August 8, 2024
This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...
Read moreAugust 8, 2024
As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...
Read moreJuly 24, 2024
Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...
Read moreJuly 17, 2024
Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...
Read moreJuly 8, 2024
Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...
Read moreJuly 2, 2024
Jeff Bhasker is a legendary figure in the music industry, celebrated for his outstanding contributions as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His Grammy-winning career has seen...
Read moreJune 30, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of pop music, K-pop has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique sound and stunning visuals. John Seabrook’s book, "Song Machine: Inside the...
Read moreJune 30, 2024
Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...
Read moreJune 30, 2024
Have you ever wondered what makes a pop song stick in your head, or how some artists consistently produce hit after hit? John Seabrook's "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory" pulls back the...
Read moreJune 27, 2024
As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...
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It's a common challenge among music creators—starting off with inspiration but soon finding yourself trapped in the same themes and ideas, especially in rap music. Whether it’s bragging about your strength, future fame, or taking on rivals, it can feel repetitive and uninspiring after a while. So, what do you do when you’re tired of writing the same thing over and over?
When you feel like you're stuck in a lyrical loop, the first step is to stop thinking of your verses as "casual" or "filler." Every verse has the potential to be meaningful, even if it doesn’t fit into the traditional storytelling or "battle rap" categories. Instead of trying to fill space with more of the same, think of each verse as a fresh opportunity to explore different aspects of yourself or the world around you.
Many rappers lean on personal stories or experiences, but even if you don’t have a dramatic past, your perspective is still valuable. Try approaching your lyrics from a different angle:
Inspiration doesn’t just come from your life or other rap songs. Consider pulling ideas from books, movies, or other music genres. Artists who explore different art forms often develop fresh lyrical ideas by stepping outside of their usual sources of inspiration.
If you're struggling to find new experiences to rap about, try focusing on what could happen instead of what has. Rapping about your dreams, ambitions, and goals can open up new thematic possibilities. Think about where you want to go, who you want to become, or the things you aspire to achieve.
Music is a powerful way to express emotions, and rap is no exception. Even if you don’t have certain experiences, you definitely have feelings about various things in life—whether it’s frustration, joy, insecurity, or ambition. Let those emotions drive your lyrics. Instead of focusing on what you’ve done, focus on how you feel.
If you enjoy writing punchlines, lean into it and make that your strength. But try bringing fresh angles to old ideas. Instead of repeating the same lines about strength or fame, find new metaphors or unexpected comparisons to elevate your lyrics. A well-placed punchline can make even familiar themes feel new and exciting.
If you’re feeling stuck creatively, collaborating with another artist can open up new lyrical possibilities. A fresh perspective might introduce ideas, experiences, or themes that you wouldn’t have considered on your own.
Rap is one of the most versatile genres, and there’s always a new way to approach a familiar subject. Instead of falling back on familiar tropes, challenge yourself to dig deeper, explore different perspectives, and push the boundaries of your lyrical content. Just look at artists like Kendrick Lamar, who consistently reinvents his narrative approach. Instead of staying within one lane, he weaves in different perspectives, characters, and ideas to keep his lyrics fresh. You, too, have more to say than you might initially think—embrace the challenge.