Rapsody Exposes HARSH REALITY of Music Industry Success

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[@rayantenna]

I could not agree more! I recently moved to Pittsburgh to make a massive independent push. I’m working with Mac Millers right hand man Big Jerm and this is a perfect example of the 9th wonder/Rapsody situation. Jerm really likes my sound and he can’t promise anything but he’s done to help me build my music catalog so I can at least eat from this music. The industry is designed this way so the powers that be get to keep control. For example if we thought it was normal for artist to start popping in their 40s instead of 20s we wouldn’t even question it. We would dream in that fashion because that’s what we see happening and I think that’s what’s going on with this notion “you have to make it in your 20s”. Of course the labels wants to push this notion. Because it means they have extra leverage when signing these young artist. And it means they have more control over who makes it and who falls off. The entire industry is superficial and has nothing to do with talent that’s been developed. It’s a psy op at this point.

[@CurtissKingTV]

I love this. Thank you for sharing your story with us fam. If this was the agreed upon mindset so many indie musicians would play the long game and not the desperation game. Keep killing it!

[@rayantenna]

@@CurtissKingTV 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️ thanks bro! It’s cool to see you killing it on KZbin! ⭐️

[@artuvwar]

I'm sunzoo and I approve this message

[@stringer2295]

I didn’t think we would be at a point where rap talent was the last thing that was desired in an artist

[@przmatic_]

We are here. Welcome.

[@saintkevinofficial]

Yeah, all across the board. Extremely demoralising.

[@ocleadinlady]

I think the disconnect is …talent is 1000% Desired from ARTIST…but it takes something different to be a celebrity or even a superstar

[@donshifty]

what do you mean by that @@ocleadinlady

[@8thirteenthelabel]

@@donshiftybeing a great artist has nothing to do with commercial success at any level. Talent is talent. To be a celebrity/star you need a lot more than that

[@melthecre8tor]

Theres so many female rappers like Rapsody, that get overlooked because they dont push sex appeal. There needs to be balance.

[@robertprince2651]

Yet we got the ratchets Sukihana and Sexy Redd; makes my stomach curl...

[@KiamKweli]

Indeed Che Noir is another.

[@derrickzorns6506]

Yeah like sa-roc, little simz and Che noir

[@tonychopper9142]

And now you can add 7xvethegenius (peace queen i hope i didn't butcher your name), Boog Brown to that list. Jean Grae is one of my all time favorite emcees, male or female. Never made it big from what i could tell. I remember when there was a time when lady emcees got all the respectfor their craft, and had bars that actually made you think. I know they're still out here nowadays, the fellas too. But we all know the industry doesn't want that for the people out here.....

[@mitchiegotmovesy7635]

It’s partly the male rap space’s fault cuz the lyrical cats ain’t giving the ladies enough space on records

[@warpath504]

I'm not even a rapper and I feel this.

[@kwanli_beats]

There Is A Specific Feeling Of Disillusionment When Truly Special Talented People Get In The Industry And Realize How Much Corporate Interest Ruined The Art

[@imyungtankk]

7-10 years That sound worse than a court sentence. That's some rigamaroo 😭😭😭

[@jonathan8963]

rigamaroo 🤣

[@traezaX1]

​@@jonathan8963read the translate ...even KZbin doesn't understand😂😂😂

[@saintkevinofficial]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣rigamaroo. But I feel you for sure

[@CurtissKingTV]

Rigamaroo is INSANE 😂

[@ladybre888]

Facts 😂 love but rigamaroo is wild

[@BKLYN_TZU]

What she is talking about is the late '80s to the mid '90s that Era is gone and I think she realized that having self respect and integrity is not what's in style anymore and as someone that grew up in the era she's representing it's sad That's not celebrated in today's hip-hop climate

[@musicproductiontips3121]

I remember the 1st time I ever saw Rapsody was in a 9th Wonder beat making video. Definitely one of the top lyricists today.

[@robertprince2651]

9th Wonder was grinding with Little Brother: he eventually got his foot in the door and it doing it up.

[@Barney-ii1no]

she's cookie cutter

[@BluEx22329]

​@@Barney-ii1nono

[@fluffybaroqueomnimedia4485]

Okay, this may be the video that discourages me from even trying to rap/make beats. I for one do not have 7-10 years to figure any of this out BECAUSE I'M 45! I just wanna share my art and help cut through all this profound wackness and reckless ratcheteering, ugh 😢.

