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Donovon Jenson

If you're serious about learning how to rap pick up this course now and I guarantee you'll improve. (And this course has the tools to get you there)

NEW: 3 additional instrumentals that you can use for)

This course is about learning how to rap. It will take you from knowing absolutely nothing to becoming a rapper in 30 short, easy lessons. If you want to write rap songs, rap battle, or freestyle rap, this is the perfect course for you. We will cover all the fundamentals and get you prepared for your preferred style of rap in no time.

Read more

If you're serious about learning how to rap pick up this course now and I guarantee you'll improve. (And this course has the tools to get you there)

NEW: 3 additional instrumentals that you can use for)

This course is about learning how to rap. It will take you from knowing absolutely nothing to becoming a rapper in 30 short, easy lessons. If you want to write rap songs, rap battle, or freestyle rap, this is the perfect course for you. We will cover all the fundamentals and get you prepared for your preferred style of rap in no time.

This course is broken into 3, 10 lesson sections. Each section becomes progressively more difficult, the first section will teach you how to understand rap, the second section will teach you how to start rapping, and the third section will teach you to become a strong rapper. Each lecture has at least one associated exercise to help you build your rap skills. You will not need any materials beforehand, you just may have to search for some of the music you like and want to listen to.

The course is designed so that each lesson fits easily into a day. Ideally, you should be able to complete this course spending less than 30 minutes a day for the next 30 days. If you want to go faster than that, you absolutely can.

Don't be afraid. Anyone can learn to rap. You don't need to come from a specific background or be born a certain way. Just like any other skill, all you have to do is learn the fundamentals and practice. And, just like any art, all you have to do is tap into your creative spirit and create what comes to you. There are no set rules for content, only general guidelines for how to structure it.

If you want to learn how to rap, quickly, this is a great place to do it. You're going to get a really strong founding in the fundamentals so you can develop and grow into the best rapper you know. There's no cheap or easy tricks here, just concepts and exercises to build your natural talents.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Write strong, creative, and original lyrics
  • Recite your lines powerfully and confidently
  • Freestyle forever without stopping or stuttering
  • Record music (instrumentals provided in the course!)
  • Craft punchlines to win rap battles

Syllabus

Understand how the course is set up
Introduction & Course Outline
Rap Fundamentals E-Book (79 Pages)

Free instrumentals available for download upon course purchase. Use them for whatever you want!

Read more

Use them for whatever you want!

This lesson will ask you why you want to rap and help you tap into the reasoning and motivation behind learning this art form.

This lesson will help you discover which aspects of rap you like and explain how you can explore the talents of other artists to improve your own rap skills.

This lesson will help you overcome your fears. You cannot learn any talent without starting! Regardless of your skill level or starting point, it's ok to accept where you're at and start from there.

This lesson will teach you how to count syllables and break up words into sounds. This is the absolute most basic piece you'll need to know to start building lines and will be a key component as we dive into more complex rhyming.

Make sure you know how to count syllables

In this lesson you'll learn how to write lines as couplets. This is important for how to rap because most rap is written in couplets. You'll learn about how many syllables to put in a line as well as how to build couplet lines.

Identify Couplets

This lesson is about perfect rhyming, the type of rhyming you're most familiar with. It also covers rhyme schemes, which will help you map rhymes into your verse and understand the structure of other verses.

This is an exercise helping you to understand rhyme schemes. Answers are provided.

This is a description of what bars are and how to count them. By the end of this lesson you'll have the resources to know how to count bars yourself and how they fit into the writing of rap music.

As you learn how to rap, you'll get a serious of exercises to help you out. This is an exercise that I've seen work for many rappers to quickly increase their skills. After this, you should understand how the exercise works and how it can help you develop your rap skill quickly.

This is the first lesson on freestyle, emphasizing that you start. By the end of this lesson you should be trying to freestyle and starting to understand how it works.

This lesson is dedicated to helping you build confidence in your rap skills. Overcoming doubt and feeling comfortable is absolutely important in art. This lesson will also teach you how to use feedback effectively to grow as an artist.

This lesson covers a few areas where rap artists are likely to find inspiration. It also gives different themes that you can use to create your own music and helps you expand your current style preferences.

This lesson considers the differences between skills you learn and your actual being as you become a rapper. Some things can be taught, but your essence is your own and you're the only one who can bring that into existence.

This lesson explains how to rap with internal rhymes. There are some examples of how rappers use internal rhymes. It also gives you ideas for how to add internal rhymes in your own verses.

This lesson covers how to use slant rhyming in your raps. It also breaks down the concepts behind slant rhyming so you understand why things are or are not slants.

