How to Become a Rapper

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  • Being a rapper isn't for everyone. Understand that a rap career requires hard work and perseverance to succeed. And even then not every rapper is going to make it big and score a record deal. But if you are really interested in learning how to become a rapper, the main things you'll need are talent and a willingness to learn the business.

  • Tips for Becoming a Rapper

    1. Learn to rap using rhymes, metaphors and similes.
    2. Make up a cool rap name that suits your personality.
    3. Make a demo CD.
    4. Showcase your talent and build a fan base by performing live.
    5. Build buzz by getting your music played on the radio and Internet communities.
    6. Distribute your music in stores and online.
    7. Find good representation.
    8. Wow an A&R executive and you may just get a record deal.

  • Introduction

    • Rap is a form of hip-hop music characterized by rhyme patterns, quick lyrics and spoken verses. If you are interested in becoming a rapper, you have a hard road ahead of you. The life of a famous rapper may be full of music videos, sold-out concerts, awards shows, red carpets, multi-platinum records and hot parties, but the life of the average rapper includes long hours, unemployment for long stretches between gigs and rejection.Careers.org: Career Occupational Profile for: Singers The salary also varies greatly on each side of the spectrum. The salary of a famous rapper: $33 million.Career Builder: What People Earn 2008 The salary of the average rapper: $9.64 per hour.Career Builder: Oscar-Worthy Salaries But if rapping is what you love, then a rap career may be very fulfilling.

  • Step 1: Learn to Rap

    • Whether you are freestyling or rapping a song you wrote, keep your words clear and concise and your rhymes smart and catchy.

  • The Sound of Rap

    • The core of rap is the beat and rhythm. You can choose to rap with music or rap without, but either way your words must have a beat and flow to a rhythm. To get the feel of rap music, listen to your favorite rap artists and note their style and how they keep the beat.Flocabulary.com: The Official Flocabulary Ten-Step Technique for Learning to Freestyle Rap You can practice by singing along and paying attention to how the words fit with the beat of the music.

  • Literary Elements of Rap

    • As a rapper you are a modern-day bard. While rhyme is the most obvious device used in rap, you can use any literary device a poet might use.
    1. Rhyme scheme: A rhyme scheme is a rhyme pattern or set of rhymes that repeats throughout the rap. Rap can contain all forms of rhyme, from the simplest to the most complex patterns.About.com: Emceeing
    2. Flow: You have to be aware of the flow of your words.
      1. Pronounce each word clearly.
      2. Watch the speed, rhythm and melody of your rap.About.com: Emceeing
    3. Word play: This can include consonance, assonance, alliteration, puns and double entendres.Tnellen.com: A Glossary of Literary Terms
    4. Don't be afraid to add similes, metaphors and allusions.Flocabulary.com: The Official Flocabulary Ten-Step Technique for Learning to Freestyle Rap
    5. Creative storytelling can also be an innovative element to your rap.USA Today: Can Rap Regain its Crown? (June 15, 2007)
    • To learn more about literary devices and techniques, pick up a book from your local library or search the Web for helpful glossaries.

  • Subject Matter

    • Decide what type of rap you want to write. You can really rap about anything you want, but popular areas include:
    1. Gangsta rap, which encompasses gang violence, ghetto life, drugs, money and sex.Musicouch.com: Three Awesome Subgenres of Hip-Hop and Rap This genre is a common and popular choice.
    2. Religious rap.
    3. Entertainment rap, such as Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy with It."HowStuffWorks: Hip-Hop Fashion
    4. Love stories.Musicouch.com: Three Awesome Subgenres of Hip-Hop and Rap
    5. Real-life problems.
    6. Socio-political statements and cultural identity-themed raps.HowStuffWorks: Hip-Hop Fashion
    7. Other common themes include: cars, fashion trends, materialism, drinking and partying.About.com: Southern Rap

  • Write a Rap Song

    The best thing you can do is just start writing. Keep a notebook with you and scribble down any ideas, rhymes, or verses as they come to you.eHow: How to Freestyle Rap When writing a rap song:

    1. Choose a single subject or theme and start brainstorming.
    2. To keep your lyrics cohesive, choose a rhyme scheme.
    3. Develop your intro.
    4. Create a chorus.
    5. Write as many verses as you think the song needs. The average number is two to three.wikiHow: How to Write Rap Lyrics
    6. Count your syllables on each line. For the best beat, each line should have the same number of syllables.
    7. Be original.
    8. Try creating multi-syllable rhymes (known as "multis").Flocabulary.com: Improve Your Rap: Master Multis
    9. If you are having trouble rhyming, buy a rhyming dictionary or check out the following resources:

  • Freestyle Rap

    • A freestyle rap is a rap made up in the moment and is an important rapping skill. Here are a few tips:
    1. When first starting, focus on basic ending rhymes. Once you master basic rhymes, you can move on to more complex rhyme schemes and literary devices.
    2. Stay a step ahead. Always think about your next rhyme or verse.Flocabulary.com: The Official Flocabulary Ten-Step Technique for Learning to Freestyle Rap
    3. Record yourself so you can hear how you need to improve.wikiHow: How to Start Rapping
    4. Keep practicing.

