Rappers?

[FretsOnFireGh2]

I know probably 80% of the people here are going to be "lolrapsux," but I thought I'd post anyways, sharing a link to something I recorded and asking for some advice.

I've been writing since 9th grade, so around 5 years probably, but I never really had the voice to actually record anything. About a week ago I finally decided I want to write and record a song, whether the voice sounded right or not, I was going to force it and make it work.

Here's the result: Link removed, the more I listen to it over and over the worse it sounds to me. Will post a new link whenever I record a new song.

Now my question for you guys, how do I work on finding this rap voice that sounds right, and not like some 18 year old kid getting bored in his room and trying to record a song? I've had a couple people tell me that I sound a little out of breath, so I'll be starting to go to the gym here soon and hopefully that'll solve that problem. (No, I'm not just going to the gym for the sole purpose of rapping)

There's also a slight nasally sound to it, and when I try to go any lower or higher than my normal voice it sounds horrible.

Like I said, I've been writing for a long time, so I feel like my lyrics are alright, but if you have any tips on those then I'll gladly take all I can get ;)

Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. Just thought I'd post it here because SH is a fairly big forum where I won't have tons of my friends from around here saying "lolgiveup" etc.

Thanks ahead of time, and feel free to share your work as well and ask for advice.
_________________

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WarrenWebb wrote:

OMG I FCD JORDAN I RULE THE WORLD ITS OK FOR ME TO BE A DICK!!1! -FretsOnFireGh2

I belong to the ManOfMrE Fan Club.

[FretsOnFireGh2]

I know probably 80% of the people here are going to be "lolrapsux," but I thought I'd post anyways, sharing a link to something I recorded and asking for some advice.

I've been writing since 9th grade, so around 5 years probably, but I never really had the voice to actually record anything. About a week ago I finally decided I want to write and record a song, whether the voice sounded right or not, I was going to force it and make it work.

Here's the result: Link removed, the more I listen to it over and over the worse it sounds to me. Will post a new link whenever I record a new song.

Now my question for you guys, how do I work on finding this rap voice that sounds right, and not like some 18 year old kid getting bored in his room and trying to record a song? I've had a couple people tell me that I sound a little out of breath, so I'll be starting to go to the gym here soon and hopefully that'll solve that problem. (No, I'm not just going to the gym for the sole purpose of rapping)

There's also a slight nasally sound to it, and when I try to go any lower or higher than my normal voice it sounds horrible.

Like I said, I've been writing for a long time, so I feel like my lyrics are alright, but if you have any tips on those then I'll gladly take all I can get ;)

Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. Just thought I'd post it here because SH is a fairly big forum where I won't have tons of my friends from around here saying "lolgiveup" etc.

Thanks ahead of time, and feel free to share your work as well and ask for advice.
_________________

My GH Videos

WarrenWebb wrote:

OMG I FCD JORDAN I RULE THE WORLD ITS OK FOR ME TO BE A DICK!!1! -FretsOnFireGh2

I belong to the ManOfMrE Fan Club.

[ganondorf901]

First off, I like your lyrics.

Second, I feel that the emotional side of Rap is a difficult place to start out with the voice and lyrics, primarily with your voice because you reaaaally have to sell it. Your lyrics are nice, but your voice is the real driving factor to the rap. I'm not trying to steer you away from the genre you enjoy, but I think it would be easier developing your technique by taking a more gangsta rap style.

This is what I think you need to work on:
A) Your voice is a little too low, I know its kind of hard to change the pitch but to compensate you should try to rap louder and enunciate more.
B) You should try mixing it up some, I feel less like your rapping and more like your toasting or just going spoken word. Try experimenting with your voice, speed and inflection.
c) You are a little out of breath, but your better off working on your breathing through breathing exercises and practicing rapping versus working out (not saying the cardio work doesn't help though)

This is just my opinion here, take it or leave it. Good luck.
Just out of curiosity, what rappers are you trying to emulate/what rappers do you like?
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Parama wrote:

Yeah... from what I've heard, Ark Music Factory is the equivalent of a professional trolling company.

