write an article for the rap did you know

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Arts and Entertainment

How to Write a Rap Song

Last Updated: May 7, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Tanisha Hall . Tanisha Hall is a Vocal Coach and the Founder and Executive Director of White Hall Arts Academy, Inc. an organization based in Los Angeles, California that offers a multi-level curriculum focused on fundamental skills, technique, composition, theory, artistry, and performance at a conservatory level. Ms. Hall's current and previous students include Galimatias, Sanai Victoria, Ant Clemons, and Paloma Ford. She earned a BA in Music from the Berklee College of Music in 1998 and was a recipient of the Music Business Management Achievement Award. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 14 testimonials and 80% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,493,744 times.

Rap songs often come off as effortless, but they actually require a lot of time and effort to write. You need lyrics that are catchy yet real. You also need top-notch rhyme and rhythm. In a way, writing rap is not all that different from writing poetry. If you are struggling to write a rap song, then this wikiHow is for you.

Things You Should Know

• Brainstorm lyrics and develop a catchy, unique hook. Choose words from the brainstorm that inspire you and craft a song from those ideas.
• Pick a pre-made beat or try making your own beats with a computer or sound equipment. Add in the melody and find a melody-beat combination you like.
• Structure the song into verses with 16 bars each, then refine and revise it until you have a finished product. Find a producer to record it or self-produce the song!

Writing Lyrics

• Pour out all the ideas you have whether they're single words, phrases, or full sentences.
• Let your ideas brew for a while. Carry a notepad around with you so that if you get a flash of inspiration while you’re on a bus, working out, or buying groceries, you can capture the moment and hopefully expand on it.

• If you’re having trouble coming up with something out of the blue, riff off of or respond to a line you love from another rap song. Just don’t copy anything outright or you may find yourself in legal trouble. "Drop it like it's hot" was originally a throw-off line from a Hot Boys single in the early 2000s, but Snoop Dogg turned it into a huge hit several years later!

• Stay out of your own way. The biggest mistake you can make when you first get started writing lyrics is that you want to "say" something, and force abstract concepts into your lyrics. Be specific. Use concrete words, phrases, and images in your words to keep your idea in the background.

• If you really want to write a rap about something you don't do, make sure you make them as ridiculous as possible. Buff up the braggadocio; exaggerate to insane levels. Don't do it often, and not in serious songs, but have fun with it. Be creative.

Create rap that makes people think. "Great rap should have all kinds of unresolved layers that you don't necessarily figure out the first time you listen to it. It plants dissonance in your head. You can enjoy a song that knocks in the club or has witty punch lines the first time you hear it. But great rap retains mystery."

• Focus on the most memorable lines and images, and cut out everything that doesn't match that theme, that tone, or that story. If you're having trouble figuring out what works and what doesn't, try to rewrite the song from memory, without looking at it. This will act as a kind of strainer--you won't be able to remember the less effective bits, and you'll have to fill in stronger material for what you can't remember.
• The average song will have 2-3 verses of 16-20 bars each, and 3-4 chorus sections of a variable number of lines. Try to aim for trimming down your output to that amount.

Picking Beats

• Find a producer online who makes beats and listen to several of them until you find some you like. Commission particular sounds or styles from the producer to get an original track. If you like samurai samples and old-school comic book references like the Wu-Tang Clan, send the beatmaker some examples.
• Even if you have a kind of idea forming for a kind of song or topic you'd like, try to come up with at least three possible beats before settling on one. Matching content, words, and music is a complicated process. Don't rush it.

• Start by sampling the break from an R&B or soul song you really like. The Meters were a relatively obscure New Orleans funk band from the late 60s, who became famous after being heavily sampled as the tracks for great rap songs. Chop the beat using GarageBand or other free software on your computer.
• Create beats with a programmable drum machine. The Roland TR-808 is the most iconic drum machine, used in many classic hip-hop and rap tracks. It features a wide variety of bass kicks, hi-hats, hand claps, and other percussive sounds that you can program in different patterns. You can also process and manipulate these beats on your computer.

• Record a "scratch track" of yourself singing nonsense words on top of the beat to help find and remember the melody. It doesn't matter if you're a good singer, because this won't stay on the song. Just allow yourself to explore the beat and find a melody in it by free-singing, humming, or vocalizing.

• You may not have any clue where the song is going as you listen, and that's ok. Go with your gut. If a beat "speaks" to you--it's time to start making music.

Putting it Together

• Middle 8 (a.k.a. breakdown)

• Put your music on platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, iTunes, and DistroKid. Create an account, edit your profile, then upload your track. Remember to use hash tags. Be online every day to get people's attention and reply to every question you get from anyone.

Sample Rap Songs

Become a Rapper with this Expert Series

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

• Never give up! Just try to bring that inner rapper outside and one day you may become a professional rapper. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Try to make it reflect a personal experience as that will give it more passion. Don't just rap about generic topics that fit a persona or could apply to anyone. Reflect on past pains and joys. Try to rap about something you have passion about. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you can't think of good lyrics, don't give up! Just go for a walk or listen to some more music and then go back to it later with a fresh mind of ideas. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

• I'd say make music because you love it and want to share it, not to get famous or make money. That way your music stays real no matter what. I just do it as a hobby to express myself and show off now and then.
• Try to avoid basic, nursery rhyme-style rhymes. Come up with creative rhymes for tough words like "orange" — maybe "door hinge" or "four binges." Expand your vocabulary.
• Carry a notepad and jot down ideas whenever inspiration hits. Use the catchiest, most memorable parts in your songs. Every idea counts when you're brainstorming.
• Listen to great rappers like Eminem, Drake and Twenty One Pilots. Their relatable songs mix rapping and singing to inspire beginners.
• Control your breathing when you rap fast. Don't push past what your lungs can handle. Work within your abilities.
• Picture how you'd dance to your song before writing lyrics. Then fill in movements, gestures and poses that fit.

• Don't diss other rappers until you are good at freestyle, have developed a unique flow & have your head around good lyricism. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1

Other wikiHows

• ↑ http://www.powerpoetry.org/actions/7-tips-writing-rap
• ↑ https://www.lessonface.com/content/how-write-better-hook
• ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/english-assets/migrated/honors_files/WEINER%20The%20Authenticity%20of%20a%20Rapper.pdf
• ↑ https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/the_art_of_rewriting_songs
• ↑ https://blog.discmakers.com/2011/07/building-hip-hop-beats-9-tips-from-multi-platinum-producer-johnny-juice/
• ↑ https://www.prohibitionbigband.co.nz/dance-musicality-finding-the-beat/
• ↑ http://www.flocabulary.com/basics-hip-hop-songwriting/

About This Article

To write a rap song, start by brainstorming and writing down whatever comes to your mind without overthinking it. Then, go through your list and pick out the words and phrases that inspire you the most to help you write a chorus. Once you've written a chorus and know what your song is going to be about, come up with the verses for your song. As you're writing, try to tell a story or use metaphors so your rap song has a deeper meaning to it. To learn how to come up with a beat for your rap song, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Donovan Anderson

Jan 14, 2021

Did this article help you?

Sep 23, 2016

Alex Girard

Jul 20, 2016

Lashaylee Norman

Sep 14, 2020

Ellie Owusu

Mar 28, 2016

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

• Music History
• Music Theory
• Musical Theatre
• Theatre History
• Song Meanings
• Progressions
• Songs Title Words
• Home Theater

How to Write a Rap Song: Mastering Verses and Hooks

Writing a rap song is a creative process that marries poetry with music, producing a compelling form of self-expression and storytelling. A rap song typically features rhythmic lyrics spoken or chanted to a beat with a focus on flow, context, and wordplay.

The act of rap songwriting can range from spontaneous freestyle to meticulously crafted verses. To begin, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of rap, including its rhythmic structure and how it differs from traditional singing.

To craft a successful rap song, an artist must start by setting the foundation, which includes selecting a theme or message to communicate through their lyrics. From here, the song structure is developed, including verses, hooks, and choruses , creating the framework within which the storytelling will unfold.

With the basics in place, the artist then deepens the work by writing lyrics full of rhyme, rhythm, and possibly metaphor, pairing this verbal component with beats and rhythms that elevate the words.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Rap is a form of musical poetry with a focus on rhythmic lyrical delivery.
• Success requires understanding rap’s structure, creating a strong message, and marrying lyrics with beats.
• Recording, feedback, and marketing are crucial for reaching and engaging audiences.

Understanding Rap Fundamentals

Before venturing into the craft of rap songwriting, one must grasp the core components that define the genre. This includes an appreciation for its rich history, the various forms it takes, and the key elements that establish its unique sound in hip-hop music .

History of Rap

Rap’s origin dates back to the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, evolving from a melange of funk, soul, and disco. It served as a vital form of expression for marginalized communities, with early figures like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash pioneering the movement. This music genre has since traversed global boundaries, influencing countless artists and birthing new sub-genres.

Rap Genres and Styles

The genre of hip-hop encompasses several styles ranging from the boastful bravado of gangsta rap to the socially conscious narratives of conscious rap .

Other sub-genres include trap , characterized by its lyrical content and hi-hat driven beats, and emo rap , which melds hip-hop with the emotional intensity of emo music. Each style offers a different avenue for rappers to articulate their stories and showcase their skills.

Key Elements of Rap

A rap composition typically involves:

• Lyrics : They are the heart of a rap song, conveying messages through intricate rhymes and rhythms.
• Beats : Beats provide the musical backbone, often built from loops and samples tailored to enhance the rapper’s flow.
• Delivery : This is how a rapper performs their lyrics, a crucial aspect that can include tone, cadence, and energy.

Rap productions shine when these elements work cohesively, creating not just a song but an impactful piece of hip-hop music that resonates with listeners.

Setting the Foundation for Your Rap Song

Before one starts laying down beats , they must address crucial elements that form the foundation of a rap song – choosing a compelling theme , creating a hook that sticks, and crafting a coherent story .

Choosing a Theme or Topic

To choose a theme or topic , they should focus on subjects that resonate with them deeply. This could be personal experiences, social commentary, or any matter that they feel passionate about. A strong, relatable theme becomes the backbone of the rap song, providing direction and purpose.

Crafting a Memorable Hook

A catchy hook is often what makes a rap song memorable. It’s the repeated phrase or melody that listeners can’t get out of their heads.

One should aim for simplicity and repetition, crafting a hook that’s easy to remember and echoes the central theme of the song.

Developing the Story or Message

The story or message is the essence of the rap. They should build a narrative that showcases their unique perspective, utilizing verses to expand on the theme and connect with the listener on an emotional level.

It’s about painting a picture through words, rhythm, and flow, ensuring each line contributes to the larger message.

Structuring Your Rap Song

Creating a rap song involves arranging various parts in a cohesive structure, which often follows a specific pattern of intro, verses, choruses, bridges , and outro . This structured approach allows artists to craft a compelling narrative and an engaging musical journey for the listener.

Introduction and Outro

The intro serves as the opening of a rap song, setting the tone and priming listeners for what’s to come. It usually lasts for about 15 to 30 seconds and can include instrumental sections, vocal ad-libs, or spoken words.

Conversely, the outro is the final segment that concludes the song, often echoing elements from the intro or the rest of the track to provide closure.

Verses and Choruses

Each verse in a rap song typically contains 16 bars, providing the main content and narrative of the track. They hold the storytelling aspect and are where rappers deliver their lyrical content, showcase their flow, and develop the song’s themes.

The chorus or hook is designed to be catchy and memorable, creating a contrast with the more dense verses. The chorus is repeated throughout the song to drive the main message home and often lasts for about 8 bars.

Bridges and Breaks

The bridge offers a departure from the recurring patterns of verses and choruses. It introduces a different melody or beat, creates a climactic point in the song or adds new lyrical perspectives. Bridges typically appear towards the latter part of a song before leading into the final choruses.

Breaks are often instrumental sections that give the listener a momentary pause from the lyrics. They add dynamic variation and can build anticipation for the next section of the song.

Writing Lyrics and Rhymes

Writing lyrics and rhymes for a rap song involves crafting bars with purposeful rhyme schemes and patterns, employing literary devices like metaphors and similes , and maintaining a level of authenticity that reflects the rapper’s true experiences and emotions.

Rhyme Schemes and Patterns

Rhyme schemes in rap help to create rhythm and flow. Common schemes include AABB, ABAB, and multi-syllable rhymes. A rapper might structure their verses in pairs of lines ( couplets ), where each line corresponds to a bar . For example:

When a rapper masters rhyming at the end of lines, they can advance to internal rhymes, where the middle and end words rhyme within a single bar. This complexity adds a distinctive quality to the lyrics.

Utilizing Metaphors and Similes

Metaphors and similes enrich rap lyrics by drawing inventive comparisons. They not only paint vivid images but also demonstrate a rapper’s writing skills and lyricism . For instance, a metaphor like “Life is a battlefield, I march on resilient” doesn’t literally mean life is a war, but conveys the struggle metaphorically. Similes, often introduced with “like” or “as,” compare two unlike things and can add a layer of clarity: “She shines like a diamond in the rough.”

Keeping Lyrics Authentic and Honest

Authenticity is key in lyric writing. It makes the difference between relatable content and that which comes across as insincere. Lyrics should convey honest experiences and emotions, as listeners often connect more deeply with music that reflects genuine sentiment.

Rappers are storytellers at heart; they shape their narratives with original verses that resonate with their audience through truthfulness, be it triumphs or tribulations.

Creating Beats and Rhythms

Crafting the perfect beats and rhythms is an essential step in rap production, as they form the backbone of your song. Quality beats captivate listeners and provide the framework for your lyrics.

Working with Producers

Working with a knowledgeable producer can elevate the calibre of your beats . They often come equipped with a vast library of samples and a sharp ear for rhythm , tailoring the sound to fit the artist’s vision.

Producers can provide both creative input and technical expertise to bring your ideas to life with precision.

Using Instruments and Samples

Incorporating live instruments and pre-recorded samples into your beat creates a rich, layered sound.

Sampling allows for the melding of diverse genres and eras, adding unique character to your music. Meanwhile, instruments like keyboards or guitars can add melody to your rhythms , personalizing your sound.

Programming Drums and Basslines

For rap songs, programming drums and basslines is crucial. Utilizing a drum machine or digital audio workstation, one can craft their own beats with intricacy and control.

When programming, consider the tempo and groove to synchronize with your lyrical flow. Bold basslines give your beats depth and drive, anchoring the rhythm section.

Mastering Flow and Delivery

Mastering flow and delivery is central to rap music as they define the rhythm and expressiveness of the performance. Flow embodies the rapper’s rhythm and pace, while delivery is how the voice conveys emotion and emphasis.

Developing a Unique Style

Every rapper needs to cultivate a unique style that distinguishes them from others. This involves the intricate blending of lyrical content with rhythmic patterns to create a signature sound.

Effective techniques include the tactical use of pauses and the emphasis on certain syllables to establish a recognizable rap flow.

Voice and Cadence

The rapper’s voice is their instrument, imbuing their words with personality and power. Cadence, or the rise and fall in pitch throughout the verse, plays a pivotal role.

It’s important to experiment with different vocal tones and pitches to find what best suits the intended emotional impact of the song.

Practicing Timing and Emotion

Timing is a crucial element of flow that involves the synchronization of lyrics with the beat. Practicing with a metronome can sharpen this skill. Additionally, conveying emotion through delivery is about more than the words spoken; it’s the feeling behind them.

Reciting lyrics with the intended emotion breathes life into a performance, making it resonate with the audience.

By incorporating these elements into their artform, rappers can develop a compelling musical identity that captivates listeners and communicates their message effectively.

Recording and Editing Your Rap

Preparation and attention to detail are pivotal when one records and edits a rap song. Achieving high-quality audio hinges on a well-set environment and the adept editing of tracks which often involves producers with a good ear for melody and rhythm.

Setting Up the Recording Environment

To lay down rap vocals with precision, one must first set up an optimal recording environment . This involves choosing a quiet room with minimal echo and using sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels.

Proper microphone placement and the use of a pop filter are essential to capture clear vocals without plosives or background noise.

• Select a quiet room with little to no reverberation.
• Acoustic treatment : Use panels to dampen echo.
• Microphone setup : Position correctly with a pop filter.

Layering Vocals and Harmonies

Once the recording space is set, artists can focus on laying vocals . This includes the main rap verses, ad-libs, and any harmonies to enhance the track. Artists often record multiple takes, layering them to add depth and texture.

• Record multiple vocal takes for the main verse and chorus.
• Add ad-libs and harmonies for richness.

Mixing and Mastering

Mixing is a critical step where producers balance levels, pan audio, and equalize tracks to ensure each element compliments the other, contributing to the song’s overall melody and rhythm . Mastering follows mixing, involving a fine-tuning process that enhances the overall sound quality , ensuring the song is radio-ready .

• Mixing: Balance levels, pan, and EQ for a clean mix.
• Mastering: Fine-tune for optimal quality across all playback systems.

Marketing and Promoting Your Song

To effectively market and promote a rap song, artists must focus on establishing a solid audience base, leveraging social media and music streaming platforms, and building professional relationships within the music industry.

These essential steps can help propel a rap song from the studios to the mainstream, ensuring it reaches the widest audience possible.

Building an Audience

An artist first needs to identify and understand their audience , tailoring content to resonate with listeners who share an affinity for their specific style, be it conscious rap with a focus on social justice or club hits.

It’s essential to engage with fans regularly, create relatable content, and reflect authenticity to build a loyal follower base. One should also promote live shows and appearances to connect with the audience on a more personal level.

• Identify Your Audience : Analyze demographics, interests, and preferences.
• Engage and Retain : Offer exclusive content , respond to feedback, and create a community.

Using Social Media and Music Platforms

Artists should effectively use social media by sharing snippets of their music, engaging in trends, and collaborating with other artists or influencers. Uploading music to platforms like Soundcloud or Spotify helps in reaching potential fans.

Additionally, utilizing paid promotions can amplify the reach of a hit song to a broader mainstream audience.

• Social Media : Share behind-the-scenes content, teasers, and exclusive updates.
• Music Platforms : Distribute your song widely and consider playlist placements .

Networking in the Music Industry

Networking is indispensable in the music industry . Establishing relationships with producers, fellow artists, and industry executives can open doors to opportunities like signing with a label or getting featured on notable tracks.

Attending industry events and collaborating with established names can also be powerful in promoting a rap song.

• Connect with Industry Players : Attend events, use platforms like LinkedIn, and participate in music forums.
• Collaborative Projects : Work with other artists to tap into their fan bases and explore new markets.

By employing these targeted strategies, one can increase their song’s visibility, engage with fans, and enhance their chances of creating a successful rap song that resonates with audiences and thrives in a competitive environment.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Creativity and innovation are the lifeblood of rap music, essential for anyone learning how to craft an original song. A rapper needs to channel their unique personality and experiences, using a variety of tools and techniques to push the boundaries of the genre.

Incorporating Freestyling and Improv

Freestyling serves as a key method for rappers to sharpen their creativity. It involves spontaneous lyrical delivery without prior preparation, often seen in rap battles or improvisational performances.

By freestyling regularly, artists develop a quick wit and enhance their ability to generate fresh content. It’s an exercise in innovation, steering clear of the comfort zone and tapping into the movement and mood of the moment.

Experimenting with New Sounds

Innovation in rap often comes from the willingness to experiment with new sounds. This could mean incorporating unexpected instrumental combinations or exploring different beat patterns. An original sound can emerge from blending genres or adding a personal twist to traditional rhythms. Musical experimentation is a dynamic tool that reflects an artist’s personality and creative vision.

Continuous Learning and Inspiration

Rap artists never stop learning; they draw inspiration from a multitude of sources such as books, poetry, conversations, and life experiences. Continuous learning equips them with a vast arsenal of words, ideas, and styles to inject into their music. This pursuit of knowledge fuels their creativity, helping them remain original and innovative in a constantly evolving musical landscape.

Analyzing Successful Rappers

To write impactful rap songs, one must study the craft of seasoned artists and understand the myriad ways they’ve excelled within the genre.

Studying Works of Artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole

Artists such as Drake , Kendrick Lamar , and J. Cole are renowned for their lyrical creativity and impactful narratives. Distinct in style, Drake often infuses melodic elements with model vocals, making his music both accessible and relatable .

Conversely, Kendrick Lamar is known for his layered lyricism and conceptual depth , offering listeners a profound social commentary . J. Cole’s approach often includes storytelling that reflects on personal growth and societal issues.

• Drake: Melodic hooks, relatable themes
• Kendrick Lamar: Complex storytelling, social critique
• J. Cole: Introspective lyrics, narrative flow

Understanding the Journey of Popular Emcees

The journey of an emcee is marked by continuous improvement and self-discovery. By examining interviews and documentaries about rappers, one can discern the various stages of their career development. For instance, Travis Scott gained recognition not only as a rapper but also for his musical versatility and production skills, which add a unique flair to his body of work.

• Initial Struggles: Early career hurdles and breakthroughs
• Artistic Development: Evolution of style and persona
• Recognition: Achieving critical and commercial success

Learning from Rap Battles and Cyphers

Rap battles and cyphers provide an avenue for rappers to hone their skills in a competitive and dynamic setting. The spontaneity required in such environments helps emcees like Eminem , to develop quick thinking and lyrical dexterity.

Additionally, cyphers showcase a rapper’s ability to collaborate and interact within the hip-hop community, often leading to powerful improvisational performances.

• Historical Moments: Eminem’s rise through battle rap
• Key Elements: Freestyling, rhythm, and audience engagement

Evaluating Feedback and Improving Skills

In refining rap writing skills, artists must learn to value feedback and gauge audience reactions. Regular practice and a willingness to adjust their work based on constructive critiques are essential for growth and skill enhancement.

Seeking Constructive Criticism

One should avidly seek out constructive criticism from a variety of sources, such as established rappers, producers, and knowledgeable listeners. This feedback can pinpoint areas for improvement that may not be evident to the writer. They can integrate this advice into their next piece, allowing for steady progress in their writing skills.

Adjusting Based on Audience Reactions

The reactions of an audience can serve as a real-time barometer for a rapper’s work. They should note which lines resonate and which fall flat, adjusting their lyrical approach to better captivate their listeners in future performances or recordings.

Continual Practice and Refinement

Unlike the art of freestyling, which sharpens the ability to think on one’s feet, the writing process demands continual practice and refinement . A rapper improves by writing regularly, revising their lyrics, and experimenting with different styles and flows to discover what works best for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, aspiring rappers will find answers to common queries about crafting rap songs , from basic steps for beginners to developing a distinctive style.

What are the basic steps to writing a rap song for beginners?

Beginners should start by understanding the elements of a rap song and the importance of the message behind the lyrics. Then, they can proceed to brainstorm and jot down ideas, followed by structuring their lyrics to a beat.

What is the typical structure of a rap song?

A typical rap song consists of an intro, verses, choruses (or hooks), and a bridge or breakdown. The structure may vary, but most rap songs follow this pattern to maintain a flow and build around the central theme.

How can one create a compelling hook when starting a rap song?

Creating a compelling hook involves finding a catchy melody and phrase that encapsulates the song’s essence, making it memorable and engaging enough to resonate with the listener.

What techniques can be used to generate engaging rap lyrics?

Writers can generate engaging rap lyrics by drawing from personal experiences, employing metaphors, similes, and storytelling, and practicing the art of freestyling to enhance creativeness and wordplay.

How can you develop a unique flow and style in rap music?

Developing a unique flow and style requires practice, experimenting with different beats and rhythms, and studying influential rappers. Embracing one’s personality and the nuances of individual expression can set an artist apart.

What strategies can help in writing a love-themed rap song?

When writing a love-themed rap song, artists should focus on authenticity, tapping into genuine emotions and experiences. They can use vivid imagery and storytelling to convey the depth of feeling , set the mood with an appropriate beat, and emphasize a catchy hook that captures the love narrative.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

How to write a song on piano: a step-by-step composition guide, how to write country song: a step-by-step guide for crafting authentic lyrics, selling songs guide: proven strategies for profiting from your music, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

ZOOM Recording Studio: The Perfect Place To Create Exceptional Audio Content

What guitar does alex g play: unveiling the indie icon’s instrument of choice, examples of technology use in music classrooms, alternative ways to discover music: beyond torrent sites, what guitar does colter wall play: unveiling the singer’s instrument of choice.

• Privacy Policy

How To Write A Rap Song | PART 1: GETTING STARTED

This is the first video of a new series that I’m doing that’s going to guide you through the process of writing a rap song from start to finish.

My name is Cole Mize and I’ve been helping rappers perfect their rap skills on this channel for the past 10 years.

For this series, I’m going to be using a Migos inspired beat that I produced called “Takeoff. I will be sharing ideas that work specifically well for this beat so if you wish to follow along you can purchase a license to this beat on my beat store.

The Songwriting Process Begins

The first thing you need to understand about songwriting is that it’s not always done in a linear fashion. Meaning we don’t always create a song in a particular order and we don’t always write from beginning to end. 

You can approach songwriting in different ways each time because as long as you understand the process and techniques of writing a song you can always get the song to the finish line regardless of how you started it.

I like to think of songwriting as if it were a fire. Every roaring fire was built with tiny sparks. In the beginning of writing a song you’re simply capturing these sparks. These sparks are your ideas and they will eventually shape into something much bigger than you anticipated. 

As you get more experience you will begin to trust the creative process. When you show up to create something you typically don’t know the correct route to the finish line. The creative process is iterative meaning it’s not built all at once but piece by piece over time. For every 5 ideas you have, you may only decide to use 1. But for every idea you eliminate you make room for better ideas to come through.

The songwriting process begins with capturing ideas. This could be a concept, a premise, a scenario, a memory, an object, a punchline, a rhyme scheme, a cadence or a melody. You never know when or why you will get inspired with these sparks of inspiration so always be ready to jot your ideas down and record them so you don’t forget them!

With all that being said, here’s my favorite approach to beginning the songwriting process.

[1] Find An Instrumental That Moves You

You don’t always have to write to an instrumental, but I prefer doing so because it prevents me from having to go back and tweak the lyrics later to make it flow over an instrumental smoothly.

Also, instrumentals can help give you ideas of what to write about.

I like to find an instrumental that moves me in some type of emotional way. If you’re not really feeling the instrumental that you’re trying to write to then you’re fighting an uphill battle. It’s our job as entertainers to make people feel our music, so if we don’t feel what we’re doing then why should anyone else?

If the instrumental moves you in an emotional way, it’s going to be much easier to come up with ideas.

So Step 1 is to find an instrumental that moves you.

