Rap music has become a worldwide phenomenon. Listening to successful rappers writing songs that describe their wealth and party lifestyle, who wouldn't want to be a part of that world? However, rap is above all a powerful form of artistic expression that transforms the complex human language into music. There are rap songs of all kinds, mundane and deep, with funny and lighthearted rhymes or that tell violent stories of difficult lives - what matters is to write engaging lyrics and present them in style. Becoming a rapper isn't easy though, and many people and competitors will wish you fail. If you are focused, write great music, build a fan base and find the right connections, you too can make it!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learn to Rap
Step 1. Learn to combine words, rhythm, rhymes and meanings
In a nutshell, rapping means reciting a rhyming text on a beat, but the best rappers use many rhetorical figures of the language, such as alliteration, repetition and pun. Good rappers also have a dynamics and flow that make the song interesting and timed.
- Study poetry, literature and music to understand what is possible.
- Learn to rap by trying to say all the everyday phrases like an impromptu rap. This will provide you with original ideas and help you instinctively tie the words together.
Step 2. Write every day
Write about topics you know and are interested in, but don't be afraid to experiment. Write as many verses as you can think of during the day, but also spend time composing entire songs, with multiple verses, a chorus and a bridge.
Write as many interesting rhymes and word combinations as possible. Over the course of his career, Eminem has collected dozens of notebook boxes filled with potential rap verses. You should be able to fill at least one
Step 3. Practice exposure skills a lot
Writing the best lyrics in the world isn't enough if you can't sing it with confidence, dynamism, flow and charisma. Practice singing the lyrics out loud and with passion, and do it as much as possible. Experience different speeds, volumes, inflections and pauses.
- Memorize the songs of other rappers with great flow and try to sing them while you listen to them. When you think you've mastered them, get the instrumental version of your favorite song and try singing it without the artist's original voice guiding you. When you are able to do this, sing it a cappella.
- Discover the interesting elements of your voice and make the most of them. Don't try to imitate other rappers - express your unique sounds.
Step 4. Study the greats
Listen to famous and influential raps and study their lyrics. Analyze the different techniques they use and the structure of their songs. Decide what style you like and explore it until you understand it well. Learn the references and lines within many classic raps.
You can be influenced by other rappers, but don't imitate them. At some point you will have to block out all external influences and focus on your music
Method 2 of 3: Create Your Music
Step 1. Find some modern, quality beats
All the greatest rap songs have a unique, catchy beat that sets them apart from the average songs that clog the radios.
- Buying equipment and software to create beats can be expensive, and learning how to make them takes the same time as becoming a good rapper. If you can do it though, it will be worth it, because making your own beats allows you to have full creative control over your songs and to understand the music more deeply.
- If you don't want to create your own beats, you can hire or partner with a producer. Make sure they are talented and listen to their previous work before signing a contract.
- If you're just starting out and can't afford to buy beats, consider getting instrumental versions of popular rap songs and sing along to them. Just make sure you follow copyright laws. Of course, you won't be able to sing along to other artists' songs forever.
Step 2. Record your raps
Your best bet is to do it at a professional recording studio, but with a little work you can be able to turn your home into a recording studio.
Record multiple versions of each song part - you're not already as good as Eminem! Don't worry if you make mistakes; you can always use a different version
Step 3. Mix songs
Master your recordings and put your raps on the best beats. Work on your songs until they're perfect, tweaking the beat and vocals to get the result you want.
Give your song a title. You can use a word or phrase from the chorus
Step 4. Create your first mixtape
Many people think of mixtapes as compilations of songs by different artists to create for their girlfriend. For an aspiring rapper, a mixtape is similar to an album, but usually not as well finished and distributed informally or for free. When you have a good number of songs you like, combine the best 7-15 in a mixtape.
- Think about the order in which you want to put the songs in the mixtape. Even if the songs aren't related to each other, try to create some sort of narrative or emotional path with the songs.
- Create pictures for the album. You can choose the ones you prefer, from a photo of yourself to some text on a uniform background with abstract art. If you are not a great artist, get help.
- Make CD copies of your mixtape for distribution, or publish it on the internet.
- If you don't have enough songs for a mixtape but still want to get your music out there, consider releasing a single. Make sure it's very nice, and look after the single cover as you would an album.
Method 3 of 3: Start Your Career
Step 1. Participate in open mic events and rap battles
Make your name known. Just sign up and sing. Make sure you choose hip-hop themed events.
Freestyle battles are a world apart. You don't have to be good at freestyle to become a great rapper, but it certainly will be useful to you. Battles give you a way to hone your skills and make yourself known
Step 2. Promote your music on the internet
There is a vibrant world of underground and novice rappers sharing and discussing their music on the internet. Posting your music online does not guarantee that people will hear or notice it - you will have to work hard to promote it.
- Upload your music to sites like DJBooth and send it to the most popular hip-hop blogs.
- Create an account on Myspace, Facebook and Twitter. Use these sites to share your music and let everyone know about your upcoming concerts and releases. Build a following and keep them interested.
Step 3. Find live concerts
Ask venues that do live music and try to get gigs in front of an audience that appreciates hip-hop, perhaps opening up for more famous artists. Try to earn some money from your concerts, but don't be afraid to perform for free to make yourself known.
- Print t-shirts, burn copies of your mixtape, and create more merchandise to sell at your shows.
- Work on your stage presence. Don't just stand up and recite the text - you'll need to engage the audience. Use words, expressions and body language. Try to understand what the audience likes and give it to them.
Step 4. Hire an agent
Once you've gotten some fame, you may need help taking your career to the next level. An agent will be able to take care of the promotional aspect, find concerts and talk to record labels. But make sure that the agent has your interests at heart and not just his.
Step 5. Collaborate with other artists
Rap is not a solitary art - often it is something you will do with other people, producers, singers and rappers. Build strong working relationships and relationships with other people in the industry you meet. Collaborate with them when you can.
- Singing a verse in another rapper's song allows you to reach a new audience.
- Getting another rapper to sing a verse of your song is a kind of approval. People will notice your music more if you have famous collaborators.
Step 6. Sign a record deal - or publish your productions independently
Signing a "major" contract is the dream of many rap artists. A contract provides you with resources and influence and sets you on the path to success. But remember that labels also want to make money and in some cases the right choice might be to start your own production house or partner with other independent artists to release your music.
Advice
- Change the tone of your voice. If you're trying to get noticed, raise the tone. You will push the audience to pay more attention.
- Having a good voice is important, but you will also need a good sense of rhythm and know how to write rhymes.
- Don't just rap, listen to as much music as possible.
- Do some breathing exercises. There is nothing worse than running out of breath during a performance.
- Ask the opinions of people with different tastes to understand how your work is received by the public. Just make sure you get honest and constructive criticism - don't ask for feedback from someone you know will ignore your flaws because they love you.
- Read! Dictionaries and books can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your grammar.
Warnings
- Listen to all the Rap music you want, but never copy the words of another artist's lyrics: you would be immediately labeled as "unoriginal" and lacking in creativity.
- Make sure your raps get positive reviews not just from your family before sending them to a record company. You will need to make a good first impression.
- Rap fights can be mean and mischievous. Practicing with friends and family can be helpful, but you risk ruining your relationship with them if they take your words too seriously.
