Why New Rappers are Struggling to Connect with Fans

[@liammurphy6605]

They try to not come of as corny or not cool to the point where it actually is corny💀

[@chef0335]

I agree, there’s gotta be some balance

[@shift-fast]

😂

[@BigWalka]

I don’t like any of their music BUT I think an artist showing you everything is corny. In this new age, it’ll get you more money, because ppl are nosy but I feel the opposite way what you guys said.

[@tom.quiney]

you can be mysterious if you know how to market it

[@chef0335]

I agree!! And it helps if you have an credible label behind you to help

[@OfficiallyRonny]

Love this video. I been thinking the same thing but somehow couldn't put my thoughts into words🔥

[@chef0335]

You’re a real one man. I wasn’t sure if this was just a crazy opinion I had or what 💀

[@CatDaddyMane]

Trying to be too mysterious and nonchalant

[@answoah]

i kinda like it, too much antics nowadays. music should be about who's making the best sound, not personality feeding into these parasocial relationships imo

[@chef0335]

I respect that take for sure. Cool way to look at it

[@Jupiluxe]

This is super insightful, I’ve never put the new wave concepts into perspective like this

[@chef0335]

Appreciate you. Thanks for watching 🖤

[@drsmokealot.]

Rather be known for your music rather than antics opium knows this. Look at lil pump he burnt out now

[@chef0335]

I agree for sure. I think it would be hard for other independent artists to recreate what opium has going. It seems like they’re definitely succeeding with that model though

[@BigWalka]

Perfect example…

[@diorayzy3228]

Ken and lone have a die hard fan base if you go to any festival you should see how people turn up to Ken’s music lol

[@chef0335]

True, and I’d love to see them live. I think they make fire music

[@theofficialgaurdingthomas7688]

To say Ken and Lone never built a core fanbase is crazy, they have been showing their character for years before even being seen, and the fan bases connect with them ode Tyler the Creator fans wildin

[@BeenBenji]

Yea I don't get that, statement that's bassically Opium whole thing is they all have a cult fanbase

[@TechnicalDifficulties]

This was a very interesting video that covered a very unique topic. I think there are two main reasons for artists being more mysterious. The first is that it helps an already established artist build hype and anticipation, people are always wondering what an artist is going to do next. Absence increases respect and honor, so when an artist gives their fanbase scraps that fanbase latches on to whatever they can grab. However, I think the second reason is more important - that is privacy. Some of the top rappers in the game aren't consistently on social media because they have so many eyes on them. They focus on the music and take their time. It is completely understandable in this day in age as people can become utterly obsessed to an unhealthy degree. That privacy is needed and that privacy allows the artist to focus on their music.

[@chef0335]

That’s a great analysis! I feel like if I put myself in their shoes I would definitely crave the second reason you mentioned- the privacy aspect. I feel like a great example of an artists that has found a great balance of this is J. Cole. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!

[@TechnicalDifficulties]

@@chef0335 anytime! Love your videos

[@noyb4441]

Perfectly said

[@MMA_SLEEP]

Idk they are mysterious but also Ken and lone have a lot of corny funny interviews that you didn’t bring out but good point

[@chef0335]

You’re right. They’ve definitely had some funny interviews where they seem relatable and like they have their guard down. Both seem like really cool dudes with great music. Thanks for watching 🖤

[@theblueprint2001]

i think its mainly that their music doesnt have much depth thag sticks with ppl emotionally like idk a Tupac or Tentacion or Nipsey or something. lots of guys like Tyler and Mac Miller got personality outside their rap and depth in rap too

[@ns.charms]

this is a topic that I've tried to explain to my friends many times. thank you for making this video. Ive followed many artists on their way "up" and the effects their personal engagemet has had on their popularity and I think you have it spot on. even for example lil peep was very in tune with his audience and posted almost daily and I think that was a huge contributing factor to why he got so big so quick. On the other hand, Gab3 is a different case. Ive met him on multiple occasions and he always been the same, even back in the "scene girl" days and he has always been the same. which I respect on multiple levels. sometimes an artist has the intension and capability to create what they are going for and that's all they expect to achieve. it's hard to express yourself through your art form and then be expected to boil it down into simple terms for people to easily digest through media. final thoughts: I do believe artists who engage more with their audience will have a faster growing fanbase. on the other hand, if the art speaks out loudest to those who relate, there might not be such demand for personal engagement, take Drain Gang for example. It really comes down to the connection they make through their music.

