Back Quote by Rakim
“When me and Eric did songs back in the day, we didn't go and sit down in front of no A&R. We made our album, and then, when we finished, we handed it in, and then we picked the best song for the first single.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Hip Hop Legends Podcast, 2015
Artists can succeed by focusing on creating music first, then letting industry gatekeepers decide the hit.
In simple terms: Make music before seeking approval.
Create first, then market.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- recording an album
- choosing singles
- self‑release strategies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does prioritizing art over business affect long‑term career?
- When is it better to involve A&R early?
May overlook market trends that affect commercial success.