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Douglas Butner

In this course you will develop the skill set to freestyle rap in various styles without running out of bars, even if you have never rapped before. This is a bold promise, but like anything else, freestyle rhyming can be broken down into a few simple steps. I will explain the three components to rapping, then we will talk more about freestyle-specific skills. 

1. Rhythm: You will learn to catch any beat by tapping out the quarter notes, then create a simple percussion rhythm which you will then put words to.

Read more

In this course you will develop the skill set to freestyle rap in various styles without running out of bars, even if you have never rapped before. This is a bold promise, but like anything else, freestyle rhyming can be broken down into a few simple steps. I will explain the three components to rapping, then we will talk more about freestyle-specific skills. 

1. Rhythm: You will learn to catch any beat by tapping out the quarter notes, then create a simple percussion rhythm which you will then put words to.

2. Lyrics: We will talk about polysyllabic rhyming, associations, building topics to fall back on, and wordage (word choice).

3. Delivery: In this lesson you will play around with your voice to see what it can do, and take a good look at how to hone your flow.

 After we cover the three fundamentals of freestyle rap, I will help you to develop multiple flows and improve your delivery, teach you tricks to come up with rhymes and always have subjects to rhyme about in cyphers. We will cover: Cypher Etiquette, how to Never Run Out of Bars, Tools to Get Going, Finding Beats, Switching Flows, Entering a Flow State, and more. 

Relax, get into the vibe, and come with me on this journey through the components of freestyle rap. 

Oh, and if you are wondering "Who is this guy and why should he be my rap teacher?" I am the musician that goes by the name Douglas, Sir Douglas Fresh, Ammon, and godsol. You can listen to & download my mixtape at douglas.life/mixtape, and find me on Spotify as Ammon (Check out my song "Ammon - You Are Love")I also hold periodic freestyle events for local rappers called Solsfest (since 2014). Oh yeah, and I built a worldwide music map app that YOU can be a part of.  You can find beats there, and even share your music for free. It's called cXc Music, and you can find it at music.cxc.world

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Freestyle rap
  • Rap over any beat
  • Switch flows
  • Come up with lyrical rhythms
  • Think lyrics up on the fly
  • Deliver consistently
  • Never run out of bars

Syllabus

Learn about the course

In this course you will develop the skill set to freestyle rap in various styles without running out of bars, even if you have never rapped before. This is a bold promise, but like anything else, freestyle rhyming can be broken down into a few simple steps. I will explain the three components to rapping, then we will talk more about freestyle-specific skills.

1. Rhythm: You will learn to catch any beat by tapping out the quarter notes, then create a simple percussion rhythm which you will then put words to.

2. Lyrics: We will talk about polysyllabic rhyming, wordage (word choice)

3. Delivery: In this lesson you will play around with your voice to see what it can do, and take a look at how deliver consistently.

After we cover the three fundamentals of freestyle rap, I will help you to develop multiple flows and improve your delivery, teach you tricks to come up with rhymes and always have subjects to rhyme about in cyphers. We will cover: Cypher Etiquette, how to Never Run Out of Bars, Tools to Get Going, Finding Beats, Switching Flows, Entering a Flow State, and more.

Relax, get into the vibe, and come with me on this journey through the components of freestyle rap.

Read more

Because this is the first lesson in course, and the lesson is about rhythm, this lesson starts out with a brief section on removing limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs can throw you off your rhythm, and distract you from your lyrics and delivery.

Next, we talk about the common patterns in music, and start practicing with one syllable rhymes.

We learn to make our own rhythms representing syllables in our raps. We will talk about the shape of words, and why polysyllable rhymes affect our rhythm structure.

Finally, we'll put it all together; tap out a beat, which we will put a lyrical rhythm to in percussion, then pre-think the ending word, then add all the words to the rap.

In this lesson we talk about how to come up with good lyrics. We talk about common structures of music that we will freestyle to, look at polysyllable rhymes, adding spice to our lyrics by mispronouncing, making up words and more. We talk about using sound effects in place of words also.

