How do you become popular if you're not from USA?

arnas · 03-08-2016, 03:48 AM

Hello everyone! I've see a lot of new rappers comming up nowadays (like J. Cole, Mac Miller, Tyler the Creator, Kendrick Lamar etc.) and becoming really popular, but here's one thing: they're all american. Most of them say that you can achieve anything no matter what, but my question is... I wonder how any of them would achieve the same level of fame they have now if they weren't from USA? Let's say they were born somewhere in Europe. In a country, that's native language isn't english. How would they build up their fan base by rapping in english? How does anyone, who isn't from USA, UK or whatever builds a fan base if he raps in english? I am from a small country and I'm pretty sure english rap show wouldn't be popular here. I'm not trying to become popular or anything, I was just wondering... Any thoughts? Thanks!

RoxyRollah · 03-08-2016, 04:28 AM

Same way you asked your question....the internet.

**Janszoon** · 03-08-2016, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnas

Hello everyone! I've see a lot of new rappers comming up nowadays (like J. Cole, Mac Miller, Tyler the Creator, Kendrick Lamar etc.) and becoming really popular, but here's one thing: they're all american. Most of them say that you can achieve anything no matter what, but my question is... I wonder how any of them would achieve the same level of fame they have now if they weren't from USA? Let's say they were born somewhere in Europe. In a country, that's native language isn't english. How would they build up their fan base by rapping in english? How does anyone, who isn't from USA, UK or whatever builds a fan base if he raps in english? I am from a small country and I'm pretty sure english rap show wouldn't be popular here. I'm not trying to become popular or anything, I was just wondering... Any thoughts? Thanks!

Why rap in English? I'd much rather listen to someone rapping in their native language.

arnas · 03-08-2016, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoxyRollah

Same way you asked your question....the internet.

But do rappers that get famous in the internet get to have live shows in USA or other countries overall?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Why rap in English? I'd much rather listen to someone rapping in their native language.

Because:
1. I enjoy english more;
2. The market is a lot bigger;
3. It's probably a lot easier to get more popular;

Btw, I myself don't like listening to rap that's not in english, because what's the point? You can't understand any word.

**Janszoon** · 03-08-2016, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnas

Because:
1. I enjoy english more;
2. The market is a lot bigger;
3. It's probably a lot easier to get more popular;

Btw, I myself don't like listening to rap that's not in english, because what's the point? You can't understand any word.

I was under the impression that English wasn't your first language, am I mistaken? I was referring to you rapping in your native language so obviously you would be able to understand yourself.

As far as what the point is of listening to rap when you can't understand the words goes, the point is the same as listening to any music: it's about how it sounds. Most rap lyrics aren't anything special anyway and they tend to be even worse when they're by someone who is not using their native language. I personally would rather hear someone rap in the language that comes most natural to them, because its probably going to sound a lot better.

arnas · 03-08-2016, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I was under the impression that English wasn't your first language, am I mistaken? I was referring to you rapping in your native language so obviously you would be able to understand yourself.

As far as what the point is of listening to rap when you can't understand the words goes, the point is the same as listening to any music: it's about how it sounds. Most rap lyrics aren't anything special anyway and they tend to be even worse when they're by someone who is not using their native language. I personally would rather hear someone rap in the language that comes most natural to them, because its probably going to sound a lot better.

Well, yes, my native language isn't english, but I was talking from my point of view i.e. I wouldn't listen to something I can't understand. And if we talk about rappers like Tyga, Gucci Mane etc. then yes, their lyrics probably don't have any deep meaning. But if we take someone like Tyler the Creator, Eminem, R.A. The Rugged Man - most of their lyrics have a really deep meaning.

Anyways, if one knows english really well, why do you think his lyrics will be bad? It's just a matter of how well your dictionary and overall english skills are.

Ol’ Qwerty Bastard · 03-08-2016, 07:56 AM

J. Cole was born in Germany.

Also if you're looking to be famous porn is the easiest and quickest route, providing you're willing to do anything and everything.

arnas · 03-08-2016, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwertyy

J. Cole was born in Germany.

Also if you're looking to be famous porn is the easiest and quickest route, providing you're willing to do anything and everything.

J. Cole being born in Germany basically doesn't change anything, because at the very young age he relocated to USA, where he was raised.

Ol’ Qwerty Bastard · 03-08-2016, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnas

J. Cole being born in Germany basically doesn't change anything, because at the very young age he relocated to USA, where he was raised.

I think it does. I'm not saying it isn't hard for a non-American hip-hop artist to achieve the same level of success that an English emcee from the US can, but that doesn't mean you can't break into the market (yes J.Cole's situation is different than this, I know.) Jansz and Grindy are quite frequently sharing hip-hop from non-english artists here on MB, so I think there is a market for it, and while it may not be the same as what a mainstream rap artist would find, it still exists.

arnas · 03-08-2016, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwertyy

I think it does. I'm not saying it isn't hard for a non-American hip-hop artist to achieve the same level of success that an English emcee from the US can, but that doesn't mean you can't break into the market (yes J.Cole's situation is different than this, I know.) Jansz and Grindy are quite frequently sharing hip-hop from non-english artists here on MB, so I think there is a market for it, and while it may not be the same as what a mainstream rap artist would find, it still exists.

Are you saying that people who are not from USA (even if they rap in english pretty good) can't get into the market that USA MCs are in?

03-08-2016, 03:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
arnas Groupie Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 11	How do you become popular if you're not from USA? Hello everyone! I've see a lot of new rappers comming up nowadays (like J. Cole, Mac Miller, Tyler the Creator, Kendrick Lamar etc.) and becoming really popular, but here's one thing: they're all american. Most of them say that you can achieve anything no matter what, but my question is... I wonder how any of them would achieve the same level of fame they have now if they weren't from USA? Let's say they were born somewhere in Europe. In a country, that's native language isn't english. How would they build up their fan base by rapping in english? How does anyone, who isn't from USA, UK or whatever builds a fan base if he raps in english? I am from a small country and I'm pretty sure english rap show wouldn't be popular here. I'm not trying to become popular or anything, I was just wondering... Any thoughts? Thanks!