A quiz to help you understand how slant rhymes work.

This lesson covers how to pick good words while you rap. Each word is important and makes a difference in how your art is percieved.

This lesson we start to cover ideas for how you can quickly improve your rap delivery. Lyrics are important, but it's also important to give those lines a strong delivery.

This is the second lesson where we cover ways to improve your delivery. There's also specific exercises for how to improve these rap skills quickly.

This lesson gives the outline of a rap song. By the end of this, you should understand how to structure a rap song and be able to put one together yourself.

This is another lesson about freestyling. Now that you've learned many of the other skills, this lesson emphasizes rhyming and how to continue freestyle rapping to long periods of time.

Another lesson on how to freestyle rap. This lesson emphasizes the fun of cyphers and the ultility of using your surroundings to keep rapping longer.

This lesson explains the difference between types of language. By the end of this you should know how to rap with more complex language and create your own similes and metaphors.

This lesson explains wordplay and teaches you how to use double meaning wordplay. By the end of the lesson, you should understand how to make your own rap wordplay.

This lesson is about multi-syllable rhymes, also called complex rhymes, multis, or compound rhymes. This is a more advanced rhyme technique, but absolutely essential as you learn how to rap.

This lesson is about how to battle with other emcees. You will learn what a punchline is and how to craft them to attack your opponent. This is a great starter for those who want to learn how to rap battle.

This is a lesson about how to tell engaging stories. Since many rap songs contain stories, it's important to understand how good storytellers work. After this lesson you should understand how to write a story.

This lesson explains what flow is in rap. Flow is a huge concept that is extremely important and can define an artist. After this lesson, you should understand how to expand your flow styles and exercises you can do to keep improving your rap flow.

This lesson covers a great strategy for freestyle rapping longer. It also covers what adjustments you need to make when freestyling over an instrumental and gives you ideas for how to improve those skills.

This lesson gives you a mindset strategy for increasing the length of your freestyles. The more ideas you have, the longer you can freestyle rap.

This lesson teaches you how to record better and also where to find instrumentals to make music. This is a very basic overview of how to record but you should feel comfortable with your phone or home setup after this.

This lesson reviews what you've learned so far in how to rap. There is a focus on understanding your progress and ensuring you feel comfortable rap battling, freestyling, and knowing how to write a rap song.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides instrumentals for download, allowing learners to immediately apply the concepts and techniques they are learning to create their own music
Covers freestyle rapping, which is a valuable skill for developing improvisation and quick thinking in musical expression and performance
Includes an e-book that covers rap fundamentals, which can serve as a valuable reference guide for learners as they progress in their rap journey
Teaches learners how to craft punchlines, which is a core skill for those interested in rap battles and competitive lyrical performance
Requires learners to search for music they like, which may pose a barrier to entry for some learners who may not have access to music streaming services
Offers a basic overview of how to record music using a phone or home setup, which may not be sufficient for learners seeking professional-quality recordings