[@ralphdelgado8232]

Make sure then beats are tight and the hooks out catchy. Keep it Super diverse never 1 dimensional. And always ghost write outside your genre. That truly will increase your chances and set you free✊🏾

[@welcometothefamily_us]

Let me hear some of them beats 😭

[@robertprince2651]

Aye, I'm 39 about to be 40 this month. Been writing since 2002 and beat making since 2007, gotta be persistent. It'll pay off.

[@redd9009]

Please don't stop. Forget age ..do you. Stay true to what you love.

[@dbmajormusictx]

I dealt with those frustrations of giving up I’ve had a little success but I’ve learned a lot since then as far as as long as I’m creating quality music im good. Id rather focus on being a husband and a father music will be there the art of music is still important to me thats how ima last no big audience needed and i do it for myself first

[@Prod-by-Z]

After about 7 years, I finally have had the opportunity to be in sessions with a lot of the top artists. As I’ve gotten in touch with producers who’ve executive produced for many of the top artists, I learned that most of them these days have a second job to pay the bills. I know it’s not about the money, but the fact that you can chart top 5 on iTunes and not even make the equivalent of a minimum wage is insane.

[@ConSCious843]

All facts. As a lyricist i been at it for 15 years. Just a matter of time tho. The world will know who i am soon.

[@taylorstep8135]

"over night success" takes at least ten years to it make happen. even harder if youre independent.

[@CurtissKingTV]

There’s no argument that the independent journey is hard. But I think the message in this video from Rapsody is that we also have to clearly define what success looks like. Maybe perhaps it won’t be as hard or unattainable as we view it.

[@vincenzogiambanco4390]

It's about the artwork more than anything else it's not about the money it's about the love for art and making music that touches and reaches out to people

[@boysoul2075]

But if you do this for a living it is about making enough money to live with dignity

[@mikaliahbell]

Yes🙌🏾💯

[@3dnatee]

Whoa, this spoke to me sooo much. Shout out to my sister Rapsody too...

[@devantewinston4865]

You killing it yourself never sacrificed your pen

[@boysoul2075]

Really crazy how this channel came back into my life after all these years. Respect the consistency - keep posting heat 🙏

[@lensflare336]

Like seeing her succeed. I was listening to her music since she was at NC State in a rap group name Cooley High. Definitely a well respected MC.

[@Ultimatum_MLE]

Keep dropping brother, learning alot from you 🙏🙏

[@RFJSTYLE0522]

Yup he do

[@CurtissKingTV]

I appreciate you brother. Thank you 🙏🏽🛠️

[@Quandryification]

Basically dumb down the lyrics and the production and you're rich

[@jimifash]

Tupac never won the Grammys. Rapsody, it will never matter.

[@greghampton5214]

Sexxy Red can be mainstream yet Rhapsody is still not ...make it make sense...😢😮😢😮

[@GenuineRSA]

There is a ton of talent and the labels know it, but there is a lack of star power. U could say the labels are responsible for building up and creating stars but would u spend money on a possibility or a guaranteed sale? And in most cases the people who are popular enough to become stars are good for business but lack talent for the most part

[@Lonersquare]

Truth that a person's views of Success have to change at some point. And that's because of both reality, and whatever they are willing to give up and compromise to get whatever their view of Success is. But with the way things are now the primary level of Success is to get and maintain a legit Fanbase with your Talent. It doesn't matter if it's only in the hundreds or thousands. Nice topic, and your Music Video at the end is a good down-home approach too, Brother.💯💯💯💯

[@CurtissKingTV]

Lonersquare, it’s been such an honor having your thoughts and viewership on this channel for all these years. Grateful for you

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

She is so talented. I wonder if she didn't consider making some radio friendly records to broaden her base so she can introduce them to her wonderful lyrical ability? I listen to many female rappers and Nicki is my favourite. I just think it's so hard for female rappers without turn up music. The interview was fascinating when she commented on how she has more black male fans vs women, and why doesn't she resonate with women. I think its the lack of turn up music. Wish her the best, she's very talented

[@jiggaflo1]

That's cap. There is no set time any more and everything takes off in different ways. It might take you 7-10 years to be good enough that people take notice though

[@kingdaveiv05]

I wonder how many artists glamorize all the wrong things. Like do they care more about the music, or the bag or something else? But the music industry is like most other industries. To many people care more about the bottom line and material wealth than the actual artwork.

[@vexamillion69]

Some spaces aren’t for all of us. Just take Doja Cat as an example, I wonder if deep down she wants to be portrayed the way she is now. Glad to see the integrity here.

