Branding is the business of a celebrity. As an entertainer, how you package yourself says a lot about your brand. Your name matters as much as what your name is attached to. Attachments are more than just email terms. Celebrities must take care about who they endorse. Pepsi and Coke aren’t the only brand names in town. Ask Dave Chappelle which one tastes better, and be prepared for a wild answer.
If you want to be a rapper, you’re in the right place. I will tell you how. Remember to read the fine print in your contracts, and don’t do anything stupid. Those are the first steps. Above all, be yourself, write your rhymes, produce some tracks, hop on stage, and put a ring on the next Beyonce. O.K., you don’t have to do everything I prescribed, but do find yourself. What is it that makes you different?
You should pay homage to Post Malone and Machine Gun Kelly. They made their money the right way. Let’s look at the two rappers’ star power. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
POST MALONE
I offered a clue with ‘don’t reinvent the wheel.’ Most rappers sing about cars. Rick Ross made the Aston Martin song and Maybach Music. This is a common theme in Hip Hop. There’s no way around it. You must rap about a set of wheels. Also, rap about girls. Beyonce and Alicia Keys couldn’t have said it any better: “put it in a love song.” WARNING: there’s a way to rap about cars and girls. If you do so, do it with purpose and meaning.
MACHINE GUN KELLY
Don’t forget where you came from. Embrace your roots. “Put on for your city.” Machine Gun Kelly, the Cleveland rapper, represents his city better than a politician. He is also romantically linked to Megan Fox. Celebrities must share their stories, so the entertainment industry isn’t null and void. Success follows a formula, but at the same time, entertainers must tweak the rules. Relax. That stiffness in your neck needs a massage.
Who has the bigger brand: Post Malone or Machine Gun Kelly?
Born in Syracuse, New York, Post Malone is a rare breed. His music crosses genres. He stays true to the art and does what sounds good. Isn’t life all about doing what feels good? He could be another Kid Rock. Did you see him at Diddy’s 50th birthday celebration? Post Malone’s music credits include hit after hit.
Machine Gun Kelly was born in Houston, Texas, but he has strong ties to Cleveland. Check out his song Till I Die. Kelly could be a lot of things; but, one thing he is not is a sucker. Both celebrities are cool, and that is what counts. Be cool! I’m not saying you have to get tattoos, but at least take risks.
To answer the question about “who has the bigger brand?” I must examine the facts and neglect my emotions. Right now, I estimate more people know who Post Malone is than Machine Gun Kelly. (Have you seen Spenser Confidential?) Shout out to Mark Wahlberg! However, Machine Gun Kelly’s hardcore image sells more records. At the end of the day, brand power is subjective, but some things can be counted. Give it 5 years, and we’ll know without a doubt who’s bigger. Right now, the slight edge goes to Post Malone.