Legendary producer Teddy Riley offered a candid reflection on why many aspiring rappers struggle for longevity in the music industry.
During a revealing chat with Math Hoffa, he emphasized the importance of street smarts and business savvy as the bedrock of a successful career in Hip-Hop.
“You got to have street, a little bit of street smarts to be in this business to have the staying power,” Teddy explained in the interview. “Because if you don’t, you’re not going to last.” His words carried wisdom accumulated over years of experience, both as an artist and a producer, deeply woven into the fabric of Hip-Hop.
Citing Jay-Z as an example, Teddy highlighted that the rapper’s blend of street and business intelligence propelled his career.
“Jay-Z have street smarts, but he have book smarts and he have business smarts,” he pointed out. “You know, some people just don’t have the business mind. They don’t think for the team or the brand, right?”
Teddy Riley also mentioned Ludacris, who came into the limelight with a clear vision and multifaceted skill set. “Luda street smarts,” Teddy exclaimed. “He’s on radio. He developed this the business smarts and he’s been developed before he even got into the music industry. He knew what he wanted to do. He had the goals.”
The harsh reality of the industry is that many experience fleeting success. “Just look at who came and gone,” Teddy observed. ” LIke, who you don’t hear from anymore,” and then he called out Luda’s artist, Chingy, who was just featured in a Super Bowl ad.
He further emphasized longevity by mentioning the legendary Quincy Jones, saying, “Quincy Jones been in the business how long? And Quincy had street smarts. You know why? Quincy was a hustler.”
Teddy’s take merges music mastery with street wisdom and how some blend the two to craft a career that lasts beyond a single hit. This crossroads of business acumen and street know-how might not be on every rapper’s agenda, but it should be.
Quincy and company figured it out; perhaps it’s time others did too.