5 Ways To INSTANTLY Improve Your RAP VOICE (Tips + Examples)
Rap voice — that often secret skill that can make or break your chance at going professional.
If you sharpen it, it can be a multimillion dollar weapon in your arsenal… if you neglect it and let it get weak, it can be that same weapon that cuts down your chances at a career.
In this article, we will show you 5 sercrets to instantly improve your rap voice, using real life examples from rap history and tips from direct experience having coached rappers from around the world for almost 10 years now as YouTube’s most subscribed channel for learning how to rap.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn exactly how to improve your rap voice here at How To Rap.
1. How To Sound More Commanding In Your Rap Voice
A common issue many up-and-coming artists face is losing steam at the end of their bars, resulting in weak delivery that lacks the impact their lyrics deserve.
Indeed, having a rap voice that does not completely dominate the track and make your listeners come back for even more can have career crippling dangers.
Two rappers that come to mind who have had their lack of a strong and commanding voice affect their musical longevity are Lil’ Xan and Nav. No shade to these gentlemen, of course, but we want to give you specific examples to help your how to rap learning process.
Now, Xan first gained fame with his hit song “Betrayed” in 2017. His music is characterized by its melancholic themes and minimalist production, but critics often take issue with his lackluster vocal delivery and limited lyrical content.
Some have argued that his weak voice and unpolished rapping style have prevented him from reaching his full potential as an artist.
Similarly, although being responsible as both a producer and artist for some mega hits, Nav has faced criticism for his monotone voice and repetitive flows, which some argue limit his overall appeal and versatility as an artist.
Therefore, in order to master your rap voice NOW and not face the danger of fading into relative obscurity right after you make it big, let’s give you specific step-by-step tips to improve your rap voice to practice now.
The “Last Word” Technique
In order to go from “beginner to advanced” with rap voice, arguably the most important technique is focusing on the last word of each bar.
This approach serves to strengthen the overall delivery of your lines by maintaining energy until the very end.
Let’s break down how to apply this technique to your rap game:
- Start by dissecting your lyrics and pay close attention to the last word of each bar.
- As you practice rapping your verse, make a conscious effort to emphasize the final word in every line.
- Experiment with various approaches to highlighting that last word, such as increasing your volume, adding a distinct inflection, or altering your tone.
- Record yourself performing your verse with this technique, allowing you to analyze and refine your delivery.
- Continue practicing and fine-tuning the emphasis on the last word until it becomes second nature in your rap performance.
Now that you know this track, it’s time to put this technique to the test and witness the transformation in your rap voice.
By focusing on the last word of each bar, you’ll not only sound more commanding, but you’ll also start captivating your audience with an undeniable presence.
However, to be clear… once you start adding power and inflection your voice, naturally you’ll start to hear your vocal cords getting warn out much faster. Therefore, let’s help you fix that with the next step.
2. How To Instantly Fix A Tired Rap Voice
Every rapper knows the struggle of vocal fatigue, a common issue that can lead to a weakened rap voice and even hinder your performance.
Pushing your voice too hard can result in long-term damage, and according to medical statistics, an alarming 20% of artists experience vocal fold injuries such as bumps (known as nodules or polyps), or cysts, which can permanently alter their voice.
To avoid these issues and maintain a strong rap voice, it’s essential to practice proper vocal care.
Having helped rappers from almost 10 years now, we have an excellent exercise for you that will help ensure you have a fire voice for years to come.
“The Bubble Burp Exercise”
This exercise is an innovative technique designed to alleviate vocal fatigue and improve your rap voice. This exercise offers a fun and effective way to engage your vocal cords without straining them, allowing you to rap with greater ease and stamina.
To perform the bubble burping exercise, follow these simple steps:
- Hold your lips together (pause) and try to create a “bubble” sound as if you’re doing bubbles like you were a kid
- Next, try to make that ‘bubble’ sound go up and down like a roller-coaster
- Don’t do this too hard though, keep it nice and simple and light so that you’re just getting nice air and clean sounds
- Practice this exercise for a few minutes every day, and after you’re done, try to say a few words out loud. Almost guaranteed it’s going to come out smoother and more relaxed than before.
The bubble burping exercise is an easy and effective way to combat vocal fatigue and protect your rap voice. Give it a try and witness the difference it makes in your performance.
Now, if you’re liking what you’re learning so far and want even more daily and direct rap voice training from us, click HERE to get our “Rap Voice Mastery” course which comes as a free bonus when you click on that page. It will give you even more guided instruction not available here, and it comes free when you sign up, so it’s 100% worth it I think.
