SONGWRITING GUIDE
How to Write Rap Lyrics
Learn the fundamentals of rap writing. Master bars, flow, rhyme patterns, and write your first verse.
Getting Started with Rap Writing
Rap lyrics combine rhythm, rhyme, and storytelling over a beat. Unlike traditional songwriting, rap emphasizes flow (how your words ride the beat), wordplay, and delivery. The goal is to create lyrics that sound powerful when performed, not just read on paper.
The best way to start is simple: pick a beat you like, listen to it on repeat until you feel the rhythm, then start writing words that match that rhythm. Don't worry about being perfect—every great rapper started as a beginner.
Understanding Bars and Measures
What Is a Bar?
A bar (also called a measure) is a unit of time in music, typically containing 4 beats. When you hear "1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4" in a beat, that's two bars. In rap, one line of lyrics usually equals one bar. A standard rap verse is 16 bars (16 lines).
Counting Bars
To count bars, listen to the beat and count "1-2-3-4" repeatedly. Each count to 4 is one bar. Most hip-hop beats have a strong kick drum on beat 1 and 3, and a snare on beat 2 and 4. Use these to stay on count.
Bar 2: 1-2-3-4 (next line of lyrics)
Bar 3: 1-2-3-4 (next line of lyrics)
Standard Verse Structure
Most rap songs follow this structure: 8-bar intro, 16-bar verse 1, 8-bar hook, 16-bar verse 2, 8-bar hook, 16-bar verse 3, 8-bar hook/outro. As a beginner, focus on writing solid 16-bar verses.
Flow and Rhythm Techniques
On-Beat Flow
The simplest flow: emphasize syllables on each beat (1-2-3-4). This is the foundation. Once you master on-beat flow, you can experiment with off-beat patterns.
Syncopation
Placing emphasis between beats instead of directly on them. This creates bounce and swing in your flow. Listen to how Kendrick Lamar and Eminem use syncopation to create unique rhythms.
Breath Control
Plan where you'll breathe. Don't write lines so long you run out of breath. Mark natural pause points in your lyrics with commas or line breaks. Practice your verse multiple times to nail the breath control.
Changing Your Flow
Don't rap every bar the same way. Switch up your rhythm every 4-8 bars to keep listeners engaged. Speed up, slow down, change your emphasis pattern. Flow variation is what separates good rappers from great ones.
Rhyme Patterns in Rap
End Rhymes (Basic)
The last word of each line rhymes. This is where everyone starts.
Internal Rhymes (Intermediate)
Rhymes within the same line, not just at the end. This is what makes rap sound advanced and skilled.
Multi-Syllable Rhymes (Advanced)
Rhyming multiple syllables in a row. This is the hallmark of technical rap.
Chain Rhyming (Expert)
Every word or syllable rhymes with corresponding syllables in other lines. Used by Eminem, MF DOOM, and other technical rappers.
Writing Your First Verse — Step by Step
1. Choose a Beat
Find an instrumental beat on YouTube (search "type beat" or "rap beat"). Pick something you genuinely like. Listen to it on repeat for at least 5-10 minutes to internalize the rhythm.
2. Pick a Topic
What do you want to say in this verse? Pick one clear topic: your ambition, a struggle you faced, where you're from, how you see the world. Don't try to cover everything—focus on one idea.
3. Write Your First Line
Start with a strong opening line that introduces your topic. Don't overthink it—just write something that captures your idea. You can always revise it later.
4. Build Bar by Bar
Write 4 bars at a time. After every 4 bars, rap them out loud over the beat. If they don't sound good, rewrite them. Keep going until you have 16 bars total.
5. Add Rhymes
Go back and strengthen your rhymes. Use our Rhyme Generator to find better rhymes. Aim for at least end rhymes on every other line to start.
6. Practice and Refine
Rap your verse over the beat at least 20 times. Record yourself. Listen back. Fix any awkward phrasing, add pauses where you need breath, and tighten up the flow. The best verses are rewritten multiple times.
Common Mistakes Beginner Rappers Make
✗ Forcing rhymes over meaning
Don't sacrifice what you're trying to say just to make a rhyme work. If a rhyme doesn't fit, use a near rhyme or rewrite the line. Message first, rhyme second.
✗ Not practicing out loud
Lyrics that look good on paper might sound terrible when rapped. Always test your lyrics out loud over the beat. If you can't rap it smoothly, rewrite it.
✗ Copying other rappers' styles
It's fine to be influenced by rappers you admire, but copying their exact flow, topics, and phrases makes you sound unoriginal. Find your own voice and perspective.
✗ Writing lines that are too long
If you run out of breath halfway through a line, it's too long. Break it into two lines or cut unnecessary words. Breath control is crucial in rap.
✗ Using clichés
Avoid overused phrases like "I'm the best," "haters gonna hate," or "money over everything." These have been said a million times. Say something original that comes from your real experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bars should a rap verse be?
A standard rap verse is 16 bars (lines). This is the industry standard in hip-hop. Some songs use 12-bar verses, and hooks/choruses are typically 4-8 bars. Beginner rappers should practice writing 16-bar verses to build their skills.
What is flow in rap?
Flow is how your words and syllables align with the beat. It includes your rhythm, cadence, breath control, and the way you emphasize certain syllables. Good flow makes your rap sound smooth and intentional, not forced or off-beat.
Do rap lyrics have to rhyme?
While most rap uses rhymes, they don't have to be perfect rhymes. Near rhymes, slant rhymes, and assonance are extremely common in professional rap. The focus is on flow, rhythm, and message—rhymes are a tool, not a requirement.
How many syllables should be in a bar of rap?
There's no fixed number—it depends on your flow and the BPM of the beat. Fast rap might have 16-20+ syllables per bar, while slower, more deliberate flows might have 8-12. Focus on what sounds good over the beat rather than hitting a specific number.
What should I rap about as a beginner?
Rap about what you know and what you feel. Your personal experiences, observations, struggles, and perspectives make for authentic lyrics. Avoid copying other rappers' topics—find your own voice and tell your own stories.
How do I improve my rap flow?
Practice rapping over different beats, record yourself and listen back, study flows from rappers you admire, experiment with different rhythmic patterns, and practice freestyling. The more you rap, the more natural your flow becomes.
Write Better Rap Lyrics
Download RHYMEBOOK for rhyme lookup, syllable counting, freestyle prompts, and everything you need to write killer verses. Free to download.