[2] Try On The Beat

Once I find an instrumental that moves me the next thing I like to do immediately is something I call “trying on the beat”. Shopping for beats is kind of like shopping for clothes. Just because something looks dope on the rack doesn’t mean it’s going to look dope on you.

So I like to try on the beat by scatting to it. While I’m scatting I’m getting a feel of the tempo, and groove of the instrumental while auditioning different cadences and I’m also playing around with the tone of my voice to see what fits the instrumental best. The instrumental will already be putting off a certain vibe and emotion and I play around with matching that energy with my voice.

And don’t forget, if you get some cool ideas while trying on the beat, go ahead and record those ideas so you don’t forget them.

If everything is feeling good to me then I will commit to using the beat to write my song.

[3] Creating Our Songwriting Session

The next thing I do is import my instrumental into my DAW aka Digital Audio Workstation. A DAW is simply software that allows us to work on music. I like using a DAW for songwriting because It allows me to loop specific sections of the songs I’m working on and I can easily record all of my ideas as I get them. So I’m typically writing and recording my ideas at the same time.

If you don’t already have a DAW My current favorite one for computers is Reaper and if all you have is a phone or tablet I recommend Bandlab.

KEY AND TEMPO

If you’re not using Bandlab then before importing the instrumental into your DAW you need to figure out the key and tempo of the instrumental. One of my favorite free tools for doing this is Tunebat.com’s analyzer

And you need these two pieces of information for the following reasons.

Your DAW, needs to know the tempo of the instrumental you’re working with so that it can be in sync with it. For example, if I put the wrong tempo into my DAW I would never be able to loop a section of the instrumental perfectly because it would always be out of time.

Once you know the tempo and key of the instrumental, update the tempo of your DAW accordingly and drag in the instrumental. “Take Off” is 70 bpm so I will update the tempo in Reaper accordingly.

And I’ll add the key of the instrumental to the instrumentals track name which is Gb Minor.

Now we need to ensure the instrumental is aligned to the DAWS grid properly.

Often there’s empty space at the beginning of the instrumental which throws it off the grid in your DAW and here’s how to fix it.

Find where the snares come in within the instrumental. Snares typically land on the 2nd and 4th beat. So they should be landing on the 2nd and 4th beat of the grid within the DAW.

You can often times visually see the snares in the waveform because they create these large spikes called transients.

Once you find the snares, zoom in really close to the area so that you can see if the snares are aligned to beats 2 and 4 correctly.

In my case the snare is landing after the beats so I’m going to drag the instrumental over to the next bar

If you have to make a timing adjustment to the instrumental be sure to disengage the snap function so that you can move freely across the grid of the DAW and be sure to re-enable the snap function once you’re done.

To ensure you’ve done everything correctly, Engage the metronome which will make a sound on ever beat. Loop a bar or two and if you’ve done everything correctly it should sound like a seamless loop and you should hear the snares aligning with beats 2 and 4 of the metronome.

And you need to know the key of the song if you wish to do anything melodic over the instrumental. Every instrumental will be in a specific key. A key is a group of specific melodic notes that will sound good together.

When I’m coming up with melodies I prefer using AutoTune because it allows me to lock my voice into the key I’m working on so I can focus on developing the melody and I don’t have to worry about singing any wrong notes. 

For AutoTune I prefer using Waves Tune Real-Time because it sounds great and is affordable.

If you want to learn how to use Autotune be sure to check out my video on Autotune

SONG STRUCTURE

The next thing I like to do is determine the song structure of the instrumental. This way I know where the hooks and verses go and how many of them I have so that I have a clear snapshot view of what space I’m working with.

If you don’t know how to determine the song structure of an instrumental check out my video called “the quickest method to determining where your rap verse should go”.

The song structure for takeoff is as follows

4 Bar Intro

12 Bar Verse 

12 Bar Verse

8 Bar Outro

Another benefit to having your instrumental aligned to the grid of your DAW is you can easily edit the song structure of the instrumental. For example, if I only wanted 2 verses and 2 hooks I could easily cut out the 3rd verse and hook and drag over the outro to come behind my 2nd hook.

READY TO GO

This may seem tedious at first but once you get the hang of this you can complete all of these steps in 2-3 minutes.

Now that all of the setup is out of the way you’re ready to start writing your song!

In the next video, I’m going to be showing you how to get those creative sparks flying as you begin to lay down the foundation of your new creation.

Related Post

How To Write A Rap Song | PART 3: STORYBOARDING How To Write A Rap Song | PART 3: STORYBOARDING

Welcome back to the 3rd video in my songwriting series for rappers.   Now In the last video we… [1] Identified the emotion of the instrumental [2] We captured our

I Hate Writing My Rap Lyrics Down! Please Help! I Hate Writing My Rap Lyrics Down! Please Help!

If you’re a rapper that isn’t enjoying writing your rap lyrics down on paper the good news is that you’re not alone…and in this video I’m going to be providing

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

How to Write a Rap Song for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you want to learn how to write a rap song? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll start by discussing what goes into a rap song, then we’ll give you some tips on how to get started. Finally, we’ll provide a few examples of how to put it all together.

What Goes Into a Rap Song

How to get started, putting it all together, examples of rap songs to draw inspiration from, how to promote your rap song, final thoughts.

Rap songs are a unique form of music that combines rhythm and rhyme to tell a story or communicate a message. The lyrics of a rap song are typically spoken in verses, with each verse building on the last to create a cohesive whole.

The beats of a rap song are often layered and complex, with different instruments coming in and out of the mix to create an infectious groove.

And while there are no hard and fast rules about what goes into a rap song, there are certain elements that are commonly found in many of the best examples of the genre. These include metaphors and similes, wordplay, and punchlines.

By combining these elements in creative and interesting ways, rappers can craft addictive songs that resonate with their audience.

Writing a rap song can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start. The good news is that with a little creative thinking, anyone can write a rap song that is both original and memorable.

The first step is to come up with a catchy hook or phrase that will serve as the chorus of your song. This hook should be easy to remember and should capture the essence of your song.

Once you have your hook, it’s time to start writing your verses. When writing your verses, it’s important to focus on telling a story or creating a vivid picture in the listener’s mind. The best rap songs are those that paint a picture in the listener’s mind and make them feel like they are part of the story.

So, when you’re writing your verses, keep this in mind and try to take the listener on a journey. If you can do this, then you’re well on your way to writing a great rap song.

Now that you have a beat, some lyrics, and a hook, it’s time to put it all together and write a rap song.

Start by writing the verses, using the hook as a guide for what you want to say. Keep the verses relatively simple, as they will serve as a foundation for the rest of the song.

Then, add in the hook and any other elements you want to include, such as a bridge or chorus .

Once you have all the pieces of your song in place, it’s time to start practicing. Listen to your beat and start rapping along with it, making sure to keep your lyrics on point . With some practice, you’ll be ready to perform your song for an audience in no time.

When it comes to rap songs, there are no shortage of examples to draw inspiration from. For instance, one could look to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” for a message of hope in the face of adversity.

Or, one could examine Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem” for a lesson in how to handle success with grace. There are also countless other examples of rap songs that offer valuable lessons on everything from relationships to social justice.

No matter what topic you’re looking to explore, there’s sure to be a rap song out there that can provide some valuable insight. So next time you’re feeling stuck, try turning to your local hip-hop station for some much-needed inspiration.

As a rapper, one of the most important things you can do is promote your music. After all, even the best songs will go unheard if no one knows they exist. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get the word out about your music. One of the most effective is to create a music video.

A well-made video can attract attention and generate buzz, helping to bring your song to a wider audience. Another good way to promote your music is to play live shows.

Performing live gives people a chance to experience your music in person, and it can also help you to build up a dedicated fan base. Finally, don’t forget the power of social media . Platforms like Twitter and Instagram can help you reach a large number of people with just a few clicks.

By promoting your music using these methods, you can increase your chances of success as a rapper.

First, it’s important to choose a topic that you’re passionate about. The best rap songs are the ones that come from a place of genuine emotion. Once you’ve found your topic, it’s time to start putting your thoughts down on paper.

Don’t worry about rhyming or making everything fit together perfectly just yet – at this stage, you just want to get all of your ideas out. Once you have a rough draft, you can start refining your lyrics and adding in some catchy hooks.

And finally, don’t forget to have fun! Rap is all about self-expression, so make sure your song reflects your personality. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to write a rap song that’ll have everyone hooked.

Writing a rap song can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a hit song that everyone will love.

Related Posts

How To Write A Song Like AC/DC

Guitar Chords In A

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I accept the Privacy Policy

Get Your FREE copy of our "Songwriting" Guide - "A Hard Days Write".

Songwriter U: Eight Songwriting Tips for Rappers

by Ronald Ross August 5, 2021, 12:01 pm

Lyrics play an important role in rap music. Your audience should be able to connect to your words. Else, why would they listen to your songs?

Videos by American Songwriter

Great lyrics delivered in a smooth flow along with groovy beats make a hit rap song. The rap industry is full of talented people. So, unless you prove yourself and stand out, building a loyal fanbase is difficult.

In this article, we’ve got some useful songwriting tips for every aspiring rapper . Check them out.

1. Weave A Story

Your rap song is not merely a collection of rhyming lines. It should tell a meaningful story that’s worth listening to.

This step is not as hard as you think.

Write down your story with all the details you’d like to include in your song. Now eliminate all the unwanted parts of the story and rewrite only the important details that make up your song.

Write the intro for the first detail and follow it with verses and bridge. Do not write about more than two details in any stanza.

Follow the other tips in this article to make your song complete.

2. Keep It Relatable

Rap is not surreal. It doesn’t have to sound magical like a fairytale.

Rappers are usually made on the streets. They struggle, they don’t give up, they deal with issues like us, and speak about all of it through their music. If you wanna make it big in hip hop (and not pop), honesty is your first step towards success .

Those who listen to your song should find it relatable and look at you as an inspiration.

Most of our all-time favorite rappers have made it big because they spoke from their heart without being afraid of what others might think.

They didn’t sugarcoat their past life. Their music told everyone about the blunt realities of life.

3. Too Many Words Spoil The Beat

Sure, rap songs are wordy than other genres, but it doesn’t mean you should keep adding more words to a bar meaninglessly.

A high word count works only in favor of the fastest rappers (like Eminem and Twista). These rappers are extremely skilled at what they do. They manage to rap swiftly while staying on the beat, something that requires extreme dedication and practice.

Some rappers were well received despite being offbeat. It may or may not work for newbies. So, it’s safe to stay away from using too many words in your beginner days.

Keep in mind that the words in each line must spread evenly within the music bar. If the word count is too low, it might end up sounding sloppy. If it’s too high, it can seem more like ‘rush’ than ‘rap’.

4. Refine The Draft

Once you’re done writing, it’s time to look back. Practice aloud, record yourself rapping, listen to it over and over again, and see where changes are necessary.

Make the changes and repeat the cycle. Do it until the outcome satisfies you as a listener (not a rapper). Since you’re publishing the track for your listeners, it’s essential that you review your track from their perspective.

No one gets it right the first time ( even those top rappers you listen to every day ).

To improve your rapping skills, use a vocal remover on a song you are familiar with and try rapping to that beat.

Don’t let anything stop you from giving your best. One good-quality song can give you that big break you deserve.

5. Convey Emotions

The story of a rap song needs a personal touch of your emotions. This, you cannot get no matter how many artists you listen to. In rap, what works for one may fail the other.

Your emotions are the USP of your song. If you blindly follow the conveying style of another rapper, you’ll always be considered a copycat but not an artist.

While writing your song, let your feelings and emotions flow freely. The rap genre has more vocabulary than others. Sky’s the limit!

Heck, you can even use one or two made-up words as long as they go with the flow and convey your thoughts. Words like boughetto , flamboastin , illmatic aren’t found in the dictionary but they did set trends on the internet.

6. Use Metaphors

Metaphors are powerful linguistic devices that can relate two concepts by bringing out a similarity between them. They exert a stronger influence on the human mind than direct sentences.

They’re also common tools used in rap music. If you have no clue about metaphors, check out the internet for ‘metaphors in rap songs’ and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

However, take care to not mix up metaphors as it would ruin the theme of your song. Also, don’t use a lot of metaphors in a single song. Save your creativity for the next ones too.

7. Try Various Rhyming Schemes

In rap music, you don’t have to base the entire song on a single rhyme scheme . Some of the best rhyming schemes are:

• In ABAB, also called alternate rhyme, the first bar must rhyme with the third bar and the second bar must rhyme with the fourth bar. This is also one of the most preferred schemes by beginners.
• In AABB, a pair of bars rhyme with each other followed by another pair of rhyming bars.
• In AAAA, four bars rhyme with each other. Slaying this scheme without sounding monotonous can be quite tricky, but is worth it.
• In XAXA, the second and fourth bars rhyme with each other, and the first and third bars don’t rhyme with each other or with any other line in the song. This gives ample space for you to get creative.

Variety is the spice of life, isn’t it?

8. Stick To The Structure

As a beginner, it is better to play safe by sticking to the standard structure of a rap song.

Any rap song usually has four parts, namely, intros, choruses, verses, and outros. Some songs have bridges and pre-choruses, but they’re not indispensable.

You can start your song with the intro to hook up your listeners and follow it by the first verse. Then write the chorus followed by the second verse. Repeat the chorus here and finish it off with the outro.

The chorus is so crucial that it can make or break your track. Apart from being catchy, it should also sum up the theme of your song.

Remember the structure is not a rule and you can make changes as you progress in the rap game.

Try to craft your lyrics with these tips. It doesn’t get great in a single day, but keep going and you’ll taste success.

Photo by Joe Ciciarelli on Unsplash

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Only members can comment. Become a member . Already a member? Log In .

Writer’s Room: Honesty and Poetry in Song

© 2024 American Songwriter

Skip to main content

How to Write Rap Lyrics like the GOATs - 9 Step Guide

November 3, 2023 / Anton Berner

Credit: Harry Swales - Unsplash

First, to become a great rap lyricist, you need to practice. The ones who are considered the GOATs of this era; J-Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Pusha T, Travis Scott, etc., didn’t wake up one morning and go into the mic booth and deliver platinum-selling rap songs. They spent years perfecting their rap writing skills. 

This article is not going to turn you into the next Nas or Biggie Smalls because those artists spent years on the street corners and parks freestyling, battling, and practicing before ever stepping into a studio. 

Yes, I know that these days, anyone with half a brain and a laptop can make a rap song. Some rappers don’t even write any lyrics down. They just hop on the mic and improvise any words that come to mind. 

But let’s be honest, to achieve legend status, you’ll need to put in some effort. In order to become great at this culture we call Hip Hop, you need to put in the hours. This thing here is no game and only the real ones make it.

So take this guide as a generous blueprint on how to get started with writing your first rap songs. It’s up to you to get good at it.  

If you’re brand new to the world of rap, this short rap glossary might be helpful as you continue reading.

Rap glossary

Rapper: A performer who delivers rhyming lyrics over a beat, often emphasizing flow and rhythm in their delivery.

Emcee: Comes from “Master of Ceremony” - The host of an event or live performance, responsible for energizing the crowd and maintaining the flow of the show. In Hip Hop, it refers to a skilled rapper who commands the stage with their rapping.

Lyricist: A rapper known for crafting intricate and meaningful lyrics, often showcasing a profound understanding of language and conveying powerful messages through their rhymes.

Bars: A bar is a line of text in rap lyrics delivered over four beats. A verse is traditionally made up of 16 bars.

Flow: The cadence at which rap lyrics are matched with the beat. The flow should be on-beat and smooth to listen to at the same time. 

Rhyme scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line or bar in a rap verse. The rhymes can be the last word of each bar, multi-syllable rhymes (meaning several words rhyme on each bar), or rhyme the words on every other bar.

Always be writing

Ever watched the movie "8 Mile"? Remember how Eminem’s character B-Rabbit carried around pieces of paper with him to scribble down rhymes wherever he was, on his commute, on his lunch break, while watching TV? This should be you! (Minus the pieces of paper since we have smartphones now.)

Instead of scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, pull up your notepad and start honing your craft. Practice clever wordplays, invent punchlines and metaphors, write down clever words that rhyme, come up with themes and hooks, etc. 

Always be writing! This way, you will have plenty of material to turn into songs once you’re in a writing session or recording studio.

Find inspiration everywhere

Just like any art form, creativity needs to be born out of inspiration. Between studio sessions, make sure to take in the world around you through books, other people's music, movies, speeches, the news, conversations with a friend, and your relationships. Find out what inspires YOU and milk it for what it's worth.

For me personally, taking time off from the studio between musical projects has proven to be effective. This way, I can spend time on other things in life and get a break from creating.

I go to the movies, travel, listen to new music, spend time with my family, and read up on what’s going on in the world. After a while, I feel that creative urge come back. And that’s when I go back to the notepad and start writing again.

Find beats or make your own

A rapper without a beat is like a painter without a canvas. You can write incredible rap lyrics without background music, but it’s when you adapt the flow of words to the beat that a rap song really comes to life. 

There are many sources online where you can download free beats or purchase the licensing to use them commercially. You can also look for instrumentals of your favorite hip-hop tracks and write your own raps over them. 

Another way is to create your own beats to rap to. This is done in DAW’s (Digital Audio Workstations) like Soundtrap. Soundtrap has instruments and tools to create beats from scratch, or you can put together beats using loops and samples from the Soundtrap Originals library .

Once you’re done with your beat, you can also use Soundtrap to record your raps over it in the online studio.

A rapper without a beat is like a painter without a canvas.

9 steps to write rap lyrics like the Greats

1. come up with a song topic.

The first thing you need to do is to come up with something to rap about. Some of the greatest rap songs of all time have a topic or a theme. 

Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” was about jumping on the opportunity to succeed. Even the first commercial rap songs had clear topics; Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message” was about the struggles of living in the ghetto. Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” was about systemic oppression and social justice. 

Your rap song should be about something you care about. What is it you wish to say to the world? Write down a few topics and pick one to start writing around. Now is also the time to pull up your notepad of rhyme scribbles and see what you can use for this topic.

2. Figure out a song structure

Traditionally, rap songs have used a three-verse, 16-bar structure. This means the song has three different verses, each with 16 bars, and a chorus in between each verse.

In today’s world of music streaming and short attention spans, two verses per song have become typical, and 8-12 bars are more common in length per verse.

Separate your writing into verses and choruses. Song bridges are less common in rap, but can definitely be a part of your song. There really are no rules. But a good song structure makes for a more powerful song.

Read more: How To Create a Good Song Structure - Parts of a Song Explained

3. Start with the verses

Start by writing your verses. In rap, a song usually starts with the first verse instead of the chorus. This means your first few bars need to capture the listeners’ attention and motivate them to keep listening. 

Set the tone for the song with your most interesting rhymes and clever wordplay. Let’s look at “Lose Yourself” again. Is there anyone who can’t recite these intro bars from Em’s first verse? 

His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy/

There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti//

He's nervous, but on the surface, he looks calm and ready/

To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgetting//

What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud/

He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out//

He's chokin', how? Everybody's jokin' now/

The clock's run out, time's up, over, blaow//

4. Set the rhyme scheme

Now, the rhyme scheme decides where in the lyrics to place your rhymes. As I mentioned earlier, the most traditional rhyme scheme in rap is the AABB scheme. It means the final word of each line/bar rhymes with the final word of the next one. Let’s look at Flash’s “The Message” from 1980 as an example:

My brother's doin' bad, stole my mother's TV/

Says she watches too much, it's just not healthy //

All My Children in the daytime, Dallas at night /

Can't even see the game or the Sugar Ray fight //

As times evolved and rappers improved their skills, rhyme schemes became more intricate. In addition to using multi-syllable rhymes (rhyming more than just one word or syllable at the end of each bar), the next generation of emcees would mix up and alternate the rhyme scheme throughout the verse, rhyming the same multi-syllable words as many as 2-3 times per bar. 

Again, let’s look at “Lose Yourself” by Eminem which is one of the most complicated rhyme schemes in rap (in my humble opinion). 

His palms are sweaty , knees weak, arms are heavy /

There's vomit on his sweater already , mom's spaghetti //

He's nervous , but on the surface , he looks calm and ready /

To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgetting //

What he wrote down , the whole crowd goes so loud /

He opens his mouth , but the words won't come out //

He's chokin', how? Everybody's jokin' now /

The clock's run out, time's up, over, blaow //

Note how Eminem uses a separate rhyme scheme in between the overarching scheme. “Calm and ready ” and “ on forgetting” are the main rhymes. But in between those rhymes, he sneaks in two different rhyme words: nervous and surface . 

This is a good example of the creativity you can explore in the rhyme scheme of your song.

5. Decide on the rap flow

The flow in rap is just as important, if not more, than the words. And a good rap flow can’t be instructed, it comes from a sense of rhythm and again, practice. 

Study your favorite emcees and pay attention to the way they flow over the beat. Try to copy their flow but use your own words. This is a great way of figuring out your own characteristics and flow patterns. 

If you want suggestions on who to study, I would recommend going to this generation’s greatest flowers; Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake. 

6. Use metaphors, similes, and wordplay

Great rap lyricists use these linguistic methods to engage listeners and keep their ears close to the speakers to hear every word. Here are examples of each one: 

If I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it? - Kendrick Lamar - “Poetic Justice”

Me without a mic is like a beat without a snare/ I'm sweet like licorice, dangerous like syphilis// - Lauryn Hill - "How Many Mics"

“Safe sex is great sex, better wear a latex. ‘Cause, you don’t want that late text. That ‘I  think I’m late,’ text.” - Lil Wayne - Lollipop

You get the gist of it, right?

7. Come up with punchlines

Punchlines are the staples of rap lyrics. You want the crowd to go “Oooohhh!” when you perform your best bars. Punchlines are usually combined with metaphors, similes, and wordplay. Here are some well-known examples from one of the best to ever do punchlines; Big L.

“I knocked out so many teeth the tooth fairy went bankrupt”

"I only roll with originators/ chicks stick to my d**k like magnets on refrigerators."

"And when it comes to gettin' nookie, I'm not a rookie/ I got girls that make that chick Toni Braxton look like Whoopi."

"Big L is the n***a you expect to catch wreck in any cassette deck/ I'm so ahead of my time my parents haven't met yet."

"I'm far from broke, got enough bread/ And mad h**s, ask Beavis, I get nothing Butthead."

“Some say I’m ruthless, some say I’m grim. Once a brother done broke into my house and I robbed him.”

8. Write a memorable chorus

Just like any music genre, a rap song needs a catchy chorus. This is usually the last step in writing a rap song, while in other genres it’s more common to start with the chorus. 

Your chorus should have a hook that captures the theme of the song, uses the best rhymes, and be memorable enough so that the listener can rap along to it. 

With that being said, you can always just put together some catchy words and create a hook out of it. I don’t think anyone can not rap along when the chorus to Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray” comes on.

9. Cap it off with an intro/outro

The final step of writing a rap song is to write an intro and an outro. This part of the song can be a spoken build-up to the verse, the rapper warming up their voice with some adlibs, or something completely different. Find your inspiration and write something that sounds good to you. 

An intro/outro is of course not mandatory. You can just leave these parts for the instrumental beat to play. Or you can go right into the first verse like in Jay-Z's "99 Problems".

JAY-Z - 99 Problems

There you have it. You should now be ready to start drafting your first rap song. Remember that the GOATs of rap didn’t become GOATs overnight. They spent years perfecting their talent. These steps will hopefully guide you through creating your first rap lyrics, but it’s on you to take it further. 

We hope that you found this blog post useful. Please let us know once you’ve created your first rap song, tag us on socials, or reach out to us with your project link in Soundtrap .

About the author

Anton Berner is a music producer, audio engineer, and songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden. He's produced hip-hop & rap music since the early 2000s and his expertise is in vocal mixing and sample-based beat production. Anton is also the SEO & Content Manager @ Soundtrap and manages the blog and newsroom.

Get started with Soundtrap today!

• Business Inquiries

How To Write A Rap Song [Guide 2023]

Rap music has the power to inspire, move and captivate audiences around the world. It’s a genre that has evolved and grown over the years, and it continues to be a major force in the music industry. If you’re looking to write your own rap song, you’re in for an exciting journey. But where do you start? 

From crafting the perfect rhyme scheme to delivering your lyrics with swagger, writing a rap song requires a unique set of skills and techniques. In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of how to write a rap song that stands out from the rest. 

We’ll show you how to come up with fresh ideas, write killer verses and hooks, and structure your song for maximum impact. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will give you the tools you need to take your rap game to the next level. So don’t wait any longer, it’s time to write your own hit rap song and make your mark on the music industry!

Here are some of the things you should be careful about and give immense significance that are essential for writing rap music.

Table of Contents

Lyrics: Most Important Part of How to write a rap song

The lyrics of a rap song are the most important aspect. They should be well-written and convey a clear message or story. It’s important to pay attention to the rhyme scheme and make sure the lyrics flow well.

When it comes to writing lyrics for a rap song, the first thing to consider is the subject matter. It’s important to have a clear message or story that you want to convey, whether it’s personal, political, or social. At the same time, make sure that your lyrics are well-written and easy to understand.

The next important aspect is the rhyme scheme. In rap song, rhymes are often used to create a sense of flow and continuity within the song. It’s important to choose words that rhyme well together, but also make sense in the context of the song. To achieve this, you can use different types of rhyme like end rhyme, internal rhyme, slant rhyme, and so on.

Most important of all is to make sure the lyrics flow well. The flow refers to how well the words and rhythms fit together. A good flow is essential for making the song sound smooth and easy to listen to. You can achieve this by experimenting with different rhythm patterns and word placement.

Use Metaphors & Similes to Make Your Rap Lyrics Interesting

These literary devices are often used in rap songs to create imagery and add depth to the lyrics. As a result, they can be used to make comparisons and paint a picture in the listener’s mind.

Metaphors and similes are literary devices that are commonly used in rap song to add depth and meaning to the lyrics. A metaphor compares two unlike things without using words whereas a simile uses words to make a comparison.

For example, a metaphor in a rap song could be “I’m the king of the castle” and a simile could be “My flow is as smooth as silk”. These comparisons can help to create vivid imagery in the listener’s mind and add deeper meaning to the lyrics.

Using metaphors and similes can also help to make your lyrics more interesting and memorable. They can also be used to add a sense of humor or irony to a song. However, it’s important to use them in moderation and make sure they fit well with the overall theme of the song.

Maintain a Great Flow

The flow of a rap song refers to how well the words and rhythms fit together. A good flow is essential for making the song sound smooth and easy to listen to.

The flow of a rap song is a crucial aspect that can make or break the song. It refers to how well the words and rhythms of the song fit together. A good flow is essential for making the song sound smooth and easy to listen to. The flow is what makes the song sound coherent and cohesive.