[ganondorf901]

First off, I like your lyrics.

Second, I feel that the emotional side of Rap is a difficult place to start out with the voice and lyrics, primarily with your voice because you reaaaally have to sell it. Your lyrics are nice, but your voice is the real driving factor to the rap. I'm not trying to steer you away from the genre you enjoy, but I think it would be easier developing your technique by taking a more gangsta rap style.

This is what I think you need to work on:
A) Your voice is a little too low, I know its kind of hard to change the pitch but to compensate you should try to rap louder and enunciate more.
B) You should try mixing it up some, I feel less like your rapping and more like your toasting or just going spoken word. Try experimenting with your voice, speed and inflection.
c) You are a little out of breath, but your better off working on your breathing through breathing exercises and practicing rapping versus working out (not saying the cardio work doesn't help though)

This is just my opinion here, take it or leave it. Good luck.
Just out of curiosity, what rappers are you trying to emulate/what rappers do you like?
_________________

Facebook?

Parama wrote:

Yeah... from what I've heard, Ark Music Factory is the equivalent of a professional trolling company.

[FretsOnFireGh2]

[FretsOnFireGh2]

[Venim619]

First, let me say that I have a limited knowledge of rap but I understand a few concepts that I'm willing to share.

Ganondorf really got it down. Your annunciation and speed seems to be what's really holding you back. Your lyrics aren't bad (which is saying a lot for this genre [at least in recent years]) but I can definitely tell that you're inspired by Eminem. That, in my opinion, is the major downfall of modern rap. Everyone is inspired by someone else. I know it's asking a lot to draw inspiration from within yourself but that's where rapping stops being "not bad" and starts being kick ass. Try putting variations and twists on your flow. Speed up when I'm least expecting it, slow down when your mouth hurts, add in a pause where you think it would sound good. Throw basically every other rapper out of the window and rap about something that's important to you and rap it in a way that's unique to you.

Good luck.
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Oui vuumc tuh'd ihtancdyht Al Bhed, NUVM.

[Venim619]

First, let me say that I have a limited knowledge of rap but I understand a few concepts that I'm willing to share.

Ganondorf really got it down. Your annunciation and speed seems to be what's really holding you back. Your lyrics aren't bad (which is saying a lot for this genre [at least in recent years]) but I can definitely tell that you're inspired by Eminem. That, in my opinion, is the major downfall of modern rap. Everyone is inspired by someone else. I know it's asking a lot to draw inspiration from within yourself but that's where rapping stops being "not bad" and starts being kick ass. Try putting variations and twists on your flow. Speed up when I'm least expecting it, slow down when your mouth hurts, add in a pause where you think it would sound good. Throw basically every other rapper out of the window and rap about something that's important to you and rap it in a way that's unique to you.

Good luck.
_________________

Oui vuumc tuh'd ihtancdyht Al Bhed, NUVM.

[FretsOnFireGh2]

[FretsOnFireGh2]

[uSound]

Solid stuff, it's a lot better than a good chunk of rap these days.

You mentioned above how you say that you want to sound "black". I wasn't offended by that, but it was more confusing as to why. To be honest with you, I don't think Eminem sounds "black" yet he's more or less the best. Cypress Hill is comprised of people who are Latino, and B-Real's delivery is far from "black". Basically, I think you should just find a delivery sound that you like to listen to, and potentially one that's unique.

As far as tempo with delivery, like everyone's saying it's really good to make it diverse speed wise and rhyme wise. However, I'd like to note a trend that's been popping up lately with speed that I find kinda annoying, and that's the pause at the end of a line followed by 1 or 2 words completing the metaphor. Case in point, Forever by Drake and co., especially his verse. "Swimmin in the money, come and find me -- Nemo / If I was at the club you know I ball -- chemo." In my opinion, it's cool at times, kinda lame when used often. But that's probably just me. :P

Lyrically, you're doing alright, from what I heard (enunciation is key, at least for me), and choosing an Alicia Keys beat shows the ability to branch out.

