While each artist can work on the same project in different ways, having a background to work with is especially useful if you're trying to write songs. To write a Rap song, follow these instructions.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Writing Lyrics
Step 1. Reflect on the idea
When listening to a beat over and over again, allow yourself to be free to respond or even rap aloud to let fresh ideas come in. Do this for a few moments without writing it down on paper. When you're ready, make a list of every concept, unique perspective, and lyric that might come to mind. Let this list guide and inspire your song content.
Let your ideas mature. Carry a notebook with you so that if you get inspired on the bus, while you're working out, or buying groceries, you can remember the moment and maybe build on it
Step 2. Write down the hook part
If you are writing a term paper, you will start with a main sentence problem statement. However, this is a rap song, so start with the chorus / hook. These hooks should not only cover the theme of the song, but, more importantly, should be interesting and unique. A good hook will inspire other parts of the song such as a beat or other lyrics, so don't write something that doesn't align with other ideas.
If you're having a hard time coming up with something that pops up in a sudden verse, find or comment on a song you like about another rap song. Don't just copy the lyrics of the song or you'll get in trouble. “Drop it like it's hot” was actually a scribbled lyric from the Hot Boys single in the early 2000s, but Snoop Dogg turned it into a hit song a few years later
Step 3. Follow the words
Pick a few points from your list of ideas that look inspiring. Of course, this is when your skills as a lyricist and tuner will be demonstrated. If you are an experienced rapper, highlight your strengths. If metaphor is your thing, let it be a plus when you write lyrics. If you are a good storyteller, let a narrative emerge from the collection of words.
Don't hinder yourself. The biggest mistake you can make when writing lyrics for the first time is when you want to “say” something and force abstract concepts into your lyrics. Make it specific. Use concrete words, phrases, and images in your words to write down the ideas you want
Step 4. Make your lyrics believable
While some may have an "I can rap about whatever I want!" attitude, it's better to avoid rap about a world-class cocaine-dealing empire if you're a teenager from the outskirts. Also, keep in mind that just because a famous rapper writes about something doesn't mean your rap song is more or less rap. The Beastie Boys rap about partying and skateboarding in great, quirky and creative ways even though they don't rap about traditional topics or anything that fits the old image of what a rapper should be.
If you really want to rap about something you didn't do, make sure that you make it sound as stupid as possible. Show your arrogance; exaggerate to crazy levels. Don't do it often, and not in serious songs, but have fun with the lyrics. Be creative
Step 5. Fix, fix, fix
If you're not a world-class rapper who produces musical magic every time you create, making magic come to your home all the time, your first draft doesn't have to be the best. Does not matter. Bob Dylan's first draft, "Like a Rolling Stone," was 20 pages long and was terrible. As you write, let all the ideas that come up come out, but you should condense them into a usable and efficient set of lyrics.
- Focus on the most memorable lyrics and imagery, and discard anything that doesn't fit the theme, tone, or plot of the story. If you're having trouble deciding what to write and what not to write, try and rewrite the song from your memory without looking. This will serve as a divider--you won't be able to remember the little things that don't work, and you'll have to fill that section with something bigger.
- The average song has 2-3 stanzas with 16-20 bars, and 3-4 chorus sections with multiple lines. Try to reduce your lyrics to a suitable length.
Part 2 of 3: Determine the Beat
Step 1. Choose a beat that has been made
In almost all types of songwriting, the melody comes before the lyrics. Often, rappers will create beats in a similar way and become familiar with the music before writing any lyrics. While a rapper may have a pile of rhymes written in a notebook, composing a song requires the right beat to accompany the rhymes. By doing this, you'll ensure that your song doesn't sound forced and has music that lives up to its words.
- Find an online producer that makes beats and listen to them until you find one you like. Give the producer a Message commission for that particular music or style to get the raw song. If you like samurai-inspired samples and old comic book references like Wu-Tang Clan, send the beatmaker some examples.
- Even if you have an idea for a song or topic that you like, try to come up with at least three possible beats before settling on one. Customizing content, words, and music is a complex process. Do not rush.
