6 answers
6 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Yo Brian! 🎤🎶
So you want to become a rapper at 20 and you’ve already got two years of songwriting under your belt? That’s like having the secret sauce—you just need to whip up the dish and serve it hot! Here’s how you can drop bars and make your mark on the rap game:
1. Write Bars Like It’s Your Day Job
You’ve got two years of experience, so keep writing like your notebook is a Grammy-winning album waiting to happen.
Tip: Experiment with styles—go emotional, hype, conscious, or straight-up fun. Don’t box yourself in. Your rhyme schemes should hit harder than that Wi-Fi lag during a game.
🎤 Example: “I’m Brian from NY, cookin’ heat like a stir-fry.” Simple. Catchy. Memorable.
2. Freestyle Like Nobody’s Watching (But Record It Anyway)
Freestyling is where your confidence grows. Hop on random beats, vibe out, and don’t worry if it sounds whack at first.
Pro Tip: Record everything. The cringe-worthy lines will turn into gold later. Practice turns “meh” into fire.
🔥 “Freestyle Friday” on Instagram? Go for it!
3. Beat the Beat Game
Find free beats on YouTube or SoundCloud and start rapping over them. Don’t overthink—just vibe.
Tip: When you’re ready, invest in unique beats from producers on platforms like BeatStars. Custom beats = standout tracks.
🎵 Don’t forget to shout out your producer: “This beat by DJ Sauce makes my flow boss!”
4. Record Your First Track
Home studio or a local one—it’s time to lay down your voice.
Basic Starter Kit:
USB mic (like Blue Yeti)
Free software like Audacity or GarageBand
A quiet space (closet vibes, anyone?)
Your first track doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s about getting your sound out there.
5. Post It Like You Mean It
Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube—upload your music and share it like it’s your birthday. Tell your friends, “Listen or I’ll rap about you not listening!” 😎
Social Media Tip:
Make TikToks with your best bars.
Instagram Reels? Perfect for quick freestyles.
Twitter: Drop those witty one-liners like you own the place.
6. Find Your Rap Persona
Every rapper has a vibe. Are you the deep, thoughtful type like Kendrick Lamar? The hype beast like Travis Scott? Or the witty one like Lil Dicky?
Pro Tip: Your name is Brian, but your rapper persona doesn’t have to be. How about "B-Rhymes" or "NY Bri-Fi"? Play around until it feels right.
7. Perform, Perform, Perform
Start small—school events, local open mics, or even street corners (classic NYC style). Every performance sharpens your skills.
Tip: Confidence sells. Even if you mess up, act like you meant it. The crowd will vibe if you vibe. 🎤🔥
8. Collaborate and Network
Team up with local artists, producers, or even singers.
Networking Idea:
Go to local hip-hop events.
DM other up-and-coming artists to collab.
Remember: In the rap game, who you know is as important as what you flow.
9. Learn the Business Side
Study how royalties work, how to distribute music, and how to market yourself.
Pro Tip: Get on DistroKid or Tunecore to put your tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else.
10. Stay Consistent, Stay Hungry
You’re not just a rapper—you’re a brand. Keep putting out music, engaging with fans, and improving.
Motivation: Jay-Z didn’t blow up overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But trust me, that grind pays off.
Last Bar of Advice:
Being a rapper is about telling your story. Whether it’s life in the 12th grade, NYC struggles, or wild dreams—spit it authentically. People vibe with real.
So grab that mic, Brian, and let the world hear you roar! 🎙️🔥 “From the 12th-grade desk to the mainstage next!”
So you want to become a rapper at 20 and you’ve already got two years of songwriting under your belt? That’s like having the secret sauce—you just need to whip up the dish and serve it hot! Here’s how you can drop bars and make your mark on the rap game:
1. Write Bars Like It’s Your Day Job
You’ve got two years of experience, so keep writing like your notebook is a Grammy-winning album waiting to happen.
