Fun Marketing Tips from Rapper Kendrick Lamar

Known for his passion for music, Kendrick Lamar has been acknowledged as the first rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize back in 2017, and winning 119 awards out of 288 nominations for his music and music videos. Apart from all these recognitions in his music career, he has gained respect and admiration that resounded across the globe for being able to establish and bring his brand on top.

Take a look at these marketing lessons which paved the way for this hip-hop icon’s success.

1. Be humble.

“Keep your feet on the ground”. More often than not, we are reminded of these words. As for Kendrick Lamar, his success has humbled him even more. This is why he has never left the top. He never forgets to acknowledge where he came from and even encourages others to do the same in his song “Be Humble.” As an entrepreneur, it is very important to get hold of your ego and to never let it take over by the time success hits you. Audiences tend to lose interest on people that are way too proud of themselves and that’s when they’ll start to lose interest on your products and services as well.

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2. When other go right, go left.

People tend to join the bandwagon. Where there is trend, where there is something new, where it is popular, there you would find the crowd. And as exciting as it may sound, it can cause failure. If you want to be different, you have to make a difference – you have to take risks.

Lamar has took this route when he released a surprise album on iTunes and streaming platforms. Although surprise albums aren’t new to the audience, Lamar had it released “unfinished” – comprising raw material. We’d bet no one would ever push an unfinished product to the market and that exactly what Lamar did - innovation, creativity, coupled with a perfect amount of bravery might just give your company its biggest break.

3. Do well by doing good.

Lamar has always believed on the power of karma trusting that whatever you put out in the world will be the same thing you will get in return. And that makes doing well for others eventually, will gain you goodness in return. His advocacies and charities aren’t a secret to the public – from donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to schools to supporting a movement and condemnation of racial violence. His acts have drawn support, admiration and respect from people which gave him a solid brand fandom.

4. Be authentic.

When you are starting out, you will hear more of the outside voices telling you the do’s and don’ts and very rare that you’d trust your own voice. Because being a newbie makes you feel like you have to consider every advice the veterans or the ones in the know have to give. There is no harm in listening to them but it is far more important that you stay true to yourself.

Lamar is one example of authenticity. His music tells a story of poverty, violence, and corruption. All these are about his experiences in his hometown. And as unique as his songs, brands should try and keep up with this authenticity. As an entrepreneur, you will be competing with the same line of businesses – a lot of them – and authenticity is the key to setting yourself apart from them.