of the music I respect are from people who put the music first. You can listen to all the up an coming rappers and artists now and try to model your craft by them (future, Drake, Lil Yachty?.., kanye, w.e) and at the most you'll be making superficial shyt like theres. It wont get you anywhere. All the real ones that are musicians and artists first like D'Angelo just make their shyt. They don't worry about trying to be famous.

To sum it up, you shouldn't make music to be famous. And you shouldnt get fustrated if you feel general fanbase wouldnt align with you. That's a GOOD thing that the general fanbase wouldnt align with you. You need to take that space and fill it with creativity, not frustrations. Keep making music, keep working on your craft. If you become famous thats cool but at the end of the day, pure creative genius never takes into account personal notoriety. The hunger for fame perverts the creativity and kills the energy

 

[Shadow King]

That means you started off making music for the wrong reasons. Some people will start making beats or rapping to be the biggest like you said. Ultimately that stifles creativity. All of the music I respect are from people who put the music first. You can listen to all the up an coming rappers and artists now and try to model your craft by them (future, Drake, Lil Yachty?.., kanye, w.e) and at the most you'll be making superficial shyt like theres. It wont get you anywhere. All the real ones that are musicians and artists first like D'Angelo just make their shyt. They don't worry about trying to be famous.

To sum it up, you shouldn't make music to be famous. And you shouldnt get fustrated if you feel general fanbase wouldnt align with you. That's a GOOD thing that the general fanbase wouldnt align with you. You need to take that space and fill it with creativity, not frustrations. Keep making music, keep working on your craft. If you become famous thats cool but at the end of the day, pure creative genius never takes into account personal notoriety. The hunger for fame perverts the creativity and kills the energy

I started making music because I could never finish writing a book. I found self-expression and a creative outlet that could be done in 45 minutes in a songs that would take 2 years through a book. I was constantly told upon sharing my stuff that I was more than talented enough to make a career out of it, so that's what I believed I'd one day do.

Everybody doesn't make art to live a rockstar lifestyle but people do eventually want recognition, respect, and the ability to live comfortable off of their art, particularly if they know/believe they are good enough. Most people with hidden talents lack the self-awareness to believe their talent is worthy of notoriety. When it's given to you early like it was to me, it's difficult to shake.

I know the star formula, but I can't apply it. I can make music for myself, but it can't be shared because I know people's taste. That's where I'm at with it.

 

[GPBear]

"Music is truthfully my second love anyway."
Well then gtfo out breh, you were never meant for it anyways. Don't waste our time, with your bullshyt Will Smith/Childish Gambino dreams. Those guys are fukking scrubs and you should be ashamed for being a grown man who looks up to them because those soulless plants have nothing of moral value to offer you.

 

[DJ Mart-Kos]

That means you started off making music for the wrong reasons. Some people will start making beats or rapping to be the biggest like you said. Ultimately that stifles creativity. All of the music I respect are from people who put the music first. You can listen to all the up an coming rappers and artists now and try to model your craft by them (future, Drake, Lil Yachty?.., kanye, w.e) and at the most you'll be making superficial shyt like theres. It wont get you anywhere. All the real ones that are musicians and artists first like D'Angelo just make their shyt. They don't worry about trying to be famous.

To sum it up, you shouldn't make music to be famous. And you shouldnt get fustrated if you feel general fanbase wouldnt align with you. That's a GOOD thing that the general fanbase wouldnt align with you. You need to take that space and fill it with creativity, not frustrations. Keep making music, keep working on your craft. If you become famous thats cool but at the end of the day, pure creative genius never takes into account personal notoriety. The hunger for fame perverts the creativity and kills the energy

i agree, i do it to express myself also. Maybe when i was 17 i used to think that i might produce for a major artist one day but i don't see that happening anymore and i'm ok with it now.
I might produce for an artist one day still. I just keep it as a hobby.

 

[Roxx the King]

23 lol. I was 23 when I first joined the Ill Community on AllHipHop.com back in the day. I was garbage when I was 23 and I started rapping when I was 16. You'll never be too old. Theres always a way. I'm 33 now and I think in 2016 I figured out who I was as an artist. The music will create the opportunity. Make the music that is true to you and if it is good, it will find a way.

 

[GPBear]

The internet is so full of guys who say shyt like, "Breh I know how the business works, I just don't want to be part of that corporate rat race man"

No, just because you read a Jay-Z biography doesn't mean you actually have any idea how the industry works. Part of how the industry works is shamelessly self-promoting yourself on the internet, and if you're against all the ego worship in the industry, then why do all these threads basically boil down to "Brehs, I'm smart (because I know how the industry works) but I'm also super talented (that's why they don't fukk with me, everyone's scared". When really, you're neither intelligent nor talented. You're the worst parts of the industry, completely self-obsessed, money hungry, and fame driven.

