How to Rap

1. Content is King: Substance Over Style

Honestly, nothing is nothing without content, because a lot of [rappers] be flowing but they ain’t saying shit.

Meaningful lyrics. While flow and delivery are crucial, the core of a great rap song lies in its content. It's not enough to just rhyme words; you need to have something meaningful to say. This can range from personal stories and social commentary to imaginative narratives and humorous observations.

• Real-life experiences: Drawing from your own life provides authenticity and relatability.
• Fictional narratives: Unleash your creativity and explore different perspectives.
• Controversial topics: Tackle challenging issues with nuance and depth.
• Conscious content: Inspire change and awareness through your lyrics.
• Party anthems: Create fun and engaging tracks that get people moving.

Substance over flash. A great flow can grab attention, but it's the content that keeps listeners engaged and coming back for more. A song with strong content will resonate with people on a deeper level, making it more memorable and impactful.

Content as the foundation. Think of content as the foundation of your song. Without a solid foundation, even the most impressive flow and delivery will fall flat. Focus on crafting lyrics that are both meaningful and entertaining, and you'll create music that stands the test of time.

2. Flow: The Rhythmic Soul of Rap

It’s down to attaching flow to the beat. . . . Like Bruce Lee said, if the water is in the jug, it becomes that jug. If water is in that bowl, it becomes that bowl. That’s how I approach it.

Rhythm and rhyme. Flow is the combination of rhythm and rhyme that gives rap its musicality. It's how you fit your lyrics to the beat, creating a unique and engaging sonic experience.

• Beats and bars: Understand the structure of the music and how your lyrics fit within it.
• Syllables and stress: Use stressed syllables to emphasize the rhythm and keep your lyrics in time.
• Rests: Use pauses to create rhythmic variety and add emphasis.
• Overlapping bars: Experiment with starting and ending verses at different points in the bar.

Flow as a priority. Many listeners are drawn to hip-hop because of its unique rhythmic patterns. A strong flow can grab someone's attention even before they understand the meaning of the words.

Flow as adaptation. Like water taking the shape of its container, your flow should adapt to the beat, creating a seamless and harmonious blend of music and lyrics. Mastering flow is essential for any MC who wants to create truly compelling and memorable music.

3. Rhyme: The Art of Sonic Connection

I’m not one of those dudes that settles for the basic, simple, easy line all the time. I really try hard, and when you listen to the rhymes, you can hear the effort in a writer’s song.

Beyond perfect rhyme. While perfect rhymes are a good starting point, exploring different types of rhyme can add depth and complexity to your lyrics.

• Assonance: Use similar vowel sounds to create a rhyme.
• Alliteration and consonance: Repeat consonant sounds to add musicality.
• Compound rhymes: Use multisyllable rhymes to create more intricate patterns.

Rhyme as a tool. Rhyme is not just about making words sound alike; it's about creating connections between ideas and adding layers of meaning to your lyrics. Clever rhymes can make your lyrics more memorable and engaging.

Rhyme schemes. Experiment with different rhyme schemes to structure your verses and create a unique sonic experience. Couplets, single-liners, multi-liners, and combinations of these can all be used to create a variety of patterns.

By mastering the art of rhyme, you can elevate your lyrics from simple statements to complex and engaging works of art.

4. Structure: Building the Song's Blueprint

With a title you can fill in the blanks and have a clear conversation about what you’re talking about.

Song structure. A well-structured song is more than just a collection of verses; it's a carefully crafted piece of art with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

• Choruses: Use hooks to create memorable and catchy sections.
• Verses: Develop your ideas and tell your story through your verses.
• Intros and outros: Use these sections to set the tone and provide closure.

Concepts and themes. A strong concept or theme can tie your song together and give it a clear direction. This can be a single idea or a more complex narrative that unfolds throughout the song.

Structure as a guide. Think of song structure as a blueprint for your song. It provides a framework for your lyrics and helps you create a cohesive and engaging listening experience.

By understanding and mastering song structure, you can create music that is both meaningful and memorable, guiding your listeners through a journey of sound and emotion.

5. Delivery: The Power of Vocal Performance

The flow can grab somebody before the [meaning of the] words.

Beyond the words. Delivery is how you use your voice to bring your lyrics to life. It's about more than just saying the words; it's about how you say them.

• Breath control: Master your breathing to deliver your lyrics smoothly and powerfully.
• Enunciation: Pronounce your words clearly and accurately.
• Vocal style: Develop a unique vocal style that reflects your personality and artistry.
• Pitch and melody: Experiment with different pitches and melodies to add emotion and interest.
• Syncopation: Play with the timing of your vocals to create a unique rhythmic feel.

