Indie is winning.
From the massive commercial success of artists like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, to the successful touring circuit of Tech N9ne to the envy-inducing upstart movements of artists like Chance The Rapper, independent rappers are breaking down barriers and building careers. In addition to being independent, one thing all the above artists have in common: they want to remain independent. It’s a point they seem to take pride in, and one they’ve leveraged to make inroads in areas often reserved for major label stars.
Up-and-coming rappers still dream of being discovered and signed to a major—but in a different form than they have in years past. Now, kids are eager to build their own situation, forcing the labels to make them their suitors.
There are also are plenty of artists currently signed to majors that would definitely benefit from the indie route, if properly executed. From issues with labels to the direct connections they've already built with fans, there are a number of reasons an artist might want to make the shift. Here are nine that we think could pull it off...
Written by Adam Fleischer (@adamfleischer)