Learn How To Rap with US Hip Hop Artist TREVIS T.
It’s a beautiful day when we get to hook up with music artists who can teach us new things. And today is just one of those days. We’re on our virtual yellow-orange couch, getting cosy and comfortable with the multi-talented Hip Hop Atlanta, Georgia artist, TREVIS T. who’s been kind enough to take time out of his hectic schedule to teach us a little bit about the ART OF RAPPING.
While we settle in and get comfortable, let’s play some of TREVIS T.’s HOT HIP HOP. We’re going to give you TWO awesome tracks to listen to, while you join us for this super-inspiring LESSON in how to RAP with the Master Rapper himself, TREVIS T.
“BUCKWILD” by TREVIS T. — LISTEN HERE
“ON HOLIDAY” by TREVIS T. LISTEN HERE
Verse 1. Lyrics for ON HOLIDAY by TREVIS T:
No work, no stress, we on holiday!!
Put yo dranks in the air
Its a holiday
Feels great aww man don’t know how to act, flew away cross da water
I aight coming back
Gone!!!! gone head pour it up
U can lean back low or u can get buck / bright lights, wild nights and my melodies, pop a bottle, post card for my enemies!!
And your lovely track “ON HOLIDAY” fits in nicely with this great video of you in Seville, Spain, performing for the locals and becoming a true Spaniard for the time of your stay. Check the video out below.
RADIOSPARX: Welcome TREVIS T. to the RADIOSPARX virtual sofa. It’s fantastic you’re here with us. Thanks for joining us. First up, we love your rapping and you’re a natural at it. How hard is it to rap?
TREVIS T: Hi RadioSparx, thanks for inviting me here. Listen that’s a great question. When I think about that question — to be honest, it’s quite a complicated question to answer, as there are so many elements to consider, but to answer in a simple way, think of it like this: Rapping is similar to cooking; anyone can do it, but not everyone will be able to become a Michelin-star chef.
RADIOSPARX: Aah, yes, we get you. I suppose you have to have the confidence to get started, and that confidence has to come from somewhere. Do you have to be a poet to rap?
TREVIS T: You don’t have to be a poet to rap but it definitely helps. You can also be a great public speaker or a storyteller and move into rapping, definitely.
RADIOSPARX: Teach me how to rap Trevis T.
TREVIS T: I’d love to. If you follow the points below, you’ll be rapping in no time. I really recommend first up, that you listen to different rap styles and artists. Start by immersing yourself in rap music. Listen to a wide range of rap styles and artists to develop an understanding of different flows, rhythms, and lyrical techniques. Pay attention to their delivery, wordplay, and storytelling abilities. This will help you develop your own style and find inspiration.
Study the basics of rhythm and rhyme: Rap is heavily reliant on rhythm and rhyme. Familiarize yourself with different rhythmic patterns, beats, and how they interact with the lyrics. Learn about different types of rhymes, such as internal rhymes, multisyllabic rhymes, and end rhymes. Practice identifying and creating these patterns in rap verses.
Improve your vocabulary. Building a strong vocabulary will enhance your ability to craft creative and impactful lyrics. Read books, articles, and poetry to expand your word choices. Learn new words, idioms, and figures of speech. The more words you have at your disposal, the more diverse and expressive your lyrics can be.
Work on your flow and delivery. Rap is not just about the words; it’s also about how you deliver them. Work on your flow, which refers to the rhythm, timing, and cadence of your delivery. Experiment with different speeds, accents, and vocal dynamics. Practice rapping along with instrumental beats to improve your timing and synchronization.
Write and freestyle regularly. Start writing your own rap lyrics. Begin by brainstorming ideas, themes, or personal experiences you want to convey. Experiment with different rhyme schemes and structures. Write regularly to improve your skills and develop your unique style. Additionally, practice freestyling, which involves improvising lyrics on the spot. Freestyling helps improve your spontaneity, creativity, and ability to think on your feet.
Seek feedback and collaborate. Share your rap lyrics and recordings with others who are knowledgeable about rap. Seek constructive feedback to understand what you can improve upon. Collaborate with fellow rappers or musicians to enhance your skills and learn from their experiences. Engaging with the rap community can provide valuable insights and help you grow as an artist.
