Rap Songwriting Assignment
� You will create a rap song in small groups.
� Each member of the group is expected to speak some portion of the rap.
� The lyrics and content of the song must be appropriate for school.
� You cannot say anything negative or demeaning.
� You cannot borrow lyrics from other songs.
� It must be an original composition (beats and lyrics)
� You will perform this song as a group.
� Have fun a get creative!
What are rap songs?
Rap songs are talk songs. They are not sung; they are spoken. They have
beat, and a lot of rhyme. Behind the speaker of a rap, there might be original
music called "scratching" sound , and parts of other peoples' songs.
To write your own rap, begin with a common topic. You have to know enough
about your topic to rap about it. You can choose school, friends or family and it
MUST always be in a positive, and school appropriate topics. Once you have
learned about your topic you're ready to rap.
Common Topics:
‣ School-teachers, friends, classes
‣ Sports-basketball, football, swimmimg, volleyball
‣ Hobbies
‣ Pets
‣ Most embarrassing moments
How to write a rap song?
- Rap songs are written in sets of couplets. A couplet is made up of two lines
that rhyme with each other.
Example:
I like basketball I think it's neat
It makes me walk to a different beat
- A set is made up of two couplets.
Example:
I like basketball I think it's neat
It makes me walk to a different beat
Dribble the ball down the court
I think I am playing the right sport
As you see, begin your lyrics with a line that has a strong beat or rhythm.
Rhyme the next line with the first. Try to repeat the same rhythm in the second
line, too, having a similar number of syllables will help. Then begin a new
rhyme with the third line. The fourth line should rhyme with the third line. Keep
repeating this rhyming pattern.