The Music Writing Process

When it comes to writing music I always have fans, peers and close friends (they're not fans in my eyes but that's another story) ask how do I come up with the stuff I write. Since this is something I have been asked since I actually started rapping good (circa 2004) I figured six years is enough time for me to finally explain.

The Basics

I usually try write and record when I am sober and listen when I am not. If the song doesn't song good when I am high/drunk then its sent to the personal folder on my hard drive. (That means only I will ever hear it and even then I hardly ever listen to those songs)

The Inspiration

When I sit down to write a song I always write to a beat. I've never been one of those people who can write out an entire song without ever hearing a beat. I need to hear the beat while I am writing to make sure that I am on beat and that I structure my lines correctly. For instance if the beat has a nice breakdown at the beginning of the third verse I make sure too write something that will really standout for that breakdown.

I usually write about things that I have experienced in my life. I describe a majority of my songs as a personal narrative on my life. If I just broke up with my girl I am likely going to write a song that deals with the break as a way of working through it. If I just spoke to my homeboi who is in prison I usually write about the reason why he is in prison. Or if I just watched Fox News or CNN then I will write about something I saw or heard during the newscast. By now I think you get my point... I write what I am feeling at the time.

Another thing is I read a lot because I have insomnia and as a result I am usually up late just writing to pass the time. I think reading adds to my writing because often times I am able to relate a lot of what I read to life. Even if I never explicitly state something I have read I usually reference it in a line or two.

The Actual Process

I normally don't write the hook until after I have already written all the verses. The reason I do it is because I feel like the hook limits what I can write about in the verses. Conventional thinking would say the hook gives you direction when writing and I can see where they're coming from but that's not my style. When I'm writing an introspective song I just let the lines fall out. I don't try to forcefully make the words come out I just vibe to the beat until I have at least a verse down.

The most important part of my process is the first four lines of the actual song. I believe that it not only sets the pace but it also allows you to grab someones attention.Take for instance one of my more popular songs "Bout That Life"

Cause I'm bout that life, nigga three six five
Get money, pop beans, and fuck hoes all night
Was a young dirty nigga, but the work so clean
on that H-Town lean, like my nickname dream
real name Hakim, like I balled for the rockets

Everyone who has ever heard the songs remembers that part the most, even though I have better lines throughout the rest of the song. Looking at the lyrics they don't look all that impressive however the way I delivered the line made it stand out.

The Punchline

Until recently I didn't even use punchlines because it wasn't really my style. However that has now changed and I like to throw a few in every song to keep things interesting. The main thing with punchlines is not to use them for the sake of using them because that can be real lame real fast. The only tip I can offer is try to think of something that is relatively known and relate it to your music.

The Beat

I will keep this short. Learn how to pick beats because that element is what holds back a lot of talented people from shining. This is the reason why I write to a beat oppose to writing something and trying to fit it to a beat. Learn how to pick good beats that match your style, voice, and delivery.

The Conclusion

I know its not as detailed as it can be but I got to keep something secret right? The maintain for any aspiring rapper or musician is to practice and study your craft. I am always a student and as a result I am constantly learning something new. If you have any questions feel free to contact me and I will try my best to help you out.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fliteteamhaze
Email: 2dacrib@gmail.com

Haze
"Take Off or Get Lost"