Music Writers: Point, Blank, Period

Sources say Safaree "SB" Samuels writes the
majority of Nikki Minaj's raps.

There are many different ways to earn a living making music. One route that is rarely explored in independent hip-hop is that of a writer. When it comes to music in general, fans know songwriters write most of the songs, not the artists. Songwriting usually gets a pass in all genres once you’ve reached a certain level of success. But in hip-hop, once it is exposed a certain level of credit is taken from the artists. This mentality, plus the fact that just about every hip-hop songwriter wants to be the artist, makes it a less desirable route for that industry. But here are some facts that just might change your mind.

Writers tend to make more than the artists in the long run from a single song. The writers are the true owners of the work. When the song is sold, played on the radio, or licensed in any way the songwriter will receive the royalties. As an example, “I Will Always Love You” was performed by Whitney Houston and written by Dolly Parton, every time that song is played on the radio the royalties are sent to the estate of Dolly Parton not Whitney Houston. As most of the fans of hip-hop know, artists like The Dream, Gillie The Kid, Ne-Yo, and Kandi Burress have made a name for themselves as the writers of some of urban music’s greatest hits. But fewer people know that Jay-Z wrote for Memphis Bleek, Foxy Brown, and Dr. Dre; Ice Cube wrote for N.W.A.; and Nas wrote for Will Smith, Diddy, and Jermaine Dupri.

Rick Ross once wrote for Trina, Diddy, and Dr. Dre

Writing may not have the same glory that comes from being an artist, but it does come with the paycheck to make up for it. But getting in the business of writing on a professional level is difficult and can only be accomplished a few ways. You can make a name for yourself if either an artist or yourself performs it and it becomes a hit, you can find an agent who is willing to shop your music to music publishers, or you can connect with someone connected to a major artist. Connecting with a major artist’s camp is the most lucrative way since the other two require a middleman who will also want a cut. But its still a step in the right direction if you can get signed to Publishing companies like Roc Nation.

Networking is the key to the entertainment industry. No matter if you’re a writer or a performing artist your career will progress much quicker if you know the right people, or better yet, if the right people know you. Rule number one is perfect your craft. Once you have the right product it will do all the talking for you.