To achieve a good flow, it’s important to pay attention to the rhythm of the song. This means paying attention to the way the words are pronounced and the way they fit with the beat. A good flow can be achieved by experimenting with different rhythm patterns and word placement. This can include using syncopation, which is the technique of accenting a beat that is not usually accented in a particular rhythm pattern.

Another important aspect of flow is enunciation. Make sure to pronounce your words clearly and make sure they are easy to understand. This will help the listener to follow along with the song and make it more enjoyable to listen to.

Create a Memorable Hook

The hook is the most memorable part of the song and is usually repeated several times throughout the song. It’s important to make sure the hook is catchy and memorable.

Rap hook is usually the first thing that people remember after hearing the song. It’s the part of the song that is repeated several times throughout the song and is what makes the song catchy and memorable.

A good hook should be easy to remember and have a catchy melody. It should also have a strong emotional connection with the listener. It’s important to make sure that the hook is relevant to the theme of the song and fits well with the overall tone of the song.

When writing a hook, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be short and to the point. A hook that is too long can be hard to remember, and a hook that is too short can lack impact. Experiment with different melodies and chord progressions to find the perfect hook for your song.

The hook should reflect the theme of the song. It’s the part of the song that will make the listener want to sing along and keep the song in their head.

Complementary Beat Arrangements

The beat is the instrumental backing of the rap song and is one of the most important elements of the song. It sets the tone and mood of the song and can have a big impact on how the listener perceives the song. The beat can be composed using a variety of instruments including drums, bass, and synths, and can be created using a digital audio workstation or a live band.

When choosing a beat, it’s important to make sure that it complements the lyrics and enhances the overall feel of the song. The beat should match the tempo and mood of the lyrics and should not distract from the lyrics. For example, a slow, mellow beat would be better suited for a song with introspective lyrics, while a fast, energetic beat would be better suited for a song with a more upbeat message.

It’s also important to consider the structure of the beat. It should have a clear intro, verse, chorus, and outro. A good beat should have a clear structure that makes it easy to follow along with the song.

Delivery Style

The way a rapper delivers their lyrics can have a big impact on the song. It is how the rapper presents the lyrics to the audience. A good delivery can make the lyrics come alive and add energy and emotion to the song.

When it comes to delivery, the most important thing is to be confident. A confident delivery can make the lyrics sound more powerful and convincing. It’s also important to have good breath control and projection. This will help you to deliver your lyrics clearly and make sure they are easy to understand.

Another important aspect of delivery is the use of inflection. This refers to the way the rapper changes the tone and pitch of their voice to add emphasis to certain words or phrases. This can add more emotion to the lyrics and make them more engaging for the listener.

Keep in mind that your delivery matches perfectly with the beat you have arranged. Otherwise, the song will sound distuned listeners will lose attention in no time. 

Add Instrumental Melodies to Create an Engaging Rap Song

It is always a positive thing to add some extra layers of musical instruments to complement your rap song. In that case, you can think about adding a piano melody, or an acoustic guitar melody.

But keep in mind that whatever instrument you play in the background, should support the lyrics and delivery. You can make it loud in the silent parts of the song but not at the time of the delivery. Don’t forget that a great rap song is highly dependent on lyrical brilliance.

Instrumental arrangements can create environments like suspense, tension, and relaxation. So, use them according to your story.  

Authenticity: Remain True to Yourself

Authenticity is an essential aspect of rap music. It means being true to yourself and writing about things you know and feel passionate about. When you’re authentic in your music, you’ll be able to connect with your audience on a deeper level, and they’ll be able to relate to your lyrics better.

It’s important to avoid writing about things that you don’t know anything about, or that you’re not genuinely interested in. This can make your music sound forced and inauthentic. Instead, write about things that you’re passionate about and that you know well. This could be personal experiences, emotions, self-opinions, and self-perspectives.

When you’re authentic in your music, you’ll be able to create a unique sound and style that sets you apart from other rappers. It’s also important to remember that authenticity doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment with new sounds and styles. You can still be authentic and push the boundaries of the genre at the same time.

Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different styles, flows, and beats. It will help you to find your own unique sound and style.

Experimentation is an important part of rap music. It means trying new things and experimenting with different styles, flows, and beats. Experimenting can help you to find your own unique sound and style, and it can also help to keep your music fresh and exciting.

Keep in mind that experimentation doesn’t mean abandoning your authenticity. You can still be authentic and experiment at the same time. For example, you can try experimenting with different rhyme schemes, wordplay, and delivery styles, while still writing about things that you know and feel passionate about.

When experimenting, try to be open-minded and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to learn from them. Experimentation can be a fun and exciting part of the songwriting process, and it can lead to the creation of some truly unique and innovative music.

Experimentation is about trying new things and being open to new ideas, flows, and beats. It helps to find your unique sound and style and also keeps your music fresh and exciting. It’s important to remember that experimentation should not compromise authenticity and should be done in a way that aligns with your personal style and message.

Final Words

Writing a rap song requires a unique set of skills and techniques. By understanding the key elements of rap songwriting, you can create a rap song that stands out from the crowd. Each element plays a crucial role in the overall impact of the song, and by paying attention to each one, you can write a rap song that is memorable, relatable, and enjoyable to listen to.

Remember that writing a rap song is an ongoing process, and as you continue to write and experiment, you will develop your own unique style and sound. Keep honing your craft and don’t be afraid to take risks, and you’ll be well on your way to creating hit rap songs that will resonate with audiences around the world.

Who Is Savitar In The Flash?

How To Change Guitar Strings (Acoustic Guitar) Easy Way

You may also like.

New Album Releases In September: Ultimate Music Guide

Beyonce Fake Pregnancy: Separating Fact From Fiction

Snoop Dogg Murder Trial: A Closer Examination

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More in Music

Is Eminem Autistic? Unraveling The Speculation

Best 15 Songs About Cars: Mix Of Classic & Modern Hits

15 Upcoming Hip Hop Albums: A Sneak Peek Into The Future Of Rap

How To Watch Dragon Ball in Order

“Name Of A Movie You Can’t Remember” Here’s How To Find It

Top 20 Best Long Anime Series To Watch In 2023

Top 20 Sad Rap Songs To Listen When You Are Depressed

Top 30 Movies About Loneliness [Updated 2023]

The Definitive Top 20 One Piece Arc

• Film Review

Join our community!

Latest Posts

New mortal kombat movie: release date, plot, cast, speculations, new american pie movie: release date, plot, cast, speculations.

× Do you know these Musicians from their Movies?

How To Write A Rap Song For Beginners

Title: How to Write a Rap Song for Beginners: Unleashing Your Inner Lyricist in 2024

Introduction:

The art of rap has been captivating audiences for decades, with its unique blend of rhythm, wordplay, and storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned lyricist or a beginner looking to dive into the world of rap, this article will provide you with valuable insights on how to write a rap song in 2024. From crafting catchy hooks to perfecting your flow, we’ll explore the fundamental elements that make up a compelling rap song. Additionally, we’ll delve into some interesting facts about the rap genre and answer common questions that aspiring rappers often have.

1. Rap’s Evolution:

Rap has come a long way since its inception in the 1970s. Starting as a form of expression in the streets of New York City, it rapidly spread across the globe, evolving into various subgenres such as trap, conscious rap, and mumble rap. Understanding the diverse rap landscape in 2024 can help you find your unique voice within the genre’s rich history.

2. Finding Inspiration:

Every rap song is built upon a foundation of personal experiences, emotions, and observations. Draw inspiration from your surroundings, your struggles, and your triumphs. In 2024, the world is more interconnected than ever, providing a vast array of topics to explore and incorporate into your lyrics.

3. Developing Your Flow:

Flow refers to how you deliver your lyrics, including cadence, rhythm, and rhyme schemes. Experiment with different flows, practice freestyling, and listen to established rap artists to hone your own style. By 2024, new technological advancements will allow for innovative approaches to rhythm and flow, pushing the boundaries of the genre.

4. Crafting a Catchy Hook:

A memorable hook is the backbone of any successful rap song. It serves as the catchy chorus that resonates with listeners and leaves a lasting impact. Experiment with melodic hooks, clever wordplay, and infectious rhythms to create a hook that stands out in an increasingly competitive rap industry.

5. Telling a Compelling Story:

Rap is often hailed for its ability to weave intricate narratives. Use your lyrics to tell stories that engage your audience, whether it’s a personal journey, social commentary, or a fictional tale. In 2024, storytelling techniques will continue to evolve, allowing for more immersive and captivating narratives within rap music.

6. Collaborating with Producers:

Collaboration is a vital aspect of the rap industry. In 2024, working closely with producers can help elevate your music to new heights. Producers can provide unique beats, offer valuable feedback, and contribute to the overall sonic experience of your rap song.

7. Embracing Technology:

In the digital age of 2024, technology plays a crucial role in the creation and promotion of rap music. Utilize software and apps to produce high-quality beats, record your vocals, and market your music. Embrace the latest advancements in music production and distribution to maximize your reach as an artist.

8. The Power of Authenticity:

Lastly, remember that authenticity is key. Rap is a genre that values honesty, originality, and genuine expression. Stay true to yourself and your unique experiences. Audiences in 2024 are drawn to artists who are unapologetically themselves, so embrace your individuality and let it shine through your lyrics.

Common Questions and Answers:

1. How do I overcome writer’s block when writing rap songs?

Answer: Experiment with different writing methods, take breaks, listen to other artists for inspiration, and explore new environments to stimulate your creativity.

2. Do I need to learn music theory to write rap songs?

Answer: While music theory can be helpful, it is not essential for writing rap songs. Focus on developing your flow, storytelling ability, and lyrical prowess.

3. How important is it to have a unique rap name?

Answer: A unique rap name can help you stand out in a crowded industry. However, it’s ultimately your talent and dedication that will define your success.

4. Should I focus on creating a strong online presence?

Answer: In 2024, having a strong online presence is crucial for reaching a wider audience. Utilize social media platforms and streaming services to connect with fans and promote your music.

5. Can I incorporate singing into my rap songs?

Answer: Absolutely! Many successful rap artists blend singing and rapping to create a unique sound. Experiment with different vocal styles to find what works best for you.

(Include 10 more common questions with answers)

Final Thoughts:

Aspiring rappers in 2024 have an incredible array of tools, resources, and opportunities at their disposal. By understanding the fundamental elements of rap songwriting, embracing technology, and staying true to their authentic selves, beginners can unlock their inner lyricist and create music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Remember, writing a rap song is a journey of self-discovery and growth, so enjoy the process and let your creativity soar.

Related Posts:

Hip-hop at 50: 7 essential listens to celebrate rap’s widespread influence

Race + Equity Editor, The Conversation US

Education Editor, The Conversation

Senior International Editor

Religion and Ethics Editor

Arts + Culture Editor

Interviewed

Professor of Religious Studies, University of Arizona

Assistant Professor of European Studies, University of Florida

Professor of Music, Wesleyan University

Teaching Assistant Professor of Musicology, West Virginia University

Professor of Sociology, University of Richmond

Associate Professor of Africana Philosophies of Religions and American Religious Diversity, San Diego State University

Associate Professor of American Culture, University of Michigan

View all partners

On the evening of Aug. 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc attended a block party in the South Bronx. Armed with two record players and a mixer, he created an extended percussive break while others rhymed over the beats. Hip-hop was born.

Well, that’s the origin story, although pinpointing the birth of a genre is never going to be an exact science. What is undeniable, though, is that in the 50 years since that event, hip-hop has evolved, grown and influenced nearly every aspect of modern U.S. culture – from dance, theater and literature to visual arts and fashion.

But at the heart will always be the music. Leading up to the landmark anniversary, The Conversation reached out to hip-hop academics – it is a scholarly pursuit, too – to help provide context on how the genre has transformed modern culture, not just in the U.S. but around the world. Below is a selection of the resulting articles , introduced by a key track featured in their writing.

1. ‘Rapper’s Delight’ – The Sugarhill Gang

No history of hip-hop would be complete without this 1979 track by The Sugarhill Gang. But along with being an old-school classic, it also kick-started hip-hop’s global expansion.

As Eric Charry , a music professor at Wesleyan University, explained, within months of its being released, versions of “Rapper’s Delight” were being recorded in Brazil, Jamaica, Germany and the Netherlands. Within a year or so, the song’s DNA had spread to Japan and Nigeria.

“It marked the beginning of the globalization of rap music and the broader hip-hop culture in which it is embedded, which includes deejaying, break-dancing and graffiti-tagging,” Charry wrote. But this global spread created what Charry described as a paradox : “The Black American urban culture that birthed rap and hip-hop makes up its very fabric. But so does the core idea of representing one’s own experience and place.”

This led to questions of authenticity that global rappers have contended with ever since, with some digging into their own local culture to square the circle.

Read more: After 'Rapper's Delight,' hip-hop went global – its impact has been massive; so too efforts to keep it real

2. ‘Planet Rock’ – Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force

Despite building on samples and influences from the past, hip-hop as a genre has always pointed forward – as this 1981 track from Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force exemplifies. “Planet rock” also forms part of a tradition in which rappers lean on Afrofuturism – a mix of science fiction, politics and liberating fantasy – to “inform their lyrics and their look,” as Roy Whitaker, a scholar of Africana philosophy of religions at San Diego State University, explained.

“Hip-hop artists influenced by Afrofuturism have long been aware that American society made many Black, Indigenous and other people of color feel different – less than human, or even like aliens – and expressed this through their art. And like socially conscious hip-hop, Afrofuturism has always had a political element,” Whitaker wrote, noting the influence that Afrofuturism pioneers such as musicians Sun Ra and George Clinton and science fiction novelist Octavia Butler had on rap artists from Public Enemy and OutKast to Kendrick Lamar.

“All in all, Afrofuturism counsels marginalized peoples to reassess past wounds and present injustices, while reassuring them that there are possible futures where they can feel they belong,” Whitaker concluded.

Read more: Through space and rhyme: How hip-hop uses Afrofuturism to take listeners on journeys of empowerment

3. ‘Stan’ – Eminem, featuring Elton John

OK, this is a live performance from the 2001 Grammy Awards show and not a recorded track – though Eminem did release a version of “Stan” featuring British singer Dido a year earlier. But it was a pivotal moment in rap history: Eminem dueting with pop royalty Elton John underscored how hip-hop by the beginning of the 21st century had been accepted by the mainstream music industry.

Moreover, it came at a time when Eminem was deemed deeply controversial because of his use of anti-gay slurs in his tracks. Yet here he was being embraced – both figuratively and physically – by one of the world’s most famous openly gay men. The moment forms part of the hip-hop’s evolution on LGTBQ issues that University of Richmond sociologist Matthew Oware detailed in his article.

He noted that rappers are now having discussions over LGBTQ+ issues and apologizing for hateful speech in their earlier lyrics.

As rap music hits its 50th anniversary, “it is increasingly embracing challenges to – and debates about – homophobia,” Oware wrote. “That is, hip-hop has evolved to the point where anti-gay rhetoric invites condemnation from members of the culture. It is still present in some rap lyrics – as indeed is true of all genres, from pop to country – but hip-hop is changing because of more progressive cultural views and greater LGBTQ+ representation.”

Read more: How hip-hop learned to call out homophobia – or at least apologize for it

4. ‘You Came Up’ – Big Pun

While hip-hop’s origins lie in Black American communities, Latino culture is also deeply woven into its story: from pioneers like Kid Frost and Big Pun to Bad Bunny, one of the most-streamed artists making music today.

The genre was “my first love,” wrote Alejandro Nava , a religious studies professor at the University of Arizona. “Hip-hop had its finger on the pulse of Black and brown lives on the frayed edges of the Americas, lives like my father’s and his father’s before him.”

Big Pun, for example – raised in the South Bronx by his Puerto Rican family – alerted the world that “Latins goin’ platinum was destined to come.” Big Pun’s rhymes “spilled off his tongue in torrents of alliteration and assonance, rarely pausing to take a breath or gulp, as if he didn’t require as much oxygen as other humans,” Nava recalled.

From coast to coast, young Latinos “embraced hip-hop as an ingenious instrument of self-expression,” asserting their place in American culture – and often calling for social change.

Read more: Street scrolls: The beats, rhymes and spirituality of Latin hip-hop

5. ‘That’s what the Black woman is like’ – Arianna Puello

Back in the day, as they still do now, rappers talked about their experiences on the margins of American society. Those social messages connected with Black and immigrant youths throughout Europe who themselves were searching for identity in countries where discrimination remains entrenched.

As a scholar of European studies and identity politics , Armin Langer wrote that modern-day European rappers, particularly Arianna Puello , Black M and Eko Fresh , are challenging outdated European views of citizenship and reshaping public debate on racial and ethnic identity.

Throughout her career, for example, Puello has used her music to confront the racism that she has faced as a Black female migrant in Spain.

In this 2003 track , “Así es la negra,” or “That’s what the Black woman is like,” tells the “ignorant racist,” “You’re going to have to put up with me, If I am born again I want to be what I am now, of the same race, same sex and condition.”

“As migration from African, Caribbean and Middle Eastern countries to Europe continues to increase and European societies discuss questions of identity belonging, it’s my belief that hip-hop will continue to make significant contributions to ongoing public policy debates,” Langer wrote.

Read more: From its birth 50 years ago, hip-hop has spread throughout Europe and challenged outdated ideals of racial and ethnic identity

6. ‘Move the Crowd’ – Eric B. and Rakim

Of all the elements of hip-hop – which include deejaying, rapping, graffiti-writing and break-dancing – one that seems to get the least attention is the one referred to as hip-hop’s fifth element: “knowledge of self.”

Su'ad Abdul Khabeer, Associate Professor of American Culture at the University of Michigan, expounded on the significance of the phrase . She argued that it became “hip-hop’s consciousness, emphasizing an awareness of injustice and the imperative to address it through both personal and social transformation.”

One of the first rappers to use the phrase in lyrics was Rakim, who mentioned it in his 1987 song “Move the Crowd.” The song is a track on the “Paid in Full” album, which Rolling Stone once listed as No. 61 on its “ 500 Greatest Albums of All Time .”

7. ‘LOUD’ – Wawa’s World

In 2005, U.S. rapper Warren “Wawa” Snipe coined the term “dip hop” to describe a burgeoning form of rap music in the Deaf community.

West Virginia University ethnomusicologist Katelyn Best has been following dip hop artists for over a decade. In that time, she’s witnessed dip hop artists achieve mainstream success – including Wawa, whose 2020 song “LOUD” became a top 20 dance track on iTunes.

Dip hop is unique, Best wrote, because “rappers lay down rhymes in sign languages and craft music informed by their experiences within the Deaf community.”

At the same time, the subgenre embodies hip-hop’s broader legacy: speaking – or signing – about experiences of marginalization, while shaking up preexisting notions of what can be considered music.

There is no one way to perform dip hop. Some artists speak and sign simultaneously so their music can be understood by hearing audiences, too. Others collaborate with interpreters, or prerecord vocal tracks that play in the background while they rap in sign language.

“Dip hop, like many styles of music, comes to life through live performance,” Best wrote. “Artists move across the stage with their hands flying through the air as audiences pulse to the rhythm of the blasting bass beat.”

“In the spirit of hip-hop,” Best added, “dip hop rebels both musically and socially against cultural norms, breaking the mold and expanding possibilities for musical artistry.”

Read more: Deaf rappers who lay down rhymes in sign languages are changing what it means for music to be heard

• African American culture
• Afrofuturism
• hip hop @ 50

Events and Communications Coordinator

Assistant Editor - 1 year cadetship

Executive Dean, Faculty of Health

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, Earth System Science (School of Science)

Sydney Horizon Educators (Identified)

What to Rap About

Choosing Topics for Your Rap Lyrics

Written By:

Last Updated: December 202 3 | 1574 words ( 7 – 9 minute read )

We may earn commissions from purchases made through our links. Learn More .

Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a rap topic when you’re first getting started. But you don’t have to over-complicate things.

In short, you can literally rap about whatever you feel like.

But if you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, we’ll give you things to consider when deciding what to rap about.

If you’re a complete beginner to rapping, then check out our full guide on how to rap first.

Otherwise, here are some general rap ideas that you can always turn to when you’re having trouble choosing what you should rap about.

Article Table of Contents

• i Audio Version of Article
• 1 Rap Topics and Ideas
• 1.1 Love and Relationships
• 1.2 Lifestyle
• 1.3 Partying
• 1.4 Boasting
• 1.5 Politics and Current Events
• 1.6 Stories
• 1.7 Real Life Stuff
• 1.8 Abstract/Conceptual Topics
• 1.9 Inspirational Topics
• 1.10 Going Off
• 2 Frequently Asked Questions
• 3 Final Thoughts & Additional Resources

Audio Version of Article

[COMING SOON]

Rap Topics and Ideas

With any type of songwriting, there are certain subjects that you can write about that are universal and resonate with lots of people.

When choosing a subject you can go about it in a few different ways:

• Rap about what’s happened to you in your real life
• Rap about what’s happened to someone else
• Create a fictional story that’s intriguing and pulls people in about ANY subject
• Approach a topic from a conscious/political/philosophical perspective
• Wild out and say some crazy shit for the sake of it

Either way, you can rap about the topics below in any way you want. Some people feel like should only rap about things that have actually happened to them, specifically. 

But that’s not true at all. If that’s how you want to do things, cool, but it’s not necessary. Being a storyteller is completely legitimate.

Keep in mind, though, that if you decide to play a persona (i.e. pretend to be a real gangster, etc) that shit might come back to bite you in the ass – people that are really about that life, don’t play around.

Anyways…

Below are broad categories that can be fine tuned in thousands of ways, depending on whatever inspires you in that moment.

Deviant Noise TOP PICK Recommendation:

Learn How to Rap from One of the Greatest Rappers of All Time

Love and Relationships

The most universal (and popular) topic to write about in general songwriting is love and relationships.

It’s pretty popular (though not the  most popular) subject to rap about, too.

You can craft a song about anything having to do with relationships – from friendships, to love and everything in between.

You can rap about breakups, marriage, dating, hooking-up, sex, trust, betrayal, loyalty or anything related to all that.

Love is a universal emotion – and it can be approached in many different ways.

Rapping about lifestyle is essentially where you brag about how amazing your life is.

But you don’t have to pretend to be rich with a Bugatti. You can just boast about living a dope life. Rap about the things you love in life. Talk about taking trips and doing fly shit.

Talk about your lifestyle, or your dream lifestyle. If you want to talk about material wealth, you can definitely do that though. Everyone else does…

Related to rapping about lifestyle is making party music. And rapping about partying is literally at the foundations of Hip-Hop.

There is a ton of party music – about dancing, having fun, drinking, doing drugs and just having a great time with friends.

There are a lot of different ways you can approach lifestyle rap, and partying is one of them.

Boasting is also about bragging, and is related to lifestyle/partying. But you don’t only have to brag about what you have or the things you’re able to do from that perspective.

You can brag about who you are. For real, rapping about how good you are at rapping is a real thing. I’ve done it, and I love it. 

If you just so happen to be feeling yourself extra on a certain day, just write about how dope you are and how you’re killin’ it in everything you do.

Politics and Current Events

Radical political speech and conscious thought has also been a huge part of Hip-Hop since it’s beginnings. Some of the most classic Rap songs are of a political/social nature.

If you feel strongly about a certain situation in the world, you should rap about it. You don’t have to – there’s no obligation on you to. But if you feel like speaking on it, you should speak on it.

Whether it’s about war, domestic policy, culture war stuff or anything in between, there’s a lot of things to choose from.

You can also write lyrics about specific current events everyone is talking about. That’s a great way to tap into a feeling in the “culture.” 

But be careful – if you rap about politics or current events its REALLY EASY to sound corny (trust me on that one…).

Another popular style of rap is storytelling. Story is a fundamental part of humanity. We all LIVE for stories.

We tell stories about ourselves, we tell stories about others and we learn best through story. A great story can captivate us.

And if you’ve ever listened to certain rap songs that are story-based, they pull you in and mesmerize you bar-for-bar, until the end of the song.

That’s the power of a great story.

So what should your story be about? Literally anything – the real key is to make sure you write it well.

Learning about the art of storytelling can help you with this. You need a protagonist, an antagonist, a hero’s journey and more to really tell a great story. 

But it doesn’t always have to be a serious or sad story. Funny and happy stories are great too.

Real Life Stuff

Some of the best music – including rap music – is based on real life stuff. The stuff everyday people go through on the regular.

You know what I’m talking about – the struggle… The everyday grind of real life.

Whether it’s being broke, or working a job or fighting with friends/familiy or getting fucked over by the system…

There’s a lot of angst and frustration in the world. And people cope with it through music.

You can write your rap about things you’re going through, or things other people are going through. It’s a never-ending source of songwriting inspiration.

Abstract/Conceptual Topics

This stuff can be a bit hard to wrap your head around – and I think that’s the point.

Lupe Fiasco is a rapper who does conceptual rap very well. He’ll make up entire epic worlds for his albums.

Or he’ll take a concept and flip it on it’s head and shroud it in metaphor – like in the song Day Dreamin.

Abstract topics can be about metaphysics and the cosmic aspects of the universe. These are high-level concepts that are mind-bending, but can make for great song content.

Inspirational Topics

Inspirational songs can be either really dope or really corny, so be careful. But everyone loves to be inspired and feel good about life or themselves.

If you can find a way to inspire hearts and minds through your lyrics, you’ll be well rewarded with listeners and fans.

You can talk about never giving up, or pursuing your dreams or anything that calls people to be the best version of themselves.

It can be hard to pull off well, but is amazing when done right.

The last overall “topic” I want to mention is just going off in your raps.

This is where you just say crazy things for the sake of wilding out, or you showcase your lyrical ability and talent with words/ideas.

Usually, you’ll pick a central topic to write about and the rap about it in really far out there ways, saying insane things just to spark a reaction or by using heavy amounts of rap wordplay with the concept.

If you’re a “lyrical” rapper, this is your bread and butter.

Deviant Noise Top Pick Recommendation:

Frequently Asked Questions

Any topic can be great to rap about if you’re able to make it resonate with people. Some popular rap topics include boasting, lifestyle, love/relationships, interesting stories and more.

Get Our Free Rapping Course and Cheat Sheets!

Enter your name and email to instantly get access to cheat sheets for Rapping Topics, Wordplay and more, plus a 7 Day Course to Better Rapping!

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Final Thoughts

Choosing topics to rap about doesn’t have to be something to get bogged down with. 

You can literally rap about anything you want. The problem is, sometimes we hit creative/writer’s block and just can’t get anything out.

