Jidenna; ABC/Randy HolmesThis year’s Global Hip Hop Day panel discussion in New York City included a trio of heavy-hitting stars who had some very intriguing things to tell aspiring artists about today’s music industry.
Jidenna, Joey Bada$$ and Ryan Leslie each gave their thoughts, including how they’ve built their successful careers, with Bada$$ dropping some very valuable knowledge about partnering with fashion and other product brands, Billboard reports.
“[Partnerships are] something that I think is very important, especially in today’s climate in the music industry in general,” he said.
“The new thing is partnerships, where before, 10 to 15 years ago, it was like you link up with a brand or a company and you’re assigned to them. Today you have the opportunity to create, to innovate and to structure a business model around your fans.”
Ryan, whose professional experience includes being the creator of a social media platform called SuperPhone, talked about being able to “expand and differentiate your network” as a new artist.
He adds, “I try to look at someone’s phonebook and say, ‘How many people are you talking to who’s going to be crucial to making you successful?'”
On the other hand, Jidenna, whose star quickly began to rise after the debut of his first album, The Chief, last year, told listeners at the event about the importance of reaching fans around the world, and his plans to “thrive globally.”
He said, “I’m still young at this. I’m somewhat of an underdog, ’cause I don’t have the heavyweights that some of these guys that’s been here seven to 10 years have, but I’m starting in a place where I feel like I’ve already taken the baton from them and looking globally.”
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