Blocked Out
One common problem that up and coming rappers run into when they are learning how to rap is how to come up with new cadences. If you don’t know what cadences are please check out this video & article Cadence Explained. As artists we often run into writers block and cadence is no exception. So allow me to suggest a very effective way to remedy this issue.
The Concept Of Evolution
If you listen to some of the first rap songs ever made and compare them to some of your favorite rappers today it is very clear that rappers have gotten better. Why is that? Well it’s simple, rappers have evolved over the years and improved their skills by learning from each other. Imagine if you was the first rapper ever. You would be a pioneer but would still be at a large disadvantage because you have no other rappers to learn from.
Are You Evolving?
One of the commandments of rap is “thou shall not bite”. Meaning don’t copy other rappers lyrics or styles and call them your own. While I agree with this I also think many of us take this rule a little to far and end up hindering our personal evolution because of it. This rule doesn’t mean you shouldn’t study or learn from other rappers. If you where to do that you would be putting yourself in the same position as the first rapper ever and consequently hindering your evolution. The truth is every rapper has learned from other rappers and that is exactly how rappers have evolved.
Using References
One of the most universal ways to increase your skills in any field is to use something called references. When it comes to rapping all this means is you start studying other rappers styles and memorizing their lyrics. When you start doing this you are also learning their cadences. The more different styles you memorize the more diverse you will be from one song to another. Regardless if you are experiencing cadence block or not you should start taking advantage of references and begin studying other rappers that you admire.
Memorization Techniques
The best way for you to begin memorizing other rappers lyrics is to Google their song title and artist name and put lyrics behind it. For example “2-Pac Dear Mama Lyrics“. Once you find their lyrics copy and paste them in a word processor of some sort on your computer or mobile device. If you don’t have the song already simply type it in on YouTube or your preferred media channel and start following along with the song while rapping the lyrics. Every couple of run through’s try an do it without looking at the lyrics. This is mixing visual and auditory learning techniques to help maximize the effectiveness of your memorization.
How Did I Do?
Do you have any techniques that help you overcome cadence block? What methods do you use to come up with new cadences? Was this article helpful? Please drop your 2 cents in the comments section below and I will make sure I get back with you. Cheers to being a better rapper now!
Great article! I usually try to get the words of popular songs but only to know them. Now that you gave me an idea about cadences I am going to do that. Thanks!
Hey Triston, there you go man! You are going to benefit greatly from this technique! Thanks as always for reading and commenting!
Hi Cole.
Nice clip, very useful, as always.
Lately, the way I do is just write the lyric first. Then I try to move some of the words backwards or forwards. Then record it on my phone or computer and listen to it over and over. Leave it for at few days and then listen to it again. In that way I have it memorized good. What I do next is just play the beat, start vibe’in to it and start rappin. And somehow the cadence just sneaks in when I stand there spittin to the beat.
Hey Artur! I’m glad you found this lesson helpful! Thanks for sharing your technique with me. We all have our own method that works best for us. As long as it works why change it? Keep up the hard work bro! Much love and respect!! 🙂
I’m not quiet sure what your getting at, are you creating your own cadence by mashing together outher artists cadences?
You got it Dan! 🙂 – Cole Mize
I recently worked on a new track and got a few friends to listen to it. I got comments like i wasn’t audible enough, i sound like my fav rapper (nickiminaj) without even trying to. I just want to learn how to find my sound and be comfortable enough to do it.
Hey Mitchie, there’s nothing wrong with using your favorites rappers to inspire you as you work towards creating your own sound. If they said you were not audible enough then you need to either speak up or speak more clearly and defined. If you would like to learn more about improving your rap voice make sure you check out this article. I hope this helps! Thanks for reading and commenting. I really do appreciate it! 🙂 – Cole Mize
I’m a new rapper I started about 2 month ago I tried to so many YouTube channels but it didn’t help me. Once I found this I’m felling great, Learning a lot from you Thank you
Keep making more ?
Thanks for the positive feedback Willix! I’m glad you found me and most importantly my content has been helpful to you. Keep up the hard work and I’ll be doing the same! 🙂 – Cole Mize
Hi Cole – thanks for this! I am finding your videos really helpful. With your 3 examples did you rap 8 bars of each artist? I’m trying to figure out if my counting of bars is accurate or not……thanks alot, Jade
Hi again Cole – I just listened again and it seems you did 9 bars of each of the 3 artists, is this right? If yes why is this, and not 8 bars if there are 16 bars in a verse, thanks.
I can could skatt none stop for five minutes and come up with cadence after cadence. That shit comes naturally to me – I was BORN with rhythm – not a brag – pop was a drummer had me listing to Santana as soon as I was old enough to hear. Its the WRITING thats making me nuts – I keep writing shit that starts out with something to SAY – then the message starts to devolve as I am hunting up rhymes.
OR
I come up with a dope few lines – and hit a brick wall –
OR
I come up with something the both flows well and feels good – but when I go back and read the shit – its stupid – like nothing I could get behind – nothing I would put my name behind. GAHHHHH!!!
But I am not giving up- I dont give a fuck if Im SIXTY when I drop my first full length LP – Im doing it – but damn it – I am battling my inner demons every day just to sit down an write a couple of words – its like a drunk trying to get sober – one day and at a time – but its – one bar at a time….
Hey Joshua, I totally understand the issues you’re facing. My advice is to brainstorm and storyboard your song before you start writing lyrics. See this article that explains how to do it. Also, check out this video tutorial that explains the balancing act you have to do as a rapper to make everything work well together. I hope this is helpful! 🙂 – Cole Mize
Hi cole, How often do you usually change cadence in a song ?
Hi Cole
First time reader and you have thought me so much in 20min. I’m aspiring dancehall SingJ, but when I write the songs i feel it doesnt rhythm or flow. It feels like a couple of words that just smash together. I dnt think I know my own flow or style. How can I create my own authentic flow n style? I know own I can do it.. but not how to do it.