1
The most entertaining one gets paid.
In boxing, you can be the best and still be relatively poor. You’re not selling boxing skills, your job is to entertain. This is why Adrien Broner still gets paid in boxing even though he has underwhelmed in his performances. He entertains before the fight, during the fight, and outside the ring. Even if you watch to see him lose, you’re still watching. Unfortunately, many battle rappers haven't figured this part out yet. Tay Roc, Brizz, Bill Collector, and Lux are just a few that have.
2
Create a character.
The WWE has mastered the idea of the character. No mainstream fighter looked the same. We still call Dwayne Johnson “The Rock” to this day. The “Undertaker” looked like an individual that deserved that name. Some battle rappers snub their nose at the idea of being a character, but that’s where the marketing money comes from. Just because you’re a character - doesn't make you fake - it’s just one part of your personality. Loaded Lux and Goodz understand this idea well. Lux has a few characters that have their own uniform. Grey hoodie Lux battled Mook, Funeral Lux battled Calicoe, and Pro Black Lux battled Hollow. Goodz has a uniform too. Being fresh and having money is his character.
3
What’s your story?
Once you have a character - then you can have a story too. A story helps to authenticate the character. As I said, the character and story can be real, it’s just a part of your overall personality. Math Hoffa’s (fighting) story fits the bully-like character he portrayed. People who didn't even like battle rap were watching the battles to see when he would punch someone next.
Sometimes where you’re from can be part of your story. When you think of flashy New York - you might think of Harlem. But, Harlem also represents Marcus Garvey and black consciousness - which is a back story that fits Lux well. Personally, I believe Mook would be a much bigger battle rapper if he had a story we could identify with. He identifies himself as the Michael Jordan of battle rap but MJ was not only better than everyone, he was marketable. MJ was wearing long shorts when everyone else was wearing short ones. MJ also had the wristband on his forearm, his own shoes, and dunking with his tongue out. MJ made most of his money from endorsements. Basketball was what he did for fun.
Battle Rap is not much different than the music industry. Most of your money comes from performing, appearances, and monetizing the endorsement of 3rd party products. Like most sports, raising your public profile gives you a huge opportunity to make more money. Do what you can do for yourself and don't rely on a league to create you,r worth.