"When you do rap albums, you got to train yourself. You got to constantly be in character."

Creating a rap album isn't just about spitting verses or dropping beats—it's about embodying a persona. You have to live, breathe, and think like the character you're portraying in your lyrics. It’s like method acting, but for music. You can’t just dip in and out of the role; you have to immerse yourself completely.

Think back to the rise of hip-hop in the 80s and 90s. Artists like Tupac and Biggie Smalls weren’t just rappers—they were storytellers who lived their stories out loud. Tupac, for instance, didn't just talk about struggle and resistance; he became the embodiment of that struggle. His albums reflected the gritty reality he experienced. When Pac was rapping, you felt his pain, his anger, his passion. He was always in character, and that’s what made his music resonate so deeply.

Let's break it down with a real-life example. Imagine you’re Kendrick Lamar working on "To Pimp a Butterfly". This album wasn’t just about music; it was a powerful narrative on race, politics, and identity. Kendrick had to dive deep into his own experiences and perspectives. He had to constantly remind himself of the struggles he faced growing up in Compton, the systemic racism that shaped his world, and the strength he found in his heritage. He couldn’t just switch off those feelings when he left the studio; he had to stay in character, keep that fire burning, to create something so raw and impactful.

Now, if you’re thinking about applying this wisdom, start by digging into your own life. What story are you trying to tell? What emotions or experiences do you need to tap into? Maybe you're not a rapper, but the principle still applies. If you’re a writer, an actor, or even working on a big project at your job—immerse yourself fully. Don’t just touch the surface; dive deep.

Here’s how you can make this work for you. Start by identifying the core of your character or project. What drives it? Spend time every day connecting with those thoughts and emotions. Keep a journal, write down your reflections, and revisit them often. Train yourself to think from that perspective constantly. It's like building a muscle—you have to work at it consistently.

To illustrate, let’s imagine a scenario. You’re an actor preparing for a role as a firefighter. You could just read the script and memorize your lines, or you could take it further. Spend time with actual firefighters, understand their daily routines, their fears, and their triumphs. Maybe even train with them—feel the weight of the gear, the intensity of the flames. By the time you step onto the set, you’re not just playing a role; you are that character.

It's the same with a rap album. You’re not just reciting lyrics; you’re telling a story—your story, or the story of someone you’ve created. And to do that convincingly, you have to train yourself to stay in character, to live and breathe that persona until it becomes second nature. It’s hard work, but that’s what separates the greats from the rest. So, immerse yourself, keep that character alive, and watch how it transforms your work.