Keep at it!

[uSound]

Solid stuff, it's a lot better than a good chunk of rap these days.

You mentioned above how you say that you want to sound "black". I wasn't offended by that, but it was more confusing as to why. To be honest with you, I don't think Eminem sounds "black" yet he's more or less the best. Cypress Hill is comprised of people who are Latino, and B-Real's delivery is far from "black". Basically, I think you should just find a delivery sound that you like to listen to, and potentially one that's unique.

As far as tempo with delivery, like everyone's saying it's really good to make it diverse speed wise and rhyme wise. However, I'd like to note a trend that's been popping up lately with speed that I find kinda annoying, and that's the pause at the end of a line followed by 1 or 2 words completing the metaphor. Case in point, Forever by Drake and co., especially his verse. "Swimmin in the money, come and find me -- Nemo / If I was at the club you know I ball -- chemo." In my opinion, it's cool at times, kinda lame when used often. But that's probably just me. :P

Lyrically, you're doing alright, from what I heard (enunciation is key, at least for me), and choosing an Alicia Keys beat shows the ability to branch out.

Keep at it!

[Venim619]

Another piece of advice, rap over this.
_________________

Oui vuumc tuh'd ihtancdyht Al Bhed, NUVM.

[Venim619]

Another piece of advice, rap over this.
_________________

Oui vuumc tuh'd ihtancdyht Al Bhed, NUVM.

[FretsOnFireGh2]

[FretsOnFireGh2]

[Xtresso]

The thing Rihanna sings is called a hook.

That's about all I can offer in the way of helpful information since I'm not too experienced in rapping myself, but it seems like you're on the right track lyrically and have a grasp of the concepts, so I'm sure you can do really well in the future!
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[Xtresso]

The thing Rihanna sings is called a hook.

That's about all I can offer in the way of helpful information since I'm not too experienced in rapping myself, but it seems like you're on the right track lyrically and have a grasp of the concepts, so I'm sure you can do really well in the future!
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[FretsOnFireGh2]

[FretsOnFireGh2]

[ganondorf901]

Venim makes a real good point, people (especially me) appreciate original voices in rap. In fact, I find rappers with similar voices to be annoying, so its best that you find your own style.

What I'm trying to say about the style, maybe try recording and uploading a song about something less emotional and something either more angry or with a more partying feel to it. Sadness and Love are difficult emotions to portray even in a regular speaking voice, which is why its easier to 'hone your skills', so to speak, with a different style (say, a song about partying). But hey thts just my 2 cents.

What I would suggest is to really listen and analyze All Eyez on Me, Ready to Die, The Chronic: 2001, and 36 Chambers. Not to name drop some of the biggest rap albums ever, but if you take time and pay attention to not just the rap, but how they rap, you'll learn more than anyone can possibly teach you. Pay attention to the way the enunciate, their flow, and, probably most importantly, the way they construct their verses. Flow and construction are the 2 most important, listen closely to the way they (especially Biggie) pauses in between lines, sentences or even words and how they vary their versus (granted, this will rely mostly on your samples).

And you know, if you really want to get better (I mean if you really want to take rap seriously), they sell books with some pretty decent advice on it too.

And while I love the sample Venim posted, thats not the best track for novice rapping.
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Parama wrote:

Yeah... from what I've heard, Ark Music Factory is the equivalent of a professional trolling company.

[ganondorf901]

Venim makes a real good point, people (especially me) appreciate original voices in rap. In fact, I find rappers with similar voices to be annoying, so its best that you find your own style.

What I'm trying to say about the style, maybe try recording and uploading a song about something less emotional and something either more angry or with a more partying feel to it. Sadness and Love are difficult emotions to portray even in a regular speaking voice, which is why its easier to 'hone your skills', so to speak, with a different style (say, a song about partying). But hey thts just my 2 cents.

