GMC

I always seem to get asked the same questions about how to start writing and recording raps, and I thought it would be a good idea just to put the information that I have in one place for ye.

Obviously there are tonnes of places online that can help with similar questions, but I’ll answer them from my own point of view and I’ll try to be as clear as I can. (I know a lot of the technical talk can confuse people at times!)

So the big question is “How do I learn how to rap?”

There is no simple answer to that really… but all I can say is listen to quality rappers, read their lyrics, see how they structure their raps and what words they use to rhyme. Listen to how they use their voice also! I believe, to be a good rapper, not only do you have to have the lyrics, but you gotta be able to say those lyrics like you mean it… Sort of like how an actor would say his or her lines in a film.

So basically focus on:
A. The content (your lyrics, rhyme schemes, subject matter)
and B. Your delivery (your rhythm, flow and ability to portray a certain emotion in your voice)

If you don’t know what to write about, why not just start off writing a rap to introduce who you are, where you’re from, what you love to do… A song about your life! Keep it simple, and don’t try to crowd too many words into your lines.

Just like basic poetry, start off by rhyming in pairs (in twos)… So the last words in line 1 and 2 rhyme with each other, same with 3 and 4, then 5 and 6 and so on.

A typical rap verse is 16 bars (lines) long, and when I write my raps, I start off by writing 1, 2, 3…. all the way to 16, down along the left hand side of my page.

Here are lyrics to my track “GMC”

1. See me in a marquee at a gaff party,

2. Bobbin my head to a tune with a mad beat,

3. See me in my car, wrong way on a one way road,

4. Double parkin, in a tow away zone,

5. See me in a gym try’na lose my belly,

6. On a cross trainer, cartoons on the telly,

7. See me makin’ tunes in my bedroom,

8. Tappin’ my foot but not enough legroom!

and so on…

Notice how the ends of each two lines rhyme? And also notice, that a couple of syllables are rhyming together like “lose my belly” and “toons on the telly”. It’s the sounds of the vowels in the words that are helping them rhyme as well.

It’s also important to give yourself space to breathe in your raps. You need to be able to perform your rap without getting caught for breath so make sure that you put in some gaps every few lines that allow you to take a breath!

Also, be sure to use your own accent. Be proud of your voice, and where you are from! PLEASE DO NOT PUT ON A FAKE AMERICAN ACCENT (Unless of course you are American!)… I know a lot of us Irish rappers started off using American accents, and I’m guilty of that. So as they say, KEEP IT REAL! Rap like you talk! And if you’re rapping about something sad, then sound sad, if you’re rapping about something funny or happy, then put a smile on your face while you’re recording it. Otherwise you will just bore the listener, and they won’t engage with what you’re saying! Anyway, I hope that helps some of the younger rappers starting off. If you have any questions… Just leave me a comment on my Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gmcbeats.

Best of luck writing