If you are an aspiring rapper in Nigeria, you know how important it is to have a good beat for your rap song. A beat is the instrumental backing track that provides the rhythm, melody, and mood for your rap song. A good beat can make your rap song sound awesome and reach more people. A bad beat can ruin your rap song and waste your time and effort. So how do you choose the right beat for your rap song?
Here are five (5) easy steps to follow:
Tip 1: Think about the concept and emotion of your song
The first thing you need to do when choosing a beat is to think about what you want to say with your rap.
- What is the topic or theme of your song?
- What message or story do you want to tell?
- What mood or vibe do you want to create?
For example, if you want to rap about your struggles and challenges, you might want a beat that is dark, sad, or angry. If you want to rap about your success and achievements, you might want a beat that is bright, happy, or triumphant.
Look for beats that match the concept and emotion of your song.
Tip 2: Listen to different beats until one speaks to you
Sometimes you don’t have a clear idea of what kind of beat you want, but you know it when you hear it. That’s why you need to listen to different beats until one speaks to you. You can browse through different websites, apps, or platforms offering beats for sale or free.
For example:
- BeatStars
- SoundCloud
- YouTube, etc.
You can also listen to different genres and styles of beats, such as Afrobeat, trap, hip-hop, R&B, etc. When you find a beat that resonates with you and inspires you to rap, that’s the one you should choose.
Tip 3: Consider the Tempo and Rhythm of the Beat
Another factor you need to consider when choosing a beat is the tempo and rhythm of the beat.
The tempo is how fast or slow the beat is measured in beats per minute (BPM). The rhythm is how the beat is divided into bars and how it changes over time. The tempo and rhythm of the beat affect how fast or slow you can rap and how complex or simple your flow can be. Choose a beat that suits your style and skill level.
For example, if you like to rap fast and fit many syllables in each bar, you might prefer a slower tempo beat, around 65-75 BPM, because there is more space for your words.
If you like to rap slowly or with more pauses, you might prefer a faster tempo beat, around 85-95 BPM, because it creates more energy and excitement.
Tip 4: Pay Attention to the Structure and Arrangement of the Beat
The next thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a beat is the structure and arrangement of the beat.
- Beat Structure is how the beat is organized into different sections, such as intro, hook, verse, bridge, outro, etc.
- Beat Arrangement is how the beat changes over time in terms of instruments, sounds, effects, etc.
The structure and arrangement of the beat affect how you can write your lyrics and how you can keep the listener interested and engaged.
Choose a beat that has enough variety and dynamics to make your song interesting. For example, if the beat has an intro, a hook, a verse, a bridge, and an outro, you can write different lyrics for each section and create contrast and tension in your song. If the beat has different instruments, sounds, and effects that come in and out at different times, you can use them as cues for your delivery and expression.
Tip 5: Make Sure the Beat is High-Quality and Original
The last thing you need to make sure of when choosing a beat is that the beat is high-quality and original.
- A high-quality beat is one that sounds clear, crisp, and professional, while low-quality beats sound distorted, noisy, or amateurish.
- A high-quality beat will make your rap sound better and more appealing to listeners. A low-quality beat will make your rap sound worse and less attractive to listeners.
Choose a high-quality beat that sounds good on any device or platform.
- An original beat is one that is unique and not copied from another song, while a copied beat is too similar or identical to another song that already exists.
- An original beat will make your rap stand out and show your creativity and personality, while a copied beat blends your rap in, risking legal issues and possibly damaging your reputation.
Choose an original beat that shows your style and identity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beat for your rap song is not easy, but it is very important. A good beat can make your rap song sound awesome and reach more people. A bad beat can ruin your rap song, wasting your time and effort.
Follow these five easy steps on how to choose the right beats for your rap songs, and start making some fire tracks today!
- Find your concept and emotion.
- Select the beat that speaks to you.
- Consider tempo & rhythm
- Consider beat structure & arrangement
- Use only original and high-quality beats
“I’m not here to play games” – Phyno; be serious and smart.
“I’m not here for jokes” – Falz; be original and creative.
Finally, “I’m not here for fame” – M.I Abaga; be passionate and professional.
