SHS023: What It Takes To Make $$$ As A Rapper With Teezy Tancsta!
Intro
Many people have talent—but not everyone knows how to turn that talent into income.
This is especially true in the music industry.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel explores what it really takes to make money as an independent artist.
From building exposure to reinvesting in your craft, this episode breaks down how talent becomes a business.
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Intro to Kendrick “Teezy Tancsta”
Independent rapper, songwriter, and performer with years of experience in the music industry
Started writing music at a young age and developed his craft over time
Performed in multiple states including Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee
Known for lyricism, punchlines, and battle rap experience
Built his brand through independent releases, live shows, and networking
👉 Check out Kendrick “Teezy Tancsta’s” music: Click Here
Episode Overview
This episode breaks down:
How to monetize talent in the music industry
The difference between talent and skill
Independent vs label routes
How to build exposure as an artist
The importance of reinvesting in your career
Kendrick shares real insights from his journey, including how he built exposure through battle rap, performances, and consistent promotion.
Listen to the Episode
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Quick Takeaways
Elijah Bilel emphasizes monetizing skills—not just relying on platforms
Kendrick “Teezy Tancsta” explains how exposure leads to opportunity
Talent alone is not enough—you need strategy
Independent artists must invest in themselves
Networking creates real opportunities
Branding and image matter in standing out
Business mindset is key in the music industry
Talent vs Skill: What Really Matters
A major theme in this episode:
👉 Talent gets you noticed
👉 Skill makes you money
Elijah Bilel highlights the importance of building skills that can be monetized.
Kendrick reinforces that:
Having talent is just the starting point
You must develop systems around it
How Kendrick Built Exposure
Kendrick “Teezy Tancsta” didn’t rely on just one method.
Instead, he:
Participated in battle rap competitions
Performed at live shows across multiple states
Distributed CDs early on to build awareness
Transitioned into using business cards and social media
👉 The goal: stay visible
Why Independent Artists Must Think Like Business Owners
One of the biggest lessons:
👉 Music is a business
Kendrick explains that artists must invest in:
Studio time
Video production
Marketing and promotion
Without this:
❌ Growth is limited
❌ Exposure is slow
The Reality of the Music Industry
Many people see:
Fame
Money
Lifestyle
But don’t see:
Costs
Risk
Competition
Kendrick breaks down that:
👉 If you’re not smart with money, you can go broke chasing the dream
Why Image & Branding Matter
An interesting part of the conversation focuses on:
👉 Standing out
Kendrick chose to:
Dress differently (suits instead of typical rapper attire)
Present himself in a unique way
Avoid following industry trends blindly
This helped him:
👉 Build a distinct identity
Reinvesting Into Your Career
A key takeaway:
👉 Don’t spend like you’ve made it—invest like you’re building
Instead of spending on:
Designer clothes
Jewelry
Kendrick focuses on:
Promotion
Music production
Business growth
Networking & Opportunity
Kendrick shares how opportunities came from:
Being in the right places
Building relationships
Staying active in the industry
From shows in Houston to networking in New York:
👉 Exposure creates opportunity
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Talent Isn’t Enough
You need strategy and execution
2. Treat It Like a Business
Invest in growth, not just image
3. Stand Out
Differentiation is key
4. Stay Consistent
Exposure builds over time
5. Be Financially Smart
Reinvest instead of overspending
Who This Episode Is For
Aspiring rappers and musicians
Creators looking to monetize talent
Side hustlers with creative skills
Entrepreneurs in entertainment industries
Key Topics Covered
Music monetization strategies
Insights from Kendrick “Teezy Tancsta”
Business strategies from Elijah Bilel
Branding and exposure
Independent artist growth