6 Tips To Starting A Rap Career At 30
Embarking on a rap career at the age of 30 may seem like a bold move, but it’s never too late to pursue your passion for music. The hip-hop industry is teeming with artists who found their breakthrough later in life, proving that age is no barrier to success.
This is a follow up article to Is 30 Too Old To Start Rapping? Because it received an overwhelming response, we decided to make a part two. Hopefully you will enjoy this article as much as you did the last one.
In this article, we’ll explore the steps you can take to kickstart your rap journey in your thirties. From honing your skills to building your brand, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s dive in and turn your late start into an advantage!
1) Embrace Your Unique Perspective
One of the greatest assets you bring to the table as a 30-year-old starting a rap career is your life experience. Your perspective, shaped by a decade or more of living, can add depth and authenticity to your lyrics.
Use this to your advantage. Write about your struggles, triumphs, and the lessons you’ve learned. Your story is what sets you apart.
Remember you are entering rap music as an adult so you have a mature perspective on life. Express that to the world knowing that there are a lot of youth who listen to rap music, and can benefit from your wisdom.
The rap industry is crowded with artists striving to make a name for themselves. Your age and life experience can be your USP (Unique Selling Proposition). While younger artists may be exploring similar themes, your perspective can provide a fresh and mature take on those subjects.
It’s essential to embrace your uniqueness and use it to your advantage.
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2) Hone Your Craft with Diligence
Regardless of age, mastering the art of rap requires dedication and practice. Set aside time each day to refine your flow, experiment with wordplay, and perfect your delivery. Join local open mics, collaborate with other artists, and seek feedback to grow as an artist. Remember, consistency is key.
Consistency is the backbone of skill development in any field, and rap is no exception. Dedicate specific blocks of time each day to work on your craft.
This could involve writing lyrics, practicing your flow, or experimenting with new techniques. Treat your practice sessions with the same level of commitment as you would a job.
The foundation of rap lies in its lyrics. Spend time honing your ability to craft clever, meaningful, and relatable lyrics. Study the works of influential lyricists and analyze their use of metaphors, similes, and wordplay. Experiment with different rhyme schemes and expand your vocabulary to add depth to your verses.
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3) Leverage Technology and Social Media
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any aspiring artist. Utilize platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and social media to share your music and connect with your audience.
Engage with your fans, participate in online communities, and stay updated with industry trends. Building a strong online brand can significantly boost your visibility.
Creating a compelling online presence is essential for gaining visibility in the music industry. Start by building a professional website that showcases your music, bio, upcoming events, and contact information.
Ensure that it’s easy to navigate and mobile-friendly, as many users access websites from their phones.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok provide powerful avenues to engage with your audience.
Regularly update your profiles with engaging content, including snippets of your music, behind-the-scenes footage, personal anecdotes, and updates on upcoming projects. Use relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts.
4) Invest In Quality Production
A polished sound is essential to making a mark in the rap industry. Collaborate with skilled producers who can help refine your tracks and bring out the best in your music.
Quality production can elevate your work and make it more appealing to listeners.
Quality production is the heartbeat of any successful music career, and it’s particularly critical for rap artists. It involves a comprehensive approach to crafting your music, from recording and mixing to mastering and post-production.
Investing in quality production elevates your music from being a hobby to a professional endeavor. It’s a testament to your dedication and seriousness as an artist.
A well-produced track stands out in terms of sound clarity, arrangement, and overall polish, which can leave a lasting impression on listeners.
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5) Network, Collaborate, and Perform
The 5th spot on our 6 tips to start a rap career at 30 is to network, collaborate, and perform. Networking is a cornerstone of success in the music industry. Attend events, open mics, and workshops to meet fellow artists, producers, and industry professionals.
Collaborations with other musicians can expose you to new audiences and creative perspectives. Additionally, performing live can help you build a fan base and gain valuable stage experience.
Networking involves building relationships with fellow artists, producers, promoters, and other industry professionals. Strategic networking can lead to collaborations, performance opportunities, and even record deals.
Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet like-minded individuals who can offer valuable insights and opportunities.
In the digital age, online networking is equally crucial. As mentioned earlier, to expand your brand and connect with the world, you need to utilize platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook .
