Unexpected Blogging Tips From Lil Uzi Vert

I’m always looking for writing inspiration from books, music, and God’s creation.  When the moon is full and winds from the distant land of Los Angeles reaches my nostrils I develop a hankering for rap music.  On the recommendation of a co-worker I acquired Luv Is Rage 2 by Lil Uzi Vert.  I found minimal musical satisfaction, but I did see some hidden blogging lessons.

Window Dressing Over Substance

The album cover displays a Jimi Hendrix looking fellow (Lil Uzi Vert) throwing the peace sign, escorted by a large fluffy dog.  Eccentric is good.  I can dig it.

The beats are heavy and rhythmic – my head begins involuntary nodding.  Then Lil Uzi Vert starts rapping and everything goes wrong.  “The look” is perfect.  The beats are serious, but the message is missing.

A Sound, But No Message

All the classic rap topics are present: womanizing, self-aggrandizement, and mass consumption of illegal substances.  Here’s the problem…it’s not good enough to check the boxes – you have to add value to the conversation.  By failing to creatively develop your voice on the issues you simply become background noise.

If you write about sports don’t regurgitate the box score, take the opportunity to infuse your personality and expertise.  Release your God given personality on the bland world.  A popular cable channel use to say, “Characters wanted!” and the internet realm howls the same message.

More is Simply More

What’s worse than ten generic rap songs?  Try twenty!  Yep, that’s what Lil Uzi Vert decided to do.  Luv Is Rage 2 launched twenty pathetic, sickly, and embarrassing excuses of song into the already crowded music atmosphere.   It’s music pollution.  It would have been much better if Lil Uzi Vert sliced and diced those twenty songs into ten killer songs.

Bloggers fall into the same pit when they decide to stretch content from 250 words to 500 words, not because it clarifies or enriches the content, but because Google experts think it beefs up SEO.  Never compromise quality simply to crank out more content for the sake of having more content.

When in Doubt…Collaboration

I didn’t like the album, but the little flashes of enjoyment occurred when other artists jumped on the tracks.  The Weekend and Pharrell injected life into an otherwise dead collection of music.

Collaboration works for musicians, superheros, and bloggers.  Don’t be afraid to employ the talents of your blogging buddies.