[@6lackcomedy]

I love you my brother. Its a million things I've gone through that makes me...me...but there is one that overshadows it all and that's the passing of my 5 month old daughter. When SHE passed I lost my hunger for being a DIY CREATOR and I hunger to get it back and you're one of the muses I have that recharges that energy. I have fans all over the world and I wish to live up to what they remember me and my team for. Thank You for this channel. Fan since day UNO. PEACE 100

[@CurtissKingTV]

I love you too fam. My condolences family on the lost of your young one. As a father myself I can only imagine how crushing of an experience that could be. Grateful to hear that these videos are providing a source of positivity and affirmation. Looking forward to hearing about the amazing things you have planned.

[@CDMESD]

I see that YESHUA on her shirt. Yes Lord!

[@tyturner5870]

Always had a Crush on her smh she too fine but I love her soul and her raps. It hits on a different level

[@extendedplay8830]

I love your channel fam - Love the rap at the end of this video 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Rhapsody is a class act Her debut album is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I support all things Rapsody!

[@CurtissKingTV]

🙏🏽🛠️ thank you fam

[@rikXsavage]

Yea I deff can believe this , I remember seeing Lecrae perform at a Christian showcase YEARS before he actually broke out

[@user-ff1ez5sy5h]

"Red & meth didnt jump" ...and a few other old school rappers like em (only a few cuz what's happening now happened then too) . The artist that built a solid following by doin like curtiss is talkn bout here (being unique & puttin the harder work in) are still able to earn a good buck 20 yrs later. And, sad but true - 20 yrs from now fad jumpin, social media obsessed carbon copy rappers will feel betrayed by an industry & fanbase they miscalculated. Like i said it's happened b4 but not with this many artists. Cuz rap has nevr been bigger. Which jus means more rappers in 20 (probably really 10) yrs sayin what the f happened?

[@CurtissKingTV]

🎯🎯🎯🎯 the bags they’re handing out now are going to hit so different after inflation and society at large moves another direction.

[@KshonDaModern]

i wonder if rapsody is the only one female rap purist nowadays in the market or is there others like her, because majority of overrated female rappers nowadays aren't really purist an can't really rap like that

[@devantewinston4865]

Che noir check her out

[@Talib23401]

Check out Sa-Roc. She’s 🔥🔥

[@shonyeezy5672]

5:44 that’s the exact approach. I’ve always wanted to take not to sound corny, but as much as I love the Migos, I don’t necessarily want to be at that ridiculous level of fame I just want to say some of the illest shit and make exactly what I want to hear and my core has always been J. Cole tribe called quest J Dilla, MF DOOM like sound, and appreciation of this art form that for me personally, I just want to be mentioned with these dope people I see as hero’s even if it’s on the level of “if you know, you know, type artist” that’s backstage with your favorite artist and you don’t even realize it.

[@jazsebastian]

Very cool videos man, new sub here, trying to carve out a legacy for myself in this dystopian hellscape, great advice and insight so far!!

[@Stuttamcfly]

I think it’s crazy cause you’d hope that she’d be exception like you said … she’s so dope not just as a woman rapping but as a lyricist in general… then she’s in my top 10 … and joe budden summed it up … what’s popular now … ain’t about talent necessarily… but just cause it’s popular… what’s discouraging about being a artist sometimes… is the fact we can hone skill and it still not click to masses …

[@spatemediaNYC]

The bottom line is that if you're doing conscious or radical rap, it has to be very creative, like Kendrick or J. Cole. Latifah and Lauren made conscious music, but it was entertaining. We don't have a ton of conscious rappers anymore, but there is a lane if it's done right.

[@KarbonStar]

I'm still watching but just had to say i miss that time when mcees like Rhapsody, Jean Gray, Bahamadia(who still has a very successfulcareer to the DAY!), etc could exists among the other forms of rap. Rhapsody last album was a mf MASTERPIECE!

[@quintincroutch3540]

I’m looking at theses comments and notice everyone knows the ringworm in rap music “OUR MUSIC” 40 words or less bull 💩. It’s like the Matrix Movies Us Vs The Machine. But who willing to FIGHT!!!! I AM 💯 Blessings&Strength to the true artists don’t dumb down 🖕🏾that

[@travcanady2693]

Real Raps Rapsody…. Barz…. She’s my fav, been following her since her mixtape beginnings, I knew she was gonna be a problem, she rap better then some of this superstar emcees🤷🏽‍♂️

[@sisahmcwera106]

Damn, this really deep, now I get why my Fave rapper from South Africa went independent and went crazy with the lyrics than trend.

