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How to Rap on a Beat

At its best, rapping represents the intersection between rhythm and lyrics, music and conversation. Hip-hop started in New York during the 1970s. The music was reactionary, exuberant and rooted in youth culture. The genre developed as an underground sensation; hip-hop scored its first Top 40 hit in 1980 with Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight." The early hip-hop legends Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash, The Fat Boys and DJ Kool Herc, were all masters of knowing how to rap on the beat.

Things You'll Need

  • Music backing track
  • Recording device
  • Microphone (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brainstorm what you want to say. Play the backing track and listen carefully to the beat to find words that work with the rhythm.

    • 2

      Find the beat, lock onto it and allow your words to match the tempo of the song. Start over if you stray from the beat. Slow down to find the pace that works best for you.

    • 3

      Record your rap. Play it back and listen carefully to the blending of your words with the pulse of the beat. Link the words and the beat from the first bar. Reconsider your words if they don't work with the beat.

    • 4

      Try again, this time with your revisions. Repeat Step 3 if you are not satisfied with the results.

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