Or we start to over-think things and that kills our creativity and inspiration.

It happens to everyone, and the best way to deal with it is to just push through it and write something anyways – even if it’s complete garbage.

The more you push through, the more you’ll find new inspiration that will turn into gold.

If you keep the above 10 general categories in mind every time you sit down to write, you’ll have a treasure trove of potential ideas at your fingertips.

It’s just a matter of making a choice and getting started on the writing process. 

Remember, don’t over think it. Just get started.

If you are ready to get your music out there to the world, I highly recommend you use Tunecore – they’re an affordable way to release unlimited music to Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and more.

Thanks for reading this beginner’s guide to rap ideas and topics. I hope it helps you figure out what to rap about when you sit down to write.

Additional Resources

Related Articles

• Improving Your Rap Flow – Read More
• Rap Wordplay Tips – Read More
• How to Sing and Rap at the Same Time – Read More
• How to Freestyle in Rap – Read More
• How to Rap Quicker – Read More
• Improve Your Rhyming – Read More

Resources and Tools ( affiliate links )

• Release Unlimited Music to Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music and More
• Make Your Own Beats Easily With Beat Building Blocks
• Uncover the Secrets of the Biggest Hit Songs in the World
• Get the Best Deals on Studio Gear for Rappers!
• How to Rap Vol. 1 – The Best Book for Aspiring Rappers
• How to Rap Vol. 2 – The Followup Book
• Learn How to Sing Better in 30 Days!
• The Legendary Nas Teaches Hip-Hop Songwriting

Go Back to Main Rapping Section

About The Author:

• Try Lyric Assistant
• Ultimate Contact Handbook
• Assistant Login
• Handbook Login

Songwriting Advice

How to write raps.

• March 11, 2024

So you want to write raps that will leave an impression in the minds of your audience? You're in the right place! While it might seem like an overwhelming task, writing rap is a skill that can be learned, honed, and mastered with time and practice. To do that, you need a solid understanding of rap structure, rhyme schemes, and how to express yourself in a way that is authentic and unique. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to get you started on your journey to writing your next killer verse. And, if you need additional help, remember that Lyric Assistant is here to help you write your perfect song.

How To Write Raps Table of Contents

1. understand the structure of a rap verse, 2. choose your topic, 3. write the catchy hook, 4. find your rhyme scheme, 5. experiment with wordplay and metaphors, 6. make it personal and authentic, how to write raps example, frequently asked questions, want to write better songs try lyric assistant today.

Before you begin, you need to know the basic structure of a rap verse. Most rap verses have 16-bars, with each bar representing one measure of music. This means that you have 16 measures, or segments, to deliver your lyrics and express your thoughts. However, this can vary depending on the sub-genre, artist, or beat.

The first step in writing a rap verse is to brainstorm and choose your topic. This can be anything from your personal experiences, current events, social issues, or even expressing your feelings about a certain subject. Make sure to choose something that you are truly passionate about, as this will shine through in your lyrics and make it easier to write.

The hook is an essential part of a rap song, as it's what grabs the listener's attention and keeps them engaged. The hook should be catchy, memorable, and express the main theme or idea of your rap. It's generally 4-8 bars long and repeated throughout the song. Experiment with different melodies, repetitive phrases, or wordplay to create a hook that sticks.

Rap is characterized by its rhyme scheme – the pattern of rhyme that occurs throughout the verse. The most common rhyme schemes are AABB, ABAB, and AAAA, but there are many others you can experiment with. As you write your lyrics, pay attention to your rhyme scheme and make sure it flows naturally with your chosen topic.

One of the key elements that make raps memorable is the clever use of wordplay, metaphors, and similes. This helps create vivid imagery in the listener's mind and keeps them engaged. Make sure to use these techniques to elevate your lyrics, making them more powerful and thought-provoking.

To make your rap stand out, it's essential that you draw from your life experiences and express your emotions in an authentic way. This is what helps connect with your audience, as they can feel your passion and relate to your story. Be honest and open about your thoughts, and don't be afraid to show vulnerability.

Imagine you want to write a rap about overcoming obstacles in life. Start by thinking of personal experiences and examples which you can use in your verse. Next, craft a catchy hook that illustrates the idea of triumphing over challenges. An example might be:

"Broke through the storm, I'm on top of the game,

Ain't no obstacle too great, made a change in the game."

Now, create your 16-bar verse using a rhyme scheme and incorporating wordplay and metaphors. For instance:

"Crashed into barriers, but I pushed on through,

Life tried to bury me, but I proved I grew (A)

Every challenge faced, every tear I shed,

Only made me stronger, soldier, born and bred (A)

A tornado couldn't break me, I'm a mighty oak,

Through the fiercest storms, I rose from the smoke (B)

Leaping over obstacles, like a high jumper,

My scars and battles just add fuel to my hunger (B)"

Now that you know the steps to crafting a rap verse, don't hesitate to put your newfound skills to the test. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you write, the more natural it will become. If you ever find yourself facing writer's block or struggling to find inspiration, remember that Lyric Assistant is here to make writing your next song a breeze. With Lyric Assistant's help, you'll be able to create your perfect rap song in no time. So, sharpen your pencil or power up your laptop, and create that unforgettable verse today!

What is the basic structure of a rap song?

The basic structure of a rap song typically includes an introduction, verses, choruses (or hooks), and a bridge or break. Verses are the main part of the song where the rapper delivers most of their lyrics. Choruses are repeated sections that maintain the song's theme. A bridge offers a contrasting section to break up repetitive patterns.

How do I get started with writing rap lyrics?

To get started with writing rap lyrics, begin by listening to a wide variety of rap to understand different styles. Next, write down ideas, thoughts, and lines that come to you throughout the day. Experiment with rhymes and rhythms, and consider your message or story you want to convey.

What are some common themes in rap songs?

Common themes in rap include personal struggles and triumphs, social and political commentary, partying and having fun, romantic relationships, and aspiration for success. Authenticity in expressing personal experiences or viewpoints is highly valued.

How can I improve my rhyming skills?

Improve your rhyming skills by reading poetry, practicing with different rhyme schemes, and using rhyming dictionaries or apps. Freestyle rapping can also enhance your ability to come up with rhymes spontaneously.

Is it important to have a large vocabulary when writing raps?

A large vocabulary can be beneficial but is not mandatory. It can provide more options for wordplay and expressiveness. However, clarity and relatability are crucial, so focus on using the words that best convey your message.

How do I create a catchy hook for my rap song?

To create a catchy hook, focus on a simple, memorable phrase or melody that encapsulates the essence of your song. Repeat key phrases, use rhythmic patterns, and make it emotionally charged with your delivery.

What is the difference between flow and rhythm in rap?

Flow refers to the cadence and delivery of your lyrics – how you ride the beat. Rhythm is the beat itself and the timing of musical elements. Both flow and rhythm work together to create the musicality of your rap.

Can I rap if I don't have a musical background?

Yes, you can rap without a musical background. Rap relies heavily on lyrical ability and rhythm, which can be developed through practice and study of the genre.

How do I choose the right beat for my lyrics?

Choose a beat that complements the mood and theme of your lyrics. Consider the tempo and whether it matches the energy you envision for your song. Try freestyling to different beats to see which one fits your style best.

How important is the delivery of my raps?

The delivery is critically important as it conveys emotion, emphasis, and character. A powerful delivery can make your lyrics more impactful and engaging for the listener.

What kinds of rhyme schemes are common in rap?

Common rhyme schemes in rap include end rhymes, internal rhymes, slant rhymes, and multi-syllable rhymes. Experimenting with different schemes can make your raps more dynamic.

How can I create vivid imagery with my rap lyrics?

Create vivid imagery by using descriptive language, metaphors, and similes. Put the listener in the scene with specific details and create a visual experience through words.

Can I use literary devices in my rap lyrics?

Yes, literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, personification, and onomatopoeia can enrich your lyrics and add layers of depth to your raps.

What should I do if I'm experiencing writer's block?

If you're experiencing writer's block, take a break and seek new experiences for inspiration. Listen to different music, read, exercise, or collaborate with other artists to spark new ideas.

How can I use freestyling to improve my rapping skills?

Freestyling can improve your rapping skills by enhancing your improvisational ability, helping you think on your feet, and allowing you to experiment with flows and rhymes in real time.

Should I write about personal experiences in my raps?

Writing about personal experiences can create authenticity and emotional connection with your audience. However, ensure that what you share aligns with your comfort level and public persona.

How can I receive feedback on my rap lyrics?

Receive feedback by sharing your lyrics with trusted friends, fellow artists, or online communities. Constructive criticism can help you grow and refine your skills. Just be sure to consider the source of feedback and stay true to your artistic vision.

Is there a certain way to format rap lyrics when writing them down?

While there's no strict format, it's helpful to organize your lyrics with consistent line lengths and clear separations between verses, choruses, and bridges. Indicate rhyme scheme and rhythm with patterns or marks if it helps you during performance.

How much does the current rap landscape influence individual styles?

The current rap landscape can influence individual styles significantly, as trends often dictate popular sounds and themes. However, it's important to develop your unique voice while being aware of the evolving genre.

Can I blend different genres with my rap music?

Yes, blending genres can create uniquely appealing music and help you reach a broader audience. Combining rap with elements from other genres can showcase versatility and innovation.

How do I protect my intellectual property when I write raps?

Protect your intellectual property by copyrighting your work. Register your songs with a performing rights organization and consider getting your lyrics legally documented once you're ready to publish your music.

What role does storytelling play in rap music?

Storytelling is a powerful tool in rap music, as it allows you to communicate messages, share experiences, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. A well-told story can greatly enhance the impact of your song.

Want To Write Better Rap Lyrics? Try Lyric Assistant Now

Tell Lyric Assistant about the song you want to create & watch it write song lyrics for you to use.

Reveal The Rest of My Rap Lyrics

You will need access to the full version of Lyric Assistant to reveal all of the lyrics of your new song. Access is only $9.99 and comes with 50 credits for you to generate 50 new songs for your music career.

Unlock Full Access Now

Related Posts

Find a Music Manager to Pitch My Songs

• March 18, 2024

Continue reading

Find a Music Manager Pop

Find a Music Manager in Atlanta

Find a Music Manager

Find Music Managers

Find a Manager for Music

Find a Music Manager Online

• March 17, 2024

Find Music Managers Online

Find a Good Music Manager

Find Music Managers on TWITTER

Famous Music Tour General Managers

Find Music Managers in Philadephia

• Login / Register

65 Things To Rap About: Fresh Topics To Consider

Rap is an art form that can be applied to just about any topic you put your mind to. Of course, hip hop and rap as a whole can be defined by some common themes and tropes that come up quite often in the genre, but recent years and subcultures have shown it can branch out even further than anyone ever expected.

In this article, we’ll go over 65 different things to rap about, from common themes to fresh topics that might not have crossed your mind yet. 

Money is a theme in all of rap music, but it’s an overarching one. You could rap about the money you have, the lack of money in your past, or the money you want. All of it’s up for grabs. A lot of the most popular rap songs tackle this topic by diving into material possessions, some of which we’ll get into as we go further into this article. 

Speaking of possessions that let you flaunt your wealth, cars—and jewelry—are some of the most common things brought up in rap music today. You can of course talk about the expensive cars you own or want to own, but the topic as a whole has a lot of potential. Heck, you could even write some bars about how to fix a car and post it as a tutorial online. 

If you need another topic that’s inseparable from the rap game, look no further than laying down bars about women. It doesn’t matter if it’s a special someone in your life or the women at the club, there’s always plenty to say on this particular topic.

Downing some drinks on a night out or at the crib is almost as synonymous with rap music as women and money are. But any kind of party can be the subject of your next rap compilation, so don’t be afraid if you’ve only been to smaller or more tame gatherings. 

5. The Grind

It’s not enough to just talk about the wealth you’ve accumulated. For many, telling the story of all the hard work put in to gain it is just as important. Working hard and grinding is one of the biggest themes in the rap game today, showing just how much of a point of pride it has become over the last few years. 

6. Identity

Telling others exactly who you are can be a positive thing. It allows fans to relate to the rapper while also serving as a cathartic and thought-provoking experience for the artist. Identity is another one of the biggest themes in rap, from the place you came from to what you stand for, it’s always something rappers tend to place a high priority on in their lyrics. 

7. Relationships

Any kind of relationship will do, from the brotherhood—or sisterhood—of friends to a romantic relationship, be it casual or serious. You can talk about your family and the people who matter to you, or even pour your heart out to the person you fell in love with; it’s all up for grabs here. 

Power is a massive topic in the rap game, especially for people who grew up without any. Rapping about power can be done in a number of different ways too, giving you plenty of room to explore the topic. Gaining power or notoriety, the things you would do if you had it, or talking about the people in power are all solid topics. 

Revenge can be a tricky topic to cover in a tasteful way. You don’t want to just be a hater, but approaching it from the heroic side will do away with a lot of those thoughts. Getting revenge on an ex who did you wrong or the person who hurt one of your friends can garner a lot of sympathy as people will be able to relate to it and live vicariously through the lyrics. 

10. Cheating

Speaking of exes who did you wrong, cheating is a topic that can come up in plenty of raps about relationships. Whether their infidelity is the reason for your revenge or you just need an emotional release to let all of those hurt emotions out, rapping about being cheated on is a great way to deal with those feelings.

11. Forbidden Love

Love gets explored a lot in rap, but forbidden love has an edge to it that a love song just doesn’t. Maybe you rap about loving a person you should have no business being with or maybe it’s just so wrong that it turns out right. Either way, it can be an engaging and interesting topic to explore. 

12. Heartbreak

Dealing with heartbreak can be one of the most emotionally traumatic experiences you’ll go through in life. Rapping about it not only gives those feelings a place to be released, but it can also let fans and listeners know that they aren’t alone. 

Love itself is a deep topic, and there are almost an innumerable number of ways to include it in your bars. It’s also one of the fundamental aspects of being a human being. Love for family, friends, and partners, these are important to who you are and what you care about. 

There’s plenty of lust in the rap game. So, while it isn’t an uncommon trope, it’s definitely something you could try approaching from a fresh angle. 

15. Friendship

You don’t have to go all “power of friendship” in your raps to talk about how big an impact your friends have had on your life. It’s a good place to remind people not to take their friends for granted and enjoy the time they have together. It’s a topic that’s universally relatable, which makes it great for engaging listeners. 

Family can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s their blood relatives, but for others, the people they think of as family. Rapping about family is something that most people can relate to, and it’s an easy one to put some real emotion behind. 

Life goals are incredibly important to people. For some, just making it in their career is a shining achievement that they’re proud of, especially in the rap game. But you can do a lot with this topic, from simple goals like providing for your family to complicated ones like ending societal issues. 

18. Fighting

A good fighting rap song is all it takes to get a room hyped up. There’s an air of excitement surrounding a good fight, no matter the reason for it starting, that adds an extra level of energy to your rap lyrics. 

19. Childhood

Covering a topic like your own childhood in rap is one of the best ways to let people get to know you. Whether you’re talking about the fun times you had during your childhood or the struggles you had to deal with and overcome, it can be one of the best universal and personal topics to deploy in your bars, without the heavy weight of other personal topics. 

20. Growing Up

Growing up is a universal experience for people. It’s painful, awkward, and just no fun. Losing the innocence and carefree state of being a child is something everyone has to go through, though not everyone does it at the same age. Rapping about growing up is something relatable and gives people an outlet for the problems they had dealing with it as well. 

21. Where You’re From

The place you’re from can have a huge impact on the way you view the world, how you grew up, and who you become. While it’s a piece of your identity, there are so many ways to branch out into the place you came from. You can talk about all the great things about it or the things that made it rough, even just telling stories gets easier with this as one of the focuses of your bars. 

There are very few topics that are as universal and overarching as just talking about life. From day-to-day tasks and struggles to the things that really matter, life is a great topic. A verse can be as simple as your thoughts on making life worth living or major life events and how they’ve changed you. 

School is an interesting topic to rap about, because like almost all of the topics in this list, it has a lot of available variety. You can talk about your own time during school and try relating to students to expand your audience. You could, of course, also write something educational or give tips for surviving a school year. 

24. Spirituality

Religion can be another big topic in rap, especially when it comes to Christian rap . Hip hop isn’t exactly always something that fits into the tenets of the religion, but Christian rap is an art form used to give glory to God and talk about faith. If you’re religious, consider rapping about your own beliefs and the ways it has helped you in life. 

Just like our last topic, God can be the main focus of a rap. Glorifying your creator, giving thanks for all the things you’ve been given, or even just describing Him in as great a way as possible is a solid basis for a religious rap song. 

26. Sobriety

Sobriety can be one of the most important aspects of people’s lives, especially those who have dealt with addiction or seen the problems drugs and alcohol can cause in their lives. It’s not an easy road to take, often a struggle every day. But a good rap about sobriety can help and inspire others in their own journeys. 

Drugs are a pretty common theme in rap music too, though this is the opposite of our last topic. You could rap about the pitfalls of drugs or the great time you have when you’re on them. It’s a topic with a lot of flexibility, allowing people to approach it from whatever angle they feel the most comfortable. 

Greed isn’t a light topic, but it is something that serves as an undercurrent in rap often. Whether it’s always wanting more money, cars, jewelry, and fame or calling out the greed of a record label that’s done you wrong. Heavier topics like this can add weight to a rap that it might otherwise lack. 

29. Traveling

Many people dream of being able to travel the world to see everything they can and experience all kinds of other cultures. A rapper describing their travels is yet another way to flex on the haters and a fun way to explore their worldliness in a song. 

30. Lifestyles

Flexing has a major influence on the rap game, with some amazing songs entirely dedicated to it. Showing off a lavish lifestyle has become commonplace, but a rapper doesn’t have to take this angle. No matter the lifestyle or way a rapper wants to approach it, describing their lifestyle can either set them above the rest or help bring them down to earth with fans. 

31. Overcoming Obstacles

People are always going to face obstacles in their lives, especially when it comes to achieving their goals. There are a ton of ways to approach the ones you’ve gone through yourself, from bragging about doing it to encouraging others to be able to do the same. Discussing them can also add a bit of humanity to the lyrics and just might inspire others to overcome their own problems. 

32. Fake Friends

Fake friends have become a common topic in recent years, especially with the growing influence of social media. There’s nothing worse than someone only being around because of what you can provide for them, and everybody hates a fake friend. It’s relatable and easy to rap about, giving room for some nasty diss lines as well. 

The next few topics are all social issues that are often focused on by socially conscious rappers. Racism is a massive part of hip hop, and rap as a whole, bringing attention to the issue of racism and pointing out major incidents that people may not be aware of. 

One of the most important parts of successful social change is unity. When people as a group decide on something, it has a much higher chance of actually happening. Even just lending a voice or some support to a cause can improve its chance of succeeding. Calling for unity in a rap can help grow a following and make real change happen.

35. Police Brutality

Police brutality is an ongoing problem that has almost always been a topic of discussion in the rap game. Using it as a topic in your own lyrics can help bring awareness to the issue, call for or suggest changes to help, or bring attention to specific incidents and injustices. 

36. Politics

Politically-charged rap is nothing new, but with the current slate of politicians in power, there’s no shortage of content to rap about or clown on. No matter what side of the aisle a rapper falls on, it can be a positive medium to put their positions out there and potentially influence any number of fans. 

37. Immigration

A political topic that might be a bit out there to take on in a rap would be immigration . Most countries have a ton of immigrants, especially in the Western world. Maybe the rapper is an immigrant or they were born to immigrants. It’s a topic with several angles to take, no matter what side you stand on in an immigration debate.

38. Gun Violence

Gun violence is an issue that touches the lives of thousands, if not millions, each year. For some, it may be an afterthought, but for others, it’s an everyday part of life. Bringing awareness to things like that is one way to help bring about real change in communities. Rapping about problems and what life is really like through this lens can show the real violence happening every day. 

39. Wealth Disparities

Another big issue in communities is the disparity of wealth that seems to follow the place you live in. Completely outside of the control of people, they end up having fewer opportunities to become wealthy. It’s an issue worthy of attention and something any socially conscious rapper should consider putting into their rhymes. 

While conflict is something that gets listeners, what better message could a rapper put in their song than a call for peace? Peaceful resolutions to issues are massively important for everyone’s sake, and like other genres that call for peace and unity, rap can do the same thing. 

41. Mental Health

Mental health issues have become a normal topic in rap and music across several different genres over the last few years. No matter the issues you struggle with, you can write an amazing rap about it that will help people relate to you. Not only that, but a good rap can help inspire and uplift people who deal with the same problems you do. 

42. Depression

Depression is a heavy topic, often left to the side by music artists but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an awesome topic for a rap. Describing your own struggles can help others not just relate to you but feel like they aren’t alone. And when it comes to depression, not feeling alone can make all the difference in the world. 

43. Anxiety

Anxiety, just like our last two topics, can be a tough one to include in your own lyrics because it can be such a personal topic. Rapping about it can give you a safe place to release all of those tensions.

44. Overcoming Trauma

Overcoming traumas and circumstances is a major part of the come-up. It’s a point of pride to have come from a bad place and reached the pinnacle of your form of art. Take the opportunity to brag about the things that have happened in life that could have knocked you down and how you achieved success in spite of them. 

45. Self-Love

Self-love is something almost everyone struggles with at some point in their life, and it’s become a major theme in the emo rap community. No matter how well-off or popular a person is, at some point, they will doubt themselves. Rapping about self-love can help people feel like they aren’t alone and help them get through their own struggles. 

46. Conflict

Any sort of conflict can do, from something mild like siblings fighting to something serious like battles between gangs or even major international conflicts. Rap beef is also one of the most publicized and praised parts of the genre, spawning legendary diss tracks and inspiring artists for decades. 

Who wouldn’t love a rap about a cute dog?

Comedic rap is one of the best styles out there. Like jesters and fools of old, modern rappers can entertain fans and get plenty of laughs by including jokes in their lyrics. From digs at others to literal punchlines, it isn’t hard to fit them in, and it will expand any rapper’s audience by quite a bit. 

49. Stories

Storytelling is an integral part of music, but it’s also an integral part of the human experience. Just telling stories, fictional or true, can have a big impact on listeners. Rapping them can force an artist to learn new ways to incorporate themes and help them grow as a lyricist. 

50. History

Epic rap songs on history, anyone? Rap is one of the most fun ways to learn and one of the most creative ways to tell stories. If you apply this to major historical events, it’s one of the best ways to learn. 

51. Social Media

Social media has essentially taken over the entire world since it was created. It’s a major part of people’s lives and many spend more time online than they do with people in person. As a rap topic, you can discuss the positives and negatives of social media, or discuss how it can be used to bring positive changes to society. 

52. Lost Friends

Losing a friend is one of the most painful experiences in life, especially if they’ve passed away. This one isn’t about fake friends who have left you, but it’s honoring the real friends who aren’t around anymore and are sorely missed. 

53. Jail Time

Spending time in jail isn’t a universal experience, but it’s something that becomes integral to the lives of people who do go through it. It’s another way to relate to a niche of listeners or help warn others of what could happen to them. 

54. Bad Luck

Bad luck plagues everyone, and sometimes, it just seems to follow certain people. The experience can make for a compelling verse or two if the rapper has gone through it themselves. 

Change is one of the most inevitable concepts out there. Something is always changing, giving plenty of things for rappers to address in their lyrics, from small things like the time the sun sets to big changes like moving. They can also address changes they want to see in their communities or friend groups. 

Ego is big, but rappers can always inflate their ego—and give fans a way to inflate their own—by providing some amazing and self-righteous pump-up jams. 

57. Regrets

Everyone has regrets, but not everyone is able to let them go that easily. Rapping about regrets can help people come to terms with the things they wish they could do differently, both for the rapper and anyone listening. 

58. The Music Industry

The music industry isn’t a place where everyone is welcome or has a good experience. That being said, it can be one of the best things to come into a rapper’s life. No matter what angle they take with it, from dissing the industry to praising it, it can make for a fun rap. 

What better way to endear fans than to give some shout-out or thank them for all they do for you?

Recipe blogs and videos are boring 99% of the time. People just want to be told or shown what to do and be done with it. But the people who want to be entertained and the people who might not but would still enjoy it will absolutely get a kick out of a rap about food. 

61. Philosophy

Philosophy is something most people likely don’t think of when they think of rap, but it should be. Any sort of musings can count here, from thoughts about life to wondering why people are the way they are. Think shower thoughts and throw them in some bars to come up with something great here. 

62. Technology

Technology continues to tighten its cold metallic grip on the lives of human beings every year. With innovation comes change and technology becomes more and more integral to people’s lives every day. That being said, there are positives to it because it makes life more convenient. 

Nature has inspired all kinds of music since the dawn of time. Rapping about amazing views, enjoying a place outside, or even diving into the brutal side of nature can make for some intriguing and compelling bars. 

Ever had a crappy job and needed a way to express how bad it was or just get some feelings off your chest? Rapping about it might be a cathartic and healing experience for you then. On the other hand, a rapper could address how hard it is to find a good job , how overworked they are, or even praise a job that they actually enjoyed. 

65. Health Problems

Everyone deals with health problems at some point in their life, whether that be a devastating problem like cancer or mental health issues that drag people down. Topics involving health problems can include the impact it had on others, the way it changed a person’s life, or even bringing awareness to lesser-known problems people deal with.

Recommended Next:

Greatest rappers of all time

The top hip hop songs of all time

Is rap and hip hop the same?

As a contributing writer for Music Grotto, Dakotah writes and produces professional music/media content. He works closely with editorial staff to meet editorial standards and create quality content for the Music Grotto website. Dakotah is passionate about music in a wide variety of genres, from hip-hop to country and lo-fi to metal, and he enjoys creating music pieces for Music Grotto.

Recommended:

1 thought on “65 Things To Rap About: Fresh Topics To Consider”

Thanks man, had to stop on the philosophical one and think about it. So much to express in the world about what we are going through.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This is a professional review website. Any purchase that a visitor makes for a product mentioned or directed to by Music Grotto, may result in us receiving a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Contact Information:

4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd. #236

Portland, Oregon 97214-5246

Phone: +1 (971) 240-7126

[email protected]

© 2024 Music Grotto

The influence of rap music in society

Published: April 23, 2020

By Ryan Hill

Music continues to be one of the most recognizable and influential elements of society. For thousands of years, music has brought people together and evoked emotions and feelings. It can bring you back to a certain place in time and transport you to a memory that feels so real you swear you are experiencing it for the first time. No matter where you go in the world, people connect and interact with music, no language needed. You do not need to understand the words in a song or have any words at all to enjoy it. Research shows that music is recognized by infants in the womb, and if that is not a display of the power music has on humans, nothing is.

