Hustling Hip-Hop Article #01

   "Rap for the bitches...Do not rap for the niggas"

As you have likely already noticed, TSOHH does not shy away from controversial topics, hence the title of this artcle.

In fact, let me begin by saying that this quote came from the late great Tupac Shakur. A more complete version of the quote goes something like this:

Listen to [Biggie's] album...I was there, I trained the nigga. He used to be under me like my Luitenant. I use to come to New York, I use to do shows and let the nigga come on before I do "Keep Ya Head Up" and "I Get Around"...'cause nobody knew the nigga in New York. And I use to tell the nigga, "yo if you wanna make your money, you gotta rap for the bitches...Do not rap for the niggas", I told the nigga, "Don't rap for the niggas, rap for the bitches. The bitches will buy your records, and the niggas want what the bitches want." So all of a sudden he changed from being...listen to "Party and Bullshit"...listen to his style, he changed from that, to "Big Poppa", because of me! He had my album, "Me Against The World" was the second [version], he had the first one.. I changed everything cause "Ready To Die" came out, and it sounded like my album!
So what does this have to do with hustling hip-hop? Plenty. First of all it goes to show that even hip-hop greats such as Biggie took advice on the game and followed sound principles to help him improve and succeed.

Secondly, it points out how someone such as 2pac who admittedly "rapped for the bitches" can still maintain tremendous street credibility.

Now...if you are thinking, "Shoot I'll never rap for girls" I will explain to you why you would be making a huge mistake. To do that, though, I will have to break down what exactly I mean by "bitches" and what you need to do to appeal to them.

More on "Bitches"

WHO: In general terms (and not trying to be offensive) the quoted text intends to mean "rap for females aged 10-30". You can pick a more specific range depending on your particular song/style. Get to know these girls...who are their favorite rappers now? why? When/Why do they listen to your brand of hip-hop (or do they at all?) Are they listening at slumber parties? Are they listening because they like to dance to it? What particular messages or themes do they relate to?

Also, early adolescents in general are a huge fan base for hip hop. This includes young boys and millions of suburban white youth.

Basically the point is to make young MC's aware that they should not solely focus on "rapping for their homeboys". While you don't want to isolate your hardcore fanbase (if that's your style) you also do not want to limit your chances of growth in new markets.

WHERE: Your chances of reaching out to females goes far beyond just lyrics on records. Its your demeanor at shows and interviews. Merge it with your persona, or develop a new persona if you must (this will usually result in a positive change and increased confidence)

WHEN: Always and never. By this I mean it should just radiate from your persona at all times. Whatever your charm or appeal, it should be inseperable from you. It should not be contrived or fake and it should never appear that you are attempting to seduce or appeal to woman in a manipulative way.

WHY: Because they are over 50% of the population! It would be absolutely foolish to ignore such a huge market.Also, as quoted above, "the bitches will buy your records, and the niggas want what the bitches want". Keeping girls happy means easier work for the guys. You must think about where hip hop is listened to? all over... but where is hip hop that also caters to a female (or a "pop") audience mainly found? radio, high school kids cruising, ipods, phone ringers, clubs, etc

HOW: "Keep Ya Head Up", "Dear Mama" and "I Get Around"...are each examples of rapping fora female audience but yet they are each totally different. Sometimes woman want deeper caring and thoughtful gestures, there are other times that they too are fascinated by a mans sexuality and even promiscuity. These are images that portray you and are expressed through your lyrics, demeanor, appearance, etc...they ARE YOU. It is best when these portrayed images are genuine and reflect your character truthfully. However, creating this appealing effect on women may work even if they're not.

In many cases you may be smooth talking and seducing your public, Whether you're Big Poppa, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Nelly, 2pac, Eminem, Fabolous or Ja-Rule...you share at least one thing in common, and that is that you appeal to women in some way and have them as a large part of your fanbase.

You should understand women and fulfill through your music their fantasies of how a woman should be treated, or conversely, of how lucky they would be to have a guy like you. Remember that you don't have to say something directly to get the message across.
Conclusion

In closing I'd just like to get you all to start looking at the business side of the music world a little bit more. That is why you're in the hustling hip-hop section, right?

Next time you listen to the radio pay attention to who's winning those tickets? Who's calling in with their shout-outs and song requests? The majority are females. It's no wonder many songs cater to them in one way or another.

If you rap solely for fun, then you can take this advice less seriously. However, if you want to at least test the waters of success in hip hop, DO NOT ignore segments of the population (females and pre-adolescents) that may be the ultimate key to your success in terms of high level sales. The main idea is to find a way in which you can cater to this group's needs by compromise, not sacrifice. Adjust your style but never abandon who you are once you have discovered who that is and are happy with it.