Rap music has a much different impact when you rap than it does when you sing. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that rapping is a physical art form, and singing is a cerebral one. The physicality of rapping means that you have to spend more time on your feet while performing. It’s also very difficult without proper DJ equipment, so many rappers choose to rap with beats instead. That said, not all beat-based rap music is created equal.
There are plenty of well-known and respected MCs who beats to rap to with acoustic guitars – in my opinion, these are two of the best ways for an MC to create uplifting and memorable songs. If you’re looking to step up your rapping game and become a better rapper, learn how to get the most out of your beats by following these tips:
Know your limitations.
You may be an excellent singer, but if you can’t handle a little help when it comes to production, then you’ll struggle to earn yourself a place in today’s rap game. That said, many rappers don’t rely on production to make their music, and they naturally bring more to the table because they’re not colour-coding their ideas and feelings with sampled production lines.
If you want to rap like this, then congratulations – you’re in the right place. But for most of us, we’re not quite there yet. So before you start relying on production alone to make your music, you have to be aware of what you’re working with.
Be clear, clean and organized with your effects track.
When you’re working with a beat, always be clear and clean with where you’re placing your effects. Most importantly, make sure that everything you’re applying to the beat is necessary for it to sound good. For example, if you want that bassline to drop at 2 minutes and 40 seconds, but you also want it to blend into the music at 3 minutes in, you need to be clear on where that effect is going to be placed. You don’t want it floating in the air somewhere, or you’ll end up with a snaily-sounding bassline.
Look out for common pitfalls and pitfalls that rappers make themselves.
There are plenty of ways to go wrong when it comes to production on a rap record. Lack of planning. Shoddy work. Overly detailed beats. Using the wrong samples. Insecurities. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to creating a rap production, but the most important thing is to be careful.
Don’t shy away from a little help.
Some of the best music comes from collaborating with other talented people. Even if you think you have it all together, there will always be times when you need the help of others to make your music a reality. Whether you need a producer to sample and create a beat for you, a lyricist to help you nail those hard-hitting metaphors or an engineer to help you lift that bassline out of the ground, always be open to working with other people
