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Marketing to the Biggest Markets

Updated: Aug 8

Big money in the Rap game is gonna come from Sync Licensing.


Before we get started its important to collect money from your performances. You can do this with registered venues for live performances. We suggest registering with BMI. For a venue to register they can go here.


About BMI

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) are both Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) that collect royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The choice between BMI and ASCAP often comes down to personal preference and specific benefits each organization offers. Here are some reasons why a hip hop artist might choose BMI over ASCAP:


### Reasons to Choose BMI:


1. **Ease of Registration:**

   - BMI often has a more straightforward registration process for new artists. They are known for being user-friendly, which can be advantageous for hip hop artists who want a simple way to get started.


2. **Cost:**

   - BMI offers free registration for songwriters, whereas ASCAP charges a one-time fee. This can be particularly attractive for emerging hip hop artists who are managing tight budgets.


3. **Networking Opportunities:**

   - BMI has a strong presence in the hip hop community and often hosts events, showcases, and networking opportunities tailored to hip hop artists. These events can provide valuable industry connections and exposure.


4. **Industry Relationships:**

   - BMI has built solid relationships with many influential figures in the hip hop industry. Aligning with BMI might provide better opportunities for collaboration and mentorship within the genre.


5. **Royalty Collection Efficiency:**

   - While both BMI and ASCAP are efficient in royalty collection, some artists feel that BMI's system is more transparent and timely in their payouts. This reliability can be crucial for hip hop artists relying on these payments for their income.


6. **Support and Resources:**

   - BMI offers extensive resources and support for their members, including educational materials, workshops, and one-on-one guidance. These resources can be particularly beneficial for hip hop artists looking to grow and navigate the music industry.


### Considerations:


- **Personal Preference:**

  - Ultimately, the choice between BMI and ASCAP can be a matter of personal preference. Both organizations provide similar services, and some artists might feel more comfortable with one over the other based on their interactions and experiences.


- **Professional Advice:**

  - It can be helpful for artists to seek advice from mentors, other musicians, or industry professionals who have experience with either organization. They can provide insights and recommendations based on firsthand knowledge.


For a hip hop artist, choosing BMI could provide a combination of cost savings, community support, and effective royalty collection, making it an appealing option.

Ensure your music is high-quality and professionally produced. This increases the chances of it being selected for licensing opportunities.

  1. Register your music with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to protect your rights and collect royalties.

  2. Create instrumental versions of your tracks, as these are often preferred for sync placements.

  3. Build a diverse catalog of music with various moods, tempos, and themes to increase your chances of matching different licensing needs.

  4. Network with music supervisors, publishers, and other industry professionals who handle sync licensing.

  5. Consider working with a reputable sync licensing agency or music library to increase your exposure to potential clients.

  6. Make sure your metadata is accurate and complete, including song titles, artist name, genre, and relevant keywords.

  7. Be open to editing your tracks to fit specific sync requirements, such as creating shorter versions or removing explicit content.

  8. Stay informed about current trends in media and advertising to understand what kind of music is in demand for sync licensing.

  9. Be patient and persistent. Building a successful sync licensing career often takes time and consistent effort.

  10. Don't refer to any specific brands in your submissions, ie: Hennessy, Nike, Newports, etc.


Here is some general advice based on industry practices that could be helpful for rap artists seeking sync licensing deals: Go back and watch your favorite films or better yet YouTube the soundtracks to your favorite films especially in the Rap Genre like Ice T on New Jack City. The song was perfectly tailored for the movie. Of course Ice T had the advantage being first on the scene as an actor and first look at the movie script to easily craft highly relevant bars together, You too can get music placement information ahead of the competition with a good sync licensing agent.


  1. Create instrumental versions: Produce high-quality instrumental versions of your tracks, as these are often preferred for sync placements.

  2. Develop a diverse catalog: Build a varied collection of music with different moods, tempos, and themes to increase your chances of matching various licensing needs.

  3. Network at industry events: Attend music industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet sync licensing agents and music supervisors in person.

  4. Collaborate with established artists: Partner with artists who already have sync licensing success to increase your exposure and credibility.

  5. Utilize social media strategically: Share behind-the-scenes content of your music creation process to engage potential sync agents and showcase your professionalism.