This lesson covers keys to coming up with lyrics on-the-fly, like focusing on last word, and telling a story with your freestyles.

We talk about what to do when you can't think of words, as well as entering into a flow state and how stories are good for audiences and artists. We talk about re-entering the flow state when you get off vibe.

In this lesson, we'll cover topics to freestyle about. We will break down the three levels of topics. We'll cover where to find good themes/topics to rap about that fit with the context. We talk about switching themes, and some theme/topic ideas relative to cyphers.

Finally, we discuss about wordplay, and wordage (word choice), and how these separate average rappers from pros.

In this lesson we talk about finding your voice and delivering great sounding rap lyrics. We go over key components of vocal delivery to keep in mind, like volume, stamina, pitch, range, and dynamics.

We also talk about nonvocal delivery, like posture and gesticulations.

We talk about matching your emotional state to the delivery you want. We will learn some chi techniques that may help you to hone and resume a desired emotional state.

In this lesson, we look at some websites to find instrumentals online. Please keep in mind that there are plenty more places to find instrumentals online.

In this lesson, we will look at some online tools and apps to build our vocabulary, and get our freestyles going.

In this lesson we talk survival tips if you want to never out of bars. I'm completely confident that using the skills taught in this course, any person who believes in themselves and dedicates the time and energy can be able to rap for an indefinite amount time. To get today's goal, we discuss things like being persistent, switching flows, knowing when to pas the mic, what to have prepared, keeping topics to jump to, breathing, and more. At the end, I will give you my words to the wise that I have learned from personal experience.

In this lesson, we talk survival tips if you want to never out of bars. I'm completely confident that using the skills taught in this course, any person who believes in themselves and dedicates the time and energy will be able to rap for an indefinite amount time. To get to this goal, we discuss things like being persistent, switching flows, knowing when to pass the mic, what to have prepared, keeping topics to jump to, breathing, and more. At the end, I will give you my words to the wise that I have learned from personal experience.

In this lesson we talk about switching flows in a way that match your lyrics, as well as the beat.

In this lesson we talk about getting on any instrumental track by finding our rhythm, and systematically attacking the beat.

In this lesson we will go over how to act when freestyling in a cypher we'll talk about the common activities (games) that go on in cyphers.

Thank you all for taking this course! I hope we get to rap together sometime.

Here are some links to freestyles, and other things I do!

In this article I will respond to requests for more of my freestyles by walking you through the process of making a song, and also share my latest freestyle release on Spotify.

Come with me in this 2-part 2022 update, where we find beats and make a freestyle song!

In this part of the update, I'll share more song-making tips to make quality freestyle songs, and we'll make a song.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Breaks down freestyle rapping into fundamental components like rhythm, lyrics, and delivery, which provides a structured approach for beginners
Covers cypher etiquette, which is valuable for those looking to participate in rap communities and improve their collaborative skills
Explores techniques to maintain flow and avoid running out of bars, which is a common challenge for freestyle rappers of all levels
Includes lessons on finding beats and online tools for vocabulary building, which are essential resources for aspiring freestyle artists
Discusses vocal delivery techniques, posture, and emotional connection, which are important aspects of performance often overlooked
Features bonus lessons and updates from 2022, which may not reflect the current state of music and freestyle rapping