What I would suggest is to really listen and analyze All Eyez on Me, Ready to Die, The Chronic: 2001, and 36 Chambers. Not to name drop some of the biggest rap albums ever, but if you take time and pay attention to not just the rap, but how they rap, you'll learn more than anyone can possibly teach you. Pay attention to the way the enunciate, their flow, and, probably most importantly, the way they construct their verses. Flow and construction are the 2 most important, listen closely to the way they (especially Biggie) pauses in between lines, sentences or even words and how they vary their versus (granted, this will rely mostly on your samples).

And you know, if you really want to get better (I mean if you really want to take rap seriously), they sell books with some pretty decent advice on it too.

And while I love the sample Venim posted, thats not the best track for novice rapping.
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Parama wrote:

Yeah... from what I've heard, Ark Music Factory is the equivalent of a professional trolling company.

[Vampyromaniac]

I'm with ya when it comes to the voice. I have the same problem- I have the flow, but my voice is terrible for it, the primary difference being that my voice is even worse than yours. Yours isn't really that bad- it at leas has potential. You need to rap louder though. The volume is fine but your voice isn't much above a whisper, if you rap it usually works better witha powerful voice. Not to mention, if you ever did it live, no one would be able to hear/understand you. The increase in volume will put more pop between your syllables and make it sound less like a mumble.

If you ever need tips for writing songs, I'm your man, and if you ever need tips for improving your rap speed, I'm DEFINITELY your man. A couple years back I almost got the world record for fastest rap. True story. Let me know if you're inerested in either.
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[/u]

[Vampyromaniac]

I'm with ya when it comes to the voice. I have the same problem- I have the flow, but my voice is terrible for it, the primary difference being that my voice is even worse than yours. Yours isn't really that bad- it at leas has potential. You need to rap louder though. The volume is fine but your voice isn't much above a whisper, if you rap it usually works better witha powerful voice. Not to mention, if you ever did it live, no one would be able to hear/understand you. The increase in volume will put more pop between your syllables and make it sound less like a mumble.

If you ever need tips for writing songs, I'm your man, and if you ever need tips for improving your rap speed, I'm DEFINITELY your man. A couple years back I almost got the world record for fastest rap. True story. Let me know if you're inerested in either.
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[/u]

[ganondorf901]

[ganondorf901]

[Vampyromaniac]

[Vampyromaniac]

[FretsOnFireGh2]

Ahh man, guess I'll have to make Love the Way You Lie remake a long-term project then. But its worth it if it'll turn out better in the end.

I'll look into a beginner's book or something and see if it helps at all.

16 syllables per second? Holy shit I'd be lucky to get 8.

EDIT: I removed the link from the OP. The more I listen to it back the worse it sounds to me, and the more embarassed I get by it, lol.

Ganondorf, do you have any of your work recorded for us to hear?
_________________

My GH Videos

WarrenWebb wrote:

OMG I FCD JORDAN I RULE THE WORLD ITS OK FOR ME TO BE A DICK!!1! -FretsOnFireGh2

I belong to the ManOfMrE Fan Club.

[FretsOnFireGh2]

Ahh man, guess I'll have to make Love the Way You Lie remake a long-term project then. But its worth it if it'll turn out better in the end.

I'll look into a beginner's book or something and see if it helps at all.

16 syllables per second? Holy shit I'd be lucky to get 8.

EDIT: I removed the link from the OP. The more I listen to it back the worse it sounds to me, and the more embarassed I get by it, lol.

Ganondorf, do you have any of your work recorded for us to hear?
_________________

My GH Videos

WarrenWebb wrote:

OMG I FCD JORDAN I RULE THE WORLD ITS OK FOR ME TO BE A DICK!!1! -FretsOnFireGh2

I belong to the ManOfMrE Fan Club.