top of page
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
Microphone
  • Writer's pictureBLACK ONYX TV

🎵 Collaborating with Other Artists to Grow Your Audience

Updated: Aug 8

🎵 Step-by-Step Plan to Build Relationships


🎤 1. Identify Potential Collaborators

First things first, you gotta know who you want to work with. Look for artists who share your vibe, style, and audience. Here's how to spot them:

  • Social Media: Follow artists who inspire you on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Engage with their posts—like, comment, and share.

  • Local Events: Attend local hip-hop shows and open mics. Networking face-to-face is powerful.

  • Online Platforms: Use SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube to discover emerging talent. Reach out with genuine compliments and collaboration offers.

🎤 2. Reach Out and Make a Connection

Now that you’ve got a list of potential collaborators, it’s time to make contact. Remember, be genuine and professional:

  • DMs: Slide into their DMs with a well-crafted message. Introduce yourself, mention why you admire their work, and propose a collaboration idea.

  • Emails: If they have an email address listed, send a professional email. Include links to your work, your social media handles, and any notable achievements.

  • In-Person: If you meet them at an event, be cool and respectful. Share your vision and exchange contact information.

🎤 3. Build a Genuine Relationship

Collaboration is more than just making music together; it’s about building a genuine connection:

  • Support Their Work: Attend their shows, share their music, and hype them up on social media.

  • Regular Communication: Keep in touch regularly. Share ideas, ask for feedback, and offer help on their projects.

  • Respect and Patience: Understand that everyone’s busy. Respect their time and be patient if they can’t collaborate immediately.

🎤 4. Create Together

Once you’ve built a solid relationship, start creating:

  • Brainstorm Ideas: Have brainstorming sessions to come up with unique concepts that showcase both of your strengths.

  • Schedule Studio Time: Book studio time and ensure both parties are committed. Be prepared and professional during the sessions.

  • Share Responsibilities: Divide tasks like songwriting, production, and promotion to ensure a balanced workload.

🎤 5. Promote Your Collaboration

Promotion is key to reaching a wider audience:

  • Social Media Campaigns: Create teaser videos, behind-the-scenes content, and promo posts. Tag each other and use relevant hashtags.

  • Release Strategy: Plan a strategic release. Consider premiere events on YouTube or Instagram Live.

  • Collaborative Content: Create additional content like joint interviews, live performances, and remixes.


🎵 Building Relationships with Producers and Promoters


🎵 Producers

🎤 1. Research and Identify Producers

Find producers who align with your sound:

  • Online Profiles: Check out producers on BeatStars, SoundCloud, and social media.

  • Credits: Look at album credits of your favorite tracks to identify the producers behind them.

  • Local Studios: Visit local recording studios and ask for recommendations.

🎤 2. Approach and Pitch

Reach out with respect and clarity:

  • Introduce Yourself: Share your story, your music, and why you want to work with them.

  • Specific Requests: Be clear about what you need—beats, mixing, mastering—and discuss budget and timelines.

🎤 3. Build a Working Relationship

Keep it professional and collaborative:

  • Feedback Loop: Provide constructive feedback and be open to their suggestions.

  • Timely Payments: Ensure you pay on time and honor agreements.

  • Long-Term Vision: Aim for a long-term working relationship by showing appreciation and loyalty.

🎵 Promoters

🎤 1. Identify Key Promoters

Find promoters who specialize in your genre:

  • Event Listings: Check out who’s promoting events in your area or genre.

  • Social Media: Follow promoters and event organizers on social media.

  • Networking: Attend industry events and meet promoters in person.

🎤 2. Make Contact

Introduce yourself and your music:

  • Professional Pitch: Send a well-crafted email or message introducing yourself and your work.

  • Press Kit: Include a press kit with your bio, high-quality photos, music samples, and social media links.

🎤 3. Build and Maintain Relationships

Show promoters you’re serious and reliable:

  • Attend Their Events: Support their events and network with other artists and industry professionals.

  • Timely Communication: Respond to emails and messages promptly.

  • Deliver: When booked for an event, deliver a stellar performance and promote the event to your audience.