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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 Freestyle Rap: Rhythm, Lyrics, Delivery with these activities:
Review Rhyme Schemes and Poetic Devices
Strengthen your understanding of rhyme schemes and poetic devices to enhance lyrical creativity and complexity in freestyle rapping.
Show steps
  • Research common rhyme schemes like AABB, ABAB, and ABCB.
  • Identify examples of alliteration, assonance, and consonance in existing rap lyrics.
  • Practice writing short verses using different rhyme schemes and poetic devices.
Create a Freestyle Rap Journal
Develop a consistent practice of writing and reflecting on your freestyle raps to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Dedicate a notebook or digital document to your freestyle rap journal.
  • Write down freestyle verses, ideas, and observations after each practice session.
  • Review your journal regularly to identify patterns and track your progress.
Read 'How to Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC'
Gain a deeper understanding of rap techniques and strategies to improve your freestyle skills.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on rhythm and flow.
  • Study the sections on lyricism and wordplay.
  • Practice the exercises and techniques described in the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Freestyle Over Different Beats
Improve your ability to adapt to different rhythms and tempos, enhancing your freestyle versatility.
Show steps
  • Find a variety of instrumental tracks online.
  • Set a timer for 5 minutes and freestyle over each beat.
  • Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
Explore 'The Tao of Wu' by The RZA
Draw inspiration from philosophical concepts to enhance your lyrical content and delivery.
View The Tao of Wu on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and reflect on its themes.
  • Identify concepts that resonate with you and your freestyle style.
  • Incorporate these concepts into your lyrics and delivery.
Record and Share Your Freestyles
Build confidence and receive feedback by sharing your freestyle raps with others.
Show steps
  • Record yourself freestyling over a beat.
  • Share your recording on social media or a music platform.
  • Ask for feedback from friends, family, or other rappers.
Attend Local Cyphers and Open Mics
Gain experience performing in front of an audience and learn from other freestyle rappers.
Show steps
  • Research local cyphers and open mic events in your area.
  • Prepare a few freestyle verses to perform.
  • Attend the event and participate in the cypher.
  • Network with other rappers and musicians.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Freestyle Rap: Rhythm, Lyrics, Delivery will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Rapper
A career as a Rapper involves crafting and performing original music, often with a strong emphasis on lyrical content and rhythmic delivery. This course helps develop essential skills needed to excel in this field. By learning to freestyle rap in various styles, aspiring Rappers can enhance their ability to create spontaneous and engaging performances. The focus on rhythm, lyrics, and delivery in the course directly translates to improved flow and stage presence, crucial elements for success as a Rapper. The course's teachings of never running out of bars and switching flows will enable the student to develop additional confidence and perform confidently in front of an audience.
Improvisational Actor
Improvisational Actors perform scenes and create characters spontaneously without a script. This course helps build a great foundation for Improvisational Actors to hone their skills. The course's focus on never running out of bars and switching flows is particularly valuable for Improvisational Actors. In addition, the practice of crafting lyrics on the fly is a great way to come up with new characters for their poetry. This course provides a great training program for any Improvisational Actor.
Spoken Word Poet
Spoken Word Poets perform poetry aloud, often incorporating rhythm, rhyme, and personal expression. This course helps build a great foundation for Spoken Word Poets to hone their skills in rhythm, delivery, and lyricism. The course's focus on never running out of bars and switching flows is particularly valuable for Spoken Word Poets. In addition, the practice of crafting lyrics on the fly is a great way to come up with new content for their poetry. This course provides a great training program for any Spoken Word Poet.
Podcast Host
The Podcast Host is primarily responsible for leading discussions, interviewing guests, and creating engaging audio content for listeners. Podcast Hosts can use this course to greatly increase their ability to create on-the-fly segments. This course would be useful for Podcast Hosts as it provides training to create rhythms and content on the fly. The presenter will also develop new skills to switch flows and topics, and learn how to never run out of things to say. This course will enable the student to become a dynamic and innovative creator.
Lyricist
The role of a Lyricist requires a mastery of language, rhythm, and storytelling to create compelling song lyrics. This course may be useful for Lyricists as it delves into the intricacies of lyrical construction and delivery. The course will help you think up lyrics on the fly. Aspiring lyricists can benefit from the course's exploration of polysyllabic rhyming, word choice, and thematic development. The instruction on how to come up with rhymes and always have subjects to rhyme about will also be valuable. The course provides the Lyricist with techniques to build a strong foundation in poetic voice.
Comedian
