subject: Awkward Rap - Rappers Take Note [print this page] Awkward Rap is a song more rappers should listen to. Not only is it odd, it comes a very hard schema for a rap song. OK, so the delivery and beat aren't exactly Dr. Dre, but the structure is something most lyrist may take from. Let's get a look at how the song is put together.
Awkward Rap is three rhymes long, with a short intro and simple four bar refrain. The intro places the humor for the song; obviously it's not meant to be got too seriously. As obvious as this might seem, many rappers start their song off in one mode (such as humorous) and stop on a completely various notice (such as dark or angry). A song should be solid in its mood, rather than deviate throughout.
The verses follow a simple concept that is highlighted by the hook: each line demonstrates a moment which can be very, very awkward, such as asking about a boyfriend who's long gone, or trying to close the elevator before someone gets there. The listener can easily digest the material, and more importantly, relate to the experiences. I've been caught trying to close an elevator door and believe me, it was certainly awkward.
College Humor certainly did a great job promoting Awkward Rap on YouTube, another media rappers need to utilize. While many freestyle rap battles can been seen online, there aren't that many rap videos making it on such a grand scale. CollegeHumor really found an underserved area of the hip hop market and successfully promoted the song to the fullest extent.
Another strength of the song is its focussing. Many songs will come the popular chorus/verse arrange, which works well when your pushing the hook, not the rhymes. Suppose about it: if you get and finish with your hook and site it 'tween three rhymes, your hook gets played four times over the course of the song. If you have an 8 bar chorus, that could be up to 32 bars of the same tired phrase.
Right, this would process with a hook like Umbrella or Golddigger, but that's because the hook is the best part of the song. Serious Rap doesn't take this mistake; it's strength lies in the rhymes, not the hook, which is why the hook is simply in it twice (and four bars at that). This lets the hearer get to the meat and potatoes- the verse- faster.
