In this video, we’re going to do a rap flow practice drill using a cadence from a 90’s hit song called Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio. we’re going to push and pull this cadence. Pushing means we’re adding something to it which makes it feel more aggressive and pulling means we’re take something away from it which makes it feel less aggressive.
Now in order to use a rappers cadence effectively it’s important that you begin rapping within the bar at the same place they do. For today’s example, Coolio begins rapping on the 2nd half of beat 04 using two 16th notes which leads into beat 01 of the following bar.
This is one part of the cadence that will not change during today’s exercise because where a cadence begins and ends is something I like to refer to as its “groove”. The point in which the cadence begins and ends is what creates the in and out motion of the cadence. This gives the starting and ending point of the overall cadence some predictability for the listener to lock onto like how a nut locks onto the groove of a bolt.
So we’ll change where the cadence ends but we’ll keep the beginning the same so we don’t totally lose the groove.
Also, since we’re leading into the 1st beat with this groove from the 2nd half of beat 4, at times we’ll need to rap slightly on top of each other as we pass the cadence back and forth.
For example, for Coolio’s cadence as I’m finishing up the cadence on the word “left” you will need to begin rapping the cadence with the words “as I”
We’ll do every cadence twice each starting with me.
And the instrumental we’ll be using is a beat that I produced called “Bounty Hunter” which is available on my beat store.
Now without further ado…LET’S GET IT!!
CADENCE 01-02
CADENCE 01
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there’s nothing left
CADENCE 02
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I’m peepin my steps, cause I know the reaper creepin in next
CADENCE 03-04
CADENCE 03
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I watch my steps cause I know what’s poppin’ next
CADENCE 04
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I’m lookin’ out for the reaper himself
CADENCE 05-06
CADENCE 05
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death it’s apparent that I’m starring at the enemy’s methods
CADENCE 06
As I walked through the valley I just fell in love, with the scenery, and man I couldn’t get enough
CADENCE 07-08
CADENCE 07
As I walked through the valley I just fell in love, and man I couldn’t get enough
CADENCE 08
As I walk through the store, and ask for help, I’m passed by twelve and told just to help myself
HOW DID YOU DO?
Alight, now let me know, how’d it go in the comments section below
And before you LEAVE make sure you get my FREE Rap Essentials bundle which includes the following…
The #1 Fundamental To Rapping eBook
Bar Sheets to help you improve the structuring of your lyrics
6 practice instrumentals which includes dedicated video tutorials
The CMS Catalog which has my favorite studio gear recommendations
Plus I’ll be sharing via e-mail the most essential video tutorials I’ve made that I recommend every aspiring rapper to watch. These lessons are going to teach you all the core techniques you need to be a better rapper now!
And all of this 100% FREE when you join my mailing list via this link.
Again my name is Cole Mize with colemizestudios.com and always remember, when it comes to rapping, there’s no rules, there’s only techniques. Peace!