  6. Create custom demos: Develop short, tailored demos specifically for sync opportunities to demonstrate your versatility and willingness to adapt.

  7. Build relationships with music libraries: Connect with reputable music libraries that specialize in sync licensing to expand your reach.

  8. Offer quick turnaround times: Be prepared to make edits or create custom versions of your tracks quickly, as sync opportunities often have tight deadlines.

  9. Stay informed about current trends: Keep up with trends in advertising, film, and television to understand what kind of music is in demand for sync licensing.

  10. Engage in cross-promotion: Collaborate with local businesses or brands to create mutually beneficial promotional opportunities that can showcase your music in various contexts.

Remember, building relationships in the sync licensing world often requires persistence, professionalism, and a willingness to adapt your music to meet specific needs. Consistently applying these methods can help you stand out in a competitive field.


hip hop artists looking to get into sync licensing:

  1. Research and target music libraries and sync agencies that work with hip hop and urban music. While I can't name specific companies, many specialize in particular genres.

  2. Ensure your music is high-quality and professionally produced. Sync licensing often requires polished tracks.

  3. Create instrumental versions of your tracks, as these are frequently used in sync placements.

  4. Register your music with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC.

  5. Build a diverse catalog with various moods, tempos, and themes to increase your chances of matching different licensing needs.

  6. Network at music industry events and conferences to meet music supervisors and sync agents in person.

  7. Consider working with a music publisher who has connections in the sync licensing world.

  8. Make sure your metadata is accurate and complete, including song titles, artist name, genre, and relevant keywords.

  9. Be open to editing your tracks to fit specific sync requirements, such as creating shorter versions or removing explicit content.

  10. Stay informed about current trends in media and advertising to understand what kind of music is in demand for sync licensing.


We can't let you proceed to the next section without discussing Radio.


🎵 Song Name: Morning Grind with AI

🎵 Genre: Rap

🎵 Tone: Motivational

🎵 Instrument Selection: Beatbox, Synth Bass, Drum Machine

🎵 Metric density of vocals: Verses: 8 syllables per measure, Chorus: 6 syllables per measure


Alright, let's get into the rhythm of the morning hustle! Here’s a Ai rap ready for radio about waking up, grinding with AI tools:


🎵 Intro

Yo, the sun's up, time to rise and shine,

Boot up my laptop, got money on my mind,

AI tools in line, ready to grind,

Let's make this day productive, one of a kind.


🎵 Verse 1

First up, chatbots, handling support,

Automating tasks, never falling short,

AI image tools, making pics fly,

Video editing slick, catching the eye.

Mass promotion, blogs and sites,

AI's got my back, I'm reaching new heights,

Social media buzz, spreading like fire,

Content creation, never will I tire.


🎵 Chorus

Rise up in the morning, AI by my side,

Laptop’s my playground, ready for the ride,

Grind with the bots, money’s gonna slide,

Living this dream, no nine-to-five.

🎵 Verse 2

Taking a break, time to DoorDash,

Order some food, need that energy flash,

Local joint's got a special, looks fine,

Chicken Alfredo, priced at $9.99.

Delivery’s quick, food’s on point,

Creamy pasta delight, don’t disappoint,

Might get this again, review’s a thumbs up,

Perfect fuel for the grind, filling my cup.

🎵 Chorus

Rise up in the morning, AI by my side,

Laptop’s my playground, ready for the ride,

Grind with the bots, money’s gonna slide,

Living this dream, no nine-to-five.

🎵 Verse 3

Back to work, ebook on my screen,

Packed with value, sharing what I’ve seen,

Tips and tricks, all about the game,

Posting it for sale, gonna earn my name.

Sponsored ads rolling, clicks bringing cash,

Affiliate links poppin’, revenue’s a splash,

Blog traffic rising, readers tuned in,

End of the day, counting my win.

🎵 Chorus

Rise up in the morning, AI by my side,

Laptop’s my playground, ready for the ride,

Grind with the bots, money’s gonna slide,

Living this dream, no nine-to-five.

🎵 Outro

Sun’s setting now, but the grind don’t stop,

AI’s got my back, taking me to the top,

Count up the earnings, smile wide and bright,

Living this hustle, through day and night.





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