So,you're a dope MC,or The Baddest DJ alive,The Freshest B-Breaker....you're one impressive individual.All your friends tell you F#*k everyone mainstream,because you're waayyy better than them....so,why is it that only your 15 friends and your Mom showed up to your last event?Is it because your city hates hip-hop?Perhaps there is a vast conspiracy afoot by everyone in your town who is not as good?Is it because of the Haters?The answer is,probably not-telling yourself stuff like that might make you feel better,but it won't solve the problem.Promoting for shows can be tricky,and lots of different people have different approaches.One person is gonna tell you it's all about the flyers,another says word of mouth,next one says radio ads,or internet promotions,hot naked chicks at the door,or your hardcore street rep....you get the picture.No one way to do the damn thing,and it kinda depends on what kind of crowd you're trying to draw....don't do a show at the bar if only high school kids dig ya,and don't hit the neighborhood all-ages open mic with you're hardest of the hardcore tracks that only the OG's are gonna feel.I guess I shouldn't say don't but ya gotta look at whether or not the ways you promote yourself are working in your favor or not. Honestly,the #1 component of promoting is hustle-you have to put in work,and it has to be sincere as well as timely.You can pass out 50,000 flyers to people you don't even say two words to or put 'em on windshields and in mailboxes and not get as many heads to come to the show as if you had passed out 40 flyers to people who saw you rappin' at the neighborhood hang-out spot or sellin' your cd's at the liquor store.What I'm gettin' at is even if you're the best ever,those who haven't heard of you aren't gonna "come one,come all" just because they hear about your show....they need to hear or see you doin' your thing in a setting that's not your event to cancel their whatever it is they were gonna do instead.If you can't or won't give free previews,at least chop it up with people and tell 'em about what you do and why they really gotta come see it for themselves.Convince one person that they are really missing out if they don't come out and they'll bring as many people as they can with them to witness this spectacular event too.Trust me,this is the voice of experience,and some of this knowledge has been obtained the hard way,while some of it is from watching other people's successes and failures. Another important element is tenacity-you must persist.If you fall flat on your face in spite of your best efforts,something has to change.Maybe you're out there connecting with people but they're leery of a "Toss my Salad You Beezies!"Tour.Maybe they dig your music but are scared to come to your show because one of the homies got shot at that club.You just gotta think about what's working and what isn't and make adjustments accordingly.Tonight's shameless plugs-Mic Jordan,Task1ne,&Cadaver are dope!!!Rob Roy and his people are finally lettin' the public hear some of that fire.2 or 3 Guys doin' the damn thing on the alternative rock scene!! I realize that was an abrupt change of subject but I had to throw the daily plugs in and I think I've made my point about as well as I'm going to tonight...I've had some shows where only a few people showed up,but most of 'em are pretty crackin',Damnit,and the packed house is what we usually see. One last thing though...if you are at a show,and it ain't crackin',you still gotta put it down!Even if only one person sees you,you gotta plant that seed.Half-hearted performances are beneath you-you love this shit right?So always go 110%,and things will work out. Until tomorrow, -M.C. QBall916 (OUT!!)
