The topic of every one and every thing sounding the same is a conversation that is pretty common these days when discussing the shift in hip-hop culture and the music industry in general. When I first moved to LA, I heard someone say, “be different or be gone.”

Music has always been an art form that allows the creator to draw from not only personal experiences and emotions, but also numerous outside influences, whether it is other artists, trends in sound/style, etc. But there was a time where people would take things they appreciated and admired and made it into something that was new, unique and their own. Take Puff for example. At its peak, Bad Boy’s in-house production team mastered the art of sampling, creating a unique and cohesive sound that made you feel like you were in the past and future at the same time. It allowed you to reminisce with the influences and vibes from past decades while simultaneously creating a sound that was infectious.

That is what makes stars and moguls. The majority of artists (or business leaders, entrepreneurs, tastemakers, etc.) with true success, longevity and cultural impact created their own lane instead of simply following or mimicking the efforts of others.

We are in an era where people are eager to be known, but don’t even really know what they want to be known for. People expect glorification for their minimal and lackluster efforts, and that goes for everything, not just music. Lots of artists just want the notoriety, so they follow the formula that works, deliver a hit or two, and are content with the instant yet short-lived fame that follows.

I believe that we are all creative beings, so don’t de-value or all around completely ignore your abilities by simply doing what has already been done over and over again. Your art, and everything you do for that matter, should be a reflection of your vision and your personal passion. Trying to re-invent a pure and genuine effort is pointless. So basically…be different, or be gone.