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You’re a Model? You’re a Rapper? GTFOH!
Not too long ago I stumbled across a diseased Myspace Music page I set up few years back with a couple of songs I’d recorded. One of the things that made my page different from all the other “self-proclaimed” talent was that at the very top of my profile it read “I am not an aspiring rapper. I just like to make songs every now and then.” I wasn’t gonna kid myself. I knew that my pen was better for prose than anything else. However, there’s nothing wrong with having fun making sweet love music. I’m actually working on another track that should eventually make it’s way to the internet with comments disabled. Stay tuned for this rap non-classic.
Anyway, when people ask me about myself and what I do, I tell them about my day job and eventually it comes out that I write for multiple blogs. I never introduce myself as a writer because it doesn’t pay the bills and it isn’t what I list as my occupation on any paperwork. And when people do introduce me as such, I’ll usually chime in and say “I’m an aspiring writer” with the trademark smirk on my face. And of course, there are the others who don’t exercise the same level of realism about their true professions or lack thereof. You know who I’m talking about right? You know, people like…
Bathroom Models and Basement Beatmakers
I don’t know when this trend started. Maybe’s it’s always been around. But lately, I’ve heard a lot of folks complaining about meeting people at McDonald’s social functions and being told by the man or woman they’re talking to that the person is a model, rapper/singer, or producer. This is fine on the surface since there are many talented individuals with real aspirations of said careers and their commitment to the craft is obvious in listening to them talk. The problem comes in with the large group of people that when asked for a business card or where they’ve performed, distributed beats, or modeled and you get a link to a half-assed Myspace page, their Facebook page that has a a million photos of them in public and private restrooms taking provocative pictures of themselves, and Youtube video of them performing at a high school graduation party.
Occupational Model Injury
Hell, I saw a pic of a chick calling herself a model and she was standing next to a hand dryer at Penn Station while a woman waited for her to move out the way. Didn’t even take the time to crop her out the pic—modeling in haste and sh*t. I’ve also run into a few women who have photos on free modeling websites, but their portfolio is a bunch of pics of them out with the girls at the club. Are you kidding me? Nobody paid you to hold that bottom-shelf nameless liquor.
To my thousands and millions and trillions of rapping brethren, are you REALLY a rapper? You’ve done 1 show in 3 years and it was at a house party when just about everybody was drunk and/or high and not paying you any money or any attention. That does NOT count as a performance. And to my Youtube producers, uploading beats there and naming them after popular songs to get people to listen doesn’t make you an up-and-coming producer. It just makes you an uploading Falsey McRawse (Imagine me childishly pointing a finger and saying nananananaaaa) and/or a douche residing in the basement of your momma house. You pick. I think I’d rather be the douche though, since I could at least say I was saving to buy a house.
I say all this to say that it’s okay to pursue an artistic career, but if you’re going to do it…then do it 110%. And if you haven’t made it yet, stop acting like you made it and you’re already on TV and I just haven’t seen you yet. Once you tell me where to find you, I will look you up. There are way too many bright people letting their brains go stale because they’re using their lukewarm pursuit of an artistic career as an excuse to do nothing in life. I shake my head and wave my fist at you.
Damn, I done started a little rant. Anyways, what do you think of this phenomenon of self-proclaimed artists that are masters of nothing? Has this always been going on? Is it a result of the internet making it easy for people to stunt? Do you know any folks like this or have additional examples of pseudo careers? Are you any of these people? If so, feel free to curse me out without cursing me out. You take care now ya here!
Dream Crusher,
39 Responses to “You’re a Model? You’re a Rapper? GTFOH!”
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Ha! Co-sign on this!
It irks me and it just simply turns me off completely when dude is you know all cool and suave, you know he a lil hood, but gentlemanly at the same time, next thing you know he’s “rapping” to you as his pick up line… um… #Fail
As far as the modeling thing goes, I’m not even gonna pretend like I haven’t ‘done’ it, BUT, I don’t consider myself a professional model nor a model at that. I do have a professional “modeling” page, but I don’t belong to any modeling agency. I’ve been approached by photographers, make up artist, and some boutiques/labels to participate in their shows or be part of their portfolio, some paid some not.
