Megan Thee Stallion Reveals How She Writes Hit Songs!

Summary

In this insightful transcript, Megan Thee Stallion discusses her creative process, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in her music. She shares how her album 'Trazine' is a personal narrative, allowing listeners to understand the real her. Megan also touches on the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with label expectations and the joy of creating music that resonates with her, regardless of commercial success. The video also highlights the influence of artists like Rick Rubin and the significance of treating music as a form of diary entry, fostering creativity and honest expression.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Megan Thee Stallion emphasizes the importance of being authentic and personal in her music, wanting to let her fans into her thoughts and experiences to form their own opinion about her.
• 🏆 The artist discusses the accolades she has received, highlighting her recognition as a top female rap artist and her desire to control her narrative in the industry.
• 📝 Megan shares insights into her songwriting process, mentioning that she writes all her songs and chooses those that feel good to her, rejecting the idea of external validation for her creative choices.
• 💡 The script references Rick Rubin's perspective on art, suggesting that being an artist requires vulnerability and that awkward feelings can lead to fascinating outcomes.
• 🚫 Megan talks about the challenges of maintaining creative control, mentioning the pressures from labels and the importance of thinking independently as an artist.
• 🎼 She discusses the creative process, including the idea of treating music as a diary entry to reduce stress and increase authenticity, which aligns with Rick Rubin's advice.
• 🏆 Megan Thee Stallion is recognized as the first female rapper to perform a rap song at the Oscars, a significant milestone in her career.
• 🔥 The artist encourages aspiring musicians to write songs that are meaningful to them, rather than writing for commercial purposes, to maintain the integrity of their craft.
• 🌐 Megan originated the viral phrase 'cashberry' on social media, demonstrating her influence and creativity in engaging with her audience.
• 📚 She acknowledges the importance of self-belief and being a fan of oneself, citing influences such as Beyoncé, Pimp C, and others, and the value of writing her own music.
• 🎵 Megan Thee Stallion reflects on her capabilities as a singer, expressing a humble view of her singing skills but acknowledging her ability to deliver when recording.

Q & A

Why does society seem to have a strong reaction to the song 'W' by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion?

The song 'W' may elicit strong reactions due to its explicit content, the artists' popularity, and the cultural impact of their collaboration. The song's themes and the artists' expressions of empowerment and sexuality can be polarizing, leading to varied societal responses.

What awards and recognitions has Megan Thee Stallion received in her career?

Megan Thee Stallion has been named Best New Artist, won awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance, and has been recognized as the Top Female Rap Artist at the Billboard Music Awards for two consecutive years.

How does Megan Thee Stallion approach her songwriting process?

Megan Thee Stallion approaches songwriting as a personal and intimate process, aiming to share her true feelings and experiences. She writes songs that she loves and feels connected to, treating the process as if she's writing in her diary.

What does Megan Thee Stallion mean when she says the 'Trazine' album is special to her?

The 'Trazine' album is special to Megan Thee Stallion because it represents her desire to let everyone in on her personal narrative and to know the real her, beyond the public perception shaped by the media and internet.

What advice does Rick Rubin give about being an artist and vulnerability?

Rick Rubin suggests that being an artist requires a degree of vulnerability and that having awkward feelings can contribute to the success of an artist's work. He also emphasizes that there is no formula for being an artist, but being true to oneself and one's feelings is key.

How does Megan Thee Stallion decide when an album is ready for release?

Megan Thee Stallion decides an album is ready when it feels good to her. She mentions taking a long time to record an album, recording at least 50 songs, and choosing only 18 for the final product based on her personal connection to them.

What challenges does Megan Thee Stallion face as an artist in terms of creative control?

As an artist, Megan Thee Stallion sometimes faces challenges with her label trying to control her creative direction. She emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and not letting others define what her art should be.

How does Megan Thee Stallion view the process of writing songs?

Megan Thee Stallion views songwriting as a deeply personal and meaningful process. She writes songs that she loves and that have personal significance, believing that the final product should satisfy her and reflect her true feelings.

What is the significance of Megan Thee Stallion being the first female rapper to perform a rap song at the Oscars?

Megan Thee Stallion's performance at the Oscars as the first female rapper to do so is a significant milestone, highlighting her impact on the music industry and the recognition of her talent on a prestigious platform.

What influences does Megan Thee Stallion have, and how do they shape her music?