Going from a hobby vs career standpoint is stupid and shows how ignorant you are because you only viewed music/art as a way to make money, when the whole point of making art is to escape from the materialist bullshyt of the world at large. But thanks for missing the spiritual and altruistic motivations behind music, and skipping straight to the "making money and turning myself into Will Smith" stage you disgusting prick. Thank you, fukk you.

edit: what's even better is when these guys go "oh I'm 20 something" like breh, you've been even doing hip-hop for what, 5-7-10 years? Please, tell me how in that amount of time you somehow managed to figure out the minds of the Jimmy Iovines and shyt who've been doing this for longer than you've been alive. Besides, where is the 'industry' of which you speak? That shyt bottomed out, so you couldn't make a living off music even if you tried (which you did and failed, then blamed your failings on reasons outside yourself).

There is 100% no key, no path, no way to guarantee success in show business. And anyone who sells paths to greatness are con-artists, that's how you know there is no path. It's 100% random chance and luck, even the greats had to be in the right place at the right time, you have absolutely no control over it. If you're asking me when I realized that was the case, I don't know, when I was like 5? When does a person start thinking, because honestly children know that shyt.

 

[Shadow King]

"Music is truthfully my second love anyway."
Well then gtfo out breh, you were never meant for it anyways. Don't waste our time, with your bullshyt Will Smith/Childish Gambino dreams. Those guys are fukking scrubs and you should be ashamed for being a grown man who looks up to them because those soulless plants have nothing of moral value to offer you.

The internet is so full of guys who say shyt like, "Breh I know how the business works, I just don't want to be part of that corporate rat race man"

No, just because you read a Jay-Z biography doesn't mean you actually have any idea how the industry works. Part of how the industry works is shamelessly self-promoting yourself on the internet, and if you're against all the ego worship in the industry, then why do all these threads basically boil down to "Brehs, I'm smart (because I know how the industry works) but I'm also super talented (that's why they don't fukk with me, everyone's scared". When really, you're neither intelligent nor talented. You're the worst parts of the industry, completely self-obsessed, money hungry, and fame driven.

Going from a hobby vs career standpoint is stupid and shows how ignorant you are because you only viewed music/art as a way to make money, when the whole point of making art is to escape from the materialist bullshyt of the world at large. But thanks for missing the spiritual and altruistic motivations behind music, and skipping straight to the "making money and turning myself into Will Smith" stage you disgusting prick. Thank you, fukk you.

edit: what's even better is when these guys go "oh I'm 20 something" like breh, you've been even doing hip-hop for what, 5-7-10 years? Please, tell me how in that amount of time you somehow managed to figure out the minds of the Jimmy Iovines and shyt who've been doing this for longer than you've been alive. Besides, where is the 'industry' of which you speak? That shyt bottomed out, so you couldn't make a living off music even if you tried (which you did and failed, then blamed your failings on reasons outside yourself).

There is 100% no key, no path, no way to guarantee success in show business. And anyone who sells paths to greatness are con-artists, that's how you know there is no path. It's 100% random chance and luck, even the greats had to be in the right place at the right time, you have absolutely no control over it. If you're asking me when I realized that was the case, I don't know, when I was like 5? When does a person start thinking, because honestly children know that shyt.

You right breh. I ain't shyt just like everybody else. I'm not that smart. Can't be that talented. I'm getting out. fukk it.

 

[Shadow King]

23 lol. I was 23 when I first joined the Ill Community on AllHipHop.com back in the day. I was garbage when I was 23 and I started rapping when I was 16. You'll never be too old. Theres always a way. I'm 33 now and I think in 2016 I figured out who I was as an artist. The music will create the opportunity. Make the music that is true to you and if it is good, it will find a way.

I've figured how who I am as an artist, and person. The person pours into the artist. And he's not likeable. And he'll be less likeable at 28 than he is currently is at 23.

 

[KillSpray]

I've figured how who I am as an artist, and person. The person pours into the artist. And he's not likeable. And he'll be less likeable at 28 than he is currently is at 23.

This is an interesting thread. So you're saying that you realized who you were as an artist and person, and you felt it wasn't likeable? I think I know what you mean, but what did you think wasn't likable?

 

[Shadow King]

This is an interesting thread. So you're saying that you realized who you were as an artist and person, and you felt it wasn't likeable? I think I know what you mean, but what did you think wasn't likable?

Yes, breh. And everything. I may or may not have covered it in this thread but;
I don't smoke, drink occasionally (like a few times a year) so you can imagine no recreational drugs
I don't go clubbing/partying. Strip clubs are a waste of money to me also.
I don't run around looking dusty but I'm not into fashion trends like that. I'm too low key and too frugal to "pop" in that regard.
So you can imagine with all those factors, women aren't in my life like that. So no playboy/pimp angle.

Now regardless of how nice I may be, image and relatability >>>>>>> talent, especially in the social media era that prioritizes celebrity lifestyle/looking like you doing sit instead of art and actually creating. So at 23, what does a nikka under 25 see in me to relate to? What does a female under 25 see that she desires in men? Being a rapper who gains a strong following = being the cat dudes wanna be and who girls want to smash/lock down.