I definitely see where you’re coming from, I think it’s hilarious to see the bathroom picture cuz I am guilty of those as well but aren’t we all ladies? LOL
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my co-sign is brought to you by the letters: YES and sponsored by the permanent marker maker – Sharpie.
where did it come from? when random ppl with no (artistic) talent and no modelling skills got PAID. period. cough amberrosekimkardashianmelyssaford cough cough
we live in a very self-centered, ego-boosting, narcissistic society where its all about meeee..pay attention to mee..love mee…rate mee….
i get there are different types of models (runway vs editorial vs fashion/mainstream)..but i sometimes wonder what REAL models think of ‘video models’. being 1/2 naked and cockin up your batty doesn’t make you a model. posing for a camera doesnt make you a model. calling yourself a model (say it with me) doesnt make you a model. modelling isnt a hobby, it’s an actual job.
ok. let that bi*ch breathe. lol.
the worse part..it’s not going away anytime soon. or like EVER.
but seriously..how many blogs do you write for you? you like this dude lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVKBwVOBOh8
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:04 am
lol at “cockin up your batty” and the video.
I suppose the folks like 50 Tyson who start to catch on for foolery inspire a portion of the masses to give it a shot.
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Is it a result of the internet making it easy for people to stunt?
^^^yuuuuuuuuuup!
Do you know any folks like this or have additional examples of pseudo careers?
^^^Sure do…i went to high school with him & i will not speak his name cause he may magically appear on this blog, lol!
Are you any of these people?
^^^Definitely not!
Good post, it made me giggle…and i’m still waiting on that album, lol!
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:05 am
Album is still dropping soon. It will most certainly be out before Dr. Dre’s.
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L. Dejean Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 9:49 am
ok…i’ll be eagerly anticipating it!
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Lola Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 11:23 am
I could probably drop an album before Dr. Dre… shoot, at this point ANY ONE can drop an album extremely well done before Dr. Dre lol
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L. Dejean Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 10:48 pm
LMAO!
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You said it best to me yesterday Slim, its the technology. Now everyone has a camera with them everywhere they go by way of their phone. So whenever you feel cute of confident, the ladies can click away and gain expose thru the internet.
Likewise with the beatmakers. The beauty of cheap programs was they gave talented individuals access to music software that they could use at any time and completely master. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have 9th Wonder (that means no Little Brother, No Foreign Exchange, No Hall of Justice). However, if it wasn’t for the SAME PROGRAM, we wouldn’t have Soulja Boy either. We can’t have one without the other.
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MAYBE not having 9th Wonder is worth not having the likes of Souljah Boy tainting the airwaves making it impossible to actually listen to the radio … maybe.
But umm …I know a few VERY talented artists that don’t get HALF the shine they deserve because of wack commercialized “music” (typo’d musuc(k)). Also, having a high self-esteem day is not a good enough reason to claim you’re a model nor is having the ability to rhyme face and disgrace a reason to claim you’re a rapper … rapping & modelling BOTH require some specialized skill. Personally, I’m tired of seeing/dealing with people whose friends and family delude them into actually believing they can/will/should make it as a rapper. We need to call a moritorium on that hot mess!
Ok … done with that rant (back to lurking).
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CHeeKZ Money Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 9:33 am
I think I speak for every hiphop head when I say… I had no idea that Soulja Boy would still be around.
Its been five years already. Sure he isn’t exactly the hottest in the game now. But he is till around, and that bothers me.
” Personally, I’m tired of seeing/dealing with people whose friends and family delude them into actually believing they can/will/should make it as a rapper.”
I co-sign this. Way too many yes men in the game. You know your boy is corny and you are still pumping him up.
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Yeah this is so true. When I meet people like this, I’m embarrassed for them. Luckily, I haven’t been around anyone that foolish within the last few years. I don’t have time for grown ass people who only have pipe dreams and foolish aspirations. It’s one thing to actually be up and coming, and another to just be full of ish, a lot of people need to learn the difference.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:08 am
Unrelated to your comment, I noticed if you have a pic that shows your face now. Yes, I did lean forward at my computer screen to get a closer look. Don’t let me find you on modelmayhem.com on the lowski with a gallery of these.lol. I keed.
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=/ Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 9:57 am
THAT site! >__<
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I’ve had this debate numerous times and it applies to so many areas. Depending on attitude the person trying to make the distinction, it often comes across as elitism.