Megan Thee Stallion cites Beyoncé, Pimp C, Lil' Kim, Biggie Smalls, and Three 6 Mafia as her biggest influences. These artists have likely shaped her music through their styles, lyricism, and the themes they explore in their songs.

How does Megan Thee Stallion's approach to music reflect her belief in self-love and confidence?

Megan Thee Stallion's approach to music is a reflection of her belief in self-love and confidence. She encourages being unapologetically oneself, not caring about others' opinions, and treating her craft as something sacred and personal.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Artistic Vulnerability and Personal Narratives

This paragraph delves into the challenges and perceptions surrounding the song 'W' by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion. It highlights the artist's desire to be more personal and vulnerable in their music, as emphasized by Megan Thee Stallion's intention to let her fans into her thoughts and experiences. The discussion touches on the importance of being true to oneself in art, as suggested by Rick Rubin, and the process of creating an album that feels authentic and personal. Megan shares her experience of recording many songs and the difficulty of choosing which ones to include, emphasizing the importance of artistic independence and not letting external influences dictate the creative process.

05:02

🎶 Self-Belief and the Power of Personal Songwriting

The second paragraph focuses on the importance of self-belief and the personal connection to one's music. It starts with the notion of being a fan of oneself as the first rule of songwriting, drawing a parallel to Eminem's approach to rap. Megan Thee Stallion discusses her journey as a singer and songwriter, her influences, and the significance of writing one's own music to truly capture personal emotions and experiences. The paragraph also touches on the meaning behind her song 'Savage' and the philosophy of creating art without the constraints of logic, as advised by Rick Rubin. It concludes with Megan's thoughts on the importance of authenticity in songwriting and the impact of not being swayed by commercial pressures.

Keywords

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability in the context of the video refers to the willingness of an artist to expose their inner feelings and emotions in their work, which is seen as a key component of creating authentic art. It is highlighted by Rick Rubin's statement that being an artist requires a degree of vulnerability, and the video suggests that this openness can lead to more impactful and relatable art, as seen in Megan Thee Stallion's desire to let people into her head and form their own opinions based on her story.

💡Perception

Perception in the video is about how people form an understanding or opinion of someone based on what they see or hear, often from external sources like the internet or other people's comments. Megan Thee Stallion expresses a desire to challenge the perception others have of her, which may not align with who she truly is, by sharing more personal aspects of herself through her music.

💡Narrative Control

Narrative Control is the concept of an individual taking charge of how their story is told. In the video, Megan Thee Stallion discusses her desire to control her own narrative by sharing her personal experiences and thoughts through her music, rather than letting others define her based on their perceptions.

💡Artistic Integrity

Artistic Integrity refers to the adherence to one's own artistic vision and values, even in the face of external pressures or popular trends. The video emphasizes the importance of artists like Megan Thee Stallion staying true to themselves and their creative instincts, as opposed to conforming to what others expect or what is currently popular.

💡Creative Process

The Creative Process is the series of steps an artist takes to produce their work. The video discusses the lengthy and selective process Megan Thee Stallion underwent to create her album, recording at least 50 songs and choosing only 18, which illustrates the dedication and thoughtfulness that goes into creating a body of work that feels complete and satisfying to the artist.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity in the video is the quality of being true to oneself and one's own feelings, and not being influenced by external factors. Megan Thee Stallion's approach to her album is described as writing songs that she loved and that meant something to her, which is a form of authenticity that the video suggests leads to a more rewarding and satisfying final product.

💡Influence

Influence in the context of the video pertains to the artists or figures that have a significant impact on an individual's style, beliefs, or approach to their craft. Megan Thee Stallion cites Beyoncé, Pimp C, Lil' Kim, Biggie Smalls, and Three 6 Mafia as her influences, indicating the range of inspirations that have shaped her musical style and perspective.

💡Self-Affirmation

Self-Affirmation is the act of positively asserting one's own worth or abilities. The video mentions the importance of being a big fan of oneself, as suggested by the biggest songwriter, which underscores the idea that believing in oneself is crucial for creating art that resonates with others and carries a powerful message.

💡Savage

In the video, 'Savage' is a term used by Megan Thee Stallion to describe a multifaceted persona that embodies confidence, class, and a range of other attributes. The song 'Savage' is an extension of this concept, celebrating the complexity and strength of women who are unapologetically themselves.

💡Creative Freedom

Creative Freedom is the ability of an artist to explore and express their ideas without constraints. The video touches on the idea that artists should think outside the box and not be overly influenced by what others are saying or doing, which is a call for embracing one's unique vision and pursuing it with conviction.

