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So you say you want to rap. It's time to do your research. Do you know where rap originated? Your going to have to go back to the days when rap was at its rawest form. The art was so simple then. Study how they'd ride the beat. (If you baught the book, you can bring into play the Point-System to imitate the styles of old) If you look at few of the greatest rap artist of all time and study their early work, you will see that they mastered the early styles of their art before pushing the envelope. In other words DO YOUR RESEARCH.
2.Consider Lessons For Technique
Art to some degree is a learned procedure – even icons can benefit from lessons. You may perhaps feel like you are a pro at a certain style, but you may need improvement at another style or line combo. So it's always good idea to practice new and exciting techniques. If you bought the book, that is a great place to start. Also using rhyming dictionaries and grammer books can help extremely well. The rhyming dictionary is especially good at combating writers block.
3.Study Your Favorite Songs
Park yourself in front of your radio, or chuck in your favorite cd, clutch a pen and pad and study your favorite songs like a pupil to the game. Write down five of the things you like about the song.
•The Hook Is Catchy
•The Sound effects were tight. Which ones?
•How were the Adlibs/Voice overs utilized?
•What sounded the hottest?
•What lines sounded the illest?
Ask yourself these questions and see what you can use and add to your own style. Don't jus listen to lyrics and content, but look at Rhyme Structure, and patterns.
4.Get Feedback
Always, always, and almost always try and get feedback on your music. Let some one listen to what you got. This gives you confidence and lets you know your improving. I have a music page where people can leave feedback at: http//:www.how2rap.com/jmillmusic.html and that gives me a idea where I can improve and which flows the people feelin. Most people love some say its wack. As a matter of fact one cat put wack wack wack through all my songs…..lol. I think he was from a rival crew or something. The point is, you have to expect negative feedback sometime. Especially in this business. All you can do is learn from it and proceed.
5.Video & Audio Tape Everything
It's a great idea to audio tape your practices for later examination. You'll hear things good and bad that you didn't become aware of during the performance or practice. Notice ways you can develop your image and performance or audio. If you have a small audio recorder (I use an Olympus for my audio diaries), practice saying your verse and listen to how and where you can improve your lyrics. Focus on keeping your words going smoothly. If a word or phrase doesn't flow off of your tongue the right way, simply change it and use something that works better for you. The video and audio equipment you use doesn't have to be top of the line. The one I use for my audio diaries page isn't state of the art. They are mainly suppose to be for your eyes only and when you blow up these audio and video tapes will be a valuable part of your archives. If your not thinking that far ahead….you should be. Which brings us to our next point.
6.Always Think About The Future
In order to be doing well in this biz squander a small part of your time and efforts thinking about the long long term. They say the best time to plan for the future is in the past. Looking into the future will motivate you and push you to achieve your goals.
Focus and KNOW what you want. Tell yourself I WILL SUCCEED. Until next time….Stay UP and Keep grindin.
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