If it’s not your profession, you’re an amateur – even if you’ve been paid a few times for your ‘services’. I find it interesting how much of a negative connotation the word amateur has. It’s not an inherently bad thing, it’s just a distinction from professionals – just like in athletics. Aspiring artists/comedians/dancers/makeup artists/models/photographers/rappers/writers are all amateur, but clearly they have different motivations than those who do these things casually or with delusions of grandeur. For those that think half-assed effort will get them somewhere, it’s not worth my time to diffuse their ego or delusion regardless of their area of interest.
Ironically enough, on the flip side – just because you’re ‘professional’ doesn’t ensure you’re good at what you do either.
The joys of semantics.
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We live in a culture where anyone can become anyone. Look at TV. It’s filled with half fast talent and people who think they’re the next superstar. A lot of it has to do with the fact that today it is so easy to become famous…just do something stupid and the chances are, you will strike it big.
I think some of this can be attributed to parents who think that their kid is THE BEST. Just because your kid can sing does not mean they’re great. Of course there are some who do become famous are legitimately great (good for them), however, sometimes I wish parents were real and told their kids that they’re not good. Ok, I know it sounds mean, and we don’t want to crush kids’ self-esteem etc. (blah, blah, blah). But isn’t failure the greatest teacher? I mean, parents are taking kids out of school in order to pursue this grand career, yet 99% of the time end up with thousands of dollars in debt, a kid with no high school diploma, and due to no self-respect/self-esteem with a drug problem, eating disorder, etc.
I used to play piano for eight years. My Mom was a pianist and now just teaches. She told me that I was good (and I really was), but simply not good enough to make it a career. And I am thankful for that because now I have a real career.
To be an artist/musician/model, you have to be excellent at what you do. And most importantly there has to be a uniqueness about you. Of course, that’s if you want to be respected and performing at the highest level. If you just want to do a half fast job, then being on Youtube will suffice.
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I’ve had it with all these damn “aspiring” models. If you haven’t made it yet, sit down. I had a FB status about that. Out of the 100 people who are “models” now, about 20 make it. And that’s a big 1 to 5 ratio. It should be 1 out of every 100. Hell! I’m a model! -___- I would never and I hate when people say I should look into it. No thanks. I’ve looked AT it from the outside-in and I’ll pass, thank you very much. I think I have about two handfuls of FB “friends” that are “models” now. But I’m not flipping through Vogue, GQ, Essence, not even JET (lmao I know that’s over) and I don’t see their face. Sh!t if you’re not on ANTM, you’re nowhere near. In MY heavy opinion.
Now. The rappers. I blame Soulja Boy. I won’t front and say the dance wasn’t catchy
hell, I mastered it and every other CRANK DAT!. You could catch me Yull’n. But after him (or any other “rapper” that really made it), a lot of people ::ahem:: 50 Tyson, started to come out the muhfxckn woodworks with alblums nshit. [yes, I said alblums]. I’m too through.My name is Susan and I’m an aspiring I just wanna make it out of Life alive’r.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL_FMpE4zeU&feature=player_embedded#!
This guy explains my feelings about these “models”. I blame the video a$$ models for the pandemic wannabe models. Every girl who thinks they have a nice body thinks they too can be on the cover of King doing yoga in a g-string.
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guts Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 1:08 pm
funny video
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yeah if your only agency is facebook it might be time to find a new career….
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keisha brown Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 1:15 pm
if your only agency is facebook it might be time to find a new career…
LMAO!!
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Whack rappers with a myspace hustle started b4 soulja boy..sb’s claim to fame was the use of youtube.
I see where every1 is coming with this but understand, most executives told kanye he wouldn’t make it as an artist and that he should stick to making beats. U never know, 50 tyson could improve and get to the level of waka flocka if he was lucky.
(Waiting to make sure every1 caught my sarcasm…….)
Forreal tho…I can never tell ppl not to follow ur dreams/passion… ppl should however be realistic and analytical when judging what your trajectory could be..and if ur gonna go for it, go all out and enjoy it.
With that said, my group’s album “Money Never Sleeps” is coming soon. No joke.
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I have sooooo many comments for this… where to begin?