[@chef0335]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts as well. I agree with your conclusion and think your made some great points with this. I appreciate you and that we can have a discussion on here!

[@derekdavis1109]

The females are all plants tho

[@chef0335]

👀

[@miltown3920]

some are bc there was a too much of a void of female rappers in the industry it was a big untapped market

[@shamiirgoldsmith1864]

Idk if they’re plants but I wouldn’t be surprised because they’re definitely just as much as a curated image as Opium. A better example of female rappers genuinely being themselves would be ILYHOOK or L.IVE.

[@BeenBenji]

I mean but it's working though so why stop they've already have a cult fanbase also they have shown their personalities Lone used to go on live and talk with fans they don't have to do that anymore cause they're big now and doing so wouldn't fit the brand

[@chef0335]

I agree that it is working for a select few artists (including opium as a whole). But I believe that the many other artists in the underground are trying to replicate the mysterious vibe that seems like it’s the trend rn. But if new rising and independent artists are doing that before building a core fan base, I think it will just lead to less exposure opportunities and they’ll stunt themselves. In regards to ken and lonely they are two huge artists that are doing this right now and having great success with it in the moment with a large label backing them, so that’s awesome. But trends do come and go throughout all hiphop and art so I believe there will come a time they either need to change that mystery approach up or just be okay with not being as hot when the trends evolve. Thanks for watching

[@BeenBenji]

Ok but then you run into the problem they don't like cause you make good music they just like you for your personality and that shit can left real fast look at lil pump now

[@chef0335]

There’s truth in that for sure. I think there’s a balance to be found. I agree pump definitely over did it on the extra bs

[@shamiirgoldsmith1864]

I get what you’re saying but they’re all owned by Sony so authenticity isn’t necessarily what they want. The examples u used for past generation artists were all when they were independent so they had less assentive to chase numbers and be more of themselves Whether it’s corny mysteriousness like Opium or girl boss ratchet shit 24/7 like Sexxy Redd or Glorilla - both are curated images

[@chef0335]

That’s true as well! I see what you mean about the independent time period as well. I guess the stage of their career can play a big role on personal interaction

[@bigcatscorner]

CHEF❤

[@chef0335]

BIG CAT 🖤🫡

[@EeyoreProductions]

Good video. Interesting take on the underground. Female rappers are really coming into the spotlight

[@chef0335]

Thank you! It’ll be interesting to see what happens in 2024. Hope you had a happy thanksgiving!

[@EeyoreProductions]

@@chef0335 hope you enjoyed your thanksgiving too

[@jaklair]

24

[@ihuffandipuff]

i don't want no relationship with the artist. just gimme some music thanks karen

[@BeenBenji]

Nah facts they're artists not influencers

[@chef0335]

You don’t have to date the artists… what an odd thing for you to say

[@BeenBenji]

​@@chef0335i think what he means is that I don't want to develop a friendship with these guys

[@chef0335]

@@BeenBenji appreciate you dude! I was just trying to mess with them and give them a hard time for calling me a karen lol

[@BeenBenji]

​@@chef0335oh my fault I guess I owe you a sub then 😅

[@saulsisto2037]

bros mad carti the goat😭

[@chef0335]

Carti is goated fs 🦇

[@Dedego768]

Hmm I disagreee, because major artist of the past, didn’t have to show off to much off their personalities and still had gigantic fan bases. What you are talking about directly leads to parasocial relationships.

[@chef0335]

I’m interested in having a discussion on this, so I hope this doesn’t come off as a debate lol. Do you mind sharing what artists in the past (while social media was present) had success with that? Also, do you think that parasocial relationships are all negative? I have had the belief that parasocial relationships could be a positive for certain individuals and can still have a positive impact on many.

[@cateaaia9004]

I feel like if u wanna rap but ur a bad person so u hide and shit dont be a rapper but if ur a good person then u have nothing to hide

[@BeenBenji]

Ok but then do you like the rapper because their personality or because they make good music

[@cateaaia9004]

@@BeenBenji good point a loyal fanbase goes a long way tho

[@BeenBenji]

​@@cateaaia9004ok but everybody in Opium has that most underground have that Lone been building up his fanbase before Opium used to be on live talking to fans

[@LouieTha13Th]

Probably the dumbest shit I watched but I watched it lmao 🤣😂🫶🏽

[@chef0335]

Thanks for watching 💀😭