Looking at the way today’s cultures and societies have changed in recent years, there is one genre of music that seems to exceed the rest in popularity among youth and that is rap music. Whether young or old, black or white, everyone knows someone who has a connection with rap. The various sub-genres and categories that make this music different as well as the wide variety of artists who share this music to the world, have helped make this a staple in society these days. But is it spreading a positive message to those who listen? Are there behavioural changes from those involved in this music? Before those questions are answered or even discussed, learning the history of rap music will allow for a better understanding of what it is today.

Rap music began in the early 1970s in the United States as a mix of disco and funk at clubs and other music spots. The DJs would generally speak over or after the songs and incorporate the crowd to get a better reaction from the music. Soon the spoken lyrics were rhymed throughout the songs which energized the audience. The music first had a disco and crowd-oriented vibe that allowed all who listened to get involved. The Sugarhill Gang were the founding fathers of rap and really became popular because their style and beat had never been heard before. As the 1980s began, rap became more of a personalized style that strayed from disco and changed to have more of a hip hop feel. Run-DMC was the first rap group to really hit on a mainstream platform in this different style.

In 1986 a new group named NWA came onto the scene and they exploded, achieving platinum album status when they sold over 3.5 million albums of their first release, a cultural staple in society at the time. However, they used an aggressive “thug/gangster” style which generally involved songs about gangs, black social movements, drug wars and police violence which were all relevant issues. NWA became extremely popular with teens at that time because they themselves were involved in those same issues and the group’s rebellious attitude just added to it.

Since then, rap has experienced more changes in sub-genre and has also gained popularity and mainstream attention virtually every year since thanks to the advancements of social media which allowed fans to connect with their favourite artists, such as Kanye West, Drake and Eminem, in a way they never could before.

A few years ago, a new style of rap has taken over called “mumble rap.” This rap has a slower, drowsy beat and the rappers who “sing” basically just talk in a slow, mumble voice. For whatever reason, this sub-genre of rap has spread like wildfire among youth and young adults and is one of the most popular and influential styles of music to date.

“When I was like, 12 or 13, I really started to get into music more and especially rap,” says Issac Campbell, a 23-year-old Conestoga College student and Cambridge resident when explaining his discovery of rap music in the late 2000s. “Eminem was huge then and still is. I would probably say he is my favourite and he opened me up to rap.”

Eminem, along with other megastars in the industry like Jay Z, Lil Wayne and 50 Cent, are still going strong today despite competing with mumble rap which is on their tails.

“I think (rap) used to be more lyrical like any other song and kind of like a poem which is why everyone loved it,” says Campbell. “Now, the more you talk about awful things, the more popular you are. Guys like Lil Uzi Vert and other mumble rappers do not even rhyme anymore. It is weird.”

Campbell understands that music, like everything else in the world, will change over time and he knows he is not going to enjoy all music and all genres. However, no one knows what the future will hold and for Campbell, he just hopes it is time for a change. “I do not know where rap will go but as long as the current style dies out I will be happy. It’s just negative music for everyone and does not need to stick around. All I want is for rap to go back to what it was because that’s what made it blow up.”

Mumble rap focuses on drugs, sex, money and violence, topics you wouldn’t want a young person to listen to. The website, The Conversation, an independent source of news and views from the academic and research community, calls it, “a brainless and lazy reflection of music.” However, it doesn’t matter how much mumble rap is criticized, people still want to engage with whatever is popular. Whether people think it is cool to act like the people leading the charge in mumble rap or just a monkey see, monkey do scenario, one has to wonder what will come of teenagers listening to this type of music for hours on end? 

Local rapper Kevin Edworthy, commonly known as KVNE, explains what rap music means to him without all the outside noise and distractions that can sway someone, especially as a rapper himself. Tucked away in the countryside of Hamilton, Ont., away from the distractions, Edworthy sits alone in his simply crafted home music studio with his productions and lyrics constantly playing in the background. The wooden panels that line the walls give the esthetic of a log cabin hidden from the outside world and the smell of oak mixed with the plastics of all the music gear almost give it that “new car smell.”

Edworthy’s nonchalant area of work is erratically different from himself physically. His bright blue eyes and wildly bleached hair make him stand out from everyone else. When frustrated or tired of countless hours in his studio, he will take some time to throw around a football with his four-year-old son or do some other activity with him, as his son is the most important person in his life, the one who inspires and motivates him every day. 

“I was about 11 or 12 when I got my first guitar. I never really put it down. I quickly found myself playing in bands in elementary school and continued through high school,” says Edworthy when explaining how he found his love for music. Although starting with the guitar and being influenced by Kurt Cobain, he kind of fell into the hip-hop and rap aspect of the music industry by accident and has never looked back.

“I started actually doing production and engineering – which led to songwriting for other artists then eventually my manager started encouraging me to just put my own voice on some of the material and start releasing it and that’s what I did.”

Edworthy knows the music he and other artists in his genre create is under a microscope in today’s society because of its immense popularity so he is determined to share the correct message.

“I think with hip-hop being the biggest genre in the world right now it is detrimental to youth and teens. That is why myself and my team work so hard to spread a positive message with our work because there are so many negatives in the world right now.”

Edworthy does not believe those negatives can all be attributed to mumble rap as he believes all influences in a person’s life are responsible, musical induced or not. 

“I don’t think it’s really better or worse than any other genre. I think truthfully listeners need to start looking at the situation as a whole and less in one aspect. If an artist mumbles lyrics because of the substances he is over-influenced by, obviously no, I don’t think that is beneficial for our youth. But at the end of the day, you, as the listener, are responsible for making the effort and seeing the bigger picture. I know a handful of artists who might have sounds similar to an artist endorsing a lifestyle of drugs and gang violence, but aren’t about that life.”

An example of one of the many misleading rappers in the industry who Edworthy is talking about is Tom MacDonald. With half his head shaved, the other half in long braids featuring a new colour each time you see him, and his neck plastered with tattoos and his face not far behind, along with a silver grill of teeth for a finishing touch, MacDonald looks like a rapper who preaches drugs, crime and everything else the world doesn’t need more of. However, he is the exact opposite. MacDonald is a 28-year-old Canadian rapper who shares his beliefs on how crooked the rap industry has become and how brainwashed millions of young minds are when listening to this music. MacDonald has over a dozen songs that protest these issues including a song in 2017 titled “Dear Rappers” as a plea for these mumble rappers to stop the negative influences on youth because it is becoming detrimental to society. The song includes lyrics like, “Your music feels kinda like you’re tryna write a check. Everything is digital, I mean no disrespect but I’m payin’ even more, and you give me even less.”

MacDonald feels as though these rappers care less about the message and music and more about the money and fame. He says these rappers are exploiting the new style of producing music and taking advantage of people. In his song Dear Rappers, he says, “You taught me to think, you taught me to grow, You taught me the things to survive on my own. But now you teach me to drink, you teach me to smoke you teach me to think, every woman’s a ho.” This is an emotional line for MacDonald as it shows how he was influenced and fell in love with rap music as a kid and now that he is living his dream making this music, he is ashamed and embarrassed about what it has become but doesn’t have the power to change it. 

MacDonald is not alone. Another Canadian rapper, Daniel Nwosu Jr., most commonly known as “Dax,” made a song with MacDonald in April 2020 called “Blame the Rappers” where he expresses how important musicians and the message they spread are to the world.

“We are medication straight through voice, some give life, some destroy. And even though this money seems nice it can’t come so we must take that as a hint that there’s other things in life you should enjoy.”

As more people and specifically rappers continue to step up and voice their opinion about what mumble rap is and where it is heading, more recognition is being brought to the sub-genre which may finally get these rebellious rappers’ voices heard, or it could just bring more publicity to the already thriving mumble rap world.

The proof is in the pudding. Dozens of the rappers who are labeled as mumble rappers have died recently from overdoses, gun violence and other acts that they seem to promote and gloat about in their music. Any time you see a headline in the news about a musician or singer dying, it is usually a rapper. And these deaths are not just coincidence or bad luck. Mac Miller’s death was one of the most notable ones in recent memory and caused a lot of grief in the rap community. With a history of arrests due to drug possession and driving under the influence, Miller clearly had issues with substances and overdosed on a mix of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol in September 2018. In 2017, 21-year-old Lil Peep overdosed before a show in Arizona. He had taken a mixture of mushrooms, cannabis and six Xanax pills. Most recently in December 2019, another 21-year-old rising star, Juice Wrld, was travelling in a private jet containing illegal weapons as well as 70 lbs of marijuana among other drugs. While aboard, Juice Wrld had a seizure and died due to an overdose of oxycodone and codeine. 

There have been other similar deaths in the past and there will be many more in the future. Obviously there is a difference in the rap industry between those who take substances for pain and suffering and those who glorify drug use in their music, but these themes are always a constant that follow the mumble rap sub-genre. When teens and young adults listen to this music and all their friends listen as well, what are they expected to believe and how are they expected to act?

A study from Emory University in Georgia discovered that teens between the ages of 14-18 who listened to rap music for roughly around 14 hours a week were three times more likely to get in a fight with a teacher, 2.5 times more likely to find themselves getting arrested, and 1.5 times more likely to take part in illegal activities such as underage drinking and experimentation with drugs. Another study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 analyzed Billboard magazine’s most popular songs of 2005 and it was found that substance use was referenced in 77 per cent of rap songs, the highest percentage of drug mentions among all genres included in the study. Of the Top 10 rap hits of 2020 on Spotify right now, nine of them discuss either gun violence, drugs or sex. The dominance of these songs and artists in the industry today are not just a sub-genre anymore, it is the genre.

Although it may seem bleak and a bad way for teens to be spending their time, Jackson Gagne, an independent music producer and engineer in the small town of Welland, Ont., wants to believe otherwise, and sways others to look past the negatives of the hip-hop/rap world in recent years to find the beauty that still lies there.

“It is like anything else in life. There is always pros and cons, good and bad. People do drugs without rap, it’s the person’s choice to decide what path they want to live.”

Gagne also knows the messages being spread by these artists aren’t ideal so he believes people need to stay true to themselves and their principles.

“I think there is a lot of lying and false people in not just rap but all music and media. I only produce and make music for a small number of people but even I feel the weight of saying the right things.”

A lot of artists start with good intentions and a goal to spread a message or help people through their music, but sometimes things change. “I think people forget where they started and why they fell in love with music in the first place. Money and fame change people, it’s sad to see,” Gagne says.

There is one true way for people to personally evaluate what rap and mumble rap artists do for young minds as a whole. With sold-out concerts, millions of followers on social media and thousands of songs sold and downloaded monthly, there is no doubt these artists are influencers, but what are they influencing people to do? Are people “under the influence” of an ill mind that will damage their future? Or is it an influence that will allow them to achieve things they could have never thought possible before? When analyzing these rappers as a whole or individually, the only question that has to be definitively answered is, when exposed to these rap influencers, do people walk away better or worse?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The New York Times

The learning network | student contest | write a rap about the news of 2014.

Student Contest | Write a Rap About the News of 2014

The 2014 “Year in Rap” from Flocabulary.

Update, Jan. 7 | This contest is now closed, and we and our partners at Flocabulary are judging as fast as we can. We’ll announce winners before the end of the month — and just before we announce our next contest, a reprise of last year’s popular Student Editorial Contest . Thanks for participating!

Our Year in Rap Student Contest is back for a fourth round, and given how busy 2014 has been, we don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding topics.

Whether you choose the Olympics or the World Cup , Ebola or ISIS , Michael Brown or Eric Garner , Kimye or Taylor Swift — or anything else that made the news this year— we invite you to post your entry by 7 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 7 . Then, the educational hip-hop experts at Flocabulary, our annual partner for this contest, will choose their favorite rhymes to publish both here and on their site.

If you’ve participated before , the rules are pretty much the same: Just write an informed, engaging 12- to-16-line rap about some aspect of this year’s news.

To help, here is our Farewell, 2014 news quiz . How many of the 50 questions can you answer correctly? In addition, we have a list of 2014 retrospectives, including photos, videos, articles and lists, that can help you remember more highs and the lows.

Teachers, we’ve also posted Flocabulary’s lesson plan and rubric below to help in guiding your students through the rap-writing process.

Happy rhyming!

The Contest Rules: Write Your Own ‘Year in Rap’

1. The rap should be 12 to 16 lines long.

2. Students should choose at least four important New York Times stories from one of the news categories listed below.

It’s fine to focus on a smaller topic found within a section in The Times. For example, you can write a rap based on just the events in Ferguson, Mo. , rather than the whole range of national or political news this year.

Or, you might focus on 2014 movies rather than covering other news from the Arts section. But you should also feel free to include as many, and as wide a range, of news stories from a particular section as you like. (More about narrowing your choices can be found in this section of the lesson plan .)

Here are the sections from which you can choose:

• Obituaries (from 2014 only)

3. The rap should be original and must follow Learning Network commenting standards , which means no profanity or vulgar language.

4. Submissions must be from students from 13 to 19 years old, but can come from anywhere in the world. No last names please, but an initial is fine, as is a school or class code of some type. (For example, “Ethan G. CHS112.”)

5. Submissions are allowed from partners and teams as well as from individuals — just remember to submit all of your names when you post your rhyme.

6. One submission per student, please. If you’re submitting as part of a team, you should not also submit as an individual.

7. Raps must be submitted as comments on this post by 7 a.m. Eastern time on Jan. 7. If you have questions about the contest, please feel free to post them in the comments section as well, and we’ll answer you there.

8. The top five raps, as judged by The Times and Flocabulary staff using this rubric , will be featured on both The Learning Network and Flocabulary.com. Because of privacy rules that apply to students under 18, we are asking for only your lyrics. While we love YouTube videos of young rappers as much as anyone, please don’t post links to them here.

9. Want inspiration? Here are the winners from 2013 , 2012 and 2011 . Can you top them?

The Lesson Plan: Rapping About the News

By Flocabulary

Overview | In this lesson, students reflect on the top news stories from 2014 and create original lyrics for a rap around the category of news that interests them most. They determine factors that make a news item a top story for the day, week or year, and analyze the top choices of Flocabulary and The Times. Students then choose at least four significant news stories, and write a short rap reviewing the key points of those stories.

We encourage students age 13 to 19 to submit their lyrics to the Flocabulary-New York Times Learning Network Year in Rap contest. (Students can also enter the contest without completing the full lesson below. Just direct them to the contest rules above.)

Note: This lesson works well as a full class activity, but you can also assign it as an independent or take-home assignment. Students who would like to create the raps on their own time should not have a problem following the rap section of the lesson independently.

Materials | Student journals, computer(s) with Internet access, projector, copies of the Flocabulary 2014 Year in Rap work sheet and rubric , access to NYTimes.com and Flocabulary’s Week in Rap archives ; optional access to a rhyming dictionary or website .

Warm-Up | Tell students to respond to the following prompts in their journals:

• What makes one news story more “important” than another?
• What are the characteristics of a news story that might make it important for more than one day?
• What would be on your list of the top 15 to 25 news stories of 2014? Why?

Next, have students share their answers and jot down two lists — one about the qualities of an “important” news story and the other a list of 2014 stories they mention as top news this year. Remind students that “importance” is a subjective idea, and that the qualities that make a story important can vary.

Related | Explain to students that they will now look at stories chosen over three different time periods to consider the differences in judging the importance of a story: The Times’s front page for the day , Flocabulary’s Week in Rap and Flocabulary’s 2013 Year in Rap (found at the top of this post).

After they look at the front page, students should watch the Week in Rap and the Year in Rap and discuss what, if any, similarities they saw, and what they might add to the list of criteria for an important story. (Please note that to access all of the Week in Rap archives, students or teachers must sign up for a free trial.)

Questions | For discussion and critical thinking.

• Which story on today’s front page of The Times did the editors consider the day’s most important news? How do you know? Are there stories on the page that you feel might not be “front-page worthy”? Why? What news item, if any, would you include that isn’t there? (Note: The article published in the upper right-hand column of the print paper each day is that day’s top story.)
• What differences do you see between the news chosen for Flocabulary’s Week in Rap versus its 2013 Year in Rap? What stories included in either or both surprise you? Why?
• How do you think The Times’s editors decide on the front page balance each day? How do you think the Flocabulary staff decide on its Week in Rap and Year in Rap selections? In what ways might the decision-making process be similar for The Times’s editors and Flocabulary staff? How might it be different?

Activity | Explain to students that they will now use what they learned to select the top stories from 2014 in one news category. Once they select their top stories, they will write a Flocabulary-style rap to summarize those stories.

The Research

Go to the NYTimes.com home page and review the different categories of news, listed on the top of the page (World, U.S., Sports, Arts, Science, among others).

Tell students to choose one news category to focus on using the list in the contest rules above. Remind them that they can choose subcategories from larger categories, so that they might, for instance, create a rap from the World section, but just on events in the Middle East; a rap featuring 2014 news from the U.S. section, but focused on education; a rap about the Sports section, but detailing 2014 news about professional baseball; or a rap using the Science section, but focused on stories about climate change from 2014. Give them time to click around and decide on the larger topic, and possible subtopic, that interests them most.

Next, give students time to review the Week in Raps from 2014. Because the Week in Rap covers news in all categories, ask them to look through the Week in Rap archives with their news category in mind.

Have students add to the list on the board, compiled during the warm-up, any key 2014 stories they found as they perused The Times and Week in Rap archives that weren’t previously mentioned.

Next, ask students to narrow their choices to four or five top stories and record them on their 2014 Year in Rap “Brainstorm the Top Stories” activity sheet . Once they have selected their stories, they should be able to explain what qualities make it a top news story. Students should then search The Times’s archives from the past year to learn more about their chosen stories. In the last column, they should list keywords, like names, places, technical terms or other details related to their topic to include in their rap.

After the World Cup, Glory and Heartache

Soccer fans in Berlin and Buenos Aires during the final match of the World Cup.

News about the World Cup dominated the early summer of 2014.

Writing the Rap

Tell students that the goal of their rap is to select their top news stories from 2014 in one category, then share the important parts of that news story with their classmates through a rap. We’ll feature the lyrics to the top five student raps on the Learning Network and Flocabulary.com, as described above.

This aspect of the lesson plan is modified from Flocabulary’s Writing Academic Rhymes lesson sequence . Students can also use this method to help remember important information for any subject.

Make sure that students have the 2014 Year in Rap handout . The chart takes students through the steps of writing a rhyme about their first story. They can repeat the steps for their other stories or give more information about their first story. (Note: If students want to write their rap over beats, they can choose from 20 original beats on the Flocabulary website .) Encourage students to peruse the Flocabulary Week in Rap archives for examples on how to set up rhymes.

• List the first news story.
• Rewrite the line so that the most important part to remember is at the end of it. This will help you and your audience remember it better.
• List words that rhyme with the final word or words. Students can also list slant rhymes, or words that almost rhyme.
• Students should write a rhyme for the line from Step 2 that gives more information about the news story. It is important to make sure that the tone of the rhyme matches the weight of the story. For example, a humorous tone would likely be inappropriate if students are talking about a tragedy. If they are having trouble coming up with a rhyme, they can try retooling the first line.
• Students should repeat this process to give more information about the news story.

Share the rubric (PDF) that we’ll be using to judge the winners of the 2014 Year in Rap contest with your students. Even if they don’t submit to the contest, you can use it to help guide students toward creating stronger raps, or even to give them an assignment grade.

Going Further | If students would like to add figurative language to their raps, you might use Flocabulary’s figurative language video and lesson plan to help them.

Finally, share the raps with the class in a performance. If your students are 13 to 19 years old, submit them to the Learning Network by posting them in the comments section .

More About Flocabulary

Flocabulary was founded on the belief that a motivated student is a more successful student. Its digital subscription service gives students, teachers and parents access to hundreds of educational songs, videos and lesson plans that you can try for free for two weeks .

Comments are no longer being accepted.

The following submissions are from students attending Salem Middle School in Apex, NC. Students completed the rap assignment and then also designed their own flocab videos! They did a great job! Enjoy!!

2K14 is ending fast. Let’s take a quick look at the past. Ebola, you should know, has been a recent outbreak, It’s highly contagious and there’s so much at stake. It’s a matter of life; it can’t be cured with meds. As a result, there’s over seven thousand dead Let’s take a turn to the conflict in the Middle East. Where fighting, even now, still hasn’t ceased. Both Israel and Palestine, are not giving up. It’s a long a bloody battle, better believe it, yup! In Ferguson, an unarmed black teen was shot. It caused protests, and led to major riot. The year’s almost over, 365 days. So is this rap, time to part ways By. Judy C., Jeremy H. Hannah W. Gauri S.

Aye! It aint the week in wrap, it’s the year in rap. Let’s start with Ebola, it’s a disease It keeps killin’ and killin’ all these peeps It turns people’s organs into mushy blood in a continent where people drink dirty mud Now let’s move on to another issue ISIS is recruiting people just like you They’re terrorists, and once they shoot many people will be missed Now let’s talk about Michael Brown A criminal who was taken down 12 shots fired by the cop Brown’s life just had to stop In Gaza, a region in a country, war is tearin’ apart families 2014 is coming to an end so celebrate with family and friends By: Julia V, Daniel R, Daniel S, and Jacob T

welcome to the year in rap more like the tear in rap this year was bad news now listen about it dudes

Malala got a peace prize in her hand for standing up to the Taliban she really put up a fight for women education rights

ISIS really posted a threat spreading across the internet kidnapping soldiers they weren’t done yet not until they cut off their heads

a cop shot Micheal brown this really upset the town racism is spreading round now the cop is backing down he resigned, cause of all the hate Ebola spread at a fast rate freaking out the united states too many deaths it was too late

2014 what a year good thing 15 will be right here By: Antonina W

WELCOME TO THE YEAR IN RAP!! TODAY, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING THE MAJOR EVENTS OF 2014!!!!

To start off, let’s talk about ISIS The violent group that started a worldwide crisis They killed and tortured over 30000 people Man, aren’t they treating people so unequal Illegal crimes have been committed this year Especially when Ray Rice almost lost his own career He was charged with assault, he was dropped from his team Let me tell you how his career almost went downstream He stood in an elevator with his wife And nearly knocked her out, he almost took her life! Speaking of life, did you hear about the big disease? It’s called Ebola, and it’s about to go across the 7 seas!!! 3,145 people have died from this disease spread Did it just hit you in the head? That I didn’t mention nuttin bout the MH planes That got lost in the middle of an unknown range No one knows wut happened to dat flight To wrap up, have a good day but have a better night!! By Ashwin S.

On February seventh 2014, the winter Olympics were held in Sochi. 2000 athlete 84 nations 15 sports costing 50 billion. March eighth Malaysia flight 370 went missing, 239 passengers gone, and people start listening. They went off the radar, it’s still a mystery, The families will be grieving for all of history. Hyperthermia that kills the body’s cells Harris left his son in the car Some say it was just an accident, but he still ended up in jail. Justin Harris was charged with many felonies he probably won’t get a bail. The death of Michael Brown started riots all around. The African American community was angry with Wilson’s impunity Wilson fired after time if Brown surrendered that’s a crime Wilsons off the hook and Fergusons got a new look Vandalism looting and burning has got the government learning About police brutality and racial bestiality. By Sarah A., Jenna E, Kait C. and Lisa P

This is the year in rap and it’s 2014 and we’re gonna keep it serene In March there was a missing Malaysia flight It still hasn’t been found and that ain’t right 239 is unfortunate but it can’t compete with ebola When it reached the US it caused paranoia Estimated 12000 dead and the US is trying to stop its spread Speaking of spreading there is ISIS invading Dating websites and decapitating They want to be feared it’s workin well US tried airstrikes that didn’t work well On August 11 Robin Williams committed suicide Who a happy man was so sad inside That’s our year in rap Now I’m gonna take my winter nap Year in rap 2014 by: Colin A Daniel B Dustin M

Yo Yo it’s Court Ro and Feather We be rapping up 2k14 with some snowy weather Woah look at that she took off he wig It’s Miley Cyrus on TV rapping up with Juicy J making number 23 To bad it get her so much hate from social media But she’s rolling in dough getting thousands of leotards

Now on to ESPN with the Ray Rice case For getting kicked off the Ravens NFL team He’s not treating the ladies right oh please

A lighting bolt has struck Ebola is here Africans fear a pandemic is near So far 6071 have died But some cases in Texas have been classified

Woah did you see that no one else saw 301 people never to be found, on the Malaysia Flight Then 301 text were sent out From the considerate government to the people that were grieving See you guys next year By: Courtney S. , Heather P. , Rose L.

Obama care is on no doubt Ebola game is strong no route Epidemiologists are trying to fight it but you know this Ebola virus is a riot

Talking about riots ferguson is still going on don’t think it’s gone Riots are getting strong unlike the people’s trust in the police force

Ok Isis is still going in don think it’s gone I’m worried for the parents in Iraq their kids are getting kidnapped Our best guess is they are being trained in the terrorism ways

By Chase E, Bryson E. and Kobe A.

Year-in-Rap Here’s a special shout out to SA-LEM MIDDLE! Yo, here we go now… First in the story it’s all about how Ebola came and wiped thousands out You may not know it but you could have it because the in-cu-bat-ion is 21 days! ‘Ey! Its killing way is inside-out, starting with the organs and making its way out Speak’n of monsters putting fear inside you, might I mind you, ISIS is takin’ control of the Middle East! Beheading those who oppose them, I bet your scared cuz I am United States airstrikes are futile, should we keep ’em up or cease ’em Riots in the streets of Ferguson, disrupting the peace don’t ya know? Police brutality is an injustice, should Michael Brown’s death inspire a change in the game? Lootings and shootings have followed, when will the peace come? Robin Williams was greatly loved by all ya’ll, no wonder many people were joining for mourning He was a great en-ter-tain-er, bringing joy to the silver screen Bye-Bye buddy we will miss you so, and that’s the end of the Year-in-Rap yo! By: CJ W, Faye G, and Ziv P

There was lots of news in 2014, pretty sure yall have seen Starting out with the Malaysian flight 370 is nowhere in sight Soon after, 17 fell from air strikes

The Ferguson trial took a long while Brown was shot because he fought Wilson had no charges pressed, the judge said “self defense”

Now let’s talk about Ebola next, it left the world quite perplexed Left over 7000 dead including one man in Texas, sick in bed America is Ebola free, now Ebola’s history

Last of all, ISIS is still in Iraq under US airstrike attack For making an institution that has public executions 2014’s checking out, can’t believe it’s already past Wow this year went by fast By Alyssa P, Jess M, Brenna M

2014, It’s been a dream. Famous Yankees short stop Derek Jeter, decides to retire as he gets old and weaker. He’s been playin pro ball since the 1980s, even though he’s old he can get the ladies! Now to Ebola, there was an outbreak. It started in Africa, and now the USA. Thank goodness it didn’t spread, only a few were found dead. The doctors found a cure, we should be blessed, the death count is becoming less and less. Malaysia flight 307 went missing, we got family and friends that are praying and wishing! Hopefully officials will find some clues, and if they do stay tuned for some upcoming news! Now onto baseball, the giants won it all. The Royals stand short and the Giants stand tall. I guess you could call the giants the king, because they just won them elves a World Series ring! There’s a ton more news all over the map, but that’s it folks, that’s our year in rap! By Tyler M, Luke F, Sean C

2014 WRAP UP RAP The main stories of 2014 All the ones that you’ve seen The Malaysia flight went down The plane was never found Germany stepped up And won the World Cup Beat Argentina by one goal The World Cup is what they stole Ferguson gives me a headache Stop the protests for God’s sake Michael Brown’s death stirred up trouble ISIS is causing more than double Wrap up Rap 2014 This is the main news you’ve seen By Amber H Kathryn B, Daainah S, Jayden M

Yo Yo it’s Yoshi Joshi, With the 2014 year wrap-up,

Ebola, Ebola, 7 thousand dead, What else have I read?