1. You killed me dead w/ the “posting a new song comments disabled” line.
2. A definition: The Pseudo Celeb
This is the high maintenance woman that walks around with an err of excessive confidence. She is always dressed to the flyest even in situations where she needs to just chill the f*ck out and relax. She has a knack for finding herself in the presence of professional athletes, musicians, or actors. She may range from average to high attractiveness. She lives off her looks and presents an image of being extra classy and glamorous. The term Diva comes to mind for this time, but it’s not necessarily accurate as that term is reserved for the Mariah Carey’s, Mary J.’s, and even Beyonce’s of the world. This title would also require talent. Had her father’s sperm landed on a different egg, she very well may have just come out smedium.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 11:13 am
Wow, this is an impressive comment. Citing a past post and applying it today. I owe you a cookie or a sundae…and don’t just take the sundae cuz it’s more expensive.lol.
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SBF Addicted to Retail Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I wouldn’t do that Slim, besides I’m down for the homemade cookies anyways… you did say you were baking them right?
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… ugh, I wasn’t done.
3. I hate, hate, hate when men ask me if I model once they find out I’ve participated in beauty pageants. One, modeling and pageantry = two different beasts. Two, modeling is hard work and i’ont eem got time. Three, did I say I model? Four, look at my body… now you tell me if you’ve ever seen all these hips/thighs/arse on anybody’s model (video vixen excluded).
4. My friends and I were so tired of the modeling epidemic on twitter/facebook that we decided to help out those girls who are the bathroom mirror models of the world. We founded BGPS – Baby Girl Public School.
- Radio Ad: “Tired of going to the weave shop and NOT matching your hair color/texture? Tired of the glittery tee’s with ‘catchy phrases’ at the tender age of 24? Then BGPS is for you.”
- Disclaimer: Subjects may face a brief wait-list for BabyGirls are at an all-time high and Rainbow is selling out of stock at an astronomic rates. We thank you for your patience.
- We are on a rolling admissions here. We don’t discriminate. Each of us either are former BabyGirls or have a BabyGirl in our lives. Let’s save ‘em people; it’s an pandemic.
Available courses:
- How to Spot a Baby Girl 101
- Weave Texture matching 203
- Creating a real portfolio NOT myspace nudes 305
- Contact us: Please apply at http://www.BabyGirlsRUs.org inquiries please email us at: saveamodel@howtomatchyourkanekolon.net
- Fine print: Babygirl-ism is a very serious disease & requires dedication from participants to see results. Success rates may vary. Complete reformation not 100% guaranteed.
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The only time these people effect me in any way is when they are trying to sell their damn CDs to me outside the club/corner store/Walmart/Jiffy Lube/etc. Otherwise, they don’t bother me at all. If Justin Beiber’s a** can be plucked out of obscurity, then they may too. Let them hold on to that dream. As long as it isn’t someone I have to spend time with, then I don’t mind.
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i never got why people that it was so cool to be a model/rapper/producer especially when so many people fail at it horribly. not trying to crush anyone’s dreams but what’s wrong with wanting to be something more noble? if you are going to be an aspiring artist why not be a painter or sculpture?
i think it’s a product of social media and pop culture. you have parents trying to groom their children from an early age thinking they can be rappers and whatnot. they think it’s gonna be a come up for them eventually. smh. my parents instilled the importance of getting an education. so you know what i am? i’m an aspiring scientist.
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Do you think there are more girls trying to be models or more guys trying to be rappers out there in world???
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CHeeKZ Money Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Rappers.
Hands down. Its sickening. They are like roaches. In every building in inner city america.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 4:42 pm
rappers fo shizzle. no question about it.
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Slim, I see you got jokes, you won’t see my picture on that site… But my question to you is what are you doing searching Model Mayhem…?:p
P.s. – I had to reply separately. b/c my blackberry wouldn’t allow me to reply directly to your comment.
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CHeeKZ Money Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Model Mayhem has some BAD ONES.
not going to lie. Plus just b/c you are not a pro doesn’t mean you don’t make good artwork. If you like photography or sexy women nothing wrong with searching model mayhem.
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Remi Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Men are so funny…
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I just want to co-sign this entire post.
Yall forgot about the CEO of _____ Entertainment/Productions/Records company that doesn’t have a Tax ID number. lol
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Sweet Chic Geek Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 1:50 pm
LMAO @ CEO
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SBF Addicted to Retail Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Lmao that doesn’t eeeeeeem know what CEO stands for.
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This is hilarious. Its sad too because I’ve seen a few really good friends quit everything to be aspiring rappers as if rapping and working all at once is too much. One friend is really serious but the rest of them I dont believe and neither do they.
“modeling in haste and sh*t” <—Priceless
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