💡Personal Growth

Personal Growth in the video is represented by Megan Thee Stallion's journey towards earning a degree, which symbolizes her commitment to self-improvement and learning beyond her musical career. It also serves as an inspiration that success is not solely dependent on formal education but on passion and dedication to one's craft.

💡Artistic Expression

Artistic Expression is the conveyance of thoughts, emotions, and ideas through various forms of art, such as music. The video emphasizes the importance of artists expressing themselves honestly and without fear of judgment, which is a key aspect of creating work that is both personal and impactful, as demonstrated by Megan Thee Stallion's approach to her album.

Highlights

Cardi B's song 'W' featuring Megan Thee Stallion has been a topic of societal controversy.

Megan Thee Stallion received multiple awards and recognitions including Best New Artist, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance.

Megan Thee Stallion was named Top Female Rap Artist at the Billboard Music Awards for two consecutive years.

Aspiring artists are interested in how Megan Thee Stallion approaches her songwriting and rapping.

Megan Thee Stallion aims to be more personal with her fans and let them form their own opinions based on her story.

The 'Trazine' album is special to Megan Thee Stallion as it represents the real her.

Rick Rubin suggests that being an artist requires vulnerability and having awkward feelings.

Megan Thee Stallion describes the process of choosing songs for her album, having recorded at least 50 and selecting only 18.

Artists should think outside the box and not let labels control their creative process.

Megan Thee Stallion emphasizes the importance of writing songs that are meaningful to her.

Megan Thee Stallion's approach to her craft is to treat it as a diary entry, which fosters honesty and creativity.

Megan Thee Stallion is the first female rapper to perform a rap song at the Oscars.

Megan Thee Stallion encourages artists not to write songs for commercial purposes, but to stay true to their craft.

Megan Thee Stallion originated the viral phrase 'cashberry' on social media.

Megan Thee Stallion's influences include Beyonce, Pimp C, Lil' Kim, Biggie Smalls, and Three 6 Mafia.

Megan Thee Stallion believes in being a big fan of oneself and writing songs that reflect personal experiences.

Megan Thee Stallion discusses her capabilities as a singer and her approach to recording hooks.

Megan Thee Stallion writes her own music, inspired by watching her mother do the same.

The song 'Savage' by Megan Thee Stallion is an extension of her 'hot girl' persona.

Megan Thee Stallion does not have a degree but is working towards one, emphasizing that success is not predicated on formal education.

Megan Thee Stallion's signature ad-lib 'ah' is a staple in her songs, used to signify her unique style.