Engage in conversations, share your music, and support other artists’ work. Building a strong online presence can lead to collaborations and attract the attention of industry professionals scouting for talent.
6) Stay Resilient and Stay True to Yourself
Starting a rap career at 30 may come with its share of challenges, but perseverance is key. Stay true to your vision, believe in your talent, and continue pushing forward.
Remember, many successful artists faced setbacks before achieving their breakthroughs. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every step forward is a triumph.
Here are six ways you can accomplish this:
- Define Your Artistic Identity – Establish a clear understanding of who you are as an artist. What are your values, beliefs, and artistic vision?
- Embrace Your Uniqueness – Recognize that your individuality is your greatest asset. Celebrate your unique perspective, experiences, and storytelling abilities. Avoid trying to imitate other artists or conforming to trends solely for the sake of popularity.
- Stay Grounded in Your Purpose – Remember why you started making music in the first place. Whether it’s to express yourself, inspire others, or effect positive change, keeping your purpose at the forefront of your mind provides a sense of direction and motivation. This purpose will anchor you, even in the face of challenges.
- Seek Constructive Feedback, but Trust Your Instincts – While it’s important to be open to feedback, especially from trusted sources, ultimately trust your instincts as an artist. You know your vision better than anyone else. Use feedback as a tool for growth, but don’t feel compelled to change your art solely based on others’ opinions.
- Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities – Setbacks and challenges are inevitable in any creative pursuit. Instead of viewing them as failures, see them as valuable learning experiences. Analyze what went wrong, extract lessons, and use that knowledge to improve your craft. This resilient mindset allows you to bounce back stronger and more determined.
- Cultivate a Supportive Community – Surround yourself with individuals who believe in your talent and support your artistic journey. This can include fellow musicians, mentors, friends, and family. A supportive community provides encouragement, constructive feedback, and a sense of belonging. Lean on this network during moments of doubt or adversity.
Is 30 Too Old To Start Rapping?
No, 30 is not too old to start rapping. In fact, many successful artists in the music industry, including rap, have launched their careers well into their 30s and beyond.
Age is not a barrier to pursuing your passion for music, and it certainly doesn’t determine your potential for success. However, one thing to keep in mind is your current situation. If you’re 30 and over you may have a wife and children, this may take up the majority of your time and money.
Don’t foolishly spend the money you need for your household on music, and have your family struggle because of it. Always prioritize your family’s needs before your music. The money and time you have left over should go to you music. Set aside at least an hour or two a day or on the weekends to work on your music.
Here’s A List Of Rappers That Blew Up After 30
- Benny The Butcher
- Rick Ross
- Freddie Gibbs
- 2Chainz
- Conway The Machine
- Danny Brown
- Jay Electronica
- Westside Gunn
- RJ Payne
- Armani Ceasar
- Elzhi
- Macklemore
- Action Bronson
- Yelawolf
What Is The Average Age of A Rapper?
The average age of a rapper can vary widely and is influenced by factors such as when the artist started their career, their level of success, and the specific sub-genre of rap they belong to.
Here’s a breakdown of the average age of a rapper:
- Emerging Artists: Many rappers start their careers in their late teens or early twenties. This is often when they first gain recognition and begin releasing music.
- Mainstream Success: Rappers who achieve mainstream success and sign with major record labels can do so at various points in their career. Some become well-known in their early twenties, while others might gain widespread recognition in their thirties or even later.
- Established Artists: There are numerous examples of highly successful and influential rappers who continue to release music and tour well into their thirties, forties, and even fifties. These artists have often built a dedicated fan base over the years.
- Subgenres and Styles: Different subgenres of rap can attract artists of different age ranges. For example, certain subgenres may appeal to younger audiences, while others may have a more mature or niche following.
- Legacy Artists: Some of the most respected and revered figures in hip-hop have been active for several decades. These legacy artists have played a significant role in shaping the genre and are often celebrated for their contributions.
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Who Is The Oldest Rapper Signed?
The first rapper to get signed, and the oldest rapper signed, is Kurtis Blow. In 1979, at the age of twenty, Kurtis Blow became the first rapper to be signed by a major label, Mercury, which released “Christmas Rappin'”.
It sold over 400,000 copies, becoming one of the first commercially successful hip hop singles. Its follow-up, “The Breaks”, sold over 840,000 copies.
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