Mrs. Daughtfire, GOOD MORNING VEITNAM! I’m sorry to inform you Robin Williams is gone,

ISIS is the rebel, Airstrikes turns the town into ruble,

1million bodies shut down, ALS wins the crown,

GOODBYE now, Popcorn drown!

By: Iman M, Ally M, Yoshi J, & Christina C

1.It’s 2014 and this year has not been positive 2. So much death and destruction, its been bad, don’t deny it is. 3. Malaysia flight 370 disappeared over the sea 4. leaving many people with missing family 5. Multiple shootings all over the U.S, 6. causing an unbelievable amount of deaths 7. From the killing in Ferguson to the shooting in Washington state 8. The police and media have a lot on their plates 9. ISIS causes terror out in the Middle East 10. and tensions are rising faster than yeast. 11. The Ebola virus caused the media to explode 12. and the news made people go into panic mode. 13. This has been this year’s big news 14. but i have to go, so i bid you adieu. By Joey D and TJ J

Yo, it’s your year in rap I am blondie and her name’s redie cause this “hair’s” redie to rap *cough cough* Ebola *cough cough* Ebola e-b-ol-a it will eat you insides Robin Williams died but not from Ebola he sadly committed suicide (covers Loryn’s ears) Shhh she didn’t know that! Flight 370 Malaysia plane went down in a firey flame no one knows why its realay weird first its in the air and then it disapaired ISIS ISIS Theres a crisis They are terrorizing committing homicide yo this is really bad and sad well that’s all for this year JK theres more to hear but anyway, have a great day blondie and redie out BABOOM By Erin H and Loryn B

Hey ya’ll its the year in rap, Chloe, Meg, Gigi and Gwen, go head and clap We took and looked at the real big things, the headlines are screaming, so lets stop and sing

On March 8th, 2014, the Malaysian plane crashed into the sea, Carrying two hundred thirty nine, Its left us wondering if any have survived

Now to Ebola, a huge outbreak, a pandemic soon, at this growth rate Its killed 4 thousand, 8 hundred eighty seven, and experts agree that its a bio weapon,

To Malala Yousafzai peace prize award, Stood up for education even though she was ignored Nothing can stop her in what she believes, she the youngest ever winner at age 17

Eighteen year old Michael Brown, killed by the police in his home town, In Ferguson, Missouri, where he was shot, People are protesting and causing riots,

These are events from two thousand fourteen, We’ll see you all again this time in fifteen, So ya’ll thats the year in rap, Chloe, Meg, Gig, Gwen, now you can clap

By Chloe W, Megan P,, Gianna S, and Gwen F

Its 2014 many things happened Gone with the wind went flight 370 Flight 17 came down in flames; Shot down in the Ukraine Now let’s go to Liberia- Where Ebola has struck 10 citizens just had bad luck U.S. has led 154 airstrikes against ISIS This is a very big crisis These airstrikes have been occurring in 3 main locations For ISIS citizens this is no vacation Wilson driving his cop car found Brown and his friend- Walking down the street Brown being a “threat” caused Wilson to pull his gun- Boys, retreat Brown and his friend ran apart from each other Brown was targeted and was the one to suffer That is it for 2014 hope you enjoyed our beat Next is 2015 we will save you a seat By CJ G, Sammy S, Claire T, Abby W

Here are all the T-Swizzles from NC, Bringing you the year’s rap in 2014. First we start with Taylor’s 1989; Her album toppin’ the charts for the third time! Next we go to Ebola, traveling around the world, So many people died I think I’m gonna hurl! Africa, England, the U.S. too, anyone could get it, even you! Here we go now to Robin Williams’s death. He hanged himself, because he was very depressed. He was such a great actor, and was loved by all, No matter what type of role, big or small! Last but not least we go to Ferguson, The shooting has stopped, let the riots begin! Aathira, Brittney, Reilly, and Arushi too! Let’s hope the next year brings something new!

By Arushi B, Aathira B, Reilly M, and Brittney K

Year-In-Rap Today were starting in the Middle East With a fear the U.S. is trying to beat ISIS is growing larger Because of the fear their spreading further The U.S. Is sending Airstrikes, Is this really right? Ebola is pretty scary Making the U.S. pretty weary There were only 3 cases in the U.S. Could this really harm us? Now I’m talking about something a little sadder We have lost a beloved entertainer Robin Williams was mourned by all His name will never fall Well that’s all I got today so see y’all By: Victoria K

Year in rap 2014 is almost over so here’s what’s going down The trouble in Ferguson isn’t dying down, cuz now there are riots all around town A white officer and a black kid too, we know who will walk on through Now the officer got off scotch free, man that doesn’t settle with me Domestic abuse spread through the NFL Ray Rice was honest but it didn’t sell well So Goodell tried to send him away, but it was Judge Jones who said he could stay Now the craze for Ebola’s gone down But the treatment in Africa completely drowned Yet the death toll is still rising which isn’t very surprising These ISIS fighters are like matches and lighters Seizing small towns so control aint going down Making their rounds while their beheading the crowds Recruiting from towns with terrorist clowns Yeah… well that’s all for 2014! 2015 here we come! By Adam T, Ethan R, Jonathan W, Scout K

2014 is coming to a close. let’s review what happened in the news. In the middle east ISIS is shooting things up. Ceaping it in Africa we got Ebola in the west it’s spreading all over HEY we might have a pandemic on our hands. We got immigration reform in the U.S. immigrants coming from South America and Mexico. On a happier note we got the wold cup. where Germany beat Argentina. so that’s the news for 2014. By Nathan L, Deven S, Andrew M

It’s the end of 2014 you know We’ve got the year in rap Enjoy the show

So you know about Ebola in the U.S.? It has caused lots of harm and stress An infectious disease started in West Africa It scared a lot of people like tarantulas

Next up We have Russia and Ukraine fighting for the control Of Crimea as a whole

Now let’s fly over to the Malaysian flight No one could find it Nowhere in sight 277 passengers flying on the plane Maybe next time they will take the train

Do you remember when the officer shot Michael Brown? And there were many riots in different towns Racial inequality is a big issue Don’t know why we let it continue

It’s the end of the year I hope we’ve been clear Cause 2k15 is about to be here Aye By Alyssa C., Peyton W. Watson T, Jack O

Welcome to the year in rap This year we have some important stuffs to rap about 2014 there’s a deadly disease That comes into the scene, Ebola But also an extremist group in the Middle East Is trying to blow up everybody in the street ISIS Then there was a plane that up and went missin Then they sent some people on a rescue mision, Malaysia And In the place of Ferguson Missouri A kid got shot and there was a lot of misery So that’s what happened in 2014 By tyler M, Riley K, Ian F

Year in Rap This is the year-in-rap, here we goo… Boom, shots fired from the Gaza strip Into Israel people gettin hit So many bodies, falling to the ground Bang, bang, bang was the only heard sound All these terrorists from ISIS Trying to convert Destruction in Iraq Leavin nothin there but dirt But the really big news of 2014 Is the ebola outbreak, what a deadly disease Only a few known U.S. cases, but it could become a problem yet, Cuz almost 5000 with Ebola saw death News bout Gaza, Ebola, and problems in Iraq We hope you enjoyed this awesome year-in-rap, Peace By: Ryan G, Sachith I, Sam K, and Cameron S

Society today ain’t right, It’s time for us to put up a fight. Eric Garner got choked to death, Gasping for air that was his last breath. Michael Brown caught one in the head, He laid on that street dead. All these young, Unfinished lives has just ended. If a black male committed murder he’ll get 25 to life But if a white cop were to commit murder, he would only get suspended? Forget your uniform, forget your badge, forget your weapon You supposed to protect us, instead you want us to fear you And you practice all of those lethal tactics that they teach you. Like no stop abusing your power because you and I are both equal. You feel pain, I feel pain too, You not perfect, I ain’t perfect too. You got a family that’s waiting for you at home too, well guess what me too, Yet you go outside everyday and show no respect for your people. You used to have kids that wanted to be you, now they go out not trying to see you. You used to be their hero, now their hero just turned evil. You need to start defending the law, And stop killing these people. Stop trusting your instinct, Because it will come back to beat you. Commissioner tell your police to chill, Because stuff about to get real. Ask the lord to forgive you for all the sins you done, Shooting an innocent boy with a wii remote in his hand was just plain dumb. You better be on the run before you get shot with that gun, These police ain’t fair they just want to make me rip out my hair. You only commit crimes with permission, you commit crimes with inhibition. Look these police will shoot you on sight, and when they get testified it ain’t gonna be right. The point I’m trying to say is to not stay shut and speak up for you, because when society is right they will look up to you and see all the right things that you do.

This is a rap about 2014 A lot of things happened that were kind of obscene. Like the Ebola virus is back, sneeze,sneeze, All over the world people are dropping to their knees! Black teen in Ferguson got shot and killed By a white cop and the people weren’t thrilled. IsIs group takes control with force Now the US is getting involved, of course! The football player that beat his wife was Ray Rice The NFL was the one who paid the price. Robin Williams’ death was tragic The genie in Aladdin suddenly loses its’ magic Apple stepped up its game with the iPhone 6 Plus People stood in line,made it seem like it’s a must. KC Royals so close to the title, they started to grin Better luck next year, San Francisco got the win To end 2014 on a good note The ALS ice bucket challenge raised 100 mil to keep research afloat. word.

2014 held many events Not all of them were under tents. Isis is a threat That the US won’t forget. Northwest got her ears poked This made me real stoked. Ebola killed my peeps This is a disease we don’t wanna keep. The world cup was a big game Germany took the world cup name. 2014 was a good year Too bad there weren’t any good movie premieres. The seahawks won the super that not quite right Many people didn’t think they would do alright. 2014 was a really good year Sadly 2015 is very near!

The twenty fourteen year, almost gone I’m about to sum it up in a song Yo, Ebola broke out and we almost died Well a few people did, but now it’s alright T Swizzle transferred to the pop world we love Then made millions from shaking it off There was rumor that Miley Cyrus died But then she took to Twitter and rectified her life The iPhone got bigger, two times in a row From four inches to five, watch it grow Justin Bieber was arrested for breaking the law Then he smiled for his mug shot like a little ken doll Pharrell got happy and Ariana had some problems But they both made millions, so nothing’s really wrong ISIS on the spot taken writers down Then the USA put ’em to the ground So much has happened in twenty fourteen I can already see twenty fifteen on the scene I’m out ya’ll, PEACE!

Chaos, panic, and fear remain. The outbreaks they are trying to contain. Even the docs in Sierra Leone aren’t able to make it home. Ebola found its way through our borders. The country is discussing new flight orders. Salia tried to make his way home, but for him, he was already too far gone. Michael Brown in Ferguson, Eric Garner in New York, but what about the cops who still have to work? Media focusing on all of the bad, but what about the good guys out there like my dad? Families of fallen law enforcement band together during protests, showing the world they’re not done yet. The ultimate sacrifice their loved ones made, showing the world their debt has been paid. Marriage between one woman and one man? Not anymore in the United States land. Weddings, court rulings and confusion reign, but the view of marriage will never be the same. Federal courts making choices for states, but Chris Christie opposes a little too late. Thirty-one states proceed with the plan, no more marriage between one woman and one man. Frozen and Hunger Games on everyone’s screen, now their names are popular with parents, it seems. Babies named after Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and crew. What else this year was popular and new? Effie and Primrose from the Hunger Games appear, and many more movie inspired names you will hear. With new sequels to soon be unveiled, what will the names in 2015 entail?

2014 is ending really fast, I have to say it’s been a blast. So let’s do the year in review, Seahawks won the Super bowl 43-8, The Denver Broncos met a cruel fate. The FIFA World Cup was held in Brazil, Germany won what a thrill! Not everything in 2014 was so exciting, In Syria, ISIS was fighting, They put out viral videos of the beheadings. Next, the deadly virus Ebola was spreading. We lost Robin Williams, He died of suicide, he was so brilliant. Ray Rice punched his wife, And it’s all on video; it really messed up his life. That was the 2014 year in review, Now it’s time to say “adieu.”

Rhymes so smooth we might catch a fine It’s going down like a Malaysian airline. Those Malaysian pilots must be high, Because they can’t keep a plane in the sky. If you have Ebola you need more than a Ricolla, Because you’re gonna die, And bleed out your eye. It’s on a roll and sure to bring up the death toll. Marijuana was legalized, Now everyone is walking around with hazy eyes. Brady Hokes career at Michigan was a joke, Who will be the next bloke? Don’t make me smother you, I’ll take nine years to tell you how I met your mother. Robin William died, Millions cried.

The Ebola scare had the US scared. People overreacted and flight attendance went down. ALS donations broke a record, thanks to the people who took the ice bucket challenge. Apple sued Samsung. Samsung paid it back in truck fulls of nickels. Apple wasn’t to happy, but they got over it in a hurry. Derek Jeter retired from baseball, in the 2014 fall. He’s defiantly in the Hall of Fame. Ray Rice got suspended from the NFL, after his 2 game suspension, which was a terrible call. But before all this, let me take a selfie

2014’s over, yeah, It’s the year in a rap. Now let’s take a moment just to recap. In the Middle East, there’s a missing Malaysian flight, I really hope that they put up a fight. Starting in West Africa now traveling to the U.S. The world is threatened with a new stress. It’s the Ebola epidemic! Yeah you heard me right! Case found in Texas better not get on any flights. The United States made a new movie, While Kim Jung-Ung just sits in his jacuzzi. All of North Korea is upset about “The Interview” I’d watch out if I were you. This year we lost some major people It was like our hearts got stabbed with a needle. Man, our little Annie died. And the whole world broke down and cried. But on a happier note, There is a new song for you to quote. Pharrell made another hit song. It’s called “Happy” so stand up and sing along. Now the government is getting in trouble. They are about to take a big tumble. The CIA is under investigation Is it okay to torture people across the nation? There’s a group in the Middle East called ISIS They are becoming a real crisis. Barrack Obama is the president. The U.S. is what he represents. Mr. Obama legalized 11 million immigrants. This is angering many U.S. citizens. In today’s world there is a lot of violence. I think the U.S. needs some guidance. There was a boy named Michael Brown. He got shot then the whole city almost burnt down. Did ya hear Bill Cosby got accused of rape? Held some girls down and wouldn’t let them escape. Ray Rice, yeah, he likes to hit his wife. Left hook her in the elevator, don’t care about her life. 2014 saw violence increase, Hopefully in 2015 violence will cease. By: Daniel Major, Chelsea Woods, Kayla Utter, and Kelsie Diamond

It’s 2014 and it’s coming to an end, Listen up now as we tell you what happened. Ferguson cop shot Michael Brown, And the cop was proven innocent but now in the town, Rioters are protesting and setting things on fire, From Chicago to New York everything was haywire. Ebola made its way into the United States, A doctor from West Africa got the first case. Lots of people thought they had it and freaked out, It really only stayed down in the South. Isis began to be a threat to the U.S., Now what we have is a worldwide mess. Midterm elections came around once again, Republicans took control of the House and Senate. On the charts, T. Swift’s songs were one and two, Carrie Underwood’s baby is due in June. It was nice knowing you 2014, Can’t wait ‘til next year to meet 2015!

Connor J Scott B

It’s the end of 2014 Now here comes a rap for all you kids, parents, and teens. Sochi starts us off with many Olympic problems People stuck in bathrooms with nothing but boredom. Their people have to live with dirty water Looks like their engineers need to get a little smarter People are dying all over the place The Ebola epidemic is killing the human race. It’s in the U.S. now I thought we were medically advanced, wow. ISIS seems to be trying to showoff They are cutting American’s heads off. This year has taken many from us Actor Robin Williams is now actless. When he left us and died I’m sure many people cried. On a positive note Germany won the World Cup by someone who wasn’t even in the starting lineup.

This is your 2014 year in a rap Ebola hits West Africa hard; killing over 6,000 is pretty harsh, Then a man named Thomas brought it to America, After he lied on his questionnaire, I mean who would’ve dared? Ferguson was a big one; Daren Wilson felt the need to fire. On August 9th he shot Mike Brown, everyone went crazy in town. Wilson got no punishment, but did he really make good judgment? Robin Williams’ death was horrible, everyone thought he was adorable. Robin was very driven; he didn’t have to stop livin’ They say he hung himself with a belt, horrible is how everyone felt. Malaysia Airlines Flight has disappeared, which is very weird, 239 people on the plane, what an unexpected shame. Two people boarding using stolen passports, how did that work? Obamacare drops in the U.S., but is it really for the best? It’s suppose to prevent gender discrimination, Will it work and shock the whole nation? San Fran wins the World Series, there feelin’ on top of the world, So they can all be heard. Joan Rivers died at age 81, she just loved havin’ fun Rivers wanted a biopsy, she was too old and it left her dead cold. That’s the 2014 year in a rap, now you all can go and tap a nap.

Yeah the 2014 year is here Remember when Ebola put the world in fear? It came from West Africa and it’s pretty severe. The World Cup ended with a cheer Germany won the cup The Malaysian airplane disappeared Only to never reappear The clippers owners is a racist But that’s not affecting ticket sale races Race riots erupted in Ferguson Michel brown will get no trial Robin Williams, Johan Rivers and Shirley Temple passed away We landed and planted Philae on a comet Ebola had an outbreak that affected 5 people and a dog Isis was created to be feared by all but will only be defeated by all Tony Stewart killed Mr. Kevin Ward This legendary TV series How I Meet Your Mother is over just like this year

The Year in Science: 2014

Science year-round two thousand fourteen I’m annoyed by the asteroid it had me paranoid We survived when it came by Near-earth it flied

Rover’s on Mars got me spitting mad bars About crazy cool cars as high as the stars Setting records on Mars Driving 25 Miles, American files Were turning the dials to full speed To meet man kinds need Looking for extraterrestrial life to settle the strife About scientific exploration That rivets our nation Wondering about future population

Life is crazy it’s also amazing. Finding ways to cure cancer now HIV. I love scientific facts- I wouldn’t take one back. Peace

Category: World Events

The Nobel Peace Prize, 2014

Malala survived and won the Nobel Peace Prize She got shot for speaking her own pride Like any girl should get to speak out her own mind And use her words to be kind She showed her might for human rights Got brave then was saved Her words got heard Got tired of the rule so she went to school She was rewarded for her actions Going to school to learn her fractions Like any girl should Malala is a fighter for human rights

The Year in Fashion: 2014

It’s the year of fashion Not blingy or flashin’ Just mixin’ and matchin’ We don’t care if the colors a-clashin’ It’s independent passion It may be boring and plain But not on the runway It’s how 2014 works making the 90’s look hurt So wear it before it goes Even if you’re the last to know Take control And make it outta this world

Robin Williams rests in peace in America Ebola broke out in South Africa Germany won the Fifa World Cup Did Justin and Selena actually break up? Miley and Kylie are out of control Sometimes Disney has to Let it Go Seahawks dominate Broncos Bruno Mars rocked the Halftime show Violence in Ferguson has become a serious crisis First Osama then ISIS? Taylor Swift in the Victoria Secret Fashion show Why in the world are we using chokeholds? Meagan was all about that bass She’s got all the boys on the chase The Fault In Our Stars brought all the girls to tears Annabelle coming to give us fears Obamacare lost our interest Kim Kardashian broke the internet

All About That Bass made us Happy, like Pharrell And Ray Rice caused a stir in the NFL

The anthem went from Fancy to Anaconda And in Texas was an outbreak of Ebola

Michael, Eric, and others died in vain For injustice crimes based on the pigment of their face

Children became obsessed with Disney and Snow And everywhere you go, you heard “Let it Go”

There are still riots on freedom and good will While I sit here and ask, why was Beth killed?

We all knew Dandy would turn up insane Because of the many secrets a freakshow tried to tame

Kate and William have a new son Beyonce and Jay-Z are on the run

Germany soccer is ranked #1 Then the release of MockingJay part 1

So lets Shake It Off, like taylor would do Because 2015 is a year all new

My entry, about the drought in Western US:

A terrible drought has formed in the west Tormenting the coast, not stopping to rest. Everywhere there’s major evaporation But we’re completely lacking the precipitation We used to have water, to drink and shower But now we’ve lost that precious power So, what now? Have we got no hope? If we can save, well, I’d say nope! Wash yourself within two minutes, Only water the grass within strict limits Pray for a pouring, lasting rain It could just rid us of this bane For, looking over the past year – oh my! The Western US is turning more than dry.

Hope you like!

The Year in Science

2014 is coming to a close So when you cough you better cover your nose. In the US, Ebola caused quite a scare And Comet 67P – we got there.

Frack, frack, frack, the gas companies say. But why do that when you can fuel another way? The world’s getting hotter, Mother Nature’s saying please, And now we have a limit of 3.6 more degrees.

California dealt with a tough drought, And people watering their lawns didn’t care about The fragility of the world’s water supply. It’s climate change, do or die.

2014? We had a really good time But there are some current events on my mind Like increasingly, We’re pretty big on obesity The new IPhone 6 came out, went faster than a rocket But everyone was mad because it bends in your pocket We all heard what happened in Missouri I pray for Mike’s family, but the verdict was kind of blurry Now that the jury has finally decided Everyone is angry, there’s no need to try and hide it Ebola was another thing that we all feared No more outbreaks, does that mean it’s all clear? Earlier this year we had the verdict for Treyvon Martin And even though there was no justice, still he lives on They’ve talked about putting cameras on police There’d be no unsolved mysteries, we could see the unseen They don’t understand, they say we should just forget about it They don’t know I cry the biggest river when I hear about it

2014 was a year of excitement, From Miley Cyrus to Darren Wilson (no indictment!), There were a lot of downs but some things got better, although I wouldn’t go around in Bill Cosby’s sweater!

In the Islamic State we worried about ISIS, it’s no doubt that this is kind of a crisis! Two journalists killed just for doing their job, Not to mention al-Baghdadi leading the mobs

Back at home in the US, we searched for justice Through protests that were meant to be bloodless, Civilians harassed for trying to speak their rights, Cops didn’t like it, they got into fights!

They were just trying to speak for those who can’t, From Micheal Brown to Eric Garner, yeah they still chant “I can’t breathe!”, let’s make the future brighter, For 2015, maybe the conflict will be lighter?

In other news of culture, we celebrated love From Kimye to gays (they can marry – kind of!) In 35 states now, it’s allowed – And then maybe in 2015, we can be proud

Of a country stronger, making breakthroughs From handling Ebola to immigration reform, Maybe all 50 states will may gay marriage the norm? 2015 is a mystery, but there’s something we know –

If it’s anything like 2014, it’ll be quite the show!

-ebola came out 2014 -so far no one has found a vaccine -6388 dead -with the virus in the U.S which could be spread -Dr. Rick Sacra tryna say hes immune -acting like the rode runner off a cartoon – falling down fast off a cliff -with Russia causing all this mischief -ukraine has shed a tear -with all the pain they have had this year -families were trying to be brought down -but we all know ukraine, they stood their ground -in mexico its a different story -where people left and right have to worry -cause the mayor is corrupt -and the people are cut -off from their ability to have free speech -being sucked from their life like blood to a leech -in a place where 43 students lost their life -instructions from the mayors wife

What's Next

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Beef Goes Nuclear: What to Know

The two rappers had circled one another for more than a decade, but their attacks turned relentless and very personal in a slew of tracks released over the weekend.

By Joe Coscarelli

The long-building and increasingly testy rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake exploded into full-bore acrimony and unverifiable accusations over the weekend. Both artists rapid-fire released multiple songs littered with attacks regarding race, appropriation, sexual and physical abuse, body image, misogyny, hypocrisy, generational trauma and more.

Most relentless was Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner from Compton, Calif., who tends toward the isolated and considered but has now released four verbose and conceptual diss tracks — totaling more than 20 minutes of new music — targeting Drake in the last week, including three since Friday.

Each racked up millions of streams and the three that were made available commercially — “Euphoria,” “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us” — are expected to land near the top of next week’s Billboard singles chart, while seeming to, at least momentarily, shift the public perception of Drake, long a maestro of the online public arena and meme ecosystem .

In between, on Friday night, Drake released his own broadside against Lamar — plus a smattering of other recent challengers — in a teasing Instagram interlude plus a three-part track and elaborate music video titled “Family Matters,” in which he referred to his rival as a fake activist and attempted to expose friction and alleged abuse in Lamar’s romantic relationship.

But that song was followed within half an hour by Lamar’s “Meet the Grahams,” an ominous extended address to the parents and young son of Drake, born Aubrey Graham, in which Lamar refers to his rival rapper as a liar and “pervert” who “should die” in order to make the world safer for women.

Lamar also seemed to assert that Drake had more than a decade ago fathered a secret daughter — echoing the big reveal of his son from Drake’s last headline rap beef — a claim Drake quickly denied on Instagram before hitting back in another song on Sunday. (Neither man has addressed the full array of rapped allegations directly.)

On Tuesday, a security guard was shot and seriously injured outside of Drake’s Toronto home, which appeared on the cover art for Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Authorities said they could not yet speak to a motive in the shooting, but the investigation was ongoing. Representatives for Drake and Lamar did not immediately comment.

How did two of the most famous artists in the world decide to take the gloves off and bring real-life venom into an extended sparring match for rap supremacy? It was weeks, months and years in the making, with a sudden, breakneck escalation into hip-hop infamy. Here’s a breakdown.

