From the Top with Lil Kim
"Making It"
Knowledge, Wisdom, and Guidance
by
David Hamilton
Lil Kim
_______
Lil Kim is a hip hop artist known for her work with Bad Boy Entertainment. She
is also known for getting her start by networking with local artists Notorious
Big and Puff Daddy as she was growing into being a national artist. While in
Miami I had a chance to ask her a few questions that will show you how
networking works.
1. Can you explain how networking has helped you in your career, and what up and
coming artists can do to network better.
Networking is called politicing in the hip hop world. It
is constantly being out in the entertainment world meeting people. When I was
coming up in the game, I was networking with Biggy ( Notorious Big ) who almost
laughed out of his chair when I told him I wanted to spit some lyrics. After he
heard me actually work it out, he was like, let's do this. As far as up and
coming artists, you have to be out there, ask questions, meet as many people as
you can, and learn from them. I also encourage reading everything you can get
your hands on. That will help you get to know who is who, so you know who you
need to be networking with.
2. You had been networking with some major players that
eventually got you involved with John, the president of Mac. Can you explain how
you got involved with Mac through networking, and how it helped you in your
career and the community ?
Mac was something I got involved with, John, the president
of Mac, he came to me and was like, I have been monitoring your career for like
2 to 3 years and this is something we have been wanting to ask you to do. We
were wanting to see if you would be involved. In which the proceeds from the lip
stick goes straight to people with aids. The money goes straight to charity.
This is something that John said we could lend our character and our personality
to, for a good cause
http://www.ezstreetrecords.com/davidhamilton/EzGuide/Audio/lilkimmp3.mp3
As you can see, while you grow as an artist, networking with the people is a
must in the Entertainmnet Business. You can start right now by calling up a
modeling agency and asking a simple question like " How can I get myself
listed with your agency ?" or " How many pictures should be in my
professional portfolio ?" The network effect will grow on you through
this chapter and you will start to get ideas as to where you can go to ask
questions about your particular art form. Write down the ideas that pop into
your head, you will eventually come back to them and make some good networking
advances.....