How to Write a Rap Song - Elements of Success to Writing Solid Raps

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Composing a hip-hop track follows a similar structure to other genres, with a track consisting of a chorus, verses, and occasionally a bridge (an element of the track that deviates from the verse arrangement). While the structure remains consistent, hip-hop songs typically incorporate more rhymes, often including as many as 32 rhymes in a standard 16-bar verse. Let’s explore the components of a track and how you can utilize them to write a hip-hop song.

Chorus and Verses: Allies or Enemies? Many songwriters prefer to write the chorus first and then the verses, while others do the opposite. When writing a hip-hop song, the key is to establish a strong connection between the two, so that each verse builds upon the theme of the chorus. For example, if your chorus revolves around breakups, you can write three different verses about different aspects of breakups. The first verse could depict a teenage couple experiencing their first love and subsequent breakup (similar to Slick Rick’s “Teenage Love”). The second verse could focus on a divorce, while the third verse addresses the experience of a widow whose spouse recently passed away from cancer.

This approach may not conform to popular conventions, but it offers an intriguing scheme for a hip-hop track. Each verse sheds a unique light on the concept of breakups, presenting a journey through various stages of separation throughout life. Once you have established these verses, you can create a chorus that resonates with these ideas, emphasizing the inevitable end of all relationships.

If you wish to further explore the theme of relationships coming to an end, you can incorporate a bridge into the song. A bridge functions as a bonus verse, but it stands out due to a distinct verse pattern and/or a different beat. In hip-hop songs, the bridge is often delivered at double the speed (twice as fast as the rest of the song) or includes internal rhymes (rhymes that occur within a single line, such as “I splatter battle rappers”) rather than full verses.

The bridge provides an excellent opportunity to approach your song’s theme from a different perspective. While the three previous verses focus on specific breakup stories, the bridge can address breakups in general or express your personal views on the topic.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME