You'd be surprised at all the things that rappers (or most types of artists) can learn from children.
At some point, you've probably heard people moaning and groaning about how they long for the "good old days" or they reminisce about the simpler times of childhood. I'm sure it's for good reason. As children, we had less responsibilities and much less to worry about. Some of our biggest concerns might have been what's for lunch (still one of mine) or what games we will play at recess.
What would happen if rappers took a step back and looked at what makes kids so "successful" day in and day out? Can adults and those going after artistic endeavors do a better job by mirroring a child's ways? I feel as if artists can improve and I'm going to share some key points that stand out to me about how it can be accomplished.
1. Every day is a new day.
“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
― L.M. Montgomery
Okay, so you were late for your club appearance, got writer's block in the studio, and forgot the password for your SoundCloud account. It will be okay. I promise. The key is to have a short term memory while making an effort to not repeat your mistakes.
Do you think kids get up the next day and cry about the spaghetti they spilled at dinner last night? Of course not! They most likely used the "5 second rule" and hit the deck for those savory meatballs. (No, I am not suggesting that you eat food off of the floor.)
Every day is an opportunity to improve upon the last. No matter how bad yesterday might have been, you can have a better tomorrow.
2. Speak your truth.
We live in a world that wants us to sugarcoat and hold back what we have to say. I'm not sure at what point we become a prisoner to this, but children seem to be free of these shackles. Let's get free!
The world of creativity has no space for what is suppression. As an artist, you have to stand up for yourself. If something isn't for you, then it's not for you.
Be honest when it comes to your artistry. Fans can sniff out what isn't real. Don't get caught up, living a lifestyle that doesn't fit you or that you cannot afford.
Some examples are: Don't fabricate "wokeness" in order to work an angle that you haven't internalized. Don't go buying four gold chains like you're Sha-Shabba Ranks with your advance when you should be working to recoup the investment or have people to pay who have been working on your behalf.
3. Cut off toxic relationships.
Kids usually don't hang around you for too long if you're mean to them. If you rub them the wrong way, they'll probably argue with you, ignore you, or take their ball and go home.
As an artist, (especially rappers) you usually come into some sort of relevance after your primary socialization. You grew up with friends as a kid and you naturally want to bring them with you.
Time and time again, I see young talent being ruined by hanging with the wrong crowd. They want to hold onto a familiar past instead of breaking away towards a successful future. If the people you know aren't in the business of putting your best interest first, then it's fair to say that you should end that toxic relationship.
Also, when you do get the ball rolling, beware of the new people who will pop up in your life. Be wise and be able to see who offers genuine new relationships and seeks to improve all parties as opposed to taking advantage of your new position.
4. It's okay to ask for help.
As a kid, I know I had some stubborn moments. However, when I absolutely needed help, I was sure to ask for it. There is nothing wrong with seeking assistance.
Even the mightiest of artists can't do it all on their own. It takes a dedicated team to get the job done and achieve success. When we spread ourselves too thin with work, the results are subpar. Whether that be marketing, production, or overall vision and strategy, there will come a time where you can no longer do it all by yourself.
Your fans deserve the best of your art. Don't disappoint by not offering your best work. If you're an artist looking for assistance with your career, contact me here. If I don't have what you need, personally, I'll work to get you with someone that does.
5. Pay attention to details.
Kids love to pick things apart and explore. They often notice the smallest of details and take joy in learning more.
As we grow older, it seems like we start to forget about the little things. Maybe we think we have a lot going on and are in a continuous rush to get to the next task or activity. Whatever it is, we can miss out on a lot.
As an artist, attention to detail is important. Whether you're sending out an email, curating production for a project, or going over your financial budget, you need to make sure everything is in place. Know yourself. Don't get caught sleeping like a shaky warrior because you failed to pay attention to details.
6. Be yourself and express freely.
Sometimes I wonder what new artists think when they are deciding who they want to be.
You have two options:
1. Be yourself.
2. Be someone else.
Option one is good and faithful, in my book. It's hard to go wrong. The problem with option 2 is that you can never do a better job of being someone else than they can. Stop worrying about what the next rapper is doing.
It's okay to express yourself and do what you do best. This creates differentiation and that increases value proposition. It's much better for your fans and that is who you need to be paying attention to.
The market doesn't need a copycat of whoever is "hot right now." You, however, need the best version of the original you.
7. You can do anything.
Children can be some of the most fearless beings on the planet. They haven't developed some of the insecurities and worries that we take on at later ages. As an artist, you need to have an undying belief that you can achieve. Don't concern yourself with the status quo or worry about fitting in. Be undeniably you or don't be anything at all.
Don't let your art suffer because of doubt. Be creative and go for what you want. If you fall flat on your face, at least it's progress because you're falling forward. Learn from the mistakes and keep going. As adults, we often hold ourselves back because of fear. Imagine what we could accomplish by taking that out of the equation.