Practice performance and stage presence. Rapping involves more than just recording tracks; it often involves live performances. Practice your stage presence, energy, and audience engagement. Work on your breath control to maintain a steady flow during performances. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to analyze your gestures, expressions, and overall performance.
Remember, mastering rap takes time and dedication. Continuously refine your skills, explore new styles, and express your unique voice through your lyrics. Keep practicing, honing your craft, and finding inspiration in the world around you.
RADIOSPARX: Wow, thanks TREVIS T. That’s amazing. There’s so much to think about, but I really want to give it a go. Let’s get back to you. Talk to me about the rhythms of rapping — how do you start? How do you keep the pace?
TREVIS T: Thanks and you’re welcome. You’ll be fine, just enjoy the process of rapping. Getting to your question, I start by listening to the beat and I add my rap to fit within the beat like a missing piece of the puzzle. I keep the pace by bobbing my head and staying locked into the rhythm.
RADIOSPARX: Lovely, thank you. Do you rehearse a lot before you get it right or do you let the rhyme and rhythm take over?
TREVIS T. Great question. It’s both actually. When I first hear a track I want to rap to, I let the rhythm take over and freestyle off the top of my head. Once I say something that I love, I write it down and rehearse before I record.
RADIOSPARX: Cool. We get you. Tell us, are there any rules or laws on rapping — dos and don’ts?
TREVIS T: There are plenty of unspoken rules or laws — I’ll try to list some of them. For the ‘DOS’, I’d say: Be authentic, stay true to yourself and your unique voice. Express your thoughts, experiences, and emotions honestly through your lyrics. Authenticity is key to connecting with your audience.
Develop your own style: While it’s important to draw inspiration from established artists, strive to develop your own style and sound. Experiment with different flows, delivery techniques, and lyrical approaches to create a distinctive identity as a rapper.
Master your craft: Dedicate time to improving your skills as a rapper. Practice regularly, work on your flow, delivery, and lyricism. Continuously refine your writing and performance abilities.
Tell stories: Rapping is a powerful medium for storytelling. Use your lyrics to paint vivid pictures, evoke emotions, and engage your listeners. Craft narratives that resonate with your audience and make them feel a connection to your words.
Collaborate and network: Rap thrives on collaboration. Connect with other artists, producers, and musicians. Collaborating with others can help you learn, grow, and expand your artistic horizons.
Engage with the community: Participate in rap battles, open mics, and local events to showcase your skills. Engage with the rap community, both online and offline, to gain exposure, feedback, and support.
And the DON’Ts of Rapping:
Don’t plagiarize or copy: While it’s natural to be influenced by other artists, avoid directly copying their style, lyrics, or flow. Plagiarism is not only unethical but also limits your artistic growth. Strive to develop your own unique voice.
Don’t compromise your values: Rap often tackles controversial or sensitive subjects, but it’s essential to express yourself responsibly. Avoid promoting violence, hate speech, or offensive content that can harm others.
Don’t neglect the importance of practice: Consistent practice is crucial for improvement. Avoid becoming complacent or relying solely on natural talent. Dedicate time to hone your skills and strive for constant growth.
Don’t overlook constructive feedback: Be open to receiving feedback and criticism from others. Constructive feedback can help you identify areas of improvement and refine your artistry. Avoid dismissing feedback or becoming defensive.
Don’t neglect your stage presence: Rapping involves more than just delivering lyrics. Pay attention to your stage presence, body language, and overall performance. Engage with the audience, maintain eye contact, and work on your delivery skills.
Don’t be discouraged by setbacks: The journey of becoming a skilled rapper may have its ups and downs. Don’t let setbacks or criticism discourage you. Use them as opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your craft.
Remember, these guidelines are not set in stone, and rap is an art form that allows for creativity and individual expression. Adapt them to suit your style while maintaining respect for the culture and community of rap. I truly believe that the first rule or law of rapping I can think of is to be confident. No matter what your style is, confidence will help enhance your sound.
RADIOSPARX: Awesome, thanks for these amazing tips. Tell us how do you start to compose a Rap song?
