T
TestamentRapper
Guest
If you plan to write your own stuff, it requires lyricism. If you plan to use someone else's stuff, that's cool too but in that case whoever wrote it for you needs lyricism. If you are not naturally a gifted lyricist these are a few tips that can help you. FEEL FREE to add to this lists in your response if I've left anything out.
1. PRACTICE!!!!
2. Write poetry. It will keep you remembering that it is art. Studying different poets and their style can also give you ideas on how to format your verses. I'm not saying you need to write in iambic pentameter or anything like that, but a consistent and a cool rhyme scheme can really enhance a track. On the same note identifying which rhyme scheme you naturally use can allow you to have combinations of different ones.
3. Freestyle often. In true freestyling you are forced to think of lines on the fly. You don't have very much time to create. Getting good at this will basically take away the majority of your writer's block. Amazing singles have been born simply out of a random freestyle. It may make your ears bleed at first, but continuing to hone this skill can lead to quality verses done right the first time. Don't be afraid it sounds stupid and awkward the first few times. If it bothers you that much practice this in a place where no one can hear you. Or a game to practice this might be have a group of lyricists/rappers stand in a circle, call out a topic, and trade fours all while freestyling. You probably already know what trading fours is so I won't define it.
4. Know the topic that you want to rap about very well. Knowing it inside and out will allow you to write lyrics about different perspectives on it, use clever plays on words, etc. A deeper understanding can equal a more developed and complete thought because the more you know the topic the more you can put into your verse. At the same time a shaky understanding can lead to misrepresentation and a very shallow verse.
5. This may be boring, but learn how to write a beginning, middle, and an end. Each verse is a story or a concept, and you want it to go somewhere. This could involve stating something, maybe a short definition, and most importantly a strong conclusion to each verse. In a verse that is meant to go with an intense beat a line that is equally as intense would be best. On softer songs a lyric that is equally as catchy yet consistent with the feel of the entire piece is good. Remember that staying stagnant makes it boring.
6. Learn when to add words and when to take them away. On one hand it is not an English paper so you do not need every word to be there. You can take words out and can write grammatically incorrectly if it rhymes or sounds better that way. At the same time when writing lyrics for a song with very fast lyrics with a constant flow you want to be able to adds words if necessary to avoid unnecessary and unskillful pauses.
7. Be real with your lyrics. Write in a way that listeners can identify with. This might mean referencing a problem that most people are dealing with, or maybe just being honest about the topic. Even if the lyrics and flow are tight I know I personally tend not to like people who pose.
8. Find a trusted friend who can edit your work. Preferably another lyricist, or someone who is good with words and can think quickly. They can identify when filler is being used, or where a different rhyme can be used to tighten up your lyrics. They can also see when a lyric is too cliche or too similarly written to stuff written by other people. They can help you say the same thing in your own way. Remember that books, screenplays, and even instrumentals are edited by their respective personnel before being released to the public. Your ideas are good, but they can be even better.
Random example of a track of mine.
Testament-My God is Love - YouTube
1. PRACTICE!!!!
2. Write poetry. It will keep you remembering that it is art. Studying different poets and their style can also give you ideas on how to format your verses. I'm not saying you need to write in iambic pentameter or anything like that, but a consistent and a cool rhyme scheme can really enhance a track. On the same note identifying which rhyme scheme you naturally use can allow you to have combinations of different ones.
3. Freestyle often. In true freestyling you are forced to think of lines on the fly. You don't have very much time to create. Getting good at this will basically take away the majority of your writer's block. Amazing singles have been born simply out of a random freestyle. It may make your ears bleed at first, but continuing to hone this skill can lead to quality verses done right the first time. Don't be afraid it sounds stupid and awkward the first few times. If it bothers you that much practice this in a place where no one can hear you. Or a game to practice this might be have a group of lyricists/rappers stand in a circle, call out a topic, and trade fours all while freestyling. You probably already know what trading fours is so I won't define it.
4. Know the topic that you want to rap about very well. Knowing it inside and out will allow you to write lyrics about different perspectives on it, use clever plays on words, etc. A deeper understanding can equal a more developed and complete thought because the more you know the topic the more you can put into your verse. At the same time a shaky understanding can lead to misrepresentation and a very shallow verse.
5. This may be boring, but learn how to write a beginning, middle, and an end. Each verse is a story or a concept, and you want it to go somewhere. This could involve stating something, maybe a short definition, and most importantly a strong conclusion to each verse. In a verse that is meant to go with an intense beat a line that is equally as intense would be best. On softer songs a lyric that is equally as catchy yet consistent with the feel of the entire piece is good. Remember that staying stagnant makes it boring.
6. Learn when to add words and when to take them away. On one hand it is not an English paper so you do not need every word to be there. You can take words out and can write grammatically incorrectly if it rhymes or sounds better that way. At the same time when writing lyrics for a song with very fast lyrics with a constant flow you want to be able to adds words if necessary to avoid unnecessary and unskillful pauses.
7. Be real with your lyrics. Write in a way that listeners can identify with. This might mean referencing a problem that most people are dealing with, or maybe just being honest about the topic. Even if the lyrics and flow are tight I know I personally tend not to like people who pose.
8. Find a trusted friend who can edit your work. Preferably another lyricist, or someone who is good with words and can think quickly. They can identify when filler is being used, or where a different rhyme can be used to tighten up your lyrics. They can also see when a lyric is too cliche or too similarly written to stuff written by other people. They can help you say the same thing in your own way. Remember that books, screenplays, and even instrumentals are edited by their respective personnel before being released to the public. Your ideas are good, but they can be even better.
Random example of a track of mine.
Testament-My God is Love - YouTube
Yes to that ^
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