Hip Hop Wisdom Lesson #8: Use What’s Available

Hip Hop is a resourceful culture by nature. From using turntables to create breakbeats, to using samplers and four track recorders to produce classic albums, to birthing legends in the mixtape era of rhyming over other people’s beats, hip hop has always been the epitome of using what’s available. And just because we are now in a world full of technological advancements doesn’t mean we should stop being resourceful.

Dr. Dre is one of the most resourceful people ever in the hip hop industry. He is credited with producing several top 50 hip hop albums of all time. However, Dre is mainly a delegator. Before he goes into the studio to begin recording an album, a typical session for Dre might look like this. He has producers come in with drum kits, samples and other sounds. Then he has rappers come in to spit bars over reference tracks to get ideas for songs and skits. When everyone leaves for the night, Dre has time to analyze everything and perfect it to his liking.

Once Dre has what he wants, now he can reach out to the heavyweights in the industry to make the real magic happen. Or if no heavyweights are available Dre will not hesitate to find a prospect and turn them into a megastar. Either way, the same formula applies, utilize the resources you’re given and make the most out of it. And the numbers don’t lie. Look at most artist’s numbers when they worked with Dre versus when they didn’t work with Dre.

There are not many people that can say they have worked with more artists and producers than Dre has. Many artists have gone on record and said Dre is a perfectionist and won’t hesitate to take someone off of a track if they aren’t performing up to par with his standards. Maybe that’s a reason why his talent pool was always so deep. Because if you can’t do it someone else will.

The same formula Dre used in the music industry he utilized in the world of business. He got together with some investors, engineers and influencers to create Beats by Dre, a global leader in headphone sales. Dre didn’t know anything about making or selling headphones, he just had a clear picture of how he wanted you to hear his music. And nearly a decade after the initial launch of Beats, Dre and his team had brokered a deal to sell the brand for $3 billion in cash and stock to Apple.

How resourceful are you? Is there a task you need to be completing but haven’t started because you might be missing a key piece to the puzzle? Look around, whatever you need is closer than you think. All you need is a clear picture of what you want and like Dre you have to be able to communicate that to others. Before you know it the resources will begin to flow like water.

Never put off anything ever again because you perceive that you are lacking something. There is no such thing as the perfect time to act except the present. Achieve mental clarity, know exactly what it is that you want and begin doing the work. An easy affirmation to repeat when you’re having a hard time being resourceful is “I always have everything I need.” Once you start saying this, leave no stone unturned when seeking what you need.

When you are in need and must be resourceful to make something happen, here are a few suggestions:

• Take a walk, run or drive to clear your mind

• Create a clear mental picture of what it is you need or want

• Collaborate with others to create a solution

• Consult with a mentor or trusted family member

• Search online and social media for answers

• Utilize free resources and trial periods

• Barter with someone that can help you

• Enter contests for grants, prize money and scholarships

• Smile and talk to people when in public

• Offer resources to others in need