Comedians deliver jokes and comedic routines to entertain audiences. This course may be useful for aspiring Comedians to help them improvise with new content on the fly. The course may help Comedians to improve their rhythms, lyrical content, and delivery. These three factors are important for Comedians, since they can make a joke land better. The focus on word choice will also be helpful to Comedians. The course provides the Comedian with techniques to improve their comedic voice.
Voiceover Artist
A Voiceover Artist provides voices for various media, including commercials, animations, and audiobooks. This course may be useful for Voiceover Artists, helping them to improve their vocal technique. By practicing the principles taught in this course, a Voiceover artist can hone their delivery. The course may also assist the Voiceover Artist in thinking up new topics to focus on and master the art of improvisation, a valuable skill for any Voiceover Artist.
Songwriter
A Songwriter crafts original songs, often collaborating with artists and producers to bring their musical visions to life. This course may be useful for Songwriters. The insights into rhythm and lyrical construction provide a solid foundation for creating catchy and meaningful songs. The skill of being able to develop multiple flows and improving delivery is valuable for a Songwriter, as it allows songs to come alive with new energy. The course can support the student to discover new creative voices.
Public Speaker
A career as a Public Speaker involves delivering speeches and presentations to engage, inform, or inspire an audience. This course may be useful for Public Speakers. The insights into rhythm and lyrical construction provides a solid foundation for delivering speeches and presentations with new life. The skill of being able to develop multiple flows and improving delivery is valuable for a Public Speaker, as it allows the speaker to come alive with new energy. The course can support the student to discover new creative speaking voices.
Vocal Coach
A Vocal Coach helps singers improve their vocal technique, performance skills, and overall artistry. This course may be useful for Vocal Coaches. The course provides a wealth of information to use as a Vocal Coach to help improve vocal strength, variety, and flexibility. A Vocal Coach may draw inspiration from the course's techniques, and it can also help them understand the components of vocal delivery. The course is a good place for any performer to learn about their voice, and will therefore make one a better Vocal Coach.
Speech Writer
Speech Writers craft speeches for individuals or organizations, ensuring clear, concise, and impactful communication. This course may be useful for Speech Writers, as it provides training around rhythm and word choice. By mastering the principles taught in this course, a Speech Writer may learn how to compose speeches that are more captivating and that flow better than ever before. The course can also improve the Speech Writer's ability to think up new topics and themes.
Creative Writing Teacher
A Creative Writing Teacher instructs students in the art of writing, providing guidance and feedback to develop their skills. For a Creative Writing Teacher, this course can serve as a valuable tool to enhance their understanding of rhythm, lyrics, and delivery. The techniques taught, such as polysyllabic rhyming and word choice, can be integrated into their teaching curriculum. Moreover, the course's exploration of freestyle-specific skills equips the teacher with practical methods to inspire and mentor aspiring lyricists and poets. The Creative Writing Teacher will gain new tools to help engage students.
Content Creator
Content Creators develop and produce engaging content for various platforms. This course may be useful for Content Creators, as it can provide them with a new creative lens to develop content. The course teaches the Content Creator how to develop lyrics on the fly, switch flows, and never run out of bars. The curriculum is relevant to creating new content and putting out engaging material. The course is a great place to develop content skills.
DJ
DJs mix and play recorded music for audiences, often creating a unique atmosphere and experience. The skills taught in this course may be useful, and they especially would assist DJs who perform with rap artists. By practicing the principles taught in this course, DJs can improve their ability to come up with interesting lyrical content. The course can also help DJs to improve at switching flows, and to never run out of bars when performing with a rap artist.
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the creation of musical recordings, from composition to mixing and mastering. This course may be useful for Music Producers to better understand and communicate with vocal artists. Music Producers can gain insight that they can bring to their clients and advise them with. By practicing some of the principles taught in this course, a Music Producer can understand how to develop compelling content. This course can also help Music Producers to improve at coming up with topics and be able to better guide their artists.

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 Freestyle Rap: Rhythm, Lyrics, Delivery.
Written by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, this book blends hip-hop philosophy with Eastern spiritual traditions. It offers insights into creativity, discipline, and self-expression, which can be valuable for aspiring rappers. adds more depth to the course by exploring the philosophical side of rap.
Comprehensive guide to the art of rapping, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced strategies. It provides valuable insights into rhythm, lyrics, and delivery, which are the core components of freestyle rap. It useful reference tool for aspiring and experienced rappers alike, offering practical advice and inspiration.

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