Different Genres of Lyric (Understanding Rap)

In order to have a deeper understanding of the writing process of different styles of music, you must examine them very closely. One genre of music I am going to use as my example today is rap. This type of music is very different from the other songs that I have elaborated on previously (mainly rock) however, it is still a lyric, just in a different form. You use a slightly different technique when writing for dfiferent generas that I will try to explain as "hints and tips" of writing this type of music. When you read and write lyrics there are some things that you want to take into consideration to help you become a better writer yourself. What you will find below is my observations of this form of writing through Eminem's song Stan, and hopefully you can use it as an aid to formulate, breakdown, and understand your writing deeper, and the writing of others.

Stan lyrics located at link below:
http://www.metrolyrics.com/stan-lyrics-eminem.html

Listen to and watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZTM3Cv0vrw

Hints and Tips

Understanding Sampling

What is sampling? It refers to "the taking of a portion of an already established track and using it as the framework for a new song." Generally this is used to serve as the foundation for the rap vocal you are trying to create. There are actually two styles of sampling called "sample" and the "ghost song track."

1) Sample
The most popular form of sampling takes a part of a track, which is where it got its name "sample". It usually takes the form of a specific beat from a song. Some of the most common samples of this are taken from a drum or bass track, although you can use a "vocal sample" for your new song you will create since we are learning about writing styles.

Examples for references:
Listen to and break down on a sheet of paper any rap, dance or rave song. Listen for different styalistic choices the author makes and take note of them. Did you like/dislike them? Did they work for the song or hold it back? What type of tone is used in the song? Does it all flow cohesively as a whole? Is there anything else that caught your mind? You can use this sheet later as a reference to when you begin to write your own work.

For an example of vocal sampling, take a look at Eminem's song “Stan”. It uses a vocal sample from Dido's song “Thank-you”.

2) Ghost Song Track
This second kind of sampling is not as commonly used. In general it takes the entire melodic track of a pre-existing song, and it creates a completely new lyric for the song. This form of song writing should not be mistaken for "alternate lyrics" however, because you need to totally disregard the lyrical arrangement of the previous song and focus on the remaining melody. It may be an easier way for you to get started if you have trouble starting things on your own completely from scratch.

With most beginning writers, the number one fault is poor prose style. It is one of the first signs of an amateur writer. A prose style that "haults" your writing is one that makes readers squirm, sweat ,and struggle to follow your thoughts. But you avoid this problem! How you ask? How can you develop a flowing, easy-to-read, pleasant writing style? The answer is to study the great masters of lyric style and use my guides. What you will find there can inspire you to write in a similar vein.