Tip: Experiment with styles—go emotional, hype, conscious, or straight-up fun. Don’t box yourself in. Your rhyme schemes should hit harder than that Wi-Fi lag during a game.
🎤 Example: “I’m Brian from NY, cookin’ heat like a stir-fry.” Simple. Catchy. Memorable.
2. Freestyle Like Nobody’s Watching (But Record It Anyway)
Freestyling is where your confidence grows. Hop on random beats, vibe out, and don’t worry if it sounds whack at first.
Pro Tip: Record everything. The cringe-worthy lines will turn into gold later. Practice turns “meh” into fire.
🔥 “Freestyle Friday” on Instagram? Go for it!
3. Beat the Beat Game
Find free beats on YouTube or SoundCloud and start rapping over them. Don’t overthink—just vibe.
Tip: When you’re ready, invest in unique beats from producers on platforms like BeatStars. Custom beats = standout tracks.
🎵 Don’t forget to shout out your producer: “This beat by DJ Sauce makes my flow boss!”
4. Record Your First Track
Home studio or a local one—it’s time to lay down your voice.
Basic Starter Kit:
USB mic (like Blue Yeti)
Free software like Audacity or GarageBand
A quiet space (closet vibes, anyone?)
Your first track doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s about getting your sound out there.
5. Post It Like You Mean It
Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube—upload your music and share it like it’s your birthday. Tell your friends, “Listen or I’ll rap about you not listening!” 😎
Social Media Tip:
Make TikToks with your best bars.
Instagram Reels? Perfect for quick freestyles.
Twitter: Drop those witty one-liners like you own the place.
6. Find Your Rap Persona
Every rapper has a vibe. Are you the deep, thoughtful type like Kendrick Lamar? The hype beast like Travis Scott? Or the witty one like Lil Dicky?
Pro Tip: Your name is Brian, but your rapper persona doesn’t have to be. How about "B-Rhymes" or "NY Bri-Fi"? Play around until it feels right.
7. Perform, Perform, Perform
Start small—school events, local open mics, or even street corners (classic NYC style). Every performance sharpens your skills.
Tip: Confidence sells. Even if you mess up, act like you meant it. The crowd will vibe if you vibe. 🎤🔥
8. Collaborate and Network
Team up with local artists, producers, or even singers.
Networking Idea:
Go to local hip-hop events.
DM other up-and-coming artists to collab.
Remember: In the rap game, who you know is as important as what you flow.
9. Learn the Business Side
Study how royalties work, how to distribute music, and how to market yourself.
Pro Tip: Get on DistroKid or Tunecore to put your tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else.
10. Stay Consistent, Stay Hungry
You’re not just a rapper—you’re a brand. Keep putting out music, engaging with fans, and improving.
Motivation: Jay-Z didn’t blow up overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But trust me, that grind pays off.
Last Bar of Advice:
Being a rapper is about telling your story. Whether it’s life in the 12th grade, NYC struggles, or wild dreams—spit it authentically. People vibe with real.
So grab that mic, Brian, and let the world hear you roar! 🎙️🔥 “From the 12th-grade desk to the mainstage next!”
Updated
Ronald’s Answer
If you are really serious. Read this book about Quincy Jones, the greatest music producer to ever live and producer of Michael Jackson's Thriller.
Why? Anytime a person comes to me about becoming whatever in music, I send them to the best in the music field. Is he a rapper NO, but in order to become a successful artist, you must understand music and be willing to study all angles and know your craft completely. If you are not willing to learn music from all aspects and from the best, you are not really serious about what you are doing. Once you are studied and serious, this will spill into all other aspects of your dreams, including being a rapper.
Why? Anytime a person comes to me about becoming whatever in music, I send them to the best in the music field. Is he a rapper NO, but in order to become a successful artist, you must understand music and be willing to study all angles and know your craft completely. If you are not willing to learn music from all aspects and from the best, you are not really serious about what you are doing. Once you are studied and serious, this will spill into all other aspects of your dreams, including being a rapper.

