How to Rap 2: Advanced Flow and Delivery Techniques

by Paul Edwards, Gift of Gab (Foreword by)

Overview

This sequel to How to Rap breaks down and examines techniques that have not previously been explained—such as triplets, flams, lazy tails, and breaking rhyme patterns. Based on interviews with hip-hop’s most innovative artists and groups, including Tech N9ne, Crooked I, Pharcyde, Das EFX, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Big Daddy Kane, this book takes you through the intricacies of rhythm, rhyme, and vocal delivery, delving into the art form in unprecedented detail. It is a must-read for MCs looking to take their craft to the next level, as well as anyone fascinated by rapping and its complexity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613744017
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/01/2013
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	639,815
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Paul Edwards is a writer and a leading expert on hip-hop and rap music. He is the author of How to Rap. Gift of Gab is a member of the group Blackalicious and is noted as one of the most dexterous and versatile MCs of all time.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Gift of Gab of Blackalicious vii

Introduction ix

1 Advanced Rhythm Techniques 1

Vocal Percussion 3

Writing from the Rhythm 4

16ths 6

32nds 12

Triplets 16

Flams 28

One Syllable on Each Beat 32

Sliding Off the Beat (Lazy Tails) 33

Rolled Rs 37

Rests 38

Punctuating the Offbeat 46

Repeating Phrases with Different Rhythms 51

3/4 Time and Other Time Signatures 53

2 Advanced Vocal Techniques 55

Section A Overall Voice Sound 58

Tone and Quality of Voice 58

Accents, Impressions, Characters 81

Section B Specific Techniques 95

Pitch Techniques 95

Sketching and Shortening Sounds 108

Stuttering and Repetition 115

Vibrato 122

Section C Sounds Without Words 123

Scatting and Random Rhythmic Sounds 123

Vocal Sound Effects and Beatboxing 125

Grunts, Shouts, Laughs, and Other Miscellaneous Sounds 130

Inhaling, Exhaling, and Out-of-Breath Techniques 134

Vocal Trademark Sound or Phrase 137

Section D I Melodic Deliveries 138

Mixing Singing and Rapping 138

Half-Sung Delivery Techniques 145

Section E Character, Personality, and Emotions 150

Character and Personality 150

Having Fun with Vocals to Bring Out Your Personality 153

Emotions 154

3 Advanced Rhyme Techniques 159

Runs of Rhyme 160

Alternate Rhyme Scheme Patterns 166

Joining Rhyme Schemes Together 169

Popular Couplet Rhyme Placement Patterns 172

More Complex Extra Rhymes 178

Breaking Patterns 181

Three-Bar Loops 189

Poetry Terms Versus Rapping Terms: A Note on Terminology 191

4 Enunciation Rudiments 195

Basic Enunciaton Guidelines 196

Consonant Sounds 200

Consonant Combinations 205

Vowel Sounds 213

Vowel Combinations 216

Final Words 219

Interviewed Artists 223

Index 239

Editorial Reviews

"Filled with real tools and overflowing with inspiration, this comprehensive how-to manual examines the art and craft of rap. . . . Both newcomers to rap and more experienced listeners and artists can gain insights in the time-honored tradition of learning from the past, as told straight from the artists’ mouths. . . . A good read even for nonartists interested in learning more about hip-hop creativity, personalities, and history, this offers insights into music and poetry. Highly recommended."  —Library Journal

“A clever breakdown of the art form of hip-hop rhymes for anyone who is into the art of incredible raps.”  —Speech, Arrested Development

“A must-have guide for anyone who ever wanted to understand the blood, sweat, and tears that can go into the art of MCing.”  —DJ Rasta Root, producer, Smokin’ Needles Records

“If you rhyme, sing, or produce, read this book to improve your craftsmanship and to open up your mind.”  —Jump Off TV, broadcaster of World Rap Championships

“An excellent, revealing read. . . . I highly recommend this book to any rap fans or people interested in the technical aspects of music and poetry.”  —Mighty Casey, underground rapper

“How to Rap has much heart. . . . A marvelous milestone in our ancient storytelling tradition.”  —Georgia Anne Muldrow, singer/songwriter

“Clear, coherent, and organized . . . full of useful examples and concise explanations. An invaluable tool for young upstarts and seasoned pros alike!”  —Jamie Collinson, general manager, Big Dada Recordings

“Even MCs with a natural talent will find this book extremely insightful. Anyone thinking about becoming a rapper would do well to read it cover to cover.”  —Mike Lewis, general manager, Lewis Recordings

From the Publisher