If you've ever found yourself trying to rap over a "Trap" style instrumental you may have difficulty figuring out where the beats are landing at first. This is because the instrumental was likely produced in double time. In this lesson, I'll be breaking down what double time is and how it can influence your approach to writing your rap songs. So without further ado... LET'S GET IT!!! Double Time And Trap Beats Explained https://youtu.be/r5WjzkPkwdA Normal Time Now if you've watched any of my previous video lessons you've seen me break down normal time at nauseam. But if you happened to … [Read more...] about Double Time And Trap Beats Explained
how to rap
So You Wanna Rap? Start By Understanding Bars
If you have recently found yourself-entertaining the thought of learning how to rap then it's crucial that you take your first steps carefully or you will likely find yourself waisting unnecessary time on things that don't matter...yet! In this lesson, I will help you get your footing by first understanding the main thing you need to know when you're getting started...BARS!!. LET'S GET IT!! https://youtu.be/tkqht4W62TI What Are Bars? Bars are simply a way that music is measured. In fact, another term for a Bar is a "measure". This makes it easier for us to communicate with others about … [Read more...] about So You Wanna Rap? Start By Understanding Bars
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
The Four Bar Theory – How To Keep Your Listeners Hooked!
Today I'm going to share something with you that will not only make you a better rapper but it will make you an outstanding entertainer! This "thing" I'm talking about is called "The 4 Bar Theory" and it doesn't just apply to rapping but it's also useful in songwriting, music production, and mixing as well. The 4 Bar Theory is simple. 4 bars isn't too long nor is it too short. If you can create a payoff for your listener every 4 bars you will have them locked in because your song will be highly entertaining! Let's take a quick look at the word "entertainment". To entertain means to … [Read more...] about The Four Bar Theory – How To Keep Your Listeners Hooked!
The Biggest Mistake I Made When I First Started Rapping
Have you ever heard the quote "hindsight is 20/20"? If not, basically it means that mistakes you made in your past due to a lack of experience and understanding are crystal clear to you now in the present moment. What once was so confusing and mysterious is now so simple that you regard it as common sense. Time Traveling I wish I could jump into a time machine and travel back 22 years when I first started rapping. Not just so I could play video games all day without the worries of paying bills, but mainly because I could save myself so much time and frustration with learning this … [Read more...] about The Biggest Mistake I Made When I First Started Rapping
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
Breathing Techniques For Rappers
Have you ever thought about how much your breathing plays a huge role in how well you sound when you're rapping? Most of the time, us rappers mainly focus on the parts that are being spoken and overlook the importance of the pauses. We have a tendency to overload our bars with too many syllables which cause us to rush words, reducing their clarity while compromising our vocal quality in the process. Let's look a little deeper into this, shall we? Preserving Your Energy Your voice is actually an instrument and in fact, it's typically the main instrument in each of your songs. In order to … [Read more...] about Breathing Techniques For Rappers
How To Improve Your Rap Delivery
Oh the mysterious and elusive technique we know is rap delivery... what is it? why is it important? and how can you improve it? All of that will be covered within this article so without further ado... LET'S GET IT!! What Is Rap Delivery? Think of rap delivery as like a parcel delivery service such as UPS. Your catchy cadences, witty wordplay, and mesmerizing rhyme schemes are your product or package that you've created that's been bundled together in what we know as a song. Once You've created your awesome song you now have to deliver it to the consumer so that they can bask in the … [Read more...] about How To Improve Your Rap Delivery
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