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7223
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Brian!
How to Become a Rapper at 20
Becoming a rapper involves a combination of talent, dedication, and strategic planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for you, Brian, as you embark on your journey in the music industry.
1. Develop Your Skills
Since you already have two years of experience in writing songs, continue to hone your craft. Focus on the following areas:
Lyric Writing: Experiment with different themes and styles. Study the lyrics of successful rappers to understand their techniques.
Flow and Delivery: Practice rapping your lyrics aloud. Work on your rhythm, timing, and pronunciation. You can use metronomes or beat tracks to help maintain tempo.
Freestyling: This will improve your improvisational skills and help you think quickly on your feet.
2. Build Your Brand
Creating a personal brand is crucial in the music industry:
Stage Name: Choose a memorable stage name that reflects your identity as an artist.
Social Media Presence: Set up accounts on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. Share snippets of your music, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with potential fans.
Professional Image: Consider how you want to present yourself visually through photoshoots or videos that align with your music style.
3. Create Quality Music
Start producing quality tracks:
Home Studio Setup: Invest in basic recording equipment such as a microphone, audio interface, and software (like GarageBand or FL Studio) to record your music at home.
Collaborate with Producers: Work with local producers or beatmakers who can help you create beats that match your style.
Record Demos: Start recording demos of your songs to share with friends or online platforms.
4. Perform Live
Live performances are essential for building an audience:
Open Mic Nights: Look for local open mic events where you can perform your songs live. This will help you gain confidence and receive feedback from audiences.
School Events: Participate in school talent shows or events where you can showcase your talent.
Networking: Connect with other artists and musicians at these events; they may offer opportunities for collaboration or gigs.
5. Distribute Your Music
Once you have some tracks ready:
Digital Distribution Platforms: Use services like DistroKid or TuneCore to distribute your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
Music Videos: Consider creating simple music videos for some of your tracks to enhance visibility on platforms like YouTube.
6. Promote Yourself
Marketing is key to gaining traction:
Social Media Marketing: Regularly post updates about new releases, performances, and engage with followers through Q&A sessions or live streams.
Networking Online: Join forums or groups related to hip-hop where you can share your work and connect with others in the industry.
7. Stay Persistent and Adaptable
The music industry is competitive:
Feedback Loop: Be open to constructive criticism from peers and mentors; use it to improve continuously.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with trends in hip-hop culture by listening to new artists and understanding what resonates with audiences today.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining passion and creativity in your work, you’ll be well on your way toward establishing yourself as a rapper.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. Billboard Billboard provides insights into the music industry trends, artist profiles, charts data, and marketing strategies that are essential for aspiring musicians.
2. Rolling Stone Rolling Stone covers various aspects of popular culture including detailed articles about emerging artists in hip-hop which can inspire new rappers about branding and performance strategies.
3. Berklee College of Music Berklee offers resources related to songwriting techniques, performance tips, and the business side of being an artist which are invaluable for someone looking to enter the rap scene professionally.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
How to Become a Rapper at 20
Becoming a rapper involves a combination of talent, dedication, and strategic planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for you, Brian, as you embark on your journey in the music industry.
1. Develop Your Skills
Since you already have two years of experience in writing songs, continue to hone your craft. Focus on the following areas:
Lyric Writing: Experiment with different themes and styles. Study the lyrics of successful rappers to understand their techniques.
Flow and Delivery: Practice rapping your lyrics aloud. Work on your rhythm, timing, and pronunciation. You can use metronomes or beat tracks to help maintain tempo.
Freestyling: This will improve your improvisational skills and help you think quickly on your feet.
2. Build Your Brand
Creating a personal brand is crucial in the music industry:
Stage Name: Choose a memorable stage name that reflects your identity as an artist.
