Hook

The hook is a repeated phrase that stands out and catches your audience’s ear. It is usually
short and memorable, and should capture the general feeling of the rap. In this example, the
hook occurs once before the first verse and at the beginning of every chorus.

I’m me, I’m free,

I ain’t never going back.

First Verse
Each verse should tell a story or describe an experience. In the introductory verse, tell your
audience about your unique way of life. Consider including pop culture references that your
listeners will appreciate. This verse makes use of a back-to-back rhyme scheme: the last words
of bars two and four, and bars six and eight, rhyme with each other.

Picture this, no fiction,

No Harry Potter, no Hunger Games.
My life is real, my diction heals
‘Cause I deserve this fame.
Who am I? Don’t even ask me
‘Cause it’s clear that you fear me.
Now I’m flying high, fly or die
Leave all the past behind me.

Chorus
The lyrics of your chorus should refer to the main theme of your rap. In this case, the artist is
expressing his or her desire to pursue a life of fame over the objections of a friend or significant
other.

I’m me, I’m free,

I ain’t never going back
So keep on telling your lies
I see the truth in your eyes.

Second Verse
Your second verse could focus more on a specific feeling or situation. Think about changing up
your rhyme scheme—instead of a back-to-back pattern, experiment with internal rhymes.

Yeah, I admit I miss you

Missed you at my show, my flow
Goes on but you don’t know that.
Too busy with the nine to five.
You said you want stability,
But baby, all that I can see is
Diamonds in the sky, Lucy
Coming down to greet me.

Chorus

Third Verse
You may also want to change up the rhythmic structure of your lyrics. While the first two verses
have roughly the same number of syllables per line, this one makes use of shorter, choppier
bars that give the verse an energetic and insistent feel.

It’s time to change it up, admit it

Sit on it, think about it
Maybe quit it, recommit
And now I’m sitting in first class.
I’m on my throne, want me in Paris?
Sure, I’ll go
And you’re alone, I only wish
It didn’t have to be like that.

Bridge
The bridge occurs only once in your song, usually near the end, and allows you to interject a
new idea or elaborate upon previous verses. In this case, the last line of the bridge leads right
into the final chorus.

And I’m going higher and higher

And you can’t bring me down
I hit the stratosphere
But I ain’t feeling no fear, ‘cause...

Chorus