How to Write a Rap Song

This article will show you how to create the standard rap song and how to add your own style to it. Start with the fundamentals, then shape your creation into a masterpiece.

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[edit] StepsThink about the topic of your rap so you do not blindly write a wacky unwanted song that will make you look dumb.
Create a low tone (Bass Synth, etc). The bass line should be in the same key as the melody so that there are no 'sour notes' and the beat is easy to listen to. The bass line should not be as lengthened as the melody line but should work with it and fit together.
Structure the song. A popular song structure would be: Intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, chorus, middle 8 (AKA breakdown), chorus, outro. The intro usually consists of all the parts playing, the verse would be just the bass and the drum beat, then the chorus should be all parts playing, the middle 8 (breakdown) should be anything of your choice but must distinguish itself from the rest of the song and the outro is simply the beat just playing on until the song ends.
Write lyrics. Rap about anything but remember to write to the beat and make sure that your 'flow' is not whack! Just make sure that the lyrics match or just associate with the name of the song. Put your heart into it, be in love with the song when recording it or writing it. Just keep talking and babbling.
Listen to your inner rapper to figure out what works best. If you are not sure what to say, remember that the point is to get beyond your mind/memory. Make up sounds and let new language emerge. Try focusing on famous musical artists you respect/love ones/Jah/your heart and see if that affects what comes out. Focus on rhythm and feeling... Let go, flow and appreciate...
Keep in mind, what you're going to rap about and keep writing everything that runs through it on something, if your on a bus, paper or your hand will work just fine, a book would be nice too. Then read everything later and keep the BEST material.
Try to rhyme at least once a sentence, make sure not to repeat words , unless it's a verse, or at least sounds cool. Keep a constant tone, if you want to have fun with different voices then dub it over later. People can tell when you're changing your voice and it's lame at best.
You don't need to buy Pro Tools to get started. There's plenty of free audio editors, such as Audacity that provide a free way to make music. If you happen to have an apple mac computer, those come with Garageband, which will allow you to record right out of the box!



[edit] TipsTo write a rap song the best thing to do is write from your heart and things that you have experienced in your life and would like sharing with the outside world. Writing a rap song is about writing your feelings and expressing yourself.
The hook should be something infectious and catchy. The hook is basically the chorus. Like most of those songs listed, listen to the way the artist works with the beat to create a hook and do the same with your beat.
Add flavor to the beats by including drum fills (e.g. before chorus or verse, add additional bass and melody lines and make the song shine).
When creating a bass line: the bass could play a note on every kick of the drum beat.
A hi-hat can be good, because it keeps the song flowing and keeps the pace, but it's optional.
If you don't have access to studio equipment, the following cheap packages can help with your quest: FL Studio, MTV Music Generator, and Hip Hop Ejay. However, the best beats you can get are a live band, so if you have friends who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and even brass (a la Youngblood Brass Band or Flobots) give them a call and try to hook something up.
Don't show up to a battle in bad looking clothes or shoes ,etc because that just makes you more vulnerable to being a target for dissing.It may seem bizarre, but even if you have a good flow,if you have an easily targetable appearance or qualtiy, it can cost you the battle.



[edit] WarningsDon't rap about personal things that are not true. While some people might take a "I can rap about anything I want to!" attitude, it's best to really look at things before just spitting out false trash. Trying to beef up your image without doing the "work" is almost universally known as posing.

Also keep in mind that just because popular rappers write about that stuff, doesn't make your raps any more or less "rap" by writing or not writing about similar things. Remember that creativity and vision are often valued more by fans than image alone.
Don't listen to experts, listen to your heart...
It's always ok to have the knowledge to rap about anything, but remember you'll lose respect and word will go out on the streets if you don't keep it real.
If your rap lyrics suggest someone who you're really not, then refrain from such lyrics. For example, don't just take it all the way and say that you were born in the hood, if you really weren't.The more you expose your false lyrics, the less respect you will gain. By just keeping the content simple, you can impress many more people.
If you really, really, really want to write a rap about something you don't do, make sure you make them as ridiculous as possible. Buff up the braggadocio; exaggerate to insane levels. Don't do it often, and not in serious songs, but have fun with it.
Be careful, try not to make the rhythm of the song faster then you can rap, you could end up rapping out gibberish!