Check out this example of Eminem talking and then rapping.
Did you notice how he sounds different when he’s rapping compared to when he’s talking? That’s because he’s using a technique that I’m about to share with you that will improve the quality of your rap voice.
The technique I’m about to teach you is called compression. And I’m not talking about the type of pants some of these “women of size” wear. You know the ones when they take them off and it’s like opening up a can of refrigerator biscuits?
No sir, I’m talking about vocal compression.
VOCAL COMPRESSION
Vocal compression is a delivery technique that rappers use to improve the tonality of their rap voice and it allows them to rap longer without running out of breath.
And here’s how it works.
Think of your lungs like a balloon. When you’re rapping and you take a breath in you have filled up the air in your balloon. And just like a balloon, the main factor that will determine how quickly you run out of air, is how open the throat of the balloon is.
If the throat of the balloon is completely open it’s going to produce a lower tone and it’s going to run out of air quickly.
But if we pinch the throat of the balloon, it will produce a higher tone and it will be able to sustain the sound much longer before running out of breath.
TRY IT OUT
And you can try this theory out on your voice right now and here’s how.
To imitate your throat being completely open and letting air out quickly, take a deep breath in and say “hah”.
Now take a deep breath in and make a “s” sound and hold it as long as possible.
Did you feel how tight your abs started feeling towards the end? That’s the muscle we’re using to create vocal compression.
COMPRESSION + RAPPING
Now let’s dial in some compression on your vocals while rapping.
First say the following line in your normal speaking tone “This a lesson on compression”
Now while tightening your stomach a little say it again “This a lesson on compression”
If you’re struggling to access your compression, pretend you’re straining to pick up something heavy while you’re rapping.
PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT
Let’s push it further and try tightening your stomach even more “This a lesson on compression”
Now let’s go a little higher and mimic that classic Slim Shady sound ““This a lesson on compression”
Now let’s push it even higher and mimic the sound of some of your favorite trap rappers. For this one we’re almost swallowing our words while adding compression. “This a lesson on compression”
A RANGE OF COMRPESSION
Now this gives you a good scope of the vast range of compression you could potentially add to your voice. You will likely find that just a little bit of compression will go a long way!
The Slim Shady and the Trap Rapper examples are extreme examples of compression.
But most of the time you will probably only be needing to use a little compression on your voice.
JUST A LITTLE COMPRESSION
Let’s do it one more time with no compression then with a little compression
Spend some time recording your vocals and experiment with this technique to get more familiar with it.. And let me know in the comments section below if this was helpful.
And if you’re trying to perfect your rap skills make sure you get my FREE Rap Essentials bundle which includes…
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.
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!
