one of my favorite ways to be creative usually is to impose limitations on myself and what im making. i.e. draw something with just four colors, make a game around some weird unspecific theme, cook a meal with just leeks as the main ingredient. . in a way create a smaller box around yourself and focus just on that. its easier to step out that, and it gets you used to stepping out of boxes in general
also, a bit more related to your post, these two lyrics from nas: "No idea's original, there's nothing new under the sun // It's never what you do, but how it's done"
Interesting read. Reminds me of how a lot of people think learning music theory will stifle their creativity, when really it gives you a better understanding of the 'rules' that you are breaking and experimenting with.