  • Step 2: Develop Your Rap Persona

    • Half of being a rapper is having the right persona and stage presence. In addition to your talent as a rapper, this is what will draw fans to your music.

  • Your Rap Name

    • Most rappers change their name to reflect their own personality and rap style. And so your name doesn't become fodder at your next rap battle, check out the following tips:
    1. Don't try too hard. Your name should seem effortless.
    2. Choose something edgy, yet catchy.eHow: How to Become a Rapper
    3. Avoid lame gimmicks, naming yourself after famous criminals or immature puns.Cracked.com: The 25 Worst Rapper Names of All Time

  • The Right Attitude and Style

    • Rap is part of the hip-hop culture, so represent yourself accordingly. All aspects of your personal style will be judged, including your clothing, hair and makeup. Your look should reflect your personality. Pick the best elements that work for you and maybe create a few of your own trademarks.
    1. Become familiar with current hip-hop trends.
      1. Watch TV. Award shows are full of hip-hop style and are a great way to see what your favorite rap artists are wearing.
      2. Read magazines.
    2. Some popular clothing brands with rappers include: Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Rocawear, Baby Phat, Fubu, Lacoste, Phat Farm and Sean Jean.
      • Many famous rappers and hip-hop artists also have their own clothing lines.
    3. Accessorize.
      1. Everything counts, from the hat on your head, to the shoes on your feet.
      2. Bring out your bling. Gold, platinum and diamonds act as status symbols. Jewelry may include: rope or chain necklaces, medallions, belly chains and rings, tooth caps or grills, rings, and brass (or gold, or platinum) knuckles.HowStuffWorks: Hip-Hop Fashion

  • Step 3: Record a Demo CD

    • Rent studio time with a producer and/or engineer, or record your demo at home using one of the many computer software options that are available. Before recording a demo, make sure you are ready. You want to sound smooth and professional.
    1. Rehearse!
    2. Understand the process of making a demo.HowStuffWorks: How Cutting Your Own CD Works
      1. Record yourself rapping live, with or without a background beat.
      2. Mix. Adjust the sound, volume, tone, vocals and background. You can also add sound effects and blend the tracks (e.g., the vocal track, or the instrumental track) together.
      3. Master. Mastering means you make sure every part of the song is perfect. You can also add track markers if you are going to have more than one song on your CD.
      4. Burn onto a CD.
    3. Always lead with your best song. If you don't hook the listener with the first rap, chances are they won't listen to the rest of the demo.HowStuffWorks: How the Club Circuit Works
    4. Make sure your CD label has your name and contact information.
    5. Never send out more than four tracks at a time. Musicouch: How to Submit a Demo to Get a Record Deal
    6. If recording in a studio:
      1. Studios charge by the hour or on a per-day basis. Be efficient and move quickly to stick to your allotted time.AskMen.com: How to get a Record Deal
      2. If a studio provides a producer (or includes one for an extra price), be open to following the producer's advice. He'll usually know what he's talking about, or will at least provide a different perspective based on his past experience.AskMen.com: How to Get a Record Deal
    7. If recording at home on a computer:
      1. Computer programs can cost anywhere from $100 to $800, but can be a lot cheaper than renting a studio.HowStuffWorks: How Cutting Your Own CD Works
      2. Popular recording software includes Cakewalk Music Creator Pro and Pro Tools.
      3. GarageBand is also popular since it comes with all Mac computers, although its functionality is much less than software such as Pro Tools.
      4. Follow the directions that come with the program.
      5. Search for online forums or troubleshooting articles if you reach a sticking point.

  • Submit a Rap Demo

    • To book a gig, get representation, or get a record deal, you are going to need to submit a demo. Along with your CD, you need to include a press package. Your press kit should have:
    1. An 8x10 photo.HowStuffWorks: How the Club Circuit Works This is where your style comes in. Make sure you represent yourself exactly the way you want to be seen as a rap artist.
    2. A brief bio.
    3. A brief summary that discusses your fan base, lists your accomplishments (for example, if you won "Brooklyn Rapper of the Year"), and lists where you have performed.AskMen.com: How to Get a Record Deal, Part 2
    4. Press clippings with explanations. Press clippings can include reviews or articles.
    5. Contact information.
    6. Use a two-pocket folder as a cover.AskMen.com: How to Get a Record Deal, Part 2

  • Step 4: Perform Live

    • Performing live will help develop your confidence, build a fan base, and boost your street cred. Whether performing to make money or make your reputation, you need to know a few things.