🎵 Getting Assistance with Accommodations and Party Planning on Tour


🎵 Accommodations

🎤 1. Plan Ahead

Secure accommodations early:

  • Budgeting: Determine your budget and plan accordingly.

  • Booking: Use sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and hotels.com for affordable options.

  • Local Contacts: Ask local contacts or promoters for recommendations.

🎤 2. Sponsorships and Partnerships

Leverage your network for deals:

  • Sponsorships: Seek sponsorships from hotels or rental services in exchange for promotion.

  • Partnerships: Partner with local businesses for discounted rates or free stays.

🎵 Party Planning

🎤 1. Find Venues

Choose the right spot for your parties:

  • Venue Listings: Use event venue websites and social media to find locations.

  • Local Contacts: Ask promoters and other artists for venue recommendations.

🎤 2. Plan the Event

Make sure everything is set for a dope party:

  • Entertainment: Book local DJs, performers, and entertainers.

  • Promotion: Create hype through social media, flyers, and word of mouth.

  • Logistics: Ensure you have all the necessary equipment, security, and permits.


🎵 Finding Pop-Up Events, Videos, Get-Togethers, Photoshoots, and Meet 'n Greets


🎵 Table of Resources

Resource

How to Find

Pop-Up Events

- Eventbrite: Search for hip-hop and rap events in your area.<br> - Facebook Events: Check local event listings.<br> - Local Promoters: Follow promoters on social media.

Music Videos

- YouTube: Follow channels dedicated to rap and hip-hop.<br> - Vimeo: Search for indie music videos.<br> - Artist Websites: Check the video sections on artist websites.

Get-Togethers

- Meetup: Join groups focused on music and hip-hop.<br> - Reddit: Participate in hip-hop communities.<br> - Local Forums: Engage in local music forums and boards.

Photoshoots

- Instagram: Follow photographers and videographers.<br> - Model Mayhem: Network with creatives.<br> - Craigslist: Look for local collaborations.

Meet 'n Greets

- Artist Social Media: Follow artists for announcements.<br> - Fan Clubs: Join official fan clubs.<br> - Concert Venues: Check venue websites for meet 'n greet details.

🎵 Conclusion

That's a wrap, folks! Follow this guide, and you'll be well on your way to building powerful collaborations, securing accommodations, and planning unforgettable parties on tour. Don't forget to leverage the resources available to find pop-up events and stay connected with the hip-hop community. Now, get out there and make some magic happen!


beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has significantly shaken up the rap world in the last 90 days. Here are the key points about their feud:

  1. Origin: The latest chapter of their long-standing rivalry was reignited by J. Cole's verse in Drake's song "First Person Shooter" from October 2023, where Cole referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as the "big three" of rap.

  2. Kendrick's response: Lamar took offense to being placed on the same level as Drake. He responded in the song "Like That," saying "Motherf-ck the big three, it's just big me," asserting his superiority.

  3. Escalation: The conflict intensified with both rappers releasing multiple diss tracks:

  • Lamar released "The Heart Part 6" and "6:16 in LA"

  • Drake responded with "Family Matters"

  • Lamar countered with "Meet the Grahams"

  1. Personal attacks: The diss tracks included personal allegations. Lamar suggested Drake had leaked false information about having a daughter, while Drake questioned the paternity of Lamar's child and made allegations about Lamar's relationship.

  2. Artistic differences: Some fans and critics view this beef as a clash between different approaches to hip-hop. Lamar is seen as a more conceptual artist with complex, layered albums, while Drake is perceived as more mainstream and pop-oriented.

  3. Industry impact: This beef has revived the competitive nature of hip-hop, which some feel has been lacking in recent years. It has generated significant attention and discussion within the rap community.

  4. Ongoing development: As of the latest information, the feud is still active, with both artists continuing to exchange barbs through their music.

This beef has become a major talking point in the rap world, showcasing the competitive spirit of hip-hop and drawing attention to the different styles and approaches of two of the genre's biggest stars.


How a Rapper Can Make Money and Grow During a Current Famous Rap Beef

1. Capitalize on the Attention

A. Release New Music:

  • Diss Tracks: Respond with a well-crafted diss track. This can draw significant attention and spark interest in your music.

