Rap Promo Files: A Story From The Road

I’ve been working with a very talented independent rapper from the midwest for about nine months now. We’ve been building his following and fanbase up from nothing. This artist has several investors who pooled together the budget for a proper run - and a lot of the time was spent preparing this artist for the “industry” and the shenanigans these fcukboys try to pull.

He’s been on and off the road since November, working very hard to win over new fans and spread his music. Sometimes he has to bring his kids with him, other times I have to stop him from attacking certain “industry” people who are obvious scammers. But for the most part he’s been doing a great job building his brand.

Around five months ago we were in a small market - and a DJ who spins once a week told me he wasn’t playing my client’s music unless we pay him. I looked him in the face and told him that he wasn’t influential enough to get paid by us. We do more marketing and reach more people than him. I explained that he DJ’ed in one club one night a week that held 300 people; and how every individual on my street team has a quota of 100 CDs to pass out DAILY. With 4 team members in the streets on any given day - we reach 2-3,000 people a week DIRECTLY.  He laughed in my face. I let that be.

Two months ago I saw the same DJ…..he asked me what happened to my client from January - I told him that since then we’ve hit 75 markets, got his song a reality show placement, we’re doing decent on the radio & getting booked for $1,500 a show. He nodded but I could tell he didn’t really believe me. I asked him how the song was doing in his market and he told me I can’t get play in his market unless I pay. I left by telling him that the bigger club dj’s in his city were already playing the song and that it’s been in the mix on the local radio station a few weeks. I suggested that he check my client’s social media & digital buzz out….told him to google the kid. That was 2 months ago…….

Today this same DJ called me to book my client for a show….offered to pay for a hotel and travel - claimed he was doing me a favor and trying to look out for us. It’s business - so I didn’t act stupid with the dude - but when he told me the date all I could do was smile…..because my client is booked already that night - in the same city - for a door split with a DJ who supported us from day one. We might not make a dollar - we might win - but either way — I KNOW there’s a demand for the artist in the market now because a DJ who has NEVER played the record is tryna book the kid. That’s what consistent hard work will get you.

Tony Guidry is Senior Marketing Manager for A Scratchy Throat. A Scratchy Throat – the brainchild of music industry mainstay Wendy Day – provides professional social media marketing specifically designed for today’s aspiring artists. Tony is also owner of Authentic Artists Alliance and exclusive booking contact for Trouble (Duct Tape Ent/2 Tru Ent), O.Z. Mr. 28 Grams (Fratt Boi Muzic Group) and Racked Up Ready (Bow Ent). For digital marketing services or booking inquiries email: OGTonyG@gmail.com or Tony@aScratchyThroat.com