The music industry (or music business) sells compositions, recordings and performances of music. Now being an up and coming artist (singer/rapper) there are a lot of things that needs your attention. 1. Be Creative: think outside of the box. Nowadays the urban pop culture seems to be recycled over and over. I mean its been going on for decades but it now seems to be at an all time high. For example, lil jon and crunk music. He was very successful with the style of music he brought to the scene but this wasn't the same for a lot of artist that tried to branch out. The secret which really isn't a secret is creativity. Thinking outside the box, being a leader and not a follower. When you invent, formulate, be the first to introduce a style that is not already in fashion, then the sky is your limit and as long as your style and you as a person remain relevant in the music scene, success will always be your theme song. 2. Constructive Criticism: some times we are blinded out of maybe love or appreciation of our work that we tend to over exaggerate our work. I've heard a lot of people say "i am the hottest rapper out there" but at the end of the day its not for you to decide. The audience is what determines if you are. It is always a good thing to know that if you make a hot track today, you can always make a better one. 3. Grind Hard: Some people are workaholics, just like to work. But then it depends on what motivates you. Lets say for example, money; a lot of rappers in the game today work very hard like for instance 50 cent. We all know he works very hard which is a good thing, but yet it seems like he'll never be able to deliver an album like his LP Get rich or die trying. The Question now is why? it is because for most people when you'r at that point where you see the light you want to do everything in your power to make things work, but when things finally work and your become a star, you get comfortable and that passion in your music will be lost. Sometimes people connect to a singer/rapper not just because of lyrics, but because of the passion they hear in your voice; that hunger for more. The best way to overcome this pitfall is to record as many tracks as possible while you'r climbing the ladder so when you get to the top, and you become comfortable, you have the firepower to comeback strong and you will be victorious. 4. Connections and Networking: Its always a good thing to connect with people locally, nationwide and worldwide. Network is very relevant and for an artist chasing a record deal, much effort has to be put into networking. Social networking makes it easier to network with people in the music business and thats why most artist have a facebook, myspace and twitter account. To connect with the fans, and businesses involved with your music. Be sure to get at least a facebook and myspace accounts. 5. Mixtapes and Videos: This two combination are a powerful arsenals available to good mixtapes and videos for some of your hot tracks will definitely get you to the spot light 50 cent, Drake, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane and many more can testify to this.