  • High-Quality Singles: Drop singles or an EP to capitalize on the increased visibility. Promote them heavily on social media and streaming platforms.

B. Visual Content:

  • Music Videos: Create engaging music videos for your diss tracks and new releases. Visual content tends to go viral more easily.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Share the creative process, studio sessions, and making of the diss tracks and music videos.

2. Engage with Fans and Media

A. Social Media Strategy:

  • Active Presence: Stay active on all social media platforms. Post frequently, engage with fans, and respond to comments.

  • Live Streams: Use Instagram Live, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live to connect with fans in real-time. Discuss the beef, answer questions, and build a personal connection.

B. Media Appearances:

  • Interviews: Appear on popular radio shows, podcasts, and YouTube channels to talk about the beef and your music.

  • Press Releases: Issue press releases about your new music and performances to keep the media talking about you.

3. Merchandise and Brand Partnerships

A. Exclusive Merchandise:

  • Limited Edition Merch: Release exclusive merchandise related to the beef, such as T-shirts with clever phrases or references to the feud.

  • Bundle Deals: Offer bundles that include music downloads, physical albums, and merchandise.

B. Brand Collaborations:

  • Sponsorships: Partner with brands that align with your image. Use the heightened attention to secure lucrative sponsorship deals.

  • Collaborative Products: Create collaborative products with other artists or brands to reach a wider audience.

4. Performances and Tours

A. Virtual Concerts:

  • Live Performances: Host virtual concerts and performances, capitalizing on the attention to draw large audiences.

  • Pay-Per-View Events: Consider setting up pay-per-view events for exclusive performances.

B. Tours:

  • Headlining Tours: If the situation allows, plan a tour. Use the beef to draw crowds interested in seeing live performances.

  • Festival Appearances: Secure spots at music festivals to reach new fans and build your audience.

5. Monetize Digital Platforms

A. Streaming and Downloads:

  • Maximize Streams: Promote your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Encourage fans to stream your tracks repeatedly.

  • Digital Sales: Push digital sales of your music on platforms like iTunes and Amazon Music.

B. Monetize YouTube:

  • Ad Revenue: Enable monetization on your YouTube channel to earn from ad revenue on your music videos and vlogs.

  • Super Chats: During live streams, enable Super Chats to allow fans to pay for their messages to be highlighted.

6. Engage in Charitable Activities

A. Charity Events:

  • Fundraising Concerts: Host fundraising concerts or events, showing your commitment to causes you care about. This can help improve your public image.

  • Donations: Publicize donations to charities, which can positively influence public perception and increase fan loyalty.

Key Considerations:

  1. Stay Authentic: While engaging in rap beef, ensure your responses and actions are authentic to your style and persona.

  2. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on producing high-quality content rather than flooding the market with subpar work.

  3. Positive Image: Balance the aggressive nature of the beef with positive actions, such as charitable work or community involvement, to maintain a balanced image.

By strategically leveraging the increased visibility from a rap beef, a rapper can significantly boost their career, attract new fans, and generate substantial revenue.


How a Rapper Can Collaborate with a Famous Rapper on a Song

1. Build a Solid Foundation

A. Develop Your Brand:

  • Unique Style: Ensure you have a distinctive sound and image that sets you apart from others.

  • High-Quality Music: Produce professional-quality tracks and videos to showcase your talent.

B. Grow Your Presence:

  • Social Media: Maintain an active presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

  • Streaming Platforms: Distribute your music on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and other major platforms.

  • Engagement: Interact with fans regularly and build a loyal following.

2. Network Within the Industry

A. Attend Events:

  • Concerts and Festivals: Attend music events, concerts, and festivals where you can meet industry professionals and artists.

  • Industry Mixers: Participate in industry mixers and networking events.

B. Collaborate Locally:

  • Local Artists: Work with local artists and producers to build a portfolio of collaborations.

  • Producers and DJs: Establish relationships with producers and DJs who can introduce you to more prominent artists.

3. Showcase Your Talent

A. Demos and Portfolios:

  • Demo Tracks: Create a portfolio of your best tracks and music videos to share with potential collaborators.

