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
Song Writing
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!
How To Create Rap Punchlines That Hit HARD!
Being a skilled rapper isn't just about riding the beat it's much more than that. Rapping is simply the vehicle we use to deliver our message to our audience. However there are many literary devices rappers wield such as rhyme schemes and punchlines which make a huge impact on the listener. And moving the audience emotionally and making a strong impact and lasting impression is really the goal of any artist right? So lets take a quick look at how you can create rap punchlines to hit HARD!! What Are Rap Punchlines? Rap Punchlines just like any other punchlines is the culminating part of a … [Read more...] about How To Create Rap Punchlines That Hit HARD!
Rhyming Words Like A BOSS!
At first glance rhyming words may seem overwhelming and a seemingly mysterious gift that only the elite wordsmiths have been gifted with since birth. But the truth is rhyming isn't so elusive once you start to break down the fundamentals of how they actually work. In this article I'll give you a detailed overview of all the different ways you can creatively begin rhyming words like a boss! Let's jump right in! Introduction To Rhyming Words When you break down what rhyming words actually is it's simply the use of similar sounds in some type of pattern that have a relationship to one another. … [Read more...] about Rhyming Words Like A BOSS!
How To Memorize Lyrics
A common question I get asked from my fellow up and coming rappers is if I could share some techniques on how to memorize lyrics. Well that time has finally come and during this article I will give you my personal technique that has helped me memorize my rap lyrics for over a decade. So without further ado lets dive right in! How To Eat An Elephant In short the way that you memorize lyrics is the same way that you eat and elephant...one piece at a time! Many people make the mistake of trying to memorize too many lyrics at one time and quickly get discouraged and start thinking something must … [Read more...] about How To Memorize Lyrics