Rapping

:This article is on the art and practice of rapping. For information on "rap music", see Hip hop music. For the English folk dance, see Rapper sword.

The importance of rhyme

Undoubtedly, the most important element of rap lyrics is rhyme. In other forms of poetry, rhymes that span many syllables are often

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considered whimsical but in hip hop, the ability to construct raps with large sets of rhyming syllables is considered a sign of intelligence

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and achievement. For the same reason, rap music is sometimes referred to as "street poetry" or "street rhyme". To accomplish rhymes of this sophistication, rappers can use single rhyming words (intellectual/ineffectual) or they can

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use multiple words whose constituent syllables rhyme (octoroon/Doctor Dooom). Rap lyrics often contain long series of lines

Related Topics:
Octoroon - Doctor Dooom

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each of which rhyme with each other.

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Occasionally, entire songs are composed in this fashion where all lines rhyme with each other.

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Of course, the more intricate the rhymes are, the more

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abstract the song becomes. This is because the more focus given to impressive rhyming, the harder it becomes to write coherently.

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Battle raps can be written with complex rhyming techniques easier than raps that tell a story or convey a message

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because a battle rap can employ a vast array of metaphors to conjure images of rapper to rapper combat.

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Rhyme is also integral to Freestyle battles. These contests pit two rappers together to lyrically insult and intimidate each other

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with impromptu lyrics. The ability to construct clever rhymes to insult the opponent "off the top of the dome" (dome being slang for head)

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is a critical skill to winning these contests.

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Different types of rhymes

Not all rhymes used in rap are clear cut. Often, consonance, assonance, half rhymes, and internal rhyme schemes are employed. Making a distant word with similar sounds at some points sound like a rhyme is sometimes considered a sign of a good rapper. An example of a rapper who makes heavy use of assonance is Eminem.

Related Topics:
Consonance - Assonance - Half rhyme - Internal rhyme - Eminem

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