  • Live Performances: Perform live as often as possible to showcase your skills.

B. Social Media and Platforms:

  • Content Creation: Regularly post high-quality content on social media, including freestyles, covers, and original songs.

  • Tagging and Challenges: Participate in social media challenges and tag famous rappers to increase your visibility.

4. Reach Out Professionally

A. Craft a Professional Pitch:

  • Introduction: Introduce yourself and provide a brief background of your music career.

  • Proposal: Clearly state your interest in collaborating and explain why you think it would be mutually beneficial.

  • Links: Include links to your music, social media profiles, and any relevant press coverage.

B. Email and Social Media:

  • Email: Find the artist's management or booking contact and send a well-crafted email.

  • DMs: Send direct messages on social media, but keep them concise and professional.

5. Leverage Mutual Connections

A. Industry Contacts:

  • Managers and Agents: Utilize your manager or agent to reach out to the famous rapper’s team.

  • Producers and Collaborators: Ask producers or collaborators who have connections to the famous rapper for an introduction.

B. Personal Connections:

  • Networking: Leverage any personal connections you may have within the industry.

6. Offer Value

A. Unique Proposition:

  • Fresh Perspective: Offer a unique sound or perspective that adds value to the collaboration.

  • Cross-Promotion: Highlight the potential for cross-promotion and expanding each other’s fan base.

B. Financial Incentive:

  • Budget: Be prepared to discuss budget and compensation if necessary. Understand that established artists may require a fee.

7. Collaborate Remotely

A. Online Collaboration:

  • File Sharing: Use platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer to share files.

  • Virtual Studios: Utilize virtual studio sessions and collaboration tools like Splice.

B. Communication:

  • Regular Updates: Maintain clear and regular communication throughout the collaboration process.

  • Feedback Loop: Be open to feedback and willing to make adjustments.

8. Finalize and Promote

A. Song Completion:

  • Mixing and Mastering: Ensure the final track is professionally mixed and mastered.

  • Credits: Agree on how credits and royalties will be split and documented.

B. Marketing Strategy:

  • Release Plan: Develop a comprehensive release plan, including teasers, social media campaigns, and press releases.

  • Joint Promotion: Coordinate promotional efforts with the famous rapper to maximize reach.

Key Considerations

  1. Professionalism: Always approach potential collaborators professionally and respectfully.

  2. Patience: Building relationships and securing collaborations can take time, so be patient and persistent.

  3. Authenticity: Ensure that your music and approach remain authentic to your style and brand.

By following these steps and maintaining a persistent, professional approach, a rapper can successfully collaborate with a famous rapper, leading to increased exposure, credibility, and opportunities in the music industry.


Rap Collaboration Toolkit: Checklist, Planner, Tracker, Worksheet, Blueprint, and Agenda

1. Checklist

Build a Solid Foundation:

  •  Develop unique style and brand.

  •  Produce high-quality music and videos.

  •  Distribute music on streaming platforms.

  •  Maintain active social media presence.

  •  Engage with fans regularly.

Network Within the Industry:

  •  Attend music events and industry mixers.

  •  Collaborate with local artists and producers.

  •  Establish relationships with producers and DJs.

Showcase Your Talent:

  •  Create a portfolio of demo tracks and videos.

  •  Perform live regularly.

  •  Post high-quality content on social media.

  •  Participate in social media challenges and tag famous rappers.

Reach Out Professionally:

  •  Craft a professional pitch.

  •  Send emails to management contacts.

  •  Send direct messages on social media.

Leverage Mutual Connections:

  •  Utilize manager or agent to reach out.

  •  Ask for introductions from industry contacts.

Offer Value:

  •  Highlight your unique proposition.

  •  Discuss budget and compensation if necessary.

Collaborate Remotely:

  •  Use file-sharing platforms.

  •  Utilize virtual studio sessions.

  •  Maintain clear communication.

Finalize and Promote:

  •  Ensure the final track is mixed and mastered.

  •  Agree on credits and royalties.

  •  Develop a release plan.

  •  Coordinate promotional efforts.

2. Planner

Weekly Planner Example:

Week

Task

Notes

1

Develop unique style and brand.