  • Paying Gigs

    • Paying engagements aren't always easy to find, but rapping at an event or emceeing at a club are great ways to gain exposure, money and fans. Here's what to do:
    1. Choose local venues.
    2. Contact the booking agent.
      • Check out the club's website beforehand to find out when the booking agent is available to hear your pitch.HowStuffWorks: How the Club Circuit Works
    3. Pitch yourself to the booking agent.
      1. Talk about your style, your fan base (who you will attract to the venue) and your compensation.
      2. Submit your demo and press package.
      3. Don't forget your contact information!
    4. When you get a gig, make sure you know all the important information, like load-in time, sound-check time and the name of the club manager.AskMen.com: How the Club Circuit Works
    5. And finally, see if you can record your performance. This will give you the chance to see how you perform live and make improvements to your show accordingly. Plus, if it's good you can always stick it on YouTube.

  • Rap Battles

    • A rap battle is a competition between rappers who take turns freestyle rapping. Rap battles are a great way to improve your skills and build your street cred.eHow: How to Become a Rapper "Ether" by Nas and "Takeover" by Jay-Z are good examples of rap battle songs. Important aspects of battle rap include:
    1. Boasting about your skills, success and money.About.com: Rap Battle
    2. Insulting your opponent in any way possible.wikiHow: How to Survive a Freestyle Rap Battle
    3. Humor can help sway the crowd to your side.
    4. Quick wit is vital for coming out on top.

  • Step 5: Build Buzz

    • Congratulations! If you have followed the above steps, you are--in the strictest sense of the word--a rapper. But now it is time to get your name out there and be heard. You want to get the attention of potential fans, management and record producers.
    1. Utilize online tools such as YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.eHow: How to Become a Rapper
      • Start a blog, tweet your gigs and upload your music.
    2. Perform live as much as possible, attend rap events and win those rap battles.
    3. Try to get your songs on the radio.
      1. Find stations in your area that broadcast rap (or hip-hop) music.
      2. Submit your best song on a CD, along with your press kit.
      3. Once the song hits the airwaves, get your friends and fans to request it.
      4. Don't forget online radio. Instead of submitting a CD, email an MP3 along with a digital version of your press kit.AskMen.com: How to Get a Record Deal, Part 2
    4. Make a music video.
      1. Study current rap videos.
      2. Figure out your budget. If you can, hire professionals to help you out.
    5. Audition for a music reality show like American Idol (although Idol usually wants traditional vocals to be the focus of their contestants). You never know, they could be looking for the next rap star.
    6. Distribute your music.
      1. If you start independently selling your music, get a Universal Product Code (UPC).
      2. Register your UPC with Nielsen SoundScan. Nielsen SoundScan keeps track of record sales.
      3. Try to get your music in local stores.
      4. Sell CDs and digital versions online.
      5. You can also sell CDs at your live shows.

  • Step 6: Get Representation

    • Agents, managers and legal representation will help take your career to the next level. They will take care of the business side and use their connections to hook you up with gigs, publicity and record labels.
    1. Research different companies. See what they have done for other artists.
    2. Find out who is shopping for new clients.
    3. Decide if you want a big agency or a smaller company. Big agencies may have the name, but smaller agencies are more likely to make you a priority.AskMen.com: How to Get a Record Deal, Part 2
    4. Act professional. No matter what your stage persona is, if you don't act with a modicum of decorum and professionalism no one's going to want to work with you. As a rapper, you are in the business of selling yourself, so you need to act business-like.eHow: How to Become a Rapper

  • Step 7: Get a Record Deal

    • If you've followed the steps above, you are on the right track towards getting a record deal. Record labels look for the complete package. Everything matters, including your look, attitude, personality, ability to draw fans, record sales potential, performance ability and having that monster hit single.AskMen.com: How the Club Circuit Works
    1. Meet with a record label.
      1. Get your representation to set up a meeting with an A&R executive.
      2. Still don't have representation? Submit your demo and press kit.
        1. Research the label. Find out if they accept unsolicited material, if your music is right for them and who is in charge of accepting demos.
        2. If the label doesn't accept unsolicited material, contact the A&R executive to get permission by emailing, calling or sending a letter. Musicouch: How to Submit a Demo to Get a Record Deal
    2. Rehearse what you will say at the meeting.
    3. Wear the right outfit.
    4. Be prepared to rap on the spot.
    5. If you are lucky, you will be offered a record deal. If not, lick your wounds, move on and try again with the next label.
    • Not every rapper is going to make it big and get record deal. If rapping is your passion, all you can do is keep trying and don't give up.

  • Conclusion

    • With a lot of hard work, you may just become the next Eminem, Jay-Z, Diddy or Tupac. And once you become a famous rapper, maybe you'll follow the route of many great music artists by becoming an actor or starting your own clothing line!

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