Material counts, what you've written or recorded is your biggest tool. It all depends what your strength are i.e. singing, rapping, writing e.t.c
My strentgh is producing, I've produce my own tracks which i'm going to upload some that you can comment on. it's all about how much work you put in. You reap what you sow. My goal is to build a big name for myself. Thats only the beginning, once you get a name you'll have achieved the first step.
Next is to use the name i have built as a marketing tool, basicaly use it to get me on air. Airplay is also a key tool if you are an artist or produce. This is how you get peoples attention i.e record companies, artsits and the people you will one day call fans.