2

Produce high-quality demo tracks and videos.


3

Distribute music on streaming platforms.


4

Set up and optimize social media profiles.


5

Engage with fans on social media.


6

Attend local music events and industry mixers.


7

Collaborate with local artists and producers.


8

Perform live at open mics and local venues.


9

Post regular content on social media.


10

Participate in social media challenges.


11

Craft a professional pitch for collaboration.


12

Reach out to management contacts via email.


13

Send direct messages on social media to potential collaborators.


14

Utilize mutual connections to seek introductions.


15

Discuss collaboration details and compensation.


16

Share files and ideas using online collaboration tools.


17

Finalize the track and ensure it is professionally mixed and mastered.


18

Develop and execute a promotional strategy for the release.


3. Tracker

Task Tracker Example:

Task

Status

Deadline

Notes

Develop unique style and brand.

Completed

MM/DD/YYYY


Produce high-quality demo tracks.

In Progress

MM/DD/YYYY

Working with XYZ producer.

Distribute music on streaming platforms.

Completed

MM/DD/YYYY

Using DistroKid for distribution.

Set up social media profiles.

Completed

MM/DD/YYYY


Engage with fans on social media.

Ongoing



Attend music events and mixers.

Planned

MM/DD/YYYY

Attending ABC Music Festival.

Collaborate with local artists.

In Progress

MM/DD/YYYY

Recording session with Local Rapper.

Perform live at local venues.

Planned

MM/DD/YYYY

Performing at XYZ Club.

Post content on social media.

Ongoing



Participate in social media challenges.

In Progress

MM/DD/YYYY

Participating in #RapChallenge.

Craft a professional pitch.

Completed

MM/DD/YYYY


Week 5:

  • [Monday] Finalize the mix and master the track.

  • Ensure all elements of the track are polished and meet industry standards.

  • [Tuesday] Review and finalize credits and royalty splits.

  • Confirm agreements and legal documentation regarding song credits and royalties.

  • [Wednesday] Plan a release date with the collaborating artist’s team.

  • Synchronize schedules to maximize promotional efforts.

  • [Thursday] Develop a comprehensive social media campaign.

  • Create content calendars, plan posts, and schedule announcements.

  • [Friday] Coordinate with PR and marketing teams.

  • Ensure all promotional materials and press releases are ready for distribution.

Week 6:

  • [Monday] Launch teaser campaign.

  • Post snippets of the song, behind-the-scenes footage, and countdowns on social media.

  • [Tuesday] Set up pre-save/pre-order links.

  • Use platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to encourage pre-saves and pre-orders.

  • [Wednesday] Schedule interviews and appearances.

  • Book slots on radio shows, podcasts, and YouTube channels for promotional interviews.

  • [Thursday] Host live Q&A sessions with fans.

  • Engage with your audience and build excitement for the release.

  • [Friday] Collaborate on a joint social media live stream with the major artist.

  • Discuss the collaboration, share insights, and connect with both fan bases.

Week 7:

  • [Monday] Release the single.

  • Ensure the song is available on all streaming platforms.

  • [Tuesday] Launch the music video.

  • Premiere the video on YouTube and promote it across all social media channels.

  • [Wednesday] Share fan reactions and reviews.

  • Post screenshots and quotes from fan reactions and media reviews.

  • [Thursday] Continue promotional activities.

  • Post behind-the-scenes content, remixes, and collaborations.

  • [Friday] Monitor streaming and sales data.

  • Track the performance of the single and adjust promotional strategies as needed.

Week 8:

  • [Monday] Engage with fans and respond to feedback.

  • Thank fans for their support and encourage them to share the song.

  • [Tuesday] Plan a follow-up release or project.

  • Start brainstorming and planning your next move to keep the momentum going.

  • [Wednesday] Analyze the success of the campaign.


Week 8:

  • [Monday] Engage with fans and respond to feedback.

  • Thank fans for their support and encourage them to share the song.

  • [Tuesday] Plan a follow-up release or project.

  • Start brainstorming and planning your next move to keep the momentum going.

  • [Wednesday] Analyze the success of the campaign.

  • Review streaming numbers, social media engagement, and sales data.