Transcripts

why is society so bothered by the song W

by cardi B featuring Megan stallion girl

I don't

know Best New Artist best rap song best

rap performance uh you were named top

female rap artist at the Billboard Music

Awards two years in a row Bud uh all

right aspiring artists want to know how

Megan tallion writes or raps I just want

to talk about how I really feel and get

more personal with my H cuz I feel like

everybody knows me and they have like a

perception of me uh based on probably

what other people say or what they see

on the internet or you know just yeah

it's something that's probably not me at

all and I feel like this time around I

wanted to like let everybody in my head

and like you know form their own opinion

based off of my story I wanted to take

control of my own narrative she says how

the trazine album is really special for

her because she wanted everyone to know

the real her this got me to think about

what Rick Rubin said recently in a

podcast that being an artist to some

degree requires being vulnerable

although Rick said there is no formula

for being an artist I feel like being

vulnerable and having awkward feelings

is really what makes things work

fascinatingly now that does sound like a

formula how do you know when an album's

ready um I feel like it just feels good

like I literally this is the longest

time I've ever taken to record an album

like I had a at least 50 songs recorded

for this oh my gosh and we only chose 18

how you do that it it was hard because

as an artist sometimes like your label

can kind of try to control you and tell

you what to do to a crazy extent you as

an artist should think outside of the

box I mean you have to reject what

everybody else is saying and if everyone

goes east you should go west recently I

was listening to a rick rubben podcast

and he said that the artist he was

working with suggested a new and a

different way and a different instrument

he was imagining the way it was being

explained and that sounded awkward to

him but then when they played it that

was beautiful so the takeaway here is

how you as an artist should resist

trying what you're imagining and when

it's done do not let anyone Define what

it is I made it a point to write all

songs that I loved and I liked and that

meant something to me so out of however

many songs I wrote All of them feel good

to me yes you put out

now I could put out all 50 of those

songs and they still mean something to

me and that's the reward for choosing to

write whatever you feel the final

product will just satisfy you you will

look back and say how you were right

when you rejected the negative feedback

like how this is not going to work it

just doesn't matter the fact that you

made something you loved is efficient

and will satisfy you in the end like

Megan you said this is the uh your most

personal and honest album to today yeah

writing this album I I treated it more

like writing in my diary than yeah

actually trying to like put together a

song here again I am reminded of what

the legendary Rick Rubin said that what

we are doing as artists is a diary entry

and has nothing to do with somebody else

and you know what's cool about it the

fact that it opens the room for

creativity when you treat the art as a

diary entry you won't get the stress of

oh my gosh what are people going to say

and the final product should be so

honest and beautiful you can't imagine

so technically Queen Latifa is the first

female rapper to perform at the Oscars

ever but she didn't perform a rap song

so I'm the first female rapper to

perform a rap song

ah which is still really big so let's

get no

no when you treat your craft as honestly

as she does the reward will be as

fascinating as this again I'd like to

codee Rick here and it's all about the

intention behind it when you like Megan

deeply feel what you're doing this is

the result so do not ever write a song

for Commerce purposes your craft will

get dirty treat it as if it's a holy

thing and keep doing it till the end

Wikipedia Megan originated the viral

cashberry hak girl s on social media she

first used the pH in a tweet on April

14th

2018 yeah I did I mean I really

originated it in my head and then I put

it on social media doing real High girl

[ __ ] mean just doing what you want to do

being the baddest be you can be and not

caring what nobody got to say about it

and just being unapologetically you

submit Megan isn't the first artist to

make a phrase or word popular Eminem and

other artists did the same thing Megan

the stallion sites Beyonce pimpsy little

Kim Biggy Smalls and 36 mafia as her

biggest influences though this is true I

also said my mother put that on there

weaky I always like to literally shout

that the first rule is to be a big fan

of yourself do you follow the biggest

songwriter avidly put bluntly you can't

write a good song if you aren't

interested in a bigger cause than

yourself if you watched Eminem sharing

techniques on my channel you probably

already know that he said before

anything else he was a big fan of rap

and then he thought to be a rapper how

good is Megan the stallion as a

singer I used to think that I no I'm

just Ling but like I'm not that good of

a singer in my opinion but like if you

throw me in a booth you know put a

little sauce on it I think I sound

pretty good I'll be singing my own hook

sometimes does making a stallion right

home reps yes yes she does growing up I

watched my mom write her own reps I

definitely write my own music I love

writing music I've heard many great

songwriters say they like to write their

songs themselves because they can't

connect deeply with somebody else's song

and for a good reason these people write

what they are feeling and going through

as Billy ish said I write songs to go

through stuff and if someone else is

writing they just don't know the feeling

and moment behind it I am a big believer

in the worst feelings and scenarios they

truly generate the most beautiful songs

what is the meaning behind the song

Savage by making it Sav

Savage is just like an extension of this

real hot girl [ __ ] that I'll be talking

about I am a Savage and I am also classy

and bougie and Ratchet and sassy and

Moody and nasty as y'all may know that

by now as well so you know I had to put

it in a song again King Rick Ruben

saying rang In My Head by the way you

know him right he worked with so many

great singers he said some cool things

nothing has to make sense just do

whatever works he said when he wears

purple socks he can work better and if

you have a worried word or thought why

let it go to waste huh use it nothing

has to make sense we are playing with

our emotions not with magic does Megan

the stallion have a degree no I do not

but I working towards it and hopefully

fingers crossed I graduate

2021 I don't know about you but I get so

happy to hear when a successful and

famous person says he or she doesn't

have one because it warms my heart since

it's not a precondition and It

ultimately doesn't matter as long as

you're a lover in this game so everybody

can make it and that has nothing to do

with having a

degree but is it really a Meg song if

she doesn't say ah at least five times

no it's not cuz I probably said it five

times in the ad libs I come on the song

like that I end the song like that just

so y'all know the little ey just

solidified that I'm about to just go off

on this submit so you have all the

things you should know in this wonderful

Journey but since in this video I

mentioned Billy and Eminem why not take

a look at what they have up their sleeve

to teach us how to write hit songs thank

you so much and I hope you won't forget

to hit that like button to give more

energy bye till the next

discoveries oh