Sometimes, writing a rap song can feel like a daunting task and seemingly take forever! Just think about this for a moment. Rap songs typically contain the most lyrics and rhymes in comparison to any other genres of music. Simply put, our lyrical content is much denser and therefore requires more work from us from strictly a songwriting perspective. Within this article, I'm going to share one major hack to help you finish your rap songs faster! Let's get straight to it! Fresh Perspective One major downside to spending a lot of time writing a rap song is that we lose what I like to … [Read more...] about How To Finish Your Rap Songs Faster
Song Writing
The Most Difficult Part Of Writing Rap Songs
Songwriting is a skill in and of its self, apart from rapping. And there are a lot of techniques that go into it as well. But within this article, I'm going to discuss what I believe to be one of the most difficult parts about writing rap songs and I'll provide you with some insight on how to get past it. Under Pressure A lot of us rappers put a tremendous amount of unnecessary pressure on ourselves when it comes to songwriting. Even though it's typically just us, by ourselves, in a room working on music. We allow our psyche to be flooded with all these questions and doubts such … [Read more...] about The Most Difficult Part Of Writing Rap Songs
The Top 5 Things Rappers Misunderstand About Songwriting
As an educator in the field of learning how to rap I've picked up on many common misconceptions. And lies unchecked can become one's truth. So in my efforts to prevent you from being held back, below I've compiled the top 5 things rappers misunderstand the most about songwriting. Let's get straight to it, shall we? 1. Every Song Must Be About You We've all likely been guilty of this one. You sit down to write your next song but you are "shooting blanks". This is commonly known as "writer's block". You've already written songs about the horrible EX, why you're the best rapper in the … [Read more...] about The Top 5 Things Rappers Misunderstand About Songwriting
How To Improve Your Rap Freestyles With Rhyme Lists
Today I'd like to share with you a very practical way of not only improving your rap freestyles but your songwriting as well using something called Rhyme lists. As the name implies, Rhyme Lists are simply a list of rhymes. The Struggle If you're freestyling off the dome your biggest struggle is going to be coming up with rhymes quickly before your bar runs out. In fact, while you're rapping one bar you should already be thinking of the word you're going to rhyme with it on the next bar. That Guy We've all heard that guy freestyling who keeps using the same words over and over … [Read more...] about How To Improve Your Rap Freestyles With Rhyme Lists
How To Write A Rap Song Using Storyboards
We've all experienced that moment when you attempt to write a song but "The Force" just isn't with you! Regardless if you're struggling to get your song started or are having difficulties staying on topic throughout the songwriting process using this simple Storyboard technique will prove to be an invaluable asset. Let's get straight to it, shall we? The picture below is a realistic example of how I use storyboards. I'll expound on each step so that you understand my thought process within each section. Music That Moves This is the first step. It's important to pick an instrumental … [Read more...] about How To Write A Rap Song Using Storyboards
Try This Warm-Up Technique Before Writing Your Next Rap Song
Sometimes the most difficult part of writing your rap songs is simply starting. We are truly our worst critics which can be good for quality control but if mismanaged this can kill our creativity and productivity. In this article, I will be sharing a really easy and practical writing exercise that will help you begin the songwriting process quicker. Let's get right to it, shall we? Remove All The Chains In last weeks article I discussed how writing without an instrumental can be very liberating and this week I'd like to take it a little bit further. One sure fire way to get better and … [Read more...] about Try This Warm-Up Technique Before Writing Your Next Rap Song
Pros And Cons To Writing Rap Lyrics Without An Instrumental
Rappers often ask me if they should write to an instrumental or is it okay to write without one? Honestly, I prefer writing to an instrumental but either one is just fine, however, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Without An Instrumental Regardless if you write to an instrumental or not you're going to have to fit your lyrics to an instrumental at some point unless you're going to rap your lyrics strictly Acapella. But writing without an instrumental is much different than writing with one and here are a few reasons why. Pros You can write much more … [Read more...] about Pros And Cons To Writing Rap Lyrics Without An Instrumental
My 5 Step Blueprint For Writing Rap Songs
Over the years I've written rap songs every way imaginable. And in my personal experience, I've learned some approaches simply work better than others. While I don't teach that there are rules to rapping or songwriting I do believe there are best practices which I will be sharing with you below. So without further ado... LET'S GET IT! Pick Out The Instrumental Before you begin writing a rap song I recommend that you pick an instrumental first. A rap song isn't just about lyrics it's also about rhythm and emotion. If you don't begin writing your rap song to an instrumental you will … [Read more...] about My 5 Step Blueprint For Writing Rap Songs
Why Counting Your Rap Lyrics Syllables Isn’t Accurate
In this article, I'm going to share some advice that will help you the next time you're trying to get your rap lyrics to fit within your bars properly. Counting Syllables I often get asked a question that goes a little something like this. "Cole, how many syllables should my rap lyrics have per bar?" Pretty straight forward right? I usually respond with saying that 11-14 syllables are a good generic syllable count to shoot for. The reason being is because rappers typically rap using 16th notes for the majority of the time while occasionally using 8th and 32nd notes. So even if … [Read more...] about Why Counting Your Rap Lyrics Syllables Isn’t Accurate
What Should You Rap About? A Guide To Destroying Writers Block!
Have you ever attempted to write your next song only to be met by a crippling nemesis known as writers block? Of course you have! Anyone who is a creative has experienced these moments of utter frustration. So if you're wrestling with the uncertainty of what you should rap about in your next song take a deep breath and relax as I attempt to alleviate your suffering with a little bit of perspective. Let's get it!! What Should You Rap About? First Person Is Only One Perspective The first trap a lot of rappers fall into is thinking all their songs have to be about them. But let's be honest … [Read more...] about What Should You Rap About? A Guide To Destroying Writers Block!