Editorial: Another Way to Create Something Unique is Look Globally

In today’s music world, it’s easy to feel like the internet has already broken every barrier for artists. You’ve got platforms like Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube connecting people all over the world. But here’s the thing—just because the tools are there doesn’t mean everyone’s using them to their full potential. Especially in hip-hop, it can feel like some artists stick to their comfort zone, working with the same people and the same sounds they’ve always known.

And look, I get it. It’s familiar. It’s safe. But staying local can come with its own challenges—like the politics and egos that sometimes make it harder to branch out or try new things. If you’re really trying to stand out, though, you’ve got to think bigger. That means stepping outside your city, your state—even your country—and seeing what’s out there. Creativity doesn’t have borders.

Here’s an example: imagine collaborating with a producer in Japan who’s bringing their culture’s unique take on jazz to the table. Jazz-inspired hip-hop beats from Japan hit differently than the ones you’d find in the U.S. The textures, the melodies—they’re shaped by their environment, their culture, their history. Now picture blending that with your own style. That’s how you create something that makes people stop and listen.

The truth is, global collaboration isn’t just about making cool music. It’s about expanding how you see the world. And honestly, it’s not even that hard to start. Social media is a goldmine for this kind of thing. Spend some time scrolling through hip-hop pages, or dive into a different part of Spotify that showcases international artists. You can DM producers, comment on their work, and build connections. Before you know it, you’re working with someone halfway across the globe who sees the world completely differently than you do.

And it’s not just about the music, either. It’s about breaking out of the politics and egos that can sometimes hold you back at home. You know what I’m talking about—those “Who’s bigger in the city?” conversations or the unspoken rules about who you can and can’t work with. When you take your talent overseas, those barriers disappear. It’s just about the art.

So don’t limit yourself to what’s around you. Start looking globally. The tools are right there in your hand—your phone, your socials, your streaming apps. With a little curiosity and research, you could find collaborators who push your sound into a whole new space.

At the end of the day, hip-hop is about innovation. It’s about finding your voice and telling your story in a way no one else can. Sometimes, to do that, you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone and connect with voices that are completely different from your own.

Just an idea for those feeling like they have trouble finding people to work with.