While I occasionally enjoy joking around online, my primary reasons for being on Twitter are to 1) Tweet about hip hop related topics (duh), and 2) learn something valuable that can be applied to my brand.

If you know who to follow, there’s plenty of established and respected music industry veterans and business experts on Twitter sending out extremely valuable information, tips and articles. The folks listed here are some of my favorites to follow and learn about the music business.

If you’re an emcee, producer, songwriter, blogger or work in the industry in any capacity and want to pick up things to apply to your own brand, check these folks out. And hit that follow button.

1) @RapCoalition: Wendy Day was one of the very first music industry veterans I started following way back in 2008 when I first joined Twitter.

It was through her advice that I learned about the importance of establishing an LLC for tax and business purposes. Her website WendyDay.com is a virtual treasure trove of articles on just about everything music industry related, including how to get publishing checks to starting your own record label.

If you’re too lazy to shift through the articles on her website, follow her on Twitter for the same types of tips in 140 characters or less, as well as direct links to other educational articles.

2) @SenatorSkid: is an A&R who tweets extremely useful information for independent artists, producers, and songwriters. As a hip hop blogger I don’t fit into any of those categories, however his Tweets remain very informative. According to his previous profile, he worked with Bad Boy Records. Not sure if that’s still the case, but since following Senator Skid I’ve picked up information around the importance of branding yourself online plus much more.

3) @LisaDavisMusic: is an A&R to several record labels. Lately I’ve noticed her tweeting about the SCMC Music Conference, which is an industry event making its way across the nation. According to her timeline, several of the dates have had high attendance and even sold out in a couple of cities. The event is scheduled to hit both Carolinas later this month. So if you’re a songwriter or producer, check her out. 

4) @RonaldSkelton: is not music industry related, but his marketing tweets are pretty dope. The most valuable thing I’ve learned from Ronald’s tweets is the importance of the customer. After following him for some time, I realized even Jay-Z said that in "Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)". If you want great information on how to market off and online, follow Ronald.

5) @UrbanThreshold: is one of my newer follows (about 8 months in). In addition to founding the top underground award and A&R events, Jesse Jess tweets valuable information around how to properly conduct business in the industry. I know there’s several Carolina artists nominated for this year’s UMA’s, so it’s apparent there are folks here connected to NYC and what Jesse Jess has going on.

What about you? Who are some of your favorite people to follow on Twitter that tweets valuable information and have helped you learn something?