It’s extremely difficult to gain traction as a musician since the market is flooded with contenders. Rap is the most popular genre on the planet, making it especially challenging to stand out in the hip-hop universe. Helping level the playing field is Rap Fame, an app available for Apple and Android devices that allows creators to compete in contests with cold hard cash and prestige up for grabs. Tracks can be recorded independently or done right in the app. Rap Fame boasts over one million active users, 15 million registered artists, and more than 20 million tracks.
Rap Fame originally began as BattleMe, its mission being to let rappers challenge each other head-to-head from anywhere. Although the company pivoted in 2019, battles are still an option. “That’s not a massive part of the platform anymore, but it is cool,” asserts John Lister, Rap Fame’s Head of Community. “You can put your battle out there, someone will reply, and people can vote on the winner.”
These days, the focus is on the contests. Rookie competitions run every week, with winners receiving $50. That might not seem like a lot but consider that unknown artists putting their music into the world often generates little to no cheddar. Plus, the exposure one gains from entering can lead to Crew invites—Crews being virtual groups of up to 20 emcees. Being accepted into a Crew makes one eligible to compete in Crew Tournaments, as well as able to connect privately with the Crew’s other members over Crew Chat.
The Weekly Tournament is the big one, with the top rhymer being awarded $500. But that’s not all that can be at stake. One of the prizes this year was a personal mentoring session from one of Rap Fame’s illustrious peeps. These contests always come with a theme, anything from a summer hit to a Christmas love song. “We had a recent contest called Strong,” continues Lister, who is also an amateur rapper. “Some people took the gym route. Some said they’re emotionally strong. And some said they smoke the strongest weed.”
The top 20 tracks that receive the most likes, plays, and comments will automatically be put on the short list for recognition. Then the Rap Fame insiders scour what’s out there to decide who will receive the five wild card slots. The top five winners receive money, and the next best five get Rap Fame merch. The rest are gifted Benjis, in-app currency that can be used to help promote tracks. Benjis are always available for purchase or may be earned for free by logging on with regularity.
Utilizing a freemium model allows rappers who have low bank accounts to get into the game. Tons of backing tracks are available for use, 100 percent gratis. Simply open the app, pick a beat, press record, and start spitting game. Premium subscribers have access to an even greater selection of rhythms. Simple in-app editing tools help performers add layers, mix, and master their tracks for maximum shine.
Besides the ability to compete for goodies and reputation, Rap Fame fosters a community of likeminded hip-hop heads. Supportive feedback happens all the time, both from other Rap Fame users as well as the app’s staff. A recent upgrade is the addition of voice notes, which can trigger a meaningful confidence boost when real listeners start dropping positive critiques. The written word is simply not as effective at expressing such unbridled enthusiasm.
Then there’s the Rap Fame Awards, built to recognize the best in independent hip-hop. Started in 2017, it’s grown by leaps and bounds. More and more categories have been added over the years. Winners are calculated by a combination of Rap Fame community members, staff, and guest judges. This year’s edition brought Scott Storch, Jahlil Beats, and Nikki Page to the table. Having your track win an award may feel impossible, but with the Rap Fame Awards it’s a real possibility.
“Something like 40 percent of tracks dropped on Spotify last year had zero plays,” notes Lister. “On Rap Fame, that doesn’t happen. If your song is good, someone in the community will find it, and it’ll get some motion.” Take Cairo Snow, winner of Rap Fame’s Best Young Artist award. The 13-year-old Canadian is a genuine phenom who recently joined the Wu-Tang Clan on stage at Scotiabank Arena. Reports Lister, “He enters all the competitions, and he’s bitterly disappointed when he doesn’t win.”
Although the app’s headquarters are located in London, its success in America means there are plans to create a greater IRL presence stateside. “The aim is to offer in-person opportunities,” Lister reveals. “Starting off, it will be for competition winners. We’ll work together on new music and give career focus.”
Beyond cheddar and clout, Rap Fame is actively uniting the independent rap community. Members of Crews from different cities have been known to meet in the middle for hangs and recording jams. Romances have even blossomed, causing some to dub it Tinder for rappers. “We’ve had three babies born out of people who’ve met on the platform,” says Lister. “It blows my mind.”
