Video summary

How To Find Your Rap Voice

Main summary

Key takeaways

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Key strategies to find and improve your rap voice

  • Accept that disliking your voice is normal

    • Many rappers are hyper-critical and aren’t used to hearing themselves in headphones/playback.

  • Find your “sweet spot” (energy level)

    • If you rap with too much energy:
      • Lower the instrumental in your headphones by -10 to -15 dB (then raise headphone output if needed).
      • Don’t rely on rapping louder to add emotion—this can make your tone sound thin/high-pitched.
    • If you rap with too little energy:
      • Confidence & readiness fixes:
        • Polish lyrics and practice until you fully internalize them (so you don’t sound like you’re reading).
      • Breath/room to perform:
        • Add clear “breath places” in your lyrics (note where to breathe).
        • Or punch in vocals where you run out of air.
      • If you’re naturally chill: choose instrumentals that match (e.g., Mobb Deep – “Quiet Storm” vibe / Metro Boomin – “Space Cadet”-type relaxed/soothing or modern trap).

  • Rap closer to your natural speaking tone

    • Use “voice acting” examples:
      • Natural speaking (usually the sweet spot)
      • Slightly elevated (speaking across the room, still not yelling)
      • Slightly lowered (to deliver bad news)

Voice enhancement techniques (experiment while rapping)

  • STRAIN

    • Slightly tighten throat muscles (like you’re about to cough, but don’t).
    • Try different levels of strain to find a good texture/tone.
    • Benefits:
      • Changes voice texture and reduces bass.
      • Can help you rap longer with less breathing due to restricted airflow.

  • DISTORTION

    • Use the same throat muscle idea as strain, but apply more pressure.
    • Produces a rougher, more rigid/sandpaper-like texture.

  • Exaggerate accent and/or emotion (in a real, intentional way)

    • It’s okay to exaggerate aspects of your normal delivery to make it more entertaining.
    • Avoid forcing emotions you don’t actually feel (can sound disingenuous).

Mindset / self-care takeaway

  • Don’t chase “perfect”
    • Your voice is unique—embrace imperfections for character.
    • Use your skills and experiments as a starting point to explore your range.
    • “There’s no rules—only techniques.”

Presenters / sources mentioned

  • Cole Mize (colemizestudios.com) — presenter
  • Lil Wayne — example of strain technique
  • Eminem (Slim Shady era) — example of strain technique
  • DMX — example of distortion technique
  • Vinnie Paz — example of distortion technique
  • Busta Rhymes — example song: “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check”
  • Ludacris — example song: “Rollout”
  • Field Mob — example song: “Sick of Being Lonely”
  • Mobb Deep — instrumental reference: “Quiet Storm”-type vibe
  • Metro Boomin — instrumental reference: “Space Cadet”

Original video