Fatale !nk

With there being so many self-proclaimed "grinding lyricists" guaranteed to be the greatest to touch a mic in a 6-month time period, sometimes it can be a headache weeding through the egos to connect with the music. A hit & miss artist is easier to find than a leaked album but there are still a few that are being molded into memorable messengers to forever change the way we embrace one's experience through lyric and melody.

Since the net is the new A&R, everyone is being bombarded with "music"/ mixtapes 24/7 which can work towards one's benefit or have them black balled as a classless nuisance. The etiquette of branding holds major power in everything but especially the music industry. Blurry pictures, sloppy postings, twenty thousand plus followers on Twitter, and a few minors holding a " I heart Bobby James" piece of paper doesn't cut it anymore and should have never made it. I wrote a lengthy piece about the standards to be met for an artist submission for Fatale !nk not to long ago but it's different when you read it from one of your peers.

Meet up and coming hip-hop recording artist Ceeno Hatas 1/2 of the duo South Side Celebrity who's been so kind as to share a seed of knowledge with the late bloomers:

1. What are the three most important attributes an artist should have to establish them self as a brand?
Originality- This goes without saying; you have to bring something fresh and new to the table.
Versatility- If you shall call yourself an artist than you should be able to spit on just about any type of beat about any topic or atleast try. You shouldn't limit yourself.
Willingness to Learn and Grow- You can't be a "know-it-all" type of person in this industry. You have to be able to listen and learn from those before you and have had more experience. You also can't be complacent; Be eager to get better than you already are and these traits will follow you and help your reputation and brand.


2. Name the common mistakes an artist initially makes when yearning for a following. How can they be avoided?
  Overdoing it. This game has already become over-saturated so its easy to annoy people who you might want to be potential fans. I'm not saying don't be aggressive but don't force your fan base. If they have a good ear then they'll come to you eventually.


3.Are social networking sites the way to go as far as debuting oneself as a contender in the industry?
  Well they're a gift and a curse. Gift because the promo becomes more accessible and so do the contacts. Curse because there are millions of cats trying to do the SAME EXACT THING that you're trying to do. It's important to keep your face and music around these sites though so people can see you at any given time.

4. What were some mistakes you made when first starting out?
   I'm still in my "starting out" process (ha ha) so I'm still growing but so far my most effective ones were being impatient and not paying attention to the people who I had around me. My mother always tells me to be patient and I'll receive but that's one thing I've always ignored from her. When I set my eyes on something I want it to happen right then but I've learned to just pace my self and let my blessings come down flowing.I started out with a huge team but I've narrowed down tremendously because of various reasons like: lack of trust and laziness. These are two things that I WILL NOT allow in my camp no matter who you are. EVERYONE has to put in the effort and be honest while doing it. 

5. To tweet more or to tweet less? Follow for a follow or let it flow?
   Personally, I would prefer tweeting less because if you're tweeting all the time then people are gonna start assuming you're not working and you never wanna do that. Keep it at a steady pace and keep people updated but don't talk about your music in EVERY tweet because that will get old after awhile. Be a normal tweeter but when the time comes, GO HARD AND FILL UP THEIR TIMELINE haha nah I'm joking but seriously keep it professional and cool.As far as followers, they'll come, I don't stress it at all. Ex: within 3 weeks of dropping his mixtape I saw my homie @thecoolismac's jump by about 150 so that shouldn't be a top concern because word of mouth will get u followers, I believe. Furthermore I would encourage to follow possible connects that you may want to network with in the future and make your presence known to them. Don't tweet them all day long about this and that but be casual so they'll recognize your name whenever they see it and the time will come for the connect to be made AND utilized to benefit both parties. Also, listen to what they tweet about; most of the time they put out useful information and the best part is that its FREE.

6. Is patience and hard work the key to gain exposure or getting in with those on the rise?
   I think patience and hard work is key to anything success that you wish to attain. Getting in with those on the come up may be cool but trust me they're trying to work hard for themselves and "coat tail riders" are not well respected.

7. What is the best advice you have for those SERIOUS about making an impact?
   Stay Hungry, Humble, and Honest. If you want something bad enough it'll come in due time, no matter how hard the times may get because God sees you... at least that's what my mother says. But really it's true, one of my favorite quotes is "stay down so you can move up" and I'm not gonna explain that one because its Self-Explanatory like the title of my new mixtape coming out! Stay tuned!
 
OFF THE RECORD: Gimmick or no gimmicks? Why?
 Gimmicks are never good because they don't last long. If you wanna have a career then kill the gimmicks!

Be sure to keep an eye out for more from South Side Celebrity!

LINK UP!
Twitter (South Side Celebrity)
Twitter (Ceeno Hatas)