TREVIS T: Yes — nice! Sometimes I make a beat with one written line of a song in my head. Other times I write an entire chorus with no beat and then find the right track to put to it or make the right track. As the chorus comes together I go back and write the verses.
RADIOSPARX: Lovely, thanks, great to know. Did you study the history of rapping before you started?
TREVIS T: I started off as a producer and fell in love with making music before I started rapping. I naturally had a knack for staying on beat and riding the flow, so rapping was a natural progression from production. As I began to take rapping more seriously, I started to study more about the history and art form of rap and the culture of Hip Hop.
RADIOSPARX: We can feel the naturalness of your expression in your songs. Wonderful. Tell me about the rhyming part of rapping — is it really important to have rhyming words or can you rap without rhyming words?
TREVIS T: Rhyming is important in rap but its not imperative for every single line to rhyme. I use a combination of perfect rhyme, slant rhyme, and alliteration to achieve the goal of making my raps sound great.
RADIOSPARX: Fantastic. Which Rap ‘Greats’ inspire you?
TREVIS T: I am inspired by many Rap Greats, such as Outkast, UGK, Jeezy, Atlanta-based Rapper, T.I, Jada Kiss and Twista. I also have been influenced by pioneers like Rakim, KRS-One and Kool-Mo Dee.
RADIOSPARX: We love them too. Awesome. Tell me about your background, your music-writing and your early years, and the influence of your parents.
TREVIS T: Sure, I was born in Milwaukee, WI, USA and moved to Atlanta, Georgia when I was 5 years old. I started off in a band in school playing the saxophone and later started playing the tuba and taught myself the piano. I began composing and making my own beats. When some of the artists I was working with weren’t reliable, I decided to turn my poems into rhymes and I started rapping. My parents influenced me with music as a child with music by Jonathan Butler, Earth Wind and Fire, and Anita Baker.
RADIOSPARX: So music has been in your blood since you were a little boy! Awesome — we can feel that from you. What makes a really clever rap song?
TREVIS T: Such a great question. Umm — a clever Rap song is catchy, relatable and sounds good — that’s a simple way of putting it. It contains lyrics that are relatable and that tell a story of human suffering or a human vision — to change things, to call things out.
RADIOSPARX: Yeah — we get you — we can often feel the pain in those lyrics or the mission to change the world. Lastly TREVIS T., how do you come up with your song lyrics?
TREVIS T: Well, that’s something I could chat about for hours, but to keep it short, my song lyrics come from my experiences and anything in my everyday life. Once I get an idea or even just one word I sit down and write it down and build the song from that one thought or one line.
RADIOSPARX: Thanks TREVIS T., for being such an awesome interviewee, for teaching us how to rap, and for inspiring us along the way. We’re so glad you’re part of the AUDIOSPARX & RADIOSPARX family.
Check out TREVIS T’S catalogue below.
License TREVIS T. for your MEDIA PRODUCTIONS — rights-cleared here
Get TREVIS T. as MUSIC for your BUSINESS/EVENT — rights-cleared here
Here’s TREVIS T’S bio:
TREVIS T: Music Producer | Rap Artist | Polyglot
Trevis T. is a multi-talented composer and Rap artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. As a composer, he blends Southern Hip Hop with diverse genres of music. As a Rapper, he provides exciting tracks that bring energy, positivity, and thought-provoking themes to the forefront. Some of his composer credits include MTV, HBO, USA Network, and more. Trevis T.’s combination of songwriting talent, music production, and audio engineering make his tracks perfect for Film, TV, Commercial Projects, and much more.
TREVIS T is also a self-proclaimed POLYGLOT — a lover of languages. He’s fluent in Spanish, speaks intermediate Portuguese, is learning Italian and French. He also knows how to say a few phrases in Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Wolof (the national language of Senegal) and Tagalog. He posts videos on Instagram in all these languages to thank his fans for their support. Check out his language videos on YouTube below.
Check out just a few of our HIP HOP PLAYLISTS on RADIOSPARX. You’ll find the full category list here.
‘In Conversation’ is the RADIOSPARX magazine on MEDIUM. Check out the RADIOSPARX — About Us Video here — Change Your Music, Change Your Life with RADIOSPARX.