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Reviews summary

Foundational rap skills for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of rapping, making it ideal for those starting from scratch. Students highlight the clear explanations of core concepts like syllables, couplets, and rhyme schemes. The practical exercises are frequently mentioned as a key strength, helping solidify understanding and build skills. While many found it excellent for beginners, some more experienced individuals noted it could be too basic for those beyond the foundational level.
E-book and instrumentals are valuable additions.
"The included e-book is a fantastic reference to go back to after the lessons."
"Having the free instrumentals provided made it easy to start practicing right away."
"The resources section is a nice bonus and adds value to the course."
"I found the e-book helpful for reviewing terms and concepts."
Helpful tips to start freestyle rapping.
"The lessons on how to start freestyling really helped me overcome my fear of trying."
"Got some good ideas on how to keep my freestyle going longer."
"Appreciated the mindset tips for freestyle practice."
"It breaks down getting started with freestyle in a non-intimidating way."
Concepts are broken down into easily digestible parts.
"The way the instructor explained complex ideas like rhyme schemes made them easy to grasp."
"Everything was explained step-by-step, which was great for a beginner."
"I appreciated how clear and concise the lessons were."
"The concepts of flow and delivery were introduced clearly."
Practical exercises reinforce learning effectively.
"The exercises after each lesson were super helpful for practicing what I learned."
"I really benefited from the practical tasks; they made the concepts stick."
"Doing the exercises felt like actually building the skills, not just listening."
"The exercise on identifying couplets was particularly useful."
Excellent starting point for absolute beginners.
"This course gave me exactly what I needed to start rapping. The basics were explained so clearly."
"As someone with zero experience, I feel like I have a solid understanding of the fundamentals now."
"If you're new to rap, this course is a perfect place to build your initial skills."
"I finally understand syllables and bars! Great foundation provided."
May lack depth for intermediate+ learners.
"I had some prior experience rapping, and I found parts of this course to be too fundamental for my needs."
"If you're beyond the absolute beginner stage, you might find this course covers ground you already know."
"It's great for starting out, but doesn't delve deeply into advanced techniques or complex flows."
"Was hoping for a bit more depth on music theory related to rap."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Rap: Fundamentals with these activities:
The Concise Guide to Hip-Hop Music
Gain a deeper understanding of hip-hop history and culture to inform your own rap style and content.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and artists.
  • Reflect on how the information relates to your own rap aspirations.
Review Rhyme Schemes
Solidify your understanding of rhyme schemes to improve your lyric writing and song structure.
Show steps
  • Review different types of rhyme schemes (AABB, ABAB, etc.).
  • Analyze the rhyme schemes in your favorite rap songs.
  • Practice writing verses using different rhyme schemes.
Write a Couplet a Day
Practice writing couplets daily to improve your rhyming and lyric writing skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic or theme for the day.
  • Write a couplet related to the topic.
  • Share your couplet with a friend or online community.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Freestyle Over Instrumentals
Improve your freestyle skills by practicing regularly over different instrumentals.
Show steps
  • Select an instrumental track.
  • Freestyle for a set amount of time (e.g., 5 minutes).
  • Record yourself and review your performance.
Analyze Rap Lyrics
Deepen your understanding of rap techniques by analyzing the lyrics of your favorite artists.
Show steps
  • Choose a rap song to analyze.
  • Transcribe the lyrics.
  • Identify rhyme schemes, wordplay, and other techniques.
  • Write a short analysis of the song's lyrical content.
Record a Rap Song
Apply the skills learned in the course by writing, recording, and mixing your own rap song.
Show steps
  • Write lyrics for a full song (verse, chorus, bridge).
  • Record your vocals over an instrumental.
  • Mix and master the track.
  • Share your song online.
How to Write Rhyme
Improve your rhyming skills by studying a comprehensive guide to rhyme techniques.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, focusing on the different rhyming techniques.
  • Practice applying the techniques in your own writing.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Rap: Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Rapper
A rapper delivers rhythmic and rhyming speech, often over a beat. This course on the fundamentals of rapping directly prepares you for this role. The course covers essential skills such as writing lyrics, understanding rap structure, and developing a personal style. Lessons on overcoming fears and building confidence are particularly valuable for aspiring rappers. Further, learning to freestyle and craft punchlines are invaluable skills for a Rapper. This course also teaches you how to record, which may be useful for artists to independently produce their music.
Lyricist
A lyricist specializes in writing the words for songs. This course on the fundamentals of rapping greatly aids aspiring lyricists. The curriculum emphasizes lyric writing skills, including understanding rhyme schemes, counting syllables, and using internal and slant rhymes. Lessons on wordplay and complex language may be useful for a Lyricist seeking to create rich and engaging text. Furthermore, this course may help you craft your original style while refining your ability to write with confidence.
Creative Writer
Creative writers produce original works of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. This course may be useful for a Creative Writer who wants to explore new forms of expression, experiment with rhythm and rhyme, and develop a stronger sense of voice. The course helps you learn how to structure your writing, use vivid language, and tell engaging stories. Lessons on finding inspiration, using wordplay, and developing your personal style are valuable for Creative Writers. The course helps you craft unique lyrics and punchlines, which may be useful for improving your creative writing.
Poet
Poets write poems, often exploring themes of emotion, experience, and the human condition. This course on the fundamentals of rapping may be useful to a Poet by introducing them to new forms of rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay. The course covers techniques such as counting syllables, understanding rhyme schemes, and using internal and slant rhymes. Lessons on finding inspiration and using complex language are particularly helpful for Poets seeking to expand their creative toolkit. Also, the course helps you write strong and confident lyrics.
