True self expression is very difficult. Unfortunately there are very few originals. I take cues from other styles to develop my own.
One day I realized I had a style that I wanted to improve. Then I went to work developing it.
The Abbot, The Wu Elements - 4th Disciple, True Master, Mathematics, Bronze Nazareth, Dr. Dre, Dj Quik - crazy basslines, Pete Rock, Premier - An Originator, Blaze - Took a concept made his own style.
The Mind.
Absorb what is useful reject what is not add something your own.