>You're talking about finding an image and I'm talking about
>finding a sound and then refining your image. I mean I'm sure
>you can find a name or two that went about it that old way but
>for the most part there aren't dues being paid the way George,
>Rick, EWF, etc paid them. You and I both know acts aren't
>given nearly the time they used to be given. It's pretty much
>inherent on an artist now to have the image ready to go from
>jump or there may be no second chance.


You got cats grinding on the mixtape circuit for years before making it. Cats doing their thing on YouTube. Hustling on their local scenes. Working as ghostwriters...

The fact that a dude blows up "out of nowhere" on Tuesday doesn't mean he just started rapping on Monday.