david j. garcia

This post is best enjoyed audibly: listen here.

Rap can have almost any theme, but one of the most common is “I’m cool.” When this message works, it’s the ultimate in self-fulfilling PR: an image that is crafted and presented so persuasively that it becomes true. If I rap about how cool I am persuasively enough, I can become cool (well, maybe not me personally, but you get the idea).

So what can PR practitioners learn from rappers? Let’s look at an example, the intro to Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s “Izzo/In the End”:

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the eighth wonder of the world: the flow of the century—always timeless. Thank you for coming out tonight. You could have been anywhere in the world, but you’re here with us, and we appreciate that.

Respect. (“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen”) It’s rare that you’ll address someone with too respectfully. Would you rather I treat you with too much respect or not enough?

Enthusiasm. (“the eighth wonder of the world: the flow of the century”) Sure; it’s hyperbole, but it’s also infectious and exciting. PR is a form of sales. What are you doing to sell yourself or your client?

Confidence. (“always timeless”) This comes from trusting what you have to offer. It’s not just a quick, high-pressure sale, but also a willingness to stand by your position over time.

Appreciation. (“Thank you… we appreciate that”) Your audience’s time is valuable. Treat it that way. (Bonus tip for writing thank-you letters: express your gratitude in two different ways, such as “thank you” and “I appreciate”. Now I know you’re sincere, but it’s not repetitive.)

What other PR lessons can we find in rap (or other music)? Or do you think I’m totally off base?

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PR can learn some things from rap: http://tinyurl.com/PRandRap.