Step 2. Consider creating your own beat
You can do this with computer or audio equipment, or even just record yourself beatboxing for inspiration.
- Start by copying an R&B or soul song that you really enjoy. The Meters were an unknown funk band from New Orleans from the 60s, who rose to prominence after their songs were sampled for great rap songs. Cut the beats into pieces using GarageBand or other free software on your computer.
- Make beats using a programmable drum machine. The Roland TR-808 is the most iconic drum machine used in many classic hip-hop and rap songs. This machine has many variations of bass kick, hi-hat, clapping, and many other percussion sounds that can be programmed with different patterns. You can also process and manipulate these beats on your computer.
Step 3. Find the melody in the beat
Add melodies using bass notes from a synth or keyboard, or from melodic lyrics copied from pre-made songs. Listen to the song many times until the melody is heard. Listen from different angles and create different melodic possibilities. This will help you to find your attention grabber when you start writing the lyrics and chorus of the song.
Record “original recordings” of yourself singing nonsensical words but using beats to help find and remember melodies. You don't have to sing well because it won't be in your song. Allow yourself to explore the beat and find your own melody by singing, humming, or vocalizing freely
Step 4. Listen to many different types of beats before deciding which beat to use
Some beats are really fast and dance-friendly and might end up being a party-rap song, while some dreary beats will be political or something serious. Just because a beat sounds good doesn't mean it's the right beat for the song you want to make. As you listen, imagine the possible songs that each beat can make and choose the one you want for your song.
You may not know which song to listen to, and that's fine. Use your guts. If the beat "talks" to you-then it's time to make your own music
Part 3 of 3: Combine Everything
Step 1. Compose the song
Now that you have a good idea of how to finish your song, organize the rhymes into verses (16 bars for each verse). You can start each verse with almost the same rhyme, but it's best to end the lyrics with a rhyme that has a specific meaning. This way your verse won't hang. Popular song lines are:
- Intro
- Verse
- Chorus
- Verse
- Chorus
- Verse
- Middle 8 (breakdown)
- Chorus
- Outro
Step 2. Rap and fix
Practice singing the song with your chosen beat to find out what's missing and optimize the verse you're writing. Eliminate many words and lose them again. Remember, a rap song is not a paper in English; use only the words necessary to convey the message, nothing more. Don't be afraid to give yourself a pause or two, which will help convey a certain message in the song.
Step 3. Memorize your song
Sing the lyrics to the beat until you remember each breath you took and until you get tired of hearing it. After that, you will be ready to produce your song.
Step 4. Production of your song
You can discuss it with a producer to record and perform other processes or produce your own song.
Tips
- If you can't come up with good lyrics, don't give up! Take a walk or listen to music, then come back to writing with a fresh idea.
- Do not ever give up! Try to bring out your rapper talent and one day you might become a professional rapper.
- Try to include personal experiences to give the emotion a deeper touch. Don't just rap about general topics that are about someone's character or something that everyone can do. Reflect on the pain and joy of the past. Try to rap about something you enjoy.
- Be different. The key to success is having its own style and uniqueness.
- Listen to the rapper talent within you to determine which one is the best. If you're not sure what you're saying, remember that the key is to remember what's going through your head. Set the tone and let the new language take shape. Try to focus on well-known musical artists that you respect or enjoy and see if that affects your musical results.
- You don't need to buy FL Studio to get started. There are many free sound editors (such as Audacity) that provide free ways to create music. If you have a Mac computer, then use Garageband, which will record something for you! There are also inexpensive packages that can help, such as FL Studio, MTV Music Generator, Tightbeatz, Soundclick, and Hip Hop Spell. However, the best beats you can get are through a live band, so if you have friends who can play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and even brass, try calling them and having a discussion.
- If you need help writing lyrics, use an online lyricist tool.
- Add spice to the beats you create, including filler drums (e.g. before a chorus or verse, add a bass note and a guitar melody and make your song shine).
- Listen to Eminem, enjoy and let your ideas flow. Ideas will immediately pop into your mind.
