In my travels as a community servant, I often talk to young people about their futures. Unfortunately, most do not know exactly what they want to do in life.  But too often I hear too many of them convincingly declare, “I wanna be a rapper.”
As a product of the hip-hop generation and one who has been inspired by rap music for a couple of decades, I am a supporter of the art form and its cultural impact.  However, the rap game is not the opportunity that it once was for young Black artists and entrepreneurs.  As a matter of fact, the music industry is a sinking Titanic.
I have often thought that the music and entertainment industry and its so-called “major labels” owe Black people reparations just as much as the government does.  They have robbed us of some of our greatest talent which represents the “Black Gold” in our community.   For decades we have heard the horror stories of how our most talented artists have died broke while the executives who managed their careers secured a future for their children and grandchildren.
The great comedian Redd Foxx died on the set of a television sitcom and before the coroner could come and remove his body, the producers were on the phone trying to find a replacement.  Sammy Davis Jr. died and the IRS came in and confiscated all of his belongings.  His wife, Altovise, couldn’t even keep the wedding ring that he bought for her.  Billie Holiday was so financially destitute when she passed away that there was no money to bury her remains.
These were some of the most gifted and talented entertainers birthed by the Black nation.  For some reason, our youth seem to think that just because today’s rappers put on an intimidating face, that they don’t face the same fate as international superstars like Holiday.  You couldn’t be more incorrect.
The truth is, most rappers, singers and entertainers are broke or financially-challenged.  The image of success is what is for sale so record executives will finance the cars, jewelry, clothes and other trappings that represent the appearance of prosperity.  There are only a handful of rap artists that have the money that they brag about and those few have diversified investment portfolios.  Jay-Z and 50 Cent did not make it to the top of the Forbes list just by making music.  They made the list by doing business.
The recording industry is a plantation with a corporate structure.  Any rapper can tell you that an artist who sells 1 million records on a major label takes home almost no money once the label is done “recouping” its investment.  The only other way to make money with your music is by doing shows. 
One million record sales could bring in anywhere from 10 to 15 million dollars in revenue to a label.  Imagine you being the creator of the music and receiving pennies on that.  Think I’m lying? Ask New Edition.
In the early nineties, Black artists and executives got smart.  Brothers like J-Prince of Rap-a-Lot Records, Master P and others outsmarted the major labels and went the independent route.  This took lots of hard work, but they were successful and created opportunities for many other young entrepreneurs. 
But, when the mainstream industry saw how much money these brothers were making without them, they did everything within their power to stop them.These days piracy, illegal downloading and other obstacles make it more and more difficult for a rapper, singer or entertainer to survive financially.  The music industry is suffering horribly because it claims consumers are “stealing” its music off of the Internet and affecting the industry’s bottom line. 
But I ask the question of the music executives, how long have you been stealing from the artists who have built your homes, sent your children to Ivy League schools and financed generations of your families?  As thou has done, so shall it be done. If the record companies are no longer making much money then you know how much artists are receiving in royalty checks; absolutely nothing. 
Many rappers have resorted to selling drugs just to make a living.  The whole world may be singing their songs, but their children can’t secure a pair of shoes because someone else owns their intellectual property.  Back in the day, when I was in elementary school almost everybody wanted to be a cop. 
Because of corruption among police officers, many people have second thoughts about joining the force. The music industry is just as, or more corrupt than any police department.  I am not a staunch advocate for either.
However, I do contend that you would probably make more money than the average rapper being a cop. Some of my good friends are rap artists. Some of them have done very well for themselves. 
However, they don’t depend solely on the music to feed their families.  If you would like to pursue a career in music, I encourage you to follow your dreams, but don’t be a fool. 
Own your music and do music because you love it, then you must learn the business so that you can protect what you love.  Your music should probably be your plan B.  Your plan A must be a career where you can apply the same brilliance that you put into the music, build a lucrative career and control you own destiny. 
I know guys who own landscaping companies that gross millions annually.  Real talk. Rapping is the art form that you use to express your passion and your intelligence. 
I once heard the great rapper Ice Cube say that rapping is fine, but he needs some good attorneys, accountants and managers.  Ice Cube is one of the richest rappers on the planet. Oh, I forgot... he made his money writing and producing films.  Now, do you feel me?
Deric Muhammad is a Houston-based community activists who blogs at askbroderic.blogspot.com.