Study poetry, literature, and music to understand what is possible. [1] X Research source Make a game out of learning to rap by trying to say all your everyday sentences in the form of improvised rap. This will give you fresh ideas and help you develop an instinct for how words flow together.
Memorize the lyrics of other rappers with great flow, and try singing along. When you think you’ve mastered them, get the instrumental version of your favorite track and try to rap the song without the original artist’s voice to guide you. Then when you can do that, practice the song a cappella. Figure out what is interesting about your own voice and make the most of it. Don’t try to imitate other rappers—capitalize on your own unique sound.
You can be influenced by other rappers, but don’t be an imitator. At a certain point, you have to block out everything else and focus solely on your own music.
Purchasing beat making software and equipment can be costly, and learning how to make your own beats is often just as big an undertaking as learning how to rap. However, if you can do it, making your own beats is definitely worth it as it gives you fuller creative control over your songs and a deeper understanding of the music. If you don’t want to make your own beats, you can hire or partner with a producer. Make sure this person is talented and listen to some of their other work before you buy anything. If you are just starting off and can’t afford your own beats yet, consider getting instrumental versions of popular rap songs and rap over these. Just make sure you are following fair use rules for copyrighted material. And of course, you can’t rap over other artists’ songs forever. [4] X Research source
Do several takes for every part of your song—you aren’t Eminem just yet! Don’t worry if you mess up; you can always use another take for that part.
Give your song a name. Consider using a recognizable word or phrase from the hook.
Create some album art. This can be anything, from a childhood photograph of yourself to just text on a plain background to abstract art. If you aren’t visually artistic, get an artist to help you. Burn some CD copies to distribute or release your mixtape for free online. If you don’t have enough songs for a mixtape but still want to start getting your music out there, consider just releasing a single instead. Make sure it’s a great one, and give your single cover art just like an album would have.
Freestyle battling is a whole world in itself. You don’t have to be a great freestyler to be a good rapper, but it certainly helps. Battling is a way to hone your skills and get known.
Submit your music to sites like DJBooth and send it to popular hip-hop blogs. [6] X Research source Get an Instagram account, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account. Use these to share your music and get the word out about your shows and upcoming releases. Build a following and keep them interested.
Work on your stage presence. Don’t just get up there and recite your lines—you have to engage the audience. Use your words, your expression, and your body. Pay attention to what the audience likes and give them more. [7] X Research source
Having a verse on another rapper’s song exposes you and your skills to a whole new audience. Having another rapper do a verse for you is kind of like an endorsement. People will notice your music more if you have notable collaborators.