Social Media Presence: Set up accounts on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. Share snippets of your music, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with potential fans.
Professional Image: Consider how you want to present yourself visually through photoshoots or videos that align with your music style.
3. Create Quality Music
Start producing quality tracks:
Home Studio Setup: Invest in basic recording equipment such as a microphone, audio interface, and software (like GarageBand or FL Studio) to record your music at home.
Collaborate with Producers: Work with local producers or beatmakers who can help you create beats that match your style.
Record Demos: Start recording demos of your songs to share with friends or online platforms.
4. Perform Live
Live performances are essential for building an audience:
Open Mic Nights: Look for local open mic events where you can perform your songs live. This will help you gain confidence and receive feedback from audiences.
School Events: Participate in school talent shows or events where you can showcase your talent.
Networking: Connect with other artists and musicians at these events; they may offer opportunities for collaboration or gigs.
5. Distribute Your Music
Once you have some tracks ready:
Digital Distribution Platforms: Use services like DistroKid or TuneCore to distribute your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
Music Videos: Consider creating simple music videos for some of your tracks to enhance visibility on platforms like YouTube.
6. Promote Yourself
Marketing is key to gaining traction:
Social Media Marketing: Regularly post updates about new releases, performances, and engage with followers through Q&A sessions or live streams.
Networking Online: Join forums or groups related to hip-hop where you can share your work and connect with others in the industry.
7. Stay Persistent and Adaptable
The music industry is competitive:
Feedback Loop: Be open to constructive criticism from peers and mentors; use it to improve continuously.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with trends in hip-hop culture by listening to new artists and understanding what resonates with audiences today.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining passion and creativity in your work, you’ll be well on your way toward establishing yourself as a rapper.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. Billboard Billboard provides insights into the music industry trends, artist profiles, charts data, and marketing strategies that are essential for aspiring musicians.
2. Rolling Stone Rolling Stone covers various aspects of popular culture including detailed articles about emerging artists in hip-hop which can inspire new rappers about branding and performance strategies.
3. Berklee College of Music Berklee offers resources related to songwriting techniques, performance tips, and the business side of being an artist which are invaluable for someone looking to enter the rap scene professionally.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brian !
To get experience to become a rapper, you just have to start performing.
Attend open-mic nights, cyphers and battles in New York City. They hold these at SOBs, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and The Village Underground. You just have to get experience performing and do a bit of networking and meeting the people involved at the record labels. You'll have to also do a search online for online rapper communities and see what opportunities come from that.
Learn how to record your performances. High quality sound and mixing will be important. Then when you have your files, register for an account and upload them to SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube. Seek out opportunities to book yourself at festivals, fairs, events and at different venues in New York City. You can probably find information about this on the rapper websites/social media that you join. Most of how you will promote yourself will be through the internet.
Since you said that you are still in high school, utilize all resources at your school that are connected to rapping. A guidance counselor may have some information for you that could lead you to valuable opportunities for experience. This may be a good start because there really aren't any in-person organizations or groups in New York City for rappers. Find out if you can get a video of your performances done at your high school.
Consider training as an actor or dancer. Many times, one career can open the doors for a rapping career. It will be important to be versatile, patient and take active steps to pursue any type of career in the entertainment field. I hope that this advice proves to be of help ! Best wishes in all you do !
To get experience to become a rapper, you just have to start performing.
Attend open-mic nights, cyphers and battles in New York City. They hold these at SOBs, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and The Village Underground. You just have to get experience performing and do a bit of networking and meeting the people involved at the record labels. You'll have to also do a search online for online rapper communities and see what opportunities come from that.
Learn how to record your performances. High quality sound and mixing will be important. Then when you have your files, register for an account and upload them to SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube. Seek out opportunities to book yourself at festivals, fairs, events and at different venues in New York City. You can probably find information about this on the rapper websites/social media that you join. Most of how you will promote yourself will be through the internet.