  • [Thursday] Collect and compile feedback from your team and the collaborating artist.

  • Discuss what worked well and areas for improvement.

  • [Friday] Celebrate the collaboration's success.

  • Host a small event or a live stream to celebrate the milestone with your team and fans.

Monthly Planner Example:


Month 1:

  • Week 1: Develop unique style and brand.

  • Week 2: Produce high-quality demo tracks and videos.

  • Week 3: Distribute music on streaming platforms and optimize social media profiles.

  • Week 4: Engage with fans and attend local music events.


Month 2:

  • Week 1: Collaborate with local artists and perform live.

  • Week 2: Post content regularly and participate in social media challenges.

  • Week 3: Craft a professional pitch and reach out to potential collaborators.

  • Week 4: Utilize mutual connections and start collaboration discussions.


Month 3:

  • Week 1: Share files and maintain communication with the collaborating artist.

  • Week 2: Finalize the track, mix, and master it.

  • Week 3: Plan and develop a promotional strategy.

  • Week 4: Launch the teaser campaign and set up pre-save links.


Month 4:

  • Week 1: Release the single and launch the music video.

  • Week 2: Engage in promotional activities and monitor the song's performance.

  • Week 3: Analyze the campaign's success and plan a follow-up project.

  • Week 4: Celebrate the success and continue engaging with fans.


Summary


By following this detailed agenda, you can strategically navigate the process of collaborating with a major artist. This comprehensive plan will help you build a solid foundation, network effectively, showcase your talent, reach out professionally, leverage connections, offer value, collaborate remotely, and finalize and promote your project successfully.


Consistent effort, professionalism, and strategic planning are key to achieving a successful collaboration. This toolkit will guide you through each step, ensuring you make the most of every opportunity to grow your career and make a significant impact in the music industry.


Take one song and Remonetize it for different audiences.

An artist can explore several creative ways to modify a song to appeal to different audiences or settings. Here are some additional ideas:

  1. Acoustic Version:

    • Strip down the song to its core elements by removing electronic instruments and focusing on acoustic instruments like guitar or piano. This version often emphasizes the lyrics and raw emotion.

  2. Extended Version:

    • Create a longer version of the song with additional verses, instrumental sections, or extended outros to give the track a more epic feel.

  3. Instrumental Version:

    • Remove the vocals entirely to showcase the instrumental arrangement. This can be used for background music in various settings.

  4. A Cappella Version:

    • Perform the song without any instrumental backing, focusing entirely on vocals, harmonies, and beatboxing if applicable.

  5. Live Version:

    • Record a live performance of the song, capturing the energy of a live audience and possibly incorporating improvised elements.

  6. Dub Version:

    • Create a dub version by adding effects like reverb and delay, often stripping down vocals and focusing on the rhythm and bassline, common in reggae and electronic music.

  7. Orchestral or Symphonic Version:

    • Arrange the song with orchestral instruments to create a more dramatic and cinematic version.

  8. Chopped and Screwed Version:

    • Slow down the tempo of the song and add techniques like skipping beats or repeating lyrics, often used in hip-hop to create a distinct, deep sound.

  9. Dance or EDM Remix:

    • Transform the song into a high-energy dance track with electronic beats and a faster tempo, appealing to club and festival audiences.

  10. Mashup:

    • Combine elements of the song with another track to create a mashup, blending vocals and beats from different songs to create something entirely new.

  11. Alternate Language Version:

    • Record the song in a different language to reach a broader, international audience.

  12. Spoken Word Version:

    • Turn the lyrics into a spoken word performance, focusing on the message and poetry of the lyrics without musical accompaniment.

  13. Genre Cross-Over Version:

    • Reinterpret the song in a completely different genre, such as turning a hip-hop track into a rock or country version.

  14. Unplugged Version:

    • Perform the song in a more intimate, stripped-down setting, often using minimal instruments and focusing on the raw performance.

  15. Dubstep or Trap Remix:

    • Introduce heavy bass drops and electronic elements characteristic of dubstep or trap music to create a powerful, energetic remix.


With our National Contest we are designing the COLLABORATOR to help you get a Big Name.




8 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page