Songwriter
Songwriters craft the lyrics and melodies for songs. This course may be useful to a Songwriter, especially one interested in incorporating elements of rap into their compositions or writing specifically for rap artists. The course focuses on key aspects of songwriting such as lyric writing, understanding rhyme schemes, and structuring verses. Lessons on finding inspiration, using wordplay, and telling engaging stories may be useful to Songwriters in any genre. The course will also help you write original creative content and refine your personal style.
Spoken Word Artist
Spoken word artists perform poetry or prose in a rhythmic, expressive manner. This course may be useful to a Spoken Word Artist, particularly those who want to incorporate elements of rap and hip-hop into their performances. The course covers important techniques such as writing lyrics, understanding rhythm and cadence, and developing a confident delivery. Lessons on storytelling, wordplay, and freestyle may be useful to Spoken Word Artists. The course also helps you tap into your emotions, develop your personal style, and use feedback effectively.
Content Creator
Content creators develop and produce engaging material for various platforms, such as social media, websites, and video channels. This course may be useful if you are a Content Creator aiming to incorporate rap or hip-hop elements into your work. The course will help you write engaging lyrics, understand rhythm and structure, and improving your delivery. The course also gives content creators the option of recording original music to fit their material, and may help with building confidence on camera.
Public Speaker
Public speakers deliver presentations, lectures, and speeches to audiences of varying sizes. This course may be useful if you are a Public Speaker who wants to improve your vocal delivery, confidence, and ability to connect with an audience. The class will help you learn how to structure your speech for maximum impact, use wordplay to engage listeners, and deliver your message with authority. Lessons on overcoming fears, telling stories, and developing your personal style are especially helpful for Public Speakers. Learning about rhythm and cadence will ensure your message sticks with the audience.
Podcaster
Podcasters create and host audio programs on a variety of topics. This course may be useful if you are a Podcaster who wants to improve their vocal delivery, rhythm, and storytelling skills. The course may help you learn how to structure your speech, use wordplay effectively, and engage your audience with creative language. Lessons on freestyling will help you think on your feet and improvise during interviews or unscripted segments. Freestyling will also help you generate creative content, which is useful for a Podcaster.
Comedian
Comedians write and perform comedic material for live audiences or recorded media. This course may be useful for a Comedian who wants to experiment with incorporating rap, rhythm, and wordplay into their routines. The course helps you learn how to structure jokes, use punchlines effectively, and develop a unique comedic voice. Lessons on freestyling, using wordplay, and overcoming fears are insightful for Comedians. The art of rap may allow Comedians to express themselves in a new and interesting way.
Voice Actor
Voice actors provide voices for a variety of projects, including animation, commercials, and audiobooks. This course may be useful to a Voice Actor who wants to improve their rhythmic delivery and vocal control. The course emphasizes skills such as clear enunciation, confident delivery, and understanding rhythm. Lessons on freestyle and wordplay may be useful for Voice Actors who want to explore improvisation and character creation. The course additionally helps you find your personal confidence while tapping into your creativity.
Speech Writer
Speech writers craft speeches for a variety of clients, including politicians, executives, and public figures. This course may be useful for a Speech Writer who wants to add rhythm, punch, and memorable lines to their speeches. The course helps you understand how to structure arguments, use wordplay for emphasis, and deliver lines with confidence. Lessons on crafting punchlines, telling stories, and injecting your own style into your work may be insightful for Speech Writers. Using rap methods can allow Speech Writers to create memorable content.
Copywriter
Copywriters write persuasive and engaging content for advertising and marketing purposes. This course may be useful for a Copywriter who wants to learn new techniques for grabbing attention, using rhythm and wordplay, and crafting memorable slogans. The course helps you understand how to structure your writing for maximum impact, use internal and slant rhymes for emphasis, and develop a unique voice. Lessons on finding inspiration and using complex language are particularly helpful for Copywriters. A Copywriter may find that learning about complex language will allow them to create engaging content.
Music Producer
Music producers oversee the creation of music, from initial conception to final master. This course may be useful for a Music Producer who wants to better understand the needs and creative processes of rappers. The course offers insights into lyric writing, rhythm, flow, and delivery. Lessons on understanding rap structure, crafting punchlines, and freestyle rapping will allow music producers to communicate effectively with the artist. This will allow the Music Producer to better serve the vision of the artist.
English Teacher
English teachers educate students in the areas of reading, writing, and language. This course may be useful for an English Teacher who wants to bring contemporary poetry and musical trends into the classroom. Learning the structure of rap lyrics will allow teachers to draw comparisons between historic forms of poetry and modern trends in music. Using rap may engage students and allow them to learn and draw inspiration from current popular culture. The course may prepare an English Teacher to incorporate rap and similar art forms into lesson plans.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Rap: Fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of hip-hop music, covering its history, culture, and key artists. It's a great resource for understanding the context and evolution of rap. Reading this book will help you appreciate the nuances of the art form and provide inspiration for your own rapping.
Comprehensive guide to the art of rhyming. It covers various rhyming techniques, including perfect rhymes, slant rhymes, and internal rhymes. While not specific to rap, it provides a solid foundation for understanding and mastering rhyme, which is essential for effective rap lyricism. This book is best used as additional reading.

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