Since you said that you are still in high school, utilize all resources at your school that are connected to rapping. A guidance counselor may have some information for you that could lead you to valuable opportunities for experience. This may be a good start because there really aren't any in-person organizations or groups in New York City for rappers. Find out if you can get a video of your performances done at your high school.
Consider training as an actor or dancer. Many times, one career can open the doors for a rapping career. It will be important to be versatile, patient and take active steps to pursue any type of career in the entertainment field. I hope that this advice proves to be of help ! Best wishes in all you do !
Updated
Leon’s Answer
The simple answer is practice, practice, practice.
Keep writing and keep practicing.
Record your practice performance.
Listen to your practice performance, making notes on what you hear and what should change. Sometimes it may not be content, but packaging.
While you may emulate another artist, do not make the error of mimicking them. There is a difference between emulation and imitation.
Look for opportunities to perform. If you cannot find them, create your own.
I forgot to add asking people who are supportive of you and your ambition to listen and observe your practice sessions and give honest constructive criticism. Take the feedback and look for common elements. You are not asking them to approve you, only to give you feedback.
Keep writing and keep practicing.
Record your practice performance.
Listen to your practice performance, making notes on what you hear and what should change. Sometimes it may not be content, but packaging.
While you may emulate another artist, do not make the error of mimicking them. There is a difference between emulation and imitation.
Look for opportunities to perform. If you cannot find them, create your own.
I forgot to add asking people who are supportive of you and your ambition to listen and observe your practice sessions and give honest constructive criticism. Take the feedback and look for common elements. You are not asking them to approve you, only to give you feedback.
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Brian!
That’s awesome that you want to be a rapper. Starting at 20 is definitely not too late. Here’s what I’d suggest:
First off, keep writing as much as you can. The more you write, the better you'll get. Try to focus on your flow and wordplay—listen to your favorite rappers and pick up some tips from them.
Once you're comfortable with your lyrics, start rapping over some beats. You can find a lot of free instrumentals on YouTube or other sites. Try recording yourself on your phone or computer to get the feel for it. Don’t worry about it being perfect, just get used to how your voice sounds and your delivery.
Next, start sharing your music! Platforms like SoundCloud or YouTube are great for getting your stuff out there. Even if you’re just starting, putting your music online can help you get feedback and start building an audience.
Also, try to connect with other local artists. Collaborating or even just talking with other rappers can help you grow faster. If you get a chance to perform live, like at an open mic or talent show, definitely go for it. It’ll help you build confidence and get used to the stage.
And the most important thing is consistency. Keep writing, recording, and sharing. It takes time, but if you stay at it, you’ll definitely improve.
You’ve got this, Brian! Keep pushing, and have fun with the process!
Good luck on the journey! Can’t wait to hear your music!
Saint
That’s awesome that you want to be a rapper. Starting at 20 is definitely not too late. Here’s what I’d suggest:
First off, keep writing as much as you can. The more you write, the better you'll get. Try to focus on your flow and wordplay—listen to your favorite rappers and pick up some tips from them.
Once you're comfortable with your lyrics, start rapping over some beats. You can find a lot of free instrumentals on YouTube or other sites. Try recording yourself on your phone or computer to get the feel for it. Don’t worry about it being perfect, just get used to how your voice sounds and your delivery.
Next, start sharing your music! Platforms like SoundCloud or YouTube are great for getting your stuff out there. Even if you’re just starting, putting your music online can help you get feedback and start building an audience.
Also, try to connect with other local artists. Collaborating or even just talking with other rappers can help you grow faster. If you get a chance to perform live, like at an open mic or talent show, definitely go for it. It’ll help you build confidence and get used to the stage.
And the most important thing is consistency. Keep writing, recording, and sharing. It takes time, but if you stay at it, you’ll definitely improve.
You’ve got this, Brian! Keep pushing, and have fun with the process!
Good luck on the journey! Can’t wait to hear your music!
Saint
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