How Much Do Rappers Charge For A Verse

Today we answer a question out of our mailbag. our mail bag contains questions about music industry advice from up and coming rappers and producers. This particular question is “How Much Do Rappers Charge For A Verse”.

this question is actually asked to us regularly. Most up and coming rappers want to see how much their favorite rapper charges in hopes of reaching to that point one day. A popular rap artist can make a steady stream of income from charging for verses and even featuring in a music video. But that’s another story.

In this brief article we outline how much rap artists charge for a verse on track. And how you can possible make the same if you grow in popularity.

Also Read: 3 Ways To Get More Traffic To Your Music Site

How Much Do Independent Rap Artists Charge For A Verse

Let’s start with your average independent artist since that’s who you are and you want to know what to expect.l If you are an indie artist that is relatively unknown, unsigned, and have no traction, chances are no one will be asking for a feature from you. But if they do I guarantee they would want it free of charge.

Don’t get mad at this, just see it as a way to expand your music and visibility within the industry. you will be happy to know what most artist start out like this, yes even artists who are now signed to majors start off by doing free features. Again exposure is what you want!

Popular Independent Rap Artists

Popular independent rap artists do get paid to rap verses on featured songs. A popular indie artists is someone who has gained recognition in the rap community and music industry. this is an individual who has constant features in publications, music blogs, radio spins and gets some form of media coverage whenever his album drops. This individual is signed to an indie label or is popular as an unsigned artist.

Popular indie artists charge anywhere from $4,000-15,000. The high end we have seen is $18,000. And what’s great as an indie artist is that you pocket the majority of the money.

Also Read: 5 Ways Rappers Make Money From Music

Major Rap Artists That Charge For A Verse

Before I get into how much major rap artists charge to feature on a song. I would like to say that as an artist becomes popular his manager may make an agreement with the major artist or his manager not to be charged for a feature. This is cross promotion at it’s best and really works out for both artists.

The rising star who is becoming popular features on a song with an already established rapper, and when he blows up in a couple of months, the artist has to return the favor on featuring him on a track or his album for free.

Again, this is common in all genres of music. But if a major artist does charge for a verse, you can see him charge anywhere from $20,000-$80,000. The highest being $100,000. Think Jay-Z and Kanye West, and surprising 2 Chainz. Well that’s how much 2 Chainz claims he Charges for a verse when he was being interviewed at BBC Radio in the U.K.

2 Chainz Tells Us How Much It Costs For A Feature

So as you can see whether you are an independent rap artist or signed to a major label charging for a song feature can be very lucrative. One thing I will say though is to take your time and slowly work towards advancing to that level.

There is no need to rush to get to the level of charging $100,000 per verse. Focus on making good music first, and the riches and fame will follow after.