What Is the Structure of Rap Music?
Rap music, which developed on the streets of the South Bronx and spread by oral tradition, has no absolute structure. There are several characteristics that most rap songs possess however, including emphasis on rhyming and timing.Four BarsRap songs are written in 4/4 time, meaning there are four beats to every bar or measure. Rappers rhyme words at the end of every bar and often use internal rhyme.ChorusesChoruses in rap songs often feature the same four-bar phrases, beats and chord progressions of the verse, but substitute new lyrics often with a catchy melody and feature new instrumental leads. The chorus to Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” for example, features a catchy new melody and keyboard lead.LyricsAs most rap songs start off with the beats written first, rappers adjust their lyrical rhythm to the rhythm of the song, as opposed to the other way around.FreestylingFreestyling is improvised rap music and follows no distinct form, other than rhyming and a general sense of rhythm, as most of it
