you become a businessman/woman. you negotiate. half these rappers come from the streets(mainstream) and they take the first offer they get........wrong! you look at many different labels and you pick the one that is giving you the best deal, and is committed to putting out quality work over an extended period of time. most record labels sign anybody so they can become a one hit wonder they got there money as you read above they don't care if it turns into your first and last album. also you need to check yourself.....who cares what car you drive right away......stay ghetto until you can afford to be a "baller" fuck the expensive chain and rolex. besides street niggas are gonna feel a rapper whose grimy and broke like them right.........most everyone i talk to says "man i hate all that jewel flossing look at my rims talk." lastly i didn't see the biggest money maker on there........shows.....not a tour paid by the label.....just shows likek before you got signed....but now people know your name thanks to the promotions get a label that gives you a percentage of the gate and that will give you a big chunk of change on a regular basis...........but what do i know i'm not signed and i'm broke as hell..........but i make 10.67 an hour more than your average rapper.....go me!!!!!!!!!!!!!1