Whether you're an advanced artist, or just starting out in the game, the one thing that all rappers and singers need is ... LYRICS! If you're a more advanced artist, this is sure to help further you in your journey to the top. However, if you're a beginner, this guide will catapult you to the next level in virtually NO TIME! You can pick and choose which methods to try freely, but for the ABSOLUTE BEST results follow this guide EXACTLY!
Step 1. Read Daily.
Reading is the NUMBER ONE pathway to gaining better lyrics. Not only does it increase your Rap skills, reading also expands your vocabulary. When the vocabulary is expanded, YOU, the rapper, singer, or songwriter is able to express himself much more freely, fluently, and accurately. Most people only use a certain amount of words per day, even in a lifetime. Just imagine if you learned 20 or more new words, and could use them correctly in a sentence ... The next time you hit the studio to record your one of your songs, you'll sound like a much more advanced artist! This is the first and most important step to winning better lyrics. With that being said, pick up some books that interest you, as well as some magazines, more web articles like these and be sure to READ EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Step 2. Write Daily.
Just as reading is fundamental to winning better lyrics, writing is also an essential part of your journey. Wether it's a full song, a verse, or a few punch-lines, if you want to have the BEST rapper or singer, you have to write EVERY SINGLE DAY! Even if it seems like you're not getting better. The more you work at writing, the tighter your rhymes will become. Just throw on your favorite instrumentals, vibe to them, and write whatever comes to you. It does'nt really matter what you're writing, just be sure to do it as much as possible. It's also good to write about different subjects. Challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone, and every now and then, try different styles of writing. Remember ... whenever you write, you're increasing the quality of your lyrics ... Be sure to WRITE EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Step 3. Freestyling.
Although you may not know this, but freestyling can help you achieve better lyrics. Freestyling is an art form that requires one to think on His / her feet, have fluidity, and constantly be creative. It does not matter if you're a beginner or an expert ... Everyone should try freestyling. You'd be amazed at what you'll come up with on the fly! If you are a beginner, do not worry about sounding SO good at first, you will get better. Just practice with the ultimate goal of being the best you possibly can be at your craft. Some of the best rappers can freestyle. It also makes coming up with songs a lot easier. With regular practice, you'll start to notice your skills getting sharp as a razor blade!
Step 4. Listen to other Artists with Lyrics.
One of the most important things to do on top of the prior tips is to listen to artists with great lyrics. Just as the old saying goes, "You are what you eat," I also believe that "You are what you listened to". A lot of times when you first start writing, you tend to sound a lot like the artists that you listened to the most. An example of artists with good lyrics would be Jay-Z, Nas, 2Pac, Biggie, Common, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, The Game, Jadakiss, Cam'ron, TI, Outkast, 8Ball & MJG, and many others! You should also listen to artists that are considered to be from the "Golden Era" of Hip-Hop. These are some of those artists: Eric B. Rakim, EPMD, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, KRS-One, Public Enemy, NWA, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and more! Jamming other artists with unpredictable lyrics on the regular will inspire you and drive you to work harder to enhance your lyrics.
Step 5. Get Better Beats!
Last but not least, you need HOT BEATS! Ideas can come from anywhere, but most of the time our main source of inspiration is a dope instrumental. How can you make an epic song or the next club banger if the beats are not helping to motivate you to go as hard as possible with your rhymes ?! You can not! Well ... you can, but things will go a lot smoother for you when you're able to vibe to a beat that you're feeling, versus some whack sorry excuse for a beat. If you're featuring on someone else's song, you might not be able to help the whackness ... However on your own projects, be sure to get the toughest production possible. It will inspire you to bring your "A" game every time, then once again, helping you achieve better lyrics!
So, lets review what you've learned! If you want better lyrics, there's five things you should try to do daily. Read, write, freestyle, Listen to lyrical artists, and get better beats!