How to Master Rapping on Beat with this Rap Writing Practice
It's a common problem for beginners. Advanced rappers may not need to learn how to rap on beat, but you may want to expand your rhythm vocabulary. This practice gives more rap cadences for your craft.
"I wanna rock right now" became "I'm gonna rock mics now."
"I'm Rob Base, and I came to get down" became "I'm DLUX. I came to spit rounds."
I write on copying the rhythm patterns and the rhyme sounds of Rob Base's first verse on "It Takes Two."
After the Rick-Flare-inspired woos, you can hear my finished verse here.
I was recently asked how to rap on beat in a direct message.
This is a common problem for beginners in the craft, and my usual response is explaining how to feel the beat then count it. Then begin learning how to speak in sync with the beat.
This method works, but it's mechanical.
It establishes a necessary foundation for rapping on beat, but I suspect those who still struggle with this skill won't transfer their rap writing and rap delivery just yet.
In addition to learning how to feel the beat and count the beat, Try this rap writing practice to master rapping on beat.
Note to the non-beginner.
You may not need to learn how to rap on beat, but you may want to expand your rhythm vocabulary. This practice will give you more rap cadences for your craft.
Remix Rewrite Practice
Most beginning rappers aren’t thinking about rhythm patterns because they are focus on wordplay and rhyming. The remix rewrite practice samples the cadences of your favorite verses bringing your attention to the rhythm and the pulse of the words.
To learn to rap on beat and to build your rhythm vocabulary, remix and rewrite a verse you love.
It works because you know the cadence of your favorite verses. You do not have to invent your rhythm patterns from scratch while you are writing your lyrics. It gives you a template for the rhythm patterns and the rhyming sounds.
Remember, the aim with any rap practice is consistency. Here are some tips for integrating the remix rewrite practice for better results for staying on beat.
Prepare your list of rap verses to remix rewrite.
Select 7 to 30 rap verses that you know and enjoy. I suggest choosing verses that range in rhythm pattern complexity and tempos. Make sure the verses you select are from rappers who focus on rhythms over melodies.
Rewrite 4 bars at a time or less.
Don't feel the need to rewrite the entire verse. The goal is to build a habit of writing with rhythm patterns. Writing less of the verse allows you to focus on the rhythm more than the lyrics.
Rewrite Your Remix is a Freestyle Verse.
If writing on the original concept does not stop your pen, then use it as inspiration. More often than not, the added pressure of staying on topic slows the writing down. So I suggest making it a freestyle verse and write what comes to mind in the moment.
Practice Rapping your remix on different beats.
Of course, you'll practice your verse on the original beat but try a different instrumental with your new verse. You will change the tempo of your delivery to keep the same cadences. If you can do this, you are demonstrating mastery of staying on beat.
Do an off-top freestyle remix.
I suggest selecting one bar at a time with the freestyle approach. The freestyle version would be to listen to the chosen verse, then scat the rhythm, and freestyle with that rhythm. This will bring the fastest results for staying on beat, but it may feel awkward for beginners to off-top freestyling.
Push through the awkwardness.
You will master rapping on beat quickly if you stick with this approach through the learning curve. With any new approach and learning a new skill, awkwardness is a part of the process. With consistent practice, the discomfort decreases, and skills remain.
Release more Genius over Doubt. I’ll see you in the next one.
Rest in Peace Biz Markie.
-Desmond