Stay Humble When Networking: A Lesson for Rappers
I wanted to drop some thoughts on keeping it humble when networking, especially with industry folks who might not seem tied to rap at first glance. I heard a story about a well-known Detroit rapper who tanked a huge opportunity by being flippant and rude to a major music exec because he didn’t recognize them. That’s a cautionary tale we can all learn from. When you’re grinding and meeting new people in the industry, you never know who’s who. That “random” person at an event might be a producer, label exec, or someone with serious connections outside of rap—like in pop, film, or even tech. Brushing them off or acting too big for the room can burn bridges you didn’t even know were there. Here’s why humility pays off and some tips to keep it real: Everyone’s a Potential Ally : Rap doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Collabs with other genres (pop, rock, electronic) or industries (film scores, gaming) can elevate your career. Stay open and respectful, even if someone’s vibe feels “outside”...