Delivery as an instrument. Think of your voice as an instrument. By mastering different vocal techniques, you can create a wide range of sounds and emotions, adding depth and complexity to your music.

Delivery as a connection. A strong delivery can connect with listeners on a visceral level, making your music more engaging and memorable. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it.

By mastering the art of delivery, you can transform your lyrics from words on a page into a powerful and captivating performance.

6. The Studio: Where Ideas Become Reality

I feel like it’s a blank canvas, and I’ve got all the paint and I got all the brushes. I got all the everything and I can just paint a picture.

The creative space. The studio is where your ideas come to life. It's a space for experimentation, collaboration, and refinement.

• Writing in the studio: Some artists prefer to write in the studio, while others prefer to write elsewhere.
• Recording techniques: Experiment with different recording techniques, such as punch-ins and guide vocals.
• Editing and mixing: Use these tools to polish your vocals and create a professional-sounding track.

The studio as a tool. The studio is not just a place to record; it's a tool that you can use to shape your sound and bring your vision to life.

The studio as a process. The recording process is not always linear. It's a journey of discovery, where you may find yourself changing your lyrics, your flow, or even the beat itself.

By embracing the studio as a creative space, you can transform your ideas into fully realized works of art, pushing the boundaries of your creativity and honing your craft.

7. Live Performance: Connecting with the Crowd

Ability to connect with the audience, confidence, rehearsal, ability to improvise—everything. It all comes into play right there—it’s make or break, sink or swim time.

Beyond the record. Live performance is where you connect with your fans on a personal level. It's an opportunity to bring your music to life and create a shared experience.

• Confidence and showmanship: Command the stage with confidence and charisma.
• Mic and PA system: Master the technical aspects of performing live.
• Rocking the crowd: Engage your audience and create a high-energy atmosphere.
• Spontaneity and improvisation: Be prepared to adapt to unexpected situations.
• Adding something extra: Give your audience something they can't get from the record.

Live performance as a skill. Performing live is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. It's not enough to just know your lyrics; you need to know how to connect with an audience and create a memorable experience.

Live performance as a connection. Live performance is a two-way street. It's not just about you performing for the audience; it's about creating a shared experience that connects you with your fans on a deeper level.

By mastering the art of live performance, you can transform your music from a solitary experience into a powerful and engaging communal event.

8. Collaboration: The Strength of Shared Creativity

Swords sharpen swords.

The power of collaboration. Working with other artists can bring new perspectives and ideas to your music. It's an opportunity to learn from others and push your own creative boundaries.

• Writing in a group: Share ideas and create a collaborative vision.
• Guest verses: Bring your unique style to someone else's track.
• Ghostwriting: Help other artists bring their vision to life.
• Producer input: Collaborate with producers to shape your sound.

Collaboration as a learning experience. Working with other artists can expose you to new techniques and approaches, helping you to grow and evolve as an MC.

Collaboration as a challenge. Collaborating with others can also be challenging, requiring you to compromise and adapt to different styles and perspectives.

By embracing collaboration, you can expand your creative horizons and create music that is greater than the sum of its parts.

9. The Writing Process: A Journey of Discovery

The process of writing makes it easier to write— the more you write, the easier it is.

No single path. There is no one "right" way to write a rap song. The writing process is a personal journey of discovery, and you need to find what works best for you.

• Research: Gather information and inspiration from a variety of sources.
• Writing methods: Experiment with different ways of writing, such as writing on paper, typing on a computer, or composing in your head.
• Writing locations: Find a place where you feel comfortable and inspired to write.
• Writing times: Discover when you are most creative and productive.
• Pacing: Decide whether you prefer to write quickly or slowly.
• Structure: Decide whether you prefer to write in one go or in pieces.

The writing process as a practice. The more you write, the better you will become at it. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

The writing process as a reflection. The writing process is not just about creating a song; it's also about exploring your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

By embracing the writing process as a journey of discovery, you can unlock your creative potential and develop your own unique voice as an MC.

10. The Evolution of the MC: A Continuous Pursuit

Study the art form and once you know the art form, you can improve on it, because you got cats that already did all them things that you’re trying to do in hip-hop.

Building on the past. Hip-hop is a constantly evolving art form, and it's important to study the work of those who came before you.

• Learn from the legends: Study the techniques and styles of the great MCs.
• Embrace innovation: Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
• Stay true to yourself: Develop your own unique style and voice.

The MC as a student. The journey of an MC is a continuous process of learning and growth. There is always something new to discover and new skills to master.

The MC as an innovator. The best MCs are not just imitators; they are innovators who push the boundaries of the art form and create something new and unique.

By embracing the spirit of continuous learning and innovation, you can contribute to the ongoing evolution of hip-hop and leave your own unique mark on the world.

Last updated: January 29, 2025