How To Write A Rap Song | PART 2: BRAINSTORMING

Rap Songwriting Series: Brainstorming Phase

In the second installment of his rap songwriting series, Cole M dives into the crucial brainstorming phase, emphasizing the balance between musicality and lyrics in rap creation.

Revisiting the Instrumental: “Take Off”

Cole begins by revisiting the instrumental chosen in the first video—a beat he produced called “Take Off”. He encourages listeners to really feel the emotions it conveys:

• The verse feels somber and lonely.
• The hook bursts with vibrant energy.

This contrast suggests a narrative arc from conflict to resolution.

Exploring Lyrical Themes

Cole throws out relatable lyrical themes that could fit the emotional tone of the beat, such as:

• Breakups
• Financial struggles
• Feeling overlooked

These ideas help shape the mood and message of the song.

The Power of Scatting

A standout moment in the video is Cole’s focus on scatting—improvised vocal rhythms and melodies—as a way to lock in the musical vibe before writing lyrics. He:

• Demonstrates scatting over both the verse and hook sections.
• Experiments with autotune to add melodic flair.

This hands-on approach illustrates how rap is as much about rhythm and musicality as it is about words, a point he stresses repeatedly. His casual, encouraging tone and humorous vocal improvisations make the process approachable and fun.

Additional Resources

Cole also shares useful resources for beginners who might feel stuck on either the musical or lyrical side:

• A free ebook on rap fundamentals.
• A YouTube course on improving rap flow.

What’s Next?

He wraps up by teasing the next video, where he’ll help viewers commit to a concept and build a storyboard for their song.

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Personalities in the Video

• Cole M — host, rap coach, and producer