3. How To Fit the Emotion of the Track
Now that you know how to keep your voice strong and not fatigued, you of course don’t want to be just “loud and in your face” all the time. You want to have what they call “dynamic range” with your voice.
One of the hallmarks of a great rapper is the ability to adapt their rap voice to the emotion of the track.
A boring or emotionally unengaging rap voice can make it difficult for a potential big-name rapper to carve out a unique identity in the music industry.
The inability to stand out from the crowd may hinder their career growth and prevent them from achieving mainstream success.
The dynamic approach of having an “emotionally engaging voice” not only enhances the listening experience but also allows for a deeper connection between the artist and their audience.
To master this skill, it’s crucial to practice exercises that emphasize emotional versatility in your rap voice.
The “Target Audience Rehearsal” Exercise
Enter the target audience rehearsal exercise, a powerful technique designed to help you develop a rap voice that resonates with the intended emotion of the track.
By putting yourself in the shoes of your target audience, this exercise allows you to fine-tune your delivery and make a lasting impact.
To perform the target audience rehearsal exercise, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the emotion you want to convey in your rap. Consider the lyrics, beat, and overall theme of the track.
- Imagine your target audience for the track. This could be a specific person or a group of people who would connect with the emotion you’re trying to express.
- Visualize yourself performing the track in front of your target audience. Focus on how you would want them to feel while listening to your rap.
- Practice rapping the track with your target audience in mind, adjusting your rap voice and delivery to match the emotion you want to convey.
- Record your performance and listen back to it, evaluating how well your rap voice communicates the desired emotion.
By consistently practicing the target audience rehearsal exercise, you’ll develop a rap voice that adapts to the emotion of any track seamlessly.
Apply this technique during recording sessions and watch as your performances become more engaging and emotionally resonant.
4. Mastering Breath Control For Your Raps
Now, one of the most “secret” problems that many newer artists have even if they’ve mastered the first 3 steps is around breath control.
Mastering this crucial skill not only enhances the overall quality of your delivery but also allows you to maintain a consistent flow and energy throughout your performance.
Losing your breath mid-verse can put a serious damper on your recording and performing process, leading to embarrassing moments on stage or in the studio.
Imagine struggling to finish a line while gasping for air, leaving you red-faced and exposed. Your credibility as a rapper can take a serious hit if you’re constantly running out of steam during your performance.
To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to practice breathing exercises that strengthen your diaphragm and improve your overall breath control.
Focus on diaphragmatic breathing by filling the base of your body near your abs (pause) instead of your chest when inhaling.
This technique allows you to draw in more air and ensures you have the breath support needed for powerful rap delivery.
Furthermore, identify natural pauses in your lyrics, no pun intended:
Carefully analyze your verses and pinpoint spots where you can naturally take a breath without disrupting your flow. This will help you maintain a consistent pace and avoid running out of breath during crucial moments in your performance.
By practicing breath control and being mindful of your breathing while rapping, you can prevent the dreaded mid-verse gasp and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted delivery that keeps your audience captivated and wanting more.
5. Master Your Rap Voice With Flow
Now, tying it all together, it’s important to understand that even with ALL of this knowledge, you must study the relationship between FLOW and voice.
In the world of hip-hop, flow is the rhythmic and melodic glue that holds your rap delivery together.
A great flow not only enhances your rap voice but also helps you stand out from the pack, giving your performance that extra edge needed to captivate listeners and leave a lasting impression.
Our specific advice for this would be living by the mantra “experimentation is key”. You must be comfortable playing with rhythms and rhyme patterns when developing your rap voice in tandem with your flow.
Here are four ideas to help you in this process:
- Freestyle over various instrumentals: To hone your rap flow, practice freestyling over a wide range of instrumentals. This will help you develop your sense of rhythm and expose you to different beats and music styles, allowing you to adapt your flow accordingly.
- Adapt to different beats and music styles: Experiment with different rhythms and patterns to discover what works best for you. By pushing your creative boundaries and trying out various styles, you’ll not only refine your flow but also develop a unique sound that sets you apart from other rappers.
- Emulate their flows: Study the flows of your favorite rappers and try to emulate their techniques. Pay close attention to how they manipulate rhythms, switch up their patterns, and use their voice to complement the beat. This can provide valuable insight into how to create a captivating flow of your own.
- Incorporate their techniques into your style: Don’t be afraid to borrow elements from the rappers you admire. By incorporating their techniques into your own style, you can create a unique flow that showcases your influences while still allowing your individuality to shine through.
