Earlier this month, Urban Fetes held its 4th annual Industry Insider Panel at Peckerheads in Austin, Texas, moderated by yours truly, and industry panelists included BJ The Chicago Kid’s manager, Cornelio Austin; CEO of Swank Publishing, Briahian Gatlin; host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Headkrack; Young Money’s Shanell; songwriter Meeka Means; Crime Mob’s Princess; and Townsquare Media Brand Manager, Trey The Choklit Jok.

We were even granted a surprise visit from Rae Sremmurd’s own Slim Jxmmi, and he blessed us with industry knowledge as well. The main focus of the panel was to share insightful information with up and coming artist and prospective music industry professionals. These are the eight things we picked up from the fourth annual Urban Fetes Industry Insider event.

“You might not be the most talented artist right now, but it’s all about how much time you put into it.”

Slim Jxmmi, Rae Sremmurd

“The biggest thing I would say is you need a budget and you need relationships.”

Briahana Gatlin

“Believe in what you’re doing and remove all elements of doubt from it.”

Headkrack

“Knowing that I had something special and attracting the people that wanted to pull it out of me.”

Meeka Means

“You can take shortcuts and nobody will know, but you will know, your conscience will know, your spirit will know, your soul will know, your body will know.”

Princess, Crime Mob

“If you don’t have the money, spend the time.”

Shanell, Young Money

“If you sing, sing. If you rap, rap. If you write, write.”

Trey the Choklit Jok

“Be all the way ready, understand the business.”

Cornelio Austin