[@devantewinston4865]

Rapsody who is I always bring up when they talk about female MCs they don’t support but support a sexy red

[@traezaX1]

What a beautiful person ...both inside and out ...speaking truth man 🎉🎉🎉

[@straitbeats]

If you can earn a living doing what you love to do it’s a win. Killer mike was never the biggest rapper even tho he had mainstream success and look at him now. He’s bigger than ever in his fourties’.

[@CurtissKingTV]

🎯🎯🎯

[@greghampton5214]

40 words or less...😮😢😅😢😅 Greg3G Light to the World

[@sharronewilson4761]

I fuc with her more when she did that gza remix, I wish she get the recognition she deserves and tell her to keep going.

[@derrickzorns6506]

I’m surprised Jay-Z hasn’t gotten on a song with her yet

[@BEMEiTY]

I watched this interview, it had me questioning what I write.(the 40 words of less) I needed this ty

[@hakeemdarby5354]

my bad. i accidentally hit the dislike button. lol don't count that

[@najeefilms]

It's all about what you want, you want clout or hardcore fans that really support your music. Me as an artist I love making music I love making videos, I will create content that's marketable but overall I'm doing music for me. I like to see these through.

[@bamnjphoto]

7-10 years can be put into marketable skills and produce long lasting success instead of a 1 in 1000 chance of creating a chart topper that might have limited success

[@sty723]

Do what you want to stay on that hunt, but I ain't gonna front because it might not be all that you flaunt.

[@pablo27930]

But she has good music to tour off and she has what it sounds like good people around her.

[@MinistryB4Industry]

The song she did with Remy is fire

[@maxinetba]

Love ur content and show song...hot

[@txddyfarquh69]

I luv this chick and iv never even heard her music! The way she spoke in this video makes me believe she's gonna be here for the long run, not just an "overnight celebrity" like many of today's hiphop musicians

[@saintkevinofficial]

These times are tough. That's why i don't blame the Onlyfans girls or anyone trying to make it at all costs. Not everyone has the mental fortitude or patience to NOT "sell out". Some people really have to put food on the table no matter what. And they don't have the privilege to sit around being "authentic". Even if you do, you probably aren't going to make it either way. And btw, people gravitate towards classics. Not just anything you might think is "authentic." 99% of people won't make it. But giving up isn't an option.

[@devantewinston4865]

Now we have the problem of over saturation of the only fan rappers it’s better to be you and try then be fake and succeed and not be happy within success is what you make it

[@Abundanc3beats]

What is “making it?” I feel like you missed the entire point of the video fam no disrespect. I believe the point of the convo is to say success is subjective. BUT if you’re eating off your art you’re successful. Some people don’t want mainstream success and that’s perfectly fine. Doing art for a job in general is a blessing. If you wanna be mainstream for a check that’s fine too but clearly authenticity and good music still builds fanbases. Also plenty of them mainstream artists that “sold out” are actually not better off. They’re enslaved to a record company. So 🤷🏽

[@moe_factz]

To be honest, artist want their cake and eat it too. Artist like noname doesn't have this problem because she doesn't depend on the industry.

[@Osiris-wm2kj]

Dopppppee glad you dropped right now

[@YaH-Ra]

i don't wanna be underground forever but i don't want to be a sell-out (un-true to my intelligence) #balance

[@CurtissKingTV]

From my pov I wouldn’t even categorize you as underground Sis, you’re independent in every sense of the word. You write, record, mix your own music. You compose content, strategize it, and write copy for your social media. You are the future of this. The biggest task will be deciding what type of team you want to scale with.

[@efdartworld]

The battle I’m facing at the moment. Thank you for highlighting this 👊🏾👑

[@ejpentertainment2542]

May I ask.. will anyone whos here commenting on whats going on in the industry step up and do anything to make any changes? I mean theres been a bunch of outlets that have been giving this same message for years that i know but people wont listen to them because they dont have name value or recognition... theres plenty of ways to make change but chances are people will see all of these stories and information coming out and will still look to the machine to help get their mysic when theres plenty of platforms beyond the streaming services and mainstream radio to help them get heard.. Not attacking or demonizing but just saying

[@CurtissKingTV]

First off welcome to our DIYer music community. The goal of this content is to inform and support the independent music space. While many of the commenters may appear to be just onlookers, I view them as part of the solution as independent musicians of the future. Unfortunately being independent isn’t always seen as an attractive alternative to the traditional industry. Additionally many independent artists are literally hypnotized by the fame of some of the artists we cover. This is where stories like this one start a fresh dialogue. They humanize the journey beyond the bright lights. It is my belief that there is a better chance for us to have a generational impact today independently than attempting to change an industry that will always over value money vs the art and the treatment of their artists.