I always get examples like Cole and Kendrick (him especially) for my path but 1) they blew up 09-11 I was in high school then the game changed and 2) they pretty much were my age now so if all else failed the youth identified with their youth. If I were to build but continue telling my story, the young crowd that gives you "buzz" would be turned off by an "old nikka" telling them everything they like is crazy.

That's what I meant by not likeable. Nobody would relate to me, or at best not enough to pay the bills by making music.

 

[GPBear]

Yes, breh. And everything. I may or may not have covered it in this thread but;
I don't smoke, drink occasionally (like a few times a year) so you can imagine no recreational drugs
I don't go clubbing/partying. Strip clubs are a waste of money to me also.
I don't run around looking dusty but I'm not into fashion trends like that. I'm too low key and too frugal to "pop" in that regard.
So you can imagine with all those factors, women aren't in my life like that. So no playboy/pimp angle.

Now regardless of how nice I may be, image and relatability >>>>>>> talent, especially in the social media era that prioritizes celebrity lifestyle/looking like you doing sit instead of art and actually creating. So at 23, what does a nikka under 25 see in me to relate to? What does a female under 25 see that she desires in men? Being a rapper who gains a strong following = being the cat dudes wanna be and who girls want to smash/lock down.

I always get examples like Cole and Kendrick (him especially) for my path but 1) they blew up 09-11 I was in high school then the game changed and 2) they pretty much were my age now so if all else failed the youth identified with their youth. If I were to build but continue telling my story, the young crowd that gives you "buzz" would be turned off by an "old nikka" telling them everything they like is crazy.

That's what I meant by not likeable. Nobody would relate to me, or at best not enough to pay the bills by making music.

Simply not true, breh.
What's Kendrick's image? A 5' 6 dude in a t-shirt?

Honestly breh, if 3 white kids from Canada can make it in America as a jazz trio, you have no excuse.


Your problem has to do with your mentality. A) you think money/wealth are a measure of success and B) you have a fukked up perception about the game. C) You've already 'given up' which isn't really an option for an artist. It's not like you quit because you don't make money. Because that implies you started with the end goal of making money. I started making music to...make fukking music.

 

[GPBear]

Honestly man, the way you view the game is analagous to a guy not opening a restaraunt he's dreamed about,

"Because I'll never sell a billion hamburgers like McDonalds breh, I'll never be as good as Burger King"

When what you don't understand is that McDonalds and Burger King aren't in it for the food, they're in it for the money. That's why they make money.
Sony/Universal/whatever isn't in it for the music, they're in it for the money. So your artistic success will never match up to their business success because you have two completely different mindsets.


I don't know who told you to get into music to make money, but they were a very stupid individual.

 

[GPBear]

Don't post a song on your soundcloud for two years and then complain about not being famous, brehs

I know I'm being harsh, but I think that's what cats like you need. You should see some of the ruthless shyt I dish out to kids in my city. I told one kid I wished I was deaf like his cousin so I wouldn't have to listen to his music

I'm a terrible human being

 

[Shadow King]

@GPBear I already went over nikkas like Kendrick...2011 to now is a long as time in hip-hop, the game had changed. There was a window for the everyman type of artist to blow post-Kanye/Lupe. There's a difference in artists who blew then and those who blow now. Also it's disingenuous to sit here and compare jazz to hip-hop. You know hip-hop driven by trends, cool points, charisma, etc. In jazz you either good at your craft or not. My perception of the game is fukked up, yet every artist, particularly ones who are on labels but don't bend for mainstream trends and get fukked over/underappreciated for it, tells you it's fukked up right? Nobody says the game is sweet, not even the most successful and/or acclaimed artists.

Also, no I do not make music simply to get rich. If that was the case, all my shyt would sound like a cloning of all this radio/club/strip club shyt that people swear you don't go outside if you don't like. I would've pandered already if it was about riches. If I make another tape, its not being sold and I'm likely going to lose money on production. However no artist wants to starve forever, especially ones who believe they are good. I said this another thread. If one had the choice of work a 9 to 5, deal with dumbass colleagues and bosses, worry about rent, groceries, car, other bills and if they can keep up, only to make music/art in the occasion they get free time vs creating 24/7 and able to live comfortably and perhaps even take care of their parents without going at bills every month, that artist is picking door #2 every time.

So no, "make 100 mill or else" is not my end all be all or I would've shut the fukk up and make those radio tailored hits already. And from my description of myself you should be able to put together that the typical rap lifestyle ain't even my speed. But people have to survive, i.e. keep a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, food. And everyone rather earn that living through something they actually WANT to do. No you may not get half a million a show or some wild sit but you can live. And as far as success, it's more about sharing the art and being respected for it. When you constantly see people gravitating towards doppelgangers, you lose faith in people and their ability to appreciate something different.