How Do Rappers Make So Much Money

Do you want to break into the rap industry? Making a name as a rapper and truly breaking into the industry can take a lot of time and hard work. However, if you have the talent and drive, it is possible to make money as you go.

In addition to being talented musicians, rappers also need to be good at making connections and marketing themselves. This allows them to gain a following and make money in a number of different ways. So, let's find out exactly how much do rappers make and how to maximize your earning potential…

How Much Do New Rappers Get Paid?

The average salary for a rapper is typically around $77,000 per year. However, for famous rappers who have large followings , the sky is the limit. For example, an established rapper such as Jay-Z reportedly earns around $900 million per year .

The average salary for musical artists is $30 per hour, which is a decent livable wage. Working as a session musician could be a good place to start, as it allows rappers to make connections. While new rappers are unlikely to make megabucks at first, those with the passion to succeed can rake in the dough over time.

How to Make Money as a Rapper

One of the most common ways of making money as a rapper is putting on concerts. However, it takes a lot of rappers many years to pack out a venue. Fortunately, there are several other ways for rappers of all levels to make money during their journey.

Getting Paid from Mixtapes

The first step to making money as a rapper is getting your music out there. Many of the most famous rappers on the planet gave out their mixtapes for free when they were getting started. This helps to create a buzz and build a following, and new rappers can create their own mixtapes.

While new artists are unlikely to get paid for their mixtapes at first, they still keep the rights to their music. As the rapper becomes better known later, they can sell their mixtapes to record labels. New rappers also have the opportunity to sell their mixtapes after performances if they want.

Renowned rappers can earn serious money for their mixtapes, and the biggest names can earn $22,000 per song. The average price for a mixtape track is $10,000.

Build Your Fan Base

While many rappers may simply want to get in the studio and make music, having a loyal following is essential. It is important to establish and nurture an online presence on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok . While you still keep the rights to your music, fans will be able to share it, and you could attract attention from producers.

Make Music That Fits Your Fans

As you develop your fan base, it is important to understand who they are and what they want from you. It can take a bit of trial and error to find the tunes and lyrics that people respond to. It is a good idea to create content in a few styles and see what gets the best reactions.

How Much Do Rappers Make? – Album Sales

While album sales may not be as high as they once were, they still comprise a large part of a rapper's revenue. Any well-respected rapper can expect to sell at least 300,000 albums when they are released. This can bring in millions of dollars each time an album is recorded.

Of course, there are a lot of costs that need to be covered when an album is released. These include manager's commissions, studio fees, and the costs of pressing albums. Still, rappers can expect to earn a large part of their overall salaries from album sales .

Touring

Not only is touring a good way for rappers to make money , but it also helps them to increase their fan base. Most rappers start out by supporting other artists on tour. This helps them to gain exposure as well as large numbers of new fans.

Rappers also have the chance to sell their albums and merchandise during their tours. Merchandize is an important revenue stream that can be utilized in a wide range of ways. T-skirts, caps, and other gear serve as advertising that fans pay to walk around with.

Branding and Promotions

While some rappers see it as selling out, starring in movie and TV advertising is a great way to make money. Rappers can also get paid to tweet about products and even write music for advertising campaigns. This is also a great way for rappers to reach a wider audience, which can lead to bigger and better opportunities.

Great Gifts for Rap Music Fans

What do you get the rapper in your life who already seems to have everything? While music may seem to be the obvious answer, they are likely to already own the albums they love.

Here are some great products that budding rappers are sure to appreciate.

50 Rappers Who Changed the World by Candace McDuffie

This hardcover book takes readers on a journey from the origins of rap in the 1970s to the present day. Studying the careers of different rappers is a good way for new rappers to pick up tips for success. Learning how famous rappers made their way can also provide the motivation to shoot for the stars.

Hicarer 80s/90s Rapper Costume

They always say you should fake it until you make it, and this rapper costume allows you to do just that. The costume consists of a faux gold necklace chain, a faux gold chain bracelet, and a pair of flat top sunglasses. This is a great way to create a lasting impression when turning up to a gig or on Halloween.

The Rap Year Book by Shea Serrano

This detailed book is available in both paperback and Kindle versions and is illustrated with colorful artwork. The book deconstructs the most popular rap song of every year from 1979 to the present. This provides rappers with an interesting insight into how songs are written, produced, and marketed.

Every good rapper needs a good microphone and some good headphones

So, why not check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Microphone for Recording Rap Vocals , the Best Vocal Mics , the Best IOS Microphones , the Best Dynamic Microphones , the Best Microphones Youtube , or the Best USB Microphones you can buy in 2021.

You may also be interested in our reviews of the Best Microphone Preamps currently on the market.

As for headphones, check out our reviews of the Best Headphones Under $1,000 , the Best Headphones for Music , the Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100 , the Most Comfortable Headphones , or the Best Headphones Under $100 that really let you hear the bass.

How Much Do Rappers Make? – Final Thoughts

In order to hit the big time, new rappers need to spend time building a fan base and a collection of songs. As a result, their salary may be rather low for the first few years. Many new rappers start out part-time until they make enough to turn their passion into a full-time job.

Even those who do not become international stars can still make good money as a rapper. These days, there are several different money streams that can be taken advantage of. These include social media platforms, while talented songwriters can make money selling songs to established rappers and working with them.

So get to it and start your rap career today!