[@stretchakaguhgaming]

She is fire I like her style

[@_galaxxyy_]

Love the vid 🌌👏🏽

[@LifeIsPrettyUgly]

Bruuuuuuuuuh everything you said starting at 9:40 to the end of the video with your bars brought tears to my eyes!!! You speak for people like me & I speak for people like you... thank you

[@CurtissKingTV]

Thank you fam 🙏🏽🛠️ #Diyers

[@LiveTrax]

inspirational

[@BluEx22329]

Shout out to her

[@VintageAndersonMusic]

U.N.I.T.Y. BIG HOOK. Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.. BIG HOOKS.

[@FLAVMEDIA]

REAL TALK::)

[@VirtualSessionsPodcast]

Dope

[@demetriusbryson1706]

She Is 1 Of The Greatest Emcees Of Any Of The Contemporary’s….Beautiful Physically, Mentally & Artistically on The 🎙️ and Concepts….”I Love Rapsody Like I Love Real HIPHOP…!!!” Peace Queen Rapsody aka HIPHOPsody….She’s HER, Like Austin Reeves Said….”Im HIM”….!!!

[@fluffybaroqueomnimedia4485]

I am now on my second rewatch and...still can't help but wonder if i should even bother. I'd be starting from SCRATCH: I don't know wtf a bar is or how i'd record if i'm not in a recording booth. (I know i can watch mad videos on these and other things, but yeah.)

[@robertprince2651]

Example- Paul Wall on 85 South.. he didn't want to make songs for the ladies, just trunk bangers only. He changed his tune and skyrocketed.

[@5MofMS]

first time watching your stuff, I subscribed, dope rhyme at the end also!

[@justam_ess]

Love this Curtiss... Much Love Always, My G!!!!

[@seanthornton726]

He God MC said it best- Teach the youth and speak the truth Show em what peace can do when they'll reach for you And my reward won't be platinum or riches, it's even better I can be one of the greatest MC's ever..

[@darkmannc]

She's from a little city like 20 minutes from where I used to live...

[@Swissvmillie1]

Wow u are a youtuber and a musician 😮 you got talent and skills im very impressed no cap 🧢

[@TheROCOfficial]

Real Spill💥

[@UnseenAsyluM209]

You don’t have to have sex appeal to make fun records Gotta have some fun records as well as being dope

[@neilraphael707]

Such interesting insights and truths here. Thx so much for highlighting this interview and for ur commentary- it’s deep. Bless up Rapsody 💯

[@IllmatikRebelTV]

Rapsody! Definitely a Super Top tier MC. Hands Down!

[@spiritualgangstallc]

1000

[@dantexshelby]

😔💔

[@traezaX1]

I automate it and OBS it .... never thought id hear fire bars with OBS no Bs n ... 🙌🙌👏👏👏

[@acedollarsign]

ohh yea I remember when he said that 40 words or less:)

[@DuellegionNetwork]

Bro na f dat my big brother! thank you for u doing what you doing man. i cant even put it into words! but the vibe is real. maybe one day in a song cuz im learning a lot from u. keep doing what u do King the game needs you.

[@bleedwolf5]

After Lil Kim, sex appeal became the forefront of Female Rap!

[@bobbydee30g]

She is easily top 5 female lyricists and makes a great case for being in the top 20 period.

[@i_am_the_ember]

The pie is big enough for everyone, the problem is our idea of success.

[@gisoul]

Dope video, But the DIY bars at the end… 🔥bro!

[@elijahhenderson3505]

That's crazy I love her man she is from NC so I got real love for her

[@katlegomokaila7469]

Jean Grae comes to mind when i hear these type of conversations ...

[@bluntedafterdarkpod]

Rapsody is everything … she is not willing to be someone who she not

[@1RichPark]

Strong team and good supporters is all u need to keep going 💯🚀🚀🚀

[@airframer99]

Jean Grae we probably could say the same for her.

[@doommega]

i Love this woman , she language she speaking how we grasped to it

[@user-ff1ez5sy5h]

0:13 ...no doubt. And if male a whole lot more people would know

[@EGLyrical]

Ok I c you big dawg you flexing