I want to make an original, catchy rap song, where do I start?

January 9, 2020 12:13 AM

I'd like to have a very catchy original beat, I'm willing to pay to commission it. Then I will write lyrics about issues important to me and rap them over the song. 1. Where do I go to work with someone together to make a catchy beat that meets my needs. I assume there's a website or group or app or something to connect me with digital DJs? 2. I intend to just write rhyming lyrics and puns with lots of wordplay, and almost just talk-rap it over the best. Any issues that I should foresee? My goal is to make a song that I like, I'm proud of, and that some rap listeners would find at least mediocre if not good.
posted by maxexam to Computers & Internet (4 answers total)

You might want to check out a beat marketplace like BeatStars or Airbit, where you can buy pre-made beats and look for producers you like who might take commissions. In terms of your second question -- I would just recommend keeping your expectations reasonable and being prepared to put in the work. Like any art, rap will require practice. Listen to rap artists you like, try to figure out why you like them, try to do that yourself, rinse, repeat. Keep making stuff and you will keep getting better at it.

You might also learn from/enjoy watching producers and rappers who show their process. Here's one: Andrew Huang.
posted by ourobouros at 4:31 AM on January 9, 2020

Just go to a small local rap show and ask the people who’s best in town
posted by Sterros at 10:29 AM on January 9, 2020

There's a couple options here at Metafilter you could use. Since you're willing to pay you could post on Jobs, or you could post looking for collaborators on Music Talk. There's a lot of people on the site who make music, so there's a decent chance you can find someone who is willing to work with you.

And when you get a version you like, post it to Music so we can all take a listen!
posted by InfidelZombie at 11:27 AM on January 9, 2020

Not exactly answering to the letter, but: there's also an app for that.
There's a thing that generates flexible custom beats for non-musicians to experiment and record with.
It's called the Korg Kaosillator Pro 'dynamic phrase synth'. It's uncanny. Very easy to use.
Available as a device or as a tablet app.
posted by ovvl at 2:32 PM on January 9, 2020