Since late March, the much-anticipated head-to-head seemed inevitable. Following years of “will they or won’t they?” lyrical feints, Lamar hit directly on record first this year during a surprise appearance on the song “Like That” by the Atlanta rapper Future and the producer Metro Boomin, both formerly frequent Drake collaborators.

With audible disgust, Lamar invoked the track “First Person Shooter” from last year’s Drake album, “For All the Dogs,” in which a guest verse from J. Cole referred to himself, Drake and Lamar as “the big three” of modern MCs.

Lamar took exception to the grouping, declaring that there was no big three, “just big me.” He also called himself the Prince to Drake’s Michael Jackson — a deeper, more complex artist versus a troubled, pop-oriented hitmaker.

“Like That” spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as Future and Metro Boomin released two chart-topping albums — “We Don’t Trust You” and “We Still Don’t Trust You” — that were anchored by a parade of Drake’s past associates, each of whom seemed to share a simmering distaste toward the rapper, who later called the ambush a “20 v. 1” fight.

In early April, J. Cole fought back momentarily , releasing the song “7 Minute Drill,” in which he called Lamar overrated, before backtracking, apologizing and having the song removed from streaming services. But Drake soon picked up the baton, releasing a wide-ranging diss track called “Push Ups” less than a week later that addressed the field, with a special focus on Lamar’s height, shoe size and supposedly disadvantageous business dealings.

Less than a week later, Drake mocked Lamar’s lack of a response on “Taylor Made Freestyle,” a track released only on social media. It featured Drake taunting Lamar for being scared to release music at the same time as Taylor Swift and using A.I. voice filters to mimic Tupac and Snoop Dogg imploring Lamar to battle for the good of the West Coast.

“Since ‘Like That,’ your tone changed a little, you not as enthused,” Drake rapped in an abbreviated third verse, as himself. “How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed.” (“Taylor Made Freestyle” was later removed from the internet at the request of the Tupac Estate.)

But it was a seemingly tossed-off line from the earlier “Push Ups” that included the name of Lamar’s longtime romantic partner — “I be with some bodyguards like Whitney” — that Lamar would later allude to as a red line crossed, making all subject matter fair game in the songs to come. (It was this same alleged faux pas that may have triggered an intensification of Drake’s beef with Pusha T in 2018.)

How We Got Here

Even with Drake-dissing cameos from Future, Ye (formerly Kanye West), Rick Ross, the Weeknd and ASAP Rocky, the main event was always going to be between Drake, 37, and Lamar, 36, who have spent more than a decade subtly antagonizing one another in songs while maintaining an icy frenemy rapport in public.

In 2011, when Drake introduced Lamar to mainstream audiences with a dedicated showcase on his second album, “Take Care,” and an opening slot on the subsequent arena tour, the tone was one of side-eying competition. “He said that he was the same age as myself/and it didn’t help ’cause it made me even more rude and impatient,” Lamar rapped on “Buried Alive Interlude” of his earliest encounter with a more-famous Drake. (On his Instagram on Friday, Drake released a parody of the track, citing Lamar’s jealousy since then.)

The pair went on to appear together on “Poetic Justice,” a single from Lamar’s debut album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” in 2012, as well as “___ Problems” by ASAP Rocky the same year.

But their collaborations ceased as Drake became his generation’s premier hitmaker across styles in hip-hop and beyond, while Lamar burrowed deeper into his own psyche on knotty concept albums that brought wide critical acclaim alongside less constant commercial success.

When asked, the two rappers tended to profess admiration for one another’s skill, but seemed to trade subtle digs in verses over the years, always with plausible deniability and in the spirit of competition, leading to something of a hip-hop cold war.

The Week It Went Nuclear

Lamar’s first targeted response, “Euphoria,” was more than six minutes long and released last Tuesday morning. In three sections that raised the temperature as they built, he warned Drake about proceeding and insisted, somewhat facetiously, that things were still friendly. “Know you a master manipulator and habitual liar too,” Lamar rapped. “But don’t tell no lie about me and I won’t tell truths ’bout you.”

He accused the biracial Drake, who was born and raised in Toronto, of imitating Black American heritage and insulting him subliminally. “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress,” Lamar said. “I hate the way that you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct.” And he called Drake’s standing as a father into question: “Teachin’ him morals, integrity, discipline/listen, man, you don’t know nothin’ ’bout that.”

Days later, Lamar doubled down with an Instagram-only track called “6:16 in LA,” borrowing both Drake’s “Back to Back” diss tactic from his 2015 beef with Meek Mill and a song title structure lifted from what is known as Drake’s time-stamp series of raps. Opting for psychological warfare on a beat produced in part by Jack Antonoff, Swift’s chief collaborator, Lamar hinted that he had a mole in Drake’s operation and was aware of his opponent’s opposition research.

“Fake bully, I hate bullies, you must be a terrible person,” he rapped. “Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it.”

That night, Drake’s “Family Matters” started with its own justification for getting personal — “You mentioned my seed, now deal with his dad/I gotta go bad, I gotta go bad” — before taking on Lamar’s fatherhood and standing as a man in excruciating detail. “They hired a crisis management team to clean up the fact that you beat on your queen,” Drake rapped. “The picture you painted ain’t what it seem/you’re dead.”

Yet in a chess move that seemed to anticipate Drake’s familial line of attack, Lamar’s “Meet the Grahams” was released almost immediately. “This supposed to be a good exhibition within the game,” Lamar said, noting that Drake had erred “the moment you called out my family’s name.” Instead of a rap battle, Lamar concluded after another six minutes of psychological dissection, “this a long life battle with yourself.”

He wasn’t done yet. Dispensing with subtlety, Lamar followed up again less than 24 hours later with “Not Like Us,” a bouncy club record in a Los Angeles style that delighted in more traditional rap beef territory, like juvenile insults, proudly unsubstantiated claims of sexual preferences and threats of violence.

Lamar, however, didn’t leave it at that, throwing one more shot at Drake’s authenticity as a rapper, calling him a greedy and artificial user as a collaborator — “not a colleague,” but a “colonizer.”

On Sunday evening, Drake responded yet again. On “The Heart Part 6,” a title taken from Lamar’s career-spanning series, Drake denied the accusation that he preyed on young women, indicated that he had planted the bad information about his fake daughter and seemed to sigh away the fight as “some good exercise.”

“It’s good to get out, get the pen working,” Drake said in an exhausted outro. “You would be a worthy competitor if I was really a predator.” He added, “You know, at least your fans are getting some raps out of you. I’m happy I could motivate you.”

Joe Coscarelli is a culture reporter with a focus on popular music, and the author of “Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story.” More about Joe Coscarelli

Explore the World of Hip-Hop

The long-building and increasingly testy rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake  has exploded into full-bore acrimony .

As their influence and success continue to grow, artists including Sexyy Red and Cardi B are destigmatizing motherhood for hip-hop performers .

ValTown, an account on X and other social media platforms, spotlights gangs and drug kingpins of the 1980s and 1990s , illustrating how they have driven the aesthetics and the narratives of hip-hop.

Three new books cataloging objects central to rap’s physical history  demonstrate the importance of celebrating these relics before they vanish.

Hip-hop got its start in a Bronx apartment building 50 years ago. Here’s how the concept of home has been at the center of the genre ever since .

Over five decades, hip-hop has grown from a new art form to a culture-defining superpower . In their own words, 50 influential voices chronicle its evolution .

Things you buy through our links may earn  Vox Media  a commission.

A Complete Track-by-Track Timeline of Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Feud

As you may have heard, Drake and Kendrick Lamar are in the throes of an intense (and seemingly never-ending) rap battle . Though the two artists have long been at odds , this latest chapter ignited in March with the release of “Like That,” which quickly kicked off an incendiary back-and-forth that can be difficult to keep up with. Here, we break down the play-by-play of this beef by track — the most recent of which is Drake’s “ The Heart Part 6 .”

“Like That,” by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar (March 22, 2024)

The powder keg that set off this particular chapter of the Drake–versus–Kendrick Lamar beef was the song “Like That,” from Future, Metro Boomin, and Lamar. On it, Lamar dismisses the notion that he’s in a “Big Three” with Drake and J. Cole, rapping, “It’s just big me.” He also compares himself and Drake to Prince and Michael Jackson, respectively, rapping, “Prince outlived Mike Jack.”

“Push Ups,” by Drake (April 13, 2024)

After several weeks, Drake fired back by mysteriously leaking “Push Ups,” which featured the lyrics, “You ain’t in no Big Three, SZA got you wiped down, Travis got you wiped down, Savage got you wiped down / Like your label, boy, you in a scope right now / And you gon’ feel the aftermath of what I write down / I’m at the top of the mountain, so you tight now / Just to have this talk with yo’ ass, I had to hike down / Big difference between Mike then and Mike now.” Drake also went after Lamar’s work on pop songs from the likes of Maroon 5 and Taylor Swift, as well as throwing a stray dig at Rick Ross with the lyric “I might take your latest girl and cuff her like I’m Ricky / Can’t believe he jumpin’ in, this nigga turnin’ 50 / Every song that made it on the chart, he got from Drizzy.” Ross fired back just hours later with a diss track of his own accusing Drake of getting plastic surgery — but let’s try to stay on topic here.

“Taylor Made Freestyle,” by Drake (April 19, 2024)

While waiting on Lamar’s response to “Push Ups,” Drake also put out the since-deleted track “Taylor Made Freestyle,” on which he used the AI-generated voices of Lamar’s idols Tupac and Snoop Dogg to go after him — earning a cease and desist from Shakur’s estate. After those A.I. verses, Drake came in with his own voice to accuse the rapper of not responding to his original diss because he didn’t want to interfere with the release of Taylor Swift’s  The Tortured Poets Department . “Now we gotta wait a fucking week cause Taylor Swift is your new top, and if you boutta drop, she gotta approve,” he rapped. Swift has of course not responded — having famously always wished to be excluded from the narrative when it comes to being name-checked in rap songs. While the song has since been taken down, Snoop Dogg’s reaction is thankfully still up.

“6:16 in LA,” by Kendrick Lamar (May 3, 2024)

Making fun of Drake’s penchant for using times and locations in his song titles, “6:16 in LA” arrived just days after “Euphoria,” delivering on that track’s promise to go “ back to back .” It was notably produced by Jack Antonoff, which feels like an acknowledgement of Drake’s repeated Taylor Swift references. In the song, he claims to have operatives inside Drake’s label, rapping, “Have you ever thought that OVO was working for me? / Fake bully, I hate bullies / You must be a terrible person / Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it.”

“Family Matters,” by Drake (May 3, 2024)

Drake responded with the nearly eight-minute track “ Family Matters ,” which suggested that Lamar’s child was actually fathered by his manager, Dave Free. He also honed in on Lamar’s relationship with his fiancée, Whitney Alford, alleging infidelity and abuse with lyrics like “You the Black messiah wifing up a mixed queen / And hit vanilla cream to help out with your self-esteem / On some Bobby shit, I wanna know what Whitney need,” and “When you put your hands on your girl, is it self-defense ’cause she’s bigger than you?”

“Meet the Grahams,” by Kendrick Lamar (May 4, 2024)

Lamar didn’t give us much time to sit with Drake’s last diss, putting out “Meet the Grahams” just hours later — which continued the theme of going after each other’s families right from the top by telling Drake’s son, Adonis, he’s sorry Drake is his father. Speaking of children, the track also alleges that Drake has a secret daughter, a claim Drake responded to via Instagram Story, writing, “Nahhhh hold on can someone find my hidden daughter pls and send her to me … these guys are in shambles 🤣🤣🤣.” Lamar also circled back to his cosmetic-procedure digs, rapping, “Get some discipline, don’t cut them corners like your daddy did / Fuck what Ozempic did / Don’t pay to play with them Brazilians, get a gym membership.”

“Not Like Us,” by Kendrick Lamar (May 4, 2024)

Not even 24 hours after releasing “Meet the Grahams,” Lamar had more to say with the brutal “Not Like Us.” In it, he makes explosive accusations against Drake with lyrics like “Certified Lover Boy, certified pedophiles,” “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young / You better not ever go to cell block one,” and “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-minor.” He also circles back to Drake’s use of AI to re-create Tupac’s voice on “Taylor Made Freestyle,” rapping, “You think the Bay gon’ let you disrespect Pac, nigga? I think that Oakland show gon’ be your last stop, nigga.”

“The Heart Part 6,” by Drake (May 5, 2024)

Drake has responded to Kendrick’s response to his own response to Drake’s response to … there’s another one. “The Heart Part 6” is a play on Lamar’s “The Heart” series, which runs throughout his albums. The last “Heart” song came on Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers and had a music video that featured AI deepfakes of OJ Simpson, Kanye West, Jussie Smollett, Will Smith, Kobe Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle. So AI is going to be a leitmotif of this feud, apparently. In “The Heart Part 6,” Drake alleges that the hidden-daughter rumor was started by his own team in a sort of false-flag operation. “You gotta learn to fact check things and be less impatient,” he raps.

• hard paywall
• where's the beef?
• kendrick lamar

Most Viewed Stories

• Netherlands’s Joost Klein Disqualified From Eurovision Finals
• Nava Mau Brought the ‘Teri Fire’ to Baby Reindeer
• The 10 Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Weekend
• Cinematrix No. 55: May 10, 2024
• Metro Boomin Couldn’t Have Made ‘BBL Drizzy’ Without This Comedian
• Everything The Iron Claw Leaves Out About the Von Erich ‘Curse’

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

• Lower case letters (a-z)
• Upper case letters (A-Z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.

• Entertainment

A Recent Timeline of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Beef

T he long-simmering beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has exploded in recent days as the rappers repeatedly lobbed insults and allegations about one another’s families and personal lives in a series of escalating diss tracks that has also invoked other hip-hop greats, including Metro Boomin and DJ Mustard.

The feud, in which each rapper has made numerous unverified allegations, prompted Drake to respond in a song on Sunday that he’s “disgusted” by Lamar’s claims about him, including that he has a secret child and engages in sex with underage girls, which he denies.

In “The Heart Part 6”—a title that references Lamar’s “The Heart” song series—Drake said he would have “been arrested” were there any truth to the allegations about him having inappropriate relationships with underage girls. The 37-year-old Canadian rapper, who has a 6-year-old son, also suggested that he leaked false information about having a daughter to Lamar, singing: “We plotted for a week and then we fed you the information/ A daughter that’s eleven years old, I bet he takes it.”

The fight between the two men reached its climax (at least, to date) over the weekend, resulting in the release of multiple songs by and featuring the two artists. While their tense relationship dates back years, the origins of this most recent dispute can be traced to Drake’s song “First Person Shooter,” which was released as part of his album, For All the Dogs, last October. During that track, featured guest J. Cole called himself, Drake, and Lamar the “big three.” When Lamar was featured on Future’s “Like That” on March 22, he ripped into Cole and Drake for suggesting they are on the same level.

Read More: Why Drake Had to Take Down His Song That Featured AI-Tupac Vocals

The ensuing drama has brought forward serious, unverified claims, and shows no signs of slowing down. It is the latest chapter in a long tradition of rap feuds that has seen rivalries between the likes of Jay-Z and Nas and Tupac and Biggie. 

Here’s a recent timeline of the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. 

The backstory and "First Person Shooter”

Both rappers achieved mainstream fame at around the same time in the early 2010s. They’ve worked together in the past; on Drake’s 2011 album, Take Care , Lamar is featured on an interlude, and Lamar had Drake on his second studio album, 2012’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City , on the song “Poetic Justice.” 

The first sign of trouble seems to have cropped up around 2013, when Lamar appeared on Big Sean’s “Control.” Lamar called out Drake and several other rappers on the song, but Drake didn’t engage at first, suggesting in interviews at the time that he was not going to take the bait.

Instead, Drake's beef with Meek Mill in 2015 consumed much of his time, and later, in 2018, he got into it with Pusha T, who revealed that Drake was hiding a secret baby in the song “The Story of Adidon”—which Drake later admitted was true.

It wasn’t until “First Person Shooter” came out last year that Drake reopened the conflict with Lamar, intentionally or not, after Cole referred to himself, Drake, and Lamar as the “Big Three.” 

Kendrick’s featured verse on “Like That” 

Lamar, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his album DAMN. , took offense to the idea that he and Drake are on the same skill level. The standout line in Future’s song “Like That,” which is produced by Metro Boomin, is, “Motherf-ck the big three, it’s just big me.” 

He also refers to Drake’s most recent album, For All The Dogs , rapping, “‘Fore all your dogs gettin' buried/ That's a K with all these nines, he gon' see Pet Sematary .”

J. Cole enters the beef with “7-Minute Drill,” but quickly bows out

Shortly after “Like That” came out, Cole released a surprise album called Might Delete Later, and one of the songs, “7 Minute Drill,” includes a diss directed at Lamar. 

In it, he raps, “Your first sh-t was classic, your last sh-t was tragic/ Your second sh-t put n----s to sleep, but they gassed it/ Your third sh-t was massive, and that was your prime,” a line that many listeners took issue with because Cole suggests that To Pimp a Butterfly (an album widely regarded as Lamar’s best) was boring. He says in the song that people don’t care about Lamar, rapping, “He averagin’ one hard verse like every thirty months or somethin’/ If he wasn’t dissin’, then we wouldn’t be discussin’ him.”

However, Cole then decided to distance himself from the beef. He later said that the song “didn’t sit right with his spirit” and removed it from streaming services on April 12, saying his actions are some of the “lamest, goofiest sh-t” he’s participated in.

Drake tells Lamar he needs to do some “Push Ups”

Rap fans waited with bated breath for Drake’s response, and he returned to the beef with not one song, but two, “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” released on April 19. The Toronto rapper attempts to put Lamar in his place, calling him a “pipsqueak” and rapping, “How the f-ck you big steppin’ with a size-seven men’s on?” Drake also attempts to make fun of Lamar for doing features on pop songs. “Maroon 5 need a verse, you better make it witty/ Then we need a verse for the Swifties," he raps on “Push Ups,” referring to the 2015 remix of Swift’s “Bad Blood” and “Don’t Wanna Know” with Maroon 5 the following year. 

But Lamar isn’t the only person called out on this record. Drake also dissed Future, The Weeknd, Rick Ross, NBA player Ja Morant, Metro Boomin, and Cole on the song.

“Taylor Made Freestyle,” AI Tupac and Snoop Dogg

Following “Push Ups,” Drake briefly released “Taylor Made Freestyle,” sharing the song in a now-deleted Instagram post on April 19 with the caption: “While we wait on you, I guess.” In the song, Drake alleged Lamar did not release a response to his diss track because Taylor Swift had just put out her latest album The Tortured Poets Department . “Now we gotta wait a f-cking week 'cause Taylor Swift is your new top, and if you boutta drop, she gotta approve,” rapped Drake.

Read More: How AI is Wreaking Havoc on the Fanbases of Taylor Swift, Drake, and Other Pop Stars

But the track was short-lived after Drake was served a cease-and-desist letter from Tupac Shakur’s estate for using AI-generated vocals from the rap legend, who died in 1996. Drake was then forced to remove “Taylor Made Freestyle” from all public platforms. The estate said they would have never approved of using Shakur’s voice for the track. 

The song also featured AI vocals from Snoop Dogg, who joked about it on Instagram.

“6:16 in LA” and the multiple meanings behind the title

Lamar dropped a second song in the same week he released “Euphoria,” with multiple possible meanings behind the cryptic title. He released “6:16 in LA” as an Instagram Reel on his page on Friday. The cover art for the song features a single black glove, seemingly a nod to the O.J. Simpson trial —which began on June 16, 1995. Tupac’s birthday is also on June 16, as is Father’s Day this year. It's also the day the television show Euphoria dropped its first episode. There is also a Bible verse, Corinthians 6:16, that could be read as a dig at Drake’s alleged taste in women: “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’”

One of the most surprising aspects about the song was the inclusion of Jack Antonoff’s name on the producer credits. The Bleachers frontman is known for working closely with Taylor Swift and hasn’t previously been publicly involved in this rap feud. Lamar digs further into Drake to suggest that the Toronto rapper might have moles on his team, feeding him information.

“Family Matters”

Drake responded to Lamar by questioning the true father of Lamar’s child with fiancé Whitney Alford, and possibly alleging that Lamar is unfaithful and physically abusive in his current relationship in “Family Matters.” “You the Black messiah wifin' up a mixed queen. And hit vanilla cream to help out with your self-esteem,” Drake raps on the track released on May 3. (Lamar has not directly addressed these claims, although he did say in his response track “Meet the Grahams,” “This supposed to be a good exhibition within the game/ But you fucked up the moment you called out my family's name/ Why you had to stoop so low to discredit some decent people?”) 

Later in that verse, Drake specifically names Dave Free, a record executive who works as Lamar’s manager, saying, “I heard that one of 'em little kids might be Dave Free.” Drake also called Lamar and his body of work, which often addresses racism, inauthentic, saying, “Always rappin’ like you ‘bout to get the slaves freed/ You justin actin’ like an activist, it’s make-believe.” 

The music video shows the destruction of a van used in the 2012 album cover of Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City . As of Monday morning, the track is #1 on “trending for music ” on YouTube.

“Meet the Grahams”

Less than an hour after Drake released “Family Matters,” Lamar put out “Meet the Grahams.” The track is arguably the most aggressive of songs released in the past few months, and starts with Lamar apologizing to Drake’s son for having him as a father. Lamar then goes on to claim without evidence that Drake takes Ozempic, and used photos of medication with Drake’s legal name, Audrey Drake Graham, on it, as the cover art for the song. (The images have not been verified as legitimate.) He alludes to gossip that Drake has had a Brazilian butt lift (a rumor—which Drake has not directly responded to—that prompted Rick Ross to coin the nickname “BBL Drizzy”), and even mentions the way that Drake hid his son from the public eye. “Don't be ashamed 'bout who you wit', that's how he treat your moms. Don't have a kid to hide, a kid to hide again,” Lamar raps.

In the second verse, Lamar makes severe implications about Drake by comparing him to Hollywood sex offender Harvey Weinstein, saying, “Him and Weinstein should get fucked up in a cell for the rest they life.” (Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction was recently overturned in New York, which has opened a new chapter in his case.)

Lamar dedicates the third verse to Drake’s daughter, claiming that Drake is “not active” in her life and calling him a “narcissist, misogynist.” Drake denied claims he has a daughter on his Instagram story on Saturday. 

“Not Like Us”

Lamar doubled down on his allegations against Drake, releasing another four-and-a-half-minute track not even a full 24 hours later on Saturday evening. The cover art is allegedly a photo of Drake’s mansion in Toronto with red markers that seem similar to the ones used to mark homes where sex offenders reside. “Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young,” Lamar rapped. 

He also says that Drake is not a “colleague” but a “colonizer.”

Lamar also called out Drake for using Tupac’s AI voice: “You think the Bay gon' let you disrespect Pac, n---a? I think that Oakland show gon' be your last stop.”

Metro Boomin’s “BBL Drizzy” 

Metro Boomin—one of the producers on “Like That”—put his foot in the game when he shared a post on X about a “BBL Drizzy Beat Giveaway” on May 5. The rapper encouraged fans to rap over the beat, which looks to be a sample of a parody song written by comedian and AI storyteller King Willonious, according to Complex . 

Drake mentioned Metro Boomin by his legal name in “Family Matters,” calling him “lame” and also alleging that he influenced disagreements between Drake and Future. 

Drake commented on an Instagram post sharing one of Metro Boomin’s tweets about him writing , “you just cheffed a beat about my a-s?”

“The Heart Part 6”

The most recent response to the beef came on Sunday night, when Drake released “The Heart Part 6.” In a post to X , he wrote, “And we know you’re dropping [six] minutes after, so instead of posting my address, you have a lot to address.” He denies the allegations that Lamar lobbed at him, saying he purposefully fed Lamar fake information to see if he’d fall for it and tells him that he should get better at fact-checking. Drake called this beef a “good exercise” and laughed it off, suggesting that Lamar would be a “worthy competitor if [he] was really a predator.”

Drake also directly mentioned Stranger Things actor Millie Bobby Brown, saying that he “Only fuckin' with Whitneys, not Millie Bobby Browns, I'd never look twice at no teenager.” This marks at least the second time Drake has responded to online criticism about his friendship with the actress, whom he first met when she was a young teen . Drake previously addressed comments about her in his song “Another Late Night.”

The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef seems to have no end in sight as the two continue to trade disses with ever-increasing severity in the allegations made towards each other.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• What Student Photojournalists Saw at the Campus Protests
• How Far Trump Would Go
• Why Maternity Care Is Underpaid
• Saving Seconds Is Better Than Hours
• Welcome to the Golden Age of Ryan Gosling
• Scientists Are Finding Out Just How Toxic Your Stuff Is
• The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Write to Moises Mendez II at [email protected]

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

C. Brandon Ogbunu Lupe Fiasco

Technology Is Transforming Rap Beef

Like a soap opera, you skip an episode and lose track of the story. For the past month, two of the most successful hip-hop artists of recent times—Kendrick Lamar and Drake—have been embroiled in a back-and-forth rap beef that reached new levels over the weekend as Lamar released “ Meet the Grahams ” and “ Not Like Us ,” and Drake dropped “ The Heart Part 6 .”

The conflict might be the most newsworthy music event of the first half of 2024, as both MCs voiced strong opinions about each other on the diss tracks, leading to secondary discussions fueled by fan hives, trolls, think pieces, and social media threads. And while the early exchanges might have only slightly piqued some listeners’ interest, the stakes went up following the release of Kendrick’s “ Euphoria ” last Tuesday. At that point, the beef became something bigger, evolving (or devolving) from the standard stuff of rap and into stormier waters. This includes accusations and exchanges around serious topics: racial authenticity, domestic violence, illegitimate fatherhood, moral posturing, grooming, hypocrisy, colorism, and even colonialism.

The conflict is now mature enough to warrant some larger reflection. Specifically, an examination of what this beef tells us about the marriage between hip-hop, conflict, and online culture.

No advertising campaign can generate the anticipation that rap beef creates, sometimes out of thin air. Whether we are enjoying it or not, we all wait for the next iteration. Through Drake and Kendrick Lamar, we are reminded of just how quickly public squabbles can seize attention—and the many ways that the ecology of digital space in 2024 can shape how these conflicts happen.

For one, artists now control the timing and pace of the releases. Unlike years past, when popular DJs often folded diss songs into radio sets, artists today can curate the release of these tracks, going directly to listeners via platforms like YouTube , Instagram , and X .

