How Hit Songs Are Made: The Rapper and Producer Workflow Explained

Video Description

In today’s episode of How To Rap, we’re lifting the veil off the intricate collaboration between rappers and producers, dissecting the transformative workflow that transmutes raw concepts into chart-busting rap anthems. Grasping this process is critical for those aspiring to make their mark in the rap industry. Song creation isn’t just a product of sheer luck or impulsive inspiration; rather, it’s an art grounded in method and understanding. ------------------------------- How To Write A Rap On Any Topic In 20 Mins. Or Less: https://htr.freestylefortnight.com/workflowwritearap ------------------------------- TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 1:39 1. How Newer Rappers Learn To Write Flow To Beats 3:30 How To Write A Rap On Any Topic In 20 Mins. Or Less 3:48 2. How Newer Artists Practice Songwriting To Beats 5:25 3. How Rappers Decide Which Beats To Use 8:05 4. How Rap Producers Help Shape The Song 10:37 5. Engineers and “Hybrid” Artists In Writing Rap Songs ------------------------------- FULL ARTICLE ON How Hit Songs Are Made: The Rapper and Producer Workflow Explained, Step-By-Step HERE: https://medium.com/@HowToRap/how-hit-songs-are-made-the-rapper-and-producer-workflow-explained-step-by-step-e1bc5649ff06 Now, the first step for any brand new rapper (meaning six months or less writing experience) is often mastering the ability to even write on beat consistently and with unique flows. The easiest way to understand “flow” as a concept is that it is drum patterns in word form… in order words, another instrument in the sound bed of production the beatmaker will eventually provide. With this in mind, the first question that always arises in their mind is: Do I write the lyrics BEFORE finding a beat… or do I select a beat and then write words that “fit” it? Now, embarking on their journey to a professional rap career, the novice rapper’s initial challenge lies in discovering suitable beats. In the early stages of their career, these emerging artists often begin by practicing on freely available demo beats on platforms like YouTube. As long as the music developed from these beats is not intended for profit, there are minimal legal concerns. This massive repository of daily released beats provides a playground for budding rappers to hone their skills, practice writing, and record for personal use or to share within their close circle of friends. However, the things take a turn when these artists transition from practicing their craft to releasing their music for monetary gain. Navigating the intricate world of beats is an art in itself, often leaving artists wondering how to select the right one. In the realm of rap, this decision carries significant weight. Let’s take an in-depth look at how intermediate to advanced rappers, with two or more years experience under their belt, approach this decision. The first step lies in understanding the target market or fan base and what they’re likely to enjoy. This may sound intricate, but it’s often as simple as internalizing the vibe of a song. Does it resonate as a radio hit, a street anthem, or an emo track? The harmonious synergy between a rapper and producer is essential in the song creation process. This relationship’s depth and intricacy becomes apparent once the rapper has penned their lyrics and is ready to record the track. This stage reveals how a producer can significantly influence the final piece. It’s common to have the producer present in the studio with the rapper. Their in-person collaboration allows for an active interplay, manipulating the beat’s structure to fit the rapper’s vision. A beat, initially created with a certain structure — verse, chorus, breakdown — may not always seamlessly align with the rapper’s written song. Once a song is recorded, the creative process is far from over. The next stage often involves an audio engineer, either remotely or in-person, who brings their unique flavor to the song. In the rap world, the engineer’s role goes beyond just cleaning up the audio or ensuring proper sound quality. For instance, certain producers, particularly from the trap or New York scenes like those behind Dipset, prefer the incorporation of ad libs — that is, the intermittent vocal additions, or “trash talk”, that fill the background. This ad lib layer creates an auditory bed that can further influence how the beat is manipulated by the producer, adding an extra level of texture and complexity to the song. FULL ARTICLE ON How Hit Songs Are Made: The Rapper and Producer Workflow Explained, Step-By-Step CONTINUED: https://medium.com/@HowToRap/how-hit-songs-are-made-the-rapper-and-producer-workflow-explained-step-by-step-e1bc5649ff06