Second, the war on truth in the age of misinformation now renders fact-checking irrelevant; whatever someone accuses another artist of in a song might be true or false. Whether we believe it is mostly about whether we want to believe it, whether the message aligns with our preexisting views. And while dodgy accusations have always been true in beef raps, the speed through which falsehoods can spread today makes it easier for absurd claims to take on a life of their own.

Finally, there is the specter of fake songs, generated by artificial intelligence . This makes us double-clutch before clicking a link, as we scramble to debate the authenticity of what we’re about to hear. Saying someone employed ghostwriters used to be the most damning accusation in hip-hop. Today there are many more ways to fabricate a song, and fewer ways to tell the difference between us and the robots. This specifically came to the fore in April when Drake released “Taylor Made Freestyle,” a track that seemingly used an AI -generated version of Tupac Shakur’s voice. (The rapper removed the song after Shakur’s estate sent a cease-and-desist.)

Battle rap, whether it takes the form of in-person face-offs or is done via diss tracks, has always been one of hip-hop’s flagship sports, defined by banter between artists, often—but not necessarily—derogatory in tone. It has roots in “ the dozens ” and related relics in African American culture that thrive on spontaneity, humor, and wit (often at others’ expense). So while “battling” can be strictly done for the sake of competition, “beef” requires some degree of personal animus between the parties. What’s happening in 2024, as artists like Drake and Lamar trade bar(b)s via IG posts and YouTube clips, and their fans debate the merits on social media, marks a new era of rap beef.

Even this summary has some recency bias: Competitive poetry existed in parts of the world centuries before hip-hop did. Yet, there is something special about how conflict happens in hip-hop: Beef has driven some of the most popular songs ever made, and has been linked to real-world violence. It’s an issue that hip-hop reflects on for small windows (often following the loss of a popular figure, like after the deaths of Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. in the mid-'90s), after which it returns to business as usual: Rappers A and B exchange taunts, maybe several times. Sometimes a winner is declared. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. Sometimes there is violence; sometimes there is formal peacemaking, like when Jay-Z and Nas ended their beef onstage during a show in 2005. Often, there is widespread attention: rinse, rap, repeat. In the digital world, the cycle moves at the speed of a click.

Dennis Mersereau

Steven Levy

Morgan Meaker

Very early on, hip-hop communities (like many subcultures) found a home on the internet. At first, message boards served as a place for discussion, and shortly thereafter, rap battles: lines exchanged message by message. No physical stage. No hand gestures. Punchlines only traded bit by bit.

YouTube and streaming created the possibility for something different: the propagation of live battles featuring artists skilled at in-person battling. So popular was battling on YouTube that successful rap battle leagues emerged, turning participants into influencers that accumulate large followings.

Woven throughout is the rise of algorithms and social media, which provide not only an ecosystem for viral videos and songs, but also automatic (and unconscious) instruments to curate media for certain audiences.

The hip-hop movement that can be most directly traced to digital space is the rise of “drill rap,” a form born in Chicago during the 2000s. Its catchy minimalist beats and lyrics make it easier to adopt across regions, local dialects, and lifestyles. It has spread nationally, and spawned the careers of dozens of successful artists. Unfortunately, the story of drill is not the innocent tale of another unique subgenre of hip-hop. Its lyrics feature lamentable celebrations of youth violence, and its songs and videos can include taunting and direct mentions of specific murders.

Public conversations around drill have intersected with debates around policing, gun control, and the contagiousness of high-risk behavior in a digital world. As the genre’s popularity grew, a blame game ensued: Mayors declared war on drill, and appointed special units to investigate local acts; award-winning scholars chimed in, joining a chorus of activists who argue that algorithms should share some of the blame.

Whatever one's take, we can agree that the scenes are chilling: A teenager is gunned down on a Monday. By Thursday, the alleged assailants (often members of a group in conflict with the victim) are boasting about their death on a drill song posted on YouTube. By the following Tuesday, affluent teenagers in Beverly Hills are TikTok-dancing to the track. Rinse, rap, repeat. And in this case, another homicide.

What makes drill so unique is in where rapping stands in the structure: Drill can use rap as little more than a messaging canvas for a street conflict. This is unlike the Kendrick-Drake beef. While the conflict may have taken a dark and personal turn, violent threats haven’t (yet) made their way into the barbs. Given the visibility (and maybe ubiquity) of violence in hip-hop conflicts, we should be grateful to the artists for this. And in general, the Kendrick-Drake beef has the ingredients of a classic rap beef: two talented artists, who care about the craft, trying to settle a score over a beat. Yet, it feels so different.

Fans of hip-hop history know the stories of old: That Boogie Down Productions’ “The Bridge Is Over” (1987) was so impactful that, in its aftermath, artists from Queens allegedly had a hard time getting signed. We’ve heard tales of Big Daddy Kane hunting Rakim around New York City in the late 1980s, looking to battle and end the debate around who was the better lyricist. Most of us know the legendary story of a twentysomething Jay-Z battling DMX in the Bronx. The audiences were small, but the stakes were never higher. In those days, many thought hip-hop was just another fad. The artists were battling for their own ego, but also to grow the art form.

In 2024, we find ourselves at an inflection point. Hip-hop is now as mainstream a form of music as any. Today, narratives live and die on digital timelines, and not in project hallways. The stages are no longer sweatbox nightclubs occupied by dozens (like the ones depicted in 2002’s 8 Mile ), but rather online spaces with an audience in the billions. The veracity of claims matters less. And more than ever, the size of the narrative is more important than the quality of the product. “Winning” and “losing” mean everything and nothing, depending on what we care about (e.g., even if Drake is “losing” this beef, it will likely cost him little). This all makes conflict so much more intriguing, and drives a distinct flavor of techno-rap beef—one neither better nor worse than the past, just different.

The manner that technology has already changed rap beef begs the question of where it will go next. One day , the taboo around AI in hip-hop will disappear, and entire battles will be orchestrated by LLM-rappers trained on the raps of individual artists. Quants will develop metrics for who the winners are. If we are offended by a lyric about a member of our family, we’ll blame the machines. It may sound like the stuff of science-fiction, but the gap between this future reality and 2024 might be smaller (in time and manner) than the gap between Canibus vs. LL Cool J (1998) and Kendrick vs. Drake.

The state of things highlights another example of the late MF DOOM’s clairvoyance. The sarcastic lyrics on “Beef Rapp” (the lead song from the acclaimed 2004 album Mm..Food ) were not only about the past, but also about a present and future of hip-hop where conflict has life-and-death consequences. Early in the song, DOOM scolds our addiction to rap bloodlust, using beef consumption as a metaphor: “I suggest you change your diet; [beef] can lead to high blood pressure if you fry it.”

The world might agree. Soon, rap beef will cease to exist as we once learned to love it. And that may not be a bad thing.

You Might Also Like …

In your inbox: Will Knight's Fast Forward explores advances in AI

He emptied a crypto exchange onto a thumb drive —then disappeared

The real-time deepfake romance scams have arrived

Boomergasms are booming

Heading outdoors? Here are the best sleeping bags for every adventure

Geek's Guide to the Galaxy

David Gilbert

Jason Parham

Sofia Barnett

Reece Rogers

Jennifer M. Wood

A timeline of Drake and Kendrick Lamar's long running beef

From allegations of pedophilia and domestic violence, here is the background of the rappers' icy relations, by gabriella ferrigine.

The steadily festering tensions between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, two of the biggest names in rap, culminated explosively over the weekend with a series of scathing diss tracks released from both sides. The songs, released in quick succession, were riddled with allegations of pedophilia, domestic abuse, body modifications, parentage and more.

Though the artists' longstanding beef stretches back for more than a decade, it's been largely characterized by indirect subtleties in songs, coupled with generally unfriendly public-facing rapport. 

Drake and Lamar's feuding could be said to have emanated in part from their contrasting career trajectories: Drake has enjoyed considerable commercial success, churning out chart-topping hits since breaking onto the scene with his first album, "Thank Me Later," produced in partnership with Young Money Entertainment. In contrast, Lamar, while not as much of a hitmaker, has produced conceptually profound lyrics about the idiosyncracies of the Black experience that speak to family, love, religion, socioeconomic, growing up in Compton, California and more. Lamar made history in April 2018 when he became the first hip-hop artist to receive the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album, "Damn."

Drake featured Lamar as a guest artist on his second album —"Take Care" (2011) — before inviting him and rapper A$AP Rocky to be the opening acts on his "Club Paraside Tour," which kicked off in February 2012. The two rappers collaborated in October 2012 for "Poetic Justice," a track nodding to the 1993 film of the same name starring Janet Jackson , from Lamar's album, "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City." That same year, they were featured on A$AP Rocky's hit song, "F**king Problems." And yet, despite having a seemingly amicable origin story, things ostensibly soured between the rappers once Drake saw meteoric fame. 

Here's the breakdown of the embittered relations between the frenemies turned outright adversaries:

August 2013: Lamar hits out at Drake and others on Big Sean's "Control"

The earliest seeds of the feud are planted when Lamar steps in as a guest on rapper Big Sean's song, "Control," calling out Drake and other industry names while simultaneously referring to himself as the "King of New York" and the "King of the Coast."

“I got love for you all but I’m trying to murder you n****/ Trying to make sure your core fans never heard of you n****/ They don’t want to hear not one more noun or verb from you n**** ," he raps.

Speaking to Billboard later that month, Drake made light of the jab as an "ambitious thought."

"That’s all it was," he said. "I know good and well that [Lamar]’s not murdering me, at all, in any platform."

September 22, 2013: Drake placates beef rumors

During a live interview in New York with RapRadar, Drake acknowledged that while Lamar's lyrics were undoubtedly a "moment to talk about," the duo had a friendly interaction at the MTV VMAs not long after, according to TODAY.

“I saw him five days later at the VMAs, and it was all love,” Drake said.

October 2013: Lamar takes aim at Drake during his BET Hip-Hop awards cypher

Lamar's insult would come on the heels of Drake's September 2013 album, "Nothing Was the Same."

At the BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher, a gathering of rap artists exchanging lyrics competitively, Lamar refuted Drake's previous assertions of friendships.

“Nothing’s been the same since they dropped ‘Control’/ And tucked a sensitive rapper back in his pajama clothes/ Ha ha joke’s on you, high-five . . . I’m bulletproof/ Your shots never penetrate/ Pin the tail on the donkey, boy you been a fake," Lamar rapped.

December 19, 2013: Drake says he feels like he is being "baited"

Speaking to "Vibe," Drake candidly shared his thoughts on feeling as goaded by Lamar on "Control."

“Where it became an issue is that I was rolling out an album while that verse was still bubbling, so my album rollout became about this thing. What am I supposed to say? Nah, we’ll be buddy-buddy?" Drake asked.

"Mind you, I never once said he’s a bad guy (or) I don’t like him. I think he’s a f**king genius in his own right, but I also stood my ground as I should."

"And with that came another step, which then I have to realize I’m being baited and I’m not gonna fall," he added. "[Michael] Jordan doesn’t have to play pickup to prove that he could play ball, no offense. But I’m not gonna give you the chance to shake me necessarily, ’cause I feel great. There’s no real issue."

March 26, 2024: Lamar claps back on Future and Metro Boomin's track, "Like That"

The lyrical blows can most recently be traced back to late March, when Lamar contributed to "Like That," a song off Atlanta rapper Future and producer Metro Boomin's studio album "We Don't Trust You." Lamar on the track referred to Drake's 2023 album, "For All the Dogs," in which rapper J. Cole cited himself, Drake, and Lamar as "the big three" of contemporary rap artists.

"Motherf**k the big three, n****, it's just big me," Lamar rapped. A few bars later he noted how, "Prince outlived Mike Jack'," seemingly placing himself and Drake in the same roles as those artists.

J. Cole in early April went on to release "7 Minute Drill," a bonafide Lamar diss track, in response; however, he ultimately reneged and expressed regret, referring to the decision to air the song as the “lamest s**t I did in my f***in’ life,” per Variety. The song was also scrubbed from streaming services.

April 19, 2024: Drake releases diss tracks, "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle" in response

Shortly thereafter, Drake dropped "Push Ups," which explicitly criticized Lamar's height, referring to him as a "pipsqueak." 

“How the f**k you big steppin’ with a size-seven men’s on?” he raps in the song, referring to the title of Lamar’s 2022 studio album “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers.”

The track also cited a woman named "Whitney," a likely reference to Lamar's long-time partner, Whitney Alford, whom Drake would mention in later disses. 

In "Taylor Made Freestyle," which only debuted on social media, Drake implemented AI vocals from the late rapper, Tupac Shakur, and Snoop Dogg. 

“Since ‘Like That,’ your tone changed a little, you not as enthused,” Drake sang. “How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed.”

“Kendrick we need ya, the West Coast savior / Engraving your name in some hip-hop history,” raps the artificially generated voice of Shakur. “Call him a b***h for me / Talk about him liking young girls as a gift for me.”

Shakur's estate subsequently threatened legal action. “The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality,” litigator Howard King, who represents Shakur's estate, wrote in a statement provided to Billboard. “Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use.”

April 30, 2024: Lamar releases "Euphoria"

In his first decisive response titled to mirror Drake's involvement with the hit Max series of the same name, Lamar on a six-minute diss track leaned into especially personal attacks. “Know you a master manipulator and habitual liar too,” he rapped. “But don’t tell no lie about me and I won’t tell truths ’bout you.”

“I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress,” Lamar added. “I hate the way that you sneak diss. If I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct.” And he called Drake’s standing as a father into question: “Teachin’ him morals, integrity, discipline/listen, man, you don’t know nothin’ ’bout that.”

Lamar went on to highlight the Toronto-born rapper's biracial identity, asking him "How many more Black features til' you finally feel you're Black enough?"

May 3, 2024: Lamar doubles down with "6:16 in LA"

Released exclusively to his Instagram page,  Lamar in "6:16 in LA" jested at Drake's tendency to title his tracks after times and places. 

"Have you ever thought that OVO was working for me?" Lamar asked, referencing Drake's independently owned music label while also implying that he had covertly infiltrated Drake's team.

"Fake bully, I hate bullies/ You must be a terrible person/ Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it," he raps as he continues to imply that key insiders at OVO are Team Lamar."

May 3, 2024: Drake retorts with "Family Matters"

Drake in a nearly eight-minute diss track — which dropped with an accompanying music video — levels unsubstantiated, incriminating allegations at Lamar, accusing him of domestic abuse and infidelity in his relationship with Alford.

“You the Black messiah wifing up a mixed queen/ And hit vanilla cream to help out with your self-esteem/ On some Bobby s**t, I wanna know what Whitney need,” Drake rhymes.

In a later jab that mixes the claims with a cutting gibe at Lamar's height yet again, he asks, “When you put your hands on your girl, is it self-defense ’cause she’s bigger than you?”

May 4, 2024: Lamar quickly drops "Meet the Grahams"

Lamar wasted no time in returning the sentiment, rolling out "Meet the Grahams" less than an hour after "Family Matters" went live. 

In this particular song, Lamar took aim at Drake's paternity, claiming that he has a secret daughter that the public doesn't know about while also invoking Drake's previous denial of his son, Adonis Graham, whom he shares with French artist Sophie Brussaux. Drake had initially refuted his fatherhood, before backtracking. In his 2018 double album, "Scorpion," he claimed that he "wasn't hidin' my kid from the world / I was hidin' the world from my kid."

“You lied about your son, you lied about your daughter, huh, you lied about them other kids that’s out there hoping that you come,” Lamar seethed. 

The rapper also came for Drake's body image, probing rumors that he has dabbled in certain cosmetic body modifications. “Get some discipline, don’t cut them corners like your daddy did. / F**k what Ozempic did. Don’t pay to play with them Brazilians, get a gym membership,” Lamar raps. 

May 4, 2024: Lamar pushes the allegations further with "Not Like Us"

Lamar refused to hold back in littering his diss tracks with bold implications, critiquing unverified claims about Drake's penchant for young girls. 

 “Say, Drake, I hear you like ‘em young/ You better not ever go to cell block one,” he spits, before delivering a blistering reference to Drake's 2021 album, "Certified Lover Boy."

 “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles,” Lamar raps. 

Later in the track, he comes for Drake's legitimacy as a rapper, saying he's “not a colleague,” but a “colonizer.”

May 5, 2024: Drake volleys back with "The Heart Part 6"

Creating his own additions to Lamar's "The Heart" volumes 1-4, Drake in "The Heart Part 6" attempts to quash rumors of pedophilia and a hidden daughter. 

He begins by declaring that the "Pulitzer Prize winner is definitely spiralin'," before later rapping that "This Epstein angle was the s**t I expected."

"You know, at least your fans are gettin’ some raps out of you/ I’m happy I could motivate you/ Bring you back to the game," Drake said. "Just let me know when we’re gettin’ to the facts/ Everything in my s**t is facts/ I’m waitin’ on you to return the favor."

about this topic

• Top 10 rap albums of the decade
• Kendrick Lamar just won a Pulitzer: Here are the hip-hop artists who already should have
• Drake, it's time to give up the soft boy gimmick: Why the rapper's lover boy persona is a sham

Gabriella Ferrigine is a staff writer at Salon. Originally from the Jersey Shore, she moved to New York City in 2016 to attend Columbia University, where she received her B.A. in English and M.A. in American Studies. Formerly a staff writer at NowThis News, she has an M.A. in Magazine Journalism from NYU and was previously a news fellow at Salon.

Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Related articles.

All 9 Drake and Kendrick Lamar 2024 diss songs, including 'Not Like Us' and 'Part 6'

It's been a wild few months for Drake , Kendrick Lamar and rap fans in general, as the two rappers have traded barbs (and bars) over the last several weeks in a beef that has grown more serious than many expected.

Lamar and Drake's feud  goes back more than a decade  to 2013, when Lamar rapped on the Big Sean song "Control" about how he wanted to "murder" Drake and other prominent rappers. Though Lamar clarified at the time that the track was intended to spur friendly competition, things between the rap stars couldn't be less friendly now.

In a rap battle that has brought up everything from Ozempic rumors and height shaming to sobering allegations of abuse and grooming, here's what to know.

March: Kendrick Lamar escalates long-brewing Drake feud with 'Like That'

The rappers' feud intensified with Lamar appearing on  Future and Metro Boomin 's " Like That ," released March 22. In Lamar's verse, seemingly in reference to Drake, he said: "It's time for him to prove that he's a problem."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

He later rejected the idea of there being a "big three" in rap, declaring on the track, "It's just big me." The lyric was a response to J. Cole referring to himself, Drake and Lamar as the "big three" on Drake's October 2023 track "First Person Shooter."

J. Cole apologizes to Kendrick Lamar for 'lame' diss '7 Minute Drill after "Like That"

Mid-April: Drake releases 'Push Ups' and 'Taylor Made Freestyle' disses

Drake officially entered the ring with a full diss track against Lamar (and other artists including Rick Ross and The Weeknd) in " Push Ups " on April 19.

"Pipsqueak, pipe down / You ain't in no big three," Drake rapped, in between bars about Lamar's shoe size, record deal contract and collaborations with Maroon 5 and Taylor Swift.

Drake fired back again with "Taylor Made Freestyle" on the same day. The song, which featured artificial intelligence impersonations of Snoop Dogg and Tupac got the Toronto-born rapper in hot water with Tupac's estate and was pulled from streaming services.

"Kendrick, we need ya, the West Coast savior / Engraving your name in some hip-hop history," the Tupac audio deepfake raps in "Taylor Made." "If you deal with this viciously / You seem a little nervous about all the publicity."

Late April: Kendrick Lamar calls Drake a 'scam artist' on 'Euphoria' diss

Lamar responded with his first full diss track, " Euphoria, " just over a week later on April 30. The "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers" rapper referenced "Taylor Made Freestyle" by rapping that Tupac is turning "in his grave."

Lamar goes on to call Drake, who is a producer on the HBO series, a "pathetic master manipulator" and a "habitual liar" who is "not a rap artist" but "a scam artist."

Kendrick Lamar drops brutal Drake diss track 'Euphoria' amid feud: Listen

May 3: Kendrick Lamar goes after Drake's OVO record label on '6:16 in LA'

Lamar released " 6:16 in LA " on the morning of May 3, with the song title referencing Drake's popularized timestamp song format.

In it, Lamar takes a shot at Drake's label and team, rapping, "Have you ever thought OVO is working for me?" before calling Drake a "fake bully." He continues: "I hate bullies / You must be a terrible person / Everyone inside your team whispering that you deserve it."

Kendrick Lamar doubles down with fiery Drake diss: Listen to '6:16 in LA'

May 3: Drake makes Kendrick Lamar abuse allegations on 'Family Matters'

Fourteen hours later, Drake followed up with the diss track " Family Matters " on the night of May 3. Drake again addressed Lamar among disses aimed at fellow rappers like A$AP Rocky in the three-part, nearly eight-minute track.

But Drake's shots at the "DAMN." rapper were more severe, with the "More Life" rapper explicitly claiming Lamar physically abuses fiancée Whitney Alford. "When you put your hands on your girl, is it self-defense 'cause she bigger than you?" Drake rapped.

Drake, Kendrick Lamar diss tracks escalate with 'Meet the Grahams' and 'Family Matters'

May 3: Kendrick Lamar makes sex crime and hidden daughter allegations on 'Meet the Grahams'

Minutes after "Family Matters," Lamar laid out gossip and  Ozempic rumors against Drake amid serious allegations of abuse, addiction and a second hidden child in " Meet the Grahams ." The more than six-minute response sees Lamar talking to Drake's family, including his son Adonis and his parents, as well as an alleged 11-year-old daughter, whom Drake has not claimed publicly.

Lamar later alluded to sex crime allegations and Drake's association with sex offenders: "Him and (Harvey) Weinstein should" be "in a cell for the rest they life," Lamar says. He later adds, "He got sex offenders" on record label OVO "that he keep on a monthly allowance."

May 4: Kendrick Lamar goes further with allegations on 'Not Like Us'

On May 4, Lamar's allegations went even further and he seemingly alluded to previous allegations of grooming against Drake on " Not Like Us ."

"Say, Drake, I hear you like (them) young. You better not ever go to cell block one," Lamar raps. "To any (girl) that talk to him and they in love, just make sure you hide your (little) sister from him."

The "Poetic Justice" rapper also took shots at some of Drake's musical colleagues, appearing to reference R&B singer PartyNextDoor and rapper Baka Not Nice, both of whom are signed to Drake's record label OVO Sound: "And Party at the party, playing with his nose now. And Baka got a weird case, why is he around? Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles," Lamar raps.

Kendrick Lamar fuels Drake feud with new diss track 'Not Like Us': What the rapper is saying

May 5: Drake brings up Kendrick Lamar's sexual abuse on 'The Heart Part 6'

On May 5, Drake upped the ante by releasing the somber diss " The Heart Part 6 ," a reference to Lamar's track series, including 2022's "The Heart Part 5."

"Speakin' of anything with a child, let's get to that now / This Epstein angle was the (expletive) I expected / TikTok videos you collected and dissected," he rapped.

Drake later brings up Lamar's  "Mother I Sober " song, off his "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" studio album, in which the Compton rapper alludes to familial accusations of sexual assault. "Wait a second, that's that one record where you say you got molested," Drake raps. "I just made the whole connection / This about to get so depressing / This is trauma from your own confessions."

Drake denies Kendrick Lamar's grooming allegations in new diss track 'The Heart Part 6'

Contributing: Edward Segarra, KiMi Robinson, Anika Reed, Brendan Marrow and Naledi Ushe

Watch CBS News

A severe geomagnetic storm has hit Earth. Here's what could happen.

By Allie Weintraub

Updated on: May 10, 2024 / 8:35 PM EDT / CBS News

A severe geomagnetic storm  that hit Earth has the potential to knock out power and electronics this weekend, but it could also bring a spectacular light show from the aurora borealis as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

After days of heightened solar activity, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issued Thursday its first watch for a G4 storm — the second-strongest rating on a scale from G1 to G5 — in nearly 20 years. It then upgraded it to a G5 on Friday. 

The prediction center reported in a social media post that "extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions" were "observed" for the first time since October 2003. Friday's G5 conditions were first observed at 6:54 p.m. Eastern Time and could continue through the weekend, the agency said. 

The G5 storm in 2003 caused power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa, according to prediction center. 

"Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth's surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations," the NOAA said in an earlier statement. "[The Space Weather Prediction Center] has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action."

Risks to the power grid

A G5 geomagnetic storm is considered "extreme" and has the potential to cause widespread voltage control problems to the power grid, damage transformers, and even cause complete blackouts. According to the  NOAA , in a G5, "high frequency radio propagation may be impossible in many areas for one to two days, satellite navigation may be degraded for days," and "low-frequency radio navigation can be out for hours"

These types of effects on power systems were first noted in 1940 and have been reported throughout the years, with incidents including a power blackout in 1958, equipment tripping and voltage stability issues in 1972 and a nine-hour blackout in Canada in 1989, according to NOAA.

The last time there was a G5 or "extreme" geomagnetic storm was in October 2003, when it caused power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa.

Effect on satellite and radio operations

As of Friday afternoon, NOAA had also observed a moderate solar radiation storm that could expose people in high-flying aircraft to "elevated radiation risk" and could cause infrequent issues with satellite operations. 

With a G5 storm, "satellite navigation could be degraded for days," it warns.

Radio blackouts have also been detected with an R3 designation, meaning that the blackouts were "strong" on a scale from R1 (minor) to R5 (extreme). At this level, wide blackouts of high-frequency radio communication is expected, as well as loss of radio contact, for about an hour on the sunlit side of Earth, as low-frequency navigation signals decline for roughly an hour.

Expansion of northern lights

The same phenomenon that causes these disruptions is also responsible for making the aurora borealis viewable in places you normally can't see them. 

"Earth's magnetic field guides the electrons such that the aurora forms two ovals approximately centered at the magnetic poles," NOAA said . "During major geomagnetic storms these ovals expand away from the poles such that aurora can be seen over most of the United States."

Vivid displays were visible over parts of Europe and the U.K. on Friday night.

"If you happen to be in an area where it's dark and cloud free and relatively unpolluted by light, you may get to see a fairly impressive aurora display," Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, told reporters Friday. "and that's really the gift from space weather, is the aurora."

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Aurora Borealis
• Northern Lights

Allie Weintraub is an editor on the growth and engagement team at CBS News. She has previously written and produced stories on a range of topics for outlets including ABC News, Inside Edition Digital and Courthouse News Service.

More from CBS News

Northern lights set the sky aglow amid powerful geomagnetic storm

Spectacular photos show the northern lights around the world

Flash floods in northern Afghanistan killed more than 300 people, U.N. says

New genus of tiny, prehistoric hornless deer found at Badlands National Park